<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 9, 2000.
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC. MBHI CAPITAL TRUST I
(Exact Name of Co-Registrants as Specified in Charters)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
DELAWARE 36-3252484 DELAWARE (APPLIED FOR)
(State or Other (I.R.S. Employer (State or Other (I.R.S. Employer
Jurisdiction of Identification Number) Jurisdiction of Identification Number)
Incorporation or Incorporation or
Organization) Organization)
</TABLE>
501 WEST NORTH AVENUE
MELROSE PARK, ILLINOIS 60160
(708) 865-1053
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of
Co-Registrants' Principal Executive Offices)
EDWARD H. SIBBALD
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
501 WEST NORTH AVENUE
MELROSE PARK, ILLINOIS 60160
(708) 865-1053
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code,
of Agent for Service for Co-Registrants)
Copies to:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
JENNIFER R. EVANS, ESQ. MATTHEW C. BOBA, ESQ.
JENNIFER D. KING, ESQ. CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
VEDDER, PRICE, KAUFMAN & KAMMHOLZ 111 WEST MONROE
222 NORTH LASALLE STREET, SUITE 2600 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60603
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601 (312) 845-3000
(312) 609-7500
</TABLE>
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the Registration Statement becomes effective.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. [ ]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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PROPOSED PROPOSED
AMOUNT MAXIMUM MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF TO BE OFFERING AGGREGATE REGISTRATION
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED PRICE PER UNIT OFFERING PRICE FEE(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cumulative Preferred Securities of MBHI Capital Trust I..... 1,000,000 $25.00 $25,000,000 $6,600
Junior Subordinated Debentures of Midwest Banc Holdings,
Inc.(2)(3)
Guarantee of Preferred Securities(2)(4)
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</TABLE>
(1) The registration fee is calculated in accordance with Rule 457(i) and (n).
(2) This Registration Statement is deemed to cover the Junior Subordinated
Debentures of Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc., the rights of holders of Junior
Subordinated Debentures of Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc. under the Indenture,
and the rights of holders of the Preferred Securities under the Trust
Agreement, the Guarantee and the Expense Agreement entered into by Midwest
Banc Holdings, Inc.
(3) The Junior Subordinated Debentures will be purchased by MBHI Capital Trust I
with the proceeds of the sale of the Preferred Securities. Such securities
may later be distributed for no additional consideration to the holders of
the Preferred Securities of MBHI Capital Trust I upon its dissolution and
the distribution of its assets.
(4) No separate consideration will be received for this Guarantee.
THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a)
MAY DETERMINE.
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<PAGE> 2
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 9, 2000
1,000,000 PREFERRED SECURITIES
MBHI CAPITAL TRUST I
% CUMULATIVE PREFERRED SECURITIES
FULLY, IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED
ON A SUBORDINATED BASIS BY
[MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.] [LOGO]
------------------------------------------
The preferred securities represent undivided beneficial interests in the assets
of MBHI Capital Trust I. The trust will invest all of the proceeds of this
offering of preferred securities to purchase % junior subordinated
debentures of Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc.
For each of the preferred securities that you own, you will receive cumulative
cash distributions at an annual rate of % on March 31, June 30, September
30 and December 31 of each year, beginning September 30, 2000, from payments on
the debentures. We may defer payments of distributions at any time for up to 20
consecutive quarters. The preferred securities are effectively subordinated to
all senior and subordinated indebtedness of Midwest Banc Holdings and its
subsidiaries. The debentures mature and the preferred securities must be
redeemed by , 2030. The trust may redeem the preferred securities,
at a redemption price of $25 per preferred security plus accrued and unpaid
distributions, at any time on or after , 2005, or earlier under
circumstances specified in this prospectus.
Application has been made to have the preferred securities listed on the
American Stock Exchange under the symbol MBH.Pr.
INVESTING IN THE PREFERRED SECURITIES INVOLVES RISKS. SEE "RISK FACTORS"
BEGINNING ON PAGE 7.
THESE SECURITIES ARE NOT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK
AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.
------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER PREFERRED
SECURITY TOTAL
------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Public offering price....................................... $25.00 $25,000,000
Proceeds to the trust....................................... $25.00 $25,000,000
</TABLE>
This is a firm commitment underwriting. Midwest Banc Holdings will pay
underwriting commissions of $ per preferred security, or a total of
$ , for arranging the investment in its junior subordinated
debentures.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE
ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
HOWE BARNES INVESTMENTS, INC.
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY
NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER
TO SELL THESE SECURITIES, AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
, 2000
<PAGE> 3
[MAP]
[Reflects locations of Midwest Banc Holdings'
banking centers and lists addresses of same.]
i
<PAGE> 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Summary..................................................... 1
Selected Consolidated Financial Data........................ 6
Risk Factors................................................ 7
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements........... 12
Use of Proceeds............................................. 13
Capitalization.............................................. 14
Accounting and Regulatory Treatment......................... 15
Management.................................................. 16
Description of the Trust.................................... 17
Description of the Preferred Securities..................... 18
Description of the Debentures............................... 29
Book-Entry Issuance......................................... 37
Description of the Guarantee................................ 38
Relationship among the Preferred Securities, the Debentures
and the Guarantee......................................... 41
Federal Income Tax Consequences............................. 42
ERISA Considerations........................................ 45
Underwriting................................................ 46
Legal Matters............................................... 47
Where You Can Find Information.............................. 47
Experts..................................................... 47
Documents Incorporated by Reference......................... 48
</TABLE>
------------------------------------------
You should only rely on the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. We have not, and our underwriters have not,
authorized any person to provide you with different information. If anyone
provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on
it. We are not, and our underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is
accurate as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus only.
ii
<PAGE> 5
This page intentionally left blank.
iii
<PAGE> 6
SUMMARY
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in, or incorporated
by reference into, this prospectus. Because this is a summary, it may not
contain all of the information that is important to you. Therefore, you should
also read the more detailed information set forth in this prospectus, our
financial statements and the other information that is incorporated by reference
in this prospectus.
MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.
We are a community-based bank holding company headquartered in Melrose
Park, Illinois. We provide a wide range of community banking services, including
traditional deposit and lending activities, personal and corporate trust
services, residential mortgage origination, insurance and retail securities
brokerage services.
Our principal operating subsidiaries are four Illinois community banks. The
banks operate out of 17 locations with 12 banking centers in the Chicago
metropolitan area and five banking centers in Western Illinois. Our banks serve
individuals, small- to medium-sized businesses, government and public entities
and not-for-profit organizations. The markets served by our subsidiaries provide
a mix of real estate, commercial, agricultural and consumer lending
opportunities, as well as a stable core deposit base. The following table
highlights information about our banks:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR BANKING ASSETS (IN MILLIONS)
BANK HEADQUARTERS AFFILIATED CENTERS ATMS AT MARCH 31, 2000
---- ------------ ---------- ------- ---- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Midwest Bank and Trust Company... Elmwood Park, IL 1959 5 11 $578.3
Midwest Bank of Hinsdale......... Hinsdale, IL 1991 3 3 $285.6
Midwest Bank of McHenry County... Union, IL 1987 4 3 $268.5
Midwest Bank of Western Monmouth, IL
Illinois....................... 1993 5 8 $195.0
</TABLE>
In addition, two banks have subsidiaries that provide insurance and
investment brokerage services, and we have a subsidiary that provides data
processing services to the three banks operating within the Chicago metropolitan
area.
At March 31, 2000, we had $1.3 billion in assets, $690.9 million in loans,
$985.9 million in deposits and $68.5 million in stockholders' equity. Our first
quarter 2000 net income was $3.4 million, an increase of 34.9% over net income
of $2.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 1999. Basic and diluted earnings
per share were $0.31 for the quarter ended March 31, 2000, compared to $0.23 for
the similar period in 1999. Our return on average assets was 1.07% for the first
quarter of 2000, up from 0.95% for the same period of 1999, while our return on
average equity increased to 20.86% for the first quarter 2000 from 13.44% for
the prior year period.
Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
MBHI. Our executive offices are located at 501 W. North Avenue, Melrose Park, IL
60160 and our telephone number is (708) 865-1053.
We have accomplished significant profitable growth within our markets over
the past ten years. Total assets have increased from $341.5 million at December
31, 1989 to $1.3 billion at December 31, 1999, while net income has increased
from $2.5 million for 1989 to $11.9 million for 1999. We attribute this success
to our selective banking center expansion and our strategy to be positioned as a
lower cost provider of premium rate deposits and competitively priced loan
products within our core markets. The rate of
1
<PAGE> 7
growth in our total assets, loans, deposits and net income over the most recent
one, three and ten-year periods are shown below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 ANNUAL THREE YEAR AVERAGE TEN YEAR AVERAGE
PERCENTAGE GROWTH ANNUAL GROWTH RATE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE
----------------- ------------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Total assets............................... 17.3% 19.9% 26.8%
Total loans................................ 23.9% 17.9% 25.2%
Total deposits............................. 11.7% 12.8% 21.6%
Net income................................. 14.3% 20.9% 37.4%
</TABLE>
Our strategy is to continue to take advantage of opportunities to expand
our business through internal growth as well as possible branch acquisitions,
while maintaining our historically low net overhead ratio. We are seeking to
increase loans as a percentage of total earning assets and to leverage our
customer base by increasing our emphasis on fee-based products and services. Key
aspects of our growth strategy include:
- Increasing loan growth and net interest margins by leveraging our
expertise and strong commercial customer base;
- Building a well-defined sales and service culture to maximize revenues
per household and ensure the highest levels of customer service;
- Improving our overall revenue effectiveness and cost-efficiency,
streamlining decision-making and further centralizing and standardizing
critical support activities;
- Accelerating fee income growth from nonbank financial
services -- primarily insurance and investment brokerage; and
- Expanding our market position through the opening of new banking centers
and the highly selective acquisition of other banks and branches.
As part of our expansion strategy, we opened new banking centers in
McHenry, Island Lake, and Roselle, Illinois during the past 18 months, and
acquired a banking center in Aledo, Illinois in December 1999. Also in 1999, we
began a strategic repositioning to eliminate unprofitable operations, to enhance
our revenues while managing our costs more effectively, and to realign certain
management responsibilities to develop an orderly succession plan and streamline
decision-making. To support our growth, over the last year we have added a
senior credit officer, several experienced loan officers, a sales manager, two
experienced banking center managers, an investment portfolio manager and a
training officer.
MBHI CAPITAL TRUST I
The trust is a newly formed financing subsidiary of Midwest Banc Holdings.
Upon issuance of the preferred securities offered by this prospectus, the
purchasers in this offering will own all of the issued and outstanding preferred
securities of the trust. In exchange for our capital contribution to the trust,
we will own all of the common securities of the trust. The trust exists
exclusively for the following purposes:
- issuing the preferred securities to the public for cash;
- issuing the common securities to us;
- investing the proceeds from the sale of the preferred and common
securities in an equivalent amount of % junior subordinated
debentures due , 2030, issued by us; and
- engaging in activities that are incidental to those listed above.
The trust's address is 501 West North Avenue, Melrose Park, Illinois 60160,
and its telephone number is (708) 865-1053.
2
<PAGE> 8
THE OFFERING
The issuer................... MBHI Capital Trust I
Securities being offered..... 1,000,000 preferred securities, which represent
preferred undivided beneficial interests in the
assets of the trust. Those assets will consist
solely of the debentures and payments received on
the debentures.
The trust will sell the preferred securities to
the public for cash. The trust will use that cash
to buy the debentures from us.
Offering price............... $25 per preferred security.
When distributions will be
paid to you.................. If you purchase the preferred securities, you are
entitled to receive cumulative cash distributions
at a % annual rate. Distributions will
accumulate from the date the trust issues the
preferred securities and are to be paid quarterly
on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December
31 of each year beginning September 30, 2000. As
long as the preferred securities are represented
by a global security, the record date for
distributions on the preferred securities will be
the business day prior to the distribution date.
We may defer the payment of cash distributions,
as described below.
When the preferred securities
must be redeemed............. The debentures will mature and the preferred
securities must be redeemed on ,
2030. We have the option, however, to shorten the
maturity date to a date not earlier than
, 2005. We will not shorten the
maturity date unless we have received the prior
approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, if required.
Redemption of the preferred
securities before
, 2030 is
possible..................... The trust must redeem the preferred securities
when the debentures are paid at maturity or upon
any earlier redemption of the debentures. We may
redeem all or part of the debentures at any time
on or after , 2005. In addition, we
may redeem, at any time, all of the debentures
if:
- the interest we pay on the debentures is no
longer deductible by us for federal tax
purposes; or the trust becomes subject to
federal income tax; or the trust becomes or
will become subject to certain other taxes or
governmental charges;
- there is a change in existing laws or
regulations that requires the trust to register
as an investment company; or
- there is a change in the capital adequacy
guidelines of the Federal Reserve that results
in the preferred securities not being counted
as Tier 1 capital.
We may also redeem debentures at any time, and
from time to time, in an amount equal to the
liquidation amount of any preferred securities we
repurchase, plus a proportionate amount of common
securities, but only in exchange for a like
amount of the preferred securities and common
securities then owned by us.
3
<PAGE> 9
Redemption of the debentures prior to maturity
will be subject to the prior approval of the
Federal Reserve, if approval is then required. If
your preferred securities are redeemed by the
trust, you will receive the liquidation amount of
$25 per preferred security plus any accrued and
unpaid distributions to the date of redemption.
We have the option to extend
the interest payment
period....................... The trust will rely solely on payments made by us
under the debentures to pay distributions on the
preferred securities. As long as we are not in
default under the indenture relating to the
debentures, we may, at one or more times, defer
interest payments on the debentures for up to 20
consecutive quarters, but not beyond
, 2030. If we defer interest payments
on the debentures:
- the trust will also defer distributions on the
preferred securities;
- the distributions you are entitled to will
accumulate; and
- these accumulated distributions will earn
additional interest at an annual rate of
%, compounded quarterly. At the end of any
deferral period, we will pay to the trust all
accrued and unpaid interest under the
debentures. The trust will then pay all
accumulated and unpaid distributions to you.
You will still be taxed if
distributions on the
preferred securities are
deferred..................... If a deferral of payment occurs, you will still
be required to recognize the deferred amounts as
income for United States federal income tax
purposes in advance of receiving these amounts,
even if you are a cash basis taxpayer.
Our guarantee of payment..... We guarantee the trust will use its assets to pay
the distributions on the preferred securities and
the liquidation amount upon liquidation of the
trust. However, the guarantee does not apply when
the trust does not have sufficient funds to make
the payments. If we do not make payments on the
debentures, the trust will not have sufficient
funds to make payments on the preferred
securities. In this event, your remedy is to
institute a legal proceeding directly against us
for enforcement of payments under the debentures.
We may distribute the
debentures directly to you... We may, at any time, dissolve the trust and
distribute the debentures to you, subject to the
prior approval of the Federal Reserve, if
required. If we distribute the debentures, we
will use our reasonable efforts to list them on a
national securities exchange or comparable
automated quotation system.
How the securities will rank
in right of payment.......... Our obligations under the preferred securities,
debentures and guarantee are unsecured and will
rank as follows with regard to right of payment:
- the preferred securities will rank equally with
the common securities of the trust. The trust
will pay distributions on the preferred
securities and the common securities pro rata.
However, if we default with respect to the
debentures, then no distributions on the common
securities of the trust or our common stock
will be paid
4
<PAGE> 10
until all accumulated and unpaid distributions on the preferred securities have
been paid;
- our obligations under the debentures and the
guarantee are unsecured and generally will rank
junior in priority to our existing and future
senior and other subordinated indebtedness; and
- because we are a bank holding company, the
junior subordinated debentures and the
guarantee will effectively be subordinated to
all depositors' claims, as well as existing and
future liabilities of our subsidiaries.
Voting rights of the
preferred securities......... Except in limited circumstances, holders of the
preferred securities will have no voting rights.
American Stock Exchange
symbol....................... MBH.Pr
You will not receive
certificates................. The preferred securities will be represented by a
global security that will be deposited with and
registered in the name of The Depository Trust
Company, New York, New York, or its nominee. This
means that you will not receive a certificate for
the preferred securities, and your beneficial
ownership interests will be recorded through the
DTC book-entry system.
How the proceeds of this
offering will be used........ The trust will invest all of the proceeds from
the sale of the preferred securities in the
debentures. We estimate that the net proceeds to
us from the sale of the debentures to the trust,
after deducting underwriting expenses and
commissions, will be approximately $23.9 million.
We expect to use approximately $12.3 million of
the net proceeds from the sale of the debentures
to repay all of the indebtedness currently
outstanding under our revolving credit line. We
also anticipate that upon completion of this
offering we will contribute approximately $9.0
million of the net proceeds to our banks as
capital to support their internal growth. The
remaining net proceeds will be available to us
for general corporate purposes, including, but
not limited to, additional capital contributions
to the banks to support future growth and to
finance potential future expansion. Pending
allocation of these remaining proceeds to
specific uses, the funds may be invested in
marketable securities.
Before purchasing the preferred securities being offered, you should
carefully consider the "Risk Factors" beginning on page 7.
5
<PAGE> 11
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The summary consolidated financial data presented below for, and as of the
end of, each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 1999, are
derived from our historical financial statements. Our consolidated financial
statements are audited by Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP, independent certified
public accountants. The summary data presented below for the three-month periods
ended March 31, 2000 and 1999, are unaudited. In our opinion, all adjustments,
consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement
of results as of or for the three-month periods indicated have been included.
This information should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the consolidated
financial statements and the notes thereto incorporated by reference into this
prospectus from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1999 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 2000. Results for past periods are not necessarily indicative of
results to be expected for any future period, and results for the three-month
period ended March 31, 2000, are not necessarily indicative of results for the
entire year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS
ENDED
MARCH 31, YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------- --------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENTS OF INCOME DATA:
Total interest income............. $ 24,824 $ 18,911 $ 84,146 $ 74,827 $ 67,326 $ 57,298 $ 47,603
Total interest expense............ 13,615 10,207 44,262 41,014 35,311 28,918 22,619
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- --------
Net interest income............... 11,209 8,704 39,884 33,813 32,015 28,380 24,984
Provision for loan losses......... 355 474 2,203 1,326 2,454 1,718 1,542
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- --------
Net interest income after
provision for loan losses....... 10,854 8,230 37,681 32,487 29,561 26,662 23,442
Other income...................... 1,577 1,900 6,734 6,787 5,563 4,410 3,522
Other expenses.................... 7,210 6,209 25,774 22,895 21,076 19,167 17,781
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes........ 5,221 3,921 18,641 16,379 14,048 11,905 9,183
Provision for income taxes........ 1,818 1,399 6,750 5,974 5,537 4,597 3,151
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- --------
Net income........................ $ 3,403 $ 2,522 $ 11,891 $ 10,405 $ 8,511 $ 7,308 $ 6,032
========== ========== ========== ========== ======== ======== ========
PER SHARE DATA(1):
Earnings (basic).................. $ 0.31 $ 0.23 $ 1.08 $ 0.94 $ 0.85 $ 0.73 $ 0.60
Earnings (diluted)................ 0.31 0.23 1.07 0.94 0.85 0.73 0.60
Cash dividends declared........... 0.125 0.075 0.35 0.145 0.055 0.055 0.055
Book value at end of period....... 6.37 6.83 6.22 6.88 5.29 4.29 3.83
Tangible book value at end of
period.......................... 6.15 6.60 6.00 6.65 5.05 4.03 3.55
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets...................... $1,331,895 $1,089,266 $1,256,462 $1,071,314 $908,642 $786,070 $660,315
Total earning assets.............. 1,257,236 1,033,093 1,184,546 1,014,691 855,675 737,338 611,597
Total loans....................... 690,880 537,914 646,455 521,880 488,099 420,655 359,639
Allowance for loan losses......... 7,444 6,609 7,567 6,576 6,143 5,342 4,603
Total deposits.................... 985,913 895,225 970,954 869,152 794,362 701,205 590,671
Borrowings........................ 222,400 106,900 177,150 107,800 42,575 27,495 16,077
Stockholders' equity.............. 68,547 75,848 67,694 77,629 52,960 42,962 38,387
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA:
Return on average assets(2)....... 1.07% 0.95% 1.04% 1.04% 1.01% 1.01% 1.02%
Return on average equity(2)....... 20.86 13.44 16.39 14.60 18.36 19.36 18.65
Net interest margin(2)............ 3.80 3.48 3.75 3.61 4.11 4.27 4.67
Nonperforming loans to total
loans........................... 0.31 0.81 0.37 0.90 0.66 1.03 0.60
Net loan charge-offs to average
loans(2)........................ 0.29 0.33 0.21 0.18 0.36 0.26 0.28
Allowance for loan losses to total
loans........................... 1.08 1.23 1.17 1.26 1.26 1.27 1.28
Average equity to average
assets.......................... 5.11 7.04 6.31 7.11 5.51 5.20 5.49
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio... 9.90 12.90 11.11 13.47 9.60 9.57 7.64
Total risk-based capital ratio.... 10.88 14.00 12.20 14.64 10.78 10.76 8.66
EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES:
Including interest on deposits.... 1.38x 1.38x 1.42x 1.40x 1.40x 1.41x 1.41x
Excluding interest on deposits.... 2.59x 3.65x 3.47x 4.29x 6.21x 6.61x 6.38x
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(1) Per share data have been adjusted for stock splits in 1997 and 1996.
(2) Data for the three-month periods have been annualized. The data for the
three months ended March 31, 2000 are not necessarily indicative of results
for the entire year.
6
<PAGE> 12
RISK FACTORS
An investment in the preferred securities involves a number of risks. We
urge you to read all of the information contained in this prospectus. In
addition, we urge you to consider carefully the following factors in evaluating
an investment in the trust before you purchase the preferred securities offered
by this prospectus.
Because the trust will rely on the payments it receives on the debentures
to fund all payments on the preferred securities, and because the trust may
distribute the debentures in exchange for the preferred securities, purchasers
of the preferred securities are making an investment decision that relates to
the debentures being issued by Midwest Banc Holdings as well as the preferred
securities. Purchasers should carefully review the information in this
prospectus about the preferred securities, the debentures and the guarantee.
RISKS RELATED TO AN INVESTMENT IN THE PREFERRED SECURITIES
IF WE DO NOT MAKE INTEREST PAYMENTS UNDER THE DEBENTURES, THE TRUST WILL BE
UNABLE TO PAY DISTRIBUTIONS AND LIQUIDATION AMOUNTS. THE GUARANTEE WILL NOT
APPLY BECAUSE THE GUARANTEE COVERS PAYMENTS ONLY IF THE TRUST HAS FUNDS
AVAILABLE.
The trust will depend solely on our payments on the debentures to pay
amounts due to you on the preferred securities. If we default on our obligation
to pay the principal or interest on the debentures, the trust will not have
sufficient funds to pay distributions or the liquidation amount on the preferred
securities. In that case, you will not be able to rely on the guarantee for
payment of these amounts because the guarantee only applies if the trust has
sufficient funds to make distributions on or to pay the liquidation amount of
the preferred securities. Instead, you or the property trustee will have to
institute a direct action against us to enforce the property trustee's rights
under the indenture relating to the debentures.
TO THE EXTENT WE MUST RELY ON DIVIDENDS FROM OUR SUBSIDIARIES TO MAKE INTEREST
PAYMENTS ON THE DEBENTURES TO THE TRUST, OUR AVAILABLE CASH FLOW MAY BE
RESTRICTED.
We are a holding company and substantially all of our assets are held by
our subsidiaries. Our ability to make payments on the debentures when due will
depend primarily on available cash resources at the bank holding company and
dividends from our subsidiaries. Dividend payments or extensions of credit from
our banking subsidiaries are subject to regulatory limitations, generally based
on capital levels and current and retained earnings, imposed by the various
regulatory agencies with authority over such subsidiaries. The ability of each
banking subsidiary to pay dividends is also subject to its profitability,
financial condition, capital expenditures and other cash flow requirements. We
cannot assure you that our subsidiaries will be able to pay dividends in the
future.
THE DEBENTURES AND THE GUARANTEE RANK LOWER THAN OUR OTHER INDEBTEDNESS AND OUR
HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE EFFECTIVELY SUBORDINATES ANY CLAIMS AGAINST US TO
THOSE OF OUR SUBSIDIARIES' CREDITORS.
Our obligations under the debentures and the guarantee are unsecured and
will rank junior in priority of payment to our existing and future senior and
subordinated indebtedness, which totaled $269.0 million at March 31, 2000. The
issuance of the debentures and the preferred securities does not limit our
ability or the ability of our subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness,
guarantees or other liabilities.
Because we are a holding company, the creditors of our subsidiaries,
including depositors, also will have priority over you in any distribution of
our subsidiaries' assets in liquidation, reorganization or otherwise.
Accordingly, the debentures and the guarantee will be effectively subordinated
to all existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries, and you should look
only to our assets for payments on the preferred securities and the debentures.
7
<PAGE> 13
WE HAVE THE OPTION TO DEFER INTEREST PAYMENTS ON THE DEBENTURES FOR SUBSTANTIAL
PERIODS.
We may, at one or more times, defer interest payments on the debentures for
up to 20 consecutive quarters. If we defer interest payments on the debentures,
the trust will defer distributions on the preferred securities during any
deferral period. During a deferral period, you will be required to recognize as
income for federal income tax purposes the amount approximately equal to the
interest that accrues on your proportionate share of the debentures held by the
trust in the tax year in which that interest accrues, even though you will not
receive these amounts until a later date.
You will also not receive the cash related to any accrued and unpaid
interest from the trust if you sell the preferred securities before the end of
any deferral period. During a deferral period, accrued but unpaid distributions
will increase your tax basis in the preferred securities. If you sell the
preferred securities during a deferral period, your increased tax basis will
decrease the amount of any capital gain or increase the amount of any capital
loss that you may have otherwise realized on the sale. A capital loss, except in
certain limited circumstances, cannot be applied to offset ordinary income. As a
result, deferral of distributions could result in ordinary income, and a related
tax liability for the holder, and a capital loss that may only be used to offset
a capital gain.
We do not currently intend to exercise our right to defer interest payments
on the debentures. However, if we exercise our right in the future, the market
price of the preferred securities would likely be adversely affected. The
preferred securities may trade at a price that does not fully reflect the value
of accrued but unpaid interest on the debentures. If you sell the preferred
securities during an interest deferral period, you may not receive the same
return on investment as someone who continues to hold the preferred securities.
Due to our right to defer interest payments, the market price of the preferred
securities may be more volatile than the market prices of other securities
without the deferral feature.
WE HAVE MADE ONLY LIMITED COVENANTS IN THE INDENTURE AND THE TRUST AGREEMENT.
The indenture governing the debentures and the trust agreement governing
the trust do not require us to maintain any financial ratios or specified levels
of net worth, revenues, income, cash flow or liquidity, and therefore do not
protect holders of the debentures or the preferred securities in the event we
experience significant adverse changes in our financial condition or results of
operations. In addition, neither the indenture nor the trust agreement limits
our ability or the ability of any subsidiary to incur additional indebtedness.
Therefore, you should not consider the provisions of these governing instruments
as a significant factor in evaluating whether we will be able to comply with our
obligations under the debentures or the guarantee.
WE MAY REDEEM THE DEBENTURES BEFORE , 2030.
Under the following circumstances, we may redeem the debentures before
their stated maturity:
- We may redeem the debentures, in whole or in part, at any time on or
after , 2005.
- We may redeem the debentures in whole, but not in part, within 180 days
after certain occurrences at any time during the life of the trust. These
occurrences may include adverse tax, investment company or bank
regulatory developments.
You should assume that we will exercise our redemption option if we are
able to obtain capital at a lower cost than we must pay on the debentures or if
it is otherwise in our interest to redeem the debentures. If the debentures are
redeemed, the trust must redeem preferred securities having an aggregate
liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of debentures
redeemed, and you may be required to reinvest your principal at a time when you
may not be able to earn a return that is as high as you were earning on the
preferred securities.
8
<PAGE> 14
WE CAN DISTRIBUTE THE DEBENTURES TO YOU, WHICH MAY HAVE ADVERSE TAX CONSEQUENCES
FOR YOU AND WHICH MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE MARKET PRICE OF THE PREFERRED
SECURITIES.
The trust may be dissolved at any time before maturity of the debentures on
, 2030. As a result, and subject to the terms of the trust
agreement, the trustees may distribute the debentures to you.
We cannot predict the market prices for the debentures that may be
distributed in exchange for preferred securities upon liquidation of the trust.
The preferred securities, or the debentures that you may receive if the trust is
liquidated, may trade at a discount to the price that you paid to purchase the
preferred securities. Because you may receive debentures, your investment
decision with regard to the preferred securities will also be an investment
decision with regard to the debentures. You should carefully review all of the
information contained in this prospectus regarding the debentures.
Under current interpretations of United States federal income tax laws
supporting classification of the trust as a grantor trust for tax purposes, a
distribution of the debentures to you upon the dissolution of the trust would
not be a taxable event to you. Nevertheless, if the trust is classified for
United States income tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation at
the time it is dissolved, the distribution of the debentures would be a taxable
event to you. In addition, if there is a change in law, a distribution of
debentures upon the dissolution of the trust could be a taxable event to you.
THERE IS NO CURRENT PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE PREFERRED SECURITIES AND THEIR MARKET
PRICE MAY BE SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT FLUCTUATIONS.
There is currently no public market for the preferred securities. Although
we have applied to list the preferred securities on the American Stock Exchange,
there is no guarantee that an active or liquid trading market will develop for
the preferred securities or that the listing of the preferred securities will
continue on the American Stock Exchange. If an active trading market does not
develop, the market price and liquidity of the preferred securities will be
adversely affected. Even if an active public market does develop, there is no
guarantee that the market price for the preferred securities will equal or
exceed the price you pay for the preferred securities.
Future trading prices of the preferred securities may be subject to
significant fluctuations in response to prevailing interest rates, our future
operating results and financial condition, the market for similar securities and
general economic and market conditions. The initial public offering price of the
preferred securities has been set at the liquidation amount of the preferred
securities and may be greater than the market price following the offering.
The market price for the preferred securities, or the debentures that you
may receive in a distribution, is also likely to decline during any period that
we are deferring interest payments on the debentures.
YOU MUST RELY ON THE PROPERTY TRUSTEE TO ENFORCE YOUR RIGHTS IF THERE IS AN
EVENT OF DEFAULT UNDER THE INDENTURE.
You may not be able to directly enforce your rights against us if an event
of default under the indenture occurs. If an event of default under the
indenture occurs and is continuing, this event will also be an event of default
under the trust agreement. In that case, you must rely on the enforcement by the
property trustee of its rights as holder of the debentures against us. The
holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the preferred securities will
have the right to direct the property trustee to enforce its rights. If the
property trustee does not enforce its rights following an event of default and a
request by the record holders to do so, any record holder may, to the extent
permitted by applicable law, take action directly against us to enforce the
property trustee's rights. If an event of default occurs under the trust
agreement that is attributable to our failure to pay interest or principal on
the debentures, or if we default under the guarantee, you may proceed directly
against us. You will not be able to exercise directly any other remedies
available to the holders of the debentures unless the property trustee fails to
do so.
9
<PAGE> 15
AS A HOLDER OF PREFERRED SECURITIES YOU HAVE LIMITED VOTING RIGHTS.
Holders of preferred securities have limited voting rights. Your voting
rights pertain primarily to amendments to the trust agreement. In general, only
we can replace or remove any of the trustees. However, if an event of default
under the trust agreement occurs and is continuing, the holders of at least a
majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred securities may replace
the property trustee and the Delaware trustee.
RISKS RELATED TO AN INVESTMENT IN MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.
CREDIT LOSSES ARE INHERENT IN OUR BUSINESS AND OUR ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES MAY
NOT BE ADEQUATE TO COVER ACTUAL LOAN LOSSES.
Credit losses are inherent in the lending business and could have a
material adverse effect on our operating results and our ability to make
payments on the debentures. We make various assumptions and judgments about the
collectibility of our loan portfolio and provide an allowance for loan losses
based on a number of factors. The amount of future losses is susceptible to
changes in economic, operating and other conditions, including changes in
interest rates, beyond our control. Such losses may exceed current estimates. If
our assumptions are wrong, our allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient
to cover our losses, thereby having an adverse effect on our operating results,
and may cause us to increase the allowance in the future. Additions to our
allowance for loan losses would decrease our net income.
COMMERCIAL AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LOANS REPRESENT A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF
OUR LOAN PORTFOLIO, AND REPAYMENT OF THESE LOANS MAY BE DEPENDENT ON FACTORS
OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL OR THE CONTROL OR OUR BORROWERS.
As of March 31, 2000, commercial real estate loans totaled $345.4 million,
or 50.0%, of our total loan portfolio. Commercial real estate lending typically
involves higher loan principal amounts and the repayment of the loans generally
is dependent, in large part, on sufficient income and cash flow from the
properties securing the loans to cover operating expenses and debt service.
Economic events or governmental regulations outside of the control of the
borrower or lender could negatively impact the future cash flow and market
values of the affected properties.
Commercial loans were $183.5 million, or 26.6% of our total loan portfolio,
as of March 31, 2000. Our commercial loans are primarily made based on the
identified cash flow of the borrower and, to a lesser extent, based on the
underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Most often, this collateral is
accounts receivable, inventory, and machinery. In the case of loans secured by
accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans
may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts
due from its customers. Virtually all loans in this category also include the
personal guaranty of the borrower or principal owner. Credit support provided by
the borrower for most of these loans and the probability of repayment depends on
the liquidation of the pledged collateral and enforcement of a personal
guarantee, if necessary. The collateral securing these loans may depreciate over
time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the
success of the business.
WE MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTIES IN MANAGING OUR GROWTH.
We have achieved significant growth during the past five years and our
strategy contemplates further growth and expansion. Although successfully
managed in the past, our growth strategy involves a variety of risks, including
our ability to:
- to attract the management talent needed to maintain adequate depth of
management throughout our organization as we continue to grow in the
future;
- maintain adequate sources of funding at attractive pricing;
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<PAGE> 16
- maintain adequate underwriting practices and policies, as well as
monitoring systems, to maintain credit quality and manage a growing loan
portfolio in the future; and
- implement appropriate policies, procedures and operating systems
necessary to support a larger organization while preserving our
historically low net overhead ratios.
Failure to address these issues successfully as we grow could adversely
affect our results of operations and financial condition.
THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND.
In addition to developing additional business in our existing markets, we
may expand our markets by establishing new banks or additional branches. If we
expand in this manner, our banks are likely to have higher operating expenses
relative to operating income, which may limit increases in short-term
profitability and could adversely affect our ability to make payments on the
preferred securities. Our ability to achieve profitable growth by establishing
new banks or branch offices is dependent on our identifying advantageous office
locations and generating sufficient levels of deposits and loans from those
locations to become profitable within a reasonable time period, typically 12 to
18 months. Though a successful strategy in the past, we cannot assure investors
that we will be able to establish additional banks or branches on a profitable
basis in the future.
WE RELY HEAVILY ON OUR MANAGEMENT AND THE UNEXPECTED LOSS OF KEY OFFICERS MAY
ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR OPERATIONS.
Our success has been and will continue to be greatly influenced by our
ability to retain the services of existing senior management and, as we expand,
to attract and retain qualified additional senior and middle management. We
recently announced that leadership of the company will be transferred to a new
chief executive officer over the next two months in connection with the planned
retirement of Robert L. Woods, our current President and Chief Executive Officer
effective July 1, 2000. Uncertainties that may be associated with this
management succession, the unexpected loss of services of any of our key
management personnel, or an inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel
in the future, could have an adverse effect on our operations and financial
results. Currently, we or the banks are beneficiaries under $1,000,000 to
$2,000,000 individual key-man life insurance policies on five key members of
management, including Brad A. Luecke, the current President of Midwest Bank and
Trust Company who has been named to succeed Mr. Woods as President and Chief
Executive Officer of Midwest Banc Holdings.
We also depend upon the experience of the officers of our subsidiaries, the
managers of our banking facilities and on their relationships with the
communities they serve. We may not be able to retain our current key personnel
or attract additional qualified key persons as needed.
CHANGES IN LOCAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR LOAN PORTFOLIO.
Most of our lending and deposit activities are concentrated primarily in
selected communities in greater Chicago and Western Illinois. Adverse changes in
the economy of the Chicago metropolitan area and Western Illinois would likely
reduce our growth rate and could have a negative effect on our business.
Negative effects may include the demand for new loans, the availability of new
deposits as a source of funding, the ability of customers to repay loans and the
value of the collateral pledged as security for loans.
The majority of our agricultural loans and loans to agribusinesses are
concentrated in West Central Illinois and managed by Midwest Bank of Western
Illinois. The concentration of these loans in a specific local geographic area
could affect our ability to be repaid if adverse local weather, soil or economic
conditions interfere with present and projected farming, marketing and
harvesting operations.
11
<PAGE> 17
WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER INTEREST RATES AND OTHER CONDITIONS WHICH IMPACT OUR
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Our primary source of income is the spread between the interest rates
earned on investments and loans and the interest rates paid on deposits and
other interest-bearing liabilities. Like most banking institutions, our net
interest spread and margin will be affected by general economic conditions and
other factors, including fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government,
that influence market interest rates and our ability to respond to changes in
such rates. At any given time, our asset and liabilities mix may be affected
differently by a given change in interest rates. As a result, an increase or
decrease in rates, combined with the length of loan maturities or the mix of
adjustable and fixed rate loans in our portfolio, could have a positive or
negative effect on our net income, capital and liquidity.
THERE IS STRONG COMPETITION IN THE FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY; WE MAY BE AT A
COMPETITIVE DISADVANTAGE BECAUSE SOME COMPETITORS HAVE GREATER CAPITAL RESOURCES
THAN WE DO AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO LESS REGULATION THAN WE ARE.
We compete for loan and deposit customers with other banks and thrifts, as
well as other financial services organizations such as credit unions, finance
companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies and money market mutual funds,
all of whom aggressively solicit customers within our market areas by
advertising through direct mail, electronic media, including the Internet, and
other means. Many of the competitors in our markets have been in business for
many years, have established customer bases and are substantially larger than
us. In addition, many of these entities have greater capital resources than we
do, and some of these are not subject to the same degree of regulation. As a
result, such nonbank competitors have advantages over us in providing certain
services.
WE HAVE A CONTINUING NEED FOR TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE, BUT MAY HAVE FEWER RESOURCES
THAN OUR COMPETITORS TO CONTINUE TO INVEST IN TECHNOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENTS.
The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes
with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. In
addition to better serving customers, the effective use of technology increases
efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs. Our future
success and ability to implement our growth strategy will depend in part upon
our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide
products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience as well
as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors
have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We
cannot provide you with assurance that we will be able to effectively implement
new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing such
products and services to our customers.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and information incorporated by reference in this
prospectus contains forward-looking statements which describe our future plans,
strategies and expectations. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect
of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Forward-looking
statements are based on assumptions, many of which are beyond our control, and
involve risks which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to
differ materially from the results, performance or achievements that we
anticipate. These forward-looking statements are intended to be covered by the
safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Factors that might affect forward-looking statements include, among other
things:
- a deterioration in the economy or business conditions, either nationally
or in our market areas that could increase credit-related losses and
expenses;
- increases in defaults by borrowers and other loan delinquencies resulting
in increases in our provision for loan losses and related expenses;
- fluctuations in interest rates and loan and deposit pricing, which could
reduce our net interest margins, asset valuations and expense
expectations;
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<PAGE> 18
- uncertainties that may be associated with the recently announced
management succession effective upon the retirement of our current
president and chief executive officer;
- higher than anticipated costs related to our new banking centers or
slower than anticipated earning asset growth which could extend
anticipated breakeven periods at these locations;
- failure to enter new markets successfully, an inability to capitalize on
growth opportunities or difficulties in managing our growth, including
possible limitations on our management depth;
- unanticipated difficulties, costs or delays related to our pending
acquisition of an investment services business;
- the timing, impact and other uncertainties of possible future expansion
opportunities and our success or failure in the integration of acquired
operations, if any;
- significant increases in competition, including nonbank competitors that
are not subject to the same degree of regulation;
- legislative or regulatory changes applicable to bank holding companies or
our banking or other subsidiaries; and
- changes in tax rates, tax laws or tax law interpretations.
We undertake no obligation to publicly update or otherwise revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the
events discussed in any forward-looking statements in this prospectus might not
occur.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The trust will invest all of the proceeds from the sale of the preferred
securities in the debentures. We anticipate that the net proceeds from the sale
of the debentures will be $23.9 million after deducting underwriting commissions
and offering expenses estimated to be $200,000.
We expect to use approximately $12.3 million of the net proceeds to repay
all of the indebtedness currently outstanding under our revolving credit line
with a commercial bank. The credit facility provides for maximum borrowings of
$25.0 million and matures on January 31, 2002. Interest is payable on
outstanding principal balances, at the option of the company, at either the 30-,
60-, 90-, or 180-day LIBOR plus 95 basis points or the prime rate less 25 basis
points. The borrowings outstanding under the line of credit as of May 9, 2000,
mature on various dates in June and July, 2000 and bear interest at an average
annual rate of 7.03%. After this credit facility is repaid, we plan to keep the
credit line available for future borrowings.
We also anticipate that, upon the completion of this offering, we will
contribute approximately $9.0 million of the net proceeds from the sale of the
debentures to the capital of our banking subsidiaries to support their internal
growth. We will use the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes,
including, but not limited to, additional capital contributions to our banks to
support future growth and to finance potential future expansion. Until these
remaining proceeds are allocated to specific uses, the funds may be used to
purchase marketable securities.
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<PAGE> 19
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our total deposits, indebtedness and
capitalization at March 31, 2000, on a historical basis and as adjusted for the
offering and the application of the estimated net proceeds from the
corresponding sale of the debentures as if such sale had been consummated on
March 31, 2000. This data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto incorporated by reference into this
prospectus from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1999 and from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 2000. See "Documents Incorporated by Reference."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARCH 31, 2000
-----------------------
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED
-------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
INDEBTEDNESS:
Short-term borrowings (including securities sold under
agreement to repurchase and federal funds purchased)...... $ 46,607 $ 46,607
Other borrowings
Federal Home Loan Bank advances........................... 210,000 210,000
Revolving credit lines with commercial bank(1)............ 12,250 --
Other notes............................................... 150 150
Total indebtedness................................... $269,007 $256,757
======== ========
Guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in the company's
junior subordinated debt.................................. -- $ 25,000
======== ========
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock............................................. $ -- $ --
Common stock................................................ 114 114
Capital surplus............................................. 29,704 29,704
Retained earnings........................................... 58,901 58,901
Accumulated other comprehensive income...................... (11,414) (11,414)
Treasury stock at cost (612,000 shares)..................... (8,758) (8,758)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity........................ $ 68,547 $ 68,547
======== ========
CAPITAL RATIOS(2):
Leverage Ratio(3)........................................... 5.86% 7.33%
Tier 1 Capital Ratio(4)..................................... 9.90 12.17
Total Risk Based Capital Ratio(4)........................... 10.88 13.13
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(1) The notes payable under the revolving credit facility will be repaid in
their entirety with proceeds from the sale of the debentures to the trust.
(2) The capital ratios, as adjusted, are computed including the estimated net
proceeds from the sale of the preferred securities, in a manner consistent
with Federal Reserve regulations.
(3) The leverage ratio is core capital divided by average quarterly assets,
after deducting intangible assets and net deferred tax assets in excess of
regulatory maximum limits.
(4) The preferred securities have been structured to qualify as Tier 1 capital.
However, in calculating the amount of Tier 1 qualifying capital, the
preferred securities, together with any outstanding cumulative preferred
stock of Midwest Banc Holdings that may be outstanding in the future, can
only be included up to the amount constituting 25% of total Tier 1 capital.
As adjusted for this offering, Midwest Banc Holding's Tier 1 capital as of
March 31, 2000, would have been approximately $94.0 million, of which $18.8
million would have been attributable to the preferred securities.
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<PAGE> 20
ACCOUNTING AND REGULATORY TREATMENT
The trust will be treated, for financial reporting purposes, as our
subsidiary and, accordingly, the accounts of the trust will be included in our
consolidated financial statements. The preferred securities will be presented as
a separate line item in our consolidated balance sheet under the caption
"Guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in the company's junior subordinated
debt," or other similar caption. In addition, appropriate disclosures about the
preferred securities, the guarantee and the debentures will be included in the
notes to our consolidated financial statements. For financial reporting
purposes, we will record distributions payable on the preferred securities in
our consolidated statements of income.
Our future reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 will
include a footnote to the consolidated financial statements stating that:
- the trust is wholly-owned;
- the sole assets of the trust are the debentures, specifying the
debentures' outstanding principal amount, interest rate and maturity
date; and
- our obligations described in this prospectus, in the aggregate,
constitute a full, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee on a
subordinated basis by us of the obligations of the trust under the
preferred securities.
We have not included separate financial statements of the trust in this
prospectus. We do not consider that separate financial statements would be
material to holders of preferred securities because we will own all of the
trust's voting securities, the trust has no independent operations and we
guarantee the payments on the preferred securities to the extent described in
this prospectus.
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<PAGE> 21
MANAGEMENT
The names and ages of the executive officers of Midwest Banc Holdings as of
May 4, 2000, offices held by these officers on that date and other positions
held with Midwest Banc Holdings and its principal operating subsidiaries, are
set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS WITH MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS
NAME AGE AND PRINCIPAL OPERATING SUBSIDIARIES
---- --- ------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
E. V. Silveri........... 69 Chairman of the Board of Directors, Midwest Banc Holdings,
Midwest Bank and Trust Company, and First Midwest Data Corp.
and Director of Midwest Bank of Hinsdale.
Robert L. Woods(1)...... 70 President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Banc
Holdings; Chairman of Midwest Bank of Hinsdale; Director of
First Midwest Data Corp.
Brad A. Luecke(1)....... 49 Executive Vice President of Midwest Banc Holdings;
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Midwest
Bank and Trust Company; Director of Midwest Bank of
Hinsdale; Director of First Midwest Data Corp.
Edward H. Sibbald....... 51 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Midwest
Banc Holdings; Director of Midwest Bank of Western Illinois;
Director of Midwest Bank of McHenry County
Stephen M. Karaba....... 42 Senior Vice President, Midwest Banc Holdings; President and
Director, Midwest Bank of McHenry County; Director of
Midwest One Financial Services, L.L.C.; Director of Midwest
Bank of Western Illinois.
Christopher J. Gavin.... 38 Senior Vice President, Midwest Banc Holdings; President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director, Midwest Bank of
Western Illinois; Director of Porter Insurance Agency, Inc.
Mary M. Henthorn(2)..... 42 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Midwest
Bank of Hinsdale.
Michelle T. Holman...... 40 Senior Vice President, Midwest Banc Holdings and Director of
First Midwest Data Corp.
Sheldon Bernstein(1).... 53 Executive Vice President-Lending, Midwest Bank and Trust
Company.
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(1) On May 4, 2000, the Company announced that Mr. Woods has decided to retire
from his position as President and CEO of Midwest Banc Holdings effective
July 1, 2000. Mr. Woods will continue to serve as a director and will assume
the position of Vice Chairman. Mr. Luecke will succeed Mr. Woods as
President and CEO and will also serve as Vice Chairman and CEO of Midwest
Bank and Trust Company. Also effective July 1, 2000, Mr. Bernstein will
become President and Chief Operating Officer of Midwest Bank and Trust
Company.
(2) Ms. Henthorn is the daughter of Mr. Woods.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
The trust is a statutory business trust formed pursuant to the Delaware
Business Trust Act under a trust agreement executed by us, as sponsor for the
trust, and the trustees, and a certificate of trust filed with the Delaware
Secretary of State. The trust agreement will be amended and restated in its
entirety in the form filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which
the prospectus is a part, as of the date the preferred securities are initially
issued. The trust agreement will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of
1939.
The holders of the preferred securities issued pursuant to the offering
described in this prospectus will own all of the issued and outstanding
preferred securities of the trust which have certain prior rights over the other
securities of the trust. We will not initially own any of the preferred
securities. We will acquire common securities in an amount equal to at least 3%
of the total capital of the trust and will initially own, directly or
indirectly, all of the issued and outstanding common securities. The common
securities, together with the preferred securities, are called the trust
securities. The trust exists exclusively for the purposes of:
- issuing the preferred securities to the public for cash;
- issuing its common securities to us in exchange for our capitalization of
the trust;
- investing the proceeds from the sale of the trust securities in an
equivalent amount of debentures; and
- engaging in other activities that are incidental to those listed above.
The rights of the holders of the trust securities are as set forth in the
trust agreement, the Delaware Business Trust Act and the Trust Indenture Act.
The trust agreement does not permit the trust to borrow money or make any
investment other than in the debentures. Other than with respect to the trust
securities, Midwest Banc Holdings has agreed to pay for all debts and
obligations and all costs and expenses of the trust, including the fees and
expenses of the trustees and any income taxes, duties and other governmental
charges, and all costs and expenses related to these charges, to which the trust
may become subject, except for United States withholding taxes that are properly
withheld.
The number of trustees of the trust will initially be five. Three of the
trustees will be persons who are employees or officers of or who are affiliated
with Midwest Banc Holdings. They are the administrative trustees. The fourth
trustee will be an entity that maintains its principal place of business in the
State of Delaware. It is the Delaware trustee. Initially, Wilmington Trust
Company, a Delaware banking corporation, will act as Delaware trustee. The fifth
trustee will also initially be Wilmington Trust Company, which will serve as
institutional trustee under the trust agreement and as indenture trustee for the
purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act. It is the
property trustee. For the purpose of compliance with the Trust Indenture Act,
Wilmington Trust Company will also act as guarantee trustee and indenture
trustee under the guarantee agreement and the indenture. See "Description of the
Debentures" and "Description of the Guarantee." We, as holder of all of the
common securities, will have the right to appoint or remove any trustee unless
an event of default under the indenture has occurred and be continuing, in which
case only the holders of the preferred securities may remove the Delaware
trustee or the property trustee. The trust has a term of approximately 31 years
but may terminate earlier as provided in the trust agreement.
The property trustee will hold the debentures for the benefit of the
holders of the trust securities and will have the power to exercise all rights,
powers and privileges under the indenture as the holder of the debentures. In
addition, the property trustee will maintain exclusive control of a segregated
noninterest-bearing "payment account" established with Wilmington Trust Company
to hold all payments made on the debentures for the benefit of the holders of
the trust securities. The property trustee will make payments of distributions
and payments on liquidation, redemption and otherwise to the holders of the
trust securities out of funds from the payment account. The guarantee trustee
will hold the guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the preferred
securities. We will pay all fees and expenses related to the trust and the
offering of the preferred securities, including the fees and expenses of the
trustees.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES
The preferred securities will be issued pursuant to the trust agreement,
which will be amended and restated, and which will be qualified as an indenture
under the Trust Indenture Act. Wilmington Trust Company will act as property
trustee for the preferred securities under the trust agreement for purposes of
complying with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act. The terms of the
preferred securities will include those stated in the trust agreement and those
made part of the trust agreement by the Trust Indenture Act. A form of the trust
agreement, as to be amended and restated, has been filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
GENERAL
The trust agreement authorizes the administrative trustees, on behalf of
the trust, to issue the trust securities, which are comprised of the preferred
securities to be sold to the public and the common securities. We will own all
of the common securities issued by the trust. The preferred securities will
represent preferred undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the trust,
and the holders of the preferred securities will be entitled to a preference
over the common securities upon an event of default with respect to
distributions and amounts payable on redemption or liquidation. The trust is not
permitted to issue any securities other than the trust securities or incur any
other indebtedness.
The preferred securities will rank equally, and payments on the preferred
securities will be made proportionally, with the common securities, except as
described under " -- Subordination of Common Securities of the Trust" below.
The property trustee will hold legal title to the debentures in trust for
the benefit of the holders of the trust securities. We will guarantee the
payment of distributions out of money held by the trust, and payments upon
redemption of the preferred securities or liquidation of the trust, to the
extent described under "Description of the Guarantee." The guarantee agreement
does not cover the payment of any distribution or the liquidation amount when
the trust does not have sufficient funds available to make these payments.
DISTRIBUTIONS
Source of Distributions. The funds of the trust available for distribution
to holders of the preferred securities will be limited to payments made under
the debentures, which the trust will purchase with the proceeds from the sale of
the trust securities. Distributions will be paid through the property trustee,
which will hold the amounts received from our interest payments on the
debentures in the payment account for the benefit of the holders of the trust
securities. If we do not make interest payments on the debentures, the property
trustee will not have funds available to pay distributions on the preferred
securities.
Payment of Distributions. Distributions on the preferred securities will be
payable at the annual rate of % of the $25 stated liquidation amount,
payable quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each
year, to the holders of the preferred securities on the relevant record dates.
So long as the preferred securities are represented by a global security, as
described below, the record date will be the business day immediately preceding
the relevant distribution date. The first distribution date for the preferred
securities will be September 30, 2000.
Distributions will accumulate from the date of issuance, will be cumulative
and will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. If
the distribution date is not a business day, then payment of the distributions
will be made on the next day that is a business day, without any additional
interest or other payment for the delay. However, if the next business day is in
the next calendar year, payment of the distribution will be made on the business
day immediately preceding the scheduled distribution date. "Business day" means
any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday, a day on which banking institutions in
New York, New York are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive
order to remain closed or a day on which the corporate trust office of the
property trustee or the indenture trustee is closed for business.
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Extension Period. As long as no event of default under the indenture has
occurred and is continuing, we have the right to defer the payment of interest
on the debentures at any time for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive
quarters. However, no extension period may extend beyond , 2030 or
end on a date other than an interest payment date, which dates are the same as
the distribution dates. If we defer the payment of interest, quarterly
distributions on the preferred securities will also be deferred during any such
extension period. Any deferred distributions under the preferred securities will
accumulate additional amounts at the annual rate of %, compounded quarterly
from the relevant distribution date. The term "distributions" as used in this
prospectus includes those accumulated amounts.
During an extension period, we may not:
- declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase,
acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of our capital
stock (other than the reclassification of any class of our capital stock
into another class of capital stock) or allow any of our subsidiaries to
do the same with respect to their capital stock (other than the payment
of dividends or distributions to us);
- make any payment of principal, interest or premium on or repay,
repurchase or redeem any debt securities that rank equally with or junior
in interest to the debentures or allow any of our subsidiaries to do the
same;
- make any guarantee payments with respect to any other guarantee by us of
any other debt securities of any of our subsidiaries if the guarantee
ranks equally with or junior to the debentures (other than payments under
the guarantee); or
- redeem, purchase or acquire less than all of the debentures or any of the
preferred securities.
After the termination of any extension period and the payment of all amounts
due, we may elect to begin a new extension period, subject to the above
requirements.
We do not currently intend to exercise our right to defer distributions on
the preferred securities by extending the interest payment period on the
debentures.
REDEMPTION OR EXCHANGE
General. Subject to the prior approval of the Federal Reserve, if required,
we will have the right to redeem the debentures:
- in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, on or after
, 2005; or
- at any time, in whole, within 180 days following the occurrence of a Tax
Event, an Investment Company Event or a Capital Treatment Event, as
defined below; or
- at any time, to the extent of any preferred securities we repurchase plus
a proportionate amount of the common securities we hold.
Mandatory Redemption. Upon our repayment or redemption, in whole or in
part, of any debentures, whether on , 2030 or earlier, the property
trustee will apply the proceeds to redeem the same amount of the trust
securities, upon not less than 30 days' nor more than 60 days' notice, at the
redemption price. The redemption price will equal 100% of the aggregate
liquidation amount of the trust securities plus accumulated but unpaid
distributions to the date of redemption. If less than all of the debentures are
to be repaid or redeemed on a date of redemption, then the proceeds from such
repayment or redemption will be allocated to redemption of preferred securities
and common securities proportionately.
Distribution of Debentures in Exchange for Preferred Securities. Upon prior
approval of the Federal Reserve, if required, we will have the right at any time
to dissolve, wind-up or terminate the trust and, after satisfaction of the
liabilities of creditors of the trust as provided by applicable law, including,
without limitation, amounts due and owing the trustees of the trust, cause the
debentures to be distributed directly
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to the holders of trust securities in liquidation of the trust. See
"-- Liquidation Distribution Upon Termination."
After the liquidation date fixed for any distribution of debentures in
exchange for preferred securities:
- those trust securities will no longer be deemed to be outstanding;
- certificates representing debentures in a principal amount equal to the
liquidation amount of those preferred securities will be issued in
exchange for the preferred securities certificates;
- we will use our reasonable efforts to list the debentures on the American
Stock Exchange or other exchange as the preferred securities are then
listed or traded;
- any certificates representing trust securities that are not surrendered
for exchange will be deemed to represent debentures with a principal
amount equal to the liquidation amount of those preferred securities,
accruing interest at the rate provided for in the debentures from the
last distribution date on the preferred securities.
- all rights of the trust securityholders other than the right to receive
debentures upon surrender of a certificate representing trust securities
will terminate.
There can be no assurance as to the market prices for the preferred
securities or the debentures that may be distributed if a dissolution and
liquidation of the trust were to occur. The preferred securities that an
investor may purchase, or the debentures that an investor may receive on
dissolution and liquidation of the trust, may trade at a discount to the price
that the investor paid to purchase the preferred securities.
Redemption upon a Tax Event, Investment Company Event or Capital Treatment
Event. If a Tax Event, an Investment Company Event or a Capital Treatment Event
occurs, we will have the right to redeem the debentures in whole, but not in
part, and thereby cause a mandatory redemption of the trust securities in whole
at the redemption price. If one of these events occurs and we do not elect to
redeem the debentures, or to dissolve the trust and cause the debentures to be
distributed to holders of the trust securities, then the preferred securities
will remain outstanding and additional interest may be payable on the
debentures. See "Description of the Debentures -- Redemption or Exchange."
"Tax Event" means the receipt by the trust and us of an opinion of counsel
experienced in such matters stating that there is more than an insubstantial
risk that:
- interest payable by us on the debentures is not, or within 90 days of the
date of the opinion will not be, deductible by us, in whole or in part,
for federal income tax purposes;
- the trust is, or will be within 90 days after the date of the opinion,
subject to federal income tax with respect to income received or accrued
on the debentures; or
- the trust is, or will be within 90 days after the date of opinion,
subject to more than an immaterial amount of other taxes, duties,
assessments or other governmental charges, as a result of any amendment
to any tax laws or regulations.
"Investment Company Event" means the receipt by the trust and us of an
opinion of counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that the trust is
or will be considered an "investment company" that is required to be registered
under the Investment Company Act, as a result of a change in law or regulation
or a change in interpretation or application of law or regulation.
"Capital Treatment Event" means the receipt by the trust and us of an
opinion of counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that there is more
than an insubstantial risk of impairment of our ability to treat the preferred
securities as Tier 1 capital for purposes of the current capital adequacy
guidelines of the Federal Reserve, as a result of any amendment to any laws or
any regulations.
For all of the events described above, we or the trust must request and
receive an opinion with regard to the event within a reasonable period of time
after we become aware of the possible occurrence of an event of this kind.
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Redemption of Debentures in Exchange for Preferred Securities We
Repurchase. Upon prior approval of the Federal Reserve, if required, we will
also have the right at any time, and from time to time, to redeem debentures in
exchange for any preferred securities we may have repurchased in the market. If
we elect to surrender any preferred securities beneficially owned by us in
exchange for redemption of a like amount of debentures, we will also surrender a
proportionate amount of common securities in exchange for debentures. Preferred
securities owned by other holders will not be called for redemption at any time
when we elect to exchange trust securities we own to redeem debentures.
The common securities we surrender will be in the same proportion to the
preferred securities we surrender as are the common securities then remaining
outstanding to the preferred securities then remaining outstanding. In exchange
for the trust securities surrendered by us, the trustee will cause to be
distributed to us debentures with a principal amount equal to the liquidation
amount of the trust securities, plus any accumulated but unpaid distributions,
if any, then held by the trustee allocable to those trust securities. After the
date of redemption involving an exchange by us, the trust securities we
surrender and the debentures distributed to us in exchange will no longer be
deemed outstanding.
REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
Preferred securities will be redeemed at the redemption price with the
applicable proceeds from our contemporaneous redemption of the debentures.
Redemptions of the preferred securities will be made and the redemption price
will be payable on each redemption date only to the extent that the trust has
funds available for the payment of the redemption price.
Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than
60 days before the date of redemption to each holder of trust securities to be
redeemed at its registered address. Unless we default in payment of the
redemption price on the debentures, interest will cease to accumulate on the
debentures called for redemption on and after the date of redemption.
If the trust gives notice of redemption of its trust securities, then the
property trustee, to the extent funds are available, will irrevocably deposit
with the depositary for the trust securities funds sufficient to pay the
aggregate redemption price and will give the depositary for the trust securities
irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the redemption price to the
holders of the trust securities. See "Book-Entry Issuance." If the preferred
securities are no longer in book-entry only form, the property trustee, to the
extent funds are available, will deposit with the designated paying agent for
such preferred securities funds sufficient to pay the aggregate redemption price
and will give the paying agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the
redemption price to the holders upon surrender of their certificates evidencing
the preferred securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, distributions payable
on or prior to the date of redemption for any trust securities called for
redemption will be payable to the holders of the trust securities on the
relevant record dates for the related distribution dates.
If notice of redemption has been given and we have deposited funds as
required, then on the date of the deposit all rights of the holders of the trust
securities called for redemption will cease, except the right to receive the
redemption price, but without interest on such redemption price after the date
of redemption. The trust securities will also cease to be outstanding on the
date of the deposit. If any date fixed for redemption of trust securities is not
a business day, then payment of the redemption price payable on that date will
be made on the next day that is a business day without any additional interest
or other payment in respect of the delay. However, if the next business day is
in the next succeeding calendar year, payment of the interest will be made on
the immediately preceding business day.
If payment of the redemption price in respect of trust securities called
for redemption is improperly withheld or refused and not paid by the trust, or
by us pursuant to the guarantee, distributions on the trust securities will
continue to accumulate at the applicable rate from the date of redemption
originally established by the trust for the trust securities to the date the
redemption price is actually paid. In this case, the actual payment date will be
considered the date fixed for redemption for purposes of calculating the
redemption price. See "Description of the Guarantee."
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Payment of the redemption price on the preferred securities and any
distribution of debentures to holders of preferred securities will be made to
the applicable recordholders as they appear on the register for the preferred
securities on the relevant record date. As long as the preferred securities are
represented by a global security, the record date will be the business day
immediately preceding the date of redemption or liquidation date, as applicable.
If less than all of the trust securities are to be redeemed, then the
aggregate liquidation amount of the trust securities to be redeemed will be
allocated proportionately to those trust securities based upon the relative
liquidation amounts. The particular preferred securities to be redeemed will be
selected by the property trustee from the outstanding preferred securities not
previously called for redemption by a method the property trustee deems fair and
appropriate. This method may provide for the redemption of portions equal to $25
or an integral multiple of $25 of the liquidation amount of the preferred
securities. The property trustee will promptly notify the registrar for the
preferred securities in writing of the preferred securities selected for
redemption and, in the case of any preferred securities selected for partial
redemption, the liquidation amount to be redeemed.
Subject to applicable law, and if we are not exercising our right to defer
interest payments on the debentures, we may, at any time, purchase outstanding
preferred securities.
SUBORDINATION OF COMMON SECURITIES
Payment of distributions on, and the redemption price of, the preferred
securities and common securities will be made based on the liquidation amount of
these securities. However, if an event of default under the indenture has
occurred and is continuing, no distributions on or redemption of the common
securities may be made. Furthermore, no payments may be made on the common
securities unless payment in full in cash of all accumulated and unpaid
distributions on all of the outstanding preferred securities for all
distribution periods terminating on or before that time, or in the case of
payment of the redemption price, payment of the full amount of the redemption
price on all of the outstanding preferred securities then called for redemption,
has been made or provided. All funds available to the property trustee will
first be applied to the payment in full in cash of all distributions on, or the
redemption price of, the preferred securities then due and payable.
In the case of the occurrence and continuance of any event of default under
the trust agreement resulting from an event of default under the indenture, we,
as holder of the common securities, will be deemed to have waived any right to
act with respect to that event of default under the trust agreement until the
effect of the event of default has been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated.
Until the event of default under the trust agreement has been so cured, waived
or otherwise eliminated, the property trustee will act solely on behalf of the
holders of the preferred securities and not on our behalf, and only the holders
of the preferred securities will have the right to direct the property trustee
to act on their behalf.
LIQUIDATION DISTRIBUTION UPON TERMINATION
We will have the right at any time to dissolve, wind-up or terminate the
trust and cause the debentures to be distributed to the holders of the preferred
securities. This right is subject, however, to us receiving approval of the
Federal Reserve, if required.
In addition, the trust will automatically terminate upon expiration of its
term and will terminate earlier on the first to occur of:
- our bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation;
- the distribution of a like amount of the debentures to the holders of
trust securities, if we have given written direction to the property
trustee to terminate the trust;
- redemption of all of the preferred securities as described under
"-- Redemption or Exchange -- Mandatory Redemption"; or
- the entry of a court order for the dissolution of the trust.
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With the exception of a redemption as described under "-- Redemption or
Exchange -- Mandatory Redemption," if an early termination of the trust occurs,
the trust will be liquidated by the administrative trustees as expeditiously as
they determine to be possible. After satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of
the trust as provided by applicable law, the trustees will distribute to the
holders of trust securities debentures:
- in an aggregate stated principal amount equal to the aggregate stated
liquidation amount of the trust securities;
- with an interest rate identical to the distribution rate on the trust
securities; and
- with accrued and unpaid interest equal to accumulated and unpaid
distributions on the trust securities.
However, if the property trustee determines that the distribution is not
practical, then the holders of trust securities will be entitled to receive, in
lieu of debentures, a proportionate amount of the liquidation distribution. The
liquidation distribution will be the amount equal to the aggregate of the
liquidation amount plus accumulated and unpaid distributions to the date of
payment. If the liquidation distribution can be paid only in part because the
trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the aggregate liquidation
distribution, then the amounts payable directly by the trust on the trust
securities will be paid on a proportional basis based on liquidation amounts to
us, as the holder of the common securities, and to the holders of the preferred
securities. However, if an event of default under the indenture has occurred and
is continuing, the preferred securities will have a priority over the common
securities. See "-- Subordination of Common Securities."
Under current United States federal income tax law and interpretations and
assuming that the trust is treated as a grantor trust, as is expected, a
distribution of the debentures should not be a taxable event to holders of the
preferred securities. Should there be a change in law, a change in legal
interpretation, a Tax Event or another circumstance, however, the distribution
could be a taxable event to holders of the preferred securities. See "Federal
Income Tax Consequences -- Receipt of Debentures or Cash Upon Liquidation of the
Trust." If we do not elect to redeem the debentures prior to maturity or to
liquidate the trust and distribute the debentures to holders of the preferred
securities, the preferred securities will remain outstanding until the repayment
of the debentures.
If we elect to dissolve the trust and thus cause the debentures to be
distributed to holders of the preferred securities in liquidation of the trust,
we will continue to have the right to shorten the maturity of the debentures.
See "Description of the Debentures -- General."
LIQUIDATION VALUE
The amount of the liquidation distribution payable on the preferred
securities in the event of any liquidation of the trust is $25 per preferred
security plus accumulated and unpaid distributions to the date of payment, which
may be in the form of a distribution of debentures having a liquidation value
and accrued interest of an equal amount. See "-- Liquidation Distribution Upon
Termination."
EVENTS OF DEFAULT; NOTICE
Any one of the following events constitutes an event of default under the
trust agreement with respect to the preferred securities:
- the occurrence of an event of default under the indenture (see
"Description of the Debentures -- Debenture Events of Default");
- a default by the trust in the payment of any distribution when it becomes
due and payable, and continuation of the default for a period of 30 days;
- a default by the trust in the payment of any redemption price of any of
the trust securities when it becomes due and payable;
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- a default in the performance, or breach, in any material respect, of any
covenant or warranty of the trustees in the trust agreement, other than
those defaults covered in the previous two points, and continuation of
the default or breach for a period of 60 days after there has been given,
by registered or certified mail, to the trustee(s) by the holders of at
least 25% in aggregate liquidation amount of the outstanding preferred
securities, a written notice specifying the default or breach and
requiring it to be remedied and stating that the notice is a "Notice of
Default" under the trust agreement; or
- the occurrence of events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the
property trustee and our failure to appoint a successor property trustee
within 60 days.
Within five business days after the occurrence of any event of default
actually known to the property trustee, the property trustee will transmit
notice of the event of default to the holders of the preferred securities, the
administrative trustees and to us, unless the event of default has been cured or
waived. Midwest Banc Holdings and the administrative trustees are required to
file annually with the property trustee a certificate as to whether or not they
are in compliance with all the conditions and covenants applicable to them under
the trust agreement.
If an event of default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing,
the preferred securities will have preference over the common securities upon
termination of the trust. See "-- Subordination of Common Securities" and
"-- Liquidation Distribution Upon Termination." The existence of an event of
default under the trust agreement does not entitle the holders of preferred
securities to accelerate the maturity thereof, unless the event of default is
caused by the occurrence of an event of default under the indenture and both the
indenture trustee and holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the
debentures fail to accelerate the maturity thereof.
REMOVAL OF THE TRUSTEES
Unless an event of default under the indenture has occurred and is
continuing, we may remove any trustee at any time. If an event of default under
the indenture has occurred and is continuing, only the holders of a majority in
liquidation amount of the outstanding preferred securities may remove the
property trustee or the Delaware trustee. The holders of the preferred
securities have no right to vote to appoint, remove or replace the
administrative trustees. These rights are vested exclusively with us as the
holder of the common securities. No resignation or removal of a trustee and no
appointment of a successor trustee will be effective until the successor trustee
accepts the appointment in accordance with the trust agreement.
CO-TRUSTEES AND SEPARATE PROPERTY TRUSTEE
Unless an event of default under the indenture has occurred and is
continuing, for the purpose of meeting the legal requirements of the Trust
Indenture Act or of any jurisdiction in which any part of the trust property may
at the time be located, we will have the power to appoint at any time or times,
and upon written request of the property trustee will appoint, one or more
persons or entity either (1) to act as a co-trustee, jointly with the property
trustee, of all or any part of the trust property, or (2) to act as separate
trustee of any trust property. In either case these trustees will have the
powers that may be provided in the instrument of appointment, and will have
vested in them any property, title, right or power deemed necessary or
desirable, subject to the provisions of the trust agreement. In case an event of
default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing, the property trustee
alone will have power to make the appointment.
MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION OF TRUSTEES
Generally, any person or successor to any of the trustees may be a
successor trustee to any of the trustees, including a successor resulting from a
merger or consolidation. However, any successor trustee must meet all of the
qualifications and eligibility standards to act as a trustee.
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MERGERS, CONSOLIDATIONS, AMALGAMATIONS OR REPLACEMENTS OF THE TRUST
The trust may not merge with or into, consolidate, amalgamate, or be
replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to any corporation or other person, except as
described below. The trust may, at our request, with the consent of the
administrative trustees and without the consent of the holders of the preferred
securities, the property trustee or the Delaware trustee, undertake a
transaction listed above if the following conditions are met:
- the successor entity either (a) expressly assumes all of the obligations
of the trust with respect to the preferred securities, or (b) substitutes
for the preferred securities other securities having substantially the
same terms as the preferred securities (referred to as "successor
securities") so long as the successor securities rank the same in
priority as the preferred securities with respect to distributions and
payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise;
- we appoint a trustee of the successor entity possessing substantially the
same powers and duties as the property trustee in its capacity as the
holder of the debentures;
- the successor securities are listed or traded or will be listed or traded
on any national securities exchange or other organization on which the
preferred securities are then listed, if any;
- the merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance,
transfer or lease does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and
privileges of the holders of the preferred securities (including any
successor securities) in any material respect;
- the successor entity has a purpose substantially identical to that of the
trust;
- prior to the merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement,
conveyance, transfer or lease, we have received an opinion from
independent counsel that (a) any transaction of this kind does not
adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of
the preferred securities (including any successor securities) in any
material respect, and (b) following the transaction, neither the trust
nor the successor entity will be required to register as an "investment
company" under the Investment Company Act; and
- we own all of the common securities of the successor entity and guarantee
the obligations of the successor entity under the successor securities at
least to the extent provided by the guarantee.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the trust may not, except with the consent of
every holder of the preferred securities, enter into any transaction of this
kind if the transaction would cause the trust or the successor entity not to be
classified as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.
VOTING RIGHTS; AMENDMENT OF TRUST AGREEMENT
Except as described below and under "Description of the
Guarantee -- Amendments and Assignment" and as otherwise required by the Trust
Indenture Act and the trust agreement, the holders of the preferred securities
will have no voting rights.
The trust agreement may be amended from time to time by us and the
trustees, without the consent of the holders of the preferred securities, in the
following circumstances:
- with respect to acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee;
- to cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provisions in the trust
agreement that may be inconsistent with any other provision, or to make
any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under
the trust agreement, as long as the amendment is not inconsistent with
the other provisions of the trust agreement and does not have a material
adverse effect on the interests of any holder of trust securities; or
- to modify, eliminate or add to any provisions of the trust agreement if
necessary to ensure that the trust will be classified for federal income
tax purposes as a grantor trust at all times that any trust
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securities are outstanding or to ensure that the trust will not be
required to register as an "investment company" under the Investment
Company Act.
With the consent of the holders of a majority of the aggregate liquidation
amount of the outstanding trust securities, we and the trustees may amend the
trust agreement if the trustees receive an opinion of counsel to the effect that
the amendment or the exercise of any power granted to the trustees in accordance
with the amendment will not affect the trust's status as a grantor trust for
federal income tax purposes or the trust's exemption from status as an
"investment company" under the Investment Company Act. However, without the
consent of each holder of trust securities, the trust agreement may not be
amended to (a) change the amount or timing of any distribution on the trust
securities or otherwise adversely affect the amount of any distribution required
to be made in respect of the trust securities as of a specified date, or (b)
restrict the right of a holder of trust securities to institute suit for the
enforcement of the payment on or after that date.
As long as the property trustee holds any debentures, the trustees will
not:
- direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any
remedy available to the indenture trustee, or executing any trust or
power conferred on the property trustee with respect to the debentures;
- waive any past default that is waivable under the indenture;
- exercise any right to rescind or annul a declaration that the principal
of all the debentures will be due and payable; or
- consent to any amendment or termination of the indenture or the
debentures, where the consent is required, without obtaining the prior
approval of the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of
all outstanding preferred securities. However, where a consent under the
indenture requires the consent of each holder of the affected debentures,
no consent will be given by the property trustee without the prior
consent of each holder of the preferred securities.
The trustees may not revoke any action previously authorized or approved by a
vote of the holders of the preferred securities except by subsequent vote of the
holders of the preferred securities. The property trustee will notify each
holder of preferred securities of any notice of default with respect to the
debentures. In addition to obtaining the foregoing approvals of the holders of
the preferred securities, prior to taking any of the foregoing actions, the
trustees must obtain an opinion of counsel experienced in these matters to the
effect that the trust will not be classified as an association taxable as a
corporation for federal income tax purposes on account of the action.
Any required approval of holders of trust securities may be given at a
meeting of holders of the trust securities convened for the purpose or pursuant
to written consent. The property trustee will cause a notice of any meeting at
which holders of the trust securities are entitled to vote, or of any matter
upon which action by written consent of the holders is to be taken, to be given
to each holder of record of trust securities.
No vote or consent of the holders of preferred securities will be required
for the trust to redeem and cancel its preferred securities in accordance with
the trust agreement.
Notwithstanding the fact that holders of preferred securities are entitled
to vote or consent under any of the circumstances described above, any of the
preferred securities that are owned by Midwest Banc Holdings, the trustees or
any affiliate of Midwest Banc Holdings or any trustee, will, for purposes of the
vote or consent, be treated as if they were not outstanding.
GLOBAL PREFERRED SECURITIES
The preferred securities will be represented by one or more global
preferred securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, New
York, New York ("DTC"), or its nominee. A global preferred security is a
security representing interests of more than one beneficial holder. Ownership of
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beneficial interests in the global preferred securities will be reflected in DTC
participant account records through DTC's book-entry transfer and registration
system. Participants are brokers, dealers, or others having accounts with DTC.
Indirect beneficial interests of other persons investing in the preferred
securities will be shown on, and transfers will be effected only through,
records maintained by DTC participants. Except as described below, preferred
securities in definitive form will not be issued in exchange for the global
preferred securities. See "Book-Entry Issuance."
No global preferred security may be exchanged for preferred securities
registered in the names of persons other than DTC or its nominee unless:
- DTC notifies the indenture trustee that it is unwilling or unable to
continue as a depositary for the global preferred security and we are
unable to locate a qualified successor depositary;
- we execute and deliver to the indenture trustee a written order stating
that we elect to terminate the book-entry system through DTC; or
- there shall have occurred and be continuing an event of default under the
indenture.
Any global preferred security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding
sentence shall be exchangeable for definitive certificates registered in the
names as DTC shall direct. It is expected that the instructions will be based
upon directions received by DTC with respect to ownership of beneficial
interests in the global preferred security. If preferred securities are issued
in definitive form, the preferred securities will be in denominations of $25 and
integral multiples of $25 and may be transferred or exchanged at the offices
described below.
Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual
preferred securities represented thereby, a global preferred security may not be
transferred except as a whole by DTC to a nominee of DTC, by a nominee of DTC to
DTC or another nominee of DTC or by DTC or any nominee to a successor depositary
or any nominee of the successor.
Payments on global preferred securities will be made to DTC, as the
depositary for the global preferred securities. If the preferred securities are
issued in definitive form, distributions will be payable by check mailed to the
address of record of the persons entitled to the distribution, and the transfer
of the preferred securities will be registrable, and preferred securities will
be exchangeable for preferred securities of other denominations of a like
aggregate liquidation amount, at the corporate office of the property trustee,
or at the offices of any paying agent or transfer agent appointed by the
administrative trustees. In addition, if the preferred securities are issued in
definitive form, the record dates for payment of distributions will be the 15th
day of the month in which the relevant distribution date occurs. For a
description of the terms of DTC arrangements relating to payments, transfers,
voting rights, redemptions and other notices and other matters, see "Book-Entry
Issuance."
Upon the issuance of one or more global preferred securities, and the
deposit of the global preferred security with or on behalf of DTC or its
nominee, DTC or its nominee will credit, on its book-entry registration and
transfer system, the respective aggregate liquidation amounts of the individual
preferred securities represented by the global preferred security to the
designated accounts of persons that participate in the DTC system. These
participant accounts will be designated by the dealers, underwriters or agents
selling the preferred securities. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global
preferred security will be limited to persons or entities having an account with
DTC or who may hold interests through participants. With respect to interests of
any person or entity that is a DTC participant, ownership of beneficial
interests in a global preferred security will be shown on, and the transfer of
that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its
nominee. With respect to persons or entities who hold interests in a global
preferred security through a participant, the interest and any transfer of the
interest will be shown only on the participant's records. The laws of some
states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of
securities in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability to transfer
beneficial interests in a global preferred security.
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So long as DTC or another depositary, or its nominee, is the registered
owner of the global preferred security, the depositary or the nominee, as the
case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the preferred
securities represented by the global preferred security for all purposes under
the trust agreement. Except as described in this prospectus, owners of
beneficial interests in a global preferred security will not be entitled to have
any of the individual preferred securities represented by the global preferred
security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive
physical delivery of any the preferred securities in definitive form and will
not be considered the owners or holders of the preferred securities under the
trust agreement.
None of us, the property trustee, any paying agent or the securities
registrar for the preferred securities will have any responsibility or liability
for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of
beneficial ownership interests of the global preferred security representing the
preferred securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records
relating to the beneficial ownership interests.
We expect that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of the
liquidation amount or distributions in respect of a global preferred security,
immediately will credit participants' accounts with payments in amounts
proportionate to their respective beneficial interest in the aggregate
liquidation amount of the global preferred security as shown on the records of
DTC or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of
beneficial interests in the global preferred security held through the
participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices,
as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer
form or registered in "street name." The payments will be the responsibility of
the participants. See "Book-Entry Issuance."
PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENCY
Payments in respect of the preferred securities shall be made to DTC, which
shall credit the relevant accounts of participants on the applicable
distribution dates, or, if any of the preferred securities are not held by DTC,
the payments shall be made by check mailed to the address of the holder as
listed on the register of holders of the preferred securities. The paying agent
for the preferred securities will initially be the property trustee and any
co-paying agent chosen by the property trustee and acceptable to us and the
administrative trustees. The paying agent for the preferred securities may
resign as paying agent upon 30 days' written notice to the administrative
trustees, the property trustee and us. If the property trustee no longer is the
paying agent for the preferred securities, the administrative trustees will
appoint a successor to act as paying agent. The successor must be a bank or
trust company acceptable to us and the property trustee.
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
The property trustee will act as the registrar and the transfer agent for
the preferred securities. Registration of transfers of preferred securities will
be effected without charge by or on behalf of the trust, but upon payment of any
tax or other governmental charges that may be imposed in connection with any
transfer or exchange. The trust and its registrar and transfer agent will not be
required to register or cause to be registered the transfer of preferred
securities after they have been called for redemption.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PROPERTY TRUSTEE
The property trustee, until the occurrence and continuance of an event of
default under the trust agreement, undertakes to perform only the duties set
forth in the trust agreement. After an event of default under the trust
agreement, the property trustee must exercise the same degree of care and skill
as a prudent person exercises or uses in the conduct of its own affairs. The
property trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in
it by the trust agreement at the request of any holder of preferred securities
unless it is offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and
liabilities that might be incurred. If no event of default under the trust
agreement has occurred and is continuing and the property trustee is required to
decide between alternative causes of action, construe ambiguous or
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inconsistent provisions in the trust agreement or is unsure of the application
of any provision of the trust agreement, and the matter is not one on which
holders of preferred securities are entitled to vote upon, then the property
trustee will take the action directed in writing by us. If the property trustee
is not so directed, then it will take the action it deems advisable and in the
best interests of the holders of the trust securities and will have no liability
except for its own bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct.
MISCELLANEOUS
The administrative trustees are authorized and directed to conduct the
affairs of and to operate the trust in such a way that:
- the trust will not be deemed to be an "investment company" required to be
registered under Investment Company Act;
- the trust will not be classified as an association taxable as a
corporation for federal income tax purposes; and
- the debentures will be treated as indebtedness of Midwest Banc Holdings
for federal income tax purposes.
In this regard, we and the administrative trustees are authorized to take any
action not inconsistent with applicable law, the certificate of trust or the
trust agreement, that we and the administrative trustees determine to be
necessary or desirable for these purposes.
Holders of the preferred securities have no preemptive or similar rights.
The trust agreement and the trust securities will be governed by Delaware law.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBENTURES
Concurrently with the issuance of the preferred securities, the trust will
invest the proceeds from the sale of the trust securities in the debentures
issued by us. The debentures will be issued as unsecured debt under the
indenture between us and Wilmington Trust Company, as indenture trustee. The
indenture will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act.
The following discussion is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to, the indenture and to the Trust Indenture Act. We urge prospective
investors to read the form of the indenture, which is filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
GENERAL
The debentures will be limited in aggregate principal amount to
$25,773,200. This amount represents the sum of the aggregate stated liquidation
amounts of the trust securities. The debentures will bear interest at the annual
rate of % of the principal amount. The interest will be payable quarterly on
March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year, beginning
September 30, 2000, to the person in whose name each debenture is registered at
the close of business on the 15th day of the last month of the calendar quarter.
It is anticipated that, until the liquidation, if any, of the trust, the
debentures will be held in the name of the property trustee in trust for the
benefit of the holders of the trust securities.
The amount of interest payable for any period will be computed on the basis
of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. If any date on which interest is
payable on the debentures is not a business day, then payment of interest will
be made on the next day that is a business day without any additional interest
or other payment in respect of the delay. However, if the next business day is
in the next calendar year, payment of the interest will be made on the
immediately preceding business day. Accrued interest that is not paid on the
applicable interest payment date will bear additional interest on the amount due
at the annual rate of %, compounded quarterly.
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The debentures will mature on , 2030, the stated maturity date.
We may shorten this date once at any time to any date not earlier than
, 2005, subject to the prior approval of the Federal Reserve, if
required.
We will give notice to the indenture trustee and the holders of the
debentures, no more than 180 days and no less than 90 days prior to the
effectiveness of any change in the stated maturity date. We will not have the
right to redeem the debentures from the trust until after , 2005,
except if (a) a Tax Event, an Investment Company Event or a Capital Treatment
Event has occurred, or (b) we repurchase preferred securities in the market, in
which case we can elect to redeem debentures specifically in exchange for a like
amount of preferred securities owned by us plus a proportionate amount of common
securities.
The debentures will be unsecured and will rank junior to all of our senior
and subordinated debt, including indebtedness we may incur in the future.
Because we are a holding company, our right to participate in any distribution
of assets of any of our subsidiaries, upon any subsidiary's liquidation or
reorganization or otherwise, and thus the ability of holders of the debentures
to benefit indirectly from any distribution by a subsidiary, is subject to the
prior claim of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that we may be
recognized as a creditor of the subsidiary. The debentures will, therefore, be
effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of our
subsidiaries, and holders of debentures should look only to our assets for
payment. The indenture does not limit our ability to incur or issue secured or
unsecured senior and junior debt. See "-- Subordination."
The indenture does not contain provisions that afford holders of the
debentures protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction or other
similar transaction involving us, nor does it require us to maintain or achieve
any financial performance levels or to obtain or maintain any credit rating on
the debentures.
OPTION TO EXTEND INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
As long as no event of default under the indenture has occurred and is
continuing, we have the right under the indenture to defer the payment of
interest on the debentures at any time for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive
quarters. However, no extension period may extend beyond the stated maturity of
the debentures or end on a date other than a date interest is normally due. At
the end of an extension period, we must pay all interest then accrued and
unpaid, together with interest thereon at the annual rate of %, compounded
quarterly. During an extension period, interest will continue to accrue and
holders of debentures, or the holders of preferred securities if they are then
outstanding, will be required to accrue and recognize as income for federal
income tax purposes the accrued but unpaid interest amounts in the year in which
such amounts accrued. See "Federal Income Tax Consequences -- Interest Payment
Period and Original Issue Discount."
During an extension period, we may not:
- declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase,
acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of our capital
stock (other than the reclassification of any class of capital stock into
another class of capital stock) or allow any of our subsidiaries to do
the same with respect to their capital stock (other than payment of
dividends or distributions to us);
- make or allow any of our subsidiaries to make any payment of principal,
interest or premium on, or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt
securities issued by us that rank equally with or junior to the
debentures;
- make or allow any of our subsidiaries to make any guarantee payments with
respect to any other guarantee by us of any other debt securities of any
of our subsidiaries if the guarantee ranks equally with or junior to the
debentures (other than payments under the guarantee); or
- redeem, purchase or acquire less than all of the debentures or any of the
preferred securities.
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Prior to the termination of any extension period, so long as no event of
default under the indenture is continuing, we may further defer the payment of
interest subject to the above stated requirements. Upon the termination of any
extension period and the payment of all amounts then due, we may elect to begin
a new extension period at any time. We do not currently intend to exercise our
right to defer payments of interest on the debentures.
We must give the property trustee, the administrative trustees and the
indenture trustee notice of our election of an extension period at least two
business days prior to the earlier of (a) the next date on which distributions
on the trust securities would have been payable except for the election to begin
an extension period, or (b) the date we are required to give notice of the
record date, or the date the distributions are payable, to the American Stock
Exchange, or other applicable self-regulatory organization, or to holders of the
preferred securities, but in any event at least one business day prior to the
record date.
Other than as described above, there is no limitation on the number of
times that we may elect to begin an extension period.
ADDITIONAL SUMS TO BE PAID AS A RESULT OF ADDITIONAL TAXES
If the trust is required to pay any additional taxes, duties, assessments
or other governmental charges as a result of the occurrence of a Tax Event, we
will pay as additional interest on the debentures any amounts which may be
required so that the net amounts received and retained by the trust after paying
any additional taxes, duties, assessments or other governmental charges will not
be less than the amounts the trust would have received had the additional taxes,
duties, assessments or other governmental charges not been imposed.
REDEMPTION
Subject to prior approval of the Federal Reserve, if required, we may
redeem the debentures prior to maturity:
- on or after , 2005, in whole at any time or in part from time
to time;
- in whole at any time within 180 days following the occurrence of a Tax
Event, an Investment Company Event or a Capital Treatment Event; or
- at any time, to the extent of any preferred securities we repurchase plus
a proportionate amount of the common securities we hold.
In each case we will pay a redemption price equal to the accrued and unpaid
interest on the debentures so redeemed to the date fixed for redemption, plus
100% of the principal amount of the redeemed debentures.
Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than
60 days before the redemption date to each holder of debentures to be redeemed
at its registered address. Redemption of less than all outstanding debentures
must be effected proportionately, by lot or in any other manner deemed to be
fair and appropriate by the indenture trustee. Unless we default in payment of
the redemption price for the debentures, on and after the redemption date
interest will no longer accrue on the debentures or the portions of the
debentures called for redemption.
The debentures will not be subject to any sinking fund.
DISTRIBUTION UPON LIQUIDATION
As described under "Description of the Preferred Securities -- Liquidation
Distribution Upon Termination," under certain circumstances and with the Federal
Reserve's approval, the debentures may be distributed to the holders of the
preferred securities in liquidation of the trust after satisfaction of
liabilities to creditors of the trust. If this occurs, we will use our
reasonable efforts to list the debentures on the American Stock Exchange or
other stock exchange or national quotation system on which the
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preferred securities are then listed, if any. There can be no assurance as to
the market price of any debentures that may be distributed to the holders of
preferred securities.
RESTRICTIONS ON PAYMENTS
We are restricted from making certain payments (as described below) if we
have chosen to defer payment of interest on the debentures, an event of default
has occurred and is continuing under the indenture or we are in default with
respect to our obligations under the guarantee.
If either of these events shall have occurred, we will not:
- declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase,
acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of our
capital stock (other than the reclassification of any class of our
capital stock into another class of capital stock) or allow any of our
subsidiaries to do the same with respect to their capital stock (other
than payment of dividends or distributions to us);
- make or allow any of our subsidiaries to make any payment of principal,
interest or premium on, or repay or repurchase or redeem any of our debt
securities that rank equally with or junior to the debentures;
- make or allow any of our subsidiaries to make any guarantee payments with
respect to any guarantee by us of the debt securities of any of our
subsidiaries if the guarantee ranks equally with or junior to the
debentures (other than payments under the guarantee); or
- redeem, purchase or acquire less than all of the debentures or any of the
preferred securities.
SUBORDINATION
The debentures are subordinated and junior in right of payment to all of
our senior and subordinated debt (as defined below). Upon any payment or
distribution of assets to creditors upon any liquidation, dissolution, winding
up or reorganization of Midwest Banc Holdings, whether voluntary or involuntary
in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings in connection with
any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, the holders of our senior and
subordinated debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full of principal
and interest before the holders of debentures will be entitled to receive or
retain any payment in respect of the debentures.
If the maturity of any debentures is accelerated, the holders of all of our
senior and subordinated debt outstanding at the time of the acceleration will
also be entitled to first receive payment in full of all amounts due to them,
including any amounts due upon acceleration, before the holders of the
debentures will be entitled to receive or retain any principal or interest
payments on the debentures.
No payments of principal or interest on the debentures may be made if there
has occurred and is continuing a default in any payment with respect to any of
our senior or subordinated debt or an event of default with respect to any of
our senior or subordinated debt resulting in the acceleration of the maturity of
the senior or subordinated debt, or if any judicial proceeding is pending with
respect to any default.
The term "debt" means, with respect to any person, whether recourse is to
all or a portion of the assets of the person and whether or not contingent:
- every obligation of the person for money borrowed;
- every obligation of the person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or
other similar instruments, including obligations incurred in connection
with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses;
- every reimbursement obligation of the person with respect to letters of
credit, bankers' acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account
of the person;
- every obligation of the person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase
price of property or services, excluding trade accounts payable or
accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business;
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- every capital lease obligation of the person; and
- every obligation of the type referred to in the first five points of
another person and all dividends of another person the payment of which,
in either case, the first person has guaranteed or is responsible or
liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor or otherwise.
The term "senior debt" means the principal of, and premium and interest,
including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy
or for reorganization relating to us, on, debt, whether incurred on or prior to
the date of the indenture or incurred after the date. However, senior debt will
not be deemed to include:
- any debt where it is provided in the instrument creating the debt that
the obligations are not superior in right of payment to the debentures or
to other debt which is equal with, or subordinated to, the debentures;
- any of our debt that when incurred and without regard to any election
under the federal bankruptcy laws, was without recourse to us;
- any debt of ours to any of our subsidiaries;
- any debt to any of our employees;
- any debt that by its terms is subordinated to trade accounts payable or
accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business to the
extent that payments made to the holders of the debt by the holders of
the debentures as a result of the subordination provisions of the
indenture would be greater than they otherwise would have been as a
result of any obligation of the holders to pay amounts over to the
obligees on the trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in
the ordinary course of business as a result of subordination provisions
to which the debt is subject; and
- debt which constitutes subordinated debt.
The term "subordinated debt" means the principal of, and premium and
interest, including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in
bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to us, on, debt. Subordinated debt
includes debt incurred on or prior to the date of the indenture or thereafter
incurred, which is by its terms expressly provided to be junior and subordinate
to other debt of ours, other than the debentures. However, subordinated debt
will not be deemed to include:
- any of our debt which when incurred and without regard to any election
under the federal bankruptcy laws was without recourse to us;
- any debt of ours to any of our subsidiaries;
- any debt to any of our employees;
- any debt which by its terms is subordinated to trade accounts payable or
accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business to the
extent that payments made to the holders of the debt by the holders of
the debentures as a result of the subordination provisions of the
indenture would be greater than they otherwise would have been as a
result of any obligation of the holders to pay amounts over to the
obligees on the trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in
the ordinary course of business as a result of subordination provisions
to which the debt is subject;
- debt which constitutes senior debt; and
- any debt of ours under debt securities (and guarantees in respect of
these debt securities) initially issued to any trust, or a trustee of a
trust, partnership or other entity affiliated with us that is, directly
or indirectly, our financing vehicle in connection with the issuance by
that entity of preferred securities or other securities which are
intended to qualify for "Tier 1" capital treatment.
We expect from time to time to incur additional indebtedness, and there is
no limitation under the indenture on the amount we may incur. We had
consolidated senior and subordinated debt of $269.0 million at March 31, 2000.
Although a portion of these amounts are expected to be repaid with a
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portion of the proceeds from the sale of the debentures, additional senior or
subordinated debt can be expected to be incurred in the future.
PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENTS
Generally, payment of principal of and interest on the debentures will be
made at the office of the indenture trustee in Wilmington, Delaware. However, we
have the option to make payment of any interest by (a) check mailed to the
address of the person entitled to payment at the address listed in the register
of holders of the debentures, or (b) wire transfer to an account maintained by
the person entitled thereto as specified in the register of holders of the
debentures, provided that proper transfer instructions have been received by the
applicable record date. Payment of any interest on debentures will be made to
the person in whose name the debenture is registered at the close of business on
the regular record date for the interest payment, except in the case of
defaulted interest.
Any moneys deposited with the indenture trustee or any paying agent for the
debentures, or then held by us in trust, for the payment of the principal of or
interest on the debentures and remaining unclaimed for two years after the
principal or interest has become due and payable, will be repaid to us on June
30 of each year. If we hold any of this money in trust, then it will be
discharged from the trust to us and the holder of the debenture will thereafter
look, as a general unsecured creditor, only to us for payment.
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
The indenture trustee will act as the registrar and the transfer agent for
the debentures. Debentures may be presented for registration of transfer, with
the form of transfer endorsed thereon, or a satisfactory written instrument of
transfer, duly executed, at the office of the registrar. Provided that we
maintain a transfer agent in Wilmington, Delaware, we may rescind the
designation of any transfer agent or approve a change in the location through
which any transfer agent acts. We may at any time designate additional transfer
agents with respect to the debentures.
If we redeem any of the debentures, neither we nor the indenture trustee
will be required to (a) issue, register the transfer of or exchange any
debentures during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before
the day of the mailing of and ending at the close of business on the day of the
mailing of the relevant notice of redemption, or (b) transfer or exchange any
debentures so selected for redemption, except, in the case of any debentures
being redeemed in part, any portion not to be redeemed.
MODIFICATION OF INDENTURE
We and the indenture trustee may, from time to time without the consent of
the holders of the debentures, amend, waive our rights under or supplement the
indenture for purposes which do not materially adversely affect the rights of
the holders of the debentures. Other changes may be made by us and the indenture
trustee with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding debentures. However, without the consent of the holder of each
outstanding debenture affected by the proposed modification, no modification
may:
- extend the maturity date of the debentures; or
- reduce the principal amount or the rate or extend the time of payment of
interest; or
- reduce the percentage of principal amount of debentures required to amend
the indenture.
As long as any of the preferred securities remain outstanding, no
modification of the indenture may be made that requires the consent of the
holders of the debentures, no termination of the indenture may occur, and no
waiver of any event of default under the indenture may be effective, without the
prior consent of the holders of a majority of the aggregate liquidation amount
of the preferred securities.
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DEBENTURE EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The indenture provides that any one or more of the following events with
respect to the debentures that has occurred and is continuing constitutes an
event of default under the indenture:
- our failure to pay any interest on the debentures for 30 days after the
due date, except where we have properly deferred the interest payment;
- our failure to pay any principal on the debentures when due whether at
maturity, upon redemption or otherwise;
- our failure to observe or perform in any material respect any other
covenants or agreements contained in the indenture for 90 days after
written notice to us from the indenture trustee or the holders of at
least 25% in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the debentures; or
- our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or dissolution of the trust.
The holders of a majority of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of
the debentures have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the indenture trustee. The indenture
trustee, or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate outstanding principal
amount of the debentures, may declare the principal due and payable immediately
upon an event of default under the indenture. The holders of a majority of the
outstanding principal amount of the debentures may rescind and annul the
declaration and waive the default if the default has been cured and a sum
sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal due
otherwise than by acceleration, has been deposited with the indenture trustee.
The holders may not annul the declaration and waive a default if the default is
the non-payment of the principal of the debentures which has become due solely
by the acceleration. Should the holders of the debentures fail to annul the
declaration and waive the default, the holders of at least 25% in aggregate
liquidation amount of the preferred securities will have this right.
If an event of default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing,
the property trustee will have the right to declare the principal of and the
interest on the debentures, and any other amounts payable under the indenture,
to be immediately due and payable and to enforce its other rights as a creditor
with respect to the debentures.
We are required to file annually with the indenture trustee a certificate
as to whether or not we are in compliance with all of the conditions and
covenants applicable to us under the indenture.
ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN RIGHTS BY HOLDERS OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES
If an event of default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing
and the event is attributable to the failure by us to pay interest on or
principal of the debentures on the date on which the payment is due and payable,
then a holder of preferred securities may institute a direct action against us
to compel us to make the payment. We may not amend the indenture to remove the
foregoing right to bring a direct action without the prior written consent of
all of the holders of the preferred securities. If the right to bring a direct
action is removed, the trust may become subject to the reporting obligations
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The holders of the preferred securities will not be able to exercise
directly any remedies, other than those set forth in the preceding paragraph,
available to the holders of the debentures unless there has been an event of
default under the trust agreement. See "Description of the Preferred Securities
- -- Events of Default; Notice."
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OF ASSETS AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS
We may not consolidate with or merge into any other entity or convey or
transfer our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any entity,
and no entity may be consolidated with or merged into us
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or sell, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to us, unless:
- if we consolidate with or merge into another person or convey or transfer
our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, the
successor person is organized under the laws of the United States or any
State or the District of Columbia, and the successor person expressly
assumes by supplemental indenture our obligations on the debentures;
- immediately after the transaction, no event of default under the
indenture, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, or both,
would become an event of default under the indenture, has occurred and is
continuing; and
- other conditions as prescribed in the indenture are met.
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
The indenture will cease to be of further effect and we will be deemed to
have satisfied and discharged our obligations under the indenture when all
debentures not previously delivered to the indenture trustee for cancellation:
- have become due and payable;
- will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year or
are to be called for redemption within one year, and we deposit or cause
to be deposited with the indenture trustee funds, in trust, for the
purpose and in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire
indebtedness on the debentures not previously delivered to the indenture
trustee for cancellation, for the principal and interest due to the date
of the deposit or to the stated maturity or redemption date, as the case
may be.
We may still be required to provide officers' certificates, opinions of
counsel and pay fees and expenses due after these events occur.
GOVERNING LAW
The indenture and the debentures will be governed by and construed in
accordance with the law State of Illinois.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE
The indenture trustee is subject to all the duties and responsibilities
specified with respect to an indenture trustee under the Trust Indenture Act.
Subject to these provisions, the indenture trustee is under no obligation to
exercise any of the powers vested in it by the indenture at the request of any
holder of debentures, unless offered reasonable indemnity by the holder against
the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred. The indenture
trustee is not required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur
personal financial liability in the performance of its duties if the indenture
trustee reasonably believes that repayment or adequate indemnity is not
reasonably assured to it.
MISCELLANEOUS
We have agreed, pursuant to the indenture, for so long as preferred
securities remain outstanding:
- to maintain directly or indirectly 100% ownership of the common
securities of the trust, except that certain successors that are
permitted pursuant to the indenture may succeed to our ownership of the
common securities;
- not to voluntarily terminate, wind up or liquidate the trust without
prior approval of the Federal Reserve, if required;
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- to use our reasonable efforts to cause the trust (a) to remain a business
trust (and to avoid involuntary termination, winding up or liquidation),
except in connection with a distribution of debentures, the redemption of
all of the trust securities of the trust or mergers, consolidations or
amalgamations, each as permitted by the trust agreement; and (b) to
otherwise continue not to be treated as an association taxable as a
corporation or partnership for federal income tax purposes; and
- to use our reasonable efforts to cause each holder of trust securities to
be treated as owning an individual beneficial interest in the debentures.
BOOK-ENTRY ISSUANCE
GENERAL
DTC will act as securities depositary for the preferred securities and may
act as securities depositary for all of the debentures in the event of the
distribution of the debentures to the holders of preferred securities. Except as
described, the preferred securities will be issued only as registered securities
in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC's nominee). One or more global preferred
securities will be issued for the preferred securities and will be deposited
with DTC.
DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under New York banking
law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York banking law, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency"
registered pursuant to Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. DTC
holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates
the settlement among participants of securities transactions, such as transfers
and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry
changes in participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical
movement of securities certificates. Direct participants include securities
brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain
other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its direct participants and by
the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC system is also
available to indirect participants, such as securities brokers and dealers,
banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain custodial relationships
with direct participants, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to
DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.
Purchases of preferred securities within the DTC system must be made by or
through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the preferred
securities on DTC's records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of
each preferred security ("beneficial owner") is in turn to be recorded on the
direct and indirect participants' records. Beneficial owners will not receive
written confirmation from DTC of their purchases, but beneficial owners are
expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transactions,
as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct or indirect
participants through which the beneficial owners purchased preferred securities.
Transfers of ownership interests in the preferred securities are to be
accomplished by entries made on the books of participants acting on behalf of
beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive certificates representing
their ownership interest in preferred securities, except if use of the
book-entry-only system for the preferred securities is discontinued.
DTC will have no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the preferred
securities; DTC's records reflect only the identity of the direct participants
to whose accounts the preferred securities are credited, which may or may not be
the beneficial owners. The participants will remain responsible for keeping
account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system
has been obtained from sources that we believe to be accurate, but we and the
trust assume no responsibility for the accuracy thereof. Neither we nor the
trust have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its participants of
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their respective obligations as described in this prospectus or under the rules
and procedures governing their respective operations.
NOTICES AND VOTING
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to direct
participants, by direct participants to indirect participants, and by direct and
indirect participants to beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements
among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in
effect from time to time.
Redemption notices will be sent to Cede & Co. as the registered holder of
the preferred securities. If less than all of the preferred securities are being
redeemed, the amount to be redeemed will be determined in accordance with the
trust agreement.
Although voting with respect to the preferred securities is limited to the
holders of record of the preferred securities, in those instances in which a
vote is required, neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will itself consent or vote with
respect to preferred securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC would mail an
omnibus proxy to the property trustee as soon as possible after the record date.
The omnibus proxy assigns Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those
direct participants to whose accounts the preferred securities are credited on
the record date.
DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS
The property trustee will make distribution payments on the preferred
securities to DTC. DTC's practice is to credit direct participants' accounts on
the relevant payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on
DTC's records unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payments
on the payment date. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be
governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the
responsibility of the participant and not of DTC, the property trustee, the
trust or us, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in
effect from time to time. Payment of distributions to DTC is the responsibility
of the property trustee, disbursement of the payments to direct participants is
the responsibility of DTC, and disbursements of the payments to the beneficial
owners is the responsibility of direct and indirect participants.
SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARIES AND TERMINATION OF BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM
DTC may discontinue providing its services with respect to any of the
preferred securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to the property
trustee or us. If no successor securities depositary is obtained, definitive
certificates representing the preferred securities are required to be printed
and delivered. We also have the option to discontinue use of the system of
book-entry transfers through DTC (or a successor depositary). After an event of
default under the indenture, the holders of a majority in liquidation amount of
preferred securities may determine to discontinue the system of book-entry
transfers through DTC. In these events, definitive certificates for the
preferred securities will be printed and delivered.
DESCRIPTION OF THE GUARANTEE
The preferred securities guarantee agreement will be executed and delivered
by us concurrently with the issuance of the preferred securities for the benefit
of the holders of the preferred securities. The guarantee agreement will be
qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. Wilmington Trust
Company, the guarantee trustee, will act as trustee for purposes of complying
with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, and will also hold the guarantee
for the benefit of the holders of the preferred securities. Prospective
investors are urged to read the form of the guarantee agreement, which has been
filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms
a part.
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GENERAL
We agree to pay in full on a subordinated basis, to the extent described in
the guarantee agreement, the guarantee payments (as defined below) to the
holders of the preferred securities, as and when due, regardless of any defense,
right of set-off or counterclaim that the trust may have or assert other than
the defense of payment.
The following payments with respect to the preferred securities are called
the "guarantee payments" and, to the extent not paid or made by the trust and to
the extent that the trust has funds available for those distributions, will be
subject to the guarantee:
- any accumulated and unpaid distributions required to be paid on the
preferred securities;
- with respect to any preferred securities called for redemption, the
redemption price; and
- upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding up or termination of
the trust (other than in connection with the distribution of debentures
to the holders of preferred securities in exchange for preferred
securities), the lesser of:
(a) the amount of the liquidation distribution; and
(b) the amount of assets of the trust remaining available for distribution
to holders of preferred securities in liquidation of the trust.
We may satisfy our obligations to make a guarantee payment by making a direct
payment of the required amounts to the holders of the preferred securities or by
causing the trust to pay the amounts to the holders.
The guarantee agreement is a guarantee, on a subordinated basis, of the
guarantee payments, but the guarantee only applies to the extent the trust has
funds available for those distributions. If we do not make interest payments on
the debentures purchased by the trust, the trust will not have funds available
to make the distributions and will not pay distributions on the preferred
securities.
STATUS OF THE GUARANTEE
The guarantee constitutes our unsecured obligation that ranks subordinate
and junior in right of payment to all of our senior and subordinated debt in the
same manner as the debentures and senior to our capital stock. We expect to
incur additional indebtedness in the future, although we have no specific plans
in this regard presently, and neither the indenture nor the trust agreement
limits the amounts of the obligations that we may incur.
The guarantee constitutes a guarantee of payment and not of collection. If
we fail to make guarantee payments when required, holders of preferred
securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against us to enforce their
rights under the guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against
any other person or entity.
The guarantee will not be discharged except by payment of the guarantee
payments in full to the extent not paid by the trust or upon distribution of the
debentures to the holders of the preferred securities. Because we are a bank
holding company, our right to participate in any distribution of assets of any
subsidiary upon the subsidiary's liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is
subject to the prior claims of creditors of that subsidiary, except to the
extent we may be recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary. Our obligations
under the guarantee, therefore, will be effectively subordinated to all existing
and future liabilities of our subsidiaries, and claimants should look only to
our assets for payments under the guarantee.
AMENDMENTS AND ASSIGNMENT
Except with respect to any changes that do not materially adversely affect
the rights of holders of the preferred securities, in which case no vote will be
required, the guarantee may be amended only with the
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prior approval of the holders of a majority of the aggregate liquidation amount
of the outstanding preferred securities. See "Description of the Preferred
Securities -- Voting Rights; Amendment of Trust Agreement."
EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES
An event of default under the guarantee agreement will occur upon our
failure to make any required guarantee payments or to perform any other
obligations under the guarantee. The holders of a majority in aggregate
liquidation amount of the preferred securities will have the right to direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the guarantee trustee in respect of the guarantee and may direct the exercise of
any power conferred upon the guarantee trustee under the guarantee agreement.
Any holder of preferred securities may institute and prosecute a legal
proceeding directly against us to enforce its rights under the guarantee without
first instituting a legal proceeding against the trust, the guarantee trustee or
any other person or entity.
We are required to provide to the guarantee trustee annually a certificate
as to whether or not we are in compliance with all of the conditions and
covenants applicable to us under the guarantee agreement.
TERMINATION OF THE GUARANTEE
The guarantee will terminate and be of no further force and effect upon:
- full payment of the redemption price of the preferred securities;
- full payment of the amounts payable upon liquidation of the trust; or
- distribution of the debentures to the holders of the preferred
securities.
If at any time any holder of the preferred securities must restore payment of
any sums paid under the preferred securities or the guarantee, the guarantee
will continue to be effective or will be reinstated with respect to such
amounts.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
The guarantee trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of
our default in performance of the guarantee, undertakes to perform only those
duties as are specifically set forth in the guarantee. When an event of default
has occurred and is continuing, the guarantee trustee must exercise the same
degree of care and skill as a prudent person would exercise or use in the
conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to those provisions, the guarantee
trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the
guarantee at the request of any holder of any preferred securities unless it is
offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that
might be incurred thereby.
EXPENSE AGREEMENT
We will, pursuant to the Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities entered
into by us and the trust under the trust agreement, irrevocably and
unconditionally guarantee to each person or entity to whom the trust becomes
indebted or liable, the full payment of any costs, expenses or liabilities of
the trust, other than obligations of the trust to pay to the holders of the
preferred securities or other similar interests in the trust of the amounts due
to the holders pursuant to the terms of the preferred securities or other
similar interests, as the case may be. Third party creditors of the trust may
proceed directly against us under the expense agreement, regardless of whether
they had notice of the expense agreement.
GOVERNING LAW
The guarantee will be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois.
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RELATIONSHIP AMONG THE PREFERRED SECURITIES, THE
DEBENTURES AND THE GUARANTEE
FULL AND UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE
We irrevocably guarantee, as and to the extent described in this
prospectus, payments of distributions and other amounts due on the preferred
securities, to the extent the trust has funds available for the payment of these
amounts. We and the trust believe that, taken together, our obligations under
the debentures, the indenture, the trust agreement, the expense agreement and
the guarantee agreement provide, in the aggregate, a full, irrevocable and
unconditional guarantee, on a subordinated basis, of payment of distributions
and other amounts due on the preferred securities. No single document standing
alone or operating in conjunction with fewer than all of the other documents
constitutes a guarantee. It is only the combined operation of these documents
that has the effect of providing a full, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee
of the obligations of the trust under the preferred securities.
If and to the extent that we do not make payments on the debentures, the
trust will not pay distributions or other amounts due on the preferred
securities. The guarantee does not cover payment of distributions when the trust
does not have sufficient funds to pay the distributions. In this event, the
remedy of a holder of preferred securities is to institute a legal proceeding
directly against us for enforcement of payment of the distributions to the
holder. Our obligations under the guarantee are subordinated and junior in right
of payment to all of our other indebtedness.
SUFFICIENCY OF PAYMENTS
As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the
debentures, these payments will be sufficient to cover distributions and other
payments due on the preferred securities, primarily because:
- the aggregate principal amount of the debentures will be equal to the sum
of the aggregate stated liquidation amount of the trust securities;
- the interest rate and interest and other payment dates on the debentures
will match the distribution rate and distribution and other payment dates
for the preferred securities;
- we will pay for any and all costs, expenses and liabilities of the trust,
except the obligations of the trust to pay to holders of the preferred
securities the amounts due to the holders pursuant to the terms of the
preferred securities; and
- the trust will not engage in any activity that is not consistent with the
limited purposes of the trust.
ENFORCEMENT RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF PREFERRED SECURITIES
A holder of any preferred security may institute a legal proceeding
directly against us to enforce its rights under the guarantee without first
instituting a legal proceeding against the guarantee trustee, the trust or any
other person. A default or event of default under any of our senior or
subordinated debt would not constitute a default or event of default under the
trust agreement. In the event, however, of payment defaults under, or
acceleration of, our senior or subordinated debt, the subordination provisions
of the indenture provide that no payments may be made in respect of the
debentures until the obligations have been paid in full or any payment default
has been cured or waived. Failure to make required payments on the debentures
would constitute an event of default under the trust agreement.
LIMITED PURPOSE OF THE TRUST
The preferred securities evidence preferred undivided beneficial interests
in the assets of the trust. The trust exists for the exclusive purposes of
issuing the trust securities, investing the proceeds thereof in debentures and
engaging in only those other activities necessary, advisable or incidental
thereto. A principal difference between the rights of a holder of a preferred
security and the rights of a holder of a debenture is that a holder of a
debenture is entitled to receive from us the principal amount of and interest
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accrued on debentures held, while a holder of preferred securities is entitled
to receive distributions from the trust (or from us under the guarantee) if and
to the extent the trust has funds available for the payment of the
distributions.
RIGHTS UPON TERMINATION
Upon any voluntary or involuntary termination, winding-up or liquidation of
the trust involving the liquidation of the debentures, the holders of the
preferred securities will be entitled to receive, out of assets held by the
trust, the liquidation distribution in cash. See "Description of the Preferred
Securities -- Liquidation Distribution Upon Termination."
Upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation or bankruptcy, the property
trustee, as holder of the debentures, would be a subordinated creditor of ours.
Therefore, the property trustee would be subordinated in right of payment to all
of our senior and subordinated debt, but is entitled to receive payment in full
of principal and interest before any of our stockholders receive payments or
distributions. Since we are the guarantor under the guarantee and have agreed to
pay for all costs, expenses and liabilities of the trust other than the
obligations of the trust to pay to holders of the preferred securities the
amounts due to the holders pursuant to the terms of the preferred securities,
the positions of a holder of the preferred securities and a holder of the
debentures relative to our other creditors and to our stockholders in the event
of liquidation or bankruptcy are expected to be substantially the same.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
GENERAL
The following summary of the material federal income tax considerations
that may be relevant to the purchasers of preferred securities represents the
opinion of Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz, counsel to Midwest Banc Holdings
and the trust insofar as it relates to matters of law and legal conclusions. The
conclusions expressed herein are based upon current provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, regulations thereunder and current administrative rulings
and court decisions, all of which are subject to change at any time, with
possible retroactive effect. Subsequent changes may cause tax consequences to
vary substantially from the consequences described below. Furthermore, the
authorities on which the following summary is based are subject to various
interpretations, and it is therefore possible that the federal income tax
treatment of the purchase, ownership and disposition of preferred securities may
differ from the treatment described below.
No attempt has been made in the following discussion to comment on all
federal income tax matters affecting purchasers of preferred securities.
Moreover, the discussion generally focuses on holders of preferred securities
who are individual citizens or residents of the United States and who acquire
preferred securities on their original issue at their offering price and hold
preferred securities as capital assets. The discussion has only limited
application to dealers in securities, corporations, estates, trusts or
nonresident aliens and does not address all the tax consequences that may be
relevant to holders who may be subject to special tax treatment, such as, for
example, banks, thrifts, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment
companies, insurance companies, dealers in securities or currencies, tax-exempt
investors or persons that will hold the preferred securities as a position in a
"straddle," as part of a "synthetic security" or "hedge," as part of a
"conversion transaction" or other integrated investment, or as other than a
capital asset. The following summary also does not address the tax consequences
to persons that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar or the tax
consequences to shareholders, partners or beneficiaries of a holder of preferred
securities. Further, it does not include any description of any alternative
minimum tax consequences or the tax laws of any state or local government or of
any foreign government that may be applicable to the preferred securities.
Accordingly, each prospective investor should consult, and should rely
exclusively on, the investor's own tax advisors in analyzing the federal, state,
local and foreign tax consequences of the purchase, ownership or disposition of
preferred securities.
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CLASSIFICATION OF THE DEBENTURES
We intend to take the position that the debentures will be classified for
federal income tax purposes as indebtedness of Midwest Banc Holdings under
current law, and, by acceptance of a preferred security, each holder covenants
to treat the debentures as indebtedness and the preferred securities as evidence
of an indirect beneficial ownership interest in the debentures. No assurance can
be given, however, that this position will not be challenged by the Internal
Revenue Service or, if challenged, that it will not be successful. The remainder
of this discussion assumes that the debentures will be classified for federal
income tax purposes as indebtedness of Midwest Banc Holdings.
CLASSIFICATION OF THE TRUST
With respect to the preferred securities, Vedder, Price, Kaufman &
Kammholz, tax counsel for Midwest Banc Holdings and the trust, has rendered its
opinion generally to the effect that, under then current law and assuming full
compliance with the terms of the trust agreement and indenture, the trust will
be classified for federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust and not as an
association taxable as a corporation. Accordingly, for federal income tax
purposes, each holder of preferred securities generally will be treated as
owning an undivided beneficial interest in the debentures, and each holder will
be required to include in its gross income any interest with respect to the
debentures at the time such interest is accrued or is received, in accordance
with the holder's method of accounting. If the debentures were determined to be
subject to the original issue discount ("OID") rules, each holder would instead
be required to include in its gross income any OID accrued with respect to its
allocable share of the debentures whether or not cash were actually distributed
to the holder.
INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD AND ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT
United States persons (including cash basis taxpayers) that hold debt
instruments issued with OID must generally include such OID in income as it
accrues on a constant yield method even if there is not a corresponding receipt
of cash attributable to such income. A debt instrument such as the debentures
will generally be treated as issued with OID if the stated interest on the
instrument does not constitute "qualified stated interest." Qualified stated
interest is generally any one of a series of stated interest payments on an
instrument that are unconditionally payable at least annually at a single fixed
rate. In determining whether stated interest on an instrument is unconditionally
payable and thus constitutes qualified stated interest, remote contingencies as
to the timely payment of stated interest are ignored. In the case of the
debentures, we have concluded that the likelihood of exercising our option to
defer payments of interest is remote. This is in part because we have a history
of declaring dividends on our common stock and we would be unable to continue
paying these dividends, which could adversely affect the market for our common
stock, if we deferred our payments under the debentures.
If the option to defer any payment of interest was determined not to be
"remote" or if Midwest Banc Holdings actually exercises its option to defer the
payment of interest, the debentures would be treated as issued with OID at the
time of issuance or at the time of such exercise, as the case may be, and all
stated interest would thereafter be treated as OID as long as the debentures
remained outstanding. In such event, all of a United States person's taxable
interest income in respect of the debentures would constitute OID that would
have to be included in income on a constant yield method before the receipt of
the cash attributable to such income, regardless of such person's method of tax
accounting, and actual distributions of stated interest would not be reported as
taxable income. Consequently, a holder of preferred securities would be required
to include such OID in gross income even though Midwest Banc Holdings would not
make any actual cash payments during an extension period.
The above information is based on recently promulgated Treasury
Regulations, which have not been interpreted by any court decisions or addressed
in any ruling or other pronouncements of the IRS, and it is possible that the
IRS could take a position contrary to the conclusions herein.
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<PAGE> 49
Because income on the preferred securities will constitute interest,
corporate holders of preferred securities will not be entitled to a
dividends-received deduction with respect to any income recognized with respect
to the preferred securities.
MARKET DISCOUNT AND ACQUISITION PREMIUM
Holders of preferred securities other than a holder who purchased the
preferred securities upon original issuance may be considered to have acquired
their undivided interests in the debentures with "market discount" or
"acquisition premium" as these phrases are defined for federal income tax
purposes. Such holders are advised to consult their tax advisors as to the
income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the
preferred securities.
RECEIPT OF DEBENTURES OR CASH UPON LIQUIDATION OF THE TRUST
Under the circumstances described under "Description of the Preferred
Securities -- Redemption or Exchange" and "-- Liquidation Distribution Upon
Termination," the debentures may be distributed to holders of preferred
securities upon a liquidation of the trust. Under current federal income tax
law, such a distribution would be treated as a nontaxable event to the holder
and would result in the holder having an aggregate tax basis in the debentures
received in the liquidation equal to the holder's aggregate tax basis in the
preferred securities immediately before the distribution. A holder's holding
period in debentures received in liquidation of the trust would include the
period for which the holder held the preferred securities.
If, however, a Tax Event occurs which results in the trust being treated as
an association taxable as a corporation, the distribution would likely
constitute a taxable event to holders of the preferred securities. Under certain
circumstances described herein, the debentures may be redeemed for cash and the
proceeds of the redemption distributed to holders in redemption of their
preferred securities. Under current law, such a redemption should, to the extent
that it constitutes a complete redemption, constitute a taxable disposition of
the redeemed preferred securities, and, for federal income tax purposes, a
holder should recognize gain or loss as if the holder sold the preferred
securities for cash.
DISPOSITION OF PREFERRED SECURITIES
A holder that sells preferred securities will recognize gain or loss equal
to the difference between the amount realized on the sale of the preferred
securities and the holder's adjusted tax basis in the preferred securities. A
holder's adjusted tax basis in the preferred securities generally will be its
initial purchase price increased by OID previously includible in the holder's
gross income to the date of disposition and decreased by payments received on
the preferred securities to the date of disposition. A gain or loss of this kind
will generally be a capital gain or loss and will be a long-term capital gain or
loss if the preferred securities have been held for more than one year at the
time of sale.
The preferred securities may trade at a price that does not accurately
reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest with respect to the underlying
debentures. A holder that disposes of its preferred securities between record
dates for payments of distributions thereon will be required to include accrued
but unpaid interest on the debentures through the date of disposition in income
as ordinary income, and to add the amount to its adjusted tax basis in its
proportionate share of the underlying debentures deemed disposed of. To the
extent the selling price is less than the holder's adjusted tax basis a holder
will recognize a capital loss. The adjusted basis would include, in the form of
OID, all accrued but unpaid interest. Subject to certain limited exceptions,
capital losses cannot be applied to offset ordinary income for federal income
tax purposes.
EFFECT OF POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAX LAWS
Congress and the Clinton Administration have considered certain proposed
tax law changes in the past that would, among other things, generally deny
corporate issuers a deduction for interest in respect of certain debt
obligations if the debt obligations have a maximum term in excess of 15 years
and are not
44
<PAGE> 50
shown as indebtedness on the issuer's applicable consolidated balance sheet.
Other proposed tax law changes would have denied interest deductions if the term
was in excess of 20 years. Although these proposed tax law changes have not been
enacted into law, there can be no assurance that tax law changes will not be
reintroduced into future legislation which, if enacted after the date hereof,
may adversely affect the federal income tax deductibility of interest payable on
the debentures. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a Tax Event will not
occur. A Tax Event would permit us, upon approval of the Federal Reserve if then
required to cause a redemption of the preferred securities before, as well as
after, , 2005. See "Description of the Debentures -- Redemption" and
"Description of the Preferred Securities -- Redemption or Exchange -- Redemption
upon a Tax Event, Investment Company Event or Capital Treatment Event."
BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND INFORMATION REPORTING
The amount of qualified stated interest, or, if applicable, OID, accrued on
the preferred securities held of record by individual citizens or residents of
the United States, or certain trusts, estates and partnerships, will be reported
to the Internal Revenue Service on Forms 1099-INT, or, where applicable, Forms
1099-OID, which forms should be mailed to the holders by January 31 following
each calendar year. Payments made on, and proceeds from the sale of, the
preferred securities may be subject to a "backup" withholding tax (currently at
31%) unless the holder complies with certain identification and other
requirements. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be
allowed as a credit against the holder's federal income tax liability, provided
the required information is provided to the Internal Revenue Service.
THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX DISCUSSION SET FORTH ABOVE IS INCLUDED FOR GENERAL
INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE DEPENDING UPON THE PARTICULAR
SITUATION OF A HOLDER OF PREFERRED SECURITIES. HOLDERS OF PREFERRED SECURITIES
SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM
OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES,
INCLUDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES UNDER STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS
AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FEDERAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS.
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
Employee benefit plans that are subject to the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code, generally
may purchase preferred securities, subject to the investing fiduciary's
determination that the investment in preferred securities satisfies ERISA's
fiduciary standards and other requirements applicable to investments by the
plan.
In any case, we and/or any of our affiliates may be considered a "party in
interest" (within the meaning of ERISA) or a "disqualified person" (within the
meaning of Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code) with respect to certain
plans. These plans generally include plans maintained or sponsored by, or
contributed to by, any such persons with respect to which we or any of our
affiliates are a fiduciary or plans for which we or any of our affiliates
provide services. The acquisition and ownership of preferred securities by a
plan (or by an individual retirement arrangement or other plans described in
Section 4975(e)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code) with respect to which we or any
of our affiliates are considered a party in interest or a disqualified person
may constitute or result in a prohibited transaction under ERISA or Section 4975
of the Internal Revenue Code, unless the preferred securities are acquired
pursuant to and in accordance with an applicable exemption.
As a result, plans with respect to which we or any of our affiliates or any
of its affiliates is a party in interest or a disqualified person should not
acquire preferred securities unless the preferred securities are acquired
pursuant to and in accordance with an applicable exemption. Any other plans or
other entities whose assets include plan assets subject to ERISA or Section 4975
of the Internal Revenue Code proposing to acquire preferred securities should
consult with their own counsel.
45
<PAGE> 51
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement among
Midwest Banc Holdings, MBHI Capital Trust I and the underwriters listed on the
table below for whom Howe Barnes Investments, Inc. is acting as representative,
the underwriters have severally agreed to purchase from MBHI Capital Trust I an
aggregate of 1,000,000 preferred securities in the amounts set forth below
opposite their respective names.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
UNDERWRITERS PREFERRED SECURITIES
------------ --------------------
<S> <C>
Howe Barnes Investments, Inc................................
---------
Total.................................................. 1,000,000
=========
</TABLE>
The underwriting agreement requires the underwriters to accept and pay for
all of the preferred securities if any are purchased. In addition, the
underwriting agreement requires that certain conditions must be satisfied on the
part of Midwest Banc Holdings and MBHI Capital Trust I before the underwriters
are obligated to purchase the preferred securities. These conditions include the
accuracy of specific representations and warranties and the receipt of opinions
of counsel and reports from accountants as to certain matters relating to
Midwest Banc Holdings, MBHI Capital Trust I and the preferred securities.
The table below shows the price and proceeds on a per security and
aggregate basis.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER PREFERRED SECURITY TOTAL
---------------------- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Price to Investors.......................................... $25 $25,000,000
Proceeds to MBHI Capital Trust I............................ 25 25,000,000
Underwriting Commissions....................................
Proceeds to Midwest Banc Holdings...........................
</TABLE>
All of the proceeds to MBHI Capital Trust I will be used to purchase the
junior subordinated debentures from Midwest Banc Holdings. Midwest Banc Holdings
has agreed to pay the underwriters % of the public offering price per
preferred security, as compensation for arranging the investment in the junior
subordinated debentures.
The underwriters propose to offer the preferred securities in part directly
to the public at the initial public offering price set forth above, and in part
to securities dealers at this price less a concession not in excess of $ per
preferred security. The underwriters may allow, and the dealers may reallow, a
concession not in excess of $ per preferred security to brokers and dealers.
After the preferred securities are released for sale to the public, the offering
price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the
underwriters.
Midwest Banc Holdings and MBHI Capital Trust I have agreed to indemnify the
underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933. Generally, the indemnification provisions in the
underwriting agreement provide for full indemnification of the underwriters in
actions related to the disclosure in this prospectus unless such disclosure was
provided by the underwriters specifically for use in this prospectus.
In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell the
preferred securities in the open market. These transactions may include
over-allotment and stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover syndicate
short positions created in connection with the offering. Stabilizing
transactions consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of preventing or
retarding a decline in the market price of the preferred securities. Syndicate
short positions involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of
securities
46
<PAGE> 52
than they agreed to purchase from Midwest Banc Holdings in the offering. The
underwriters also may impose a penalty bid, which means the syndicate may
reclaim selling concessions that had been allocated to syndicate members or
other broker-dealers for preferred securities they were credited for selling in
the offering if those securities are repurchased by the syndicate in stabilizing
or covering transactions. These activities may stabilize, maintain or otherwise
affect the market price of the securities, which may be higher than the price
that might otherwise prevail in the open market. These activities, if commenced,
may be discontinued at any time. These transactions may be effected in the
over-the-counter market or otherwise.
The underwriters have advised MBHI Capital Trust I that they do not intend
to confirm any sales of preferred securities to any discretionary accounts. In
connection with the offer and sale of the preferred securities, the underwriters
will comply with Rule 2810 under the NASD Conduct Rules.
LEGAL MATTERS
Legal matters, including matters relating to federal income tax
considerations, for Midwest Banc Holdings and the trust will be passed upon by
Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz, Chicago, Illinois, counsel to Midwest Banc
Holdings and the trust. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the
underwriters by Chapman and Cutler, Chicago, Illinois. Vedder, Price, Kaufman &
Kammholz and Chapman and Cutler will rely on the opinion of Richards, Layton &
Finger, P.A. as to matters of Delaware law.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND INFORMATION
This prospectus is a part of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed by
Midwest Banc Holdings and the trust with the SEC under the Securities Act, with
respect to the preferred securities, the debentures and the guarantee. This
prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the registration
statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the SEC. For further information with respect to Midwest Banc
Holdings and the securities offered by this prospectus, reference is made to the
registration statement, including the exhibits to the registration statement and
documents incorporated by reference. Statements contained in this prospectus
concerning the provisions of such documents are necessarily summaries of such
documents and each such statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the copy of the applicable document filed with the SEC.
We file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the
SEC. Our filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC's web
site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also inspect and copy these materials at the
public reference facilities of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024,
Washington, D.C. 20549, as well as at 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661 and 75 Park Place, Room 1400, New York, New York 10007.
Copies of such material can be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public
Reference Section of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.
Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information.
The trust is not currently subject to the information reporting
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and although the trust will
become subject to such requirements upon the effectiveness of the registration
statement, it is not expected that the trust will be required to file separate
reports under the Securities Exchange Act.
Each holder of the trust securities will receive a copy of our annual
report at the same time as we furnish the annual report to the holders of our
common stock.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Midwest Banc Holdings and its
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1999, are incorporated herein by reference
to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
47
<PAGE> 53
December 31, 1999. These consolidated financial statements have been
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon the report of Crowe, Chizek
and Company LLP, independent certified public accountants, which is incorporated
herein by reference, and upon the authority of that firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
We "incorporate by reference" into this prospectus the information in
documents we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important
information to you through those documents. The information incorporated by
reference is an important part of this prospectus. Some information contained in
this prospectus updates the information incorporated by reference and some
information that we file subsequently with the SEC will automatically update
this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below:
(a) our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1999, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2000;
(b) our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000,
filed with the SEC on May 8, 2000;
(c) our Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 3, 2000 filed with the SEC on
May 9, 2000; and
(d) our Proxy Statement dated March 29, 2000 and filed with the SEC on
March 29, 2000.
We also incorporate by reference any filings we make with the SEC under
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 after
the initial filing of the registration statement that contains this prospectus
and before the time that all of the securities offered in this prospectus are
sold.
You may request a copy of these filings at no cost by contacting us at the
following address:
Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc.
501 West North Avenue
Melrose Park, Illinois 60160
Attn: Edward H. Sibbald
(708) 865-1053
48
<PAGE> 54
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,000,000 PREFERRED SECURITIES
MBHI CAPITAL TRUST I
% CUMULATIVE PREFERRED SECURITIES
FULLY, IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY
GUARANTEED ON A SUBORDINATED BASIS BY
[MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.] [LOGO]
-------------------------------
PROSPECTUS
-------------------------------
HOWE BARNES INVESTMENTS, INC.
______________, 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 55
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
The following table sets forth the various expenses in connection with the
sale and distribution of the securities being registered, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions. All amounts shown are estimates, except
the SEC registration fee and the NASD and the American Stock Exchange filing
fees:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SEC registration fee........................................ $ 6,600
NASD filing fee............................................. 3,000
American Stock Exchange listing fee......................... 10,000
Trustees' fees.............................................. 10,000
Printing and mailing expenses............................... 35,000
Fees and expenses of counsel................................ 100,000
Accounting and related expenses............................. 30,000
Blue Sky fees and expenses.................................. 2,500
Miscellaneous............................................... 2,900
--------
Total.................................................. $200,000
========
</TABLE>
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
In accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law, Sections 11 and 13
of Midwest Banc Holdings' Certificate of Incorporation provide as follows:
Section 11. The corporation shall, to the full extent permitted by
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended from time
to time, indemnify all persons who it may indemnify pursuant thereto.
Section 13. No director of the corporation shall be personally liable
to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
fiduciary duty as a director, provided, however, that this provision shall
not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of a
director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; (ii) for
acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct
or a knowing violation of the law; (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware
General Corporation Law; or (iv) for any transaction for which the director
derived an improper personal benefit.
Additional provisions regarding indemnification are included in the
Company's By-laws. Article VIII of Midwest Banc Holdings' Bylaws provides as
follows:
Section 8.1 Indemnification. The Corporation shall indemnify, to the
full extent that it shall have the power under the Delaware General
Corporation Law to do so and in a manner permitted by such law, any person
made or threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was
serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee
or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise against liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred or paid by
such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding. The words
"liabilities" and "expenses" shall include, without limitations:
liabilities, losses, damages, judgments, fines, penalties, amounts paid in
settlement, expenses, attorneys' fees and costs. Expenses incurred in
defending a civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other action,
suit or proceeding may be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final
disposition of such action, suit or proceeding in accordance with the
provisions of Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as
amended.
II-1
<PAGE> 56
The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by this
By-law shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which any
person indemnified may be entitled under any by-law, statute, agreement,
vote of stockholders, or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to
action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while
holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be
such director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of
the heirs, executors and administrators of such person.
The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any
person referred to in the preceding paragraph against any liability
asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising
out of his status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the
power to indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of this
By-law or otherwise.
For purposes of this By-law, reference to "the Corporation" shall
include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent
corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a
consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued,
would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers and
employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer,
employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at
the request of such constituent corporation, as director, officer, employee
or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this
By-law with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as he would
have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence
had continued.
The provisions of this By-law shall be deemed to be a contract between
the Corporation and each director, officer, employee and agent who serves
in any such capacity at any time while this By-law and the relevant
provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended, or other
applicable law, if any, are in effect, and any repeal or modification of
any such law or of this By-law shall not affect any rights or obligations
then existing with respect to any state of facts then or theretofore
existing or any action, suit or proceeding theretofore or thereafter
brought or threatened based in whole or in part upon such state of facts.
For purposes of this By-law, references to "other enterprises" shall
include employee benefit plans; references to "fines" shall include any
excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit
plan; and references to "serving at the request of the corporation" shall
include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such
director, officer, employee or agent with respect to any employee benefit
plan, its participants, or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good
faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the best interest of
the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be
deemed to have acted in a manner not opposed to the best interests of the
Corporation.
Midwest Banc Holdings also carries Directors' and Officers' liability
insurance in the amount of $10 million.
The Amended and Restated Trust Agreement will provide for indemnification
of the Delaware Trustee and each of the administrative trustees by Midwest Banc
Holdings against any loss, damage, claims, liability, penalty or expense of any
kind incurred by the trustees in connection with the performance of their duties
or powers under the agreement in a manner reasonably believed by the trustee to
be within the scope of its authority under the agreement, except that none of
these trustees will be so indemnified for any loss, damage or claim incurred by
reason of such trustee's gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.
Similarly, the agreement provides for indemnification of the Property Trustee
except that the Property Trustee is not indemnified from liability for its own
negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct. Under the
agreement, Midwest Banc Holdings agrees to advance those expenses incurred by
any trustee in defending any such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding.
II-2
<PAGE> 57
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------
<C> <S>
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement for Preferred Securities.*
4.1 Form of Indenture.
4.2 Form of Junior Subordinated Debenture (included as an
exhibit to Exhibit 4.1).
4.3 Certificate of Trust.
4.4 Trust Agreement.
4.5 Form of Amended and Restated Trust Agreement.
4.6 Form of Preferred Securities Certificate (included as an
exhibit to Exhibit 4.5).
4.7 Form of Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement.
4.8 Form of Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities (included
as an exhibit to Exhibit 4.5).
5.1 Opinion of Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz.
5.2 Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.
8.1 Opinion of Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz as to certain
tax matters.
12.1 Calculation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges.
23.1 Consent of Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP.
23.2 Consent of Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz (included in
opinions filed as Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1).
23.3 Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. (included in
opinion filed as Exhibit 5.2).
24.1 Powers of Attorney (included as part of signature pages).
25.1 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, of Wilmington Trust Company, as
trustee under the Indenture.
25.2 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, of Wilmington Trust Company, as
trustee under the Trust Agreement.
25.3 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, of Wilmington Trust Company, as
trustee under the Guarantee Agreement.
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
* To be filed by amendment.
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
(b) The undersigned Registrants hereby undertake that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Company's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(h) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of
the Registrants pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in that Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrants of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the Registrants in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, each Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
II-3
<PAGE> 58
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
(i) The undersigned registrants hereby undertake that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed
as part of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A
and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant
pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities
Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of this Registration
Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of
such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering thereof.
II-4
<PAGE> 59
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Midwest Banc
Holdings, Inc. certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements of filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this
registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Melrose Park, State of Illinois, on May 8, 2000.
MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.
By: /s/ ROBERT L. WOODS
------------------------------------
Robert L. Woods, President
and Chief Executive Officer
By: /s/ EDWARD H. SIBBALD
------------------------------------
Edward H. Sibbald, Senior Vice
President
and Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the MBHI
Capital Trust I certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it
meets all of the requirements of filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this
registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Melrose Park, State of Illinois, on May 8, 2000.
MBHI CAPITAL TRUST I
By: MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.
as Depositor
By: /s/ ROBERT L. WOODS
------------------------------------
Robert L. Woods
President and Chief Executive
Officer
S-1
<PAGE> 60
Know all men by these presents, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Robert L. Woods and Edward H. Sibbald, and each
of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full
power of substitution and re-substitution, for him or her and in his or her
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities (including in his or her
capacity as a director or officer of Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc.) to sign any or
all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration
Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents
in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting
unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and
agent, or any of them, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on May 8, 2000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE
--------- -----
<C> <S>
/s/ E. V. SILVERI Chairman of the Board
- ------------------------------------------
E. V. Silveri
/s/ ROBERT L. WOODS President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
- ------------------------------------------
Robert L. Woods
/s/ ANGELO A. DIPAOLO Director
- ------------------------------------------
Angelo A. DiPaolo
/s/ DANIEL NAGLE Director
- ------------------------------------------
Daniel Nagle
/s/ JOSEPH RIZZA Director
- ------------------------------------------
Joseph Rizza
/s/ LEROY PASASCO Director
- ------------------------------------------
LeRoy Pasasco
/s/ ROBERT D. SMALL Director
- ------------------------------------------
Robert D. Small
/s/ LEON WOLIN Director
- ------------------------------------------
Leon Wolin
/s/ EDWARD H. SIBBALD Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
- ------------------------------------------
Edward H. Sibbald
/s/ DANIEL R. KADOLPH Vice President, Comptroller and Treasurer and Chief
- ------------------------------------------ Accounting Officer
Daniel R. Kadolph
</TABLE>
S-2
<PAGE> 61
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------
<C> <S>
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement for Preferred Securities.*
4.1 Form of Indenture.
4.2 Form of Junior Subordinated Debenture (included as an
exhibit to Exhibit 4.1).
4.3 Certificate of Trust.
4.4 Trust Agreement.
4.5 Form of Amended and Restated Trust Agreement.
4.6 Form of Preferred Securities Certificate (included as an
exhibit to Exhibit 4.5).
4.7 Form of Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement.
4.8 Form of Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities (included
as an exhibit to Exhibit 4.5).
5.1 Opinion of Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz.
5.2 Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.
8.1 Opinion of Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz as to certain
tax matters.
12.1 Calculation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges.
23.1 Consent of Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP.
23.2 Consent of Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz (included in
opinions filed as Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1).
23.3 Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. (included in
opinion filed as Exhibit 5.2).
24.1 Powers of Attorney (included as part of signature pages).
25.1 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, of Wilmington Trust Company, as
trustee under the Indenture.
25.2 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, of Wilmington Trust Company, as
trustee under the Trust Agreement.
25.3 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, of Wilmington Trust Company, as
trustee under the Guarantee Agreement.
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
* To be filed by amendment.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 4.1
MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.
AND
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,
AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE
INDENTURE
_____% JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES DUE 2030
DATED AS OF JUNE __, 2000
<PAGE> 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS..............................................................................................2
Section 1.1 Definitions of Terms........................................................................2
ARTICLE II
ISSUE, DESCRIPTION, TERMS, CONDITIONS...................................................................10
REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF THE DEBENTURES.............................................................10
Section 2.1 Designation and Principal Amount...........................................................10
Section 2.2 Maturity...................................................................................10
Section 2.3 Form and Payment...........................................................................10
Section 2.4 [Intentionally Left Blank].................................................................11
Section 2.5 Interest...................................................................................11
Section 2.6 Execution and Authentications..............................................................11
Section 2.7 Registration of Transfer and Exchange......................................................12
Section 2.8 Temporary Debentures.......................................................................13
Section 2.9 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Debentures............................................14
Section 2.10 Cancellation..............................................................................15
Section 2.11 Benefit of Indenture......................................................................15
Section 2.12 Authentication Agent......................................................................15
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION OF DEBENTURES................................................................................16
Section 3.1 Redemption.................................................................................16
Section 3.2 Special Event Redemption...................................................................16
Section 3.3 Optional Redemption by Company.............................................................16
Section 3.4 Notice of Redemption.......................................................................17
Section 3.5 Payment Upon Redemption....................................................................18
Section 3.6 No Sinking Fund............................................................................18
ARTICLE IV
EXTENSION OF INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD....................................................................19
Section 4.1 Extension of Interest Payment Period.......................................................19
Section 4.2 Notice of Extension........................................................................19
Section 4.3 Limitation on Transactions.................................................................20
ARTICLE V
PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.....................................................................20
Section 5.1 Payment of Principal and Interest..........................................................20
Section 5.2 Maintenance of Agency......................................................................20
Section 5.3 Paying Agents..............................................................................21
Section 5.4 Appointment to Fill Vacancy in Office of Trustee...........................................22
Section 5.5 Compliance with Consolidation Provisions...................................................22
Section 5.6 Limitation on Transactions.................................................................22
Section 5.7 Covenants as to the Trust..................................................................23
</TABLE>
ii
<PAGE> 3
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Section 5.8 Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws....................................................23
ARTICLE VI
DEBENTUREHOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS
BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE..........................................................................23
Section 6.1 Company to Furnish Trustee Names and
Addresses of Debentureholders.........................................................23
Section 6.2 Preservation of Information Communications with Debentureholders...........................24
Section 6.3 Reports by the Company.....................................................................24
Section 6.4 Reports by the Trustee.....................................................................25
ARTICLE VII
REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND DEBENTUREHOLDERS............................................................25
ON EVENT OF DEFAULT.....................................................................................25
Section 7.1 Events of Default..........................................................................25
Section 7.2 Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee............................27
Section 7.3 Application of Moneys Collected............................................................28
Section 7.4 Limitation on Suits........................................................................28
Section 7.5 Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission not Waiver...............................29
Section 7.6 Control by Debentureholders................................................................29
Section 7.7 Undertaking to Pay Costs...................................................................30
Section 7.8 Direct Action; Right of Set-Off............................................................30
ARTICLE VIII
FORM OF DEBENTURE AND ORIGINAL ISSUE....................................................................31
Section 8.1 Form of Debenture..........................................................................31
Section 8.2 Original Issue of Debentures...............................................................31
ARTICLE IX
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE..................................................................................31
Section 9.1 Certain Duties and Responsibilities of the Trustee.........................................31
Section 9.2 Notice of Defaults.........................................................................33
Section 9.3 Certain Rights of Trustee..................................................................33
Section 9.4 Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals, etc..................................................34
Section 9.5 May Hold Debentures........................................................................34
Section 9.6 Moneys Held in Trust.......................................................................35
Section 9.7 Compensation and Reimbursement.............................................................35
Section 9.8 Reliance on Officers' Certificate..........................................................35
Section 9.9 Disqualification; Conflicting Interests....................................................36
Section 9.10 Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility...................................................36
Section 9.11 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.........................................36
Section 9.12 Acceptance of Appointment by Successor....................................................37
Section 9.13 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business...............................38
Section 9.14 Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company.....................................38
ARTICLE X
CONCERNING THE DEBENTUREHOLDERS.........................................................................38
Section 10.1 Evidence of Action by Holders.............................................................38
Section 10.2 Proof of Execution by Debentureholders....................................................39
</TABLE>
iii
<PAGE> 4
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Section 10.3 Who May be Deemed Owners..................................................................39
Section 10.4 Certain Debentures Owned by Company Disregarded...........................................40
Section 10.5 Actions Binding on Future Debentureholders................................................40
ARTICLE XI
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES.................................................................................41
Section 11.1 Supplemental Indentures Without the Consent of Debentureholders...........................41
Section 11.2 Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Debentureholders..................................42
Section 11.3 Effect of Supplemental Indentures.........................................................42
Section 11.4 Debentures Affected by Supplemental Indentures............................................42
Section 11.5 Execution of Supplemental Indentures......................................................43
ARTICLE XII
SUCCESSOR CORPORATION...................................................................................43
Section 12.1 Company May Consolidate, etc..............................................................43
Section 12.2 Successor Corporation Substituted.........................................................44
Section 12.3 Evidence of Consolidation, etc. to Trustee................................................44
ARTICLE XIII
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE..............................................................................44
Section 13.1 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture...................................................44
Section 13.2 Discharge of Obligations..................................................................45
Section 13.3 Deposited Moneys to be Held in Trust......................................................45
Section 13.4 Payment of Monies Held by Paying Agents...................................................45
Section 13.5 Repayment to Company......................................................................46
ARTICLE XIV
IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS
AND DIRECTORS...........................................................................................46
Section 14.1 No Recourse...............................................................................46
ARTICLE XV
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS................................................................................47
Section 15.1 Effect on Successors and Assigns..........................................................47
Section 15.2 Actions by Successor......................................................................47
Section 15.3 Surrender of Company Powers...............................................................47
Section 15.4 Notices...................................................................................47
Section 15.5 Governing Law.............................................................................47
Section 15.6 Treatment of Debentures as Debt...........................................................48
Section 15.7 Compliance Certificates and Opinions......................................................48
Section 15.8 Payments on Business Days.................................................................48
Section 15.9 Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.........................................................48
Section 15.10 Counterparts.............................................................................49
Section 15.11 Separability.............................................................................49
Section 15.12 Assignment...............................................................................49
Section 15.13 Acknowledgment of Rights.................................................................49
ARTICLE XVI
SUBORDINATION OF DEBENTURES.............................................................................50
Section 16.1 Agreement to Subordinate..................................................................50
</TABLE>
iv
<PAGE> 5
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Section 16.2 Default on Senior Debt, Subordinated Debt or
Additional Senior Obligations.........................................................50
Section 16.3 Liquidation; Dissolution; Bankruptcy......................................................50
Section 16.4 Subrogation...............................................................................52
Section 16.5 Trustee to Effectuate Subordination.......................................................53
Section 16.6 Notice by the Company.....................................................................53
Section 16.7 Rights of the Trustee; Holders of Senior Indebtedness.....................................53
Section 16.8 Subordination may not be Impaired.........................................................54
</TABLE>
v
<PAGE> 6
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SECTION OF
TRUST INDENTURE ACT SECTION OF
OF 1939, AS AMENDED INDENTURE
- ------------------- -----------
<C> <C>
310(a).................................................................................9.10
310(b)..................................................................................9.9
................................................................................9.11
310(c).......................................................................Not Applicable
311(a).................................................................................9.14
311(b).................................................................................9.14
311(c)...................................................................... Not Applicable
312(a)..................................................................................6.1
...............................................................................6.2(a)
312(b)...............................................................................6.2(c)
312(c)...............................................................................6.2(c)
313(a)...............................................................................6.4(a)
313(b)...............................................................................6.4(b)
313(c)...............................................................................6.4(a)
..............................................................................6.4(b)
313(d)...............................................................................6.4(c)
314(a)...............................................................................6.3(a)
314(b).......................................................................Not Applicable
314(c).................................................................................15.7
314(d).......................................................................Not Applicable
314(e).................................................................................15.7
314(f).......................................................................Not Applicable
315(a)...............................................................................9.1(a)
.................................................................................9.3
315(b)..................................................................................9.2
315(c)...............................................................................9.1(a)
315(d)...............................................................................9.1(b)
315(e)..................................................................................7.7
316(a)..................................................................................1.1
.................................................................................7.6
316(b)...............................................................................7.4(b)
316(c)..............................................................................10.1(b)
317(a)..................................................................................7.2
317(b)..................................................................................5.3
318(a).................................................................................15.9
</TABLE>
Note: This reconciliation and tie sheet shall not, for any purpose, be deemed
to be a part of the Indenture.
vi
<PAGE> 7
INDENTURE
INDENTURE, dated as of June __, 2000, between MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS,
INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") and WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, a
Delaware banking corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the
State of Delaware, as trustee (the "Trustee");
RECITALS
WHEREAS, for its lawful corporate purposes, the Company has duly
authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the
issuance of securities to be known as its _____% Junior Subordinated Debentures
due 2030 (hereinafter referred to as the "Debentures"), the form and substance
of such Debentures and the terms, provisions and conditions thereof to be set
forth as provided in this Indenture;
WHEREAS, MBHI Capital Trust I, a Delaware statutory business trust (the
"Trust"), has offered to the public up to $25,000,000 aggregate liquidation
amount of its Preferred Securities (as defined herein) and proposes to invest
the proceeds from such offering, together with the proceeds of the issuance and
sale by the Trust to the Company of up to $773,200 aggregate liquidation amount
of its Common Securities (as defined herein), in up to $25,773,200 aggregate
principal amount of the Debentures;
WHEREAS, the Company has requested that the Trustee execute and deliver
this Indenture;
WHEREAS, all requirements necessary to make this Indenture a valid
instrument in accordance with its terms, and to make the Debentures, when
executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, the
valid obligations of the Company, have been performed, and the execution and
delivery of this Indenture have been duly authorized in all respects;
WHEREAS, to provide the terms and conditions upon which the Debentures
are to be authenticated, issued and delivered, the Company has duly authorized
the execution of this Indenture; and
WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement
of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the purchase of
the Debentures by the holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed as
follows for the equal and ratable benefit of the holders of the Debentures:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
<PAGE> 8
SECTION 1.1 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS.
The terms defined in this Section 1.1 (except as in this Indenture
otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires) for all
purposes of this Indenture and of any indenture supplemental hereto shall have
the respective meanings specified in this Section 1.1 and shall include the
plural as well as the singular. All other terms used in this Indenture that are
defined in the Trust Indenture Act, or that are by reference in the Trust
Indenture Act defined in the Securities Act (except as herein otherwise
expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires), shall have the
meanings assigned to such terms in the Trust Indenture Act and in the Securities
Act as in force at the date of the execution of this instrument. All accounting
terms used herein and not expressly defined shall have the meanings assigned to
such terms in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
"Accelerated Maturity Date" means if the Company elects to accelerate
the Maturity Date in accordance with Section 2.2(c), the date selected by the
Company which is prior to the Scheduled Maturity Date, but is after ________,
2005.
"Additional Interest" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.5(c).
"Additional Senior Obligations" means all indebtedness of the Company
whether incurred on or prior to the date of this Indenture or thereafter
incurred, for claims in respect of derivative products such as interest and
foreign exchange rate contracts, commodity contracts and similar arrangements;
provided, however, that Additional Senior Obligations does not include claims in
respect of Senior Debt or Subordinated Debt or obligations which, by their
terms, are expressly stated to be not superior in right of payment to the
Debentures or to rank pari passu in right of payment with the Debentures. For
purposes of this definition, "claim" shall have the meaning assigned thereto in
Section 101(4) of the United States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended.
"Administrative Trustees" shall have the meaning set forth in the Trust
Agreement.
"Affiliate" means, with respect to a specified Person, (a) any Person
directly or indirectly owning, controlling or holding with power to vote 10% or
more of the outstanding voting securities or other ownership interests of the
specified Person; (b) any Person 10% or more of whose outstanding voting
securities or other ownership interests are directly or indirectly owned,
controlled or held with power to vote by the specified Person; (c) any Person
directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with
the specified Person; (d) a partnership in which the specified Person is a
general partner; (e) any officer or director of the specified Person; and (f) if
the specified Person is an individual, any entity of which the specified Person
is an officer, director or general partner.
"Authenticating Agent" means an authenticating agent with respect to
the Debentures appointed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.12.
2
<PAGE> 9
"Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11, U.S. Code, or any similar federal or
state law for the relief of debtors.
"Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of the Company or any
duly authorized committee of such Board or any other duly designated officers of
the Company.
"Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by
the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such
certification.
"Business Day" means, with respect to the Debentures, any day other
than a Saturday or a Sunday or a day on which federal or state banking
institutions in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, are authorized
or required by law, executive order or regulation to close, or a day on which
the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee or the Property Trustee is closed for
business.
"Capital Treatment Event" means the receipt by the Company and the
Trust of an Opinion of Counsel, rendered by a law firm having a recognized
national bank regulatory practice, to the effect that, as a result of any
amendment to, or change (including any announced prospective change) in, the
laws (or any regulations thereunder) of the United States or any political
subdivision thereof or therein, or as a result of any official or administrative
pronouncement or action or judicial decision interpreting or applying such laws
or regulations, which amendment or change is effective or which pronouncement or
decision is announced on or after the date of issuance of the Preferred
Securities under the Trust Agreement, there is more than an insubstantial risk
of impairment of the Company's ability to treat the Preferred Securities (or any
substantial portion thereof) as Tier 1 capital (or the then equivalent thereof),
for purposes of the capital adequacy guidelines of the Federal Reserve, as then
in effect and applicable to the Company; provided, however, that the Trust or
the Company shall have requested and received such an Opinion of Counsel with
regard to such matters within a reasonable period of time after the Trust or the
Company shall have become aware of the possible occurrence of any such event.
"Certificate" means a certificate signed by the principal executive
officer, the principal financial officer, the principal accounting officer, the
treasurer or any vice president of the Company. The Certificate need not comply
with the provisions of Section 15.7.
"Change in 1940 Act Law" shall have the meaning set forth in the
definition of "Investment Company Event."
"Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Common Securities" means undivided beneficial interests in the assets
of the Trust which rank pari passu with the Preferred Securities; provided,
however, that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the rights of holders
of Common Securities to payment in respect of distributions and payments upon
liquidation, redemption and otherwise are subordinated to the rights of holders
of Preferred Securities.
3
<PAGE> 10
"Company" means Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc., a corporation duly
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and, subject to
the provisions of Article XII, shall also include its successors and assigns.
"Compounded Interest" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.
"Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Trustee at which, at
any particular time, its corporate trust business shall be principally
administered, which office at the date hereof is located at Rodney Square North,
1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19890-0001, Attention:
Corporate Trust Administration.
"Coupon Rate" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5.
"Custodian" means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, or
similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
"Debentures" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.
"Debentureholder," "holder of Debentures," "registered holder," or
other similar term, means the Person or Persons in whose name or names a
particular Debenture shall be registered on the books of the Company or the
Trustee kept for that purpose in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
"Debenture Register" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.7(b).
"Debt" means with respect to any Person, whether recourse is to all or
a portion of the assets of such Person and whether or not contingent, (i) every
obligation of such Person for money borrowed; (ii) every obligation of such
Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments,
including obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition of property,
assets or businesses; (iii) every reimbursement obligation of such Person with
respect to letters of credit, bankers' acceptances or similar facilities issued
for the account of such Person; (iv) every obligation of such Person issued or
assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (but excluding
trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of
business); (v) every capital lease obligation of such Person; and (vi) and every
obligation of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (v) of another Person
and all dividends of another Person the payment of which, in either case, such
Person has guaranteed or is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as
obligor or otherwise.
"Default" means any event, act or condition that with notice or lapse
of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.
"Deferred Interest" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.
4
<PAGE> 11
"Dissolution Event" means that as a result of the occurrence and
continuation of a Special Event, the Trust is to be dissolved in accordance with
the Trust Agreement and the Debentures held by the Property Trustee are to be
distributed to the holders of the Trust Securities issued by the Trust pro rata
in accordance with the Trust Agreement.
"Event of Default" means, with respect to the Debentures, any event
specified in Section 7.1, which has continued for the period of time, if any,
and after the giving of the notice, if any, therein designated.
"Exchange Act," means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
as in effect at the date of execution of this Indenture.
"Extended Interest Payment Period" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 4.1.
"Federal Reserve" means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System.
"Generally Accepted Accounting Principles" means such accounting
principles as are generally accepted at the time of any computation required
hereunder.
"Governmental Obligations" means securities that are (i) direct
obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which its full
faith and credit is pledged; or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or
supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of
America, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and
credit obligation by the United States of America that, in either case, are not
callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also
include a depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of
the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any such Governmental
Obligation or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such
Governmental Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of
such depositary receipt; provided, however, that (except as required by law)
such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable
to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the
custodian in respect of the Governmental Obligation or the specific payment of
principal of or interest on the Governmental Obligation evidenced by such
depositary receipt.
"Herein," "hereof," and "hereunder," and other words of similar import,
refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or
other subdivision.
"Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed or as it may
from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures
supplemental hereto entered into in accordance with the terms hereof.
"Interest Payment Date," when used with respect to any installment of
interest on the Debentures, means the date specified in the Debenture or in an
indenture supplemental hereto with respect to the Debentures as the fixed date
on which an installment of interest with respect to the Debentures is due and
payable.
5
<PAGE> 12
"Investment Company Act," means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, as in effect at the date of execution of this Indenture.
"Investment Company Event" means the receipt by the Trust and the
Company of an Opinion of Counsel, rendered by a law firm having a recognized
national tax and securities law practice, to the effect that, as a result of the
occurrence of a change in law or regulation or a change in interpretation or
application of law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental
agency or regulatory authority (a "Change in 1940 Act Law"), the Trust is or
shall be considered an "investment company" that is required to be registered
under the Investment Company Act, which Change in 1940 Act Law becomes effective
on or after the date of original issuance of the Preferred Securities under the
Trust Agreement; provided, however, that the Trust or the Company shall have
requested and received such an Opinion of Counsel with regard to such matters
within a reasonable period of time after the Trust or the Company shall have
become aware of the possible occurrence of any such event.
"Maturity Date" means the date on which the Debentures mature and on
which the principal shall be due and payable together with all accrued and
unpaid interest thereon including Compounded Interest and Additional Interest,
if any.
"Ministerial Action" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.
"Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the President or
an Executive Vice President and by the Senior Vice President--Chief Financial
Officer or the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of the Company that is delivered to the Trustee in
accordance with the terms hereof. Each such certificate shall include the
statements provided for in Section 15.7, if and to the extent required by the
provisions thereof.
"Opinion of Counsel" means an opinion in writing of independent,
outside legal counsel for the Company that is delivered to the Trustee in
accordance with the terms hereof. Each such opinion shall include the statements
provided for in Section 15.7, if and to the extent required by the provisions
thereof.
"Outstanding," when used with reference to the Debentures, means,
subject to the provisions of Section 10.4, as of any particular time, all
Debentures theretofore authenticated and delivered by the Trustee under this
Indenture, except (a) Debentures theretofore canceled by the Trustee or any
paying agent, or delivered to the Trustee or any paying agent for cancellation
or that have previously been canceled; (b) Debentures or portions thereof for
the payment or redemption of which moneys or Governmental Obligations in the
necessary amount shall have been deposited in trust with the Trustee or with any
paying agent (other than the Company) or shall have been set aside and
segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own paying
agent); provided, however, that if such Debentures or portions of such
Debentures are to be redeemed prior to the maturity thereof, notice of such
redemption shall have been given as in Article III provided, or provision
satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made for giving such notice; and (c)
Debentures
6
<PAGE> 13
in lieu of or in substitution for which other Debentures shall have been
authenticated and delivered pursuant to the terms of Section 2.7; provided,
however, that in determining whether the holders of the requisite percentage of
Debentures have given any request, notice, consent or waiver hereunder,
Debentures held by the Company or any Affiliate of the Company shall not be
included; provided, further, that the Trustee shall be protected in acting upon
any request, notice, consent or waiver unless a Responsible Officer of the
Trustee shall have actual knowledge that the holder of such Debenture is the
Company or an Affiliate thereof.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint-venture,
joint-stock company, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or
political subdivision thereof.
"Predecessor Debenture" means every previous Debenture evidencing all
or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Debenture;
and, for the purposes of this definition, any Debenture authenticated and
delivered under Section 2.9 in lieu of a lost, destroyed or stolen Debenture
shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the lost, destroyed or stolen
Debenture.
"Preferred Securities" means the ____% Cumulative Preferred Securities
representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust which
rank pari passu with Common Securities issued by the Trust; provided, however,
that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the rights of holders of Common
Securities to payment in respect of distributions and payments upon liquidation,
redemption and otherwise are subordinated to the rights of holders of Preferred
Securities.
"Preferred Securities Guarantee" means any guarantee that the Company
may enter into with the Trustee or other Persons that operate directly or
indirectly for the benefit of holders of Preferred Securities.
"Property Trustee" has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
"Redemption Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.
"Responsible Officer" when used with respect to the Trustee means any
officer within the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee with direct
responsibility for the administration of this Indenture, including any vice
president, any assistant vice president, any assistant secretary or any other
officer or assistant officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions
similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such
officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred
because of his or her knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.
"Scheduled Maturity Date" means __________, 2030.
"Securities Act," means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as in
effect at the date of execution of this instrument.
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"Senior Debt" means the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest
(including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in
bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Company whether or not such
claim for post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding) on Debt, whether
incurred on or prior to the date of this Indenture or thereafter incurred,
unless, in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which
the same is outstanding, it is provided that such obligations are not superior
in right of payment to the Debentures or to other Debt which is pari passu with,
or subordinated to, the Debentures; provided, however, that Senior Debt shall
not be deemed to include (i) any Debt of the Company which when incurred and
without respect to any election under section 1111(b) of the United States
Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended, was without recourse to the Company; (ii)
any Debt of the Company owed to any of its subsidiaries; (iii) Debt owed to any
employee of the Company; (iv) Debt which by its terms is subordinated to trade
accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of
business to the extent that payments made to the holders of such Debt by the
holders of the Debentures as a result of the subordination provisions of this
Indenture would be greater than they otherwise would have been as a result of
any obligation of such holders to pay amounts over to the obligees on such trade
accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of
business as a result of subordination provisions to which such Debt is subject;
and (v) Debt which constitutes Subordinated Debt.
"Senior Indebtedness" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.2.
"Special Event" means a Tax Event, an Investment Company Event or a
Capital Treatment Event.
"Subordinated Debt" means the principal of (and premium, if any) and
interest (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in
bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Company whether or not such
claim for post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding) on Debt, whether
incurred on or prior to the date of this Indenture or thereafter incurred, which
is by its terms expressly provided to be junior and subordinate to Senior Debt
of the Company (other than the Debentures); provided, however, that Subordinated
Debt will not be deemed to include (i) any Debt of the Company which when
incurred and without respect to any election under section 1111(b) of the United
States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended, was without recourse to the Company,
(ii) any Debt of the Company owed to any of its subsidiaries, (iii) any Debt
owed to any employee of the Company, (iv) any Debt which by its terms is
subordinated to trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the
ordinary course of business to the extent that payments made to the holders of
such Debt by the holders of the Subordinated Debentures as a result of the
subordination provisions of the Indenture would be greater than they otherwise
would have been as a result of any obligation of such holders to pay amounts
over to the obligees on such trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities
arising in the ordinary course of business as a result of subordination
provisions to which such Debt is subject, (v) Debt which constitutes Senior Debt
and (vi) any Debt of the Company under debt securities (and guarantees in
respect of these debt securities) initially issued to any trust, or a trustee of
a trust, partnership or other entity affiliated with the Company that is,
directly or indirectly, a financing vehicle of the Company in connection with
the issuance by that entity of trust preferred securities or other securities
which are intended to qualify for Tier 1 capital treatment.
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"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, (i) any corporation at
least a majority of whose outstanding Voting Stock shall at the time be owned,
directly or indirectly, by such Person or by one or more of its Subsidiaries or
by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries; (ii) any general
partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or similar entity, at
least a majority of whose outstanding partnership or similar interests shall at
the time be owned by such Person, or by one or more of its Subsidiaries, or by
such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries; and (iii) any limited
partnership of which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries is a general
partner.
"Tax Event" means the receipt by the Company and the Trust of an
Opinion of Counsel, rendered by a law firm having a recognized national tax and
securities practice, to the effect that, as a result of any amendment to, or
change (including any announced prospective change) in, the laws (or any
regulations thereunder) of the United States or any political subdivision or
taxing authority thereof or therein, or as a result of any official
administrative pronouncement or judicial decision interpreting or applying such
laws or regulations, which amendment or change is effective or which
pronouncement or decision is announced on or after the date of issuance of the
Preferred Securities under the Trust Agreement, there is more than an
insubstantial risk that (i) the Trust is, or shall be within 90 days after the
date of such Opinion of Counsel, subject to United States federal income tax
with respect to income received or accrued on the Debentures; (ii) interest
payable by the Company on the Debentures is not, or within 90 days after the
date of such Opinion of Counsel, shall not be, deductible by the Company, in
whole or in part, for United States federal income tax purposes; or (iii) the
Trust is, or shall be within 90 days after the date of such Opinion of Counsel,
subject to more than a de minimis amount of other taxes, duties, assessments or
other governmental charges; provided, however, that the Trust or the Company
shall have requested and received such an Opinion of Counsel with regard to such
matters within a reasonable period of time after the Trust or the Company shall
have become aware of the possible occurrence of any of the events described in
clauses (i) through (iii) above.
"Trust" means MBHI Capital Trust I, a Delaware statutory business
trust.
"Trust Agreement" means the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated
June __, 2000, of the Trust.
"Trustee" means Wilmington Trust Company and, subject to the provisions
of Article IX, shall also include its successors and assigns, and, if at any
time there is more than one Person acting in such capacity hereunder, "Trustee"
shall mean each such Person.
"Trust Indenture Act," means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, subject to the provisions of Sections 11.1, 11.2, and 12.1, as in
effect at the date of execution of this instrument.
"Trust Securities" means the Common Securities and Preferred
Securities, collectively.
"Voting Stock," as applied to stock of any Person, means shares,
interests, participations or other equivalents in the equity interest (however
designated) in such Person having ordinary voting power for the election of a
majority of the directors (or the equivalent) of such Person, other than
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shares, interests, participations or other equivalents having such power only by
reason of the occurrence of a contingency.
ARTICLE II
ISSUE, DESCRIPTION, TERMS, CONDITIONS
REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF THE DEBENTURES
SECTION 2.1 DESIGNATION AND PRINCIPAL AMOUNT.
There is hereby authorized Debentures designated the "_____% Junior
Subordinated Debentures due 2030," limited in aggregate principal amount to
$25,773,200 which amount shall be as set forth in any written order of the
Company for the authentication and delivery of Debentures pursuant to Section
2.6.
SECTION 2.2 MATURITY.
(a) The Maturity Date shall be either:
(i) the Scheduled Maturity Date; or
(ii) if the Company elects to accelerate the Maturity Date to
be a date prior to the Scheduled Maturity Date in accordance with
Section 2.2(c), the Accelerated Maturity Date.
(b) the Company may at any time before the day which is 90 days before
the Scheduled Maturity Date and after __________, 2005 elect to shorten the
Maturity Date only once to the Accelerated Maturity Date provided that the
Company has received the prior approval of the Federal Reserve if then required
under applicable capital guidelines, policies or regulations of the Federal
Reserve.
(c) if the Company elects to accelerate the Maturity Date in accordance
with Section 2.2(b), the Company shall give notice to the Trustee and the Trust
(unless the Trust is not the holder of the Debentures, in which case the Trustee
will give notice to the holders of the Debentures) of the acceleration of the
Maturity Date and the Accelerated Maturity Date at least 90 days and no more
than 180 days before the Accelerated Maturity Date; provided, however, that
nothing provided in this Section 2.2 shall limit the Company's rights, as
provided in Article III hereof, to redeem all or a portion of the Debentures at
such time or times on or after __________, 2005, as the Company may so
determine, or at any time upon the occurrence of a Special Event.
SECTION 2.3 FORM AND PAYMENT.
The Debentures shall be issued in fully registered certificated form
without interest coupons. Principal and interest on the Debentures issued in
certificated form shall be payable, the transfer of such Debentures shall be
registrable and such Debentures shall be exchangeable for Debentures
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bearing identical terms and provisions at the office or agency of the Trustee;
provided, however, that payment of interest may be made at the option of the
Company by check mailed to the holder at such address as shall appear in the
Debenture Register or by wire transfer to an account maintained by the holder as
specified in the Debenture Register, provided that the holder provides proper
transfer instructions by the regular record date. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
so long as the holder of any Debentures is the Property Trustee, the payment of
principal of and interest (including Compounded Interest and Additional
Interest, if any) on such Debentures held by the Property Trustee shall be made
at such place and to such account as may be designated by the Property Trustee.
SECTION 2.4 [INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK].
SECTION 2.5 INTEREST.
(a) Each Debenture shall bear interest at the rate of _____% per annum
(the "Coupon Rate") from the original date of issuance until the principal
thereof becomes due and payable, and on any overdue principal and (to the extent
that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law) on any
overdue installment of interest at the Coupon Rate, compounded quarterly,
payable (subject to the provisions of Article IV) quarterly in arrears on March
31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year (each, an "Interest
Payment Date"), commencing on September 30, 2000 to the Person in whose name
such Debenture or any Predecessor Debenture is registered, at the close of
business on the regular record date for such interest installment, which shall
be the fifteenth day of the last month of the calendar quarter.
(b) The amount of interest payable for any period shall be computed on
the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The amount of interest
payable for any period shorter than a full quarterly period for which interest
is computed, shall be computed on the basis of the number of days elapsed in a
360-day year of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any date on which
interest is payable on the Debentures is not a Business Day, then payment of
interest payable on such date shall be made on the next succeeding day which is
a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such
delay) except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar
year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day (and
without any reduction of interest or any other payment in respect of any such
acceleration), in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the
date such payment was originally payable.
(c) If, at any time while the Property Trustee is the holder of any
Debentures, the Trust or the Property Trustee is required to pay any taxes,
duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (other than
withholding taxes) imposed by the United States, or any other taxing authority,
then, in any case, the Company shall pay as additional interest ("Additional
Interest") on the Debentures held by the Property Trustee, such additional
amounts as shall be required so that the net amounts received and retained by
the Trust and the Property Trustee after paying such taxes, duties, assessments
or other governmental charges shall be equal to the amounts the Trust and the
Property Trustee would have received had no such taxes, duties, assessments or
other government charges been imposed.
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SECTION 2.6 EXECUTION AND AUTHENTICATIONS.
(a) The Debentures shall be signed on behalf of the Company by its
President or one of its Executive Vice Presidents or Senior Chief Financial
Officer or Treasurer, under its corporate seal attested by its Secretary or one
of its Assistant Secretaries. Signatures may be in the form of a manual or
facsimile signature. The Company may use the facsimile signature of any Person
who shall have been a President or Vice President thereof, or of any Person who
shall have been a Secretary or Assistant Secretary thereof, notwithstanding the
fact that at the time the Debentures shall be authenticated and delivered or
disposed of such Person shall have ceased to be the President or a Vice
President, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Company (and any
such signature shall be binding on the Company). The seal of the Company may be
in the form of a facsimile of such seal and may be impressed, affixed, imprinted
or otherwise reproduced on the Debentures. The Debentures may contain such
notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or
usage. Each Debenture shall be dated the date of its authentication by the
Trustee.
(b) A Debenture shall not be valid until authenticated manually by an
authorized signatory of the Trustee, or by an Authenticating Agent. Such
signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Debenture so authenticated has
been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and that the holder is entitled
to the benefits of this Indenture.
(c) At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery
of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Debentures executed by the Company to
the Trustee for authentication, together with a written order of the Company for
the authentication and delivery of such Debentures signed by its President or
any Executive Vice President and its Senior Vice President--Chief Financial
Officer and the Trustee in accordance with such written order shall authenticate
and deliver such Debentures.
(d) In authenticating such Debentures and accepting the additional
responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Debentures, the
Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 9.1) shall be
fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the form and
terms thereof have been established in conformity with the provisions of this
Indenture.
(e) The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Debentures
if the issue of such Debentures pursuant to this Indenture shall affect the
Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under the Debentures and this
Indenture or otherwise in a manner that is not reasonably acceptable to the
Trustee.
SECTION 2.7 REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE.
(a) Debentures may be exchanged upon presentation thereof at the office
or agency of the Company designated for such purpose in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York, or at the office of the Debenture Registrar,
for other Debentures and for a like aggregate principal amount in denominations
of integral multiples of $25, upon payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax
or other governmental charge in relation thereto, all as provided in this
Section 2.7. In respect of any
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Debentures so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, the Trustee
shall authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in exchange therefor
the Debenture or Debentures that the Debentureholder making the exchange shall
be entitled to receive, bearing numbers not contemporaneously outstanding.
(b) The Company shall keep, or cause to be kept, at its office or
agency designated for such purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New
York, or at the office of the Debenture Registrar or such other location
designated by the Company a register or registers (herein referred to as the
"Debenture Register") in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may
prescribe, the Company shall register the Debentures and the transfers of
Debentures as in this Article II provided and which at all reasonable times
shall be open for inspection by the Trustee. The registrar for the purpose of
registering Debentures and transfer of Debentures as herein provided shall
initially be the Trustee and thereafter as may be appointed by the Company as
authorized by Board Resolution (the "Debenture Registrar"). Upon surrender for
transfer of any Debenture at the office or agency of the Company designated for
such purpose, the Company shall execute, the Trustee shall authenticate and such
office or agency shall deliver in the name of the transferee or transferees a
new Debenture or Debentures for a like aggregate principal amount. All
Debentures presented or surrendered for exchange or registration of transfer, as
provided in this Section 2.7, shall be accompanied (if so required by the
Company or the Debenture Registrar) by a written instrument or instruments of
transfer, in form satisfactory to the Company or the Debenture Registrar, duly
executed by the registered holder or by such holder's duly authorized attorney
in writing.
(c) No service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of
transfer of Debentures, or issue of new Debentures in case of partial
redemption, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any
tax or other governmental charge in relation thereto, other than exchanges
pursuant to Section 2.8, the second paragraph of Section 3.5 and Section 11.4
not involving any transfer.
(d) The Company shall not be required (i) to issue, exchange or
register the transfer of any Debentures during a period beginning at the opening
of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption of
less than all the Outstanding Debentures and ending at the close of business on
the day of such mailing; nor (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any
Debentures or portions thereof called for redemption.
(e) Debentures may only be transferred, in whole or in part, in
accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Indenture. Any
transfer or purported transfer of any Debenture not made in accordance with this
Indenture shall be null and void.
SECTION 2.8 TEMPORARY DEBENTURES.
Pending the preparation of definitive Debentures, the Company may
execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Debentures
(printed, lithographed, or typewritten). Such temporary Debentures shall be
substantially in the form of the definitive Debentures in lieu of which they are
issued, but with such omissions, insertions and variations as may be appropriate
for
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temporary Debentures, all as may be determined by the Company. Every temporary
Debenture shall be executed by the Company and be authenticated by the Trustee
upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and with like
effect, as the definitive Debentures. Without unnecessary delay the Company
shall execute and shall furnish definitive Debentures and thereupon any or all
temporary Debentures may be surrendered in exchange therefor (without charge to
the holders), at the office or agency of the Company designated for the purpose
in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, and the Trustee shall
authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in exchange for such
temporary Debentures an equal aggregate principal amount of definitive
Debentures, unless the Company advises the Trustee to the effect that definitive
Debentures need not be executed and furnished until further notice from the
Company. Until so exchanged, the temporary Debentures shall be entitled to the
same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Debentures authenticated and
delivered hereunder.
SECTION 2.9 MUTILATED, DESTROYED, LOST OR STOLEN DEBENTURES.
(a) In case any temporary or definitive Debenture shall become
mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company (subject to the next
succeeding sentence) shall execute, and upon the Company's request the Trustee
(subject as aforesaid) shall authenticate and deliver, a new Debenture bearing a
number not contemporaneously outstanding, in exchange and substitution for the
mutilated Debenture, or in lieu of and in substitution for the Debenture so
destroyed, lost, stolen or mutilated. In every case the applicant for a
substituted Debenture shall furnish to the Company and the Trustee such security
or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless, and, in
every case of destruction, loss or theft, the applicant shall also furnish to
the Company and the Trustee evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction,
loss or theft of the applicant's Debenture and of the ownership thereof. The
Trustee may authenticate any such substituted Debenture and deliver the same
upon the written request or authorization of the President or any Executive Vice
President and the Senior Vice President--Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
Upon the issuance of any substituted Debenture, the Company may require the
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that
may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees
and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith. In case any Debenture that has
matured or is about to mature shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or
stolen, the Company may, instead of issuing a substitute Debenture, pay or
authorize the payment of the same (without surrender thereof except in the case
of a mutilated Debenture) if the applicant for such payment shall furnish to the
Company and the Trustee such security or indemnity as they may require to save
them harmless, and, in case of destruction, loss or theft, evidence to the
satisfaction of the Company and the Trustee of the destruction, loss or theft of
such Debenture and of the ownership thereof.
(b) Every replacement Debenture issued pursuant to the provisions of
this Section 2.9 shall constitute an additional contractual obligation of the
Company whether or not the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Debenture shall
be found at any time, or be enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all
the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all
other Debentures duly issued hereunder. All Debentures shall be held and owned
upon the express condition that the foregoing provisions are exclusive with
respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen
Debentures, and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) any and all
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other rights or remedies, notwithstanding any law or statute existing or
hereafter enacted to the contrary with respect to the replacement or payment of
negotiable instruments or other securities without their surrender.
SECTION 2.10 CANCELLATION.
All Debentures surrendered for the purpose of payment, redemption,
exchange or registration of transfer shall, if surrendered to the Company or any
paying agent, be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, or, if surrendered
to the Trustee, shall be canceled by it, and no Debentures shall be issued in
lieu thereof except as expressly required or permitted by any of the provisions
of this Indenture. On request of the Company at the time of such surrender, the
Trustee shall deliver to the Company canceled Debentures held by the Trustee. In
the absence of such request the Trustee may dispose of canceled Debentures in
accordance with its standard procedures and deliver a certificate of disposition
to the Company. If the Company shall otherwise acquire any of the Debentures,
however, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of
the indebtedness represented by such Debentures unless and until the same are
delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.
SECTION 2.11 BENEFIT OF INDENTURE.
Nothing in this Indenture or in the Debentures, express or implied,
shall give or be construed to give to any Person, other than the parties hereto
and the holders of the Debentures (and, with respect to the provisions of
Article XVI, the holders of Senior Indebtedness) any legal or equitable right,
remedy or claim under or in respect of this Indenture, or under any covenant,
condition or provision herein contained; all such covenants, conditions and
provisions being for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and of the holders
of the Debentures (and, with respect to the provisions of Article XVI, the
holders of Senior Indebtedness).
SECTION 2.12 AUTHENTICATION AGENT.
(a) So long as any of the Debentures remain Outstanding there may be an
Authenticating Agent for any or all such Debentures, which the Trustee shall
have the right to appoint. Said Authenticating Agent shall be authorized to act
on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Debentures issued upon exchange,
transfer or partial redemption thereof, and Debentures so authenticated shall be
entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for
all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. All references in
this Indenture to the authentication of Debentures by the Trustee shall be
deemed to include authentication by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating
Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and shall be a corporation that has a
combined capital and surplus, as most recently reported or determined by it,
sufficient under the laws of any jurisdiction under which it is organized or in
which it is doing business to conduct a trust business, and that is otherwise
authorized under such laws to conduct such business and is subject to
supervision or examination by federal or state authorities. If at any time any
Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with these
provisions, it shall resign immediately.
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(b) Any Authenticating Agent may at any time resign by giving written
notice of resignation to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any
time (and upon request by the Company shall) terminate the agency of any
Authenticating Agent by giving written notice of termination to such
Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon resignation, termination or
cessation of eligibility of any Authenticating Agent, the Trustee may appoint an
eligible successor Authenticating Agent acceptable to the Company. Any successor
Authenticating Agent, upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder, shall become
vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder as if
originally named as an Authenticating Agent pursuant hereto.
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION OF DEBENTURES
SECTION 3.1 REDEMPTION.
Subject to the Company having received prior approval of the Federal
Reserve, if then required under the applicable capital guidelines, policies or
regulations of the Federal Reserve, the Company may redeem the Debentures issued
hereunder on and after the dates set forth in and in accordance with the terms
of this Article III.
SECTION 3.2 SPECIAL EVENT REDEMPTION.
Subject to the Company having received the prior approval of the Federal
Reserve, if then required under the applicable capital guidelines, policies or
regulations of the Federal Reserve, if a Special Event has occurred and is
continuing, then, notwithstanding Section 3.3(a) but subject to Section 3.3(b),
the Company shall have the right upon not less than 30 days nor more than 60
days notice to the holders of the Debentures to redeem the Debentures, in whole
but not in part, for cash within 180 days following the occurrence of such
Special Event (the "180-Day Period") at a redemption price equal to 100% of the
principal amount to be redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon to
the date of such redemption (the "Redemption Price"), provided that if at the
time there is available to the Company the opportunity to eliminate, within the
180-Day Period, a Tax Event by taking some ministerial action (a "Ministerial
Action"), such as filing a form or making an election, or pursuing some other
similar reasonable measure which has no adverse effect on the Company, the Trust
or the holders of the Trust Securities issued by the Trust, the Company shall
pursue such Ministerial Action in lieu of redemption. The Redemption Price shall
be paid prior to 12:00 noon, New York time, on the date of such redemption or
such earlier time as the Company determines, provided that the Company shall
deposit with the Trustee an amount sufficient to pay the Redemption Price by
10:00 a.m., New York time, on the date such Redemption Price is to be paid.
SECTION 3.3 OPTIONAL REDEMPTION BY COMPANY.
(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 3.3(b), except as otherwise may
be specified in this Indenture, the Company shall have the right to redeem the
Debentures, in whole or in part, from
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time to time, on or after , 2005, at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the
principal amount to be redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon to
the date of such redemption. Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.3(a)
shall be made upon not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days notice to the
holder of the Debentures, at the Redemption Price. If the Debentures are only
partially redeemed pursuant to this Section 3.3, the Debentures shall be
redeemed pro rata or y lot or in such other manner as the Trustee shall deem
appropriate and fair in its discretion. The Redemption Price shall be paid prior
to 12:00 noon, New York time, on the date of such redemption or at such earlier
time as the Company determines provided that the Company shall deposit with the
Trustee an amount sufficient to pay the Redemption Price by 10:00 a.m., New York
time, on the date such Redemption Price is to be paid.
(b) If a partial redemption of the Debentures would result in the
delisting of the Preferred Securities issued by the Trust from the American
Stock Exchange or any national securities exchange or other organization on
which the Preferred Securities are then listed, the Company shall not be
permitted to effect such partial redemption and may only redeem the Debentures
in whole.
SECTION 3.4 NOTICE OF REDEMPTION.
(a) In case the Company shall desire to exercise such right to redeem
all or, as the case may be, a portion of the Debentures in accordance with the
right reserved so to do, the Company shall, or shall cause the Trustee to, upon
receipt of 45 days' written notice from the Company (which notice shall, in the
event of a partial redemption, include a representation to the effect that such
partial redemption will not result in the delisting of the Preferred Securities
as described in Section 3.3(b) above), give notice of such redemption to holders
of the Debentures to be redeemed by mailing, first class postage prepaid, a
notice of such redemption not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days before
the date fixed for redemption to such holders at their last addresses as they
shall appear upon the Debenture Register unless a shorter period is specified in
the Debentures to be redeemed. Any notice that is mailed in the manner herein
provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not
the registered holder receives the notice. In any case, failure duly to give
such notice to the holder of any Debenture designated for redemption in whole or
in part, or any defect in the notice, shall not affect the validity of the
proceedings for the redemption of any other Debentures. In the case of any
redemption of Debentures prior to the expiration of any restriction on such
redemption provided in the terms of such Debentures or elsewhere in this
Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers' Certificate
evidencing compliance with any such restriction. Each such notice of redemption
shall specify the date fixed for redemption and the Redemption Price and shall
state that payment of the Redemption Price shall be made at the office or agency
of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York or at the
Corporate Trust Office, upon presentation and surrender of such Debentures, that
interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption shall be paid as specified in
said notice and that from and after said date interest shall cease to accrue. If
less than all the Debentures are to be redeemed, the notice to the holders of
the Debentures shall specify the particular Debentures to be redeemed. If the
Debentures are to be redeemed in part only, the notice shall state the portion
of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed and shall state that on and after
the redemption date, upon surrender of such Debenture,
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a new Debenture or Debentures in principal amount equal to the unredeemed
portion thereof shall be issued.
(b) If less than all the Debentures are to be redeemed, the Company
shall give the Trustee at least 45 days' notice in advance of the date fixed for
redemption as to the aggregate principal amount of Debentures to be redeemed,
and thereupon the Trustee shall select, pro rata or by lot or in such other
manner as it shall deem appropriate and fair in its discretion, the portion or
portions (equal to $25 or any integral multiple thereof) of the Debentures to be
redeemed and shall thereafter promptly notify the Company in writing of the
numbers of the Debentures to be redeemed, in whole or in part. The Company may,
if and whenever it shall so elect pursuant to the terms hereof, by delivery of
instructions signed on its behalf by its Chairman, its President or any Vice
President, instruct the Trustee or any paying agent to call all or any part of
the Debentures for redemption and to give notice of redemption in the manner set
forth in this Section 3.4, such notice to be in the name of the Company or its
own name as the Trustee or such paying agent may deem advisable. In any case in
which notice of redemption is to be given by the Trustee or any such paying
agent, the Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to, or permit to
remain with, the Trustee or such paying agent, as the case may be, such
Debenture Register, transfer books or other records, or suitable copies or
extracts therefrom, sufficient to enable the Trustee or such paying agent to
give any notice by mail that may be required under the provisions of this
Section 3.4.
SECTION 3.5 PAYMENT UPON REDEMPTION.
(a) If the giving of notice of redemption shall have been completed as
above provided, the Debentures or portions of Debentures to be redeemed
specified in such notice shall become due and payable on the date and at the
place stated in such notice at the applicable Redemption Price, and interest on
such Debentures or portions of Debentures shall cease to accrue on and after the
date fixed for redemption, unless the Company shall default in the payment of
such Redemption Price with respect to any such Debenture or portion thereof. On
presentation and surrender of such Debentures on or after the date fixed for
redemption at the place of payment specified in the notice, said Debentures
shall be paid and redeemed at the Redemption Price (but if the date fixed for
redemption is an interest payment date, the interest installment payable on such
date shall be payable to the registered holder at the close of business on the
applicable record date pursuant to Section 3.3).
(b) Upon presentation of any Debenture that is to be redeemed in part
only, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and the
office or agency where the Debenture is presented shall deliver to the holder
thereof, at the expense of the Company, a new Debenture of authorized
denomination in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the
Debenture so presented.
SECTION 3.6 NO SINKING FUND.
The Debentures are not entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund.
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ARTICLE IV
EXTENSION OF INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
SECTION 4.1 EXTENSION OF INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD.
The Company shall have the right, at any time and from time to time
during the term of the Debentures so long as no Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing, to defer payments of interest by extending the interest
payment period of such Debentures for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive
quarters (the "Extended Interest Payment Period"), during which Extended
Interest Payment Period no interest shall be due and payable; provided that no
Extended Interest Payment Period may extend beyond the Maturity Date or end on a
date other than an Interest Payment Date. To the extent permitted by applicable
law, interest, the payment of which has been deferred because of the extension
of the interest payment period pursuant to this Section 4.1, shall bear interest
thereon at the Coupon Rate compounded quarterly for each quarter of the Extended
Interest Payment Period ("Compounded Interest"). At the end of the Extended
Interest Payment Period, the Company shall calculate (and deliver such
calculation to the Trustee) and pay all interest accrued and unpaid on the
Debentures, including any Additional Interest and Compounded Interest (together,
"Deferred Interest") that shall be payable to the holders of the Debentures in
whose names the Debentures are registered in the Debenture Register on the first
record date after the end of the Extended Interest Payment Period. Before the
termination of any Extended Interest Payment Period, the Company may further
extend such period so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, provided that such period together with all such further extensions
thereof shall not exceed 20 consecutive quarters, or extend beyond the Maturity
Date of the Debentures or end on a date other than an Interest Payment Date.
Upon the termination of any Extended Interest Payment Period and upon the
payment of all Deferred Interest then due, the Company may commence a new
Extended Interest Payment Period, subject to the foregoing requirements. No
interest shall be due and payable during an Extended Interest Payment Period,
except at the end thereof, but the Company may prepay at any time all or any
portion of the interest accrued during an Extended Interest Payment Period.
SECTION 4.2 NOTICE OF EXTENSION.
(a) If the Property Trustee is the only registered holder of the
Debentures at the time the Company selects an Extended Interest Payment Period,
the Company shall give written notice to the Administrative Trustees, the
Property Trustee and the Trustee of its selection of such Extended Interest
Payment Period two Business Days before the earlier of (i) the next succeeding
date on which Distributions on the Trust Securities issued by the Trust are
payable; or (ii) the date the Trust is required to give notice of the record
date, or the date such Distributions are payable, to the American Stock Exchange
or other applicable self-regulatory organization or to holders of the Preferred
Securities issued by the Trust, but in any event at least one Business Day
before such record date.
(b) If the Property Trustee is not the only holder of the Debentures at
the time the Company selects an Extended Interest Payment Period, the Company
shall give the holders of the Debentures and the Trustee written notice of its
selection of such Extended Interest Payment Period
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at least two Business Days before the earlier of (i) the next succeeding
Interest Payment Date; or (ii) the date the Company is required to give notice
of the record or payment date of such interest payment to the American Stock
Exchange or other applicable self-regulatory organization or to holders of the
Debentures.
(c) The quarter in which any notice is given pursuant to paragraphs (a)
or (b) of this Section 4.2 shall be counted as one of the 20 quarters permitted
in the maximum Extended Interest Payment Period permitted under Section 4.1.
SECTION 4.3 LIMITATION ON TRANSACTIONS.
If (i) the Company shall exercise its right to defer payment of interest
as provided in Section 4.1; or (ii) there shall have occurred and be continuing
any Event of Default, then (a) the Company shall not declare or pay any dividend
on, make any distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make
a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock (other than as a
result of a reclassification of its capital stock for another class of its
capital stock); (b) the Company shall not make any payment of interest,
principal or premium, if any, or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities
issued by the Company which rank pari passu with or junior to the Debentures or
make any guarantee payment with respect to any guarantee by the Company of the
debt securities of any subsidiary of the Company if such guarantee ranks pari
passu with or junior to the Debentures; provided, however, that notwithstanding
the foregoing the Company may make payments pursuant to its obligations under
the Preferred Securities Guarantee; and (c) the Company shall not redeem,
purchase or acquire less than all of the outstanding Debentures or any of the
Preferred Securities.
ARTICLE V
PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
SECTION 5.1 PAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST.
The Company shall duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the
principal of and interest on the Debentures at the time and place and in the
manner provided herein.
SECTION 5.2 MAINTENANCE OF AGENCY.
So long as any of the Debentures remain Outstanding, the Company shall
maintain, or shall cause to be maintained, an office or agency in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York, and at such other location or locations as may
be designated as provided in this Section 5.2, where (i) Debentures may be
presented for payment; (ii) Debentures may be presented as hereinabove
authorized for registration of transfer and exchange; and (iii) notices and
demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Debentures and this Indenture
may be given or served, such designation to continue with respect to such office
or agency until the Company shall, by written notice signed
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by its President or a Vice President and delivered to the Trustee, designate
some other office or agency for such purposes or any of them. If at any time the
Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail
to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, notices and
demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and
the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such
presentations, notices and demands. In addition to any such office or agency,
the Company may from time to time designate one or more offices or agencies
outside of the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, where the Debentures
may be presented for registration or transfer and for exchange in the manner
provided herein, and the Company may from time to time rescind such designation
as the Company may deem desirable or expedient; provided, however, that no such
designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its
obligation to maintain any such office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan,
The City of New York, for the purposes above mentioned. The Company shall give
the Trustee prompt written notice of any such designation or rescission thereof.
SECTION 5.3 PAYING AGENTS.
(a) The Company shall be the initial paying agent. If the Company shall
appoint one or more paying agents for the Debentures, other than the Trustee,
the Company shall cause each such paying agent to execute and deliver to the
Trustee an instrument in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject
to the provisions of this Section 5.3:
(i) that it shall hold all sums held by it as such agent for
the payment of the principal of or interest on the Debentures (whether
such sums have been paid to it by the Company or by any other obligor
of such Debentures) in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled
thereto;
(ii) that it shall give the Trustee notice of any failure by
the Company (or by any other obligor of such Debentures) to make any
payment of the principal of or interest on the Debentures when the same
shall be due and payable;
(iii) that it shall, at any time during the continuance of any
failure referred to in the preceding paragraph (a)(ii) above, upon the
written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums
so held in trust by such paying agent; and
(iv) that it shall perform all other duties of paying agent as
set forth in this Indenture.
(b) If the Company shall act as its own paying agent with respect to the
Debentures, it shall on or before each due date of the principal of or interest
on such Debentures, set aside, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of
the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay such principal or interest
so becoming due on Debentures until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or
otherwise disposed of as herein provided and shall promptly notify the Trustee
of such action, or any failure (by it or any other obligor on such Debentures)
to take such action. Whenever the Company shall have one or more paying agents
for the Debentures, it shall, prior to each due date of the
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principal of or interest on any Debentures, deposit with the paying agent a sum
sufficient to pay the principal or interest so becoming due, such sum to be held
in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal or interest,
and (unless such paying agent is the Trustee) the Company shall promptly notify
the Trustee of this action or failure so to act.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5.3 to the contrary, (i)
the agreement to hold sums in trust as provided in this Section 5.3 is subject
to the provisions of Section 13.3 and 13.4; and (ii) the Company may at any
time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this
Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or direct any paying agent to pay, to
the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such paying agent, such
sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same terms and conditions as those upon
which such sums were held by the Company or such paying agent; and, upon such
payment by any paying agent to the Trustee, such paying agent shall be released
from all further liability with respect to such money.
SECTION 5.4 APPOINTMENT TO FILL VACANCY IN OFFICE OF TRUSTEE.
The Company, whenever necessary to avoid or fill a vacancy in the office
of Trustee, shall appoint, in the manner provided in Section 9.10, a Trustee, so
that there shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder.
SECTION 5.5 COMPLIANCE WITH CONSOLIDATION PROVISIONS.
The Company shall not, while any of the Debentures remain outstanding,
consolidate with, or merge into, or merge into itself, or sell or convey all or
substantially all of its property to any other company unless the provisions of
Article XII hereof are complied with.
SECTION 5.6 LIMITATION ON TRANSACTIONS.
If Debentures are issued to the Trust or a Trustee of the Trust in
connection with the issuance of Trust Securities by the Trust and (i) there
shall have occurred any event that would constitute an Event of Default; (ii)
the Company shall be in default with respect to any of its obligations under the
Preferred Securities Guarantee relating to the Trust; or (iii) the Company shall
have given notice of its election to defer payments of interest on such
Debentures by extending the interest payment period as provided in this
Indenture and such period, or any extension thereof, shall be continuing, then
(a) the Company shall not declare or pay any dividend on, make any distributions
with respect to, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with
respect to, any of its capital stock (other than as a result of a
reclassification of its capital stock); and (b) the Company shall not make any
payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, or repay, repurchase or
redeem any debt securities issued by the Company which rank pari passu with or
junior to the Debentures or make any guarantee payments with respect to any
guarantee by the Company of the debt securities of any subsidiary of the Company
if such guarantee ranks pari passu with or junior in interest to the Debentures;
provided, however, that the Company may make payments pursuant to its
obligations under the Preferred Securities Guarantee; and (c) the Company shall
not redeem, purchase or acquire less than all of the outstanding Debentures or
any of the Preferred Securities.
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SECTION 5.7 COVENANTS AS TO THE TRUST.
For so long as such Trust Securities of the Trust remain outstanding,
the Company shall (i) maintain 100% direct or indirect ownership of the Common
Securities of the Trust; provided, however, that any permitted successor of the
Company under this Indenture may succeed to the Company's ownership of the
Common Securities; (ii) not voluntarily terminate, wind up or liquidate the
Trust, except upon prior approval of the Federal Reserve if then so required
under applicable capital guidelines, policies or regulations of the Federal
Reserve and use its reasonable efforts to cause the Trust (a) to remain a
business trust (and to avoid involuntary termination, winding up or
liquidation), except in connection with a distribution of Debentures, the
redemption of all of the Trust Securities of the Trust or certain mergers,
consolidations or amalgamations, each as permitted by the Trust Agreement; and
(b) to otherwise continue not to be treated as an association taxable as a
corporation or partnership for United States federal income tax purposes; and
(iii) use its reasonable efforts to cause each holder of Trust Securities to be
treated as owning an individual beneficial interest in the Debentures. In
connection with the distribution of the Debentures to the holders of the
Preferred Securities issued by the Trust upon a Dissolution Event, the Company
shall use its reasonable efforts to list such Debentures on the American Stock
Exchange or on such other exchange as the Preferred Securities are then listed.
SECTION 5.8 WAIVER OF USURY, STAY OR EXTENSION LAWS.
The Company shall not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any
manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any usury, stay or
extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may
affect the covenants or the performances of this Indenture, and the Company (to
the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or
advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or
impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer
and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been
enacted.
ARTICLE VI
DEBENTUREHOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS
BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 6.1 COMPANY TO FURNISH TRUSTEE NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF DEBENTUREHOLDERS.
The Company shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee (a) on
a monthly basis on each regular record date (as described in Section 2.5) a
list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and
addresses of the holders of the Debentures as of such regular record date,
provided that the Company shall not be obligated to furnish or cause to furnish
such list at any time that the list shall not differ in any respect from the
most recent list furnished to the Trustee by the Company (in the event the
Company fails to provide such list on a monthly basis, the Trustee
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shall be entitled to rely on the most recent list provided by the Company); and
(b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing within 30 days
after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and
content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is
furnished; provided, however, that, in either case, no such list need be
furnished if the Trustee shall be the Debenture Registrar.
SECTION 6.2 PRESERVATION OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS WITH DEBENTUREHOLDERS.
(a) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably
practicable, all information as to the names and addresses of the holders of
Debentures contained in the most recent list furnished to it as provided in
Section 6.1 and as to the names and addresses of holders of Debentures received
by the Trustee in its capacity as registrar for the Debentures (if acting in
such capacity).
(b) The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in
Section 6.1 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.
(c) Debentureholders may communicate as provided in Section 312(b) of
the Trust Indenture Act with other Debentureholders with respect to their rights
under this Indenture or under the Debentures.
SECTION 6.3 REPORTS BY THE COMPANY.
(a) The Company covenants and agrees to file with the Trustee, within 15
days after the Company is required to file the same with the Commission, copies
of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or
copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time
to time by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Company may be required to
file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange
Act; or, if the Company is not required to file information, documents or
reports pursuant to either of such sections, then to file with the Trustee and
the Commission, in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed from
time to time by the Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic
information, documents and reports that may be required pursuant to Section 13
of the Exchange Act in respect of a security listed and registered on a national
securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and
regulations.
(b) The Company covenants and agrees to file with the Trustee and the
Commission, in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed from to time
by the Commission, such additional information, documents and reports with
respect to compliance by the Company with the conditions and covenants provided
for in this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and
regulations.
(c) The Company covenants and agrees to transmit by mail, first class
postage prepaid, or reputable overnight delivery service that provides for
evidence of receipt, to the Debentureholders, as their names and addresses
appear upon the Debenture Register, within 30 days after the filing
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thereof with the Trustee, such summaries of any information, documents and
reports required to be filed by the Company pursuant to subsections (a) and (b)
of this Section 6.3 as may be required by rules and regulations prescribed from
time to time by the Commission.
SECTION 6.4 REPORTS BY THE TRUSTEE.
(a) On or before July 31 in each year in which any of the Debentures are
Outstanding, the Trustee shall transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, to
the Debentureholders, as their names and addresses appear upon the Debenture
Register, a brief report dated as of the preceding June 30, if and to the extent
required under Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act.
(b) The Trustee shall comply with Section 313(b) and 313(c) of the Trust
Indenture Act.
(c) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission
to Debentureholders, be filed by the Trustee with the Company, with each stock
exchange upon which any Debentures are listed (if so listed) and also with the
Commission. The Company agrees to notify the Trustee when any Debentures become
listed on any stock exchange.
ARTICLE VII
REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND DEBENTUREHOLDERS
ON EVENT OF DEFAULT
SECTION 7.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT.
(a) Whenever used herein with respect to the Debentures, "Event of
Default" means any one or more of the following events that has occurred and is
continuing:
(i) the Company defaults in the payment of any installment of
interest upon any of the Debentures, as and when the same shall become
due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30
days; provided, however, that a valid extension of an interest payment
period by the Company in accordance with the terms of this Indenture
shall not constitute a default in the payment of interest for this
purpose;
(ii) the Company defaults in the payment of the principal on
the Debentures as and when the same shall become due and payable
whether at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise;
(iii) the Company fails to observe or perform any other of its
covenants or agreements with respect to the Debentures for a period of
90 days after the date on which written notice of such failure,
requiring the same to be remedied and stating that such notice is a
"Notice of Default" hereunder, shall have been given to the Company by
the Trustee, by
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registered or certified mail, or to the Company and the Trustee by the
holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Debentures at the
time Outstanding;
(iv) the Company pursuant to or within the meaning of any
Bankruptcy Law (i) commences a voluntary case; (ii) consents to the
entry of an order for relief against it in
an involuntary case; (iii) consents to the appointment of a Custodian
of it or for all or substantially all of its property; or (iv) makes a
general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;
(v) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order under
any Bankruptcy Law that (i) is for relief against the Company in an
involuntary case; (ii) appoints a Custodian of the Company for all or
substantially all of its property; or (iii) orders the liquidation of
the Company, and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for
90 days; or
(vi) the Trust shall have voluntarily or involuntarily
dissolved, wound-up its business or otherwise terminated its existence
except in connection with (i) the distribution of Debentures to holders
of Trust Securities in liquidation of their interests in the Trust;
(ii) the redemption of all of the outstanding Trust Securities of the
Trust; or (iii) certain mergers, consolidations or amalgamations, each
as permitted by the Trust Agreement.
(b) In each and every such case, unless the principal of all the
Debentures shall have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the
holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Debentures
then Outstanding hereunder, by notice in writing to the Company (and to the
Trustee if given by such Debentureholders) may declare the principal of all the
Debentures to be due and payable immediately, and upon any such declaration the
same shall become and shall be immediately due and payable, notwithstanding
anything contained in this Indenture or in the Debentures.
(c) At any time after the principal of the Debentures shall have been
so declared due and payable, and before any judgment or decree for the payment
of the moneys due shall have been obtained or entered as hereinafter provided,
the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debentures then
Outstanding hereunder, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may
rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if: (i) the Company has
paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay all matured
installments of interest upon all the Debentures and the principal of any and
all Debentures that shall have become due otherwise than by acceleration (with
interest upon such principal, and, to the extent that such payment is
enforceable under applicable law, upon overdue installments of interest, at the
rate per annum expressed in the Debentures to the date of such payment or
deposit) and the amount payable to the Trustee under Section 9.6; and (ii) any
and all Events of Default under this Indenture, other than the nonpayment of
principal on Debentures that shall not have become due by their terms, shall
have been remedied or waived as provided in Section 7.6. No such rescission and
annulment shall extend to or shall affect any subsequent default or impair any
right consequent thereon.
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(d) In case the Trustee shall have proceeded to enforce any right with
respect to Debentures under this Indenture and such proceedings shall have been
discontinued or abandoned because of such rescission or annulment or for any
other reason or shall have been determined adversely to the Trustee, then and in
every such case the Company and the Trustee shall be restored respectively to
their former positions and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers
of the Company and the Trustee shall continue as though no such proceedings had
been taken.
SECTION 7.2 COLLECTION OF INDEBTEDNESS AND SUITS FOR ENFORCEMENT BY TRUSTEE.
(a) The Company covenants that (1) in case it shall default in the
payment of any installment of interest on any of the Debentures, and such
default shall have continued for a period of 90 Business Days; or (2) in case it
shall default in the payment of the principal of any of the Debentures when the
same shall have become due and payable, whether upon maturity of the Debentures
or upon redemption or upon declaration or otherwise, then, upon demand of the
Trustee, the Company shall pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the holders of
the Debentures, the whole amount that then shall have been become due and
payable on all such Debentures for principal or interest, or both, as the case
may be, with interest upon the overdue principal and (to the extent that payment
of such interest is enforceable under applicable law and, if the Debentures are
held by the Trust or a trustee of the Trust, without duplication of any other
amounts paid by the Trust or trustee in respect thereof) upon overdue
installments of interest at the rate per annum expressed in the Debentures; and,
in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the
costs and expenses of collection, and the amount payable to the Trustee under
Section 9.7.
(b) If the Company shall fail to pay such amounts forthwith upon such
demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, shall
be entitled and empowered to institute any action or proceedings at law or in
equity for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute any
such action or proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce any such
judgment or final decree against the Company or other obligor upon the
Debentures and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the
manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or other obligor upon
the Debentures, wherever situated.
(c) In case of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy,
reorganization, readjustment, arrangement, composition or judicial proceedings
affecting the Company or the creditors or property of either, the Trustee shall
have power to intervene in such proceedings and take any action therein that may
be permitted by the court and shall (except as may be otherwise provided by law)
be entitled to file such proofs of claim and other papers and documents as may
be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee and of the
holders of the Debentures allowed for the entire amount due and payable by the
Company under this Indenture at the date of institution of such proceedings and
for any additional amount that may become due and payable by the Company after
such date, and to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or
deliverable on any such claim, and to distribute the same after the deduction of
the amount payable to the Trustee under Section 9.7; and any receiver, assignee
or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization is hereby authorized by each of the
holders of the Debentures to make such payments to the Trustee, and, in the
event that
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the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to such
Debentureholders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it under Section 9.7.
(d) All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture,
or under any of the terms established with respect to Debentures, may be
enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of such Debentures, or the
production thereof at any trial or other proceeding relative thereto, and any
such suit or proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own
name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after
provision for payment to the Trustee of any amounts due under Section 9.7, be
for the ratable benefit of the holders of the Debentures. In case of an Event of
Default hereunder, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and
enforce the rights vested in it by this Indenture by such appropriate judicial
proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any
of such rights, either at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise,
whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement contained in
this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Indenture,
or to enforce any other legal or equitable right vested in the Trustee by this
Indenture or by law. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the
Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any
Debentureholder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or
composition affecting the Debentures or the rights of any holder thereof or to
authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Debentureholder in
any such proceeding.
SECTION 7.3 APPLICATION OF MONEYS COLLECTED.
Any moneys or other assets collected by the Trustee pursuant to this
Article VII with respect to the Debentures shall be applied in the following
order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the
distribution of such moneys or other assets on account of principal or interest,
upon presentation of the Debentures, and notation thereon the payment, if only
partially paid, and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
FIRST: To the payment of costs and expenses of collection and of all
amounts payable to the Trustee under Section 9.6;
SECOND: To the payment of all Senior Indebtedness of the Company if and
to the extent required by Article XVI; and
THIRD: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon the
Debentures for principal and interest, in respect of which or for the
benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without
preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and
payable on such Debentures for principal and interest, respectively.
SECTION 7.4 LIMITATION ON SUITS.
(a) Except as set forth herein, no holder of any Debenture shall have
any right by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to
institute any suit, action or proceeding in equity or at law upon or under or
with respect to this Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or
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trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless (i) such holder previously
shall have given to the Trustee written notice of an Event of Default and of the
continuance thereof with respect to the Debentures specifying such Event of
Default, as hereinbefore provided; (ii) the holders of not less than 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the Debentures then Outstanding shall have made
written request upon the Trustee to institute such action, suit or proceeding in
its own name as trustee hereunder; (iii) such holder or holders shall have
offered to the Trustee such reasonable indemnity as it may require against the
costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby; (iv) the
Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of
indemnity, shall have failed to institute any such action, suit or proceeding;
and (v) during such 60-day period, the holders of a ajority in principal amount
of the Debentures do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the
request.
(b) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary or any
other provisions of this Indenture, the right of any holder of the Debentures to
receive payment of the principal of and interest on the Debentures, as therein
provided, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Debenture (or
in the case of redemption, on the redemption date), or to institute suit for the
enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates or redemption
date, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such holder and
by accepting a Debenture hereunder it is expressly understood, intended and
covenanted by the taker and holder of every Debenture with every other such
taker and holder and the Trustee, that no one or more holders of Debentures
shall have any right in any manner whatsoever by virtue or by availing of any
provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of the
holders of any other of such Debentures, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority
over or preference to any other such holder, or to enforce any right under this
Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal, ratable and
common benefit of all holders of Debentures. For the protection and enforcement
of the provisions of this Section 7.4, each and every Debentureholder and the
Trustee shall be entitled to such relief as can be given either at law or in
equity.
SECTION 7.5 RIGHTS AND REMEDIES CUMULATIVE; DELAY OR OMISSION NOT WAIVER.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.9, all powers and remedies
given by this Article VII to the Trustee or to the Debentureholders shall, to
the extent permitted by law, be deemed cumulative and not exclusive of any other
powers and remedies available to the Trustee or the holders of the Debentures,
by judicial proceedings or otherwise, to enforce the performance or observance
of the covenants and agreements contained in this Indenture or otherwise
established with respect to such Debentures.
(b) No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any holder of any of the
Debentures to exercise any right or power accruing upon any Event of Default
occurring and continuing as aforesaid shall impair any such right or power, or
shall be construed to be a waiver of any such default or on acquiescence
therein; and, subject to the provisions of Section 7.4, every power and remedy
given by this Article VII or by law to the Trustee or the Debentureholders may
be exercised from time to time, and as often as shall be deemed expedient, by
the Trustee or by the Debentureholders.
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SECTION 7.6 CONTROL BY DEBENTUREHOLDERS.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Debentures at the time Outstanding, determined in accordance with Section 10.4,
shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or
power conferred on the Trustee; provided, however, that such direction shall not
be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture. Subject to the
provisions of Section 9.1, the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow
any such direction if the Trustee in good faith shall, by a Responsible Officer
or Officers of the Trustee, determine that the proceeding so directed would
involve the Trustee in personal liability. The holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Debentures at the time Outstanding affected
thereby, determined in accordance with Section 10.4, may on behalf of the
holders of all of the Debentures waive any past default in the performance of
any of the covenants contained herein and its consequences, except (i) a default
in the payment of the principal of or interest on, any of the Debentures as and
when the same shall become due by the terms of such Debentures otherwise than by
acceleration (unless such default has been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all
matured installments of interest and principal has been deposited with the
Trustee (in accordance with Section 7.1(c)); (ii) a default in the covenants
contained in Section 5.6; or (iii) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof
which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each
Outstanding Debenture affected; provided, however, that if the Debentures are
held by the Trust or a trustee of the Trust, such waiver or modification to such
waiver shall not be effective until the holders of a majority in liquidation
preference of Trust Securities of the Trust shall have consented to such waiver
or modification to such waiver; provided further, that if the consent of the
holder of each Outstanding Debenture is required, such waiver shall not be
effective until each holder of the Trust Securities of the Trust shall have
consented to such waiver. Upon any such waiver, the default covered thereby
shall be deemed to be cured for all purposes of this Indenture and the Company,
the Trustee and the holders of the Debentures shall be restored to their former
positions and rights hereunder, respectively; but no such waiver shall extend to
any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 7.7 UNDERTAKING TO PAY COSTS.
All parties to this Indenture agree, and each holder of any Debentures
by such holder's acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any
court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any
right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any
action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in
such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court
may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys'
fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits
and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the
provisions of this Section 7.7 shall not apply to any suit instituted by the
Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Debentureholder, or group of
Debentureholders holding more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the
Outstanding Debentures, or to any suit instituted by any Debentureholder for the
enforcement of the payment of the principal of or interest on the Debentures, on
or after the respective due dates expressed in such Debenture or established
pursuant to this Indenture.
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SECTION 7.8 DIRECT ACTION; RIGHT OF SET-OFF
In the event that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and
such event is attributable to the failure of the Company to pay interest on or
principal of the Debentures on the payment date on which such payment is due and
payable, then a holder of Preferred Securities may institute a legal proceeding
directly against the Company for enforcement of payment to such holder of the
principal of or interest on such Debentures having a principal amount equal to
the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities of such holders (a
"Direct Action"). In connection with such Direct Action, the Company will have a
right of set-off under this Indenture to the extent of any payment made by the
Company to such holder of the Preferred Securities with respect to such Direct
Action.
ARTICLE VIII
FORM OF DEBENTURE AND ORIGINAL ISSUE
SECTION 8.1 FORM OF DEBENTURE.
The Debenture and the Trustee's Certificate of Authentication to be
endorsed thereon are to be substantially in the forms contained as Exhibit A to
this Indenture, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 8.2 ORIGINAL ISSUE OF DEBENTURES.
Debentures in the aggregate principal amount of $25,773,200 may, upon
execution of this Indenture, be executed by the Company and delivered to the
Trustee for authentication. The Trustee shall thereupon authenticate and deliver
said Debentures to or upon the written order of the Company, signed by its
President or any Executive Vice President and its Senior Vice President--Chief
Financial Officer, without any further action by the Company.
ARTICLE IX
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 9.1 CERTAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEE.
(a) The Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default and
after the curing of all Events of Default that may have occurred, shall
undertake to perform with respect to the Debentures such duties and only such
duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants
shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee. In case an Event of
Default has occurred that has not been cured or waived, the Trustee shall
exercise such of the rights and powers
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vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in
their exercise, as a prudent Person would exercise or use under the
circumstances in the conduct of its own affairs.
(b) No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the
Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure
to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(i) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default and after
the curing or waiving of all such Events of Default that may have
occurred:
(1) the duties and obligations of the
Trustee shall with respect to the
Debentures be determined solely by
the express provisions of this
Indenture, and the Trustee shall not
be liable with respect to the
Debentures except for the
performance of such duties and
obligations as are specifically set
forth in this Indenture, and no
implied covenants or obligations
shall be read into this Indenture
against the Trustee; and
(2) in the absence of bad faith on the
part of the Trustee, the Trustee may
with respect to the Debentures
conclusively rely, as to the truth
of the statements and the
correctness of the opinions
expressed therein, upon any
certificates or opinions furnished
to the Trustee and conforming to the
requirements of this Indenture; but
in the case of any such certificates
or opinions that by any provision
hereof are specifically required to
be furnished to the Trustee, the
Trustee shall be under a duty to
examine the same to determine
whether or not they conform to the
requirements of this Indenture;
(ii) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment
made in good faith by a Responsible Officer or Responsible Officers of
the Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent
in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any
action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance
with the direction of the holders of not less than a majority in
principal amount of the Debentures at the time Outstanding relating to
the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred
upon the Trustee under this Indenture with respect to the Debentures;
and
(iv) none of the provisions contained in this Indenture shall
require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur
personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties or
in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if there is reasonable
ground for believing that the repayment of such funds or liability is
not reasonably assured to
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it under the terms of this Indenture or adequate indemnity against such
risk is not reasonably assured to it.
SECTION 9.2 NOTICE OF DEFAULTS.
Within 90 days after actual knowledge by a Responsible Officer of the
Trustee of the occurrence of any default hereunder with respect to the
Securities, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all holders of the Debentures,
as their names and addresses appear in the Debenture Register, notice of such
default, unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however,
that, except in the case default in the payment of the principal or interest
(including any Additional Interest) on any Debenture, the Trustee shall be
protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors,
the executive committee or a trust committee of the directors and/or Responsible
Officers of the Trustee determines in good faith that the withholding of such
notice is in the interests of the holders of such Debentures; and provided,
further, that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section
7.1(a)(3), no such notice to holders of Debentures need be sent until at least
30 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purposes of this Section 9.2, the
term "default" means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or
both, would become, an Event of Default with respect to the Debentures.
SECTION 9.3 CERTAIN RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 9.1:
(a) The Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining
from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion,
report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond, security or other paper
or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by
the proper party or parties;
(b) Any request, direction, order or demand of the Company mentioned
herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution or an instrument
signed in the name of the Company by its President or any Vice President and by
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or the Treasurer or an Assistant
Treasurer thereof (unless other evidence in respect thereof is specifically
prescribed herein);
(c) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of a default or an
Event of Default, other than an Event of Default specified in Section 7.1(a)(i);
or (ii), unless and until it receives written notification of such Event of
Default from the Company or by holders of at least 25% of the aggregate
principal amount of the Debentures at the time Outstanding;
(d) The Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such
counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and
protection in respect of any action taken or suffered or omitted hereunder in
good faith and in reliance thereon;
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(e) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the
rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or
direction of any of the Debentureholders, pursuant to the provisions of this
Indenture, unless such Debentureholders shall have offered to the Trustee
reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities
that may be incurred therein or thereby; nothing contained herein shall,
however, relieve the Trustee of the obligation, upon the occurrence of an Event
of Default (that has not been cured or waived) to exercise with respect to the
Debentures such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and to
use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent man would
exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs;
(f) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to
be taken by it in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the
discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture;
(g) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the
facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument,
opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond, security, or
other papers or documents, unless requested in writing so to do by the holders
of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures
(determined as provided in Section 10.4); provided, however, that if the payment
within a reasonable time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or liabilities
likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is, in the
opinion of the Trustee, not reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security
afforded to it by the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee may require
reasonable indemnity against such costs, expenses or liabilities as a condition
to so proceeding. The reasonable expense of every such examination shall be paid
by the Company or, if paid by the Trustee, shall be repaid by the Company upon
demand; and
(h) The Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or
perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or
attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or
negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it
hereunder.
SECTION 9.4 TRUSTEE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RECITALS, ETC.
(a) The Recitals contained herein and in the Debentures shall be taken
as the statements of the Company, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for
the correctness of the same.
(b) The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or
sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Debentures.
(c) The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by
the Company of any of the Debentures or of the proceeds of such Debentures, or
for the use or application of any moneys paid over by the Trustee in accordance
with any provision of this Indenture, or for the use or application of any
moneys received by any paying agent other than the Trustee.
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SECTION 9.5 MAY HOLD DEBENTURES.
The Trustee or any paying agent or registrar for the Debentures, in its
individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Debentures
with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, paying agent or
Debenture Registrar.
SECTION 9.6 MONEYS HELD IN TRUST.
Subject to the provisions of Section 13.5, all moneys received by the
Trustee shall, until used or applied as herein provided, be held in trust for
the purposes for which they were received, but need not be segregated from other
funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no
liability for interest on any moneys received by it hereunder except such as it
may agree with the Company to pay thereon.
SECTION 9.7 COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT.
(a) The Company covenants and agrees to pay to the Trustee, and the
Trustee shall be entitled to, such compensation (which shall not be limited by
any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express
trust), as the Company and the Trustee may from time to time agree in writing,
for all services rendered by it in the execution of the trusts hereby created
and in the exercise and performance of any of the powers and duties hereunder of
the Trustee, and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Company
shall pay or reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses,
disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with
any of the provisions of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation
and the expenses and disbursements of its counsel and of all Persons not
regularly in its employ) except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may
arise from its negligence or bad faith. The Company also covenants to indemnify
the Trustee (and its officers, agents, directors and employees) for, and to hold
it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence
or bad faith on the part of the Trustee and arising out of or in connection with
the acceptance or administration of this trust, including the costs and expenses
of defending itself against any claim of liability in the premises.
(b) The obligations of the Company under this Section 9.7 to compensate
and indemnify the Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee for expenses,
disbursements and advances shall constitute additional indebtedness hereunder.
Such additional indebtedness shall be secured by a lien prior to that of the
Debentures upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such,
except funds held in trust for the benefit of the holders of particular
Debentures.
SECTION 9.8 RELIANCE ON OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 9.1, whenever in the
administration of the provisions of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it
necessary or desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking or
suffering or omitting to take any action hereunder, such matter (unless other
evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the
absence of negligence
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or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and
established by an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee and such
certificate, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the
Trustee, shall be full warrant to the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or
omitted to be taken by it under the provisions of this Indenture upon the faith
thereof.
SECTION 9.9 DISQUALIFICATION; CONFLICTING INTERESTS.
If the Trustee has or shall acquire any "conflicting interest" within
the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee and the
Company shall in all respects comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of
the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 9.10 CORPORATE TRUSTEE REQUIRED; ELIGIBILITY.
There shall at all times be a Trustee with respect to the Debentures
issued hereunder which shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing
business under the laws of the United States of America or any State or
Territory thereof or of the District of Columbia, or a corporation or other
Person permitted to act as trustee by the Commission, authorized under such laws
to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at
least $50,000,000, and subject to supervision or examination by federal, state,
territorial, or District of Columbia authority. If such corporation publishes
reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements
of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of
this Section 9.10, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be
deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent
report of condition so published. The Company may not, nor may any Person
directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with
the Company, serve as Trustee. In case at any time the Trustee shall cease to be
eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 9.10, the Trustee
shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in Section
9.11.
SECTION 9.11 RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL; APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR.
(a) The Trustee or any successor hereafter appointed, may at any time
resign by giving written notice thereof to the Company and by transmitting
notice of resignation by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the
Debentureholders, as their names and addresses appear upon the Debenture
Register. Upon receiving such notice of resignation, the Company shall promptly
appoint a successor trustee with respect to Debentures by written instrument, in
duplicate, executed by order of the Board of Directors, one copy of which
instrument shall be delivered to the resigning Trustee and one copy to the
successor trustee. If no successor trustee shall have been so appointed and have
accepted appointment within 30 days after the mailing of such notice of
resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee with respect to
Debentures, or any Debentureholder who has been a bona fide holder of a
Debenture or Debentures for at least six months may, subject to the provisions
of Section 9.9, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition
any such court for the appointment of a successor trustee. Such court may
thereupon after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe,
appoint a successor trustee.
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(b) In case at any time any one of the following shall occur
(i) the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of Section
9.9 after written request therefor by the Company or by any Debentureholder
who has been a bona fide holder of a Debenture or Debentures for at least
six months; or
(ii) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the
provisions of Section 9.10 and shall fail to resign after written request
therefor by the Company or by any such Debentureholder; or
(iii) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting, or shall be
adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or commence a voluntary bankruptcy
proceeding, or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be
appointed or consented to, or any public officer shall take charge or
control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of
rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, then, in any such case, the
Company may remove the Trustee with respect to all Debentures and appoint a
successor trustee by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of
the Board of Directors, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to
the Trustee so removed and one copy to the successor trustee, or, subject
to the provisions of Section 9.9, unless the Trustee's duty to resign is
stayed as provided herein, any Debentureholder who has been a bona fide
holder of a Debenture or Debentures for at least six months may, on behalf
of that holder and all others similarly situated, petition any court of
competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment
of a successor trustee. Such court may thereupon after such notice, if any,
as it may deem proper and prescribe, remove the Trustee and appoint a
successor trustee.
(c) The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Debentures at the time Outstanding may at any time remove the Trustee by so
notifying the Trustee and the Company and may appoint a successor Trustee with
the consent of the Company.
(d) Any resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a
successor trustee with respect to the Debentures pursuant to any of the
provisions of this Section 9.11 shall become effective upon acceptance of
appointment by the successor trustee as provided in Section 9.12.
(e) Any successor trustee appointed pursuant to this Section 9.11 may be
appointed with respect to the Debentures, and at any time there shall be only
one Trustee with respect to the Debentures.
SECTION 9.12 ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT BY SUCCESSOR.
(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor trustee with
respect to the Debentures, every successor trustee so appointed shall execute,
acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument
accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the
retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor trustee,
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without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the
rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request
of the Company or the successor trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon
payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such
successor trustee all the rights, powers, and trusts of the retiring Trustee and
shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor trustee all property
and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.
(b) Upon request of any successor trustee, the Company shall execute
any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming
to such successor trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in
paragraph (a) of this Section 9.12.
(c) No successor trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the
time of such acceptance such successor trustee shall be qualified and eligible
under this Article IX.
(d) Upon acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee as provided
in this Section 9.12, the Company shall transmit notice of the succession of
such trustee hereunder by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the
Debentureholders, as their names and addresses appear upon the Debenture
Register. If the Company fails to transmit such notice within ten days after
acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee, the successor trustee shall
cause such notice to be transmitted at the expense of the Company.
SECTION 9.13 MERGER, CONVERSION, CONSOLIDATION OR SUCCESSION TO BUSINESS.
Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or
with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger,
conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any
corporation succeeding to the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be
the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided that such corporation shall be
qualified under the provisions of Section 9.9 and eligible under the provisions
of Section 9.10, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act
on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything herein to the contrary
notwithstanding. In case any Debentures shall have been authenticated, but not
delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or
consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and
deliver the Debentures so authenticated with the same effect as if such
successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Debentures.
SECTION 9.14 PREFERENTIAL COLLECTION OF CLAIMS AGAINST THE COMPANY.
The Trustee shall comply with Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture
Act, excluding any creditor relationship described in Section 311(b) of the
Trust Indenture Act. A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject
to Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act to the extent included therein.
ARTICLE X
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CONCERNING THE DEBENTUREHOLDERS
SECTION 10.1 EVIDENCE OF ACTION BY HOLDERS.
(a) Whenever in this Indenture it is provided that the holders of a
majority or specified percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Debentures
may take any action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving
of any notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action), the fact
that at the time of taking any such action the holders of such majority or
specified percentage have joined therein may be evidenced by any instrument or
any number of instruments of similar tenor executed by such holders of
Debentures in Person or by agent or proxy appointed in writing.
(b) If the Company shall solicit from the Debentureholders any request,
demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, the
Company may, at its option, as evidenced by an Officers' Certificate, fix in
advance a record date for the determination of Debentureholders entitled to give
such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other
action, but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. If such a record date
is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other action may be given before or after the record date, but only
the Debentureholders of record at the close of business on the record date shall
be deemed to be Debentureholders for the purposes of determining whether
Debentureholders of the requisite proportion of Outstanding Debentures have
authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization,
direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, and for that purpose the
Outstanding Debentures shall be computed as of the record date; provided,
however, that no such authorization, agreement or consent by such
Debentureholders on the record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall
become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than six
months after the record date.
SECTION 10.2 PROOF OF EXECUTION BY DEBENTUREHOLDERS.
Subject to the provisions of Section 9.1, proof of the execution of any
instrument by a Debentureholder (such proof shall not require notarization) or
his agent or proxy and proof of the holding by any Person of any of the
Debentures shall be sufficient if made in the following manner:
(a) The fact and date of the execution by any such Person of any
instrument may be proved in any reasonable manner acceptable to the Trustee.
(b) The ownership of Debentures shall be proved by the Debenture
Register of such Debentures or by a certificate of the Debenture Registrar
thereof.
(c) The Trustee may require such additional proof of any matter
referred to in this Section 10.2 as it shall deem necessary.
SECTION 10.3 WHO MAY BE DEEMED OWNERS.
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Prior to the due presentment for registration of transfer of any
Debenture, the Company, the Trustee, any paying agent, any Authenticating Agent
and any Debenture Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose name such
Debenture shall be registered upon the books of the Company as the absolute
owner of such Debenture (whether or not such Debenture shall be overdue and
notwithstanding any notice of ownership or writing thereon made by anyone other
than the Debenture Registrar) for the purpose of receiving payment of or on
account of the principal of and interest on such Debenture (subject to Section
2.3) and for all other purposes; and neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any
paying agent nor any Authenticating Agent nor any Debenture Registrar shall be
affected by any notice to the contrary.
SECTION 10.4 CERTAIN DEBENTURES OWNED BY COMPANY DISREGARDED.
In determining whether the holders of the requisite aggregate principal
amount of Debentures have concurred in any direction, consent or waiver under
this Indenture, the Debentures that are owned by the Company or any other
obligor on the Debentures or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or
controlled by or under common control with the Company or any other obligor on
the Debentures shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding for the
purpose of any such determination, except that for the purpose of determining
whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, consent
or waiver, only Debentures that the Trustee actually knows are so owned shall be
so disregarded. The Debentures so owned that have been pledged in good faith may
be regarded as Outstanding for the purposes of this Section 10.4, if the pledgee
shall establish to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right so to act
with respect to such Debentures and that the pledgee is not a Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with the Company or any such other obligor. In case of a dispute as to
such right, any decision by the Trustee taken upon the advice of counsel shall
be full protection to the Trustee.
SECTION 10.5 ACTIONS BINDING ON FUTURE DEBENTUREHOLDERS.
At any time prior to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee, as
provided in Section 10.1, of the taking of any action by the holders of the
majority or percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Debentures specified
in this Indenture in connection with such action, any holder of a Debenture that
is shown by the evidence to be included in the Debentures the holders of which
have consented to such action may, by filing written notice with the Trustee,
and upon proof of holding as provided in Section 10.2, revoke such action so far
as concerns such Debenture. Except as aforesaid any such action taken by the
holder of any Debenture shall be conclusive and binding upon such holder and
upon all future holders and owners of such Debenture, and of any Debenture
issued in exchange therefor, on registration of transfer thereof or in place
thereof, irrespective of whether or not any notation in regard thereto is made
upon such Debenture. Any action taken by the holders of the majority or
percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Debentures specified in this
Indenture in connection with such action shall be conclusively binding upon the
Company, the Trustee and the holders of all the Debentures.
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ARTICLE XI
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
SECTION 11.1 SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF DEBENTUREHOLDERS.
In addition to any supplemental indenture otherwise authorized by this
Indenture, the Company and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time
enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform
to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect), without the
consent of the Debentureholders, for one or more of the following purposes:
(a) to cure any ambiguity, defect, or inconsistency herein, in the
Debentures;
(b) to comply with Article X;
(c) to provide for uncertificated Debentures in addition to or in
place of certificated Debentures;
(d) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the
holders of all or any of the Debentures or to surrender any right or power
herein conferred upon the Company;
(e) to add to, delete from, or revise the conditions, limitations,
and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms, or purposes of issue,
authentication, and delivery of Debentures, only as herein set forth;
(f) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of
any Debentureholder in any material respect;
(g) to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms
and conditions of the Debentures, to establish the form of any certifications
required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or of the
Debentures, or to add to the rights of the holders of the Debentures; or
(h) qualify or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the
Trust Indenture Act.
The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Company in the execution of
any such supplemental indenture, and to make any further appropriate agreements
and stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee shall not be
obligated to enter into any such supplemental indenture that affects the
Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.
Any supplemental indenture authorized by the provisions of this Section 11.1 may
be executed by the Company and the Trustee without the consent of the holders of
any of the Debentures at the time Outstanding, notwithstanding any of the
provisions of Section 11.2.
SECTION 11.2 SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES WITH CONSENT OF DEBENTUREHOLDERS.
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With the consent (evidenced as provided in Section 10.1) of the holders
of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debentures at
the time Outstanding, the Company, when authorized by Board Resolutions, and the
Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or
indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the
Trust Indenture Act as then in effect) for the purpose of adding any provisions
to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this
Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner not
covered by Section 11.1 the rights of the holders of the Debentures under this
Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall without
the consent of the holders of each Debenture then Outstanding and affected
thereby, (i) extend the fixed maturity of any Debentures, reduce the principal
amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest
thereon, without the consent of the holder of each Debenture so affected; or
(ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of Debentures, the holders of which are
required to consent to any such supplemental indenture; provided further, that
if the Debentures are held by the Trust or a trustee of the Trust, such
supplemental indenture shall not be effective until the holders of a majority in
liquidation preference of Trust Securities of the Trust shall have consented to
such supplemental indenture; provided further, that if the consent of the holder
of each Outstanding Debenture is required, such supplemental indenture shall not
be effective until each holder of the Trust Securities of the Trust shall have
consented to such supplemental indenture. It shall not be necessary for the
consent of the Debentureholders affected thereby under this Section 11.2 to
approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall
be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.
SECTION 11.3 EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES.
Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the
provisions of this Article XI, this Indenture shall be and be deemed to be
modified and amended in accordance therewith and the respective rights,
limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities under this Indenture
of the Trustee, the Company and the holders of Debentures shall thereafter be
determined, exercised and enforced hereunder subject in all respects to such
modifications and amendments, and all the terms and conditions of any such
supplemental indenture shall be and be deemed to be part of the terms and
conditions of this Indenture for any and all purposes.
SECTION 11.4 DEBENTURES AFFECTED BY SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES.
Debentures affected by a supplemental indenture, authenticated and
delivered after the execution of such supplemental indenture pursuant to the
provisions of this Article XI, may bear a notation in form approved by the
Company, provided such form meets the requirements of any exchange upon which
the Debentures may be listed, as to any matter provided for in such supplemental
indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Debentures so modified as to
conform, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Company, to any
modification of this Indenture contained in any such supplemental indenture may
be prepared by the Company, authenticated by the Trustee and delivered in
exchange for the Debentures then Outstanding.
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SECTION 11.5 EXECUTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES.
(a) Upon the request of the Company, accompanied by their Board
Resolutions authorizing the execution of any such supplemental indenture, and
upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of Debentureholders
required to consent thereto as aforesaid, the Trustee shall join with the
Company in the execution of such supplemental indenture unless such supplemental
indenture affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this
Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion but
shall not be obligated to enter into such supplemental indenture. The Trustee,
subject to the provisions of Sections 9.1, may receive an Opinion of Counsel as
conclusive evidence that any supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this
Article XI is authorized or permitted by, and conforms to, the terms of this
Article XI and that it is proper for the Trustee under the provisions of this
Article XI to join in the execution thereof.
(b) Promptly after the execution by the Company and the Trustee of any
supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Section 11.5, the
Trustee shall transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, a notice, setting
forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture, to the
Debentureholders as their names and addresses appear upon the Debenture
Register. Any failure of the Trustee to mail such notice, or any defect therein,
shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such
supplemental indenture.
ARTICLE XII
SUCCESSOR CORPORATION
SECTION 12.1 COMPANY MAY CONSOLIDATE, ETC.
Nothing contained in this Indenture or in any of the Debentures shall
prevent any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any other
corporation or corporations (whether or not affiliated with the Company, as the
case may be), or successive consolidations or mergers in which the Company, as
the case may be, or its successor or successors shall be a party or parties, or
shall prevent any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of the
property of the Company, as the case may be, or its successor or successors as
an entirety, or substantially as an entirety, to any other corporation (whether
or not affiliated with the Company, as the case may be, or its successor or
successors) authorized to acquire and operate the same; provided, however, the
Company hereby covenants and agrees that, (i) upon any such consolidation,
merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, the due and punctual
payment, in the case of the Company, of the principal of and interest on all of
the Debentures, according to their tenor and the due and punctual performance
and observance of all the covenants and conditions of this Indenture to be kept
or performed by the Company as the case may be, shall be expressly assumed, by
supplemental indenture (which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust
Indenture Act, as then in effect) satisfactory in form to the Trustee executed
and delivered to the Trustee by the entity formed by such consolidation, or into
which the Company, as the case may be, shall have been merged, or by the entity
which shall have acquired such property; (ii) in case the Company consolidates
with or merges into another Person
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or conveys or transfers its properties and assets substantially then as an
entirety to any Person, the successor Person is organized under the laws of the
United States or any state or the District of Columbia; and (iii) immediately
after giving effect thereto, an Event of Default, and no event which, after
notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have
occurred and be continuing.
SECTION 12.2 SUCCESSOR CORPORATION SUBSTITUTED.
(a) In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance,
transfer or other disposition and upon the assumption by the successor
corporation, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee
and satisfactory in form to the Trustee, of, in the case of the Company, the due
and punctual payment of the principal of and interest on all of the Debentures
Outstanding and the due and punctual performance of all of the covenants and
conditions of this Indenture to be performed by the Company, as the case may be,
such successor corporation shall succeed to and be substituted for the Company,
with the same effect as if it had been named as the Company herein, and
thereupon the predecessor corporation shall be relieved of all obligations and
covenants under this Indenture and the Debentures.
(b) In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance,
transfer or other disposition such changes in phraseology and form (but not in
substance) may be made in the Debentures thereafter to be issued as may be
appropriate.
(c) Nothing contained in this Indenture or in any of the Debentures
shall prevent the Company from merging into itself or acquiring by purchase or
otherwise all or any part of the property of any other Person (whether or not
affiliated with the Company).
SECTION 12.3 EVIDENCE OF CONSOLIDATION, ETC. TO TRUSTEE.
The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 9.1, may receive an
Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that any such consolidation, merger,
sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, and any such assumption, comply
with the provisions of this Article XII.
ARTICLE XIII
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
SECTION 13.1 SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE.
If at any time: (a) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation all Debentures theretofore authenticated (other than any Debentures
that shall have been destroyed, lost or stolen and that shall have been replaced
or paid as provided in Section 2.9) and Debentures for whose payment money or
Governmental Obligations have theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated
and held in trust by the Company (and thereupon repaid to the Company or
discharged
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from such trust, as provided in Section 13.5); or (b) all such Debentures not
theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation shall have become due and
payable, or are by their terms to become due and payable within one year or are
to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to
the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption, and the Company shall
deposit or cause to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds the entire
amount in moneys or Governmental Obligations sufficient or a combination
thereof, sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of
independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof
delivered to the Trustee, to pay at maturity or upon redemption all Debentures
not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, including principal
and interest due or to become due to such date of maturity or date fixed for
redemption, as the case may be, and if the Company shall also pay or cause to be
paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company; then this Indenture shall
thereupon cease to be of further effect except for the provisions of Sections
2.3, 2.7, 2.9, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 9.7, that shall survive until the date of
maturity or redemption date, as the case may be, and Sections 9.7 and 13.5, that
shall survive to such date and thereafter, and the Trustee, on demand of the
Company and at the cost and expense of the Company, shall execute proper
instruments acknowledging satisfaction of and discharging this Indenture.
SECTION 13.2 DISCHARGE OF OBLIGATIONS.
If at any time all Debentures not heretofore delivered to the Trustee
for cancellation or that have not become due and payable as described in Section
13.1 shall have been paid by the Company by depositing irrevocably with the
Trustee as trust funds moneys or an amount of Governmental Obligations
sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized certified public accounting
firm to pay at maturity or upon redemption all Debentures not theretofore
delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, including principal and interest due
or to become due to such date of maturity or date fixed for redemption, as the
case may be, and if the Company shall also pay or cause to be paid all other
sums payable hereunder by the Company, then after the date such moneys or
Governmental Obligations, as the case may be, are deposited with the Trustee,
the obligations of the Company under this Indenture shall cease to be of further
effect except for the provisions of Sections 2.3, 2.7, 2.9, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 9.6,
9.7 and 13.5 hereof that shall survive until such Debentures shall mature and be
paid. Thereafter, Sections 9.7 and 13.5 shall survive.
SECTION 13.3 DEPOSITED MONEYS TO BE HELD IN TRUST.
All monies or Governmental Obligations deposited with the Trustee
pursuant to Sections 13.1 or 13.2 shall be held in trust and shall be available
for payment as due, either directly or through any paying agent (including the
Company acting as its own paying agent), to the holders of the Debentures for
the payment or redemption of which such moneys or Governmental Obligations have
been deposited with the Trustee.
SECTION 13.4 PAYMENT OF MONIES HELD BY PAYING AGENTS.
In connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture,
all moneys or Governmental Obligations then held by any paying agent under the
provisions of this Indenture shall,
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upon demand of the Company, be paid to the Trustee and thereupon such paying
agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such moneys
or Governmental Obligations.
SECTION 13.5 REPAYMENT TO COMPANY.
Any monies or Governmental Obligations deposited with any paying agent
or the Trustee, or then held by the Company in trust, for payment of principal
of or interest on the Debentures that are not applied but remain unclaimed by
the holders of such Debentures for at least two years after the date upon which
the principal of or interest on such Debentures shall have respectively become
due and payable, shall be repaid to the Company, as the case may be, on June 30
of each year or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such
trust; and thereupon the paying agent and the Trustee shall be released from all
further liability with respect to such moneys or Governmental Obligations, and
the holder of any of the Debentures entitled to receive such payment shall
thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for the
payment thereof.
ARTICLE XIV
IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS
AND DIRECTORS
SECTION 14.1 NO RECOURSE.
No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of this
Indenture, or of the Debentures, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in
respect thereof, shall be had against any incorporator, stockholder, officer or
director, past, present or future as such, of the Company or of any predecessor
corporation, either directly or through the Company or any such predecessor
corporation, whether by virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or
by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being expressly
understood that this Indenture and the obligations issued hereunder are solely
corporate obligations, and that no such personal liability whatever shall attach
to, or is or shall be incurred by, the incorporators, stockholders, officers or
directors as such, of the Company or of any predecessor corporation, or any of
them, because of the creation of the indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or
by reason of the obligations, covenants or agreements contained in this
Indenture or in any of the Debentures or implied therefrom; and that any and all
such personal liability of every name and nature, either at common law or in
equity or by constitution or statute, of, and any and all such rights and claims
against, every such incorporator, stockholder, officer or director as such,
because of the creation of the indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or by
reason of the obligations, covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture
or in any of the Debentures or implied therefrom, are hereby expressly waived
and released as a condition of, and as a consideration for, the execution of
this Indenture and the issuance of such Debentures.
ARTICLE XV
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MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 15.1 EFFECT ON SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.
All the covenants, stipulations, promises and agreements in this
Indenture contained by or on behalf of the Company shall bind their respective
successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
SECTION 15.2 ACTIONS BY SUCCESSOR.
Any act or proceeding by any provision of this Indenture authorized or
required to be done or performed by any board, committee or officer of the
Company shall and may be done and performed with like force and effect by the
corresponding board, committee or officer of any corporation that shall at the
time be the lawful sole successor of the Company.
SECTION 15.3 SURRENDER OF COMPANY POWERS.
The Company by instrument in writing executed by appropriate authority
of its Board of Directors and delivered to the Trustee may surrender any of the
powers reserved to the Company, and thereupon such power so surrendered shall
terminate both as to the Company, as the case may be, and as to any successor
corporation.
SECTION 15.4 NOTICES.
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein any notice or demand that
by any provision of this Indenture is required or permitted to be given or
served by the Trustee or by the holders of Debentures to or on the Company may
be given or served by being deposited first class postage prepaid in a
post-office letterbox addressed (until another address is filed in writing by
the Company with the Trustee), as follows: MBHI Capital Trust I, 501 West North
Avenue, Melrose Park, Illinois 60160, Attention: Chief Financial Officer. Any
notice, election, request or demand by the Company or any Debentureholder to or
upon the Trustee shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made, for
all purposes, if given or made in writing at the Corporate Trust Office of the
Trustee.
SECTION 15.5 GOVERNING LAW.
This Indenture and each Debenture shall be deemed to be a contract made
under the internal laws of the State of Illinois and for all purposes shall be
construed in accordance with the laws of said State.
SECTION 15.6 TREATMENT OF DEBENTURES AS DEBT.
It is intended that the Debentures shall be treated as indebtedness and
not as equity for federal income tax purposes. The provisions of this Indenture
shall be interpreted to further this intention.
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SECTION 15.7 COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES AND OPINIONS.
(a) Upon any application or demand by the Company to the Trustee to
take any action under any of the provisions of this Indenture, the Company shall
furnish to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that all conditions
precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have
been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such
counsel all such conditions precedent have been complied with, except that in
the case of any such application or demand as to which the furnishing of such
documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating
to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion
need be furnished.
(b) Each certificate or opinion of the Company provided for in this
Indenture and delivered to the Trustee with respect to compliance with a
condition or covenant in this Indenture shall include (1) a statement that the
Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;
(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or
investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such
certificate or opinion are based; (3) a statement that, in the opinion of such
Person, he has made such examination or investigation as, in the opinion of such
Person, is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether
or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and (4) a statement as
to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or covenant has
been complied with; provided, however, that each such certificate shall comply
with the provisions of Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 15.8 PAYMENTS ON BUSINESS DAYS.
In any case where the date of maturity of interest or principal of any
Debenture or the date of redemption of any Debenture shall not be a Business
Day, then payment of interest or principal may be made on the next succeeding
Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the nominal date of
maturity or redemption, and no interest shall accrue for the period after such
nominal date.
SECTION 15.9 CONFLICT WITH TRUST INDENTURE ACT.
If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits,
qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Sections 310 to 317,
inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties shall control.
SECTION 15.10 COUNTERPARTS.
This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but
one and the same instrument.
SECTION 15.11 SEPARABILITY.
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In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Indenture
or in the Debentures shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability
shall not affect any other provisions of this Indenture or of the Debentures,
but this Indenture and the Debentures shall be construed as if such invalid or
illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein or therein.
SECTION 15.12 ASSIGNMENT.
The Company shall have the right at all times to assign any of its
respective rights or obligations under this Indenture to a direct or indirect
wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company, provided that, in the event of any such
assignment, the Company shall remain liable for all such obligations. Subject to
the foregoing, this Indenture is binding upon and inures to the benefit of the
parties thereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Indenture may
not otherwise be assigned by the parties thereto.
SECTION 15.13 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RIGHTS.
The Company acknowledges that, with respect to any Debentures held by
the Trust or a trustee of the Trust, if the Property Trustee fails to enforce
its rights under this Indenture as the holder of the Debentures held as the
assets of the Trust, any holder of Preferred Securities may institute legal
proceedings directly against the Company to enforce such Property Trustee's
rights under this Indenture without first instituting any legal proceedings
against such Property Trustee or any other person or entity. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and such event
is attributable to the failure of the Company to pay interest or principal on
the Debentures on the date such interest or principal is otherwise payable (or
in the case of redemption, on the redemption date), the Company acknowledges
that a holder of Preferred Securities may directly institute a proceeding for
enforcement of payment to such holder of the principal of or interest on the
Debentures having a principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount
of the Preferred Securities of such holder on or after the respective due date
specified in the Debentures.
ARTICLE XVI
SUBORDINATION OF DEBENTURES
SECTION 16.1 AGREEMENT TO SUBORDINATE.
The Company covenants and agrees, and each holder of Debentures issued
hereunder by such holder's acceptance thereof likewise covenants and agrees,
that all Debentures shall be issued subject to the provisions of this Article
XVI; and each holder of a Debenture, whether upon original issue or upon
transfer or assignment thereof, accepts and agrees to be bound by such
provisions. The payment by the Company of the principal of and interest on all
Debentures issued hereunder shall, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter
set forth, be subordinated and junior in right of payment to
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the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt, Subordinated Debt and Additional
Senior Obligations (collectively, "Senior Indebtedness") to the extent provided
herein, whether outstanding at the date of this Indenture or thereafter
incurred. No provision of this Article XVI shall prevent the occurrence of any
default or Event of Default hereunder.
SECTION 16.2 DEFAULT ON SENIOR DEBT, SUBORDINATED DEBT OR ADDITIONAL SENIOR
OBLIGATIONS.
In the event and during the continuation of any default by the Company
in the payment of principal, premium, interest or any other payment due on any
Senior Indebtedness of the Company, or in the event that the maturity of any
Senior Indebtedness of the Company has been accelerated because of a default,
then, in either case, no payment shall be made by the Company with respect to
the principal (including redemption payments) of or interest on the Debentures.
In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment shall be received
by the Trustee when such payment is prohibited by the preceding sentence of this
Section 16.2, such payment shall be held in trust for the benefit of, and shall
be paid over or delivered to, the holders of Senior Indebtedness or their
respective representatives, or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture
pursuant to which any of such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, as their
respective interests may appear, but only to the extent that the holders of the
Senior Indebtedness (or their representative or representatives or a trustee)
notify the Trustee in writing within 90 days of such payment of the amounts then
due and owing on the Senior Indebtedness and only the amounts specified in such
notice to the Trustee shall be paid to the holders of Senior Indebtedness.
SECTION 16.3 LIQUIDATION; DISSOLUTION; BANKRUPTCY.
(a) Upon any payment by the Company or distribution of assets of the
Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to
creditors upon any dissolution or winding-up or liquidation or reorganization of
the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary or in bankruptcy, insolvency,
receivership or other proceedings, all amounts due upon all Senior Indebtedness
of the Company shall first be paid in full, or payment thereof provided for in
money in accordance with its terms, before any payment is made by the Company on
account of the principal or interest on the Debentures; and upon any such
dissolution or winding-up or liquidation or reorganization, any payment by the
Company, or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character,
whether in cash, property or securities, to which the holders of the Debentures
or the Trustee would be entitled to receive from the Company, except for the
provisions of this Article XVI, shall be paid by the Company or by any receiver,
trustee in bankruptcy, liquidating trustee, agent or other Person making such
payment or distribution, or by the holders of the Debentures or by the Trustee
under this Indenture if received by them or it, directly to the holders of
Senior Indebtedness of the Company (pro rata to such holders on the basis of the
respective amounts of Senior Indebtedness held by such holders, as calculated by
the Company) or their representative or representatives, or to the trustee or
trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any instruments evidencing such
Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, as their respective interests may
appear, to the extent necessary to pay such Senior Indebtedness in full, in
money or money's worth, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or
distribution to or for the holders of such Senior
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<PAGE> 57
Indebtedness, before any payment or distribution is made to the holders of
Debentures or to the Trustee.
(b) In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment or
distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash,
property or securities, prohibited by the foregoing, shall be received by the
Trustee before all Senior Indebtedness of the Company is paid in full, or
provision is made for such payment in money in accordance with its terms, such
payment or distribution shall be held in trust for the benefit of and shall be
paid over or delivered to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness or their
representative or representatives, or to the trustee or trustees under any
indenture pursuant to which any instruments evidencing such Senior Indebtedness
may have been issued, and their respective interests may appear, as calculated
by the Company, for application to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness of the
Company, as the case may be, remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay
such Senior Indebtedness in full in money in accordance with its terms, after
giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to or for the benefit of
the holders of such Senior Indebtedness.
(c) For purposes of this Article XVI, the words "cash, property or
securities" shall not be deemed to include shares of stock of the Company as
reorganized or readjusted, or securities of the Company or any other corporation
provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment, the payment of which
is subordinated at least to the extent provided in this Article XVI with respect
to the Debentures to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness of the Company, as
the case may be, that may at the time be outstanding, provided that (i) such
Senior Indebtedness is assumed by the new corporation, if any, resulting from
any such reorganization or readjustment; and (ii) the rights of the holders of
such Senior Indebtedness are not, without the consent of such holders, altered
by such reorganization or readjustment. The consolidation of the Company with,
or the merger of the Company into, another corporation or the liquidation or
dissolution of the Company following the conveyance or transfer of its property
as an entirety, or substantially as an entirety, to another corporation upon the
terms and conditions provided for in Article XII shall not be deemed a
dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization for the purposes of this
Section 16.3 if such other corporation shall, as a part of such consolidation,
merger, conveyance or transfer, comply with the conditions stated in Article
XII. Nothing in Section 16.2 or in this Section 16.3 shall apply to claims of,
or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 9.7.
SECTION 16.4 SUBROGATION.
(a) Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of the
Company, the rights of the holders of the Debentures shall be subrogated to the
rights of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or
distributions of cash, property or securities of the Company, as the case may
be, applicable to such Senior Indebtedness until the principal of and interest
on the Debentures shall be paid in full; and, for the purposes of such
subrogation, no payments or distributions to the holders of such Senior
Indebtedness of any cash, property or securities to which the holders of the
Debentures or the Trustee would be entitled except for the provisions of this
Article XVI, and no payment over pursuant to the provisions of this Article XVI
to or for the benefit of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness by holders of
the Debentures or the Trustee, shall, as
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<PAGE> 58
between the Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior Indebtedness of
the Company, and the holders of the Debentures, be deemed to be a payment by the
Company to or on account of such Senior Indebtedness. It is understood that the
provisions of this Article XVI are and are intended solely for the purposes of
defining the relative rights of the holders of the Debentures, on the one hand,
and the holders of such Senior Indebtedness on the other hand.
(b) Nothing contained in this Article XVI or elsewhere in this
Indenture or in the Debentures is intended to or shall impair, as between the
Company, its creditors (other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the
Company), and the holders of the Debentures, the obligation of the Company,
which is absolute and unconditional, to pay to the holders of the Debentures the
principal of and interest on the Debentures as and when the same shall become
due and payable in accordance with their terms, or is intended to or shall
affect the relative rights of the holders of the Debentures and creditors of the
Company, as the case may be, other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness of
the Company, as the case may be, nor shall anything herein or therein prevent
the Trustee or the holder of any Debenture from exercising all remedies
otherwise permitted by applicable law upon default under this Indenture, subject
to the rights, if any, under this Article XVI of the holders of such Senior
Indebtedness in respect of cash, property or securities of the Company, as the
case may be, received upon the exercise of any such remedy.
(c) Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred
to in this Article XVI, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Article IX,
and the holders of the Debentures shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon
any order or decree made by any court of competent jurisdiction in which such
dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization proceedings are pending,
or a certificate of the receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, liquidation trustee,
agent or other Person making such payment or distribution, delivered to the
Trustee or to the holders of the Debentures, for the purposes of ascertaining
the Persons entitled to participate in such distribution, the holders of Senior
Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the Company, as the case may be, the
amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed
thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article XVI.
SECTION 16.5 TRUSTEE TO EFFECTUATE SUBORDINATION.
Each holder of Debentures by such holder's acceptance thereof
authorizes and directs the Trustee on such holder's behalf to take such action
as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination provided in
this Article XVI and appoints the Trustee such holder's attorney-in-fact for any
and all such purposes.
SECTION 16.6 NOTICE BY THE COMPANY.
(a) The Company shall give prompt written notice to a Responsible
Officer of the Trustee of any fact known to the Company that would prohibit the
making of any payment of monies to or by the Trustee in respect of the
Debentures pursuant to the provisions of this Article XVI. Notwithstanding the
provisions of this Article XVI or any other provision of this Indenture, the
Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts that
would prohibit the
52
<PAGE> 59
making of any payment of monies to or by the Trustee in respect of the
Debentures pursuant to the provisions of this Article XVI, unless and until a
Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof
from the Company or a holder or holders of Senior Indebtedness or from any
trustee therefor; and before the receipt of any such written notice, the
Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 9.1, shall be entitled in all
respects to assume that no such facts exist; provided, however, that if the
Trustee shall not have received the notice provided for in this Section 16.6 at
least two Business Days prior to the date upon which by the terms hereof any
money may become payable for any purpose (including, without limitation, the
payment of the principal of or interest on any Debenture), then, anything herein
contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall have full power and
authority to receive such money and to apply the same to the purposes for which
they were received, and shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary that
may be received by it within two Business Days prior to such date.
(b) The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 9.1, shall be
entitled to conclusively rely on the delivery to it of a written notice by a
Person representing himself to be a holder of Senior Indebtedness of the Company
(or a trustee on behalf of such holder) to establish that such notice has been
given by a holder of such Senior Indebtedness or a trustee on behalf of any such
holder or holders. In the event that the Trustee determines in good faith that
further evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder
of such Senior Indebtedness to participate in any payment or distribution
pursuant to this Article XVI, the Trustee may request such Person to furnish
evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of such
Senior Indebtedness held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is
entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and any other facts
pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article XVI, and, if such
evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person
pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such
payment.
SECTION 16.7 RIGHTS OF THE TRUSTEE; HOLDERS OF SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS.
(a) The Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the
rights set forth in this Article XVI in respect of any Senior Indebtedness at
any time held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior
Indebtedness, and nothing in this Indenture shall deprive the Trustee of any
of its rights as such holder. The Trustee's right to compensation and
reimbursement of expenses as set forth in Section 9.7 shall not be subject to
the subordination provisions of the Article XVI.
(b) With respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company,
the Trustee undertakes to perform or to observe only such of its covenants and
obligations as are specifically set forth in this Article XVI, and no implied
covenants or obligations with respect to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness
shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee. The Trustee shall not be
deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness and,
subject to the provisions of Section 9.1, the Trustee shall not be liable to any
holder of such Senior Indebtedness if it shall pay over or deliver to holders of
Debentures, the Company or any other Person money or assets to which any holder
of such Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled by virtue of this Article XVI or
otherwise.
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<PAGE> 60
SECTION 16.8 SUBORDINATION MAY NOT BE IMPAIRED.
(a) No right of any present or future holder of any Senior Indebtedness
of the Company to enforce subordination as herein provided shall at any time in
any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of
the Company or by any act or failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder,
or by any noncompliance by the Company with the terms, provisions and covenants
of this Indenture, regardless of any knowledge thereof that any such holder may
have or otherwise be charged with.
(b) Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing
paragraph, the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company may, at any time
and from time to time, without the consent of or notice to the Trustee or the
holders of the Debentures, without incurring responsibility to the holders of
the Debentures and without impairing or releasing the subordination provided in
this Article XVI or the obligations hereunder of the holders of the Debentures
to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness, do any one or more of the following:
(i) change the manner, place or terms of payment or extend the time of payment
of, or renew or alter, such Senior Indebtedness, or otherwise amend or
supplement in any manner such Senior Indebtedness or any instrument evidencing
the same or any agreement under which such Senior Indebtedness is outstanding;
(ii) sell, exchange, release or otherwise deal with any property pledged,
mortgaged or otherwise securing such Senior Indebtedness; (iii) release any
Person liable in any manner for the collection of such Senior Indebtedness; and
(iv) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against the Company and any
other Person.
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<PAGE> 61
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be
duly executed, all as of the day and year first above written.
MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.
By:
------------------------
Name: Robert L. Woods
----------------------
Title: President and CEO
---------------------
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,
AS TRUSTEE
By:
------------------------
Name:
----------------------
Title:
---------------------
55
<PAGE> 62
STATE OF ILLINOIS )
) ss:
COUNTY OF COOK )
On the th day of , 2000, before me personally came
to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say
that he is the of Company, one of the corporations
described in and which executed the above instrument; that he knows the
corporate seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to the said instrument
is such corporation seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of
Directors of said corporation, and that he signed his name thereto by like
authority.
----------------------------------
Notary Public,
--------------------
[seal]
My Commission expires:
------------
56
<PAGE> 63
EXHIBIT A
(FORM OF FACE OF DEBENTURE)
MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.
_____% JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURE
DUE __________, 2030
NO. ___ $___________
CUSIP NO. ____________
Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company,"
which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter
referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to, _______________ or
registered assigns, the principal sum of _________________________
($___________) on __________, 2030 (the "Stated Maturity"), and to pay interest
on said principal sum from June __, 2000 or from the most recent interest
payment date (each such date, an "Interest Payment Date") to which interest has
been paid or duly provided for, quarterly (subject to deferral as set forth
herein) in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and December of
each year commencing September 30, 2000, at the rate of _____% per annum until
the principal hereof shall have become due and payable, and on any overdue
principal and (without duplication and to the extent that payment of such
interest is enforceable under applicable law) on any overdue installment of
interest at the same rate per annum compounded quarterly. The amount of interest
payable on any Interest Payment Date shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day
year of twelve 30-day months. The amount of interest for any partial period
shall be computed on the basis of the number of days elapsed in a 360-day year
of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any date on which interest is payable
on this Debenture is not a business day, then payment of interest payable on
such date shall be made on the next succeeding day that is a business day (and
without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay) except that,
if such business day is in the next succeeding calendar year, payment of such
interest will be made on the immediately preceding business day, in each case,
with the same force and effect as if made on such date. The interest installment
so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment
Date shall, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the person in whose name
this Debenture (or one or more Predecessor Debentures, as defined in said
Indenture) is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for
such interest installment, which shall be the close of business on the business
day next preceding such Interest Payment Date unless otherwise provided in the
Indenture. Any such interest installment not punctually paid or duly provided
for shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered holders on such
regular record date and may be paid to the Person in whose name this Debenture
(or one or more Predecessor Debentures) is registered at the close of business
on a special record date to be fixed by the Trustee for the payment of such
defaulted interest, notice whereof shall
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be given to the registered holders of the Debentures not less than 10 days prior
to such special record date, or may be paid at any time in any other lawful
manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on
which the Debentures may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by
such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Indenture. The principal of and
the interest on this Debenture shall be payable at the office or agency of the
Trustee maintained for that purpose in any coin or currency of the United States
of America that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and
private debts; provided, however, that payment of interest may be made at the
option of the Company by check mailed to the registered holder at such address
as shall appear in the Debenture Register. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so
long as the holder of this Debenture is the Property Trustee, the payment of the
principal of and interest on this Debenture shall be made at such place and to
such account as may be designated by the Trustee.
The Stated Maturity may be shortened at any time by the Company to any
date not earlier than _________, 2005, subject to the Company having received
prior approval of the Federal Reserve if then required under applicable capital
guidelines, policies or regulations of the Federal Reserve.
The indebtedness evidenced by this Debenture is, to the extent provided
in the Indenture, subordinate and junior in right of payment to the prior
payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, and this Debenture is issued subject
to the provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto. Each holder of this
Debenture, by accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such
provisions; (b) authorizes and directs the Trustee on his or her behalf to take
such action as may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the
subordination so provided; and (c) appoints the Trustee his or her
attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes. Each holder hereof, by his or
her acceptance hereof, hereby waives all notice of the acceptance of the
subordination provisions contained herein and in the Indenture by each holder of
Senior Indebtedness, whether now outstanding or hereafter incurred, and waives
reliance by each such holder upon said provisions.
This Debenture shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture
hereinafter referred to, be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until the
Certificate of Authentication hereon shall have been signed by or on behalf of
the Trustee.
The provisions of this Debenture are continued on the reverse side
hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect
as though fully set forth at this place.
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<PAGE> 65
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be
executed.
Dated: __________, 20__
MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.
By: _______________________
Name:______________________
Title:_____________________
Attest:
By:_____________________
Name:___________________
Title: _________________
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<PAGE> 66
[FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION]
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Debentures described in the within-mentioned Indenture.
Dated: __________, 20__
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,
as Trustee
By: ___________________________
Authorized Signatory
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<PAGE> 67
[FORM OF REVERSE OF DEBENTURE]
_____% JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURE
(CONTINUED)
This Debenture is one of the subordinated debentures of the Company
(herein sometimes referred to as the "Debentures"), specified in the Indenture,
all issued or to be issued under and pursuant to an Indenture dated as of June
__, 2000 (the "Indenture") duly executed and delivered between the Company and
Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee (the "Trustee"), to which Indenture
reference is hereby made for a description of the rights, limitations of rights,
obligations, duties and immunities thereunder of the Trustee, the Company and
the holders of the Debentures. The Debentures are limited in aggregate principal
amount as specified in the Indenture.
Because of the occurrence and continuation of a Special Event, in
certain circumstances, this Debenture may become due and payable at the
principal amount together with any interest accrued thereon (the "Redemption
Price"). The Redemption Price shall be paid prior to 12:00 noon, Eastern
Standard Time, on the date of such redemption or at such earlier time as the
Company determines. The Company shall have the right to redeem this Debenture at
the option of the Company, without premium or penalty, in whole or in part at
any time on or after __________, 2005 (an "Optional Redemption"), or at any time
in certain circumstances upon the occurrence of a Special Event, at a Redemption
Price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus any accrued but unpaid
interest, to the date of such redemption. Any redemption pursuant to this
paragraph shall be made upon not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days notice,
at the Redemption Price. If the Debentures are only partially redeemed by the
Company pursuant to an Optional Redemption, the Debentures shall be redeemed pro
rata or by lot or by any other method utilized by the Trustee.
In the event of redemption of this Debenture in part only, a new
Debenture or Debentures for the unredeemed portion hereof shall be issued in the
name of the holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.
In case an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, shall have
occurred and be continuing, the principal of all of the Debentures may be
declared, and upon such declaration shall become, due and payable, in the
manner, with the effect and subject to the conditions provided in the Indenture.
The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the
Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Debentures at the time outstanding, as defined
in the Indenture, to execute supplemental indentures for the purpose of adding
any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions
of the Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner
the rights of the holders of the Debentures; provided, however, that no such
supplemental indenture shall (i) extend the fixed maturity of the Debentures
except as provided in the Indenture, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or
reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon, without the
consent of
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<PAGE> 68
the holder of each Debenture so affected; or (ii) reduce the aforesaid
percentage of Debentures, the holders of which are required to consent to any
such supplemental indenture, without the consent of the holders of each
Debenture then outstanding and affected thereby. The Indenture also contains
provisions permitting the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the Debentures at the time outstanding, on behalf of all of the holders of the
Debentures, to waive any past default in the performance of any of the covenants
contained in the Indenture, or established pursuant to the Indenture, and its
consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of or interest on
any of the Debentures. Any such consent or waiver by the registered holder of
this Debenture (unless revoked as provided in the Indenture) shall be conclusive
and binding upon such holder and upon all future holders and owners of this
Debenture and of any Debenture issued in exchange herefor or in place hereof
(whether by registration of transfer or otherwise), irrespective of whether or
not any notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Debenture.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Debenture
or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which
is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal and interest on this
Debenture at the time and place and at the rate and in the money herein
prescribed.
Provided certain conditions are met, the Company shall have the right
at any time during the term of the Debentures and from time to time to extend
the interest payment period of such Debentures for up to 20 consecutive quarters
(each, an "Extended Interest Payment Period"), at the end of which period the
Company shall pay all interest then accrued and unpaid (together with interest
thereon at the rate specified for the Debentures to the extent that payment of
such interest is enforceable under applicable law). Before the termination of
any such Extended Interest Payment Period, so long as no Event of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing, the Company may further extend such Extended
Interest Payment Period, provided that such Extended Interest Payment Period
together with all such further extensions thereof shall not exceed 20
consecutive quarters, extend beyond the Stated Maturity or end on a date other
than an Interest Payment Date. At the termination of any such Extended Interest
Payment Period and upon the payment of all accrued and unpaid interest and any
additional amounts then due and subject to the foregoing conditions, the Company
may commence a new Extended Interest Payment Period.
As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein
set forth, this Debenture is transferable by the registered holder hereof on the
Debenture Register of the Company, upon surrender of this Debenture for
registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Trustee accompanied by a
written instrument or instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the
Company or the Trustee duly executed by the registered holder hereof or his
attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Debentures of
authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount shall be
issued to the designated transferee or transferees. No service charge shall be
made for any such transfer, but the Company may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in relation
thereto.
Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of this
Debenture, the Company, the Trustee, any paying agent and the Debenture
Registrar may deem and treat the registered holder
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<PAGE> 69
hereof as the absolute owner hereof (whether or not this Debenture shall be
overdue and notwithstanding any notice of ownership or writing hereon made by
anyone other than the Debenture Registrar) for the purpose of receiving payment
of or on account of the principal hereof and interest due hereon and for all
other purposes, and neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any paying agent nor
any Debenture Registrar shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.
No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or the
interest on this Debenture, or for any claim based hereon, or otherwise in
respect hereof, or based on or in respect of the Indenture, against any
incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, past, present or future, as
such, of the Company or of any predecessor or successor corporation, whether by
virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any
assessment or penalty or otherwise, all such liability being, by the acceptance
hereof and as part of the consideration for the issuance hereof, expressly
waived and released.
The Debentures are issuable only in registered form without coupons in
denominations of $25 and any integral multiple thereof.
All terms used in this Debenture that are defined in the Indenture
shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
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<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 4.3
CERTIFICATE OF TRUST
OF
MBHI CAPITAL TRUST I
THIS CERTIFICATE OF TRUST OF MBHI CAPITAL TRUST I (the "Trust"), is
being duly executed and filed by Wilmington Trust Company, a Delaware banking
corporation, and Robert L. Woods, Edward H. Sibbald and Daniel R. Kadolph, each
an individual, as trustees, to form a business trust under the Delaware Business
Trust Act (12 Del. C. Section 3801 et seq.) (the "Act").
1. NAME. The name of the business trust formed hereby is MBHI Capital
Trust I.
2. DELAWARE TRUSTEE. The name and business address of the trustee of the
Trust in the State of Delaware is Wilmington Trust Company, Rodney
Square North, 1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware
19890-0001, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration.
3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Certificate of Trust shall be effective on May 5,
2000.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Certificate of
Trust in accordance with Section 3811(a)(1) of the Act.
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, as trustee
By: /s/ Donald G. MacKelcan
-----------------------------------------
Name: Donald G. MacKelcan
---------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
--------------------------------------
/s/ Robert L. Woods , as Trustee
-------------------------------
Name: Robert L. Woods
/s/ Edward H. Sibbald , as Trustee
--------------------------------
Name: Edward H. Sibbald
/s/ Daniel R. Kadolph , as Trustee
--------------------------------
Name: Daniel R. Kadolph
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 4.4
TRUST AGREEMENT
This TRUST AGREEMENT, dated as of May 5, 2000 (this "Trust Agreement"),
among (i) Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Depositor"),
(ii) Wilmington Trust Company, a Delaware banking corporation, as trustee, and
(iii) Robert L. Woods, Edward H. Sibbald and Daniel R. Kadolph each an
individual, as trustees (each of such trustees in (ii) and (iii) a "Trustee" and
collectively, the "Trustees"). The Depositor and the Trustees hereby agree as
follows:
1. The trust created hereby (the "Trust") shall be known as "MBHI
Capital Trust I" in which name the Trustees, or the Depositor to the extent
provided herein, may engage in the transactions contemplated hereby, make and
execute contracts, and sue and be sued.
2. The Depositor hereby assigns, transfers, conveys and sets over to
the Trustees the sum of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00). The Trustees hereby
acknowledge receipt of such amount in trust from the Depositor, which amount
shall constitute the initial trust estate. The Trustees hereby declare that they
will hold the trust estate in trust for the Depositor. It is the intention of
the parties hereto that the Trust created hereby constitute a business trust
under Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code, 12 Del. C. Section 3801, et
seq. (the "Business Trust Act"), and that this document constitute the governing
instrument of the Trust. The Trustees are hereby authorized and directed to
execute and file a certificate of trust with the Delaware Secretary of State in
accordance with the provisions of the Business Trust Act.
3. The Depositor and the Trustees will enter into an amended and
restated Trust Agreement, satisfactory to each such party and substantially in
the form included as an exhibit to the 1933 Act Registration Statement (as
defined below), to provide for the contemplated operation of the Trust created
hereby and the issuance of Preferred Securities and Common Securities to be
referred to therein. Prior to the execution and delivery of such amended and
restated Trust Agreement, the Trustees shall not have any duty or obligation
hereunder or with respect to the trust estate, except as otherwise required by
applicable law or as may be necessary to obtain prior to such execution and
delivery any licenses, consents or approvals required by applicable law or
otherwise.
4. The Depositor and the Trustees hereby authorize and direct the
Depositor, as the sponsor and agent of the Trust, (i) to file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and execute, in each case
on behalf of the Trust, (a) the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "1933
Act Registration Statement") (including any pre-effective or post-effective
amendments to the 1933 Act Registration Statement), relating to the registration
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of the Preferred Securities of the
Trust and possibly certain other securities and (b) a Registration Statement on
Form 8-A (the "1934 Act Registration Statement") (including all pre-effective
and post-effective amendments thereto) relating to the registration of the
Preferred Securities of the Trust under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended; (ii) to file with the American Stock Exchange or a national stock
exchange (the "Exchange") and execute on behalf of the Trust one or more listing
applications and all other applications, statements, certificates, agreements
and other instruments as shall be necessary or desirable to cause the Preferred
Securities
<PAGE> 2
to be listed on any of the Exchanges; (iii) to file and execute on behalf of the
Trust such applications, reports, surety bonds, irrevocable consents,
appointments of attorney for service of process and other papers and documents
as shall be necessary or desirable to register the Preferred Securities under
the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Depositor, on
behalf of the Trust, may deem necessary or desirable and (iv) to execute on
behalf of the Trust that certain Underwriting Agreement relating to the
Preferred Securities, among the Trust, the Depositor and the Underwriters named
therein, substantially in the form included as an exhibit to the 1933 Act
Registration Statement. In the event that any filing referred to in clauses (i),
(ii) and (iii) above is required by the rules and regulations of the Commission,
an Exchange or state securities or blue sky laws, to be executed on behalf of
the Trust by one or more of the Trustees, each of the Trustees, in its or his
capacity as a Trustee of the Trust, is hereby authorized and, to the extent so
required, directed to join in any such filing and to execute on behalf of the
Trust any and all of the foregoing, it being understood that Wilmington Trust
Company in its capacity as a Trustee of the Trust shall not be required to join
in any such filing or execute on behalf of the Trust any such document unless
required by the rules and regulations of the Commission, the Exchange or state
securities or blue sky laws. In connection with the filings referred to above,
the Depositor and Robert L. Woods, Edward H. Sibbald and Daniel R. Kadolph, each
as Trustees and not in their individual capacities, hereby constitutes and
appoints Robert L. Woods, Edward H. Sibbald and Daniel R. Kadolph, and each of
them, as its true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for the Depositor or such Trustee or in the
Depositor's or such Trustees' name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,
to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to the 1933
Act Registration Statement and the 1934 Act Registration Statement and to file
the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Commission, the Exchange and administrators of the state
securities or blue sky laws, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all
intents and purposes as the Depositor or such Trustee might or could to in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or their respective substitute or substitutes, shall do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
5. This Trust Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts.
6. The number of Trustees initially shall be four (4) and thereafter
the number of Trustees shall be such number as shall be fixed from time to time
by a written instrument signed by the Depositor which may increase or decrease
the number of Trustees; provided, however, that to the extent required by the
Business Trust Act, one Trustee shall either be a natural person who is a
resident of the State of Delaware or, if not a natural person, an entity which
has its principal place of business in the State of Delaware and otherwise meets
the requirements of applicable Delaware law. Subject to the foregoing, the
Depositor is entitled to appoint or remove without cause any Trustee at any
time. The Trustees may resign upon thirty (30) days' prior notice to the
Depositor.
7. This Trust Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware (without regard to conflict
of laws of principles).
2
<PAGE> 3
8. The Trustees (the "Fiduciary Indemnified Persons") shall not be
liable, responsible or accountable in damages or otherwise to the Trust, the
Depositor, the Trustees or any holder of the Trust's securities (the Trust, the
Depositor and any holder of the Trust's securities being a "Covered Person") for
any loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of any act or omission performed or
omitted by the Fiduciary Indemnified Persons in good faith on behalf of the
Trust and in a manner the Fiduciary Indemnified Persons reasonably believed to
be within the scope of authority conferred on the Fiduciary Indemnified Persons
by this Trust Agreement or by law, except that the Fiduciary Indemnified Persons
shall be liable for any such loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of the
Fiduciary Indemnified Person's gross negligence or bad faith with respect to
such acts or omissions.
The Fiduciary Indemnified Persons shall be fully protected in
relying in good faith upon the records of the Trust and upon such information,
opinions, reports or statements presented to the Trust by any person as to
matters the Fiduciary Indemnified Persons reasonably believes are within such
other person's professional or expert competence and who has been selected with
reasonable care by or on behalf of the Trust, including information, opinions,
reports or statements as to the value and amount of the assets, liabilities,
profits, losses, or any other facts pertinent to the existence and amount of
assets from which distributions to holders of Trust's securities might properly
be paid.
9. The Depositor agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable
law,
(a) to indemnify and hold harmless each Fiduciary Indemnified
Person, or any of its officers, directors, shareholders, employees,
representatives or agents, from and against any loss, damage, liability, tax,
penalty, expense or claim of any kind or nature whatsoever incurred by the
Fiduciary Indemnified Persons by reason of the creation, operation or
termination of the Trust in a manner the Fiduciary Indemnified Persons
reasonably believed to be within the scope of authority conferred on the
Fiduciary Indemnified Persons by this Trust Agreement, except that no Fiduciary
Indemnified Persons shall be entitled to be indemnified in respect of any loss,
damage or claim incurred by the Fiduciary Indemnified Persons by reason of gross
negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such acts or omissions; and
(b) to advance expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a
Fiduciary Indemnified Person in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or
proceeding shall, from time to time, prior to the final disposition of such
claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding, upon receipt by the Trust of an
undertaking by or on behalf of such Fiduciary Indemnified Persons to repay such
amount if it shall be determined that such Fiduciary Indemnified Person is not
entitled to be indemnified as authorized in the preceding subsection.
10. The provisions of Section 9 shall survive the termination of this
Trust Agreement or the earlier resignation or removal of the Fiduciary
Indemnified Persons.
3
<PAGE> 4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Trust Agreement
to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.,
as Depositor
By: /s/ Robert L. Woods
----------------------------------
Name: Robert L. Woods
Title: President and CEO
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,
as Trustee
By: /s/ Donald G. Mackelcan
----------------------------------
Name: Donald G. Mackelcan
Title: Vice President
/s/ Robert L. Woods
-------------------------------------
Robert L. Woods, as Trustee
/s/ Edward H. Sibbald
-------------------------------------
Edward H. Sibbald, as Trustee
/s/ Daniel R. Kadolph
-------------------------------------
Daniel R. Kadolph, as Trustee
4
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 4.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MBHI CAPITAL TRUST I
AMENDED AND RESTATED
TRUST AGREEMENT
AMONG
MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC., AS DEPOSITOR,
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, AS PROPERTY TRUSTEE,
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, AS DELAWARE TRUSTEE,
AND
THE ADMINISTRATIVE TRUSTEES NAMED HEREIN
DATED AS OF JUNE , 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C> <C>
ARTICLE I
DEFINED TERMS............................................................................................2
Section 101. Definitions............................................................................2
ARTICLE II
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TRUST..............................................................................10
Section 201. Name..................................................................................10
Section 202. Office of the Delaware Trustee; Principal Place of Business...........................10
Section 203. Initial Contribution of Trust Property; Organizational Expenses.......................11
Section 204. Issuance of the Preferred Securities..................................................11
Section 205. Issuance of the Common Securities; Subscription and Purchase of
Debentures............................................................................11
Section 206. Declaration of Trust..................................................................11
Section 207. Authorization to Enter into Certain Transactions......................................12
Section 208. Assets of Trust.......................................................................15
Section 209. Title to Trust Property...............................................................15
ARTICLE III
PAYMENT ACCOUNT.........................................................................................16
Section 301. Payment Account.......................................................................16
ARTICLE IV
DISTRIBUTIONS; REDEMPTION...............................................................................16
Section 401. Distributions.........................................................................16
Section 402. Redemption............................................................................17
Section 403. Subordination of Common Securities....................................................19
Section 404. Payment Procedures....................................................................20
Section 405. Tax Returns and Reports...............................................................20
Section 406. Payment of Taxes, Duties, etc. of the Trust...........................................20
Section 407. Payments Under Indenture..............................................................20
ARTICLE V
TRUST SECURITIES CERTIFICATES...........................................................................21
Section 501. Initial Ownership.....................................................................21
Section 502. The Trust Securities Certificates.....................................................21
Section 503. Execution, Authentication and Delivery of Trust Securities
Certificates..........................................................................21
Section 503A. Global Preferred Security.............................................................22
Section 504. Registration of Transfer and Exchange of Preferred Securities
Certificates..........................................................................23
Section 505. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Trust Securities Certificates....................24
Section 506. Persons Deemed Securityholders........................................................25
Section 507. Access to List of Securityholders' Names and Addresses................................25
Section 508. Maintenance of Office or Agency.......................................................25
Section 509. Appointment of Paying Agent...........................................................25
</TABLE>
ii
<PAGE> 3
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Section 510. Ownership of Common Securities by Depositor...........................................26
Section 511. Trust Securities Certificates.........................................................26
Section 512. Notices to Clearing Agency............................................................27
Section 513. Rights of Securityholders.............................................................27
ARTICLE VI
ACTS OF SECURITYHOLDERS; MEETINGS; VOTING...............................................................28
Section 601. Limitations on Voting Rights..........................................................28
Section 602. Notice of Meetings....................................................................29
Section 603. Meetings of Preferred Securityholders.................................................29
Section 604. Voting Rights.........................................................................29
Section 605. Proxies, etc..........................................................................29
Section 606. Securityholder Action by Written Consent..............................................30
Section 607. Record Date for Voting and Other Purposes.............................................30
Section 608. Acts of Securityholders...............................................................30
Section 609. Inspection of Records.................................................................31
ARTICLE VII
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES..........................................................................31
Section 701. Representations and Warranties of the Bank and the Property
Trustee.31..............................................................................
Section 702. Representations and Warranties of the Delaware Bank and the
Delaware Trustee......................................................................32
Section 703. Representations and Warranties of Depositor...........................................34
ARTICLE VIII
TRUSTEES................................................................................................34
Section 801. Certain Duties and Responsibilities...................................................34
Section 802. Certain Notices.......................................................................36
Section 803. Certain Rights of Property Trustee....................................................36
Section 804. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities................................38
Section 805. May Hold Securities...................................................................38
Section 806. Compensation; Indemnity; Fees.........................................................38
Section 807. Corporate Property Trustee Required; Eligibility of Trustees..........................39
Section 808. Conflicting Interests.................................................................39
Section 809. Co-Trustees and Separate Trustee......................................................40
Section 810. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.....................................41
Section 811. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor................................................42
Section 812. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business...........................43
Section 813. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Depositor or Trust..........................43
Section 814. Reports by Property Trustee...........................................................43
Section 815. Reports to the Property Trustee.......................................................44
Section 816. Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent......................................44
Section 817. Number of Trustees....................................................................44
Section 818. Delegation of Power...................................................................45
Section 819. Voting................................................................................45
</TABLE>
iii
<PAGE> 4
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
ARTICLE IX
TERMINATION, LIQUIDATION AND MERGER.....................................................................45
Section 901. Termination Upon Expiration Date......................................................45
Section 902. Early Termination.....................................................................45
Section 903. Termination...........................................................................46
Section 904. Liquidation...........................................................................46
Section 905. Mergers, Consolidations, Amalgamations or Replacements of the
Trust.................................................................................47
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS................................................................................48
Section 1001. Limitation of Rights of Securityholders...............................................48
Section 1002. Amendment.............................................................................49
Section 1003. Separability..........................................................................50
Section 1004. Governing Law.........................................................................50
Section 1005. Payments Due on Non-Business Day......................................................50
Section 1006. Successors............................................................................50
Section 1007. Headings..............................................................................51
Section 1008. Reports, Notices and Demands..........................................................51
Section 1009. Agreement Not to Petition.............................................................51
Section 1010. Trust Indenture Act; Conflict with Trust Indenture Act................................52
Section 1011. Acceptance of Terms of Trust Agreement,
Guarantee and Indenture...............................................................52
</TABLE>
iv
<PAGE> 5
EXHIBITS
- --------
Exhibit A Certificate of Trust
Exhibit B Form of Common Securities Certificate
Exhibit C Form of Expense Agreement
Exhibit D Form of Preferred Securities Certificate
Exhibit E Form of Preferred Securities Certificate of Authentication
Exhibit F Certificate Depositary Agreement
v
<PAGE> 6
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Section of
Trust Indenture Act Section of
of 1939, as amended Amended and Restated Trust Agreement
- ------------------- ------------------------------------
<S> <C>
310(a)(1).......................................................................................................807
310(a)(2).......................................................................................................807
310(a)(3).......................................................................................................807
310(a)(4)................................................................................................207(a)(ii)
310(b)..........................................................................................................808
311(a)..........................................................................................................813
311(b)..........................................................................................................813
312(a)..........................................................................................................507
312(b)..........................................................................................................507
312(c)..........................................................................................................507
313(a).......................................................................................................814(a)
313(a)(4)....................................................................................................814(b)
313(b).......................................................................................................814(b)
313(c).........................................................................................................1008
313(d).......................................................................................................814(c)
314(a)..........................................................................................................815
314(b)...............................................................................................Not Applicable
314(c)(1).......................................................................................................816
314(c)(2).......................................................................................................816
314(c)(3)............................................................................................Not Applicable
314(d)...............................................................................................Not Applicable
314(e).....................................................................................................101, 816
315(a)...............................................................................................801(a), 803(a)
315(b)....................................................................................................802, 1008
315(c).......................................................................................................801(a)
315(d).....................................................................................................801, 803
316(a)(2)............................................................................................Not Applicable
316(b)...............................................................................................Not Applicable
316(c)..........................................................................................................607
317(a)(1)............................................................................................Not Applicable
317(a)(2)............................................................................................Not Applicable
317(b)..........................................................................................................509
318(a).........................................................................................................1010
</TABLE>
Note: This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of this Agreement and
shall not affect the interpretation of any of its terms or provisions.
vi
<PAGE> 7
AMENDED AND RESTATED TRUST AGREEMENT
AMENDED AND RESTATED TRUST AGREEMENT, dated as of June __, 2000, among
(i) MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (including any
successors or assigns, the "Depositor"), (ii) Wilmington Trust Company, a
Delaware banking corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the
State of Delaware, as property trustee (the "Property Trustee" and, in its
separate corporate capacity and not in its capacity as Property Trustee, the
"Bank"), (iii) WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, a Delaware banking corporation duly
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, as Delaware
trustee (the "Delaware Trustee," and, in its separate corporate capacity and not
in its capacity as Delaware Trustee, the "Delaware Bank") (iv) ROBERT L. WOODS,
an individual, EDWARD H. SIBBALD, an individual, and DANIEL R. KADOLPH, an
individual, each of whose address is c/o Company (each an "Administrative
Trustee" and collectively the "Administrative Trustees") (the Property Trustee,
the Delaware Trustee and the Administrative Trustees referred to collectively as
the "Trustees"), and (v) the several Holders (as hereinafter defined).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Depositor, the Delaware Trustee, and Robert L. Woods,
Edward H. Sibbald and Daniel R. Kadolph, each as an Administrative Trustee, have
heretofore duly declared and established a business trust pursuant to the
Delaware Business Trust Act by the entering into of that certain Trust
Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2000 (the "Original Trust Agreement"), and by the
execution and filing by the Delaware Trustee, the Depositor and the
Administrative Trustees with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware of
the Certificate of Trust, filed on May 5, 2000, the form of which is attached as
Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, the Depositor, the Delaware Trustee, the Property Trustee and the
Administrative Trustees desire to amend and restate the Original Trust Agreement
in its entirety as set forth herein to provide for, among other things, (i) the
issuance of the Common Securities (as defined herein) by the Trust (as defined
herein) to the Depositor; (ii) the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities
(as defined herein) by the Trust pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement (as
defined herein); (iii) the acquisition by the Trust from the Depositor of all of
the right, title and interest in the Debentures (as defined herein); and (iv)
the appointment of the Trustees;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements and obligations set forth
herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each party, for the benefit of the
other parties and for the benefit of the Securityholders (as defined herein),
hereby amends and restates the Original Trust Agreement in its entirety and
agrees as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINED TERMS
<PAGE> 8
SECTION 101. DEFINITIONS.
For all purposes of this Trust Agreement, except as otherwise expressly
provided or unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) the terms defined in this Article I have the meanings assigned to
them in this Article I and include the plural as well as the singular;
(b) all other terms used herein that are defined in the Trust Indenture
Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them
therein;
(c) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an "Article" or
a "Section" refers to an Article or a Section, as the case may be, of this Trust
Agreement; and
(d) the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of
similar import refer to this Trust Agreement as a whole and not to any
particular Article, Section or other subdivision.
"Act" has the meaning specified in Section 608.
"Additional Amount" means, with respect to Trust Securities of a given
Liquidation Amount and/or a given period, the amount of Additional Interest
accrued on interest in arrears and paid by the Depositor on a Like Amount of
Debentures for such period.
"Additional Interest" has the meaning specified in Section 1.1 of the
Indenture.
"Administrative Trustee" means each of Robert L. Woods, Edward H. Sibbald
and Daniel R. Kadolph, solely in his or her capacity as Administrative Trustee
of the Trust formed and continued hereunder and not in his or her individual
capacity, or such Administrative Trustee's successor in interest in such
capacity, or any successor trustee appointed as herein provided.
"Affiliate" means, with respect to a specified Person, (a) any Person
directly or indirectly owning, controlling or holding with power to vote 10% or
more of the outstanding voting securities or other ownership interests of the
specified Person, any Person 10% or more of whose outstanding voting securities
or other ownership interests are directly or indirectly owned, controlled or
held with power to vote by the specified Person; (b) any Person directly or
indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the
specified Person; (c) a partnership in which the specified Person is a general
partner; (d) any officer or director of the specified Person; and (e) if the
specified Person is an individual, any entity of which the specified Person is
an officer, director or general partner.
"Authenticating Agent" means an authenticating agent with respect to the
Preferred Securities appointed by the Property Trustee pursuant to Section 503.
"Bank" has the meaning specified in the Preamble to this Trust Agreement.
"Bankruptcy Event" means, with respect to any Person:
2
<PAGE> 9
(a) the entry of a decree or order by a court having jurisdiction in the
premises adjudging such Person a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly
filed a petition seeking liquidation or reorganization of or in respect of such
Person under the United States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended, or any other
similar applicable federal or state law, and the continuance of any such decree
or order unvacated and unstayed for a period of 90 days; or the commencement of
an involuntary case under the United States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended,
in respect of such Person, which shall continue undismissed for a period of 90
days or entry of an order for relief in such case; or the entry of a decree or
order of a court having jurisdiction in the premises for the appointment on the
ground of insolvency or bankruptcy of a receiver, custodian, liquidator, trustee
or assignee in bankruptcy or insolvency of such Person or of its property, or
for the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and such decree or order shall
have remained in force unvacated and unstayed for a period of 90 days; or
(b) the institution by such Person of proceedings to be adjudicated a
voluntary bankrupt, or the consent by such Person to the filing of a bankruptcy
proceeding against it, or the filing by such Person of a petition or answer or
consent seeking liquidation or reorganization under the United States Bankruptcy
Code of 1978, as amended, or other similar applicable federal or state law, or
the consent by such Person to the filing of any such petition or to the
appointment on the ground of insolvency or bankruptcy of a receiver or custodian
or liquidator or trustee or assignee in bankruptcy or insolvency of such Person
or of its property, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of
creditors.
"Bankruptcy Laws" has the meaning specified in Section 1009.
"Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary
of the Depositor to have been duly adopted by the Depositor's Board of
Directors, or such committee of the Board of Directors or officers of the
Depositor to which authority to act on behalf of the Board of Directors has been
delegated, and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification,
and delivered to the appropriate Trustee.
"Business Day" means a day other than a Saturday or Sunday, a day on
which banking institutions in The City of New York are authorized or required by
law, executive order or regulation to remain closed, or a day on which the
Property Trustee's Corporate Trust Office or the Corporate Trust Office of the
Debenture Trustee is closed for business.
"Certificate Depositary Agreement" means the agreement among Depositor,
Trust and DTC, as the initial Clearing Agency, dated as of the Closing Date,
substantially in the form attached as Exhibit F as the same may be amended and
supplemented from time to time.
"Certificate of Trust" means the certificate of trust filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware with respect to the Trust, as
amended or restated from time to time.
"Change in 1940 Act Law" shall have the meaning set forth in the definition
of "Investment Company Event."
3
<PAGE> 10
"Clearing Agency" means an organization registered as a "clearing agency"
pursuant to Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. DTC
shall be the initial Clearing Agency.
"Clearing Agency Participant" means a broker, dealer, bank or other
financial institution or other Person for whom from time to time a Clearing
Agency effects book-entry transfers and pledges of securities deposited with the
Clearing Agency.
"Closing Date" means the date of execution and delivery of this Trust
Agreement.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time
to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after
the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing
the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body
performing such duties at such time.
"Common Security" means an undivided beneficial interest in the assets
of the Trust, having a Liquidation Amount of $25 and having the rights provided
therefor in this Trust Agreement, including the right to receive Distributions
and a Liquidation Distribution as provided herein.
"Common Securities Certificate" means a certificate evidencing
ownership of Common Securities, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C.
"Company" means Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc.
"Corporate Trust Office" means the office at which, at any particular time,
the corporate trust business of the Property Trustee or the Debenture Trustee,
as the case may be, shall be principally administered, which office at the date
hereof, in each such case, is located at Rodney Square North, 1100 North Market
Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19890-0001, Attn: Corporate Trust Administration.
"Debenture Event of Default" means an "Event of Default" as defined in
Section 7.1 of the Indenture.
"Debenture Redemption Date" means, with respect to any Debentures to be
redeemed under the Indenture, the date fixed for redemption under the Indenture.
"Debenture Tax Event" means a "Tax Event" as specified in Section 1.1 of
the Indenture.
"Debenture Trustee" means Wilmington Trust Company, a state chartered trust
company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware and any successor
thereto, as trustee under the Indenture.
4
<PAGE> 11
"Debentures" means the $25,773,200 aggregate principal amount of the
Depositor's % Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2030, issued pursuant to
the Indenture.
"Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates" means Preferred
Securities Certificates issued in certified, fully registered form as provided
in Section 513.
"Delaware Bank" has the meaning specified in the Preamble to this Trust
Agreement.
"Delaware Business Trust Act" means Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware
Code, 12 Delaware Code Sections 3801 et seq. as it may be amended from time to
time.
"Delaware Trustee" means the commercial bank or trust company identified as
the "Delaware Trustee" in the Preamble to this Trust Agreement solely in its
capacity as Delaware Trustee of the Trust formed and continued hereunder and not
in its individual capacity, or its successor in interest in such capacity, or
any successor trustee appointed as herein provided.
"Depositary" means DTC or any successor thereto.
"Depositor" has the meaning specified in the Preamble to this Trust
Agreement.
"Distribution Date" has the meaning specified in Section 401(a).
"Distributions" means amounts payable in respect of the Trust
Securities as provided in Section 401.
"DTC" means The Depository Trust Company.
"Event of Default" means any one of the following events (whatever the
reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or
involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment,
decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any
administrative or governmental body):
(a) the occurrence of a Debenture Event of Default; or
(b) default by the Trust in the payment of any Distribution when it becomes
due and payable, and continuation of such default for a period of 30 days; or
(c) default by the Trust in the payment of any Redemption Price of any
Trust Security when it becomes due and payable; or
(d) default in the performance, or breach, in any material respect, of
any covenant or warranty of the Trustees in this Trust Agreement (other than a
covenant or warranty a default in the performance of which or the breach of
which is dealt with in clause (b) or (c), above) and
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continuation of such default or breach for a period of 60 days after there has
been given, by registered or certified mail, to the defaulting Trustee or
Trustees by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate liquidation preference of
the Outstanding Preferred Securities a written notice specifying such default or
breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice
of Default" hereunder; or
(e) the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event with respect to the Property
Trustee and the failure by the Depositor to appoint a successor Property Trustee
within 60 days thereof.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"Expense Agreement" means the Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities
between the Depositor and the Trust, substantially in the form attached as
Exhibit C, as amended from time to time.
"Expiration Date" has the meaning specified in Section 901.
"Extended Interest Payment Period" has the meaning specified in Section 4.1
of the Indenture.
"Global Preferred Securities Certificate" means a Preferred Securities
Certificate evidencing ownership of Global Preferred Securities.
"Global Preferred Security" means a Preferred Security, the ownership
and transfer of which shall be made through book entries by a Clearing Agency as
described herein.
"Guarantee" means the Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement executed
and delivered by the Depositor and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee,
contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Trust Agreement, for
the benefit of the holders of the Preferred Securities, as amended from time to
time.
"Indenture" means the Indenture, dated as of June __, 2000, between the
Depositor and the Debenture Trustee, as trustee, as amended or supplemented from
time to time.
"Investment Company Act," means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, as in effect at the date of execution of this instrument.
"Investment Company Event" means the receipt by the Trust and the Depositor
of an Opinion of Counsel, rendered by a law firm having a recognized national
tax and securities law practice, to the effect that, as a result of the
occurrence of a change in law or regulation or a change in interpretation or
application of law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental
agency or regulatory authority (a "Change in 1940 Act Law"), the Trust is or
shall be considered and "investment company" that is required to be registered
under the Investment Company Act, which Change in 1940 Act Law becomes effective
on or after the date of original issuance of the Preferred
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Securities under this Trust Agreement, provided, however, that the Depositor or
the Trust shall have requested and received such an Opinion of Counsel with
regard to such matters within a reasonable period of time after the Depositor or
the Trust shall have become aware of the possible occurrence of any such event.
"Lien" means any lien, pledge, charge, encumbrance, mortgage, deed of
trust, adverse ownership interest, hypothecation, assignment, security interest
or preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement
of any kind or nature whatsoever.
"Like Amount" means (a) with respect to a redemption of Trust Securities,
Trust Securities having an aggregate Liquidation Amount equal to the aggregate
principal amount of Debentures to be contemporaneously redeemed in accordance
with the Indenture and the proceeds of which shall be used to pay the Redemption
Price of such Trust Securities; and (b) with respect to a distribution of
Debentures to Holders of Trust Securities in connection with a termination or
liquidation of the Trust, Debentures having a principal amount equal to the
Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities of the Holder to whom such Debentures
are distributed. Each Debenture distributed pursuant to clause (b) above shall
carry with it accrued interest in an amount equal to the accrued and unpaid
interest then due on such Debentures.
"Liquidation Amount" means the stated amount of $25 per Trust Security.
"Liquidation Date" means the date on which Debentures are to be distributed
to Holders of Trust Securities in connection with a termination and liquidation
of the Trust pursuant to Section 904(a).
"Liquidation Distribution" has the meaning specified in Section 904(d).
"Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the President or
an Executive Vice President and by the Chief Financial Officer of the Depositor,
and delivered to the appropriate Trustee. One of the officers signing an
Officers' Certificate given pursuant to Section 816 shall be the principal
executive, financial or accounting officer of the Depositor. Any Officers'
Certificate delivered with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant
provided for in this Trust Agreement shall include:
(a) a statement that each officer signing the Officers' Certificate has
read the covenant or condition and the definitions relating thereto;
(b) a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination or
investigation undertaken by each officer in rendering the Officers' Certificate;
(c) a statement that each such officer has made such examination or
investigation as, in such officer's opinion, is necessary to enable such officer
to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition
has been complied with; and
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(d) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such officer, such
condition or covenant has been complied with.
"Opinion of Counsel" means an opinion in writing of independent, outside
legal counsel for the Trust, the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee or the
Depositor, who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Property Trustee.
"Original Trust Agreement" has the meaning specified in the Recitals to
this Trust Agreement.
"Outstanding", when used with respect to Preferred Securities, means, as of
the date of determination, all Preferred Securities theretofore executed and
delivered under this Trust Agreement, except:
(a) Preferred Securities theretofore canceled by the Property Trustee or
delivered to the Property Trustee for cancellation;
(b) Preferred Securities for whose payment or redemption money in the
necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Property Trustee or any
Paying Agent for the Holders of such Preferred Securities; provided that, if
such Preferred Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been
duly given pursuant to this Trust Agreement; and
(c) Preferred Securities which have been paid or in exchange for or in lieu
of which other Preferred Securities have been executed and delivered pursuant to
Sections 504, 505, 511 and 513;
provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite
Liquidation Amount of the Outstanding Preferred Securities have given any
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder,
Preferred Securities owned by the Depositor, any Trustee or any Affiliate of the
Depositor or any Trustee shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding,
except that (a) in determining whether any Trustee shall be protected in relying
upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or
waiver, only Preferred Securities that such Trustee knows to be so owned shall
be so disregarded; and (b) the foregoing shall not apply at any time when all of
the outstanding Preferred Securities are owned by the Depositor, one or more of
the Trustees and/or any such Affiliate. Preferred Securities so owned which have
been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee
establishes to the satisfaction of the Administrative Trustees the pledgee's
right as to such Preferred Securities so owned.
"Paying Agent" means any paying agent or co-paying agent appointed pursuant
to Section 509 and shall initially be the Bank.
"Payment Account" means a segregated non-interest-bearing corporate trust
account maintained by the Property Trustee with the Bank in its trust department
for the benefit of the Securityholders in which all amounts paid in respect of
the Debentures shall be held and from which the Property Trustee shall make
payments to the Securityholders in accordance with Sections 401 and 402.
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"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust, limited liability company or corporation, unincorporated organization or
government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
"Preferred Security" means an undivided beneficial interest in the assets
of the Trust, having a Liquidation Amount of $25 and having the rights provided
therefor in this Trust Agreement, including the right to receive Distributions
and a Liquidation Distribution as provided herein.
"Preferred Securities Certificate", means a certificate evidencing
ownership of Preferred Securities, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit
D.
"Property Trustee" means the commercial bank or trust company identified as
the "Property Trustee," in the Preamble to this Trust Agreement solely in its
capacity as Property Trustee of the Trust heretofore formed and continued
hereunder and not in its individual capacity, or its successor in interest in
such capacity, or any successor property trustee appointed as herein provided.
"Redemption Date" means, with respect to any Trust Security to be redeemed,
the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Trust Agreement;
provided that each Debenture Redemption Date and the stated maturity of the
Debentures shall be a Redemption Date for a Like Amount of Trust Securities.
"Redemption Price" means, with respect to any Trust Security, the
Liquidation Amount of such Trust Security, plus accumulated and unpaid
Distributions to the Redemption Date, allocated on a pro rata basis (based on
Liquidation Amounts) among the Trust Securities.
"Relevant Trustee" shall have the meaning specified in Section 810.
"Securities Register" and "Securities Registrar" have the respective
meanings specified in Section 504.
"Securityholder" or "Holder" means a Person in whose name a Trust Security
or Trust Securities is registered in the Securities Register; any such Person is
a beneficial owner within the meaning of the Delaware Business Trust Act.
"Trust" means the Delaware business trust created and continued hereby and
identified on the cover page to this Trust Agreement.
"Trust Agreement" means this Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, as the
same may be modified, amended or supplemented in accordance with the applicable
provisions hereof, including all exhibits hereto, including, for all purposes of
this Trust Agreement and any such modification, amendment or supplement, the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern
this Trust Agreement and any such modification, amendment or supplement,
respectively.
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"Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, as in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed;
provided, however, that in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, is amended after such date, "Trust Indenture Act" means, to the extent
required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended.
"Trust Property" means (a) the Debentures; (b) the rights of the Property
Trustee under the Guarantee; (c) any cash on deposit in, or owing to, the
Payment Account; and (d) all proceeds and rights in respect of the foregoing and
any other property and assets for the time being held or deemed to be held by
the Property Trustee pursuant to the trusts of this Trust Agreement.
"Trust Security" means any one of the Common Securities or the Preferred
Securities.
"Trust Securities Certificate" means any one of the Common Securities
Certificates or the Preferred Securities Certificates.
"Trustees" means, collectively, the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee
and the Administrative Trustees.
"Underwriting Agreement" means the Underwriting Agreement, dated as of June
, 2000, among the Trust, the Depositor and the Underwriters named therein.
ARTICLE II
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TRUST
SECTION 201. NAME.
The Trust continued hereby shall be known as "MBHI Capital Trust I," as
such name may be modified from time to time by the Administrative Trustees
following written notice to the Holders of Trust Securities and the other
Trustees, in which name the Trustees may engage in the transactions contemplated
hereby, make and execute contracts and other instruments on behalf of the Trust
and sue and be sued.
SECTION 202. OFFICE OF THE DELAWARE TRUSTEE; PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS.
The address of the Delaware Trustee in the State of Delaware is c/o
Wilmington Trust Company, Rodney Square North, 1100 North Market Street,
Wilmington, Delaware 19890-0001, Attn: Corporate Trust Administration, or such
other address in the State of Delaware as the Delaware Trustee may designate by
written notice to the Securityholders and the Depositor. The principal executive
office of the Trust is c/o Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc., 501 West North Avenue,
Melrose Park, Illinois 60160.
SECTION 203. INITIAL CONTRIBUTION OF TRUST PROPERTY; ORGANIZATIONAL
EXPENSES.
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The Trustees acknowledge receipt in trust from the Depositor in connection
with the Original Trust Agreement of the sum of $25, which constituted the
initial Trust Property. The Depositor shall pay organizational expenses of the
Trust as they arise or shall, upon request of any Trustee, promptly reimburse
such Trustee for any such expenses paid by such Trustee. The Depositor shall
make no claim upon the Trust Property for the payment of such expenses.
SECTION 204. ISSUANCE OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES.
On June , 2000, the Depositor and an Administrative Trustee, on behalf of
the Trust and pursuant to the Original Trust Agreement, executed and delivered
the Underwriting Agreement. Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of
this Trust Agreement, an Administrative Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall
execute in accordance with Section 502 and deliver in accordance with the
Underwriting Agreement, Preferred Securities Certificates, registered in the
name of Persons entitled thereto in an aggregate amount of 1,000,000 Preferred
Securities having an aggregate Liquidation Amount of $25,000,000 against receipt
of the aggregate purchase price of such Preferred Securities of $25,000,000,
which amount such Administrative Trustee shall promptly deliver to the Property
Trustee.
SECTION 205. ISSUANCE OF THE COMMON SECURITIES; SUBSCRIPTION AND PURCHASE
OF DEBENTURES.
Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Trust Agreement,
an Administrative Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall execute in accordance
with Section 502 and deliver to the Depositor, Common Securities Certificates,
registered in the name of the Depositor, in an aggregate amount of Common
Securities having an aggregate Liquidation Amount of $773,200 against payment by
the Depositor of such amount. Contemporaneously therewith, an Administrative
Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall subscribe to and purchase from the
Depositor Debentures, registered in the name of the Property Trustee on behalf
of the Trust and having an aggregate principal amount equal to $25,773,200 and,
in satisfaction of the purchase price for such Debentures, the Property Trustee,
on behalf of the Trust, shall deliver to the Depositor the sum of $25,773,200.
SECTION 206. DECLARATION OF TRUST.
The exclusive purposes and functions of the Trust are (a) to issue and sell
Trust Securities and use the proceeds from such sale to acquire the Debentures;
and (b) to engage in those activities necessary, advisable or incidental
thereto. The Depositor hereby appoints the Trustees as trustees of the Trust, to
have all the rights, powers and duties to the extent set forth herein, and the
Trustees hereby accept such appointment. The Property Trustee hereby declares
that it shall hold the Trust Property in trust upon and subject to the
conditions set forth herein for the benefit of the Securityholders. The
Administrative Trustees shall have all rights, powers and duties set forth
herein and in accordance with applicable law with respect to accomplishing the
purposes of the Trust. The Delaware Trustee shall not be entitled to exercise
any powers, nor shall the Delaware Trustee have any of the duties and
responsibilities, of the Property Trustee or the Administrative Trustees set
forth herein. The Delaware Trustee shall be one of the Trustees of the Trust for
the sole and limited purpose of fulfilling the requirements of Section 3807 of
the Delaware Business Trust Act.
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SECTION 207. AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.
(a) The Trustees shall conduct the affairs of the Trust in accordance with
the terms of this Trust Agreement. Subject to the limitations set forth in
paragraph (b) of this Section 207 and Article VIII, and in accordance with the
following provisions (i) and (ii), the Administrative Trustees shall have the
authority to enter into all transactions and agreements determined by the
Administrative Trustees to be appropriate in exercising the authority, express
or implied, otherwise granted to the Administrative Trustees under this Trust
Agreement, and to perform all acts in furtherance thereof, including without
limitation, the acts set forth in the following provision (i) and the Property
Trustee shall have the authority to act, each as set forth below:
(i) As among the Trustees, each Administrative Trustee, acting singly
or jointly, shall have the power and authority to act on behalf
of the Trust with respect to the following matters:
(A) the issuance and sale of the Trust Securities and the
compliance with the Underwriting Agreement in connection
therewith;
(B) to cause the Trust to enter into, and to execute, deliver
and perform on behalf of the Trust, the Expense Agreement
and such other agreements or documents as may be necessary
or desirable in connection with the purposes and function of
the Trust;
(C) assisting in the registration of the Preferred Securities
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and under
state securities or blue sky laws, and the qualification of
this Trust Agreement as a trust indenture under the Trust
Indenture Act;
(D) assisting in the listing of the Preferred Securities upon
the American Stock Exchange or such other securities
exchange or exchanges as shall be determined by the
Depositor, the registration of the Preferred Securities
under the Exchange Act, the compliance with the listing
requirements of the American Stock Exchange or the
applicable securities exchanges and the preparation and
filing of all periodic and other reports and other documents
pursuant to the foregoing;
(E) the sending of notices (other than notices of default) and
other information regarding the Trust Securities and the
Debentures to the Securityholders in accordance with this
Trust Agreement;
(F) the appointment of a Paying Agent, authenticating agent and
Securities Registrar in accordance with this Trust
Agreement;
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(G) to the extent provided in this Trust Agreement, the winding
up of the affairs of and liquidation of the Trust and the
preparation, execution and filing of the certificate of
cancellation with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware;
(H) to take all action that may be necessary or appropriate for
the preservation and the continuation of the Trust's valid
existence, rights, franchises and privileges as a statutory
business trust under the laws of the State of Delaware and
of each other jurisdiction in which such existence is
necessary to protect the limited liability of the Holders of
the Preferred Securities or to enable the Trust to effect
the purposes for which the Trust was created; and
(I) the taking of any action incidental to the foregoing as the
Administrative Trustees may from time to time determine is
necessary or advisable to give effect to the terms of this
Trust Agreement for the benefit of the Securityholders
(without consideration of the effect of any such action on
any particular Securityholder).
(ii) As among the Trustees, the Property Trustee shall have the power, duty
and authority to act on behalf of the Trust with respect to the
following matters:
(A) the establishment of the Payment Account;
(B) the receipt of the Debentures;
(C) the collection of interest, principal and any other payments
made in respect of the Debentures in the Payment Account;
(D) the distribution of amounts owed to the Securityholders in
respect of the Trust Securities in accordance with the terms
of this Trust Agreement;
(E) the exercise of all of the rights, powers and privileges of
a holder of the Debentures;
(F) the sending of notices of default and other information
regarding the Trust Securities and the Debentures to the
Securityholders in accordance with this Trust Agreement;
(G) the distribution of the Trust Property in accordance with
the terms of this Trust Agreement;
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(H) to the extent provided in this Trust Agreement, the winding up of
the affairs of and liquidation of the Trust;
(I) after an Event of Default, the taking of any action incidental to
the foregoing as the Property Trustee may from time to time
determine is necessary or advisable to give effect to the terms
of this Trust Agreement and protect and conserve the Trust
Property for the benefit of the Securityholders (without
consideration of the effect of any such action on any particular
Securityholder);
(J) registering transfers of the Trust Securities in accordance with
this Trust Agreement; and
(K) except as otherwise provided in this Section 207(a)(ii), the
Property Trustee shall have none of the duties, liabilities,
powers or the authority of the Administrative Trustees set forth
in Section 207(a)(i).
(b) So long as this Trust Agreement remains in effect, the Trust (or the
Trustees acting on behalf of the Trust) shall not undertake any business,
activities or transaction except as expressly provided herein or contemplated
hereby. In particular, the Trustees shall not (i) acquire any investments or
engage in any activities not authorized by this Trust Agreement; (ii) sell,
assign, transfer, exchange, mortgage, pledge, set-off or otherwise dispose of
any of the Trust Property or interests therein, including to Securityholders,
except as expressly provided herein; (iii) take any action that would cause the
Trust to fail or cease to qualify as a "grantor trust" for United States federal
income tax purposes; (iv) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or issue any
other debt; or (v) take or consent to any action that would result in the
placement of a Lien on any of the Trust Property. The Administrative Trustees
shall defend all claims and demands of all Persons at any time claiming any Lien
on any of the Trust Property adverse to the interest of the Trust or the
Securityholders in their capacity as Securityholders.
(c) In connection with the issue and sale of the Preferred Securities, the
Depositor shall have the right and responsibility to assist the Trust with
respect to, or effect on behalf of the Trust, the following (and any actions
taken by the Depositor in furtherance of the following prior to the date of this
Trust Agreement are hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects):
(i) the preparation and filing by the Trust with the Commission and
the execution on behalf of the Trust of a registration statement
on the appropriate form in relation to the Preferred Securities,
the Debentures, and the Guarantee, including any amendments
thereto;
(ii) the determination of the states in which to take appropriate
action to qualify or, register for sale all or part of the
Preferred Securities and to do any and all such acts, other than
actions which must be taken by or on behalf of the Trust, and
advise the Trustees of actions they must take on behalf of the
Trust, and
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prepare for execution and filing any documents to be executed and
filed by the Trust or on behalf of the Trust, as the Depositor
deems necessary or advisable in order to comply with the
applicable laws of any such States;
(iii) the preparation for filing by the Trust and execution on behalf
of the Trust of an application to the American Stock Exchange or
a national stock exchange or other organizations for listing upon
notice of issuance of any Preferred Securities and to file or
cause an Administrative Trustee to file thereafter with such
exchange or organization such notifications and documents as may
be necessary from time to time;
(iv) the preparation for filing by the Trust with the Commission and
the execution on behalf of the Trust of a registration statement
on Form 8-A relating to the registration of the Preferred
Securities under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act,
including any amendments thereto;
(v) the negotiation of the terms of, and the execution and delivery
of, the Underwriting Agreement providing for the sale of the
Preferred Securities; and
(vi) the taking of any other actions necessary or desirable to carry
out any of the foregoing activities.
(d) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Trustees are
authorized and directed to conduct the affairs of the Trust and to operate the
Trust so that the Trust shall not be deemed to be an "investment company"
required to be registered under the Investment Company Act, shall be classified
as a "grantor trust" and not as an association taxable as a corporation for
United States federal income tax purposes and so that the Debentures shall be
treated as indebtedness of the Depositor for United States federal income tax
purposes. In this connection, subject to Section 1002, the Depositor and the
Administrative Trustees are authorized to take any action, not inconsistent with
applicable law or this Trust Agreement, that each of the Depositor and the
Trustees determines in their discretion to be necessary or desirable for such
purposes.
SECTION 208. ASSETS OF TRUST.
The assets of the Trust shall consist of the Trust Property.
SECTION 209. TITLE TO TRUST PROPERTY.
Legal title to all Trust Property shall be vested at all times in the
Property Trustee (in its capacity as such) and shall be held and administered by
the Property Trustee for the benefit of the Securityholders in accordance with
this Trust Agreement.
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prepare for execution and filing any documents to be executed and
filed by the Trust or on behalf of the Trust, as the Depositor
deems necessary or advisable in order to comply with the
applicable laws of any such States;
(iii) the preparation for filing by the Trust and execution on behalf
of the Trust of an application to the American Stock Exchange or
a national stock exchange or other organizations for listing upon
notice of issuance of any Preferred Securities and to file or
cause an Administrative Trustee to file thereafter with such
exchange or organization such notifications and documents as may
be necessary from time to time;
(iv) the preparation for filing by the Trust with the Commission and
the execution on behalf of the Trust of a registration statement
on Form 8-A relating to the registration of the Preferred
Securities under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act,
including any amendments thereto;
(v) the negotiation of the terms of, and the execution and delivery
of, the Underwriting Agreement providing for the sale of the
Preferred Securities; and
(vi) the taking of any other actions necessary or desirable to carry
out any of the foregoing activities.
(d) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Trustees are
authorized and directed to conduct the affairs of the Trust and to
operate the Trust so that the Trust shall not be deemed to be an
"investment company" required to be registered under the Investment
Company Act, shall be classified as a "grantor trust" and not as an
association taxable as a corporation for United States federal income
tax purposes and so that the Debentures shall be treated as
indebtedness of the Depositor for United States federal income tax
purposes. In this connection, subject to Section 1002, the Depositor
and the Administrative Trustees are authorized to take any action, not
inconsistent with applicable law or this Trust Agreement, that each of
the Depositor and the Trustees determines in their discretion to be
necessary or desirable for such purposes.
SECTION 208. ASSETS OF TRUST.
The assets of the Trust shall consist of the Trust Property.
SECTION 209. TITLE TO TRUST PROPERTY.
Legal title to all Trust Property shall be vested at all times in the
Property Trustee (in its capacity as such) and shall be held and
administered by the Property Trustee for the benefit of the Securityholders
in accordance with this Trust Agreement.
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ARTICLE III
PAYMENT ACCOUNT
SECTION 301. PAYMENT ACCOUNT.
(a) On or prior to the Closing Date, the Property Trustee shall establish
the Payment Account. The Property Trustee and any agent of the Property Trustee
shall have exclusive control and sole right of withdrawal with respect to the
Payment Account for the purpose of making deposits and withdrawals from the
Payment Account in accordance with this Trust Agreement. All monies and other
property deposited or held from time to time in the Payment Account shall be
held by the Property Trustee in the Payment Account for the exclusive benefit of
the Securityholders and for distribution as herein provided, including (and
subject to) any priority of payments provided for herein.
(b) The Property Trustee shall deposit in the Payment Account, promptly
upon receipt, all payments of principal of or interest on, and any other
payments or proceeds with respect to, the Debentures. Amounts held in the
Payment Account shall not be invested by the Property Trustee pending
distribution thereof.
ARTICLE IV
DISTRIBUTIONS; REDEMPTION
SECTION 401. DISTRIBUTIONS.
(a) Distributions on the Trust Securities shall be cumulative, and shall
accumulate whether or not there are funds of the Trust available for the payment
of Distributions. Distributions shall accumulate from June __, 2000, and, except
during any Extended Interest Payment Period with respect to the Debentures,
shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the last calendar day of March, June,
September and December of each year, commencing on September 30, 2000. If any
date on which a Distribution is otherwise payable on the Trust Securities is not
a Business Day, then the payment of such Distribution shall be made on the next
succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment
in respect of any such delay) except that, if such Business Day is in the next
succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately
preceding Business Day (and without any reduction of interest or any other
payment in respect of any such acceleration), in each case with the same force
and effect as if made on such date (each date on which distributions are payable
in accordance with this Section 401(a), a "Distribution Date").
(b) The Trust Securities represent undivided beneficial interests in the
Trust Property, and, as a practical matter, the Distributions on the Trust
Securities shall be payable at a rate of _____% per annum of the Liquidation
Amount of the Trust Securities. The amount of Distributions payable for any full
period shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
The amount of Distributions for any partial period shall be computed on the
basis of the number of days elapsed in a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
During any Extended Interest Payment
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Period with respect to the Debentures, Distributions on the Preferred Securities
shall be deferred for a period equal to the Extended Interest Payment Period.
(c) Distributions on the Trust Securities shall be made by the Property
Trustee solely from the Payment Account and shall be payable on each
Distribution Date only to the extent that the Trust has funds on hand and
immediately available by 12:30 p.m. on each Distribution Date in the Payment
Account for the payment of such Distributions.
(d) Distributions on the Trust Securities with respect to a Distribution
Date shall be payable to the record holders thereof as they appear on the
Securities Register for the Trust Securities on the relevant record date, which
shall be the 15th day of March, June, September or December for Distributions
payable on the last calendar day of the respective month; provided, however,
that for any Trust Securities held in global form, Distributions shall be
payable to the record holder thereof as of one Business Day immediately
preceding the Distribution Date.
SECTION 402. REDEMPTION.
(a) On each Debenture Redemption Date and on the maturity of the
Debentures, the Trust shall be required to redeem a Like Amount of Trust
Securities at the Redemption Price.
(b) Notice of redemption shall be given by the Property Trustee by
first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days
prior to the Redemption Date to each Holder of Trust Securities to be redeemed,
at such Holder's address appearing in the Securities Register. The Property
Trustee shall have no responsibility for the accuracy of any CUSIP number
contained in such notice. All notices of redemption shall state:
(i) the Redemption Date;
(ii) the Redemption Price;
(iii) the CUSIP number;
(iv) if less than all the Outstanding Trust Securities are to be
redeemed, the identification and the aggregate Liquidation
Amount of the particular Trust Securities to be redeemed;
(v) that, on the Redemption Date, the Redemption Price shall become
due and payable upon each such Trust Security to be redeemed and
that Distributions thereon shall cease to accumulate on and
after said date, except as provided in Section 4.2(d); and
(vi) the place or places at which Trust Securities are to be
surrendered for the payment of the Redemption Price; and
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(c) The Trust Securities redeemed on each Redemption Date shall be redeemed
at the Redemption Price with the proceeds from the contemporaneous redemption of
Debentures. Redemptions of the Trust Securities shall be made and the Redemption
Price shall be payable on each Redemption Date only to the extent that the Trust
has immediately available funds then on hand and available in the Payment
Account for the payment of such Redemption Price.
(d) If the Property Trustee gives a notice of redemption in respect of any
Preferred Securities, then, by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Redemption
Date, subject to Section 402(c), the Property Trustee, subject to Section
402(c), shall, with respect to Preferred Securities held in global form, deposit
with the Clearing Agency for such Preferred Securities, to the extent available
therefor, funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price and will give
such Clearing Agency irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the
Redemption Price to the Holders of the Preferred Securities. With respect to
Trust Securities that are not held in global form, the Property Trustee, subject
to Section 402(c), shall deposit with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to pay
the applicable Redemption Price and shall give the Paying Agent irrevocable
instructions and authority to pay the Redemption Price to the record holders
thereof upon surrender of their Preferred Securities Certificates.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Distributions payable on or prior to the
Redemption Date for any Trust Securities called for redemption shall be payable
to the Holders of such Trust Securities as they appear on the Register for the
Trust Securities on the relevant record dates for the related Distribution
Dates. If notice of redemption shall have been given and funds deposited as
required, then upon the date of such deposit, (i) all rights of Securityholders
holding Trust Securities so called for redemption shall cease, except the right
of such Securityholders to receive the Redemption Price, (ii) such Securities
shall cease to be Outstanding, (iii) the Clearing Agency for the Preferred
Securities or its nominee, as the registered Holder of the Global Preferred
Securities Certificate, shall receive a registered global certificate or
certificates representing the Debentures to be delivered upon such distribution
with respect to Preferred Securities held by the Clearing Agency or its nominee,
and (iv) any Trust Securities Certificates not held by the Clearing Agency for
the Preferred Securities or its nominee as specified in clause (iii) above will
be deemed to represent Debentures having a principal amount equal to the stated
Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities represented thereby and bearing
accrued and unpaid interest in an amount equal to the accumulated and unpaid
Distributions on such Trust Securities until such certificates are presented to
the Securities Registrar for transfer or reissuance. In the event that any date
on which any Redemption Price is payable is not a Business Day, then payment of
the Redemption Price payable on such date shall be made on the next succeeding
day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect
of any such delay) except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding
calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business
Day (and without any reduction of interest or any other payment in respect of
any such acceleration), in each case with the same force and effect as if made
on such date. In the event that payment of the Redemption Price in respect of
any Trust Securities called for redemption is improperly withheld or refused and
not paid either by the Trust or by the Depositor pursuant to the Guarantee,
Distributions on such Trust Securities shall continue to accumulate, at the then
applicable rate, from the Redemption Date originally established by the Trust
for such Trust Securities to the date such Redemption Price is actually paid, in
which case the actual payment date shall be the date fixed for redemption for
purposes of calculating the Redemption Price.
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(e) Payment of the Redemption Price on the Trust Securities shall be made
to the record holders thereof as they appear on the Securities Register for the
Trust Securities on the relevant record date, which shall be the date 15 days
prior to the relevant Redemption Date.
(f) Subject to Section 403(a), if less than all the Outstanding Trust
Securities are to be redeemed on a Redemption Date, then the aggregate
Liquidation Amount of Trust Securities to be redeemed shall be allocated on a
pro rata basis (based on Liquidation Amounts) among the Common Securities and
the Preferred Securities. The particular Preferred Securities to be redeemed
shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the
Property Trustee from the outstanding Preferred Securities not previously called
for redemption, by such method (including, without limitation, by lot) as the
Property Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the
selection for redemption of portions (equal to $25 or an integral multiple of
$25 in excess thereof) of the Liquidation Amount of Preferred Securities of a
denomination larger than $25. The Property Trustee shall promptly notify the
Securities Registrar in writing of the Preferred Securities selected for
redemption and, in the case of any Preferred Securities selected for partial
redemption, the Liquidation Amount thereof to be redeemed. For all purposes of
this Trust Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions
relating to the redemption of Preferred Securities shall relate, in the case of
any Preferred Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion
of the Liquidation Amount of Preferred Securities which has been or is to be
redeemed.
SECTION 403. SUBORDINATION OF COMMON SECURITIES.
(a) Payment of Distributions (including Additional Amounts, if applicable)
on, and the Redemption Price of, the Trust Securities, as applicable, shall be
made, subject to Section 402(f), pro rata among the Common Securities and the
Preferred Securities based on the Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities;
provided, however, that if on any Distribution Date or Redemption Date any Event
of Default resulting from a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and
be continuing, no payment of any Distribution (including Additional Amounts, if
applicable) on, or Redemption Price of, any Common Security, and no other
payment on account of the redemption, liquidation or other acquisition of Common
Securities, shall be made unless payment in full in cash of all accumulated and
unpaid Distributions (including Additional Amounts, if applicable) on all
Outstanding Preferred Securities for all Distribution periods terminating on or
prior thereto, or in the case of payment of the Redemption Price the full amount
of such Redemption Price on all Outstanding Preferred Securities then called for
redemption, shall have been made or provided for, and all funds immediately
available to the Property Trustee shall first be applied to the payment in full
in cash of all Distributions (including Additional Amounts, if applicable) on,
or the Redemption Price of, Preferred Securities then due and payable.
(b) In the case of the occurrence of any Event of Default resulting from a
Debenture Event of Default, the record holder of Common Securities, the
Depositor, shall be deemed to have waived any right to act with respect to any
such Event of Default under this Trust Agreement until the effect of all such
Events of Default with respect to the Preferred Securities shall have been
cured,
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waived or otherwise eliminated. Until any such Event of Default under this Trust
Agreement with respect to the Preferred Securities shall have been so cured,
waived or otherwise eliminated, the Property Trustee shall act solely on behalf
of the record holders of the Preferred Securities and not the record holder of
the Common Securities, and only the Holders of the Preferred Securities shall
have the right to direct the Property Trustee to act on their behalf.
SECTION 404. PAYMENT PROCEDURES.
Payments of Distributions (including Additional Amounts, if applicable) in
respect of the Preferred Securities shall be made by check mailed to the address
of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear on the Securities
Register or, if the Preferred Securities are held by a Clearing Agency, such
Distributions shall be made to the Clearing Agency in immediately available
funds, which will credit the relevant accounts on the applicable Distribution
Dates. Payments in respect of the Common Securities shall be made in such manner
as shall be mutually agreed between the Property Trustee and the Common
Securityholder.
SECTION 405. TAX RETURNS AND REPORTS.
The Administrative Trustees shall prepare (or cause to be prepared), at the
Depositor's expense, and file all United States federal, state and local tax and
information returns and reports required to be filed by or in respect of the
Trust. In this regard, the Administrative Trustees shall (a) prepare and file
(or cause to be prepared and filed) the appropriate Internal Revenue Service
forms required to be filed in respect of the Trust in each taxable year of the
Trust; and (b) prepare and furnish (or cause to be prepared and furnished) to
each Securityholder the appropriate Internal Revenue Service forms required to
be furnished to such Securityholder or the information required to be provided
on such form. The Administrative Trustees shall provide the Depositor with a
copy of all such returns and reports promptly after such filing or furnishing.
The Property Trustee shall comply with United States federal withholding and
backup withholding tax laws and information reporting requirements with respect
to any payments to Securityholders under the Trust Securities.
SECTION 406. PAYMENT OF TAXES, DUTIES, ETC. OF THE TRUST.
Upon receipt under the Debentures of Additional Interest (as defined in
Section 1.1 of the Indenture), the Property Trustee, at the direction of an
Administrative Trustee or the Depositor, shall promptly pay any taxes, duties or
governmental charges of whatsoever nature (other than withholding taxes) imposed
on the Trust by the United States or any other taxing authority.
SECTION 407. PAYMENTS UNDER INDENTURE.
Any amount payable hereunder to any record holder of Preferred Securities
shall be reduced by the amount of any corresponding payment such Holder has
directly received under the Indenture pursuant to Section 513(b) or (c) hereof.
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ARTICLE V
TRUST SECURITIES CERTIFICATES
SECTION 501. INITIAL OWNERSHIP.
Upon the creation of the Trust and the contribution by the Depositor
pursuant to Section 203 and until the issuance of the Trust Securities, and at
any time during which no Trust Securities are outstanding, the Depositor shall
be the sole beneficial owner of the Trust.
SECTION 502. THE TRUST SECURITIES CERTIFICATES.
The Preferred Securities Certificates shall be issued in minimum
denominations of $25 Liquidation Amount and integral multiples of $25 in excess
thereof, and the Common Securities Certificates shall be issued in denominations
of $25 Liquidation Amount and multiples thereof (which may, in the case of the
Common Securities, include fractional amounts). The Trust Securities
Certificates shall be executed on behalf of the Trust by manual or facsimile
signature of at least one Administrative Trustee. Trust Securities Certificates
bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were, at the time
when such signatures shall have been affixed, authorized to sign on behalf of
the Trust, shall be validly issued and entitled to the benefits of this Trust
Agreement, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them shall have
ceased to be so authorized prior to the delivery of such Trust Securities
Certificates or did not hold such offices at the date of delivery of such Trust
Securities Certificates. A transferee of a Trust Securities Certificate shall
become a Securityholder, and shall be entitled to the rights and subject to the
obligations of a Securityholder hereunder, upon due registration of such Trust
Securities Certificate in such transferee's name pursuant to Sections 504, 511
and 513.
SECTION 503. EXECUTION, AUTHENTICATION AND DELIVERY OF TRUST SECURITIES
CERTIFICATES.
(a) On the Closing Date, the Administrative Trustees shall cause Trust
Securities Certificates, in an aggregate Liquidation Amount as provided in
Sections 204 and 205, to be executed on behalf of the Trust by at least one of
the Administrative Trustees and delivered to or upon the written order of the
Depositor, signed by its Chief Executive Officer, President, any Vice President
or its Treasurer without further corporate action by the Depositor, in
authorized denominations.
(b) A Preferred Securities Certificate shall not be valid until
authenticated by the manual signature of an authorized signatory of the Property
Trustee in substantially the form of Exhibit E attached hereto. The signature
shall be conclusive evidence that the Preferred Securities Certificate has been
authenticated under this Trust Agreement. Each Preferred Security Certificate
shall be dated the date of its authentication.
Upon the written order of the Trust signed by one of the Administrative
Trustees, the Property Trustee shall authenticate and make available for
delivery the Preferred Securities Certificates.
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The Property Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent acceptable to the
Trust to authenticate the Preferred Securities. An Authenticating Agent may
authenticate the Preferred Securities whenever the Property Trustee may do so.
Each reference in this Trust Agreement to authentication by the Property Trustee
includes authentication by such agent. An Authenticating Agent has the same
rights as the Property Trustee to deal with the Company or the Trust.
SECTION 503A. GLOBAL PREFERRED SECURITY.
(a) Any Global Preferred Security issued under this Trust Agreement shall
be registered in the name of the nominee of the Clearing Agency and delivered to
such custodian therefor, and such Global Preferred Security shall constitute a
single Preferred Security for all purposes of this Trust Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Trust Agreement, no Global
Preferred Security may be exchanged for Preferred Securities registered in the
names of persons other than the Depositary or its nominee unless (i) the
Depositary notifies the Debenture Trustee that it is unwilling or unable to
continue as a depositary for such Global Preferred Securities and the Depositor
is unable to locate a qualified successor depositary, (ii) the Depositor
executes and delivers to the Debenture Trustee a written order stating that it
elects to terminate the book-entry system through the Depositary or (iii) there
shall have occurred and be continuing a Debenture Event of Default.
(c) If a Preferred Security is to be exchanged in whole or in part for a
beneficial interest in a Global Preferred Security, then either (i) such Global
Preferred Security shall be so surrendered for exchange or cancellation as
provided in this Article V or (ii) the Liquidation amount thereof shall be
reduced or increased by an amount equal to the portion thereof to be so
exchanged or cancelled, or equal to the Liquidation Amount of such other
Preferred Securities to be so exchanged for a beneficial interest therein, as
the case may be, by means of an appropriate adjustment made on the records of
the Securities Registrar, whereupon the Property Trustee, in accordance with the
rules and procedures of the Depositary for such Global Preferred Security (the
"Applicable Procedures"), shall instruct the Clearing Agency or its authorized
representative to make a corresponding adjustment to its records. Upon any such
surrender or adjustment of a Global Preferred Security by the Clearing Agency,
accompanied by registration instructions, the Administrative Trustees shall
execute and the Property Trustee shall, subject to Section 504(b) and as
otherwise provided in this Article V, authenticate and deliver any Preferred
Securities issuable in exchange for such Global Preferred Security (or any
portion thereof) in accordance with the instructions of the Clearing Agency. The
Property Trustee shall not be liable for any delay in delivery of such
instructions and may conclusively rely on, and shall be fully protected in
relying on, such instructions.
(d) Every Preferred Security executed, authenticated and delivered upon
registration of transfer of, or in exchange for or in lieu of, a Global
Preferred Security or any portion thereof, whether pursuant to this Article V or
otherwise, shall be executed, authenticated and delivered in the form of, and
shall be, a Global Preferred Security, unless such Global Preferred Security is
registered in the name of a Person other than the Clearing Agency for such
Global Preferred Security or a nominee thereof.
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(e) The Clearing Agency or its nominee, as the registered owner of a Global
Preferred Security, shall be considered the Holder of the Preferred Securities
represented by such Global Preferred Security for all purposes under this Trust
Agreement and the Preferred Securities, and owners of beneficial interests in
such Global Preferred Security shall hold such interests pursuant to the
Applicable Procedures and, except as otherwise provided herein, shall not be
entitled to receive physical delivery of any such Preferred Securities in
definitive form and shall not be considered the Holders thereof under this Trust
Agreement. Accordingly, any such owner's beneficial interest in the Global
Preferred Securities shall be shown only on, and the transfer of such interest
shall be effected only through, records maintained by the Clearing Agency or its
nominee. Neither the Property Trustee, the Securities Registrar nor Depositor
shall have any liability in respect of any transfers effected by the Clearing
Agency.
(f) The rights of owners of beneficial interests in a Global Preferred
Security shall be exercised only through the Clearing Agency and shall be
limited to those established by law and agreements between such owners and the
Clearing Agency.
SECTION 504. REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE OF PREFERRED SECURITIES
CERTIFICATES.
(a) The Depositor shall keep or cause to be kept, at the office or agency
maintained pursuant to Section 508, a register or registers for the purpose of
registering Trust Securities Certificates and, subject to the provisions of
Section 503A, transfers and exchanges of Preferred Securities Certificates
(herein referred to as the "Securities Register") in which the registrar
designated by the Depositor (the "Securities Registrar"), subject to such
reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, shall provide for the registration
of Preferred Securities Certificates and Common Securities Certificates (subject
to Section 510 in the case of the Common Securities Certificates) and
registration of transfers and exchanges of Preferred Securities Certificates as
herein provided. The Property Trustee shall be the initial Securities Registrar.
(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 503A, upon surrender for
registration of transfer of any Preferred Securities Certificate at the office
or agency maintained pursuant to Section 508, the Administrative Trustees or any
one of them shall execute and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee
or transferees, one or more new Preferred Securities Certificates in authorized
denominations of a like aggregate Liquidation Amount dated the date of execution
by such Administrative Trustee or Trustees. The Securities Registrar shall not
be required to register the transfer of any Preferred Securities that have been
called for redemption. At the option of a record holder, Preferred Securities
Certificates may be exchanged for other Preferred Securities Certificates in
authorized denominations of the same class and of a like aggregate Liquidation
Amount upon surrender of the Preferred Securities Certificates to be exchanged
at the office or agency maintained pursuant to Section 508.
(c) Every Preferred Securities Certificate presented or surrendered for
registration of transfer or exchange, subject to the provisions of Section 503A,
shall be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to
the Property Trustee and the Securities Registrar duly
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executed by the Holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing. Each
Preferred Securities Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer or
exchange shall be canceled and subsequently disposed of by the Property Trustee
in accordance with its customary practice. The Trust shall not be required to
(i) issue, register the transfer of, or exchange any Preferred Securities during
a period beginning at the opening of business 15 calendar days before the date
of mailing of a notice of redemption of any Preferred Securities called for
redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing; or
(ii) register the transfer of or exchange any Preferred Securities so selected
for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any such
Preferred Securities being redeemed in part.
(d) No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or
exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates, subject to the provisions of
Section 503A, but the Securities Registrar may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or governmental charge that may be imposed in
connection with any transfer or exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates.
(e) Preferred Securities may only be transferred, in whole or in part, in
accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Trust Agreement. Any
transfer or purported transfer of any Preferred Security not made in accordance
with this Trust Agreement shall be null and void. A Preferred Security that is
not a Global Preferred Security may be transferred, in whole or in part, to a
Person who takes delivery in the form of another Preferred Security that is not
a Global Preferred Security as provided in Section 504(a). A beneficial interest
in a Global Preferred Security may be exchanged for a Preferred Security that is
not a Global Preferred Security only as provided in Section 503A.
SECTION 505. MUTILATED, DESTROYED, LOST OR STOLEN TRUST SECURITIES
CERTIFICATES.
If (a) any mutilated Trust Securities certificate shall be surrendered to
the Securities Registrar, or if the Securities Registrar shall receive evidence
to its satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Trust Securities
Certificate; and (b) there shall be delivered to the Securities Registrar and
the Administrative Trustees such security or indemnity as may be required by
them to save each of them harmless, then in the absence of notice that such
Trust Securities Certificate shall have been acquired by a bona fide purchaser,
the Administrative Trustees, or any one of them, on behalf of the Trust shall
execute and make available for delivery, in exchange for or in lieu of any such
mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Trust Securities Certificate, a new Trust
Securities Certificate of like class, tenor and denomination. In connection with
the issuance of any new Trust Securities Certificate under this Section 505, the
Administrative Trustees or the Securities Registrar may require the payment of a
sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed
in connection therewith. Any duplicate Trust Securities Certificate issued
pursuant to this Section 505 shall constitute conclusive evidence of an
undivided beneficial interest in the assets of the Trust, as if originally
issued, whether or not the lost, stolen or destroyed Trust Securities
Certificate shall be found at any time.
SECTION 506. PERSONS DEEMED SECURITYHOLDERS.
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The Trustees, the Paying Agent and the Securities Registrar shall treat the
Person in whose name any Trust Securities Certificate shall be registered in the
Securities Register as the owner of such Trust Securities Certificate for the
purpose of receiving Distributions and for all other purposes whatsoever, and
neither the Trustees nor the Securities Registrar shall be bound by any notice
to the contrary.
SECTION 507. ACCESS TO LIST OF SECURITYHOLDERS' NAMES AND ADDRESSES.
At any time when the Property Trustee is not also acting as the Securities
Registrar, the Administrative Trustees or the Depositor shall furnish or cause
to be furnished to the Property Trustee (a) within five Business Days of March
15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, a list, in such form as
the Property Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the
Securityholders as of the most recent record date; and (b) promptly after
receipt by any Administrative Trustee or the Depositor of a request therefor
from the Property Trustee in order to enable the Property Trustee to discharge
its obligations under this Trust Agreement, in each case to the extent such
information is in the possession or control of the Administrative Trustees or
the Depositor and is not identical to a previously supplied list or has not
otherwise been received by the Property Trustee in its capacity as Securities
Registrar. The rights of Securityholders to communicate with other
Securityholders with respect to their rights under this Trust Agreement or under
the Trust Securities, and the corresponding rights of the Trustee shall be as
provided in the Trust Indenture Act. Each Holder, by receiving and holding a
Trust Securities Certificate, and each owner shall be deemed to have agreed not
to hold the Depositor, the Property Trustee or the Administrative Trustees
accountable by reason of the disclosure of its name and address, regardless of
the source from which such information was derived.
SECTION 508. MAINTENANCE OF OFFICE OR AGENCY.
The Administrative Trustees shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, in
The City of New York, or other location designated by the Administrative
Trustees, an office or offices or agency or agencies where Preferred Securities
Certificates may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and
where notices and demands to or upon the Trustees in respect of the Trust
Securities Certificates may be served. The Administrative Trustees initially
designate the Corporate Trust Office of the Property Trustee, Wilmington Trust
Company, as the principal corporate trust office for such purposes. The
Administrative Trustees shall give prompt written notice to the Depositor and to
the Securityholders of any change in the location of the Securities Register or
any such office or agency.
SECTION 509. APPOINTMENT OF PAYING AGENT.
The Paying Agent shall make Distributions to Securityholders from the
Payment Account and shall report the amounts of such Distributions to the
Property Trustee and the Administrative Trustees. Any Paying Agent shall have
the revocable power to withdraw funds from the Payment Account for the purpose
of making the Distributions referred to above. The Administrative Trustees may
revoke such power and remove the Paying Agent if such Trustees determine in
their sole discretion that the Paying Agent shall have failed to perform its
obligations under this Trust
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Agreement in any material respect. The Paying Agent shall initially be the
Property Trustee, and any co-paying agent chosen by the Property Trustee, and
acceptable to the Administrative Trustees and the Depositor. Any Person acting
as Paying Agent shall be permitted to resign as Paying Agent upon 30 days'
written notice to the Administrative Trustees, the Property Trustee and the
Depositor. In the event that the Property Trustee shall no longer be the Paying
Agent or a successor Paying Agent shall resign or its authority to act be
revoked, the Administrative Trustees shall appoint a successor that is
acceptable to the Property Trustee and the Depositor to act as Paying Agent
(which shall be a bank or trust company). The Administrative Trustees shall
cause such successor Paying Agent or any additional Paying Agent appointed by
the Administrative Trustees to execute and deliver to the Trustees an instrument
in which such successor Paying Agent or additional Paying Agent shall agree with
the Trustees that as Paying Agent, such successor Paying Agent or additional
Paying Agent shall hold all sums, if any, held by it for payment to the
Securityholders in trust for the benefit of the Securityholders entitled thereto
until such sums shall be paid to such Securityholders. The Paying Agent shall
return all unclaimed funds to the Property Trustee and, upon removal of a Paying
Agent, such Paying Agent shall also return all funds in its possession to the
Property Trustee. The provisions of Sections 801, 803 and 806 shall apply to the
Property Trustee also in its role as Paying Agent, for so long as the Property
Trustee shall act as Paying Agent and, to the extent applicable, to any other
paying agent appointed hereunder. Any reference in this Agreement to the Paying
Agent shall include any co-paying agent unless the context requires otherwise.
SECTION 510. OWNERSHIP OF COMMON SECURITIES BY DEPOSITOR.
On the Closing Date, the Depositor shall acquire and retain beneficial and
record ownership of the Common Securities. To the fullest extent permitted by
law, any attempted transfer of the Common Securities (other than a transfer in
connection with a merger or consolidation of the Depositor into another
corporation pursuant to Section 12.1 of the Indenture) shall be void. The
Administrative Trustees shall cause each Common Securities Certificate issued to
the Depositor to contain a legend stating "THIS CERTIFICATE IS NOT
TRANSFERABLE."
SECTION 511. TRUST SECURITIES CERTIFICATES.
(a) Upon their original issuance, Preferred Securities Certificates shall
be issued in the form of one or more fully registered Global Preferred
Securities Certificates which will be deposited with or on behalf of the
Clearing Agency and registered in the name of the Clearing Agency's nominee.
Unless and until it is exchangeable in whole or in part for the Preferred
Securities in definitive form, a global security may not be transferred except
as a whole by the Clearing Agency to a nominee of the Clearing Agency or by a
nominee of the Clearing Agency to the Clearing Agency or another nominee of the
Clearing Agency or by the Clearing Agency or any such nominee to a successor of
such Clearing Agency or a nominee of such successor.
(b) A single Common Securities Certificate representing the Common
Securities shall be issued to the Depositor in the form of a definitive Common
Securities Certificate.
SECTION 512. NOTICES TO CLEARING AGENCY.
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To the extent that a notice or other communication to the Holders is
required under this Trust Agreement, for so long as Preferred Securities are
represented by a Global Preferred Securities Certificate, the Trustees shall
give all such notices and communications specified herein to be given to the
Clearing Agency, and shall have no obligations to provide notice to the owners
of the beneficial interest in the Global Preferred Securities.
SECTION 513. RIGHTS OF SECURITYHOLDERS.
(a) The legal title to the Trust Property is vested exclusively in the
Property Trustee (in its capacity as such) in accordance with Section 209, and
the Securityholders shall not have any right or title therein other than the
undivided beneficial interest in the assets of the Trust conferred by their
Trust Securities and they shall have no right to call for any partition or
division of property, profits or rights of the Trust except as described below.
The Trust Securities shall be personal property giving only the rights
specifically set forth therein and in this Trust Agreement. The Trust Securities
shall have no preemptive or similar rights. When issued and delivered to Holders
of the Preferred Securities against payment of the purchase price therefor, the
Preferred Securities shall be fully paid and nonassessable interests in the
Trust. The Holders of the Preferred Securities, in their capacities as such,
shall be entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended to
stockholders of private corporations for profit organized under the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
(b) For so long as any Preferred Securities remain Outstanding, if, upon a
Debenture Event of Default, the Debenture Trustee fails or the holders of not
less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Debentures fail to declare
the principal of all of the Debentures to be immediately due and payable, the
Holders of at least 25% in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities then
Outstanding shall have such right by a notice in writing to the Depositor and
the Debenture Trustee; and upon any such declaration such principal amount of
and the accrued interest on all of the Debentures shall become immediately due
and payable, provided that the payment of principal and interest on such
Debentures shall remain subordinated to the extent provided in the Indenture.
(c) For so long as any Preferred Securities remain outstanding, upon a
Debenture Event of Default arising from the failure to pay interest or principal
on the Debentures, the Holders of any Preferred Securities then Outstanding
shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, have the right to directly
institute proceedings for enforcement of payment to such Holders of principal of
or interest on the Debentures having a principal amount equal to the Liquidation
Amount of the Preferred Securities of such Holders.
ARTICLE VI
ACTS OF SECURITYHOLDERS; MEETINGS; VOTING
SECTION 601. LIMITATIONS ON VOTING RIGHTS.
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(a) Except as provided in this Section 601, in Sections 512, 810 and 1002
and in the Indenture and as otherwise required by law, no record Holder of
Preferred Securities shall have any right to vote or in any manner otherwise
control the administration, operation and management of the Trust or the
obligations of the parties hereto, nor shall anything herein set forth, or
contained in the terms of the Trust Securities Certificates, be construed so as
to constitute the Securityholders from time to time as partners or members of an
association.
(b) So long as any Debentures are held by the Property Trustee on behalf of
the Trust, the Trustees shall not (i) direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Debenture Trustee, or
executing any trust or power conferred on the Debenture Trustee with respect to
such Debentures; (ii) waive any past default which is waivable under Article VII
of the Indenture; (iii) exercise any right to rescind or annul a declaration
that the principal of all the Debentures shall be due and payable; or (iv)
consent to any amendment, modification or termination of the Indenture or the
Debentures, where such consent shall be required, without, in each case,
obtaining the prior approval of the Holders of at least a majority in
Liquidation Amount of all Outstanding Preferred Securities; provided, however,
that where a consent under the Indenture would require the consent of each
Holder of Outstanding Debentures affected thereby, no such consent shall be
given by the Property Trustee without the prior written consent of each holder
of Preferred Securities. The Trustees shall not revoke any action previously
authorized or approved by a vote of the Holders of the Outstanding Preferred
Securities, except by a subsequent vote of the Holders of the Outstanding
Preferred Securities. The Property Trustee shall notify each Holder of the
Outstanding Preferred Securities of any notice of default received from the
Debenture Trustee with respect to the Debentures. In addition to obtaining the
foregoing approvals of the Holders of the Preferred Securities, prior to taking
any of the foregoing actions, the Trustees shall, at the expense of the
Depositor, obtain an Opinion of Counsel experienced in such matters to the
effect that the Trust shall continue to be classified as a grantor trust and not
as an association taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax
purposes on account of such action.
(c) If any proposed amendment to the Trust Agreement provides for, or the
Trustees otherwise propose to effect, (i) any action that would adversely affect
in any material respect the powers, preferences or special rights of the
Preferred Securities, whether by way of amendment to the Trust Agreement or
otherwise; or (ii) the dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust,
other than pursuant to the terms of this Trust Agreement, then the Holders of
Outstanding Preferred Securities as a class shall be entitled to vote on such
amendment or proposal and such amendment or proposal shall not be effective
except with the approval of the Holders of at least a majority in Liquidation
Amount of the Outstanding Preferred Securities. No amendment to this Trust
Agreement may be made if, as a result of such amendment, the Trust would cease
to be classified as a grantor trust or would be classified as an association
taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes.
SECTION 602. NOTICE OF MEETINGS.
Notice of all meetings of the Preferred Securityholders, stating the time,
place and purpose of the meeting, shall be given by the Property Trustee
pursuant to Section 1008 to each Preferred
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Securityholder of record, at his registered address, at least 15 days and not
more than 90 days before the meeting. At any such meeting, any business properly
before the meeting may be so considered whether or not stated in the notice of
the meeting. Any adjourned meeting may be held as adjourned without further
notice.
SECTION 603. MEETINGS OF PREFERRED SECURITYHOLDERS.
(a) No annual meeting of Securityholders is required to be held. The
Administrative Trustees, however, shall call a meeting of Securityholders to
vote on any matter in respect of which Preferred Securityholders are entitled to
vote upon the written request of the Preferred Securityholders of 25% of the
Outstanding Preferred Securities (based upon their aggregate Liquidation Amount)
and the Administrative Trustees or the Property Trustee may, at any time in
their discretion, call a meeting of Preferred Securityholders to vote on any
matters as to which the Preferred Securityholders are entitled to vote.
(b) Preferred Securityholders of record of 50% of the Outstanding Preferred
Securities (based upon their aggregate Liquidation Amount), present in person or
by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of Securityholders.
(c) If a quorum is present at a meeting, an affirmative vote by the
Preferred Securityholders of record present, in person or by proxy, holding more
than a majority of the Preferred Securities (based upon their aggregate
Liquidation Amount) held by the Preferred Securityholders of record present,
either in person or by proxy, at such meeting shall constitute the action of the
Securityholders, unless this Trust Agreement requires a greater number of
affirmative votes.
SECTION 604. VOTING RIGHTS.
Securityholders shall be entitled to one vote for each $25 of Liquidation
Amount represented by their Trust Securities (with any fractional multiple
thereof rounded up or down as the case may be to the closest integral multiple)
in respect of any matter as to which such Securityholders are entitled to vote.
SECTION 605. PROXIES, ETC.
At any meeting of Securityholders, any Securityholder entitled to vote
thereat may vote by proxy, provided that no proxy, shall be voted at any meeting
unless it shall have been placed on file with the Administrative Trustees, or
with such other officer or agent of the Trust as the Administrative Trustees may
direct, for verification prior to the time at which such vote shall be taken.
Only Holders of record shall be entitled to vote. When Trust Securities are held
jointly by several persons, any one of them may vote at any meeting in person or
by proxy in respect of such Trust Securities, but if more than one of them shall
be present at such meeting in person or by proxy, and such joint owners or their
proxies so present disagree as to any vote to be cast, such vote shall not be
received in respect of such Trust Securities. A proxy purporting to be executed
by or on
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behalf of a Securityholder shall be deemed valid unless challenged at or prior
to its exercise, and, the burden of proving invalidity shall rest on the
challenger. No proxy shall be valid more than three years after its date of
execution.
SECTION 606. SECURITYHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT.
Any action which may be taken by Securityholders at a meeting may be taken
without a meeting if Securityholders holding more than a majority of all
outstanding Trust Securities (based upon their aggregate Liquidation Amount)
entitled to vote in respect of such action (or such larger proportion thereof as
shall be required by any express provision of this Trust Agreement) shall
consent to the action in writing (based upon their aggregate Liquidation
Amount).
SECTION 607. RECORD DATE FOR VOTING AND OTHER PURPOSES.
For the purposes of determining the Securityholders who are entitled to
notice of and to vote at any meeting or by written consent, or to participate in
any Distribution on the Trust Securities in respect of which a record date is
not otherwise provided for in this Trust Agreement, or for the purpose of any
other action, the Administrative Trustees or the Property Trustee may from time
to time fix a date, not more than 90 days prior to the date of any meeting of
Securityholders or the payment of Distribution or other action, as the case may
be, as a record date for the determination of the identity of the
Securityholders of record for such purposes.
SECTION 608. ACTS OF SECURITYHOLDERS.
(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver
or other action provided or permitted by this Trust Agreement to be given, made
or taken by Securityholders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more
instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Securityholders or
owners in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as
otherwise expressly provided herein, such action shall become effective when
such instrument or instruments are delivered to an Administrative Trustee. Such
instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced
thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Securityholders
signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such
instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any
purpose of this Trust Agreement and (subject to Section 801) conclusive in favor
of the Trustees, if made in the manner provided in this Section 608.
(b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument
or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a
certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take
acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument
or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by
a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such
certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his
authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing,
or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any
other manner which any Trustee receiving the same deems sufficient.
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(c) The ownership of Preferred Securities shall be proved by the Securities
Register.
(d) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver
or other Act of the Securityholder of any Trust Security shall bind every future
Securityholder of the same Trust Security and the Securityholder of every Trust
Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange
therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to
be done by the Trustees or the Trust in reliance thereon, whether or not
notation of such action is made upon such Trust Security.
(e) Without limiting the foregoing, a Securityholder entitled hereunder to
take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Trust Security may do so
with regard to all or any part of the Liquidation Amount of such Trust Security
or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such
appointment with regard to all or any part of such liquidation amount.
(f) A Securityholder may institute a legal proceeding directly against the
Depositor under the Guarantee to enforce its rights under the Guarantee without
first instituting a legal proceeding against the Guarantee Trustee (as defined
in the Guarantee), the Trust or any Person.
SECTION 609. INSPECTION OF RECORDS.
Upon reasonable notice to the Administrative Trustees and the Property
Trustee, the records of the Trust shall be open to inspection at the principal
executive office of the Trust (as indicated in Section 202) by record holders of
the Trust Securities during normal business hours for any purpose reasonably
related to such record holder's interest as a record holder.
ARTICLE VII
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
SECTION 701. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BANK AND THE PROPERTY
TRUSTEE.
The Bank and the Property Trustee, each severally on behalf of and as to
itself, as of the date hereof, and each Successor Property Trustee at the time
of the Successor Property Trustee's acceptance of its appointment as Property
Trustee hereunder (in the case of a Successor Property Trustee, the term "Bank"
as used herein shall be deemed to refer to such Successor Property Trustee in
its separate corporate capacity), hereby represents and warrants (as applicable)
for the benefit of the Depositor and the Securityholders that:
(a) the Bank is a state chartered trust company duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware;
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(b) the Bank has full corporate power, authority and legal right to
execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Trust Agreement and has
taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance
by it of this Trust Agreement;
(c) this Trust Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered
by the Property Trustee and constitutes the valid and legally binding agreement
of the Property Trustee enforceable against it in accordance with its terms,
subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization,
moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting
creditors, rights and to general equity principles;
(d) the execution, delivery and performance by the Property Trustee of this
Trust Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other
action on the part of the Property Trustee and does not require any approval of
stockholders of the Bank and such execution, delivery and performance shall not
(i) violate the Bank's charter or by-laws; (ii) violate any provision of, or
constitute, with or without notice or lapse of time, a default under, or result
in the creation or imposition of, any Lien on any properties included in the
Trust Property pursuant to the provisions of, any indenture, mortgage, credit
agreement, license or other agreement or instrument to which the Property
Trustee or the Bank is a party or by which it is bound; or (iii) violate any
law, governmental rule or regulation of the United States or the State of
Delaware, as the case may be, governing the banking or trust powers of the Bank
or the Property Trustee (as appropriate in context) or any order, judgment or
decree applicable to the Property Trustee or the Bank;
(e) neither the authorization, execution or delivery by the Property
Trustee of this Trust Agreement nor the consummation of any of the transactions
by the Property Trustee contemplated herein or therein requires the consent or
approval of, the giving of notice to, the registration with or the taking of any
other action with respect to any governmental authority or agency under any
existing federal law governing the banking or trust powers of the Bank or the
Property Trustee, as the case may be, under the laws of the United States or the
State of Delaware;
(f) there are no proceedings pending or, to the best of the Property
Trustee's knowledge, threatened against or affecting the Bank or the Property
Trustee in any court or before any governmental authority, agency or arbitration
board or tribunal which, individually or in the aggregate, would materially and
adversely affect the Trust or would question the right, power and authority of
the Property Trustee to enter into or perform its obligations as one of the
Trustees under this Trust Agreement; and
(g) the Property Trustee is a Person eligible pursuant to the Trust
Indenture Act to act as such and has a combined capital and surplus of at least
$50,000,000.
SECTION 702. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE DELAWARE BANK AND THE
DELAWARE TRUSTEE.
The Delaware Bank and the Delaware Trustee, each severally on behalf of and
as to itself, as of the date hereof, and each Successor Delaware
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Trustee at the time of the Successor Delaware Trustee's acceptance of
appointment as Delaware Trustee hereunder (the term "Delaware Bank" being used
to refer to such Successor Delaware Trustee in its separate corporate capacity),
hereby represents and warrants (as applicable) for the benefit of the Depositor
and the Securityholders that:
(a) the Delaware Bank is a Delaware banking corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware;
(b) the Delaware Bank has full corporate power, authority and legal right
to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Trust Agreement and
has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and
performance by it of this Trust Agreement;
(c) this Trust Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered
by the Delaware Trustee and constitutes the valid and legally binding agreement
of the Delaware Trustee enforceable against it in accordance with its terms,
subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization,
moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting
creditors, rights and to general equity principles;
(d) the execution, delivery and performance by the Delaware Trustee of this
Trust Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other
action on the part of the Delaware Trustee and does not require any approval of
stockholders of the Delaware Bank and such execution, delivery and performance
shall not (i) violate the Delaware Bank's charter or by-laws; (ii) violate any
provision of, or constitute, with or without notice or lapse of time, a default
under, or result in the creation or imposition of, any Lien on any properties
included in the Trust Property pursuant to the provisions of, any indenture,
mortgage, credit agreement, license or other agreement or instrument to which
the Delaware Bank or the Delaware Trustee is a party or by which it is bound; or
(iii) violate any law, governmental rule or regulation of the United States or
the State of Delaware, as the case may be, governing the banking or trust powers
of the Delaware Bank or the Delaware Trustee (as appropriate in context) or any
order, judgment or decree applicable to the Delaware Bank or the Delaware
Trustee;
(e) neither the authorization, execution or delivery by the Delaware
Trustee of this Trust Agreement nor the consummation of any of the transactions
by the Delaware Trustee contemplated herein or therein requires the consent or
approval of, the giving of notice to, the registration with or the taking of any
other action with respect to any governmental authority or agency under any
existing federal law governing the banking or trust powers of the Delaware Bank
or the Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, under the laws of the United States
or the State of Delaware; and
(f) there are no proceedings pending or, to the best of the Delaware
Trustee's knowledge, threatened against or affecting the Delaware Bank or the
Delaware Trustee in any court or before any governmental authority, agency or
arbitration board or tribunal which, individually or in the aggregate, would
materially and adversely affect the Trust or would question the right, power and
authority of the Delaware Trustee to enter into or perform its obligations as
one of the Trustees under this Trust Agreement.
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SECTION 703. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF DEPOSITOR.
The Depositor hereby represents and warrants for the benefit of the
Securityholders that:
(a) the Trust Securities Certificates issued on the Closing Date or the
Option Closing Date, if applicable, on behalf of the Trust have been duly
authorized and, shall have been, duly and validly executed, issued and delivered
by the Administrative Trustees pursuant to the terms and provisions of, and in
accordance with the requirements of, this Trust Agreement and the
Securityholders shall be, as of such date, entitled to the benefits of this
Trust Agreement; and
(b) there are no taxes, fees or other governmental charges payable by
the Trust (or the Trustees on behalf of the Trust) under the laws of the State
of Delaware or any political subdivision thereof in connection with the
execution, delivery and performance by the Bank, the Property Trustee or the
Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, of this Trust Agreement.
ARTICLE VIII
TRUSTEES
SECTION 801. CERTAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
(a) The duties and responsibilities of the Trustees shall be as provided by
this Trust Agreement and, in the case of the Property Trustee, by the Trust
Indenture Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Trust
Agreement shall require the Trustees to expend or risk their own funds or
otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of their
duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of their rights or powers, if they
shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or
adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to
it. No Administrative Trustee nor the Delaware Trustee shall be liable for its
act or omissions hereunder except as a result of its own gross negligence or
willful misconduct. The Property Trustee's liability shall be determined under
the Trust Indenture Act. Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every
provision of this Trust Agreement relating to the conduct or affecting the
liability of or affording protection to the Trustees shall be subject to the
provisions of this Section 801. To the extent that, at law or in equity, the
Delaware Trustee or an Administrative Trustee has duties (including fiduciary
duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Trust or to the Securityholders,
the Delaware Trustee or such Administrative Trustee shall not be liable to the
Trust or to any Securityholder for such Trustee's good faith reliance on the
provisions of this Trust Agreement. The provisions of this Trust Agreement, to
the extent that they restrict the duties and liabilities of the Delaware Trustee
or the Administrative Trustees otherwise existing at law or in equity, are
agreed by the Depositor and the Securityholders to replace such other duties and
liabilities of the Delaware Trustee or the Administrative Trustees, as the case
may be.
(b) All payments made by the Property Trustee or a Paying Agent in respect
of the Trust Securities shall be made only from the revenue and proceeds from
the Trust Property and only to the extent that there shall be sufficient revenue
or proceeds from the Trust Property to enable the
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Property Trustee or a Paying Agent to make payments in accordance with the terms
hereof. Each Securityholder, by its acceptance of a Trust Security, agrees that
it shall look solely to the revenue and proceeds from the Trust Property to the
extent legally available for distribution to it as herein provided and that the
Trustees are not personally liable to it for any amount distributable in respect
of any Trust Security or for any other liability in respect of any Trust
Security. This Section 801(b) does not limit the liability of the Trustees
expressly set forth elsewhere in this Trust Agreement or, in the case of the
Property Trustee, in the Trust Indenture Act.
(c) No provision of this Trust Agreement shall be construed to relieve the
Property Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent
failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(i) the Property Trustee shall not be liable for any error of
judgment made in good faith by an authorized officer of the
Property Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Property
Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(ii) the Property Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any
action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in
accordance with the direction of the Holders of not less than a
majority in Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities relating
to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for
any remedy available to the Property Trustee, or exercising any
trust or power conferred upon the Property Trustee under this
Trust Agreement;
(iii) the Property Trustee's sole duty with respect to the custody,
safe keeping and physical preservation of the Debentures and the
Payment Account shall be to deal with such Property in a similar
manner as the Property Trustee deals with similar property for
its own account, subject to the protections and limitations on
liability afforded to the Property Trustee under this Trust
Agreement and the Trust Indenture Act;
(iv) the Property Trustee shall not be liable for any interest on any
money received by it except as it may otherwise agree with the
Depositor and money held by the Property Trustee need not be
segregated from other funds held by it except in relation to the
Payment Account maintained by the Property Trustee pursuant to
Section 301 and except to the extent otherwise required by law;
and
(d) the Property Trustee shall not be responsible for monitoring the
compliance by the Administrative Trustees or the Depositor with their respective
duties under this Trust Agreement, nor shall the Property Trustee be liable for
the negligence, default or misconduct of the Administrative Trustees or the
Depositor.
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SECTION 802. CERTAIN NOTICES.
(a) Within five Business Days after the occurrence of any Event of Default
actually known to the Property Trustee, the Property Trustee shall transmit, in
the manner and to the extent provided in Section 1008, notice of such Event of
Default to the Securityholders, the Administrative Trustees and the Depositor,
unless such Event of Default shall have been cured or waived. For purposes of
this Section 802 the term "Event of Default" means any event that is, or after
notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default.
(b) The Administrative Trustees shall transmit, to the Securityholders in
the manner and to the extent provided in Section 1008, notice of the Depositor's
election to begin or further extend an Extended Interest Payment Period on the
Debentures (unless such election shall have been revoked) within the time
specified for transmitting such notice to the holders of the Debentures pursuant
to the Indenture as originally executed.
SECTION 803. CERTAIN RIGHTS OF PROPERTY TRUSTEE.
Subject to the provisions of Section 801:
(a) the Property Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or
refraining from acting in good faith upon any resolution, Opinion of Counsel,
certificate, written representation of a Holder or transferee, certificate of
auditors or any other certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report,
notice, request, consent, order, appraisal, bond, debenture, note, other
evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine
and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
(b) if (i) in performing its duties under this Trust Agreement the Property
Trustee is required to decide between alternative courses of action; or (ii) in
construing any of the provisions of this Trust Agreement the Property Trustee
finds the same ambiguous or inconsistent with other provisions contained herein;
or (iii) the Property Trustee is unsure of the application of any provision of
this Trust Agreement, then, except as to any matter as to which the Preferred
Securityholders are entitled to vote under the terms of this Trust Agreement,
the Property Trustee shall deliver a notice to the Depositor requesting written
instructions of the Depositor as to the course of action to be taken and the
Property Trustee shall take such action, or refrain from taking such action, as
the Property Trustee shall be instructed in writing to take, or to refrain from
taking, by the Depositor; provided, however, that if the Property Trustee does
not receive such instructions of the Depositor within 10 Business Days after it
has delivered such notice, or such reasonably shorter period of time set forth
in such notice (which to the extent practicable shall not be less than 2
Business Days), it may, but shall be under no duty to, take or refrain from
taking such action not inconsistent with this Trust Agreement as it shall deem
advisable and in the best interests of the Securityholders, in which event the
Property Trustee shall have no liability except for its own bad faith,
negligence or willful misconduct;
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(c) any direction or act of the Depositor or the Administrative
Trustees contemplated by this Trust Agreement shall be sufficiently evidenced by
an Officers' Certificate;
(d) whenever in the administration of this Trust Agreement, the Property
Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be established before undertaking,
suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Property Trustee (unless other
evidence is herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on
its part, request and conclusively rely upon an Officer's Certificate which,
upon receipt of such request, shall be promptly delivered by the Depositor or
the Administrative Trustees;
(e) the Property Trustee shall have no duty to see to any recording, filing
or registration of any instrument (including any financing or continuation
statement, any filing under tax or securities laws or any filing under tax or
securities laws) or any rerecording, refiling or reregistration thereof;
(f) the Property Trustee may consult with counsel of its choice (which
counsel may be counsel to the Depositor or any of its Affiliates) and the advice
of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in
respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith
and in reliance thereon and, in accordance with such advice, such counsel may be
counsel to the Depositor or any of its Affiliates, and may include any of its
employees; the Property Trustee shall have the right at any time to seek
instructions concerning the administration of this Trust Agreement from any
court of competent jurisdiction;
(g) the Property Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of
the rights or powers vested in it by this Trust Agreement at the request or
direction of any of the Securityholders pursuant to this Trust Agreement, unless
such Securityholders shall have offered to the Property Trustee reasonable
security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be
incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;
(h) the Property Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into
the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement,
instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond,
debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document,
unless requested in writing to do so by one or more Securityholders, but the
Property Trustee may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts
or matters as it may see fit;
(i) the Property Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder
or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through its agents or
attorneys, and the Property Trustee shall not be liable for the default or
misconduct of such other agents or attorneys, provided that the Property Trustee
shall be responsible for its own negligence or recklessness with respect to
selection of any agent or attorney appointed by it hereunder;
(j) whenever in the administration of this Trust Agreement the Property
Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive instructions with respect to
enforcing any remedy or right or taking any other action hereunder the Property
Trustee (i) may request instructions from the Holders of the Trust Securities
which instructions may only be given by the Holders of the same proportion in
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Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities as would be entitled to direct the
Property Trustee under the terms of the Trust Securities in respect of such
remedy, right or action; (ii) may refrain from enforcing such remedy or right or
taking such other action until such instructions are received; and (iii) shall
be protected in acting in accordance with such instructions; and
(k) except as otherwise expressly provided by this Trust Agreement, the
Property Trustee shall not be under any obligation to take any action that is
discretionary under the provisions of this Trust Agreement. No provision of this
Trust Agreement shall be deemed to impose any duty or obligation on the Property
Trustee to perform any act or acts or exercise any right, power, duty or
obligation conferred or imposed on it, in any jurisdiction in which it shall be
illegal, or in which the Property Trustee shall be unqualified or incompetent in
accordance with applicable law, to perform any such act or acts, or to exercise
any such right, power, duty or obligation. No permissive power or authority
available to the Property Trustee shall be construed to be a duty.
SECTION 804. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RECITALS OR ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES.
The Recitals contained herein and in the Trust Securities Certificates
shall be taken as the statements of the Trust, and the Trustees do not assume
any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustees shall not be accountable
for the use or application by the Depositor of the proceeds of the Debentures.
SECTION 805. MAY HOLD SECURITIES.
Any Trustee or any other agent of any Trustee or the Trust, in its
individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Trust
Securities and, subject to Sections 808 and 813 and except as provided in the
definition of the term "Outstanding" in Article I, may otherwise deal with the
Trust with the same rights it would have if it were not a Trustee or such other
agent.
SECTION 806. COMPENSATION; INDEMNITY; FEES.
The Depositor agrees:
(a) to pay to the Trustees from time to time compensation for all services
rendered by them hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any
provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express
trust), in the case of the Property Trustee, as set forth in a written agreement
between the Depositor and the Property Trustee;
(b) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the
Trustees upon request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances
incurred or made by the Trustees in accordance with any provision of this Trust
Agreement (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and
disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement
or advance as may be attributable to such Trustee's negligence, bad faith or
willful misconduct (or, in the case of the Administrative Trustees or the
Delaware Trustee, any such expense, disbursement
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or advance as may be attributable to its, his or her gross negligence, bad faith
or willful misconduct); and
(c) to indemnify each of the Trustees or any predecessor Trustee for, and
to hold the Trustees harmless against, any loss, damage, claims, liability,
penalty or expense of any kind or nature whatsoever, arising out of or in
connection with the acceptance or administration of this Trust Agreement,
including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or
liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or
duties hereunder, except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be
attributable to such Trustee's negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct for
(or, in the case of the Administrative Trustees or the Delaware Trustee, any
such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its, his or her
gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct).
Each Trustee may claim a Lien or charge on Trust Property as a result of
any amount due and unpaid pursuant to this Section 806. The Property Trustee and
the Delaware Trustee may be the same Person.
SECTION 807. CORPORATE PROPERTY TRUSTEE REQUIRED; ELIGIBILITY OF TRUSTEES.
(a) There shall at all times be a Property Trustee hereunder with respect
to the Trust Securities. The Property Trustee shall be a Person that is eligible
pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such and has a combined capital
and surplus of at least $50,000,000. If any such Person publishes reports of
condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of its
supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section 807,
the combined capital and surplus of such Person shall be deemed to be its
combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition
so published. If at any time the Property Trustee with respect to the Trust
Securities shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 807, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect
hereinafter specified in this Article VIII.
(b) There shall at all times be one or more Administrative Trustees
hereunder with respect to the Trust Securities. Each Administrative Trustee
shall be either a natural person who is at least 21 years of age or a legal
entity that shall act through one or more persons authorized to bind that
entity.
(c) There shall at all times be a Delaware Trustee with respect to the
Trust Securities. The Delaware Trustee shall either be (i) a natural person who
is at least 21 years of age and a resident of the State of Delaware; or (ii) a
legal entity with its principal place of business in the State of Delaware and
that otherwise meets the requirements of applicable Delaware law that shall act
through one or more persons authorized to bind such entity.
SECTION 808. CONFLICTING INTERESTS.
If the Property Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within
the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Property Trustee shall either
eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent
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and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust
Indenture Act and this Trust Agreement.
SECTION 809. CO-TRUSTEES AND SEPARATE TRUSTEE.
(a) Unless a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, at any time or times, for the purpose of meeting the legal
requirements of the Trust Indenture Act or of any jurisdiction in which any part
of the Trust Property may at the time be located, the Depositor shall have power
to appoint, and upon the written request of the Property Trustee, the Depositor
shall for such purpose join with the Property Trustee in the execution, delivery
and performance of all instruments and agreements necessary or proper to
appoint, one or more Persons approved by the Property Trustee either to act as
co-trustee, jointly with the Property Trustee, of all or any part of such Trust
Property, or to the extent required by law to act as separate trustee of any
such property, in either case with such powers as may be provided in the
instrument of appointment, and to vest in such Person or Persons in the capacity
aforesaid, any property, title, right or power deemed necessary or desirable,
subject to the other provisions of this Section 809. If the Depositor does not
join in such appointment within 15 days after the receipt by it of a request so
to do, or in case a Debenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,
the Property Trustee alone shall have power to make such appointment. Any
co-trustee or separate trustee appointed pursuant to this Section 809 shall
either be (i) a natural person who is at least 21 years of age and a resident of
the United States; or (ii) a legal entity with its principal place of business
in the United States that shall act through one or more persons authorized to
bind such entity.
(b) Should any written instrument from the Depositor be required by any
co-trustee or separate trustee so appointed for more fully confirming to such
co-trustee or separate trustee such property, title, right, or power, any and
all such instruments shall, on request, be executed, acknowledged, and delivered
by the Depositor.
(c) Every co-trustee or separate trustee shall, to the extent permitted by
law, but to such extent only, be appointed subject to the following terms,
namely:
(i) The Trust Securities shall be executed and delivered and all
rights, powers, duties and obligations hereunder in respect of
the custody of securities, cash and other personal property held
by, or required to be deposited or pledged with, the Trustees
specified hereunder, shall be exercised, solely by such Trustees
and not by such co-trustee or separate trustee.
(ii) The rights, powers, duties and obligations hereby conferred or
imposed upon the Property Trustee in respect of any property
covered by such appointment shall be conferred or imposed upon
and exercised or performed by the Property Trustee or by the
Property Trustee and such co-trustee or separate trustee jointly,
as shall be provided in the instrument appointing such co-trustee
or separate trustee, except to the extent that under any law of
any jurisdiction in which any particular act is to be performed,
the Property
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Trustee shall be incompetent or unqualified to perform such
act, in which event such rights, powers, duties and obligations
shall be exercised and performed by such co-trustee or separate
trustee.
(iii) The Property Trustee at any time, by an instrument in
writing executed by it, with the written concurrence of the
Depositor, may accept the resignation of or remove any
co-trustee or separate trustee appointed under this Section
809, and, in case a Debenture Event of Default has occurred and
is continuing, the Property Trustee shall have the power to
accept the resignation of, or remove, any such co-trustee or
separate trustee without the concurrence of the Depositor. Upon
the written request of the Property Trustee, the Depositor
shall join with the Property Trustee in the execution, delivery
and performance of all instruments and agreements necessary or
proper to effectuate such resignation or removal. A successor
to any co-trustee or separate trustee so resigned or removed
may be appointed in the manner provided in this Section 809.
(iv) No co-trustee or separate trustee hereunder shall be personally
liable by reason of any act or omission of the Property Trustee
or any other trustee hereunder.
(v) The Property Trustee shall not be liable by reason of any act
of a co-trustee or separate trustee.
(vi) Any Act of Holders delivered to the Property Trustee shall be
deemed to have been delivered to each such co-trustee and
separate trustee.
SECTION 810. RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL; APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR.
(a) No resignation or removal of any Trustee (the "Relevant Trustee") and
no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article VIII shall become
effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in
accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 811.
(b) Subject to the immediately preceding paragraph, the Relevant
Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Trust Securities by giving
written notice thereof to the Securityholders. If the instrument of acceptance
by the successor Trustee required by Section 811 shall not have been delivered
to the Relevant Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of
resignation, the Relevant Trustee may petition, at the expense of the Depositor,
any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Relevant
Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities.
(c) Unless a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, any Trustee may be removed at any time by Act of the Common
Securityholder. If a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, or both of them, may
be removed at such time by Act of the Holders of a majority in Liquidation
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Amount of the Preferred Securities, delivered to the Relevant Trustee (in its
individual capacity and on behalf of the Trust). An Administrative Trustee may
be removed by the Common Securityholder at any time.
(d) If any Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting
as Trustee, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of any Trustee for any
cause, at a time when no Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, the Common Securityholder, by Act of the Common Securityholder
delivered to the retiring Trustee, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or
Trustees with respect to the Trust Securities and the Trust, and the successor
Trustee shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 811. If the
Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee shall resign, be removed or become
incapable of continuing to act as the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee,
as the case may be, at a time when a Debenture Event of Default shall have
occurred and is continuing, the Preferred Securityholders, by Act of the
Securityholders of a majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities
then Outstanding delivered to the retiring Relevant Trustee, shall promptly
appoint a successor Relevant Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Trust
Securities and the Trust, and such successor Trustee shall comply with the
applicable requirements of Section 811. If an Administrative Trustee shall
resign, be removed or become incapable of acting as Administrative Trustee, at a
time when a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing,
the Common Securityholder, by Act of the Common Securityholder delivered to an
Administrative Trustee, shall promptly appoint a successor Administrative
Trustee or Administrative Trustees with respect to the Trust Securities and the
Trust, and such successor Administrative Trustee or Administrative Trustees
shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 811. If no successor
Relevant Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities shall have been so
appointed by the Common Securityholder or the Preferred Securityholders and
accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 811, any Securityholder
who has been a Securityholder of Trust Securities on behalf of himself and all
others similarly situated may petition a court of competent jurisdiction for the
appointment Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities.
(e) The Property Trustee shall give notice of each resignation and each
removal of a Trustee and each appointment of a successor Trustee to all
Securityholders in the manner provided in Section 1008 and shall give notice to
the Depositor. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Relevant
Trustee and the address of its Corporate Trust office if it is the Property
Trustee.
(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Trust
Agreement, in the event any Administrative Trustee or a Delaware Trustee who is
a natural person dies or becomes, in the opinion of the Depositor, incompetent
or incapacitated, the vacancy created by such death, incompetence or incapacity
may be filled by (a) the unanimous act of remaining Administrative Trustees if
there are at least two of them; or (b) otherwise by the Depositor (with the
successor in each case being a Person who satisfies the eligibility requirement
for Administrative Trustees set forth in Section 807).
SECTION 811. ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT BY SUCCESSOR.
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(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Relevant Trustee
with respect to the Trust Securities and the Trust, the retiring Relevant
Trustee and each successor Relevant Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities
shall execute and deliver an instrument hereto wherein each successor Relevant
Trustee shall accept such appointment and which shall contain such provisions as
shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each
successor Relevant Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the
retiring Relevant Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities and the Trust and
upon the execution and delivery of such instrument the resignation or removal of
the retiring Relevant Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided
therein and each such successor Relevant Trustee, without any further act, deed
or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and
duties of the retiring Relevant Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities and
the Trust; but, on request of the Trust or any successor Relevant Trustee such
retiring Relevant Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such
successor Relevant Trustee all Trust Property, all proceeds thereof and money
held by such retiring Relevant Trustee hereunder with respect to the Trust
Securities and the Trust.
(b) Upon request of any such successor Relevant Trustee, the Trust shall
execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and
confirming to such successor Relevant Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts
referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph, as the case may be.
(c) No successor Relevant Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at
the time of such acceptance such successor Relevant Trustee shall be qualified
and eligible under this Article VIII.
SECTION 812. MERGER, CONVERSION, CONSOLIDATION OR SUCCESSION TO BUSINESS.
Any Person into which the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee or any
Administrative Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be
consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or
consolidation to which such Relevant Trustee shall be a party, or any
corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business
of such Relevant Trustee, shall be the successor of such Relevant Trustee
hereunder, provided such Person shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under
this Article VIII, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further
act on the part of any of the parties hereto.
SECTION 813. PREFERENTIAL COLLECTION OF CLAIMS AGAINST DEPOSITOR OR TRUST.
If and when the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee shall be or become
a creditor of the Depositor or the Trust (or any other obligor upon the
Debentures or the Trust Securities), the Property Trustee or the Delaware
Trustee, as the case may be, shall be subject to and shall take all actions
necessary in order to comply with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act
regarding the collection of claims against the Depositor or Trust (or any such
other obligor).
SECTION 814. REPORTS BY PROPERTY TRUSTEE.
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(a) Not later than July 15 of each year commencing with July 15, 2001, the
Property Trustee shall transmit to all Securityholders in accordance with
Section 1008, and to the Depositor, a brief report dated as of May 15 with
respect to:
(i) its eligibility under Section 807 or, in lieu thereof, if to the
best of its knowledge it has continued to be eligible under said
Section, a written statement to such effect; and
(ii) any change in the property and funds in its possession as
Property Trustee since the date of its last report and any action
taken by the Property Trustee in the performance of its duties
hereunder which it has not previously reported and which in its
opinion materially affects the Trust Securities.
(b) In addition the Property Trustee shall transmit to Securityholders such
reports concerning the Property Trustee and its actions under this Trust
Agreement as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times
and in the manner provided pursuant thereto.
(c) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to
Holders, be filed by the Property Trustee with the American Stock Exchange, and
each national securities exchange or other organization upon which the Trust
Securities are listed, and also with the Commission and the Depositor.
SECTION 815. REPORTS TO THE PROPERTY TRUSTEE.
The Depositor and the Administrative Trustees on behalf of the Trust shall
provide to the Property Trustee such documents, reports and information as
required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act (if any) and the compliance
certificate required by Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act in the form,
in the manner and at the times required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture
Act.
SECTION 816. EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.
Each of the Depositor and the Administrative Trustees on behalf of the
Trust shall provide to the Property Trustee such evidence of compliance with any
conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Trust Agreement that relate
to any of the matters set forth in Section 314(c) of the Trust Indenture Act.
Any certificate or opinion required to be given by an officer pursuant to
Section 314(c)(1) of the Trust Indenture Act shall be given in the form of an
Officers' Certificate.
SECTION 817. NUMBER OF TRUSTEES.
(a) The number of Trustees shall be five, provided that the Holder of all
of the Common Securities by written instrument may increase or decrease the
number of Administrative Trustees. The Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee
may be the same Person.
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(b) If a Trustee ceases to hold office for any reason and the number of
Administrative Trustees is not reduced pursuant to Section 817(a), or if the
number of Trustees is increased pursuant to Section 817(a), a vacancy shall
occur. The vacancy shall be filled with a Trustee appointed in accordance with
Section 810.
(c) The death, resignation, retirement, removal, bankruptcy, incompetence
or incapacity to perform the duties of a Trustee shall not operate to annul the
Trust. Whenever a vacancy in the number of Administrative Trustees shall occur,
until such vacancy is filled by the appointment of an Administrative Trustee in
accordance with Section 810, the Administrative Trustees in office, regardless
of their number (and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement),
shall have all the powers granted to the Administrative Trustees and shall
discharge all the duties imposed upon the Administrative Trustees by this Trust
Agreement.
SECTION 818. DELEGATION OF POWER.
(a) Any Administrative Trustee may, by power of attorney consistent with
applicable law, delegate to any other natural person over the age of 21 his or
her power for the purpose of executing any documents contemplated in Section
207(a); and
(b) The Administrative Trustees shall have power to delegate from time to
time to such of their number or to the Depositor the doing of such things and
the execution of such instruments either in the name of the Trust or the names
of the Administrative Trustees or otherwise as the Administrative Trustees may
deem expedient, to the extent such delegation is not prohibited by applicable
law or contrary to the provisions of the Trust, as set forth herein.
SECTION 819. VOTING.
Except as otherwise provided in this Trust Agreement, the consent or
approval of the Administrative Trustees shall require consent or approval by not
less than a majority of the Administrative Trustees, unless there are only two,
in which case both must consent.
ARTICLE IX
TERMINATION, LIQUIDATION AND MERGER
SECTION 901. TERMINATION UPON EXPIRATION DATE.
Unless earlier dissolved, the Trust shall automatically dissolve on,
June 30, 2031 (the "Expiration Date") subject to distribution of the Trust
Property in accordance with Section 904.
SECTION 902. EARLY TERMINATION.
The first to occur of any of the following events is an "Early Termination
Event:"
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(a) the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event in respect of, or the dissolution
or liquidation of, the Depositor;
(b) delivery of written direction to the Property Trustee by the Depositor
at any time (which direction is wholly optional and within the discretion of the
Depositor, subject to Depositor having received prior approval of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System if so required under applicable
guidelines, policies or regulations thereof) to dissolve the Trust and
distribute the Debentures to Securityholders in exchange for the Preferred
Securities in accordance with Section 904;
(c) the redemption of all of the Preferred Securities in connection with
the redemption of all of the Debentures (whether upon a Debenture Redemption
Date or the maturity of the Debenture); or
(d) an order for dissolution of the Trust shall have been entered by a
court of competent jurisdiction.
SECTION 903. TERMINATION.
The respective obligations and responsibilities of the Trustees and the
Trust created and continued hereby shall terminate upon the latest to occur of
the following: (a) the distribution by the Property Trustee to Securityholders
upon the liquidation of the Trust pursuant to Section 904, or upon the
redemption of all of the Trust Securities pursuant to Section 402, of all
amounts required to be distributed hereunder upon the final payment of the Trust
Securities; (b) the payment of any expenses owed by the Trust; (c) the discharge
of all administrative duties of the Administrative Trustees, including the
performance of any tax reporting obligations with respect to the Trust or the
Securityholders; and (d) the filing of a Certificate of Cancellation by an
Administrative Trustee under the Business Trust Act.
SECTION 904. LIQUIDATION.
(a) If an Early Termination Event specified in clause (a), (b), or (d) of
Section 902 occurs or upon the Expiration Date, the Trust shall be liquidated by
the Trustees as expeditiously as the Trustees determine to be possible by
distributing, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as
provided by applicable law, to each Securityholder a Like Amount of Debentures,
subject to Section 904(d). Notice of liquidation shall be given by the Property
Trustee by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not later than 30 nor more
than 60 days prior to the Liquidation Date to each Holder of Trust Securities at
such Holder's address appearing in the Securities Register. All notices of
liquidation shall:
(i) state the Liquidation Date;
(ii) state that from and after the Liquidation Date, the Trust
Securities shall no longer be deemed to be Outstanding and
any Trust Securities Certificates not
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surrendered for exchange shall be deemed to represent a Like
Amount of Debentures; and
(iii) provide such information with respect to the mechanics by which
Holders may exchange Trust Securities Certificates for
Debentures, or, if Section 904(d) applies, receive a Liquidation
Distribution, as the Administrative Trustees or the Property
Trustee shall deem appropriate.
(b) Except where Section 902(c) or 904(d) applies, in order to effect the
liquidation of the Trust and distribution of the Debentures to Securityholders,
the Property Trustee shall establish a record date for such distribution (which
shall be not more than 45 days prior to the Liquidation Date) and, either itself
acting as exchange agent or through the appointment of a separate exchange
agent, shall establish such procedures as it shall deem appropriate to effect
the distribution of Debentures in exchange for the Outstanding Trust Securities
Certificates.
(c) Except where Section 902(c) or 904(d) applies, after the Liquidation
Date, (i) the Trust Securities shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding; (ii)
certificates representing a Like Amount of Debentures shall be issued to holders
of Trust Securities Certificates upon surrender of such certificates to the
Administrative Trustees or their agent for exchange; (iii) the Depositor shall
use its reasonable efforts to have the Debentures listed on the American Stock
Exchange or on such other securities exchange or other organization as the
Preferred Securities are then listed or traded; (iv) any Trust Securities
Certificates not so surrendered for exchange shall be deemed to represent a Like
Amount of Debentures, accruing interest at the rate provided for in the
Debentures from the last Distribution Date on which a Distribution was made on
such Trust Securities Certificates until such certificates are so surrendered
(and until such certificates are so surrendered, no payments of interest or
principal shall be made to holders of Trust Securities Certificates with respect
to such Debentures); and (v) all rights of Securityholders holding Trust
Securities shall cease, except the right of such Securityholders to receive
Debentures upon surrender of Trust Securities Certificates.
(d) In the event that, notwithstanding the other provisions of this Section
904, whether because of an order for dissolution entered by a court of competent
jurisdiction or otherwise, distribution of the Debentures in the manner provided
herein is determined by the Property Trustee not to be practical, the Trust
Property shall be liquidated, and the Trust shall be dissolved, wound-up or
terminated, by the Property Trustee in such manner as the Property Trustee
determines. In such event, on the date of the dissolution, winding-up or other
termination of the Trust, Securityholders shall be entitled to receive out of
the assets of the Trust available for distribution to Securityholders, after
satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable
law, an amount equal to the Liquidation Amount per Trust Security plus
accumulated and unpaid Distributions thereon to the date of payment (such amount
being the "Liquidation Distribution"). If, upon any such dissolution, winding-up
or termination, the Liquidation Distribution can be paid only in part because
the Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the aggregate
Liquidation Distribution, then, subject to the next succeeding sentence, the
amounts payable by the Trust on the Trust Securities shall be paid on a pro rata
basis (based upon Liquidation Amounts). The holder of the Common Securities
shall be entitled to receive Liquidation Distributions upon any such
dissolution, winding-up
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or termination pro rata (determined as aforesaid) with Holders of Preferred
Securities, except that, if a Debenture Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, the Preferred Securities shall have a priority over the Common
Securities.
SECTION 905. MERGERS, CONSOLIDATIONS, AMALGAMATIONS OR REPLACEMENTS OF THE
TRUST.
The Trust may not merge with or into, consolidate, amalgamate, or be
replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to any corporation or other Person, except pursuant
to this Section 905. At the request of the Depositor, with the consent of the
Administrative Trustees and without the consent of the holders of the Preferred
Securities, the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, the Trust may merge
with or into, consolidate, amalgamate, be replaced by or convey, transfer or
lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to a trust
organized as such under the laws of any state; provided, that (i) such successor
entity either (a) expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Trust with
respect to the Preferred Securities; or (b) substitutes for the Preferred
Securities other securities having substantially the same terms as the Preferred
Securities (the "Successor Securities) so long as the Successor Securities rank
the same as the Preferred Securities rank in priority with respect to
distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise; (ii) the
Depositor expressly appoints a trustee of such successor entity possessing
substantially the same powers and duties as the Property Trustee as the holder
of the Debentures; (iii) the Successor Securities are listed or traded, or any
Successor Securities shall be listed or traded upon notification of issuance, on
any national securities exchange or other organization on which the Preferred
Securities are then listed, if any; (iv) such merger, consolidation,
amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely
affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the Preferred
Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect; (v)
such successor entity has a purpose substantially identical to that of the
Trust; (vi) prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement,
conveyance, transfer or lease, the Depositor has received an Opinion of Counsel
to the effect that (a) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement,
conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely affect the rights, preferences
and privileges of the holders of the Preferred Securities (including any
Successor Securities) in any material respect; and (b) following such merger,
consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease, neither
the Trust nor such successor entity shall be required to register as an
"investment company" under the Investment Company Act; and (vii) the Depositor
owns all of the Common Securities of such successor entity and guarantees the
obligations of such successor entity under the Successor Securities at least to
the extent provided by the Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust
shall not, except with the consent of holders of 100% in Liquidation Amount of
the Preferred Securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be
replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially
as an entirety to any other Person or permit any other Person to consolidate,
amalgamate, merge with or into, or replace it if such consolidation,
amalgamation, merger or replacement would cause the Trust or the successor
entity to be classified as other than a grantor trust for United States federal
income tax purposes.
ARTICLE X
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MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 1001. LIMITATION OF RIGHTS OF SECURITYHOLDERS.
The death or incapacity of any Person having an interest, beneficial or
otherwise, in Trust Securities shall not operate to terminate this Trust
Agreement, nor entitle the legal representatives or heirs of such Person or any
Securityholder for such Person, to claim an accounting, take any action or bring
any proceeding in any court for a partition or winding-up of the arrangements
contemplated hereby, nor otherwise affect the rights, obligations and
liabilities of the parties hereto or any of them.
SECTION 1002. AMENDMENT.
(a) This Trust Agreement may be amended from time to time by the Trustees
and the Depositor, without the consent of any Securityholders, (i) as provided
in Section 811 with respect to acceptance of appointment by a successor Trustee;
(ii) to cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provision herein or
therein which may be inconsistent with any other provision herein or therein, or
to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under
this Trust Agreement, that shall not be inconsistent with the other provisions
of this Trust Agreement; or (iii) to modify, eliminate or add to any provisions
of this Trust Agreement to such extent as shall be necessary to ensure that the
Trust shall be classified for United States federal income tax purposes as a
grantor trust at all times that any Trust Securities are outstanding or to
ensure that the Trust shall not be required to register as an "investment
company" under the Investment Company Act; provided, however, that in the case
of clause (ii), such action shall not adversely affect in any material respect
the interests of any Securityholder, and any amendments of this Trust Agreement
shall become effective when notice thereof is given to the Securityholders.
(b) Except as provided in Section 601(c) or Section 1002(c) hereof, any
provision of this Trust Agreement may be amended by the Trustees and the
Depositor (i) with the consent of Trust Securityholders representing not less
than a majority (based upon Liquidation Amounts) of the Trust Securities then
Outstanding; and (ii) upon receipt by the Trustees of an Opinion of Counsel to
the effect that such amendment or the exercise of any power granted to the
Trustees in accordance with such amendment shall not affect the Trust's status
as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes or the Trust's
exemption from status of an "investment company" under the Investment Company
Act.
(c) In addition to and notwithstanding any other provision in this Trust
Agreement, without the consent of each affected Securityholder (such consent
being obtained in accordance with Section 603 or 606 hereof), this Trust
Agreement may not be amended to (i) change the amount or timing of any
Distribution on the Trust Securities or otherwise adversely affect the amount of
any Distribution required to be made in respect of the Trust Securities as of a
specified date; or (ii) restrict the right of a Securityholder to institute suit
for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such date; notwithstanding
any other provision herein, without the unanimous consent of the Securityholders
(such consent being obtained in accordance with Section 603 or 606 hereof), this
paragraph (c) of this Section 1002 may not be amended.
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(d) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Trust Agreement, no
Trustee shall enter into or consent to any amendment to this Trust Agreement
which would cause the Trust to fail or cease to qualify for the exemption from
status of an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act or to fail or
cease to be classified as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax
purposes.
(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Trust Agreement to the contrary,
without the consent of the Depositor, this Trust Agreement may not be amended in
a manner which imposes any additional obligation on the Depositor.
(f) In the event that any amendment to this Trust Agreement is made, the
Administrative Trustees shall promptly provide to the Depositor a copy of such
amendment.
(g) Neither the Property Trustee nor the Delaware Trustee shall be required
to enter into any amendment to this Trust Agreement which affects its own
rights, duties or immunities under this Trust Agreement. The Property Trustee
shall be entitled to receive an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers' Certificate
stating that any amendment to this Trust Agreement is in compliance with this
Trust Agreement.
SECTION 1003. SEPARABILITY.
In case any provision in this Trust Agreement or in the Trust Securities
Certificates shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality
and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected
or impaired thereby.
SECTION 1004. GOVERNING LAW.
THIS TRUST AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF EACH OF THE
SECURITYHOLDERS, THE TRUST AND THE TRUSTEES WITH RESPECT TO THIS TRUST AGREEMENT
AND THE TRUST SECURITIES SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY
THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE (WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES
THEREOF).
SECTION 1005. PAYMENTS DUE ON NON-BUSINESS DAY.
If the date fixed for any payment on any Trust Security shall be a day that
is not a Business Day, then such payment need not be made on such date but may
be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day, except that, if such
Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made
on the immediately preceding Business Day (and without any reduction of interest
or any other payment in respect of any such acceleration), in each case with the
same force and effect as though made on the date fixed for such payment, and no
distribution shall accumulate thereon for the period after such date.
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SECTION 1006. SUCCESSORS.
This Trust Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit
of any successor to the Depositor, the Trust or the Relevant Trustee(s),
including any successor by operation of law. Except in connection with a
consolidation, merger or sale involving the Depositor that is permitted under
Article XII of the Indenture and pursuant to which the assignee agrees in
writing to perform the Depositor's obligations hereunder, the Depositor shall
not assign its obligations hereunder.
SECTION 1007. HEADINGS.
The Article and Section headings are for convenience only and shall not
affect the construction of this Trust Agreement.
SECTION 1008. REPORTS, NOTICES AND DEMANDS.
Any report, notice, demand or other communication which by any provision of
this Trust Agreement is required or permitted to be given or served to or upon
any Securityholder or the Depositor may be given or served in writing by deposit
thereof, first-class postage prepaid, in the United States mail, hand delivery
or facsimile transmission, in each case, addressed, (a) in the case of a
Preferred Securityholder, to such Preferred Securityholder as such
Securityholder's name and address may appear on the Securities Register; and (b)
in the case of the Common Securityholder or the Depositor, to Midwest Banc
Holdings, Inc., 501 West North Avenue, Melrose Park, Illinois, 60160, Attention:
Chief Financial Officer, facsimile no.: (708) 865-7273. Any notice to Preferred
Securityholders shall also be given to such owners as have, within two years
preceding the giving of such notice, filed their names and addresses with the
Property Trustee for that purpose. Such notice, demand or other communication to
or upon a Securityholder shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or
made, for all purposes, upon hand delivery, mailing or transmission.
Any notice, demand or other communication which by any provision of this
Trust Agreement is required or permitted to be given or served to or upon the
Trust, the Property Trustee or the Administrative Trustees shall be given in
writing addressed (until another address is published by the Trust) as follows:
(a) with respect to the Property Trustee to Wilmington Trust Company, Rodney
Square North, 1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19890-0001,
Attention: Corporate Trust Administration; (b) with respect to the Delaware
Trustee, to Wilmington Trust Company at the above address; and (c) with respect
to the Administrative Trustees, to them at the address above for notices to the
Depositor, marked "Attention: Administrative Trustees of MBHI Capital Trust I."
Such notice, demand or other communication to or upon the Trust or the Property
Trustee shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made only upon actual
receipt of the writing by the Trust or the Property Trustee.
SECTION 1009. AGREEMENT NOT TO PETITION.
Each of the Trustees and the Depositor agree for the benefit of the
Securityholders that, until at least one year and one day after the Trust has
been terminated in accordance with Article IX, they
51
<PAGE> 59
shall not file, or join in the filing of, a petition against the Trust under any
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law (including, without
limitation, the United States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended)
(collectively, "Bankruptcy Laws") or otherwise join in the commencement of any
proceeding against the Trust under any Bankruptcy Law. In the event the
Depositor or any of the Trustees takes action in violation of this Section 1009,
the Property Trustee agrees, for the benefit of Securityholders, that at the
expense of the Depositor (which expense shall be paid prior to the filing), it
shall file an answer with the bankruptcy court or otherwise properly contest the
filing of such petition by the Depositor or such Trustee against the Trust or
the commencement of such action and raise the defense that the Depositor or such
Trustee has agreed in writing not to take such action and should be stopped and
precluded therefrom. The provisions of this Section 1009 shall survive the
termination of this Trust Agreement.
SECTION 1010. TRUST INDENTURE ACT; CONFLICT WITH TRUST INDENTURE ACT.
(a) This Trust Agreement is subject to the provisions of the Trust
Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Trust Agreement and shall, to
the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.
(b) The Property Trustee shall be the only Trustee which is a trustee for
the purposes of the Trust Indenture Act.
(c) If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with another
provision hereof which is required to be included in this Trust Agreement by any
of the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, such required provision shall
control. If any provision of this Trust Agreement modifies or excludes any
provision of the Trust Indenture Act which may be so modified or excluded, the
latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Trust Agreement as so modified
or to be excluded, as the case may be.
(d) The application of the Trust Indenture Act to this Trust Agreement
shall not affect the nature of the Trust Securities as equity securities
representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.
SECTION 1011. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS OF TRUST AGREEMENT, GUARANTEE AND
INDENTURE.
THE RECEIPT AND ACCEPTANCE OF A TRUST SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN BY
OR ON BEHALF OF A SECURITYHOLDER OR ANY BENEFICIAL OWNER, WITHOUT ANY SIGNATURE
OR FURTHER MANIFESTATION OF ASSENT, SHALL CONSTITUTE THE UNCONDITIONAL
ACCEPTANCE BY THE SECURITYHOLDER AND ALL OTHERS HAVING A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN
SUCH TRUST SECURITY OF ALL THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS TRUST AGREEMENT AND
AGREEMENT TO THE SUBORDINATION PROVISIONS AND OTHER TERMS OF THE GUARANTEE AND
THE INDENTURE, AND SHALL CONSTITUTE THE AGREEMENT OF THE TRUST, SUCH
SECURITYHOLDER AND SUCH OTHERS THAT THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS
52
<PAGE> 60
TRUST AGREEMENT SHALL BE BINDING, OPERATIVE AND EFFECTIVE AS BETWEEN THE TRUST
AND SUCH SECURITYHOLDER AND SUCH OTHERS.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
53
<PAGE> 61
MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.
By:
----------------------------------------
Name: Robert L. Woods
Title: President and CEO
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, as
Property Trustee
By:
-----------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, as
Delaware Trustee
By:
-----------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
--------------------------------------------
Robert L. Woods, as Administrative Trustee
--------------------------------------------
Edward H. Sibbald, as Administrative Trustee
--------------------------------------------
Daniel R. Kadolph, as Administrative Trustee
54
<PAGE> 62
EXHIBIT A
CERTIFICATE OF TRUST
OF
MBHI CAPITAL TRUST I
THIS CERTIFICATE OF TRUST OF MBHI Capital Trust I (the "Trust"), is
being duly executed and filed by Wilmington Trust Company, a Delaware banking
corporation, Robert L. Woods, Edward H. Sibbald and Daniel R. Kadolph, each an
individual, as trustees, to form a business trust under the Delaware Business
Trust Act (12 Del. C. Section 3801 et seq.) (the "Act").
1. NAME. The name of the business trust formed hereby is MBHI Capital
Trust I.
2. DELAWARE TRUSTEE. The name and business address of the trustee of the
Trust in the State of Delaware is Wilmington Trust Company, Rodney
Square North, 1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware
19890-0001, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration.
3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Certificate of Trust shall be effective on May
5, 2000.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Certificate of Trust
in accordance with Section 3811(a)(1) of the Act.
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, as
trustee
By:
-----------------------------
Name:
------------------------
Title:
-----------------------
--------------------------------
Robert L. Woods, as Trustee
--------------------------------
Edward H. Sibbald, as Trustee
--------------------------------
Daniel R. Kadolph, as Trustee
A-1
<PAGE> 63
EXHIBIT B
THIS CERTIFICATE IS NOT TRANSFERABLE
CERTIFICATE NUMBER NUMBER OF COMMON SECURITIES
----- -----
CERTIFICATE EVIDENCING COMMON SECURITIES
OF
MBHI CAPITAL TRUST I
COMMON SECURITIES
(LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $25 PER COMMON SECURITY)
MBHI CAPITAL TRUST I, a statutory business trust created under the laws
of the State of Delaware (the "Trust"), hereby certifies that MIDWEST BANC
HOLDINGS, INC. (the "Holder") is the registered owner of
( ) common securities of the Trust representing undivided beneficial
interests in the assets of the Trust and designated the Common Securities
(liquidation amount $25 per Common Security) (the "Common Securities"). In
accordance with Section 510 of the Trust Agreement (as defined below), the
Common Securities are not transferable and any attempted transfer hereof shall
be void. The designations, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences, and
other terms and provisions of the Common Securities are set forth in, and this
certificate and the Common Securities represented hereby are issued and shall in
all respects be subject to the terms and provisions of, the Amended and Restated
Trust Agreement of the Trust dated as of June , 2000, as the same may be
amended from time to time (the "Trust Agreement"), including the designation of
the terms of the Common Securities as set forth therein. The Trust shall furnish
a copy of the Trust Agreement to the Holder without charge upon written request
to the Trust at its principal place of business or registered office.
Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the Trust
Agreement and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, one of the Administrative Trustees of the Trust has
executed this certificate this th day of June, 2000.
MBHI CAPITAL TRUST I
By:
--------------------------------------
Name: Edward H. Sibbald, Trustee
--------------------------------
Title: Administrative Trustee
--------------------------------
B-1
<PAGE> 64
EXHIBIT C
AGREEMENT AS TO EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES
AGREEMENT AS TO EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES (this "Agreement") dated as of
June __, 2000, between MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), and MBHI CAPITAL TRUST I, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Trust intends to issue its common securities (the "Common
Securities") to, and receive _____% Junior Subordinated Debentures (the
"Debentures") from, the Company and to issue and sell MBHI Capital Trust I
_____% Cumulative Preferred Securities (the "Preferred Securities") with such
powers, preferences and special rights and restrictions as are set forth in the
Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of the Trust dated as of June __, 2000, as
the same may be amended from time to time (the "Trust Agreement");
WHEREAS, the Company shall directly or indirectly own all of the Common
Securities of the Trust and shall issue the Debentures;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the purchase by each holder of the
Preferred Securities, which purchase the Company hereby agrees shall benefit the
Company and which purchase the Company acknowledges shall be made in reliance
upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company, including in its
capacity as holder of the Common Securities, and the Trust hereby agree as
follows:
ARTICLE I
SECTION 1.1 Guarantee by the Company.
Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Company, including in
its capacity as holder of the Common Securities, hereby irrevocably and
unconditionally guarantees to each person or entity to whom the Trust is now or
hereafter becomes indebted or liable (the "Beneficiaries") the full payment when
and as due, of any and all Obligations (as hereinafter defined) to such
Beneficiaries. As used herein, "Obligations" means any costs, expenses or
liabilities of the Trust other than obligations of the Trust to pay to holders
of any Preferred Securities or other similar interests in the Trust the amounts
due such holders pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Securities or such other
similar interests, as the case may be. This
C-1
<PAGE> 65
Agreement is intended to be for the benefit of, and to be enforceable by, all
such Beneficiaries, whether or not such Beneficiaries have received notice
hereof.
SECTION 1.2 Term of Agreement.
This Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect
upon the later of (a) the date on which full payment has been made of all
amounts payable to all holders of all the Preferred Securities (whether upon
redemption, liquidation, exchange or otherwise); and (b) the date on which there
are no Beneficiaries remaining; provided, however, that this Agreement shall
continue to be effective or shall be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any
time any holder of Preferred Securities or any Beneficiary must restore payment
of any sums paid under the Preferred Securities, under any obligation, under the
Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement dated the date hereof by the Company
and Wilmington Trust Company as guarantee trustee or under this Agreement for
any reason whatsoever. This Agreement is continuing, irrevocable, unconditional
and absolute.
SECTION 1.3 Waiver of Notice.
The Company hereby waives notice of acceptance of this Agreement and of
any obligation to which it applies or may apply, and the Company hereby waives
presentment, demand for payment, protest, notice of nonpayment, notice of
dishonor, notice of redemption and all other notices and demands.
SECTION 1.4 No Impairment.
The obligations, covenants, agreements and duties of the Company under
this Agreement shall in no way be affected or impaired by reason of the
happening from time to time of any of the following:
(a) the extension of time for the payment by the Trust of all or any
portion of the obligations or for the performance of any other obligation under,
arising out of, or in connection with, the obligations;
(b) any failure, omission, delay or lack of diligence on the part of
the Beneficiaries to enforce, assert or exercise any right, privilege, power or
remedy conferred on the Beneficiaries with respect to the obligations or any
action on the part of the Trust granting indulgence or extension of any kind; or
(c) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of any
collateral, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of
creditors, reorganization, arrangement composition or readjustment of debt of,
or other similar proceedings affecting, the Trust or any of the assets of the
Trust.
There shall be no obligation of the Beneficiaries to give notice to, or obtain
the consent of, the Company with respect to the happening of any of the
foregoing.
<PAGE> 66
SECTION 1.5 Enforcement.
A Beneficiary may enforce this Agreement directly against the Company,
and the Company waives any right or remedy to require that any action be brought
against the Trust or any other person or entity before proceeding against the
Company.
ARTICLE II
SECTION 2.1 Binding Effect.
All guarantees and agreements contained in this Agreement shall bind
the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of the Company
and shall inure to the benefit of the Beneficiaries.
SECTION 2.2 Amendment.
So long as there remains any Beneficiary or any Preferred Securities of
any series are outstanding, this Agreement shall not be modified or amended in
any manner adverse to such Beneficiary or to any of the holders of the Preferred
Securities.
SECTION 2.3 Notices.
Any notice, request or other communication required or permitted to be
given hereunder shall be given in writing by delivering the same by facsimile
transmission (confirmed by mail), telex, or by registered or certified mail,
addressed as follows (and if so given, shall be deemed given when mailed or upon
receipt of an answer back, if sent by facsimile):
MBHI Capital Trust I
c/o Wilmington Trust Company
Rodney Square North
1100 North Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19890-0001
Facsimile No.: (302) 427-7664
Attention: Corporate Trust Administration
Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc.
501 West North Avenue
Melrose Park, Illinois 60160
Facsimile No.: (708) 865-7273
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
SECTION 2.4 This agreement shall be governed by and construed and
interpreted in
<PAGE> 67
accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois (without regard to conflict
of laws principles).
THIS AGREEMENT is executed as of the day and year first above written.
MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.
By:
Name: Robert L. Woods
--------------------------------
Title: President and CEO
MBHI CAPITAL TRUST I
By:
Name: Edward H. Sibbald
--------------------------------
Title: Administrative Trustee
<PAGE> 68
EXHIBIT D
CERTIFICATE NUMBER NUMBER OF PREFERRED SECURITIES
CERTIFICATE EVIDENCING PREFERRED SECURITIES
OF
MBHI CAPITAL TRUST I
% CUMULATIVE PREFERRED SECURITIES
(LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $25 PER PREFERRED SECURITY)
CUSIP
MBHI Capital Trust I, a statutory business trust created under the laws of
the State of Delaware (the "Trust"), hereby certifies that (the
"Holder") is the registered owner of preferred securities of the Trust
representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust and
designated the % Cumulative Preferred Securities (liquidation amount $25
per Preferred Security) (the "Preferred Securities"). The Preferred Securities
are transferable on the books and records of the Trust, in person or by a duly
authorized attorney, upon surrender of this certificate duly endorsed and in
proper form for transfer as provided in Section 504 of the Trust Agreement (as
defined herein). The designations, rights, privileges, restrictions,
preferences, and other terms and provisions of the Preferred Securities are set
forth in, and this certificate and the Preferred Securities represented hereby
are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the terms and provisions of,
the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of the Trust dated as of June , 2000,
as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Trust Agreement"), including
the designation of the terms of Preferred Securities as set forth therein. The
Holder is entitled to the benefits of the Preferred Securities Guarantee
Agreement entered into by Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation,
and Wilmington Trust Company as guarantee trustee, dated as of June , 2000, as
the same may be amended from time to time (the "Guarantee"), to the extent
provided therein. The Trust shall furnish a copy of the Trust Agreement and the
Guarantee to the Holder without charge upon written request to the Trust at its
principal place of business or registered office.
Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the Trust
Agreement and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.
Unless the Certificate of Authentication has been manually executed by the
Authentication Agent, this certificate is not valid or effective.
D-1
<PAGE> 69
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Administrative Trustees of the Trust have executed
this Certificate this th day of June, 2000.
MBHI CAPITAL TRUST I
By:
----------------------------
Robert L. Woods, as Trustee
By:
----------------------------
Edward H. Sibbald, as Trustee
By:
-----------------------------
Daniel R. Kadolph, as Trustee
D-2
<PAGE> 70
LEGEND
FOR CERTIFICATES EVIDENCING
GLOBAL PREFERRED SECURITIES ONLY:
Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized
representative of The Depository Trust Company, a New York
corporation ("DTC"), to Issuer or its agent for registration
of transfer, exchange, or payment, and any certificate
issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or in 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 IS WRONGFUL inasmuch as the
registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.
D-3
<PAGE> 71
EXHIBIT E
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the % Cumulative Preferred Securities referred to in the
within-mentioned Amended and Restated Trust Agreement.
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,
as Authentication Agent and Registrar
By:
----------------------------------
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
E-1
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 4.7
================================================================================
PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.
AND
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
DATED AS OF JUNE ________, 2000
================================================================================
<PAGE> 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page No.
<S> <C>
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION................................................................... 1
Section 1.1 Definitions and Interpretation...................................................... 1
ARTICLE II
TRUST INDENTURE ACT.............................................................................. 4
Section 2.1 Trust Indenture Act; Application.................................................... 4
Section 2.2 Lists of Holders of Securities...................................................... 5
Section 2.3 Reports by the Guarantee Trustee.................................................... 5
Section 2.4 Periodic Reports to Guarantee Trustee............................................... 5
Section 2.5 Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent.................................... 5
Section 2.6 Events of Default; Waiver........................................................... 6
Section 2.7 Event of Default; Notice............................................................ 6
Section 2.8 Conflicting Interests............................................................... 6
ARTICLE III
POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE......................................... 6
Section 3.1 Powers and Duties of the Guarantee Trustee.......................................... 6
Section 3.2 Certain Rights of Guarantee Trustee................................................. 8
Section 3.3 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Guarantee............................... 10
ARTICLE IV
PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE...................................................................... 10
Section 4.1 Guarantee Trustee; Eligibility...................................................... 10
Section 4.2 Appointment, Removal and Resignation of Guarantee Trustee........................... 11
ARTICLE V
GUARANTEE........................................................................................ 12
Section 5.1 Guarantee........................................................................... 12
Section 5.2 Waiver of Notice and Demand......................................................... 12
Section 5.3 Obligations not Affected............................................................ 12
Section 5.4 Rights of Holders................................................................... 13
Section 5.5 Guarantee of Payment................................................................ 13
Section 5.6 Subrogation......................................................................... 13
Section 5.7 Independent Obligations............................................................. 14
ARTICLE VI
LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS; SUBORDINATION........................................................ 14
Section 6.1 Limitation of Transactions.......................................................... 14
</TABLE>
ii
<PAGE> 3
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Section 6.2 Ranking............................................................................. 14
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION...................................................................................... 14
Section 7.1 Termination......................................................................... 14
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION.................................................................................. 15
Section 8.1 Exculpation......................................................................... 15
Section 8.2 Indemnification..................................................................... 15
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS.................................................................................... 16
Section 9.1 Successors and Assigns.............................................................. 16
Section 9.2 Amendments.......................................................................... 16
Section 9.3 Notices............................................................................. 16
Section 9.4 Benefit............................................................................. 17
Section 9.5 Governing Law....................................................................... 17
</TABLE>
iii
<PAGE> 4
CROSS REFERENCE TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Section of Trust Section of
Indenture Act of Guarantee
1939, as amended Agreement
<S> <C>
310(a) 4.1(a)
310(b) 4.1(c), 2.8
310(c) Not Applicable
311(a) 2.2(b)
311(b) 2.2(b)
311(c) Not Applicable
312(a) 2.2(a)
312(b) 2.2(b)
313 2.3
314(a) 2.4
314(b) Not Applicable
314(c) 2.5
314(d) Not Applicable
314(e) 1.1, 2.5, 3.2
314(f) 2.1, 3.2
315(a) 3.1(d)
315(b) 2.7
315(c) 3.1
315(d) 3.1(d)
316(a) 1.1, 2.6, 5.4
316(b) 5.3
317(a) 3.1
317(b) Not Applicable
318(a) 2.1(a)
318(b) 2.1
318(c) 2.1(b)
</TABLE>
Note: This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of this
Agreement and shall not affect the interpretation of any of its terms or
provisions.
iv
<PAGE> 5
PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT
THIS PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT (this "Preferred Securities
Guarantee"), dated as of June ______, 2000, is executed and delivered by MIDWEST
BANC HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Guarantor"), and WILMINGTON
TRUST COMPANY, a Delaware banking corporation organized under the laws of the
State of Delaware, as trustee (the "Guarantee Trustee"), for the benefit of the
Holders (as defined herein) from time to time of the Preferred Securities (as
defined herein) of MBHI Capital Trust I, a Delaware statutory business trust
(the "Trust").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, pursuant to an Amended and Restated Trust Agreement (the "Trust
Agreement"), dated as of June ______, 2000, among the trustees of the Trust
named therein, the Guarantor, as sponsor, and the holders from time to time of
undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust, the Trust is issuing
on the date hereof up to 1,000,000 preferred securities, having an aggregate
liquidation amount of $25,000,000, designated the _____% Cumulative Preferred
Securities (the "Preferred Securities");
WHEREAS, as incentive for the Holders to purchase the Preferred Securities,
the Guarantor desires irrevocably and unconditionally to agree, to the extent
set forth in this Preferred Securities Guarantee, to pay to the Holders of the
Preferred Securities the Guarantee Payments (as defined herein) and to make
certain other payments on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the purchase by each Holder of
Preferred Securities, which purchase the Guarantor hereby agrees shall benefit
the Guarantor, the Guarantor executes and delivers this Preferred Securities
Guarantee for the benefit of the Holders.
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
SECTION 1.1 DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION.
In this Preferred Securities Guarantee, unless the context otherwise
requires:
(a) capitalized terms used in this Preferred Securities Guarantee but not
defined in the preamble above have the respective meanings assigned to them in
this Section 1.1;
(b) terms defined in the Trust Agreement as at the date of execution of
this Preferred Securities Guarantee have the same meaning when used in this
Preferred Securities Guarantee, unless otherwise defined in this Preferred
Securities Guarantee;
(c) a term defined anywhere in this Preferred Securities Guarantee has the
same meaning throughout;
<PAGE> 6
(d) all references to "the Preferred Securities Guarantee" or "this
Preferred Securities Guarantee" are to this Preferred Securities Guarantee as
modified, supplemented or amended from time to time;
(e) all references in this Preferred Securities Guarantee to Articles and
Sections are to Articles and Sections of this Preferred Securities Guarantee,
unless otherwise specified;
(f) a term defined in the Trust Indenture Act has the same meaning when
used in this Preferred Securities Guarantee, unless otherwise defined in this
Preferred Securities Guarantee or unless the context otherwise requires; and
(g) a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice versa.
"Affiliate" has the same meaning as given to that term in Rule 405 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor rule thereunder.
"Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, a day on which
federal or state banking institutions in New York, New York are authorized or
required by law, executive order or regulation to close or a day on which the
Corporate Trust Office of the Guarantee Trustee is closed for business.
"Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Guarantee Trustee at which
the corporate trust business of the Guarantee Trustee shall, at any particular
time, be principally administered, which office at the date of execution of this
Agreement is located at Rodney Square North, 1100 North Market Street,
Wilmington, Delaware 19890-0001, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration.
"Covered Person" means any Holder or beneficial owner of Preferred
Securities.
"Debentures" means the _____% Junior Subordinated Debentures due June
_____, 2030, of the Debenture Issuer held by the Property Trustee of the Trust.
"Debenture Issuer" means Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc., issuer of the
Debentures under the Indenture.
"Event of Default" means a default by the Guarantor on any of its payment
or other obligations under this Preferred Securities Guarantee.
"Guarantee Payments" means the following payments or distributions, without
duplication, with respect to the Preferred Securities, to the extent not paid or
made by the Trust: (i) any accrued and unpaid Distributions (as defined in the
Trust Agreement) that are required to be paid on such Preferred Securities, to
the extent the Trust shall have funds available therefor, (ii) the redemption
price, including all accrued and unpaid Distributions to the date of redemption
(the "Redemption
2
<PAGE> 7
Price"), to the extent the Trust has funds available therefor, with respect to
any Preferred Securities called for redemption by the Trust, and (iii) upon a
voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust
(other than in connection with the distribution of Debentures to the Holders in
exchange for Preferred Securities as provided in the Trust Agreement), the
lesser of (a) the aggregate of the liquidation amount and all accrued and unpaid
Distributions on the Preferred Securities to the date of payment, to the extent
the Trust shall have funds available therefor (the "Liquidation Distribution"),
and (b) the amount of assets of the Trust remaining available for distribution
to Holders in liquidation of the Trust.
"Guarantee Trustee" means Wilmington Trust Company, until a Successor
Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment pursuant
to the terms of this Preferred Securities Guarantee and thereafter means each
such Successor Guarantee Trustee.
"Guarantor" means Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
"Holder" shall mean any holder, as registered on the books and records of
the Trust, of any Preferred Securities; provided, however, that, in determining
whether the holders of the requisite percentage of Preferred Securities have
given any request, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, "Holder" shall not
include the Guarantor, the Guarantee Trustee or any of their respective
Affiliates.
"Indemnified Person" means the Guarantee Trustee, any Affiliate of the
Guarantee Trustee, or any officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners,
employees, representatives, nominees, custodians or agents of the Guarantee
Trustee.
"Indenture" means the Indenture dated as of June _____, 2000, among the
Debenture Issuer and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, and any indenture
supplemental thereto pursuant to which certain subordinated debt securities of
the Debenture Issuer are to be issued to the Property Trustee of the Trust.
"Liquidation Amount" means the stated value of $25 per Preferred Security.
"Liquidation Distribution" has the meaning provided therefor in the
definition of Guarantee Payments.
"Majority in liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities" means the
holders of more than 50% of the Liquidation Amount of all of the Preferred
Securities.
"Officers' Certificate" means, with respect to any Person, a certificate
signed by two authorized officers of such Person, at least one of whom shall be
the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal
accounting officer, treasurer or any vice president of such Person. Any
Officers' Certificate delivered with respect to compliance with a condition or
covenant provided for in this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall include:
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(a) a statement that each officer signing the Officers' Certificate has
read the covenant or condition and the definition relating thereto;
(b) a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination or
investigation undertaken by each officer in rendering the Officers' Certificate;
(c) a statement that each such officer has made such examination or
investigation as, in such officer's opinion, is necessary to enable such officer
to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition
has been complied with; and
(d) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such officer, such
condition or covenant has been complied with.
"Person" means a legal person, including any individual, corporation,
estate, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, limited
liability company, trust, unincorporated association, or government or any
agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity of whatever nature.
"Preferred Securities" means the ____% Cumulative Preferred Securities
representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust which
rank pari passu with Common Securities issued by the Trust; provided, however,
that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the rights of holders of Common
Securities to payment in respect of distributions and payments upon liquidation,
redemption and otherwise are subordinated to the rights of holders of Preferred
Securities.
"Redemption Price" has the meaning provided therefor in the definition of
Guarantee Payments.
"Responsible Officer" means, with respect to the Guarantee Trustee, any
officer within the Corporate Trust Office of the Guarantee Trustee with direct
responsibility for the administration of this Preferred Securities Guarantee,
including any vice-president, any assistant vice-president, any assistant
secretary or other officer or assistant officer of the Guarantee Trustee
customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above
designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust
matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of that
officer's knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.
"Successor Guarantee Trustee" means a successor Guarantee Trustee
possessing the qualifications to act as Guarantee Trustee under Section 4.1.
"Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
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ARTICLE II
TRUST INDENTURE ACT
SECTION 2.1 TRUST INDENTURE ACT; APPLICATION.
(a) This Preferred Securities Guarantee is subject to the provisions of the
Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Preferred Securities
Guarantee and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.
(b) If and to the extent that any provision of this Preferred Securities
Guarantee limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Section 310
to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties shall
control.
SECTION 2.2 LISTS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.
(a) In the event the Guarantee Trustee is not also acting in the capacity
of the Property Trustee under the Trust Agreement, the Guarantor shall cause to
be provided to the Guarantee Trustee with a list, in such form as the Guarantee
Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders of the
Preferred Securities ("List of Holders") as of the date (i) within one Business
Day after March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15, and (ii) at any other
time within 30 days of receipt by the Guarantor of a written request for a List
of Holders as of a date no more than 15 days before such List of Holders is
given to the Guarantee Trustee; provided, that the Guarantor shall not be
obligated to provide such List of Holders at any time the List of Holders does
not differ from the most recent List of Holders caused to have been given to the
Guarantee Trustee by the Guarantor. The Guarantee Trustee may destroy any List
of Holders previously given to it on receipt of a new List of Holders.
(b) The Guarantee Trustee shall comply with its obligations under Sections
311(a), 311(b) and Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.3 REPORTS BY THE GUARANTEE TRUSTEE.
On or before July 15 of each year, the Guarantee Trustee shall provide to
the Holders of the Preferred Securities such reports as are required by Section
313 of the Trust Indenture Act, if any, in the form and in the manner provided
by Section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act. The Guarantee Trustee shall also
comply with the requirements of Section 313(d) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.4 PERIODIC REPORTS TO GUARANTEE TRUSTEE.
The Guarantor shall provide to the Guarantee Trustee such documents,
reports and information as required by Section 314 (if any) and the compliance
certificate required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act in the form, in
the manner and at the times required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act.
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SECTION 2.5 EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.
The Guarantor shall provide to the Guarantee Trustee such evidence of
compliance with any conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Preferred
Securities Guarantee that relate to any of the matters set forth in Section
314(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any certificate or opinion required to be
given by an officer pursuant to Section 314(c)(1) may be given in the form of an
Officers' Certificate.
SECTION 2.6 EVENTS OF DEFAULT; WAIVER.
The Holders of a Majority in liquidation amount of Preferred Securities
may, by vote, on behalf of the Holders of all of the Preferred Securities, waive
any past Event of Default and its consequences. Upon such waiver, any such Event
of Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom
shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Preferred
Securities Guarantee, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other
default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 2.7 EVENT OF DEFAULT; NOTICE.
(a) The Guarantee Trustee shall, within 90 days after the occurrence of an
Event of Default, transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Holders
of the Preferred Securities, notices of all Events of Default actually known to
a Responsible Officer of the Guarantee Trustee, unless such defaults have been
cured before the giving of such notice; provided, that, except in the case of a
default by Guarantor on any of its payment obligations, the Guarantee Trustee
shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as a Responsible
Officer of the Guarantee Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding
of such notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Preferred Securities.
(b) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any
Event of Default unless the Guarantee Trustee shall have received written
notice, or of which a Responsible Officer of the Guarantee Trustee charged with
the administration of the Trust Agreement shall have obtained actual knowledge.
SECTION 2.8 CONFLICTING INTERESTS.
The Trust Agreement shall be deemed to be specifically described in this
Preferred Securities Guarantee for the purposes of clause (i) of the first
proviso contained in Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
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ARTICLE III
POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
SECTION 3.1 POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE GUARANTEE TRUSTEE.
(a) This Preferred Securities Guarantee shall be held by the Guarantee
Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Preferred Securities, and the
Guarantee Trustee shall not transfer this Preferred Securities Guarantee to any
Person except a Holder of Preferred Securities exercising his or her rights
pursuant to Section 5.4(b) or to a Successor Guarantee Trustee on acceptance by
such Successor Guarantee Trustee of its appointment to act as Successor
Guarantee Trustee. The right, title and interest of the Guarantee Trustee shall
automatically vest in any Successor Guarantee Trustee, and such vesting and
cessation of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents have
been executed and delivered pursuant to the appointment of such Successor
Guarantee Trustee.
(b) If an Event of Default actually known to a Responsible Officer of the
Guarantee Trustee has occurred and is continuing, the Guarantee Trustee shall
enforce this Preferred Securities Guarantee for the benefit of the Holders of
the Preferred Securities.
(c) The Guarantee Trustee, before the occurrence of any Event of Default
and after the curing of all Events of Default that may have occurred, shall
undertake to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in this
Preferred Securities Guarantee, and no implied covenants shall be read into this
Preferred Securities Guarantee against the Guarantee Trustee. In case an Event
of Default has occurred (that has not been cured or waived pursuant to Section
2.6) and is actually known to a Responsible Officer of the Guarantee Trustee,
the Guarantee Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it
by this Preferred Securities Guarantee, and use the same degree of care and
skill in its exercise thereof, as a prudent person would exercise or use under
the circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs.
(d) No provision of this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall be construed
to relieve the Guarantee Trustee from liability for its own negligent action,
its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(i) prior to the occurrence of any Event of Default and after the
curing or waiving of all such Events of Default that may have
occurred:
(A) the duties and obligations of the Guarantee Trustee shall be
determined solely by the express provisions of this
Preferred Securities Guarantee, and the Guarantee Trustee
shall not be liable except for the performance of such
duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this
Preferred Securities Guarantee, and no implied covenants or
obligations
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shall be read into this Preferred Securities Guarantee
against the Guarantee Trustee; and
(B) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Guarantee
Trustee, the Guarantee Trustee may conclusively rely, as to
the truth of the statements and the correctness of the
opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or
opinions furnished to the Guarantee Trustee and conforming
to the requirements of this Preferred Securities Guarantee;
but in the case of any such certificates or opinions that by
any provision hereof are specifically required to be
furnished to the Guarantee Trustee, the Guarantee Trustee
shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine
whether or not they conform to the requirements of this
Preferred Securities Guarantee;
(ii) the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable for any error of
judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the
Guarantee Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Guarantee
Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts upon
which such judgment was made;
(iii) the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any
action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in
accordance with the direction of the Holders of not less than a
Majority in liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities
relating to the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee, or
exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee
Trustee under this Preferred Securities Guarantee; and
(iv) no provision of this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall require
the Guarantee Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or
otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance
of any of its duties or in the exercise of any of its rights or
powers, if the Guarantee Trustee shall have reasonable grounds
for believing that the repayment of such funds or liability is
not reasonably assured to it under the terms of this Preferred
Securities Guarantee or indemnity, reasonably satisfactory to the
Guarantee Trustee, against such risk or liability is not
reasonably assured to it.
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SECTION 3.2 CERTAIN RIGHTS OF GUARANTEE TRUSTEE.
(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 3.1:
(i) the Guarantee Trustee may conclusively rely,
and shall be fully protected in acting or
refraining from acting upon, any resolution,
certificate, statement, instrument, opinion,
report, notice, request, direction, consent,
order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence
of indebtedness or other paper or document
believed by it to be genuine and to have
been signed, sent or presented by the proper
party or parties;
(ii) Any direction or act of the Guarantor
contemplated by this Preferred Securities
Guarantee shall be sufficiently evidenced by
an Officers' Certificate;
(iii) whenever, in the administration of this
Preferred Securities Guarantee, the
Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable
that a matter be proved or established
before taking, suffering or omitting any
action hereunder, the Guarantee Trustee
(unless other evidence is herein
specifically prescribed) may, in the absence
of bad faith on its part, request and
conclusively rely upon an Officers'
Certificate which, upon receipt of such
request, shall be promptly delivered by the
Guarantor;
(iv) the Guarantee Trustee shall have no duty to
see to any recording, filing or registration
of any instrument (or any rerecording,
refiling or registration thereof);
(v) the Guarantee Trustee may consult with
counsel, and the written advice or opinion
of such counsel with respect to legal
matters shall be full and complete
authorization and protection in respect of
any action taken, suffered or omitted by it
hereunder in good faith and in accordance
with such advice or opinion. Such counsel
may be counsel to the Guarantor or any of
its Affiliates and may include any of its
employees. The Guarantee Trustee shall have
the right at any time to seek instructions
concerning the administration of this
Preferred Securities Guarantee from any
court of competent jurisdiction;
(vi) the Guarantee Trustee shall be under no
obligation to exercise any of the rights or
powers vested in it by this Preferred
Securities Guarantee at the request or
direction of any Holder, unless such Holder
shall
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have provided to the Guarantee Trustee such
security and indemnity, reasonably
satisfactory to the Guarantee Trustee,
against the costs, expenses (including
attorneys' fees and expenses and the
expenses of the Guarantee Trustee's agents,
nominees or custodians) and liabilities that
might be incurred by it in complying with
such request or direction, including such
reasonable advances as may be requested by
the Guarantee Trustee; provided that,
nothing contained in this Section 3.2(a)(vi)
shall be taken to relieve the Guarantee
Trustee, upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default, of its obligation to exercise the
rights and powers vested in it by this
Preferred Securities Guarantee;
(vii) the Guarantee Trustee shall not be bound to
make any investigation into the facts or
matters stated in any resolution,
certificate, statement, instrument, opinion,
report, notice, request, direction, consent,
order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence
of indebtedness or other paper or document,
but the Guarantee Trustee, in its
discretion, may make such further inquiry or
investigation into such facts or matters as
it may see fit;
(viii) the Guarantee Trustee may execute any of the
trusts or powers hereunder or perform any
duties hereunder either directly or by or
through agents, nominees, custodians or
attorneys, and the Guarantee Trustee shall
not be responsible for any misconduct or
negligence on the part of any agent or
attorney appointed with due care by it
hereunder;
(ix) any action taken by the Guarantee Trustee or
its agents hereunder shall bind the Holders
of the Preferred Securities, and the
signature of the Guarantee Trustee or its
agents alone shall be sufficient and
effective to perform any such action. No
third party shall be required to inquire as
to the authority of the Guarantee Trustee to
so act or as to its compliance with any of
the terms and provisions of this Preferred
Securities Guarantee, both of which shall be
conclusively evidenced by the Guarantee
Trustee's or its agent's taking such action;
(x) whenever in the administration of this
Preferred Securities Guarantee the Guarantee
Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive
instructions with respect to enforcing any
remedy or right or taking any other action
hereunder, the Guarantee Trustee (i) may
request instructions from the Holders of a
Majority in liquidation amount of the
Preferred Securities, (ii) may refrain from
enforcing such remedy or right or
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taking such other action until such
instructions are received, and (iii) shall
be protected in conclusively relying on or
acting in accordance with such instructions.
(b) No provision of this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall be deemed
to impose any duty or obligation on the Guarantee Trustee to perform any act or
acts or exercise any right, power, duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it
in any jurisdiction in which it shall be illegal, or in which the Guarantee
Trustee shall be unqualified or incompetent in accordance with applicable law,
to perform any such act or acts or to exercise any such right, power, duty or
obligation. No permissive power or authority available to the Guarantee Trustee
shall be construed to be a duty.
SECTION 3.3 NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RECITALS OR ISSUANCE OF GUARANTEE.
The Recitals contained in this Guarantee shall be taken as the statements
of the Guarantor, and the Guarantee Trustee does not assume any responsibility
for their correctness. The Guarantee Trustee makes no representation as to the
validity or sufficiency of this Preferred Securities Guarantee.
ARTICLE IV
PREFERRED GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
SECTION 4.1 GUARANTEE TRUSTEE; ELIGIBILITY.
(a) There shall at all times be a Guarantee Trustee which shall:
(i) not be an Affiliate of the Guarantor; and
(ii) be a corporation organized and doing business under
the laws of the United States of America or any state
or territory thereof or of the District of Columbia,
or a corporation or Person permitted by the
Securities and Exchange Commission to act as an
institutional trustee under the Trust Indenture Act,
authorized under such laws to exercise corporate
trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus
of at least $50,000,000, and subject to supervision
or examination by federal, state, territorial or
District of Columbia authority. If such corporation
publishes reports of condition at least annually,
pursuant to law or to the requirements of the
supervising or examining authority referred to above,
then, for the purposes of this Section 4.1(a)(ii),
the combined capital and surplus of such corporation
shall be deemed to be its combined capital and
surplus as set forth in its most recent report of
condition so published.
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(b) If at any time the Guarantee Trustee shall cease to be eligible to
so act under Section 4.1(a), the Guarantee Trustee shall immediately resign in
the manner and with the effect set out in Section 4.2(c).
(c) If the Guarantee Trustee has or shall acquire any "conflicting
interest" within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the
Guarantee Trustee and Guarantor shall in all respects comply with the provisions
of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 4.2 APPOINTMENT, REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF GUARANTEE TRUSTEE.
(a) Subject to Section 4.2(b), the Guarantee Trustee may be appointed
or removed without cause at any time by the Guarantor.
(b) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be removed in accordance with
Section 4.2(a) until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has
accepted such appointment by written instrument executed by such Successor
Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor.
(c) The Guarantee Trustee appointed to office shall hold office until a
Successor Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed or until its removal or
resignation. The Guarantee Trustee may resign from office (without need for
prior or subsequent accounting) by an instrument in writing executed by the
Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor, which resignation shall not
take effect until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has
accepted such appointment by instrument in writing executed by such Successor
Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor and the resigning Guarantee
Trustee.
(d) If no Successor Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed and
accepted appointment as provided in this Section 4.2 within 60 days after
delivery to the Guarantor of an instrument of resignation, the resigning
Guarantee Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for
appointment of a Successor Guarantee Trustee. Such court may thereupon, after
prescribing such notice, if any, as it may deem proper, appoint a Successor
Guarantee Trustee.
(e) No Guarantee Trustee shall be liable for the acts or omissions to
act of any Successor Guarantee Trustee.
(f) Upon termination of this Preferred Securities Guarantee or removal
or resignation of the Guarantee Trustee pursuant to this Section 4.2, the
Guarantor shall pay to the Guarantee Trustee all amounts accrued to the date of
such termination, removal or resignation.
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ARTICLE V
GUARANTEE
SECTION 5.1 GUARANTEE.
The Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to pay in full to
the Holders the Guarantee Payments (without duplication of amounts theretofore
paid by the Trust), as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off
or counterclaim that the Trust may have or assert. The Guarantor's obligation to
make a Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the required
amounts by the Guarantor to the Holders or by causing the Trust to pay such
amounts to the Holders.
SECTION 5.2 WAIVER OF NOTICE AND DEMAND.
The Guarantor hereby waives notice of acceptance of this Preferred
Securities Guarantee and of any liability to which it applies or may apply,
presentment, demand for payment, any right to require a proceeding first against
the Trust or any other Person before proceeding against the Guarantor, protest,
notice of nonpayment, notice of dishonor, notice of redemption and all other
notices and demands.
SECTION 5.3 OBLIGATIONS NOT AFFECTED.
The obligations, covenants, agreements and duties of the Guarantor under
this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall in no way be affected or impaired by
reason of the happening from time to time of any of the following:
(a) the release or waiver, by operation of law or otherwise, of the
performance or observance by the Trust of any express or implied agreement,
covenant, term or condition relating to the Preferred Securities to be performed
or observed by the Trust;
(b) the extension of time for the payment by the Trust of all or any
portion of the Distributions, Redemption Price, Liquidation Distribution or any
other sums payable under the terms of the Preferred Securities or the extension
of time for the performance of any other obligation under, arising out of, or in
connection with, the Preferred Securities (other than an extension of time for
payment of Distributions, Redemption Price, Liquidation Distribution or other
sum payable that results from the extension of any interest payment period on
the Debentures or any extension of the maturity date of the Debentures permitted
by the Indenture);
(c) any failure, omission, delay or lack of diligence on the part of the
Holders to enforce, assert or exercise any right, privilege, power or remedy
conferred on the Holders pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Securities, or
any action on the part of the Trust granting indulgence or extension of any
kind;
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(d) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of any
collateral, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of
creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of debt of,
or other similar proceedings affecting, the Trust or any of the assets of the
Trust;
(e) any invalidity of, or defect or deficiency in, the Preferred
Securities;
(f) any failure or omission to receive any regulatory approval or consent
required in connection with the Preferred Securities (or the common equity
securities issued by the Trust), including the failure to receive any approval
of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System required for the
redemption of the Preferred Securities;
(g) the settlement or compromise of any obligation guaranteed hereby or
hereby incurred; or
(h) any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a
legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor, it being the intent of
this Section 5.3 that the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall be
absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances.
There shall be no obligation of the Holders to give notice to, or obtain
consent of, the Guarantor with respect to the happening of any of the foregoing.
SECTION 5.4 RIGHTS OF HOLDERS.
(a) Subject to Section 5.4(b), the Holders of a Majority in liquidation
amount of the Preferred Securities have the right to direct the time, method and
place of conducting of any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee
Trustee in respect of this Preferred Securities Guarantee or exercising any
trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under this Preferred
Securities Guarantee.
(b) Any Holder of Preferred Securities may institute and prosecute a
legal proceeding directly against the Guarantor to enforce its rights under this
Preferred Securities Guarantee, without first instituting a legal proceeding
against the Trust, the Guarantee Trustee or any other Person.
SECTION 5.5 GUARANTEE OF PAYMENT.
This Preferred Securities Guarantee creates a guarantee of payment and
not of collection.
SECTION 5.6 SUBROGATION.
The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all (if any) rights of the Holders
of Preferred Securities against the Trust in respect of any amounts paid to such
Holders by the Guarantor under this Preferred Securities Guarantee; provided,
however, that the Guarantor shall not (except to the extent
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required by mandatory provisions of law) be entitled to enforce or exercise any
right that it may acquire by way of subrogation or any indemnity, reimbursement
or other agreement, in all cases as a result of payment under this Preferred
Securities Guarantee, if, at the time of any such payment, any amounts are due
and unpaid under this Preferred Securities Guarantee. If any amount shall be
paid to the Guarantor in violation of the preceding sentence, the Guarantor
agrees to hold such amount in trust for the Holders and to pay over such amount
to the Holders.
SECTION 5.7 INDEPENDENT OBLIGATIONS.
The Guarantor acknowledges that its obligations hereunder are independent
of the obligations of the Trust with respect to the Preferred Securities, and
that the Guarantor shall be liable as principal and as debtor hereunder to make
Guarantee Payments pursuant to the terms of this Preferred Securities Guarantee
notwithstanding the occurrence of any event referred to in subsections (a)
through (h), inclusive, of Section 5.3 hereof.
ARTICLE VI
LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS; SUBORDINATION
SECTION 6.1 LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS.
So long as any Preferred Securities remain outstanding, if there shall
have occurred an Event of Default under this Preferred Securities Guarantee, an
event of default under the Trust Agreement or during an Extended Interest
Payment Period (as defined in the Indenture), then (a) the Guarantor shall not
declare or pay any dividend on, make any distributions with respect to, or
redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of
its capital stock (other than as a result of a reclassification of its capital
stock for another class of its capital stock) and (b) the Guarantor shall not
make any payment of interest or principal on or repay, repurchase or redeem any
debt securities issued by the Guarantor which rank pari passu with or junior to
the Debentures.
SECTION 6.2 RANKING.
This Preferred Securities Guarantee will constitute an unsecured
obligation of the Guarantor and will rank subordinate and junior in right of
payment to all Senior Debt, Subordinated Debt and Additional Senior Obligations,
as defined in the Indenture, of the Guarantor, to the extent and in the manner
set forth in the Indenture, and the applicable provisions of the Indenture will
apply, in all relevant respects, to the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder.
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ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION
SECTION 7.1 TERMINATION.
This Preferred Securities Guarantee shall terminate upon (i) full payment
of the Redemption Price of all Preferred Securities, (ii) upon full payment of
the amounts payable in accordance with the Trust Agreement upon liquidation of
the Trust, or (iii) upon distribution of the Debentures to the Holders of the
Preferred Securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Preferred Securities
Guarantee shall continue to be effective or shall be reinstated, as the case may
be, if at any time any Holder of Preferred Securities must restore payment of
any sums paid under the Preferred Securities or under this Preferred Securities
Guarantee.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 8.1 EXCULPATION.
(a) No Indemnified Person shall be liable, responsible or accountable in
damages or otherwise to the Guarantor or any Covered Person for any loss, damage
or claim incurred by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such
Indemnified Person in good faith in accordance with this Preferred Securities
Guarantee and in a manner that such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be
within the scope of the authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by this
Preferred Securities Guarantee or by law, except that an Indemnified Person
shall be liable for any such loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of such
Indemnified Person's negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such acts
or omissions.
(b) An Indemnified Person shall be fully protected in relying in good
faith upon the records of the Guarantor and upon such information, opinions,
reports or statements presented to the Guarantor by any Person as to matters the
Indemnified Person reasonably believes are within such other Person's
professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care
by or on behalf of the Guarantor, including information, opinions, reports or
statements as to the value and amount of the assets, liabilities, profits,
losses, or any other facts pertinent to the existence and amount of assets from
which Distributions to Holders of Preferred Securities might properly be paid.
SECTION 8.2 INDEMNIFICATION.
The Guarantor agrees to indemnify each Indemnified Person for, and to
hold each Indemnified Person harmless against, any loss, liability or expense
incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in
connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts
hereunder, including the costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and
expenses)
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of defending itself against, or investigating, any claim or liability in
connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties
hereunder. The obligation to indemnify as set forth in this Section 8.2 shall
survive the termination of this Preferred Securities Guarantee.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 9.1 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.
All guarantees and agreements contained in this Preferred Securities
Guarantee shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and
representatives of the Guarantor and shall inure to the benefit of the Holders
of the Preferred Securities then outstanding.
SECTION 9.2 AMENDMENTS.
Except with respect to any changes that do not materially adversely
affect the rights of Holders (in which case no consent of Holders will be
required), this Preferred Securities Guarantee may only be amended with the
prior approval of the Holders of at least a Majority in Liquidation Amount of
the Preferred Securities. The provisions of Article VI of the Trust Agreement
with respect to meetings of Holders of the Preferred Securities apply to the
giving of such approval.
SECTION 9.3 NOTICES.
All notices provided for in this Preferred Securities Guarantee shall be
in writing, duly signed by the party giving such notice, and shall be delivered,
telecopied or mailed by registered or certified mail, as follows:
(a) If given to the Guarantee Trustee, at the Guarantee Trustee's mailing
address set forth below (or such other address as the Guarantee Trustee may give
notice of to the Holders of the Preferred Securities):
Wilmington Trust Company
Rodney Square North
1100 North Market Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19890-0001
Attention: Corporate Trust Administrator
17
<PAGE> 22
(b) If given to the Guarantor, at the Guarantor's mailing address set
forth below (or such other address as the Guarantor may give notice of to the
Holders of the Preferred Securities):
Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc.
501 West North Avenue
Melrose Park, Illinois 60160
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
(c) If given to any Holder of Preferred Securities, at the address set
forth on the books and records of the Trust.
All such notices shall be deemed to have been given when received in
person, telecopied with receipt confirmed, or mailed by first class mail,
postage prepaid except that if a notice or other document is refused delivery or
cannot be delivered because of a changed address of which no notice was given,
such notice or other document shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date
of such refusal or inability to deliver.
SECTION 9.4 BENEFIT.
This Preferred Securities Guarantee is solely for the benefit of the
Holders of the Preferred Securities and, subject to Section 3.1(a), is not
separately transferable from the Preferred Securities.
SECTION 9.5 GOVERNING LAW.
THIS PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED
AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
18
<PAGE> 23
This Preferred Securities Guarantee is executed as of the day and year
first above written.
MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.,
as Guarantor
By: ______________________________
Its:______________________________
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
as Guarantee Trustee
By: ______________________________
Its:______________________________
19
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 5.1
VEDDER PRICE VEDDER, PRICE, KAUFMAN & KAMMHOLZ
222 NORTH LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601-1003
312-609-7500
FACSIMILE: 312-609-5005
A PARTNERSHIP INCLUDING VEDDER, PRICE,
KAUFMAN & KAMMHOLZ, P.C.
WITH OFFICES IN CHICAGO AND NEW YORK CITY
May 8, 2000
Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc. MBHI Capital Trust I
501 West North Avenue 501 West North Avenue
Melrose Park, Illinois 60160 Melrose Park, Illinois 60160
Re: Registration Statement on Form S-3
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), and MBHI Capital Trust I, a statutory business
trust created under the laws of Delaware (the "Capital Trust"), in connection
with the filing of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Act") (the "Registration Statement"), for the purpose of
registering the Cumulative Preferred Securities to be issued by Capital Trust,
the Guarantee and the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be issued by the Company
to Capital Trust in connection with the issuance of the Cumulative Preferred
Securities. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings
set forth in the Registration Statement.
In rendering this opinion, we have reviewed: (i) the form of Amended
and Restated Trust Agreement to be entered into by and among the Company, the
Delaware Trustee, the Property Trustee and the Administrative Trustees ( the
"Trust Agreement"), pursuant to which the Preferred Securities are to be issued;
(ii) the form of Indenture to be entered into by and between the Company and the
Trustee (the "Indenture") which will govern the Junior Subordinated Debentures
to be issued by the Company; and (iii) the form of Preferred Securities
Guarantee Agreement to be entered into by and between the Company and the
Guarantee Trustee (the "Guarantee Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company
will guarantee certain obligations of the Trust with respect to the Preferred
Securities.
<PAGE> 2
Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc.
MBHI Capital Trust I
May 8, 2000
Page 2
In so acting, we have also examined and relied upon the originals, or
copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such records,
documents, certificates and other instruments as in our judgment are necessary
or appropriate to enable us to render the opinion expressed as follows:
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the following opinions:
1. The execution and delivery by the Company of each of the Trust
Agreement, the Indenture and the Guarantee Agreement has been duly and validly
authorized.
2. The Junior Subordinated Debentures to be issued by the Company to
Capital Trust will, when issued in accordance with the terms of the Indenture as
described in the Registration Statement at the time it becomes effective,
constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company.
3. The Guarantee Agreement when provided by the Company in accordance
with the terms stated in the Registration Statement at the time it becomes
effective and upon issuance of the Preferred Securities in accordance with the
terms described in the Registration Statement, will constitute a valid and
binding obligation of the Company.
In rendering the foregoing opinion, we have relied to the extent we
deem appropriate on the opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, special counsel to
Capital Trust and the Company.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and the use of our name under the caption "Legal Matters"
in the Prospectus. In giving such consent, we do not hereby concede that we are
within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the
Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ VEDDER, PRICE, KAUFMAN & KAMMHOLZ
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 5.2
[Letterhead of Richards, Layton & Finger]
May 8, 2000
Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc.
501 West North Avenue
Melrose Park, Illinois 60160
Re: MBHI Capital Trust I
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special Delaware counsel for Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (the "Company") and MBHI Capital Trust, a Delaware
business trust (the "Trust") in connection with the matters set forth herein.
At your request, this opinion is being furnished to you.
For purposes of giving the opinions hereinafter set forth, our examination
of documents has been limited to the examination of originals or copies of the
following:
(a) The Certificate of Trust of the Trust, as filed with the office of
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the "Secretary of State") on
May 5, 2000;
(b) The Trust Agreement of the Trust, dated as of May 5, 2000, among the
Company and the trustees named therein;
(c) The Registration Statement (the "Registration Statement") on Form S-3,
including a preliminary prospectus with respect to the Trust (the "Prospectus"),
relating to the Cumulative Preferred Securities of the Trust representing
preferred beneficial interests in the Trust (each, a "Preferred Security" and
collectively, the "Preferred Securities"), as filed by the Company and the Trust
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about May 9, 2000.
<PAGE> 2
Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc.
May 8, 2000
Page 2
(d) A form of Amended and Restated Trust Agreement for the Trust, to be
entered into between the Company, the trustees of the Trust named therein, and
the holders, from time to time, of the undivided beneficial interests in the
assets of such Trust (including Exhibits B, D and E thereto)(the "Trust
Agreement"), attached as an exhibit to the Registration Statement; and
(e) A Certificate of Good Standing for the Trust, dated May 5, 2000,
obtained from the Secretary of State.
Initially capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined are used
as defined in the Trust Agreement.
For purposes of this opinion, we have not reviewed any documents other
than the documents listed in paragraphs (a) through (e) above. In particular,
we have not reviewed any document (other than the documents listed in
paragraphs (a) through (e) above) that is referred to in or incorporated by
reference into the documents reviewed by us. We have assumed that there exists
no provision in any document that we have not reviewed that is inconsistent
with the opinions stated herein. We have conducted no independent factual
investigation of our own but rather have relied solely upon the foregoing
documents, the statements and information set forth therein and the additional
matters recited or assumed herein, all of which we have assumed to be true,
complete and accurate in all material respects.
With respect to all documents examined by us, we have assumed (i) the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as authentic originals, (ii) the
conformity with the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies or
forms, and (iii) the genuineness of all signatures.
For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed (i) that the Trust Agreement
will constitute the entire agreement among the parties thereto with respect to
the subject matter thereof, including with respect to the creation, operation
and termination of the applicable Trust, and that the Trust Agreement and the
Certificate of Trust will be in full force and effect and will not be amended,
(ii) except to the extent provided in paragraph 1 below, the due organization
or due formation, as the case may be, and valid existence in good standing of
each party to the documents examined by us under the laws of the jurisdiction
governing its organization or formation, (iii) the legal capacity of natural
persons who are parties to the documents examined by us (iv) that each of the
parties to the documents examined by us has the power and authority to execute
and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, such documents, (v) the due
authorization, execution and delivery by all parties thereto of all documents
examined by us, (vi) the receipt by each Person to whom a Preferred Security is
to be issued by the Trust (collectively, the "Preferred Security Holders") of a
Preferred Security Certificate for such Preferred Security and the payment for
such Preferred Security, in accordance with the Trust Agreement and the
<PAGE> 3
Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc.
May 8, 2000
Page 3
Registration Statement, and (vii) that the Preferred Securities are
authenticated, issued and sold to the Preferred Security Holders in accordance
with the Trust Agreement and the Registration Statement. We have not
participated in the preparation of the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
and assume no responsibility for their contents.
This opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Delaware (excluding the
securities laws of the State of Delaware), and we have not considered and
express no opinion on the laws of any other jurisdiction, including federal
laws and rules and regulations relating thereto. Our opinions are rendered only
with respect to Delaware laws and rules, regulations and orders thereunder
which are currently in effect.
Based upon the foregoing, and upon our examination of such questions of law
and statutes of the State of Delaware as we have considered necessary or
appropriate, and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, limitations and
exceptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:
1. The Trust has been duly created and is validly existing in good
standing as a business trust under the Business Trust Act.
2. The Preferred Securities of the Trust will represent valid and, subject
to the qualifications set forth in paragraph 3 below, fully paid and
nonassessable beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.
3. The Preferred Security Holders, as beneficial owners of the Trust,
will be entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended to
stockholders of private corporations for profit organized under the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. We note that the Preferred Security
Holders may be obligated to make payments as set forth in the Trust Agreement.
We consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. We hereby consent to
the use of our name under the heading "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus. In
giving the foregoing consents, we do not thereby admit that we come within the
category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Richards, Layton & Finger, PA
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 8.1
VEDDER PRICE
VEDDER, PRICE, KAUFMAN & KAMMHOLZ
222 NORTH LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601-1003
312-609-7500
FACSIMILE: 312-609-5005
A PARTNERSHIP INCLUDING VEDDER, PRICE,
KAUFMAN & KAMMHOLZ, P.C.
WITH OFFICES IN CHICAGO AND NEW YORK CITY
May 8, 2000
Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc. MBHI Capital Trust I
501 West North Avenue 501 West North Avenue
Melrose Park, Illinois 60160 Melrose Park, Illinois 60160
Re: Registration Statement on Form S-3
Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel for Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), and MBHI Capital Trust I ("Capital Trust"), a
statutory business trust created under the laws of Delaware, in connection with
the above-captioned Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on May 9, 2000, under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") (the "Registration Statement"),
for the purpose of registering the Preferred Securities to be issued by Capital
Trust and with respect to the Guarantee and the Junior Subordinated Debentures
to be issued by the Company to Capital Trust in connection with such issuance of
the Preferred Securities. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein
shall have the meaning as described in the Registration Statement.
In rendering this opinion, we have examined originals or copies,
certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of (i) the Certificate of
Trust of Capital Trust dated as of May 5, 2000; (ii) the form of Amended and
Restated Trust Agreement of Capital Trust; (iii) the form of Preferred
Securities Certificate of Capital Trust; (iv) the form of Preferred Securities
Guarantee
<PAGE> 2
Agreement for Capital Trust; (v) the form of Junior Subordinated Debenture; and
(vi) the form of Indenture, in each case in the form filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement. We have also examined originals or copies, certified or
otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such other documents, certificates,
and records as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of rendering
the opinions set forth herein.
In our examination, we have assumed the legal capacity of all natural
persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents
submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all
documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies and the
authenticity of the originals of such copies. In making our examination of
documents executed by parties other than the Company or Capital Trust, we have
assumed that such parties had the power, corporate or other, to enter into and
perform all obligations thereunder and have also assumed the due authorization
by all requisite action, corporate or other, and execution and delivery by such
parties of such documents and that such documents constitute valid and binding
obligations of such parties. In addition, we have assumed that the Amended and
Restated Trust Agreement of Capital Trust, the Preferred Securities of Capital
Trust, the Guarantee, the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Indenture when
executed, will be executed in substantially the form reviewed by us and that the
terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures when established in conformity with
the Indenture will not violate any applicable law. As to any facts material to
the opinions expressed herein which were not independently established or
verified, we have relied upon oral or written statements and representations of
officers, trustees, and other representatives of the Company, Capital Trust and
others.
We hereby confirm that, although the discussion set forth under the heading
"FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES" in the form of Prospectus for the offering of
the Preferred Securities filed as part of the Registration Statement
("Prospectus") does not purport to discuss all possible United States federal
income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Preferred
Securities, in our opinion, such discussion constitutes, in all material
respects, a fair and accurate summary of the United States federal income tax
consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Preferred Securities,
based upon current law as they relate to holders described therein and that
such summary represents our opinion insofar as it relates to matters of law and
legal conclusions. It is possible that contrary positions with regard to the
purchase, ownership and disposition of the Preferred Securities may be taken by
the Internal Revenue Service and that a court may agree with such contrary
positions.
Additionally, based upon the facts, assumptions and representations set
forth or referred to herein, and the accuracy of such facts, assumptions and
representations as of the date hereof, and assuming full compliance with the
terms of the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of Capital Trust and the
Indenture, it is our opinion that Capital Trust will be classified for United
States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust and not as an association
taxable as a corporation. Accordingly, each beneficial owner of Preferred
Securities will be treated as owning an undivided beneficial interest in the
Junior Subordinated Debentures.
The opinions expressed in this letter are based on the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended, the Income Tax Regulations promulgated by the Treasury
Department thereunder and
<PAGE> 3
judicial authority reported as of the date hereof. We have also considered
the position of the Internal Revenue Service (the "Service") reflected in
published and private rulings. Although we are not aware of any pending changes
to these authorities that would alter our opinions, there can be no assurances
that future legislation or administrative changes, court decisions or Service
interpretations will not significantly modify the statements or opinions
expressed herein.
Our opinion is limited to those federal income tax issues specifically
considered herein and are addressed to and are only for the benefit of the
Company and Capital Trust in connection with the filing of the Registration
Statement and, except as set forth below, is not to be used, circulated, quoted
or otherwise referred to for any other purpose or relied upon by any other
person for any purpose without our written consent. We do not express any
opinion as to any other United States federal income tax issues or any state or
local tax issues. Although the opinions herein are based upon our best
interpretation of existing sources of law and expresses what we believe a court
would properly conclude if presented with these issues, no assurance can be
given that such interpretations would be followed if they were to become the
subject of judicial or administrative proceedings.
We hereby consent to the use of our name under the captions "FEDERAL
INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES" in the Prospectus and the filing of this opinion with
the Commission as Exhibit 8.1 to the Registration Statement. In giving this
consent, we do not hereby concede that we are within the category of persons
whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and
regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder. This opinion is expressed
as of the date hereof and applies only to the disclosures set forth in the
Prospectus and Registration Statement. We disclaim any undertaking to advise you
of any subsequent changes of the facts stated or assumed herein or any
subsequent changes in applicable law.
Very truly yours,
/s/ VEDDER, PRICE, KAUFMAN & KAMMHOLZ
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 12.1
MIDWEST BANC HOLDING, INC.
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended
March 31, Year Ended December 31,
2000 1999 1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INCLUDING INTEREST ON DEPOSITS
Net Income
Net income before taxes $ 5,221 $ 3,921 $18,641 $ 16,379 $ 14,048
Fixed charges from below 13,615 10,207 44,262 41,014 35,311
-------- -------- --------- -------- --------
Net income $ 18,836 $ 14,128 $ 62,903 $ 57,393 $49,359
======== ======== ========= ======== ========
Fixed charges
Interest expense $ 13,615 $ 10,207 $ 44,262 $ 41,014 $ 35,311
======== ======== ========= ======== ========
Ratio of net income to fixed charges 1.38x 1.38x 1.42x 1.40x 1.40x
======== ======== ========= ======== ========
EXCLUDING INTEREST ON DEPOSITS
Net Income
Net income before taxes $ 5,221 3,921 $ 18,641 $ 16,379 $ 14,048
Fixed charges from below 3,277 1,482 7,532 4,976 2,694
-------- -------- --------- -------- --------
Net income $ 8,498 5,403 $ 26,173 $ 21,355 $ 16,742
======== ======== ========= ======== ========
Fixed charges
Interest expense, excluding interest
on deposits $ 3,277 1,482 $ 7,532 $ 4,976 $ 2,694
======== ======== ========= ======== ========
Ratio of net income to fixed charges 2.59x 3.65x 3.47x 4.29x 6.21x
======== ======== ========= ======== ========
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1995
---- ----
- - (In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
INCLUDING INTEREST ON DEPOSITS
Net Income
Net income before taxes $11,905 $ 9,183
Fixed charges from below 28,918 22,619
------- --------
Net income $40,823 $ 31,802
======= ========
Fixed charges
Interest expense $28,918 $ 22,619
======= ========
Ratio of net income to fixed charges 1.41x 1.41x
======= ========
EXCLUDING INTEREST ON DEPOSITS
Net Income
Net income before taxes $11,905 $ 9,183
Fixed charges from below 2,122 1,708
------- --------
Net income $14,027 $ 10,891
======= ========
Fixed charges
Interest expense, excluding interest
on deposits $ 2,122 $ 1,708
======= ========
Ratio of net income to fixed charges 6.61x 6.38x
======= ========
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to incorporating by reference our report on the financial statements
of Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 and for the
three years then ended in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 and Prospectus
of Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc. and MBHI Capital Trust I. Our report is dated
January 15, 2000 and is included in the 1999 Form 10-K of Midwest Banc Holdings,
Inc. We also consent to the reference to us under "Experts" in the Registration
Statement and Prospectus.
/s/ Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP
-----------------------------------
Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP
Oak Brook, Illinois
May 9, 2000
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 25.1
Registration No.:
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 305(B)(2)
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)
Delaware 51-0055023
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. employer identification no.)
Rodney Square North
1100 North Market Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19890
(Address of principal executive offices)
Cynthia L. Corliss
Vice President and Trust Counsel
Wilmington Trust Company
Rodney Square North
Wilmington, Delaware 19890
(302) 651-8516
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)
Delaware 36-3252484
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. employer identification no.)
501 West North Avenue
Melrose Park, Illinois 60160
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Junior Subordinated Debentures of Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc.
(Title of the indenture securities)
-1-
<PAGE> 2
ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION.
Furnish the following information as to the trustee:
(a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority
to which it is subject.
Federal Deposit Insurance Co. State Bank Commissioner
Five Penn Center Dover, Delaware
Suite #2901
Philadelphia, PA
(b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust
powers.
ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR.
If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each
affiliation:
Based upon an examination of the books and records of the
trustee and upon information furnished by the obligor, the obligor
is not an affiliate of the trustee.
ITEM 3. LIST OF EXHIBITS.
List below all exhibits filed as part of this Statement of
Eligibility and Qualification.
A. Copy of the Charter of Wilmington Trust Company, which
includes the certificate of authority of Wilmington Trust
Company to commence business and the authorization of
Wilmington Trust Company to exercise corporate trust powers.
B. Copy of By-Laws of Wilmington Trust Company.
C. Consent of Wilmington Trust Company required by Section 321
(b) of Trust Indenture Act.
D. Copy of most recent Report of Condition of Wilmington Trust
Company.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, the trustee, Wilmington Trust Company, a corporation organized and
existing under the laws of Delaware, has duly caused this Statement of
Eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, all in the City of Wilmington and State of Delaware on the day
of ,
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
[SEAL]
Attest: /s/ By: /s/ Donald G. MacKelcan
--------------------- ---------------------------
Assistant Secretary Name: Donald G. MacKelcan
Title: Vice President
-2-
<PAGE> 3
EXHIBIT A
AMENDED CHARTER
Wilmington Trust Company
Wilmington, Delaware
As existing on May 9, 1987
AMENDED CHARTER
OR
ACT OF INCORPORATION
OF
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
Wilmington Trust Company, originally incorporated by an Act of the
General Assembly of the State of Delaware, entitled "An Act to Incorporate the
Delaware Guarantee and Trust Company", approved March 2, A.D. 1901, and the name
of which company was changed to "Wilmington Trust Company" by an amendment filed
in the Office of the Secretary of State on March 18, A.D. 1903, and the Charter
or Act of Incorporation of which company has been from time to time amended and
changed by merger agreements pursuant to the corporation law for state banks and
trust companies of the State of Delaware, does hereby alter and amend its
Charter or Act of Incorporation so that the same as so altered and amended shall
in its entirety read as follows:
First: - The name of this corporation is Wilmington Trust Company.
Second: - The location of its principal office in the State of
Delaware is at Rodney Square North, in the City of Wilmington,
County of New Castle; the name of its resident agent is Wilmington
Trust Company whose address is Rodney Square North, in said City. In
addition to such principal office, the said corporation maintains
and operates branch offices in the City of Newark, New Castle
County, Delaware, the Town of Newport, New Castle County, Delaware,
at Claymont, New Castle County, Delaware, at Greenville, New Castle
County Delaware, and at Milford Cross Roads, New Castle County,
Delaware, and shall be empowered to open, maintain and operate
branch offices at Ninth and Shipley Streets, 418 Delaware Avenue,
2120 Market Street, and 3605 Market Street, all in the City of
Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware, and such other branch
offices or places of business as may be authorized from time to time
by the agency or agencies of the government of the State of Delaware
empowered
<PAGE> 4
to confer such authority.
Third: - (a) The nature of the business and the objects and purposes
proposed to be transacted, promoted or carried on by this
Corporation are to do any or all of the things herein mentioned as
fully and to the same extent as natural persons might or could do
and in any part of the world, viz.:
(1) To sue and be sued, complain and defend in any Court of
law or equity and to make and use a common seal, and alter
the seal at pleasure, to hold, purchase, convey, mortgage or
otherwise deal in real and personal estate and property, and
to appoint such officers and agents as the business of the
Corporation shall require, to make by-laws not inconsistent
with the Constitution or laws of the United States or of
this State, to discount bills, notes or other evidences of
debt, to receive deposits of money, or securities for money,
to buy gold and silver bullion and foreign coins, to buy and
sell bills of exchange, and generally to use, exercise and
enjoy all the powers, rights, privileges and franchises
incident to a corporation which are proper or necessary for
the transaction of the business of the Corporation hereby
created.
(2) To insure titles to real and personal property, or any
estate or interests therein, and to guarantee the holder of
such property, real or personal, against any claim or
claims, adverse to his interest therein, and to prepare and
give certificates of title for any lands or premises in the
State of Delaware, or elsewhere.
(3) To act as factor, agent, broker or attorney in the
receipt, collection, custody, investment and management of
funds, and the purchase, sale, management and disposal of
property of all descriptions, and to prepare and execute all
papers which may be necessary or proper in such business.
(4) To prepare and draw agreements, contracts, deeds,
leases, conveyances, mortgages, bonds and legal papers of
every description, and to carry on the business of
conveyancing in all its branches.
(5) To receive upon deposit for safekeeping money, jewelry,
plate, deeds, bonds and any and all other personal property
of every sort and kind, from executors, administrators,
guardians, public officers, courts, receivers, assignees,
trustees, and from all fiduciaries, and from all other
persons and individuals, and from all corporations whether
state, municipal, corporate or private, and to rent boxes,
safes, vaults and other receptacles for such property.
(6) To act as agent or otherwise for the purpose of
registering, issuing, certificating, countersigning,
transferring or underwriting the stock, bonds or other
obligations of any corporation, association, state or
municipality, and may
<PAGE> 5
receive and manage any sinking fund therefor on such terms
as may be agreed upon between the two parties, and in like
manner may act as Treasurer of any corporation or
municipality.
(7) To act as Trustee under any deed of trust, mortgage,
bond or other instrument issued by any state, municipality,
body politic, corporation, association or person, either
alone or in conjunction with any other person or persons,
corporation or corporations.
(8) To guarantee the validity, performance or effect of any
contract or agreement, and the fidelity of persons holding
places of responsibility or trust; to become surety for any
person, or persons, for the faithful performance of any
trust, office, duty, contract or agreement, either by itself
or in conjunction with any other person, or persons,
corporation, or corporations, or in like manner become
surety upon any bond, recognizance, obligation, judgment,
suit, order, or decree to be entered in any court of record
within the State of Delaware or elsewhere, or which may now
or hereafter be required by any law, judge, officer or court
in the State of Delaware or elsewhere.
(9) To act by any and every method of appointment as
trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee, assignee
in bankruptcy, executor, administrator, guardian, bailee, or
in any other trust capacity in the receiving, holding,
managing, and disposing of any and all estates and property,
real, personal or mixed, and to be appointed as such
trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee, assignee
in bankruptcy, executor, administrator, guardian or bailee
by any persons, corporations, court, officer, or authority,
in the State of Delaware or elsewhere; and whenever this
Corporation is so appointed by any person, corporation,
court, officer or authority such trustee, trustee in
bankruptcy, receiver, assignee, assignee in bankruptcy,
executor, administrator, guardian, bailee, or in any other
trust capacity, it shall not be required to give bond with
surety, but its capital stock shall be taken and held as
security for the performance of the duties devolving upon it
by such appointment.
(10) And for its care, management and trouble, and the
exercise of any of its powers hereby given, or for the
performance of any of the duties which it may undertake or
be called upon to perform, or for the assumption of any
responsibility the said Corporation may be entitled to
receive a proper compensation.
(11) To purchase, receive, hold and own bonds, mortgages,
debentures, shares of capital stock, and other securities,
obligations, contracts and evidences of indebtedness, of any
private, public or municipal corporation within and without
the State of Delaware, or of the Government of the United
States, or of any state, territory, colony, or possession
thereof, or of any foreign government or country;
<PAGE> 6
to receive, collect, receipt for, and dispose of interest,
dividends and income upon and from any of the bonds,
mortgages, debentures, notes, shares of capital stock,
securities, obligations, contracts, evidences of
indebtedness and other property held and owned by it, and to
exercise in respect of all such bonds, mortgages,
debentures, notes, shares of capital stock, securities,
obligations, contracts, evidences of indebtedness and other
property, any and all the rights, powers and privileges of
individual owners thereof, including the right to vote
thereon; to invest and deal in and with any of the moneys of
the Corporation upon such securities and in such manner as
it may think fit and proper, and from time to time to vary
or realize such investments; to issue bonds and secure the
same by pledges or deeds of trust or mortgages of or upon
the whole or any part of the property held or owned by the
Corporation, and to sell and pledge such bonds, as and when
the Board of Directors shall determine, and in the promotion
of its said corporate business of investment and to the
extent authorized by law, to lease, purchase, hold, sell,
assign, transfer, pledge, mortgage and convey real and
personal property of any name and nature and any estate or
interest therein.
(b) In furtherance of, and not in limitation, of the powers
conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware, it is hereby
expressly provided that the said Corporation shall also have the
following powers:
(1) To do any or all of the things herein set forth, to the
same extent as natural persons might or could do, and in any
part of the world.
(2) To acquire the good will, rights, property and
franchises and to undertake the whole or any part of the
assets and liabilities of any person, firm, association or
corporation, and to pay for the same in cash, stock of this
Corporation, bonds or otherwise; to hold or in any manner to
dispose of the whole or any part of the property so
purchased; to conduct in any lawful manner the whole or any
part of any business so acquired, and to exercise all the
powers necessary or convenient in and about the conduct and
management of such business.
(3) To take, hold, own, deal in, mortgage or otherwise lien,
and to lease, sell, exchange, transfer, or in any manner
whatever dispose of property, real, personal or mixed,
wherever situated.
(4) To enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of
every kind with any person, firm, association or
corporation, and, without limit as to amount, to draw, make,
accept, endorse, discount, execute and issue promissory
notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds,
debentures, and other negotiable or transferable
instruments.
(5) To have one or more offices, to carry on all or any of
its operations and businesses, without restriction to the
same extent as natural persons might or
<PAGE> 7
could do, to purchase or otherwise acquire, to hold, own, to
mortgage, sell, convey or otherwise dispose of, real and
personal property, of every class and description, in any
State, District, Territory or Colony of the United States,
and in any foreign country or place.
(6) It is the intention that the objects, purposes and
powers specified and clauses contained in this paragraph
shall (except where otherwise expressed in said paragraph)
be nowise limited or restricted by reference to or inference
from the terms of any other clause of this or any other
paragraph in this charter, but that the objects, purposes
and powers specified in each of the clauses of this
paragraph shall be regarded as independent objects, purposes
and powers.
Fourth: - (a) The total number of shares of all classes of stock
which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is forty-one
million (41,000,000) shares, consisting of:
(1) One million (1,000,000) shares of Preferred stock, par
value $10.00 per share (hereinafter referred to as
"Preferred Stock"); and
(2) Forty million (40,000,000) shares of Common Stock, par
value $1.00 per share (hereinafter referred to as "Common
Stock").
(b) Shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one
or more series as may from time to time be determined by the Board
of Directors each of said series to be distinctly designated. All
shares of any one series of Preferred Stock shall be alike in every
particular, except that there may be different dates from which
dividends, if any, thereon shall be cumulative, if made cumulative.
The voting powers and the preferences and relative, participating,
optional and other special rights of each such series, and the
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, may
differ from those of any and all other series at any time
outstanding; and, subject to the provisions of subparagraph 1 of
Paragraph (c) of this Article Fourth, the Board of Directors of the
Corporation is hereby expressly granted authority to fix by
resolution or resolutions adopted prior to the issuance of any
shares of a particular series of Preferred Stock, the voting powers
and the designations, preferences and relative, optional and other
special rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions
of such series, including, but without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, the following:
(1) The distinctive designation of, and the number of shares
of Preferred Stock which shall constitute such series, which
number may be increased (except where otherwise provided by
the Board of Directors) or decreased (but not below the
number of shares thereof then outstanding) from time to time
by like action of the Board of Directors;
(2) The rate and times at which, and the terms and
conditions on which, dividends, if any, on Preferred Stock
of such series shall be paid, the extent of the
<PAGE> 8
preference or relation, if any, of such dividends to the
dividends payable on any other class or classes, or series
of the same or other class of stock and whether such
dividends shall be cumulative or non-cumulative;
(3) The right, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock of
such series to convert the same into or exchange the same
for, shares of any other class or classes or of any series
of the same or any other class or classes of stock of the
Corporation and the terms and conditions of such conversion
or exchange;
(4) Whether or not Preferred Stock of such series shall be
subject to redemption, and the redemption price or prices
and the time or times at which, and the terms and conditions
on which, Preferred Stock of such series may be redeemed.
(5) The rights, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock of
such series upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
merger, consolidation, distribution or sale of assets,
dissolution or winding-up, of the Corporation.
(6) The terms of the sinking fund or redemption or purchase
account, if any, to be provided for the Preferred Stock of
such series; and
(7) The voting powers, if any, of the holders of such series
of Preferred Stock which may, without limiting the
generality of the foregoing include the right, voting as a
series or by itself or together with other series of
Preferred Stock or all series of Preferred Stock as a class,
to elect one or more directors of the Corporation if there
shall have been a default in the payment of dividends on any
one or more series of Preferred Stock or under such
circumstances and on such conditions as the Board of
Directors may determine.
(c) (1) After the requirements with respect to preferential
dividends on the Preferred Stock (fixed in accordance with the
provisions of section (b) of this Article Fourth), if any, shall
have been met and after the Corporation shall have complied with all
the requirements, if any, with respect to the setting aside of sums
as sinking funds or redemption or purchase accounts (fixed in
accordance with the provisions of section (b) of this Article
Fourth), and subject further to any conditions which may be fixed in
accordance with the provisions of section (b) of this Article
Fourth, then and not otherwise the holders of Common Stock shall be
entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared from time to
time by the Board of Directors.
(2) After distribution in full of the preferential amount,
if any, (fixed in accordance with the provisions of section
(b) of this Article Fourth), to be distributed to the
holders of Preferred Stock in the event of voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, distribution or sale of assets,
dissolution or winding-up, of the Corporation, the holders
of the Common Stock shall be entitled to receive all of the
remaining assets of the Corporation, tangible and
intangible, of
<PAGE> 9
whatever kind available for distribution to stockholders
ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Common
Stock held by them respectively.
(3) Except as may otherwise be required by law or by the
provisions of such resolution or resolutions as may be
adopted by the Board of Directors pursuant to section (b) of
this Article Fourth, each holder of Common Stock shall have
one vote in respect of each share of Common Stock held on
all matters voted upon by the stockholders.
(d) No holder of any of the shares of any class or series of stock
or of options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of any
class or series of stock or of other securities of the Corporation
shall have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any
unissued stock of any class or series or any additional shares of
any class or series to be issued by reason of any increase of the
authorized capital stock of the Corporation of any class or series,
or bonds, certificates of indebtedness, debentures or other
securities convertible into or exchangeable for stock of the
Corporation of any class or series, or carrying any right to
purchase stock of any class or series, but any such unissued stock,
additional authorized issue of shares of any class or series of
stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for stock, or
carrying any right to purchase stock, may be issued and disposed of
pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors to such persons,
firms, corporations or associations, whether such holders or others,
and upon such terms as may be deemed advisable by the Board of
Directors in the exercise of its sole discretion.
(e) The relative powers, preferences and rights of each series of
Preferred Stock in relation to the relative powers, preferences and
rights of each other series of Preferred Stock shall, in each case,
be as fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors in the
resolution or resolutions adopted pursuant to authority granted in
section (b) of this Article Fourth and the consent, by class or
series vote or otherwise, of the holders of such of the series of
Preferred Stock as are from time to time outstanding shall not be
required for the issuance by the Board of Directors of any other
series of Preferred Stock whether or not the powers, preferences and
rights of such other series shall be fixed by the Board of Directors
as senior to, or on a parity with, the powers, preferences and
rights of such outstanding series, or any of them; provided,
however, that the Board of Directors may provide in the resolution
or resolutions as to any series of Preferred Stock adopted pursuant
to section (b) of this Article Fourth that the consent of the
holders of a majority (or such greater proportion as shall be
therein fixed) of the outstanding shares of such series voting
thereon shall be required for the issuance of any or all other
series of Preferred Stock.
(f) Subject to the provisions of section (e), shares of any series
of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time as the Board of
Directors of the Corporation shall determine and on such terms and
for such consideration as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.
<PAGE> 10
(g) Shares of Common Stock may be issued from time to time as the
Board of Directors of the Corporation shall determine and on such
terms and for such consideration as shall be fixed by the Board of
Directors.
(h) The authorized amount of shares of Common Stock and of Preferred
Stock may, without a class or series vote, be increased or decreased
from time to time by the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon.
Fifth: - (a) The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be
conducted and managed by a Board of Directors. The number of
directors constituting the entire Board shall be not less than five
nor more than twenty-five as fixed from time to time by vote of a
majority of the whole Board, provided, however, that the number of
directors shall not be reduced so as to shorten the term of any
director at the time in office, and provided further, that the
number of directors constituting the whole Board shall be
twenty-four until otherwise fixed by a majority of the whole Board.
(b) The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, as
nearly equal in number as the then total number of directors
constituting the whole Board permits, with the term of office of one
class expiring each year. At the annual meeting of stockholders in
1982, directors of the first class shall be elected to hold office
for a term expiring at the next succeeding annual meeting, directors
of the second class shall be elected to hold office for a term
expiring at the second succeeding annual meeting and directors of
the third class shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring
at the third succeeding annual meeting. Any vacancies in the Board
of Directors for any reason, and any newly created directorships
resulting from any increase in the directors, may be filled by the
Board of Directors, acting by a majority of the directors then in
office, although less than a quorum, and any directors so chosen
shall hold office until the next annual election of directors. At
such election, the stockholders shall elect a successor to such
director to hold office until the next election of the class for
which such director shall have been chosen and until his successor
shall be elected and qualified. No decrease in the number of
directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Charter or Act of
Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation (and notwithstanding
the fact that some lesser percentage may be specified by law, this
Charter or Act of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation),
any director or the entire Board of Directors of the Corporation may
be removed at any time without cause, but only by the affirmative
vote of the holders of two-thirds or more of the outstanding shares
of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in
the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class)
cast at a meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose.
(d) Nominations for the election of directors may be made by the
Board of Directors or by any stockholder entitled to vote for the
election of directors. Such nominations shall
<PAGE> 11
be made by notice in writing, delivered or mailed by first class
United States mail, postage prepaid, to the Secretary of the
Corporation not less than 14 days nor more than 50 days prior to any
meeting of the stockholders called for the election of directors;
provided, however, that if less than 21 days' notice of the meeting
is given to stockholders, such written notice shall be delivered or
mailed, as prescribed, to the Secretary of the Corporation not later
than the close of the seventh day following the day on which notice
of the meeting was mailed to stockholders. Notice of nominations
which are proposed by the Board of Directors shall be given by the
Chairman on behalf of the Board.
(e) Each notice under subsection (d) shall set forth (i) the name,
age, business address and, if known, residence address of each
nominee proposed in such notice, (ii) the principal occupation or
employment of such nominee and (iii) the number of shares of stock
of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by each such
nominee.
(f) The Chairman of the meeting may, if the facts warrant, determine
and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in
accordance with the foregoing procedure, and if he should so
determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and the defective
nomination shall be disregarded.
(g) No action required to be taken or which may be taken at any
annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be
taken without a meeting, and the power of stockholders to consent in
writing, without a meeting, to the taking of any action is
specifically denied.
Sixth: - The Directors shall choose such officers, agents and
servants as may be provided in the By-Laws as they may from time to
time find necessary or proper.
Seventh: - The Corporation hereby created is hereby given the same
powers, rights and privileges as may be conferred upon corporations
organized under the Act entitled "An Act Providing a General
Corporation Law", approved March 10, 1899, as from time to time
amended.
Eighth: - This Act shall be deemed and taken to be a private Act.
Ninth: - This Corporation is to have perpetual existence.
Tenth: - The Board of Directors, by resolution passed by a majority
of the whole Board, may designate any of their number to constitute
an Executive Committee, which Committee, to the extent provided in
said resolution, or in the By-Laws of the Company, shall have and
may exercise all of the powers of the Board of Directors in the
management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and shall
have power to authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to
all papers which may require it.
<PAGE> 12
Eleventh: - The private property of the stockholders shall not be
liable for the payment of corporate debts to any extent whatever.
Twelfth: - The Corporation may transact business in any part of the
world.
Thirteenth: - The Board of Directors of the Corporation is expressly
authorized to make, alter or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation
by a vote of the majority of the entire Board. The stockholders may
make, alter or repeal any By-Law whether or not adopted by them,
provided however, that any such additional By-Laws, alterations or
repeal may be adopted only by the affirmative vote of the holders of
two-thirds or more of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the
Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors
(considered for this purpose as one class).
Fourteenth: - Meetings of the Directors may be held outside
of the State of Delaware at such places as may be from time to time
designated by the Board, and the Directors may keep the books of the
Company outside of the State of Delaware at such places as may be
from time to time designated by them.
Fifteenth: - (a) (1) In addition to any affirmative vote required by
law, and except as otherwise expressly provided in sections (b) and
(c) of this Article Fifteenth:
(A) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any
Subsidiary (as hereinafter defined) with or into (i) any
Interested Stockholder (as hereinafter defined) or (ii) any
other corporation (whether or not itself an Interested
Stockholder), which, after such merger or consolidation,
would be an Affiliate (as hereinafter defined) of an
Interested Stockholder, or
(B) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or
other disposition (in one transaction or a series of related
transactions) to or with any Interested Stockholder or any
Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder of any assets of the
Corporation or any Subsidiary having an aggregate fair
market value of $1,000,000 or more, or
(C) the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or any
Subsidiary (in one transaction or a series of related
transactions) of any securities of the Corporation or any
Subsidiary to any Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate of
any Interested Stockholder in exchange for cash, securities
or other property (or a combination thereof) having an
aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or more, or
(D) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation
or dissolution of the Corporation, or
(E) any reclassification of securities (including any
reverse stock split), or recapitalization of the
Corporation, or any merger or consolidation of the
<PAGE> 13
Corporation with any of its Subsidiaries or any similar
transaction (whether or not with or into or otherwise
involving an Interested Stockholder) which has the effect,
directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate
share of the outstanding shares of any class of equity or
convertible securities of the Corporation or any Subsidiary
which is directly or indirectly owned by any Interested
Stockholder, or any Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder,
shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors, considered for the purpose of this
Article Fifteenth as one class ("Voting Shares"). Such affirmative vote shall be
required notwithstanding the fact that no vote may be required, or that some
lesser percentage may be specified, by law or in any agreement with any national
securities exchange or otherwise.
(2) The term "business combination" as used in this
Article Fifteenth shall mean any transaction which is
referred to in any one or more of clauses (A) through
(E) of paragraph 1 of the section (a).
(b) The provisions of section (a) of this Article Fifteenth
shall not be applicable to any particular business
combination and such business combination shall require only
such affirmative vote as is required by law and any other
provisions of the Charter or Act of Incorporation or By-Laws
if such business combination has been approved by a majority
of the whole Board.
(c) For the purposes of this Article Fifteenth:
(1) A "person" shall mean any individual, firm, corporation or other
entity.
(2) "Interested Stockholder" shall mean, in respect of any business
combination, any person (other than the Corporation or any
Subsidiary) who or which as of the record date for the determination
of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote on such business
combination, or immediately prior to the consummation of any such
transaction:
(A) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more
than 10% of the Voting Shares, or
(B) is an Affiliate of the Corporation and at any time
within two years prior thereto was the beneficial owner,
directly or indirectly, of not less than 10% of the then
outstanding voting Shares, or
(C) is an assignee of or has otherwise succeeded in any
share of capital stock of the Corporation which were at any
time within two years prior thereto beneficially owned by
any Interested Stockholder, and such assignment or
<PAGE> 14
succession shall have occurred in the course of a
transaction or series of transactions not involving a public
offering within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933.
(3) A person shall be the "beneficial owner" of any Voting Shares:
(A) which such person or any of its Affiliates and
Associates (as hereafter defined) beneficially own, directly
or indirectly, or
(B) which such person or any of its Affiliates or Associates
has (i) the right to acquire (whether such right is
exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time),
pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding or
upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights,
warrants or options, or otherwise, or (ii) the right to vote
pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or
(C) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by
any other person with which such first mentioned person or
any of its Affiliates or Associates has any agreement,
arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring,
holding, voting or disposing of any shares of capital stock
of the Corporation.
(4) The outstanding Voting Shares shall include shares deemed owned
through application of paragraph (3) above but shall not include any
other Voting Shares which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement,
or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options or
otherwise.
(5) "Affiliate" and "Associate" shall have the respective meanings
given those terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect on December
31, 1981.
(6) "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation of which a majority of
any class of equity security (as defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the
General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as in effect on December 31, 1981) is owned, directly or
indirectly, by the Corporation; provided, however, that for the
purposes of the definition of Investment Stockholder set forth in
paragraph (2) of this section (c), the term "Subsidiary" shall mean
only a corporation of which a majority of each class of equity
security is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation.
(d) majority of the directors shall have the power and duty
to determine for the purposes of this Article Fifteenth on
the basis of information known to them, (1) the number of
Voting Shares beneficially owned by any person (2) whether a
person is an Affiliate or Associate of another, (3) whether
a person has an agreement, arrangement or understanding with
another as to the matters referred to in paragraph (3) of
section (c), or (4) whether the assets subject to any
<PAGE> 15
business combination or the consideration received for the
issuance or transfer of securities by the Corporation, or
any Subsidiary has an aggregate fair market value of
$1,000,000 or more.
(e) Nothing contained in this Article Fifteenth shall be
construed to relieve any Interested Stockholder from any
fiduciary obligation imposed by law.
Sixteenth: Notwithstanding any other provision of this Charter or
Act of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation (and in
addition to any other vote that may be required by law, this Charter
or Act of Incorporation by the By-Laws), the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the
capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class)
shall be required to amend, alter or repeal any provision of
Articles Fifth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth or Sixteenth of this Charter
or Act of Incorporation.
Seventeenth: (a) a Director of this Corporation shall not be liable
to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for
breach of fiduciary duty as a Director, except to the extent such
exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted
under the Delaware General Corporation Laws as the same exists or
may hereafter be amended.
(b) Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph
shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a
Director of the Corporation existing hereunder with respect
to any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such
repeal or modification."
<PAGE> 16
EXHIBIT B
BY-LAWS
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
AS EXISTING ON JANUARY 20, 2000
<PAGE> 17
BY-LAWS OF WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
ARTICLE I
STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS
Section 1. The Annual Meeting of Stockholders shall be held on the
third Thursday in April each year at the principal office at the Company or at
such other date, time, or place as may be designated by resolution by the Board
of Directors.
Section 2. Special meetings of all stockholders may be called at any
time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President.
Section 3. Notice of all meetings of the stockholders shall be given
by mailing to each stockholder at least ten (10) days before said meeting, at
his last known address, a written or printed notice fixing the time and place of
such meeting.
Section 4. A majority in the amount of the capital stock of the
Company issued and outstanding on the record date, as herein determined, shall
constitute a quorum at all meetings of stockholders for the transaction of any
business, but the holders of a small number of shares may adjourn, from time to
time, without further notice, until a quorum is secured. At each annual or
special meeting of stockholders, each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote,
either in person or by proxy, for each share of stock registered in the
stockholder's name on the books of the Company on the record date for any such
meeting as determined herein.
ARTICLE II
DIRECTORS
Section 1. The number and classification of the Board of Directors
shall be as set forth in the Charter of the Bank. No more than two Directors may
also be employees of the Company or any affiliate thereof.
Section 2. No person who has attained the age of seventy-two (72)
years shall be nominated for election to the Board of Directors of the Company,
provided, however, that this limitation shall not apply to any person who was
serving as director of the Company on September 16, 1971. The Chairman of the
Board of Directors shall not be qualified to continue to serve as a Director
upon the termination for any reason of his or her services in that office.
Section 3. The class of Directors so elected shall hold office for
three years or until their successors are elected and qualified.
Section 4. The affairs and business of the Company shall be managed
and conducted by the Board of Directors.
<PAGE> 18
Section 5. The Board of Directors shall meet at the principal office
of the Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to be determined by
a majority of its members, or at the call of the Chairman of the Board of
Directors or the President.
Section 6. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called
at any time by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or by the President, and
shall be called upon the written request of a majority of the directors.
Section 7. A majority of the directors elected and qualified shall
be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any
meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 8. Written notice shall be sent by mail to each director of
any special meeting of the Board of Directors, and of any change in the time or
place of any regular meeting, stating the time and place of such meeting, which
shall be mailed not less than two days before the time of holding such meeting.
Section 9. In the event of the death, resignation, removal,
inability to act, or disqualification of any director, the Board of Directors,
although less than a quorum, shall have the right to elect the successor who
shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors
in which the vacancy occurred, and until such director's successor shall have
been duly elected and qualified.
Section 10. The Board of Directors at its first meeting after its
election by the stockholders shall appoint an Executive Committee, a Trust
Committee, an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee, and shall elect from
its own members a Chairman of the Board of Directors and a President who may be
the same person. The Board of Directors shall also elect at such meeting a
Secretary and a Treasurer, who may be the same person, may appoint at any time
such other committees and elect or appoint such other officers as it may deem
advisable. The Board of Directors may also elect at such meeting one or more
Associate Directors.
Section 11. The Board of Directors may at any time remove, with or
without cause, any member of any Committee appointed by it or any associate
director or officer elected by it and may appoint or elect his successor.
Section 12. The Board of Directors may designate an officer to be in
charge of such of the departments or divisions of the Company as it may deem
advisable.
<PAGE> 19
ARTICLE III
COMMITTEES
Section 1. Executive Committee
(A) The Executive Committee shall be composed of
not more than nine members who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from
its own members and who shall hold office during the pleasure of the Board.
(B) The Executive Committee shall have all the
powers of the Board of Directors when it is not in session to transact all
business for and in behalf of the Company that may be brought before it.
(C) The Executive Committee shall meet at the
principal office of the Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to
be determined by a majority of its members, or at the call of the Chairman of
the Executive Committee or at the call of the Chairman of the Board of
Directors. The majority of its members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business. Special meetings of the Executive Committee may
be held at any time when a quorum is present.
(D) Minutes of each meeting of the Executive
Committee shall be kept and submitted to the Board of Directors at its next
meeting.
(E) The Executive Committee shall advise and
superintend all investments that may be made of the funds of the Company, and
shall direct the disposal of the same, in accordance with such rules and
regulations as the Board of Directors from time to time make.
(F) In the event of a state of disaster of
sufficient severity to prevent the conduct and management of the affairs and
business of the Company by its directors and officers as contemplated by these
By-Laws any two available members of the Executive Committee as constituted
immediately prior to such disaster shall constitute a quorum of that Committee
for the full conduct and management of the affairs and business of the Company
in accordance with the provisions of Article III of these By-Laws; and if less
than three members of the Trust Committee is constituted immediately prior to
such disaster shall be available for the transaction of its business, such
Executive Committee shall also be empowered to exercise all of the powers
reserved to the Trust Committee under Article III Section 2 hereof. In the event
of the unavailability, at such time, of a minimum of two members of such
Executive Committee, any three available directors shall constitute the
Executive Committee for the full conduct and management of the affairs and
business of the Company in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this
Section. This By-Law shall be subject to implementation by Resolutions of the
Board of Directors presently existing or hereafter passed from time to time for
that purpose, and
<PAGE> 20
any provisions of these By-Laws (other than this Section) and any resolutions
which are contrary to the provisions of this Section or to the provisions of any
such implementary Resolutions shall be suspended during such a disaster period
until it shall be determined by any interim Executive Committee acting under
this section that it shall be to the advantage of the Company to resume the
conduct and management of its affairs and business under all of the other
provisions of these By-Laws.
Section 2. Audit Committee
(A) The Audit Committee shall be composed of five
members who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its own members,
none of whom shall be an officer of the Company, and shall hold office at the
pleasure of the Board.
(B) The Audit Committee shall have general
supervision over the Audit Division in all matters however subject to the
approval of the Board of Directors; it shall consider all matters brought to its
attention by the officer in charge of the Audit Division, review all reports of
examination of the Company made by any governmental agency or such independent
auditor employed for that purpose, and make such recommendations to the Board of
Directors with respect thereto or with respect to any other matters pertaining
to auditing the Company as it shall deem desirable.
(C) The Audit Committee shall meet whenever and
wherever the majority of its members shall deem it to be proper for the
transaction of its business, and a majority of its Committee shall constitute a
quorum.
Section 3. Compensation Committee
(A) The Compensation Committee shall be composed of
not more than five (5) members who shall be selected by the Board of Directors
from its own members who are not officers of the Company and who shall hold
office during the pleasure of the Board.
(B) The Compensation Committee shall in general
advise upon all matters of policy concerning the Company brought to its
attention by the management and from time to time review the management of the
Company, major organizational matters, including salaries and employee benefits
and specifically shall administer the Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.
(C) Meetings of the Compensation Committee may be
called at any time by the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, the Chairman
of the Board of Directors, or the President of the Company.
<PAGE> 21
Section 4. Associate Directors
(A) Any person who has served as a director may be
elected by the Board of Directors as an associate director, to serve during the
pleasure of the Board.
(B) An associate director shall be entitled to
attend all directors meetings and participate in the discussion of all matters
brought to the Board, with the exception that he would have no right to vote. An
associate director will be eligible for appointment to Committees of the
Company, with the exception of the Executive Committee, Audit Committee and
Compensation Committee, which must be comprised solely of active directors.
Section 5. Absence or Disqualification of Any Member of a Committee
(A) In the absence or disqualification of any
member of any Committee created under Article III of the By-Laws of this
Company, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not
disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may
unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the
meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
Section 1. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall preside at
all meetings of the Board and shall have such further authority and powers and
shall perform such duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time confer
and direct. He shall also exercise such powers and perform such duties as may
from time to time be agreed upon between himself and the President of the
Company.
Section 2. The Vice Chairman of the Board. The Vice Chairman of the
Board of Directors shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors at
which the Chairman of the Board shall not be present and shall have such further
authority and powers and shall perform such duties as the Board of Directors or
the Chairman of the Board may from time to time confer and direct.
Section 3. The President shall have the powers and duties pertaining
to the office of the President conferred or imposed upon him by statute or
assigned to him by the Board of Directors. In the absence of the Chairman of the
Board the President shall have the powers and duties of the Chairman of the
Board.
Section 4. The Chairman of the Board of Directors or the President
as designated by the Board of Directors, shall carry into effect all legal
directions of the Executive Committee and
<PAGE> 22
of the Board of Directors, and shall at all times exercise general supervision
over the interest, affairs and operations of the Company and perform all duties
incident to his office.
Section 5. There may be one or more Vice Presidents, however
denominated by the Board of Directors, who may at any time perform all the
duties of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and/or the President and such
other powers and duties as may from time to time be assigned to them by the
Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, the Chairman of the Board or the
President and by the officer in charge of the department or division to which
they are assigned.
Section 6. The Secretary shall attend to the giving of notice of
meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors, as well as the
Committees thereof, to the keeping of accurate minutes of all such meetings and
to recording the same in the minute books of the Company. In addition to the
other notice requirements of these By-Laws and as may be practicable under the
circumstances, all such notices shall be in writing and mailed well in advance
of the scheduled date of any other meeting. He shall have custody of the
corporate seal and shall affix the same to any documents requiring such
corporate seal and to attest the same.
Section 7. The Treasurer shall have general supervision over all
assets and liabilities of the Company. He shall be custodian of and responsible
for all monies, funds and valuables of the Company and for the keeping of proper
records of the evidence of property or indebtedness and of all the transactions
of the Company. He shall have general supervision of the expenditures of the
Company and shall report to the Board of Directors at each regular meeting of
the condition of the Company, and perform such other duties as may be assigned
to him from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Executive Committee.
Section 8. There may be a Controller who shall exercise general
supervision over the internal operations of the Company, including accounting,
and shall render to the Board of Directors at appropriate times a report
relating to the general condition and internal operations of the Company.
There may be one or more subordinate accounting or controller
officers however denominated, who may perform the duties of the Controller and
such duties as may be prescribed by the Controller.
Section 9. The officer designated by the Board of Directors to be in
charge of the Audit Division of the Company with such title as the Board of
Directors shall prescribe, shall report to and be directly responsible only to
the Board of Directors.
There shall be an Auditor and there may be one or more Audit
Officers, however denominated, who may perform all the duties of the Auditor and
such duties as may be prescribed by the officer in charge of the Audit Division.
<PAGE> 23
Section 10. There may be one or more officers, subordinate in rank
to all Vice Presidents with such functional titles as shall be determined from
time to time by the Board of Directors, who shall ex officio hold the office
Assistant Secretary of this Company and who may perform such duties as may be
prescribed by the officer in charge of the department or division to whom they
are assigned.
Section 11. The powers and duties of all other officers of the
Company shall be those usually pertaining to their respective offices, subject
to the direction of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, Chairman of
the Board of Directors or the President and the officer in charge of the
department or division to which they are assigned.
ARTICLE V
STOCK AND STOCK CERTIFICATES
Section 1. Shares of stock shall be transferrable on the books of
the Company and a transfer book shall be kept in which all transfers of stock
shall be recorded.
Section 2. Certificates of stock shall bear the signature of the
President or any Vice President, however denominated by the Board of Directors
and countersigned by the Secretary or Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary, and
the seal of the corporation shall be engraved thereon. Each certificate shall
recite that the stock represented thereby is transferrable only upon the books
of the Company by the holder thereof or his attorney, upon surrender of the
certificate properly endorsed. Any certificate of stock surrendered to the
Company shall be cancelled at the time of transfer, and before a new certificate
or certificates shall be issued in lieu thereof. Duplicate certificates of stock
shall be issued only upon giving such security as may be satisfactory to the
Board of Directors or the Executive Committee.
Section 3. The Board of Directors of the Company is authorized to
fix in advance a record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled
to notice of, and to vote at, any meeting of stockholders and any adjournment
thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or to any allotment or
rights, or to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or
exchange of capital stock, or in connection with obtaining the consent of
stockholders for any purpose, which record date shall not be more than 60 nor
less than 10 days proceeding the date of any meeting of stockholders or the date
for the payment of any dividend, or the date for the allotment of rights, or the
date when any change or conversion or exchange of capital stock shall go into
effect, or a date in connection with obtaining such consent.
ARTICLE VI
SEAL
<PAGE> 24
Section 1. The corporate seal of the Company shall be in the
following form:
Between two concentric circles the words
"Wilmington Trust Company" within the inner circle
the words "Wilmington, Delaware."
ARTICLE VII
FISCAL YEAR
Section 1. The fiscal year of the Company shall be the calendar
year.
ARTICLE VIII
EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS OF THE COMPANY
Section 1. The Chairman of the Board, the President or any Vice
President, however denominated by the Board of Directors, shall have full power
and authority to enter into, make, sign, execute, acknowledge and/or deliver and
the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary shall have full power and authority to
attest and affix the corporate seal of the Company to any and all deeds,
conveyances, assignments, releases, contracts, agreements, bonds, notes,
mortgages and all other instruments incident to the business of this Company or
in acting as executor, administrator, guardian, trustee, agent or in any other
fiduciary or representative capacity by any and every method of appointment or
by whatever person, corporation, court officer or authority in the State of
Delaware, or elsewhere, without any specific authority, ratification, approval
or confirmation by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee, and any
and all such instruments shall have the same force and validity as though
expressly authorized by the Board of Directors and/or the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE IX
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND MEMBERS OF COMMITTEES
Section 1. Directors and associate directors of the Company, other
than salaried officers of the Company, shall be paid such reasonable honoraria
or fees for attending meetings of the Board of Directors as the Board of
Directors may from time to time determine. Directors and associate directors who
serve as members of committees, other than salaried employees of the Company,
shall be paid such reasonable honoraria or fees for services as members of
committees as the Board of Directors shall from time to time determine and
directors and associate directors may be employed by the Company for such
special services as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine and
shall be paid for such special services so performed reasonable compensation as
may be determined by the Board of Directors.
<PAGE> 25
ARTICLE X
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. (A) The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to
the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may
hereafter be amended, any person who was or is made or is threatened to be made
a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a "proceeding") by reason of
the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the legal representative, is or was
a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving
at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or
agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust,
enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with respect to employee
benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses reasonably
incurred by such person. The Corporation shall indemnify a person in connection
with a proceeding initiated by such person only if the proceeding was authorized
by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
(B) The Corporation shall pay the expenses incurred in
defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided, however,
that the payment of expenses incurred by a Director or officer in his capacity
as a Director or officer in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding
shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the Director or officer to
repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the
Director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article or
otherwise.
(C) If a claim for indemnification or payment of
expenses, under this Article X is not paid in full within ninety days after a
written claim therefor has been received by the Corporation the claimant may
file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole
or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim.
In any such action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the
claimant was not entitled to the requested indemnification of payment of
expenses under applicable law.
(D) The rights conferred on any person by this Article X
shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such person may have or
hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Charter or Act of
Incorporation, these By-Laws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
Directors or otherwise.
(E) Any repeal or modification of the foregoing
provisions of this Article X shall not adversely affect any right or protection
hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the
time of such repeal or modification.
ARTICLE XI
AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS
<PAGE> 26
Section 1. These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed, in
whole or in part, and any new By-Law or By-Laws adopted at any regular or
special meeting of the Board of Directors by a vote of the majority of all the
members of the Board of Directors then in office.
<PAGE> 27
EXHIBIT C
SECTION 321(B) CONSENT
Pursuant to Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, Wilmington Trust Company hereby consents that reports of examinations
by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such
authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon requests therefor.
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
Dated: By: /s/ Donald G. MacKelcan
------------------------ ------------------------
Name: Donald G. MacKelcan
Title: Vice President
<PAGE> 28
EXHIBIT D
NOTICE
This form is intended to assist state nonmember banks and savings banks with
state publication requirements. It has not been approved by any state banking
authorities. Refer to your appropriate state banking authorities for your state
publication requirements.
R E P O R T O F C O N D I T I O N
Consolidating domestic subsidiaries of the
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY of WILMINGTON
- ---------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Name of Bank City
in the State of DELAWARE , at the close of business on December 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS Thousands of dollars
<S> <C>
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coins..................................213,700
Interest-bearing balances................................................................ 0
Held-to-maturity securities................................................................................. 30,232
Available-for-sale securities.............................................................................1,628,889
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell......................................390,650
Loans and lease financing receivables:
Loans and leases, net of unearned income. . . . . . . 4,374,777
LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses. . . . . . . .71,368
LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve. . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and reserve...................4,303,409
Assets held in trading accounts...................................................................................0
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)....................................................122,273
Other real estate owned........................................................................................ 576
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 29
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies...........................................1,511
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding......................................................0
Intangible assets............................................................................................ 5,100
Other assets................................................................................................133,449
Total assets..............................................................................................6,829,789
</TABLE>
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
<PAGE> 30
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
<S> <C>
In domestic offices.......................................................................................5,186,079
Noninterest-bearing . . . . . . . . . . 986,667
Interest-bearing. . . . . . . . . . 4,199,412
Federal funds purchased and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase................................. 269,343
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury.....................................................................95,000
Trading liabilities (from Schedule RC-D)..........................................................................0
Other borrowed money:.......................................................................................///////
With original maturity of one year or less..............................670,000
With original maturity of more than one year.............................43,000
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding..........................................................0
Subordinated notes and debentures.................................................................................0
Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G).................................................................... 151,436
Total liabilities.........................................................................................6,414,858
<CAPTION>
EQUITY CAPITAL
<S> <C>
Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus.....................................................................0
Common Stock....................................................................................................500
Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).....................................................62,118
Undivided profits and capital reserves......................................................................386,485
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities.....................................(34,172)
Total equity capital........................................................................................414,931
Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity capital.......................................6,829,789
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 25.2
Registration No.:
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 305(B)(2)___
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)
Delaware 51-0055023
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. employer identification no.)
Rodney Square North
1100 North Market Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19890
(Address of principal executive offices)
Cynthia L. Corliss
Vice President and Trust Counsel
Wilmington Trust Company
Rodney Square North
Wilmington, Delaware 19890
(302) 651-8516
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
MBHI CAPITAL TRUST I
MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)
Delaware [Applied For]
Delaware 36-3252484
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. employer identification no.)
501 West North Avenue
Melrose Park, Illinois 60160
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Cumulative Preferred Securities of MBHI Capital Trust I
(Title of the indenture securities)
-1-
<PAGE> 2
ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION.
Furnish the following information as to the trustee:
(a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to
which it is subject.
Federal Deposit Insurance Co. State Bank Commissioner
Five Penn Center Dover, Delaware
Suite #2901
Philadelphia, PA
(b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR.
If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each
affiliation:
Based upon an examination of the books and records of the trustee
and upon information furnished by the obligor, the obligor is not an
affiliate of the trustee.
ITEM 3. LIST OF EXHIBITS.
List below all exhibits filed as part of this Statement of
Eligibility and Qualification.
A. Copy of the Charter of Wilmington Trust Company, which includes
the certificate of authority of Wilmington Trust Company to
commence business and the authorization of Wilmington Trust
Company to exercise corporate trust powers.
B. Copy of By-Laws of Wilmington Trust Company.
C. Consent of Wilmington Trust Company required by Section 321(b) of
Trust Indenture Act.
D. Copy of most recent Report of Condition of Wilmington Trust
Company.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, the trustee, Wilmington Trust Company, a corporation organized and
existing under the laws of Delaware, has duly caused this Statement of
Eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, all in the City of Wilmington and State of Delaware on the day
of .
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
[SEAL]
Attest:/s/ By: /s/Donald G. MacKelcan
------------------------- ---------------------------
Assistant Secretary Name: Donald G. MacKelcan
Title: Vice President
-2-
<PAGE> 3
EXHIBIT A
AMENDED CHARTER
Wilmington Trust Company
Wilmington, Delaware
As existing on May 9, 1987
AMENDED CHARTER
OR
ACT OF INCORPORATION
OF
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
Wilmington Trust Company, originally incorporated by an Act of the
General Assembly of the State of Delaware, entitled "An Act to Incorporate the
Delaware Guarantee and Trust Company", approved March 2, A.D. 1901, and the name
of which company was changed to "Wilmington Trust Company" by an amendment filed
in the Office of the Secretary of State on March 18, A.D. 1903, and the Charter
or Act of Incorporation of which company has been from time to time amended and
changed by merger agreements pursuant to the corporation law for state banks and
trust companies of the State of Delaware, does hereby alter and amend its
Charter or Act of Incorporation so that the same as so altered and amended shall
in its entirety read as follows:
First: - The name of this corporation is Wilmington Trust Company.
Second: - The location of its principal office in the State of Delaware
is at Rodney Square North, in the City of Wilmington, County of New
Castle; the name of its resident agent is Wilmington Trust Company
whose address is Rodney Square North, in said City. In addition to such
principal office, the said corporation maintains and operates branch
offices in the City of Newark, New Castle County, Delaware, the Town of
Newport, New Castle County, Delaware, at Claymont, New Castle County,
Delaware, at Greenville, New Castle County Delaware, and at Milford
Cross Roads, New Castle County, Delaware, and shall be empowered to
open, maintain and operate branch offices at Ninth and Shipley Streets,
418 Delaware Avenue, 2120 Market Street, and 3605 Market Street, all in
the City of Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware, and such other
branch offices or places of business as may be authorized from time to
time by the agency or agencies of the government of the State of
Delaware empowered
<PAGE> 4
to confer such authority.
Third: - (a) The nature of the business and the objects and purposes
proposed to be transacted, promoted or carried on by this Corporation
are to do any or all of the things herein mentioned as fully and to the
same extent as natural persons might or could do and in any part of the
world, viz.:
(1) To sue and be sued, complain and defend in any Court of law or
equity and to make and use a common seal, and alter the seal at
pleasure, to hold, purchase, convey, mortgage or otherwise deal in
real and personal estate and property, and to appoint such
officers and agents as the business of the Corporation shall
require, to make by-laws not inconsistent with the Constitution or
laws of the United States or of this State, to discount bills,
notes or other evidences of debt, to receive deposits of money, or
securities for money, to buy gold and silver bullion and foreign
coins, to buy and sell bills of exchange, and generally to use,
exercise and enjoy all the powers, rights, privileges and
franchises incident to a corporation which are proper or necessary
for the transaction of the business of the Corporation hereby
created.
(2) To insure titles to real and personal property, or any estate
or interests therein, and to guarantee the holder of such
property, real or personal, against any claim or claims, adverse
to his interest therein, and to prepare and give certificates of
title for any lands or premises in the State of Delaware, or
elsewhere.
(3) To act as factor, agent, broker or attorney in the receipt,
collection, custody, investment and management of funds, and the
purchase, sale, management and disposal of property of all
descriptions, and to prepare and execute all papers which may be
necessary or proper in such business.
(4) To prepare and draw agreements, contracts, deeds, leases,
conveyances, mortgages, bonds and legal papers of every
description, and to carry on the business of conveyancing in all
its branches.
(5) To receive upon deposit for safekeeping money, jewelry, plate,
deeds, bonds and any and all other personal property of every sort
and kind, from executors, administrators, guardians, public
officers, courts, receivers, assignees, trustees, and from all
fiduciaries, and from all other persons and individuals, and from
all corporations whether state, municipal, corporate or private,
and to rent boxes, safes, vaults and other receptacles for such
property.
(6) To act as agent or otherwise for the purpose of registering,
issuing, certificating, countersigning, transferring or
underwriting the stock, bonds or other obligations of any
corporation, association, state or municipality, and may
<PAGE> 5
receive and manage any sinking fund therefor on such terms as may
be agreed upon between the two parties, and in like manner may act
as Treasurer of any corporation or municipality.
(7) To act as Trustee under any deed of trust, mortgage, bond or
other instrument issued by any state, municipality, body politic,
corporation, association or person, either alone or in conjunction
with any other person or persons, corporation or corporations.
(8) To guarantee the validity, performance or effect of any
contract or agreement, and the fidelity of persons holding places
of responsibility or trust; to become surety for any person, or
persons, for the faithful performance of any trust, office, duty,
contract or agreement, either by itself or in conjunction with any
other person, or persons, corporation, or corporations, or in like
manner become surety upon any bond, recognizance, obligation,
judgment, suit, order, or decree to be entered in any court of
record within the State of Delaware or elsewhere, or which may now
or hereafter be required by any law, judge, officer or court in
the State of Delaware or elsewhere.
(9) To act by any and every method of appointment as trustee,
trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee, assignee in bankruptcy,
executor, administrator, guardian, bailee, or in any other trust
capacity in the receiving, holding, managing, and disposing of any
and all estates and property, real, personal or mixed, and to be
appointed as such trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver,
assignee, assignee in bankruptcy, executor, administrator,
guardian or bailee by any persons, corporations, court, officer,
or authority, in the State of Delaware or elsewhere; and whenever
this Corporation is so appointed by any person, corporation,
court, officer or authority such trustee, trustee in bankruptcy,
receiver, assignee, assignee in bankruptcy, executor,
administrator, guardian, bailee, or in any other trust capacity,
it shall not be required to give bond with surety, but its capital
stock shall be taken and held as security for the performance of
the duties devolving upon it by such appointment.
(10) And for its care, management and trouble, and the exercise of
any of its powers hereby given, or for the performance of any of
the duties which it may undertake or be called upon to perform, or
for the assumption of any responsibility the said Corporation may
be entitled to receive a proper compensation.
(11) To purchase, receive, hold and own bonds, mortgages,
debentures, shares of capital stock, and other securities,
obligations, contracts and evidences of indebtedness, of any
private, public or municipal corporation within and without the
State of Delaware, or of the Government of the United States, or
of any state, territory, colony, or possession thereof, or of any
foreign government or country;
<PAGE> 6
to receive, collect, receipt for, and dispose of interest,
dividends and income upon and from any of the bonds, mortgages,
debentures, notes, shares of capital stock, securities,
obligations, contracts, evidences of indebtedness and other
property held and owned by it, and to exercise in respect of all
such bonds, mortgages, debentures, notes, shares of capital stock,
securities, obligations, contracts, evidences of indebtedness and
other property, any and all the rights, powers and privileges of
individual owners thereof, including the right to vote thereon; to
invest and deal in and with any of the moneys of the Corporation
upon such securities and in such manner as it may think fit and
proper, and from time to time to vary or realize such investments;
to issue bonds and secure the same by pledges or deeds of trust or
mortgages of or upon the whole or any part of the property held or
owned by the Corporation, and to sell and pledge such bonds, as
and when the Board of Directors shall determine, and in the
promotion of its said corporate business of investment and to the
extent authorized by law, to lease, purchase, hold, sell, assign,
transfer, pledge, mortgage and convey real and personal property
of any name and nature and any estate or interest therein.
(b) In furtherance of, and not in limitation, of the powers conferred
by the laws of the State of Delaware, it is hereby expressly provided
that the said Corporation shall also have the following powers:
(1) To do any or all of the things herein set forth, to the same
extent as natural persons might or could do, and in any part of
the world.
(2) To acquire the good will, rights, property and franchises and
to undertake the whole or any part of the assets and liabilities
of any person, firm, association or corporation, and to pay for
the same in cash, stock of this Corporation, bonds or otherwise;
to hold or in any manner to dispose of the whole or any part of
the property so purchased; to conduct in any lawful manner the
whole or any part of any business so acquired, and to exercise all
the powers necessary or convenient in and about the conduct and
management of such business.
(3) To take, hold, own, deal in, mortgage or otherwise lien, and
to lease, sell, exchange, transfer, or in any manner whatever
dispose of property, real, personal or mixed, wherever situated.
(4) To enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every
kind with any person, firm, association or corporation, and,
without limit as to amount, to draw, make, accept, endorse,
discount, execute and issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of
exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures, and other negotiable or
transferable instruments.
(5) To have one or more offices, to carry on all or any of its
operations and businesses, without restriction to the same extent
as natural persons might or
<PAGE> 7
could do, to purchase or otherwise acquire, to hold, own, to
mortgage, sell, convey or otherwise dispose of, real and personal
property, of every class and description, in any State, District,
Territory or Colony of the United States, and in any foreign
country or place.
(6) It is the intention that the objects, purposes and powers
specified and clauses contained in this paragraph shall (except
where otherwise expressed in said paragraph) be nowise limited or
restricted by reference to or inference from the terms of any
other clause of this or any other paragraph in this charter, but
that the objects, purposes and powers specified in each of the
clauses of this paragraph shall be regarded as independent
objects, purposes and powers.
Fourth: - (a) The total number of shares of all classes of stock which
the Corporation shall have authority to issue is forty-one million
(41,000,000) shares, consisting of:
(1) One million (1,000,000) shares of Preferred stock, par value
$10.00 per share (hereinafter referred to as "Preferred Stock");
and
(2) Forty million (40,000,000) shares of Common Stock, par value
$1.00 per share (hereinafter referred to as "Common Stock").
(b) Shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or
more series as may from time to time be determined by the Board of
Directors each of said series to be distinctly designated. All shares
of any one series of Preferred Stock shall be alike in every
particular, except that there may be different dates from which
dividends, if any, thereon shall be cumulative, if made cumulative. The
voting powers and the preferences and relative, participating, optional
and other special rights of each such series, and the qualifications,
limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, may differ from those of
any and all other series at any time outstanding; and, subject to the
provisions of subparagraph 1 of Paragraph (c) of this Article Fourth,
the Board of Directors of the Corporation is hereby expressly granted
authority to fix by resolution or resolutions adopted prior to the
issuance of any shares of a particular series of Preferred Stock, the
voting powers and the designations, preferences and relative, optional
and other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations and
restrictions of such series, including, but without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the following:
(1) The distinctive designation of, and the number of shares of
Preferred Stock which shall constitute such series, which number
may be increased (except where otherwise provided by the Board of
Directors) or decreased (but not below the number of shares
thereof then outstanding) from time to time by like action of the
Board of Directors;
(2) The rate and times at which, and the terms and conditions on
which, dividends, if any, on Preferred Stock of such series shall
be paid, the extent of the
<PAGE> 8
preference or relation, if any, of such dividends to the dividends
payable on any other class or classes, or series of the same or
other class of stock and whether such dividends shall be
cumulative or non-cumulative;
(3) The right, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock of such
series to convert the same into or exchange the same for, shares
of any other class or classes or of any series of the same or any
other class or classes of stock of the Corporation and the terms
and conditions of such conversion or exchange;
(4) Whether or not Preferred Stock of such series shall be subject
to redemption, and the redemption price or prices and the time or
times at which, and the terms and conditions on which, Preferred
Stock of such series may be redeemed.
(5) The rights, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock of such
series upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, merger,
consolidation, distribution or sale of assets, dissolution or
winding-up, of the Corporation.
(6) The terms of the sinking fund or redemption or purchase
account, if any, to be provided for the Preferred Stock of such
series; and
(7) The voting powers, if any, of the holders of such series of
Preferred Stock which may, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing include the right, voting as a series or by itself or
together with other series of Preferred Stock or all series of
Preferred Stock as a class, to elect one or more directors of the
Corporation if there shall have been a default in the payment of
dividends on any one or more series of Preferred Stock or under
such circumstances and on such conditions as the Board of
Directors may determine.
(c) (1) After the requirements with respect to preferential dividends
on the Preferred Stock (fixed in accordance with the provisions of
section (b) of this Article Fourth), if any, shall have been met and
after the Corporation shall have complied with all the requirements, if
any, with respect to the setting aside of sums as sinking funds or
redemption or purchase accounts (fixed in accordance with the
provisions of section (b) of this Article Fourth), and subject further
to any conditions which may be fixed in accordance with the provisions
of section (b) of this Article Fourth, then and not otherwise the
holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such dividends as
may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors.
(2) After distribution in full of the preferential amount, if any,
(fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b) of this
Article Fourth), to be distributed to the holders of Preferred
Stock in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
distribution or sale of assets, dissolution or winding-up, of the
Corporation, the holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to
receive all of the remaining assets of the Corporation, tangible
and intangible, of
<PAGE> 9
whatever kind available for distribution to stockholders ratably
in proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock held by them
respectively.
(3) Except as may otherwise be required by law or by the
provisions of such resolution or resolutions as may be adopted by
the Board of Directors pursuant to section (b) of this Article
Fourth, each holder of Common Stock shall have one vote in respect
of each share of Common Stock held on all matters voted upon by
the stockholders.
(d) No holder of any of the shares of any class or series of stock or
of options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of any class or
series of stock or of other securities of the Corporation shall have
any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any unissued stock of
any class or series or any additional shares of any class or series to
be issued by reason of any increase of the authorized capital stock of
the Corporation of any class or series, or bonds, certificates of
indebtedness, debentures or other securities convertible into or
exchangeable for stock of the Corporation of any class or series, or
carrying any right to purchase stock of any class or series, but any
such unissued stock, additional authorized issue of shares of any class
or series of stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for
stock, or carrying any right to purchase stock, may be issued and
disposed of pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors to such
persons, firms, corporations or associations, whether such holders or
others, and upon such terms as may be deemed advisable by the Board of
Directors in the exercise of its sole discretion.
(e) The relative powers, preferences and rights of each series of
Preferred Stock in relation to the relative powers, preferences and
rights of each other series of Preferred Stock shall, in each case, be
as fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors in the resolution
or resolutions adopted pursuant to authority granted in section (b) of
this Article Fourth and the consent, by class or series vote or
otherwise, of the holders of such of the series of Preferred Stock as
are from time to time outstanding shall not be required for the
issuance by the Board of Directors of any other series of Preferred
Stock whether or not the powers, preferences and rights of such other
series shall be fixed by the Board of Directors as senior to, or on a
parity with, the powers, preferences and rights of such outstanding
series, or any of them; provided, however, that the Board of Directors
may provide in the resolution or resolutions as to any series of
Preferred Stock adopted pursuant to section (b) of this Article Fourth
that the consent of the holders of a majority (or such greater
proportion as shall be therein fixed) of the outstanding shares of such
series voting thereon shall be required for the issuance of any or all
other series of Preferred Stock.
(f) Subject to the provisions of section (e), shares of any series of
Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time as the Board of
Directors of the Corporation shall determine and on such terms and for
such consideration as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.
<PAGE> 10
(g) Shares of Common Stock may be issued from time to time as the Board
of Directors of the Corporation shall determine and on such terms and
for such consideration as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.
(h) The authorized amount of shares of Common Stock and of Preferred
Stock may, without a class or series vote, be increased or decreased
from time to time by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon.
Fifth: - (a) The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be
conducted and managed by a Board of Directors. The number of directors
constituting the entire Board shall be not less than five nor more than
twenty-five as fixed from time to time by vote of a majority of the
whole Board, provided, however, that the number of directors shall not
be reduced so as to shorten the term of any director at the time in
office, and provided further, that the number of directors constituting
the whole Board shall be twenty-four until otherwise fixed by a
majority of the whole Board.
(b) The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, as
nearly equal in number as the then total number of directors
constituting the whole Board permits, with the term of office of one
class expiring each year. At the annual meeting of stockholders in
1982, directors of the first class shall be elected to hold office for
a term expiring at the next succeeding annual meeting, directors of the
second class shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the
second succeeding annual meeting and directors of the third class shall
be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the third succeeding
annual meeting. Any vacancies in the Board of Directors for any reason,
and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the
directors, may be filled by the Board of Directors, acting by a
majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum,
and any directors so chosen shall hold office until the next annual
election of directors. At such election, the stockholders shall elect a
successor to such director to hold office until the next election of
the class for which such director shall have been chosen and until his
successor shall be elected and qualified. No decrease in the number of
directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Charter or Act of
Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation (and notwithstanding
the fact that some lesser percentage may be specified by law, this
Charter or Act of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation), any
director or the entire Board of Directors of the Corporation may be
removed at any time without cause, but only by the affirmative vote of
the holders of two-thirds or more of the outstanding shares of capital
stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors (considered for this purpose as one class) cast at a meeting
of the stockholders called for that purpose.
(d) Nominations for the election of directors may be made by the Board
of Directors or by any stockholder entitled to vote for the election of
directors. Such nominations shall
<PAGE> 11
be made by notice in writing, delivered or mailed by first class United
States mail, postage prepaid, to the Secretary of the Corporation not
less than 14 days nor more than 50 days prior to any meeting of the
stockholders called for the election of directors; provided, however,
that if less than 21 days' notice of the meeting is given to
stockholders, such written notice shall be delivered or mailed, as
prescribed, to the Secretary of the Corporation not later than the
close of the seventh day following the day on which notice of the
meeting was mailed to stockholders. Notice of nominations which are
proposed by the Board of Directors shall be given by the Chairman on
behalf of the Board.
(e) Each notice under subsection (d) shall set forth (i) the name, age,
business address and, if known, residence address of each nominee
proposed in such notice, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of
such nominee and (iii) the number of shares of stock of the Corporation
which are beneficially owned by each such nominee.
(f) The Chairman of the meeting may, if the facts warrant, determine
and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance
with the foregoing procedure, and if he should so determine, he shall
so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be
disregarded.
(g) No action required to be taken or which may be taken at any annual
or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be taken
without a meeting, and the power of stockholders to consent in writing,
without a meeting, to the taking of any action is specifically denied.
Sixth: - The Directors shall choose such officers, agents and servants
as may be provided in the By-Laws as they may from time to time find
necessary or proper.
Seventh: - The Corporation hereby created is hereby given the same
powers, rights and privileges as may be conferred upon corporations
organized under the Act entitled "An Act Providing a General
Corporation Law", approved March 10, 1899, as from time to time
amended.
Eighth: - This Act shall be deemed and taken to be a private Act.
Ninth: - This Corporation is to have perpetual existence.
Tenth: - The Board of Directors, by resolution passed by a majority of
the whole Board, may designate any of their number to constitute an
Executive Committee, which Committee, to the extent provided in said
resolution, or in the By-Laws of the Company, shall have and may
exercise all of the powers of the Board of Directors in the management
of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and shall have power to
authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which
may require it.
<PAGE> 12
Eleventh: - The private property of the stockholders shall not be
liable for the payment of corporate debts to any extent whatever.
Twelfth: - The Corporation may transact business in any part of the
world.
Thirteenth: - The Board of Directors of the Corporation is expressly
authorized to make, alter or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation by a
vote of the majority of the entire Board. The stockholders may make,
alter or repeal any By-Law whether or not adopted by them, provided
however, that any such additional By-Laws, alterations or repeal may be
adopted only by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds or
more of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for
this purpose as one class).
Fourteenth: - Meetings of the Directors may be held outside of the
State of Delaware at such places as may be from time to time designated
by the Board, and the Directors may keep the books of the Company
outside of the State of Delaware at such places as may be from time to
time designated by them.
Fifteenth: - (a)(1)In addition to any affirmative vote required by
law, and except as otherwise expressly provided in sections (b) and (c)
of this Article Fifteenth:
(A) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any
Subsidiary (as hereinafter defined) with or into (i) any
Interested Stockholder (as hereinafter defined) or (ii) any
other corporation (whether or not itself an Interested
Stockholder), which, after such merger or consolidation,
would be an Affiliate (as hereinafter defined) of an
Interested Stockholder, or
(B) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or
other disposition (in one transaction or a series of related
transactions) to or with any Interested Stockholder or any
Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder of any assets of the
Corporation or any Subsidiary having an aggregate fair market
value of $1,000,000 or more, or
(C) the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or any
Subsidiary (in one transaction or a series of related
transactions) of any securities of the Corporation or any
Subsidiary to any Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate of
any Interested Stockholder in exchange for cash, securities
or other property (or a combination thereof) having an
aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or more, or
(D) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation
or dissolution of the Corporation, or
(E) any reclassification of securities (including any reverse
stock split), or recapitalization of the Corporation, or any
merger or consolidation of the
<PAGE> 13
Corporation with any of its Subsidiaries or any similar
transaction (whether or not with or into or otherwise
involving an Interested Stockholder) which has the effect,
directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share
of the outstanding shares of any class of equity or
convertible securities of the Corporation or any Subsidiary
which is directly or indirectly owned by any Interested
Stockholder, or any Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder,
shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors, considered for the purpose of this
Article Fifteenth as one class ("Voting Shares"). Such affirmative vote shall be
required notwithstanding the fact that no vote may be required, or that some
lesser percentage may be specified, by law or in any agreement with any national
securities exchange or otherwise.
(2) The term "business combination" as used in this
Article Fifteenth shall mean any transaction which is
referred to in any one or more of clauses (A) through
(E) of paragraph 1 of the section (a).
(b) The provisions of section (a) of this Article Fifteenth
shall not be applicable to any particular business
combination and such business combination shall require only
such affirmative vote as is required by law and any other
provisions of the Charter or Act of Incorporation or By-Laws
if such business combination has been approved by a majority
of the whole Board.
(c) For the purposes of this Article Fifteenth:
(1) A "person" shall mean any individual, firm, corporation or
other entity.
(2) "Interested Stockholder" shall mean, in respect of any
business combination, any person (other than the Corporation or
any Subsidiary) who or which as of the record date for the
determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote on
such business combination, or immediately prior to the
consummation of any such transaction:
(A) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more
than 10% of the Voting Shares, or
(B) is an Affiliate of the Corporation and at any time within
two years prior thereto was the beneficial owner, directly or
indirectly, of not less than 10% of the then outstanding
voting Shares, or
(C) is an assignee of or has otherwise succeeded in any share
of capital stock of the Corporation which were at any time
within two years prior thereto beneficially owned by any
Interested Stockholder, and such assignment or
<PAGE> 14
succession shall have occurred in the course of a transaction
or series of transactions not involving a public offering
within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933.
(3) A person shall be the "beneficial owner" of any Voting Shares:
(A) which such person or any of its Affiliates and Associates
(as hereafter defined) beneficially own, directly or
indirectly, or
(B) which such person or any of its Affiliates or Associates
has (i) the right to acquire (whether such right is
exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time),
pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding or
upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights,
warrants or options, or otherwise, or (ii) the right to vote
pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or
(C) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by
any other person with which such first mentioned person or
any of its Affiliates or Associates has any agreement,
arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring,
holding, voting or disposing of any shares of capital stock
of the Corporation.
(4) The outstanding Voting Shares shall include shares deemed
owned through application of paragraph (3) above but shall not
include any other Voting Shares which may be issuable pursuant to
any agreement, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or
options or otherwise.
(5) "Affiliate" and "Associate" shall have the respective meanings
given those terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and
Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in
effect on December 31, 1981.
(6) "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation of which a majority of
any class of equity security (as defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the
General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as in effect on December 31, 1981) is owned, directly or
indirectly, by the Corporation; provided, however, that for the
purposes of the definition of Investment Stockholder set forth in
paragraph (2) of this section (c), the term "Subsidiary" shall
mean only a corporation of which a majority of each class of
equity security is owned, directly or indirectly, by the
Corporation.
(d) majority of the directors shall have the power and duty
to determine for the purposes of this Article Fifteenth on
the basis of information known to them, (1) the number of
Voting Shares beneficially owned by any person (2) whether a
person is an Affiliate or Associate of another, (3) whether a
person has an agreement, arrangement or understanding with
another as to the matters referred to in paragraph (3) of
section (c), or (4) whether the assets subject to any
<PAGE> 15
business combination or the consideration received for the
issuance or transfer of securities by the Corporation, or any
Subsidiary has an aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000
or more.
(e) Nothing contained in this Article Fifteenth shall be
construed to relieve any Interested Stockholder from any
fiduciary obligation imposed by law.
Sixteenth: Notwithstanding any other provision of this Charter or
Act of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation (and in
addition to any other vote that may be required by law, this
Charter or Act of Incorporation by the By-Laws), the affirmative
vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding
shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors (considered for this
purpose as one class) shall be required to amend, alter or repeal
any provision of Articles Fifth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth or
Sixteenth of this Charter or Act of Incorporation.
Seventeenth: (a) a Director of this Corporation shall not be
liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages
for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director, except to the extent
such T exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not
permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Laws as the same
exists or may hereafter be amended.
(b) Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph
shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a
Director of the Corporation existing hereunder with respect
to any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such
repeal or modification."
<PAGE> 16
EXHIBIT B
BY-LAWS
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
AS EXISTING ON JANUARY 20, 2000
<PAGE> 17
BY-LAWS OF WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
ARTICLE I
STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS
Section 1. The Annual Meeting of Stockholders shall be held on the
third Thursday in April each year at the principal office at the Company or at
such other date, time, or place as may be designated by resolution by the Board
of Directors.
Section 2. Special meetings of all stockholders may be called at any
time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President.
Section 3. Notice of all meetings of the stockholders shall be given
by mailing to each stockholder at least ten (10) days before said meeting, at
his last known address, a written or printed notice fixing the time and place of
such meeting.
Section 4. A majority in the amount of the capital stock of the
Company issued and outstanding on the record date, as herein determined, shall
constitute a quorum at all meetings of stockholders for the transaction of any
business, but the holders of a small number of shares may adjourn, from time to
time, without further notice, until a quorum is secured. At each annual or
special meeting of stockholders, each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote,
either in person or by proxy, for each share of stock registered in the
stockholder's name on the books of the Company on the record date for any such
meeting as determined herein.
ARTICLE II
DIRECTORS
Section 1. The number and classification of the Board of Directors
shall be as set forth in the Charter of the Bank. No more than two Directors may
also be employees of the Company or any affiliate thereof.
Section 2. No person who has attained the age of seventy-two (72)
years shall be nominated for election to the Board of Directors of the Company,
provided, however, that this limitation shall not apply to any person who was
serving as director of the Company on September 16, 1971. The Chairman of the
Board of Directors shall not be qualified to continue to serve as a Director
upon the termination for any reason of his or her services in that office.
Section 3. The class of Directors so elected shall hold office for
three years or until their successors are elected and qualified.
Section 4. The affairs and business of the Company shall be managed
and conducted by the Board of Directors.
<PAGE> 18
Section 5. The Board of Directors shall meet at the principal office
of the Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to be determined by
a majority of its members, or at the call of the Chairman of the Board of
Directors or the President.
Section 6. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called
at any time by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or by the President, and
shall be called upon the written request of a majority of the directors.
Section 7. A majority of the directors elected and qualified shall
be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any
meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 8. Written notice shall be sent by mail to each director of
any special meeting of the Board of Directors, and of any change in the time or
place of any regular meeting, stating the time and place of such meeting, which
shall be mailed not less than two days before the time of holding such meeting.
Section 9. In the event of the death, resignation, removal,
inability to act, or disqualification of any director, the Board of Directors,
although less than a quorum, shall have the right to elect the successor who
shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors
in which the vacancy occurred, and until such director's successor shall have
been duly elected and qualified.
Section 10. The Board of Directors at its first meeting after its
election by the stockholders shall appoint an Executive Committee, a Trust
Committee, an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee, and shall elect from
its own members a Chairman of the Board of Directors and a President who may be
the same person. The Board of Directors shall also elect at such meeting a
Secretary and a Treasurer, who may be the same person, may appoint at any time
such other committees and elect or appoint such other officers as it may deem
advisable. The Board of Directors may also elect at such meeting one or more
Associate Directors.
Section 11. The Board of Directors may at any time remove, with or
without cause, any member of any Committee appointed by it or any associate
director or officer elected by it and may appoint or elect his successor.
Section 12. The Board of Directors may designate an officer to be in
charge of such of the departments or divisions of the Company as it may deem
advisable.
<PAGE> 19
ARTICLE III
COMMITTEES
Section 1. Executive Committee
(A) The Executive Committee shall be composed of not
more than nine members who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its
own members and who shall hold office during the pleasure of the Board.
(B) The Executive Committee shall have all the powers of
the Board of Directors when it is not in session to transact all business for
and in behalf of the Company that may be brought before it.
(C) The Executive Committee shall meet at the principal
office of the Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to be
determined by a majority of its members, or at the call of the Chairman of the
Executive Committee or at the call of the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
The majority of its members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business. Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be held
at any time when a quorum is present.
(D) Minutes of each meeting of the Executive Committee
shall be kept and submitted to the Board of Directors at its next meeting.
(E) The Executive Committee shall advise and superintend
all investments that may be made of the funds of the Company, and shall direct
the disposal of the same, in accordance with such rules and regulations as the
Board of Directors from time to time make.
(F) In the event of a state of disaster of sufficient
severity to prevent the conduct and management of the affairs and business of
the Company by its directors and officers as contemplated by these By-Laws any
two available members of the Executive Committee as constituted immediately
prior to such disaster shall constitute a quorum of that Committee for the full
conduct and management of the affairs and business of the Company in accordance
with the provisions of Article III of these By-Laws; and if less than three
members of the Trust Committee is constituted immediately prior to such disaster
shall be available for the transaction of its business, such Executive Committee
shall also be empowered to exercise all of the powers reserved to the Trust
Committee under Article III Section 2 hereof. In the event of the
unavailability, at such time, of a minimum of two members of such Executive
Committee, any three available directors shall constitute the Executive
Committee for the full conduct and management of the affairs and business of the
Company in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section. This By-Law
shall be subject to implementation by Resolutions of the Board of Directors
presently existing or hereafter passed from time to time for that purpose, and
<PAGE> 20
any provisions of these By-Laws (other than this Section) and any resolutions
which are contrary to the provisions of this Section or to the provisions of any
such implementary Resolutions shall be suspended during such a disaster period
until it shall be determined by any interim Executive Committee acting under
this section that it shall be to the advantage of the Company to resume the
conduct and management of its affairs and business under all of the other
provisions of these By-Laws.
Section 2. Audit Committee
(A) The Audit Committee shall be composed of five
members who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its own members,
none of whom shall be an officer of the Company, and shall hold office at the
pleasure of the Board.
(B) The Audit Committee shall have general supervision
over the Audit Division in all matters however subject to the approval of the
Board of Directors; it shall consider all matters brought to its attention by
the officer in charge of the Audit Division, review all reports of examination
of the Company made by any governmental agency or such independent auditor
employed for that purpose, and make such recommendations to the Board of
Directors with respect thereto or with respect to any other matters pertaining
to auditing the Company as it shall deem desirable.
(C) The Audit Committee shall meet whenever and wherever
the majority of its members shall deem it to be proper for the transaction of
its business, and a majority of its Committee shall constitute a quorum.
Section 3. Compensation Committee
(A) The Compensation Committee shall be composed of not
more than five (5) members who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from
its own members who are not officers of the Company and who shall hold office
during the pleasure of the Board.
(B) The Compensation Committee shall in general advise
upon all matters of policy concerning the Company brought to its attention by
the management and from time to time review the management of the Company, major
organizational matters, including salaries and employee benefits and
specifically shall administer the Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.
(C) Meetings of the Compensation Committee may be called
at any time by the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, the Chairman of the
Board of Directors, or the President of the Company.
<PAGE> 21
Section 4. Associate Directors
(A) Any person who has served as a director may be
elected by the Board of Directors as an associate director, to serve during the
pleasure of the Board.
(B) An associate director shall be entitled to attend
all directors meetings and participate in the discussion of all matters brought
to the Board, with the exception that he would have no right to vote. An
associate director will be eligible for appointment to Committees of the
Company, with the exception of the Executive Committee, Audit Committee and
Compensation Committee, which must be comprised solely of active directors.
Section 5. Absence or Disqualification of Any Member of a Committee
(A) In the absence or disqualification of any member of
any Committee created under Article III of the By-Laws of this Company, the
member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from
voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint
another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of
any such absent or disqualified member.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
Section 1. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall preside at
all meetings of the Board and shall have such further authority and powers and
shall perform such duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time confer
and direct. He shall also exercise such powers and perform such duties as may
from time to time be agreed upon between himself and the President of the
Company.
Section 2. The Vice Chairman of the Board. The Vice Chairman of the
Board of Directors shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors at
which the Chairman of the Board shall not be present and shall have such further
authority and powers and shall perform such duties as the Board of Directors or
the Chairman of the Board may from time to time confer and direct.
Section 3. The President shall have the powers and duties pertaining
to the office of the President conferred or imposed upon him by statute or
assigned to him by the Board of Directors. In the absence of the Chairman of the
Board the President shall have the powers and duties of the Chairman of the
Board.
Section 4. The Chairman of the Board of Directors or the President
as designated by the Board of Directors, shall carry into effect all legal
directions of the Executive Committee and
<PAGE> 22
of the Board of Directors, and shall at all times exercise general supervision
over the interest, affairs and operations of the Company and perform all duties
incident to his office.
Section 5. There may be one or more Vice Presidents, however
denominated by the Board of Directors, who may at any time perform all the
duties of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and/or the President and such
other powers and duties as may from time to time be assigned to them by the
Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, the Chairman of the Board or the
President and by the officer in charge of the department or division to which
they are assigned.
Section 6. The Secretary shall attend to the giving of notice of
meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors, as well as the
Committees thereof, to the keeping of accurate minutes of all such meetings and
to recording the same in the minute books of the Company. In addition to the
other notice requirements of these By-Laws and as may be practicable under the
circumstances, all such notices shall be in writing and mailed well in advance
of the scheduled date of any other meeting. He shall have custody of the
corporate seal and shall affix the same to any documents requiring such
corporate seal and to attest the same.
Section 7. The Treasurer shall have general supervision over all
assets and liabilities of the Company. He shall be custodian of and responsible
for all monies, funds and valuables of the Company and for the keeping of proper
records of the evidence of property or indebtedness and of all the transactions
of the Company. He shall have general supervision of the expenditures of the
Company and shall report to the Board of Directors at each regular meeting of
the condition of the Company, and perform such other duties as may be assigned
to him from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Executive Committee.
Section 8. There may be a Controller who shall exercise general
supervision over the internal operations of the Company, including accounting,
and shall render to the Board of Directors at appropriate times a report
relating to the general condition and internal operations of the Company.
There may be one or more subordinate accounting or controller
officers however denominated, who may perform the duties of the Controller and
such duties as may be prescribed by the Controller.
Section 9. The officer designated by the Board of Directors to be in
charge of the Audit Division of the Company with such title as the Board of
Directors shall prescribe, shall report to and be directly responsible only to
the Board of Directors.
There shall be an Auditor and there may be one or more Audit
Officers, however denominated, who may perform all the duties of the Auditor and
such duties as may be prescribed by the officer in charge of the Audit Division.
<PAGE> 23
Section 10. There may be one or more officers, subordinate in rank
to all Vice Presidents with such functional titles as shall be determined from
time to time by the Board of Directors, who shall ex officio hold the office
Assistant Secretary of this Company and who may perform such duties as may be
prescribed by the officer in charge of the department or division to whom they
are assigned.
Section 11. The powers and duties of all other officers of the
Company shall be those usually pertaining to their respective offices, subject
to the direction of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, Chairman of
the Board of Directors or the President and the officer in charge of the
department or division to which they are assigned.
ARTICLE V
STOCK AND STOCK CERTIFICATES
Section 1. Shares of stock shall be transferrable on the books of
the Company and a transfer book shall be kept in which all transfers of stock
shall be recorded.
Section 2. Certificates of stock shall bear the signature of the
President or any Vice President, however denominated by the Board of Directors
and countersigned by the Secretary or Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary, and
the seal of the corporation shall be engraved thereon. Each certificate shall
recite that the stock represented thereby is transferrable only upon the books
of the Company by the holder thereof or his attorney, upon surrender of the
certificate properly endorsed. Any certificate of stock surrendered to the
Company shall be cancelled at the time of transfer, and before a new certificate
or certificates shall be issued in lieu thereof. Duplicate certificates of stock
shall be issued only upon giving such security as may be satisfactory to the
Board of Directors or the Executive Committee.
Section 3. The Board of Directors of the Company is authorized to
fix in advance a record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled
to notice of, and to vote at, any meeting of stockholders and any adjournment
thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or to any allotment or
rights, or to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or
exchange of capital stock, or in connection with obtaining the consent of
stockholders for any purpose, which record date shall not be more than 60 nor
less than 10 days proceeding the date of any meeting of stockholders or the date
for the payment of any dividend, or the date for the allotment of rights, or the
date when any change or conversion or exchange of capital stock shall go into
effect, or a date in connection with obtaining such consent.
ARTICLE VI
SEAL
<PAGE> 24
Section 1. The corporate seal of the Company shall be in the
following form:
Between two concentric circles the words
"Wilmington Trust Company" within the inner
circle the words "Wilmington, Delaware."
ARTICLE VII
FISCAL YEAR
Section 1. The fiscal year of the Company shall be the calendar
year.
ARTICLE VIII
EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS OF THE COMPANY
Section 1. The Chairman of the Board, the President or any Vice
President, however denominated by the Board of Directors, shall have full power
and authority to enter into, make, sign, execute, acknowledge and/or deliver and
the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary shall have full power and authority to
attest and affix the corporate seal of the Company to any and all deeds,
conveyances, assignments, releases, contracts, agreements, bonds, notes,
mortgages and all other instruments incident to the business of this Company or
in acting as executor, administrator, guardian, trustee, agent or in any other
fiduciary or representative capacity by any and every method of appointment or
by whatever person, corporation, court officer or authority in the State of
Delaware, or elsewhere, without any specific authority, ratification, approval
or confirmation by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee, and any
and all such instruments shall have the same force and validity as though
expressly authorized by the Board of Directors and/or the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE IX
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND MEMBERS OF COMMITTEES
Section 1. Directors and associate directors of the Company, other
than salaried officers of the Company, shall be paid such reasonable honoraria
or fees for attending meetings of the Board of Directors as the Board of
Directors may from time to time determine. Directors and associate directors who
serve as members of committees, other than salaried employees of the Company,
shall be paid such reasonable honoraria or fees for services as members of
committees as the Board of Directors shall from time to time determine and
directors and associate directors may be employed by the Company for such
special services as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine and
shall be paid for such special services so performed reasonable compensation as
may be determined by the Board of Directors.
<PAGE> 25
ARTICLE X
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. (A) The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to
the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may
hereafter be amended, any person who was or is made or is threatened to be made
a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a "proceeding") by reason of
the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the legal representative, is or was
a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving
at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or
agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust,
enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with respect to employee
benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses reasonably
incurred by such person. The Corporation shall indemnify a person in connection
with a proceeding initiated by such person only if the proceeding was authorized
by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
(B) The Corporation shall pay the expenses incurred in
defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided, however,
that the payment of expenses incurred by a Director or officer in his capacity
as a Director or officer in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding
shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the Director or officer to
repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the
Director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article or
otherwise.
(C) If a claim for indemnification or payment of
expenses, under this Article X is not paid in full within ninety days after a
written claim therefor has been received by the Corporation the claimant may
file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole
or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim.
In any such action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the
claimant was not entitled to the requested indemnification of payment of
expenses under applicable law.
(D) The rights conferred on any person by this Article X
shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such person may have or
hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Charter or Act of
Incorporation, these By-Laws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
Directors or otherwise.
(E) Any repeal or modification of the foregoing
provisions of this Article X shall not adversely affect any right or protection
hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the
time of such repeal or modification.
ARTICLE XI
AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS
<PAGE> 26
Section 1. These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed, in
whole or in part, and any new By-Law or By-Laws adopted at any regular or
special meeting of the Board of Directors by a vote of the majority of all the
members of the Board of Directors then in office.
<PAGE> 27
EXHIBIT C
SECTION 321(B) CONSENT
Pursuant to Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, Wilmington Trust Company hereby consents that reports of examinations
by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such
authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon requests therefor.
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
Dated: By: /s/ Donald G. MacKelcan
------------------------------ ---------------------------
Name: Donald G. MacKelcan
Title: Vice President
-11-
<PAGE> 28
EXHIBIT D
NOTICE
This form is intended to assist state nonmember banks
and savings banks with state publication requirements.
It has not been approved by any state banking
authorities. Refer to your appropriate state banking
authorities for your state publication requirements.
R E P O R T O F C O N D I T I O N
Consolidating domestic subsidiaries of the
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY of WILMINGTON
- ---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------
Name of Bank City
in the State of DELAWARE , at the close of business on December 31, 1999.
------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
Thousands of dollars
<S> <C>
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coins.........................213,700
Interest-bearing balances......................................... 0
Held-to-maturity securities................................................................. 30,232
Available-for-sale securities.............................................................1,628,889
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell......................390,650
Loans and lease financing receivables:
Loans and leases, net of unearned income............. 4,374,777
LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses............ 71,368
LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve................. 0
Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and reserve..............4,303,409
Assets held in trading accounts...................................................................0
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)....................................122,273
Other real estate owned...................................................................... 576
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 29
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies...........................1,511
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding......................................0
Intangible assets............................................................................ 5,100
Other assets................................................................................133,449
Total assets..............................................................................6,829,789
</TABLE>
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
<PAGE> 30
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
In domestic offices.......................................................................5,186,079
Noninterest-bearing.................. 986,667
Interest-bearing..................... 4,199,412
Federal funds purchased and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase................. 269,343
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury.....................................................95,000
Trading liabilities (from Schedule RC-D)..........................................................0
Other borrowed money:.......................................................................///////
With original maturity of one year or less..................................670,000
With original maturity of more than one year..................................43,000
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding..........................................0
Subordinated notes and debentures.................................................................0
Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G).................................................... 151,436
Total liabilities.........................................................................6,414,858
EQUITY CAPITAL
Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus.....................................................0
Common Stock....................................................................................500
Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).....................................62,118
Undivided profits and capital reserves......................................................386,485
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities......................(34,172)
Total equity capital........................................................................414,931
Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity capital.......................6,829,789
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 25.3
Registration No.:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 305(b)(2)___
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)
Delaware 51-0055023
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. employer identification no.)
Rodney Square North
1100 North Market Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19890
(Address of principal executive offices)
Cynthia L. Corliss
Vice President and Trust Counsel
Wilmington Trust Company
Rodney Square North
Wilmington, Delaware 19890
(302) 651-8516
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
MIDWEST BANC HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)
Delaware 36-3252484
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. employer identification no.)
501 West North Avenue
Melrose Park, Illinois 60160
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Guarantee of Preferred Securities
(Title of the indenture securities)
-1-
<PAGE> 2
ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION.
Furnish the following information as to the trustee:
(a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority
to which it is subject.
Federal Deposit Insurance Co. State Bank Commissioner
Five Penn Center Dover, Delaware
Suite #2901
Philadelphia, PA
(b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust
powers.
ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR.
If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each
affiliation:
Based upon an examination of the books and records of the
trustee and upon information furnished by the obligor, the
obligor is not an affiliate of the trustee.
ITEM 3. LIST OF EXHIBITS.
List below all exhibits filed as part of this Statement of
Eligibility and Qualification.
A. Copy of the Charter of Wilmington Trust Company, which
includes the certificate of authority of Wilmington Trust
Company to commence business and the authorization of
Wilmington Trust Company to exercise corporate trust powers.
B. Copy of By-Laws of Wilmington Trust Company.
C. Consent of Wilmington Trust Company required by Section
321(b) of Trust Indenture Act.
D. Copy of most recent Report of Condition of Wilmington Trust
Company.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
as amended, the trustee, Wilmington Trust Company, a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of Delaware, has duly caused
this Statement of Eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Wilmington
and State of Delaware on the ______ day of __________, _________ .
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
[SEAL]
Attest: /s/ By: /s/ Donald G. MacKelca
-------------------- ------------------------
Assistant Secretary Name: Donald G. MacKelcan
Title: Vice President
-2-
<PAGE> 3
EXHIBIT A
AMENDED CHARTER
Wilmington Trust Company
Wilmington, Delaware
As existing on May 9, 1987
AMENDED CHARTER
OR
ACT OF INCORPORATION
OF
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
Wilmington Trust Company, originally incorporated by an Act of the General
Assembly of the State of Delaware, entitled "An Act to Incorporate the Delaware
Guarantee and Trust Company", approved March 2, A.D. 1901, and the name of which
company was changed to "Wilmington Trust Company" by an amendment filed in the
Office of the Secretary of State on March 18, A.D. 1903, and the Charter or Act
of Incorporation of which company has been from time to time amended and changed
by merger agreements pursuant to the corporation law for state banks and trust
companies of the State of Delaware, does hereby alter and amend its Charter or
Act of Incorporation so that the same as so altered and amended shall in its
entirety read as follows:
First: - The name of this corporation is Wilmington Trust Company.
Second: - The location of its principal office in the State of
Delaware is at Rodney Square North, in the City of Wilmington, County
of New Castle; the name of its resident agent is Wilmington Trust
Company whose address is Rodney Square North, in said City. In
addition to such principal office, the said corporation maintains and
operates branch offices in the City of Newark, New Castle County,
Delaware, the Town of Newport, New Castle County, Delaware, at
Claymont, New Castle County, Delaware, at Greenville, New Castle
County Delaware, and at Milford Cross Roads, New Castle County,
Delaware, and shall be empowered to open, maintain and operate branch
offices at Ninth and Shipley Streets, 418 Delaware Avenue, 2120 Market
Street, and 3605 Market Street, all in the City of Wilmington, New
Castle County, Delaware, and such other branch offices or places of
business as may be authorized from time to time by the agency or
agencies of the government of the State of Delaware empowered
<PAGE> 4
to confer such authority.
Third: - (a) The nature of the business and the objects and purposes
proposed to be transacted, promoted or carried on by this Corporation
are to do any or all of the things herein mentioned as fully and to
the same extent as natural persons might or could do and in any part
of the world, viz.:
(1) To sue and be sued, complain and defend in any Court of law
or equity and to make and use a common seal, and alter the seal
at pleasure, to hold, purchase, convey, mortgage or otherwise
deal in real and personal estate and property, and to appoint
such officers and agents as the business of the Corporation shall
require, to make by-laws not inconsistent with the Constitution
or laws of the United States or of this State, to discount bills,
notes or other evidences of debt, to receive deposits of money,
or securities for money, to buy gold and silver bullion and
foreign coins, to buy and sell bills of exchange, and generally
to use, exercise and enjoy all the powers, rights, privileges and
franchises incident to a corporation which are proper or
necessary for the transaction of the business of the Corporation
hereby created.
(2) To insure titles to real and personal property, or any estate
or interests therein, and to guarantee the holder of such
property, real or personal, against any claim or claims, adverse
to his interest therein, and to prepare and give certificates of
title for any lands or premises in the State of Delaware, or
elsewhere.
(3) To act as factor, agent, broker or attorney in the receipt,
collection, custody, investment and management of funds, and the
purchase, sale, management and disposal of property of all
descriptions, and to prepare and execute all papers which may be
necessary or proper in such business.
(4) To prepare and draw agreements, contracts, deeds, leases,
conveyances, mortgages, bonds and legal papers of every
description, and to carry on the business of conveyancing in all
its branches.
(5) To receive upon deposit for safekeeping money, jewelry,
plate, deeds, bonds and any and all other personal property of
every sort and kind, from executors, administrators, guardians,
public officers, courts, receivers, assignees, trustees, and from
all fiduciaries, and from all other persons and individuals, and
from all corporations whether state, municipal, corporate or
private, and to rent boxes, safes, vaults and other receptacles
for such property.
(6) To act as agent or otherwise for the purpose of registering,
issuing, certificating, countersigning, transferring or
underwriting the stock, bonds or other obligations of any
corporation, association, state or municipality, and may
<PAGE> 5
receive and manage any sinking fund therefor on such terms as may
be agreed upon between the two parties, and in like manner may
act as Treasurer of any corporation or municipality.
(7) To act as Trustee under any deed of trust, mortgage, bond or
other instrument issued by any state, municipality, body politic,
corporation, association or person, either alone or in
conjunction with any other person or persons, corporation or
corporations.
(8) To guarantee the validity, performance or effect of any
contract or agreement, and the fidelity of persons holding places
of responsibility or trust; to become surety for any person, or
persons, for the faithful performance of any trust, office, duty,
contract or agreement, either by itself or in conjunction with
any other person, or persons, corporation, or corporations, or in
like manner become surety upon any bond, recognizance,
obligation, judgment, suit, order, or decree to be entered in any
court of record within the State of Delaware or elsewhere, or
which may now or hereafter be required by any law, judge, officer
or court in the State of Delaware or elsewhere.
(9) To act by any and every method of appointment as trustee,
trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee, assignee in
bankruptcy, executor, administrator, guardian, bailee, or in any
other trust capacity in the receiving, holding, managing, and
disposing of any and all estates and property, real, personal or
mixed, and to be appointed as such trustee, trustee in
bankruptcy, receiver, assignee, assignee in bankruptcy, executor,
administrator, guardian or bailee by any persons, corporations,
court, officer, or authority, in the State of Delaware or
elsewhere; and whenever this Corporation is so appointed by any
person, corporation, court, officer or authority such trustee,
trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee, assignee in
bankruptcy, executor, administrator, guardian, bailee, or in any
other trust capacity, it shall not be required to give bond with
surety, but its capital stock shall be taken and held as security
for the performance of the duties devolving upon it by such
appointment.
(10) And for its care, management and trouble, and the exercise
of any of its powers hereby given, or for the performance of any
of the duties which it may undertake or be called upon to
perform, or for the assumption of any responsibility the said
Corporation may be entitled to receive a proper compensation.
(11) To purchase, receive, hold and own bonds, mortgages,
debentures, shares of capital stock, and other securities,
obligations, contracts and evidences of indebtedness, of any
private, public or municipal corporation within and without the
State of Delaware, or of the Government of the United States, or
of any state, territory, colony, or possession thereof, or of any
foreign government or country;
<PAGE> 6
to receive, collect, receipt for, and dispose of interest,
dividends and income upon and from any of the bonds, mortgages,
debentures, notes, shares of capital stock, securities,
obligations, contracts, evidences of indebtedness and other
property held and owned by it, and to exercise in respect of all
such bonds, mortgages, debentures, notes, shares of capital
stock, securities, obligations, contracts, evidences of
indebtedness and other property, any and all the rights, powers
and privileges of individual owners thereof, including the right
to vote thereon; to invest and deal in and with any of the moneys
of the Corporation upon such securities and in such manner as it
may think fit and proper, and from time to time to vary or
realize such investments; to issue bonds and secure the same by
pledges or deeds of trust or mortgages of or upon the whole or
any part of the property held or owned by the Corporation, and to
sell and pledge such bonds, as and when the Board of Directors
shall determine, and in the promotion of its said corporate
business of investment and to the extent authorized by law, to
lease, purchase, hold, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, mortgage
and convey real and personal property of any name and nature and
any estate or interest therein.
(b) In furtherance of, and not in limitation, of the powers conferred
by the laws of the State of Delaware, it is hereby expressly provided
that the said Corporation shall also have the following powers:
(1) To do any or all of the things herein set forth, to the same
extent as natural persons might or could do, and in any part of
the world.
(2) To acquire the good will, rights, property and franchises and
to undertake the whole or any part of the assets and liabilities
of any person, firm, association or corporation, and to pay for
the same in cash, stock of this Corporation, bonds or otherwise;
to hold or in any manner to dispose of the whole or any part of
the property so purchased; to conduct in any lawful manner the
whole or any part of any business so acquired, and to exercise
all the powers necessary or convenient in and about the conduct
and management of such business.
(3) To take, hold, own, deal in, mortgage or otherwise lien, and
to lease, sell, exchange, transfer, or in any manner whatever
dispose of property, real, personal or mixed, wherever situated.
(4) To enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every
kind with any person, firm, association or corporation, and,
without limit as to amount, to draw, make, accept, endorse,
discount, execute and issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of
exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures, and other negotiable or
transferable instruments.
(5) To have one or more offices, to carry on all or any of its
operations and businesses, without restriction to the same extent
as natural persons might or
<PAGE> 7
could do, to purchase or otherwise acquire, to hold, own, to
mortgage, sell, convey or otherwise dispose of, real and personal
property, of every class and description, in any State, District,
Territory or Colony of the United States, and in any foreign
country or place.
(6) It is the intention that the objects, purposes and powers
specified and clauses contained in this paragraph shall (except
where otherwise expressed in said paragraph) be nowise limited or
restricted by reference to or inference from the terms of any
other clause of this or any other paragraph in this charter, but
that the objects, purposes and powers specified in each of the
clauses of this paragraph shall be regarded as independent
objects, purposes and powers.
Fourth: - (a) The total number of shares of all classes of stock which
the Corporation shall have authority to issue is forty-one million
(41,000,000) shares, consisting of:
(1) One million (1,000,000) shares of Preferred stock, par value
$10.00 per share (hereinafter referred to as "Preferred Stock");
and
(2) Forty million (40,000,000) shares of Common Stock, par value
$1.00 per share (hereinafter referred to as "Common Stock").
(b) Shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one
or more series as may from time to time be determined by the Board of
Directors each of said series to be distinctly designated. All shares
of any one series of Preferred Stock shall be alike in every
particular, except that there may be different dates from which
dividends, if any, thereon shall be cumulative, if made cumulative.
The voting powers and the preferences and relative, participating,
optional and other special rights of each such series, and the
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, may
differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding;
and, subject to the provisions of subparagraph 1 of Paragraph (c) of
this Article Fourth, the Board of Directors of the Corporation is
hereby expressly granted authority to fix by resolution or resolutions
adopted prior to the issuance of any shares of a particular series of
Preferred Stock, the voting powers and the designations, preferences
and relative, optional and other special rights, and the
qualifications, limitations and restrictions of such series,
including, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
following:
(1) The distinctive designation of, and the number of shares of
Preferred Stock which shall constitute such series, which number
may be increased (except where otherwise provided by the Board of
Directors) or decreased (but not below the number of shares
thereof then outstanding) from time to time by like action of the
Board of Directors;
(2) The rate and times at which, and the terms and conditions on
which, dividends, if any, on Preferred Stock of such series shall
be paid, the extent of the
<PAGE> 8
preference or relation, if any, of such dividends to the
dividends payable on any other class or classes, or series of the
same or other class of stock and whether such dividends shall be
cumulative or non-cumulative;
(3) The right, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock of such
series to convert the same into or exchange the same for, shares
of any other class or classes or of any series of the same or any
other class or classes of stock of the Corporation and the terms
and conditions of such conversion or exchange;
(4) Whether or not Preferred Stock of such series shall be
subject to redemption, and the redemption price or prices and the
time or times at which, and the terms and conditions on which,
Preferred Stock of such series may be redeemed.
(5) The rights, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock of such
series upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, merger,
consolidation, distribution or sale of assets, dissolution or
winding-up, of the Corporation.
(6) The terms of the sinking fund or redemption or purchase
account, if any, to be provided for the Preferred Stock of such
series; and
(7) The voting powers, if any, of the holders of such series of
Preferred Stock which may, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing include the right, voting as a series or by itself or
together with other series of Preferred Stock or all series of
Preferred Stock as a class, to elect one or more directors of the
Corporation if there shall have been a default in the payment of
dividends on any one or more series of Preferred Stock or under
such circumstances and on such conditions as the Board of
Directors may determine.
(c) (1) After the requirements with respect to preferential dividends
on the Preferred Stock (fixed in accordance with the provisions of
section (b) of this Article Fourth), if any, shall have been met and
after the Corporation shall have complied with all the requirements,
if any, with respect to the setting aside of sums as sinking funds or
redemption or purchase accounts (fixed in accordance with the
provisions of section (b) of this Article Fourth), and subject further
to any conditions which may be fixed in accordance with the provisions
of section (b) of this Article Fourth, then and not otherwise the
holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such dividends as
may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors.
(2) After distribution in full of the preferential amount, if
any, (fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b) of
this Article Fourth), to be distributed to the holders of
Preferred Stock in the event of voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, distribution or sale of assets, dissolution or
winding-up, of the Corporation, the holders of the Common Stock
shall be entitled to receive all of the remaining assets of the
Corporation, tangible and intangible, of
<PAGE> 9
whatever kind available for distribution to stockholders ratably
in proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock held by
them respectively.
(3) Except as may otherwise be required by law or by the
provisions of such resolution or resolutions as may be adopted by
the Board of Directors pursuant to section (b) of this Article
Fourth, each holder of Common Stock shall have one vote in
respect of each share of Common Stock held on all matters voted
upon by the stockholders.
(d) No holder of any of the shares of any class or series of stock or
of options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of any class
or series of stock or of other securities of the Corporation shall
have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any unissued
stock of any class or series or any additional shares of any class or
series to be issued by reason of any increase of the authorized
capital stock of the Corporation of any class or series, or bonds,
certificates of indebtedness, debentures or other securities
convertible into or exchangeable for stock of the Corporation of any
class or series, or carrying any right to purchase stock of any class
or series, but any such unissued stock, additional authorized issue of
shares of any class or series of stock or securities convertible into
or exchangeable for stock, or carrying any right to purchase stock,
may be issued and disposed of pursuant to resolution of the Board of
Directors to such persons, firms, corporations or associations,
whether such holders or others, and upon such terms as may be deemed
advisable by the Board of Directors in the exercise of its sole
discretion.
(e) The relative powers, preferences and rights of each series of
Preferred Stock in relation to the relative powers, preferences and
rights of each other series of Preferred Stock shall, in each case, be
as fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors in the resolution
or resolutions adopted pursuant to authority granted in section (b) of
this Article Fourth and the consent, by class or series vote or
otherwise, of the holders of such of the series of Preferred Stock as
are from time to time outstanding shall not be required for the
issuance by the Board of Directors of any other series of Preferred
Stock whether or not the powers, preferences and rights of such other
series shall be fixed by the Board of Directors as senior to, or on a
parity with, the powers, preferences and rights of such outstanding
series, or any of them; provided, however, that the Board of Directors
may provide in the resolution or resolutions as to any series of
Preferred Stock adopted pursuant to section (b) of this Article Fourth
that the consent of the holders of a majority (or such greater
proportion as shall be therein fixed) of the outstanding shares of
such series voting thereon shall be required for the issuance of any
or all other series of Preferred Stock.
(f) Subject to the provisions of section (e), shares of any series of
Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time as the Board of
Directors of the Corporation shall determine and on such terms and for
such consideration as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.
<PAGE> 10
(g) Shares of Common Stock may be issued from time to time as the
Board of Directors of the Corporation shall determine and on such
terms and for such consideration as shall be fixed by the Board of
Directors.
(h) The authorized amount of shares of Common Stock and of Preferred
Stock may, without a class or series vote, be increased or decreased
from time to time by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon.
Fifth: - (a) The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be
conducted and managed by a Board of Directors. The number of directors
constituting the entire Board shall be not less than five nor more
than twenty-five as fixed from time to time by vote of a majority of
the whole Board, provided, however, that the number of directors shall
not be reduced so as to shorten the term of any director at the time
in office, and provided further, that the number of directors
constituting the whole Board shall be twenty-four until otherwise
fixed by a majority of the whole Board.
(b) The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, as
nearly equal in number as the then total number of directors
constituting the whole Board permits, with the term of office of one
class expiring each year. At the annual meeting of stockholders in
1982, directors of the first class shall be elected to hold office for
a term expiring at the next succeeding annual meeting, directors of
the second class shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring
at the second succeeding annual meeting and directors of the third
class shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the third
succeeding annual meeting. Any vacancies in the Board of Directors for
any reason, and any newly created directorships resulting from any
increase in the directors, may be filled by the Board of Directors,
acting by a majority of the directors then in office, although less
than a quorum, and any directors so chosen shall hold office until the
next annual election of directors. At such election, the stockholders
shall elect a successor to such director to hold office until the next
election of the class for which such director shall have been chosen
and until his successor shall be elected and qualified. No decrease in
the number of directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent
director.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Charter or Act of
Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation (and notwithstanding
the fact that some lesser percentage may be specified by law, this
Charter or Act of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation),
any director or the entire Board of Directors of the Corporation may
be removed at any time without cause, but only by the affirmative vote
of the holders of two-thirds or more of the outstanding shares of
capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class) cast
at a meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose.
(d) Nominations for the election of directors may be made by the Board
of Directors or by any stockholder entitled to vote for the election
of directors. Such nominations shall
<PAGE> 11
be made by notice in writing, delivered or mailed by first class
United States mail, postage prepaid, to the Secretary of the
Corporation not less than 14 days nor more than 50 days prior to any
meeting of the stockholders called for the election of directors;
provided, however, that if less than 21 days' notice of the meeting is
given to stockholders, such written notice shall be delivered or
mailed, as prescribed, to the Secretary of the Corporation not later
than the close of the seventh day following the day on which notice of
the meeting was mailed to stockholders. Notice of nominations which
are proposed by the Board of Directors shall be given by the Chairman
on behalf of the Board.
(e) Each notice under subsection (d) shall set forth (i) the name,
age, business address and, if known, residence address of each nominee
proposed in such notice, (ii) the principal occupation or employment
of such nominee and (iii) the number of shares of stock of the
Corporation which are beneficially owned by each such nominee.
(f) The Chairman of the meeting may, if the facts warrant, determine
and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in
accordance with the foregoing procedure, and if he should so
determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and the defective
nomination shall be disregarded.
(g) No action required to be taken or which may be taken at any annual
or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be taken
without a meeting, and the power of stockholders to consent in
writing, without a meeting, to the taking of any action is
specifically denied.
Sixth: - The Directors shall choose such officers, agents and servants
as may be provided in the By-Laws as they may from time to time find
necessary or proper.
Seventh: - The Corporation hereby created is hereby given the same
powers, rights and privileges as may be conferred upon corporations
organized under the Act entitled "An Act Providing a General
Corporation Law", approved March 10, 1899, as from time to time
amended.
Eighth: - This Act shall be deemed and taken to be a private Act.
Ninth: - This Corporation is to have perpetual existence.
Tenth: - The Board of Directors, by resolution passed by a majority of
the whole Board, may designate any of their number to constitute an
Executive Committee, which Committee, to the extent provided in said
resolution, or in the By-Laws of the Company, shall have and may
exercise all of the powers of the Board of Directors in the management
of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and shall have power
to authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers
which may require it.
<PAGE> 12
Eleventh: - The private property of the stockholders shall not be
liable for the payment of corporate debts to any extent whatever.
Twelfth: - The Corporation may transact business in any part of the
world.
Thirteenth: - The Board of Directors of the Corporation is expressly
authorized to make, alter or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation by
a vote of the majority of the entire Board. The stockholders may make,
alter or repeal any By-Law whether or not adopted by them, provided
however, that any such additional By-Laws, alterations or repeal may
be adopted only by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds
or more of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered
for this purpose as one class).
Fourteenth: - Meetings of the Directors may be held outside of the
State of Delaware at such places as may be from time to time
designated by the Board, and the Directors may keep the books of the
Company outside of the State of Delaware at such places as may be from
time to time designated by them.
Fifteenth: - (a) (1) In addition to any affirmative vote required by
law, and except as otherwise expressly provided in sections (b) and
(c) of this Article Fifteenth:
(A) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any
Subsidiary (as hereinafter defined) with or into (i) any
Interested Stockholder (as hereinafter defined) or (ii) any other
corporation (whether or not itself an Interested Stockholder),
which, after such merger or consolidation, would be an Affiliate
(as hereinafter defined) of an Interested Stockholder, or
(B) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or
other disposition (in one transaction or a series of related
transactions) to or with any Interested Stockholder or any
Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder of any assets of the
Corporation or any Subsidiary having an aggregate fair market
value of $1,000,000 or more, or
(C) the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or any Subsidiary
(in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of any
securities of the Corporation or any Subsidiary to any Interested
Stockholder or any Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder in
exchange for cash, securities or other property (or a combination
thereof) having an aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or
more, or
(D) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or
dissolution of the Corporation, or
(E) any reclassification of securities (including any reverse
stock split), or recapitalization of the Corporation, or any
merger or consolidation of the
<PAGE> 13
Corporation with any of its Subsidiaries or any similar
transaction (whether or not with or into or otherwise involving
an Interested Stockholder) which has the effect, directly or
indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the
outstanding shares of any class of equity or convertible
securities of the Corporation or any Subsidiary which is directly
or indirectly owned by any Interested Stockholder, or any
Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder,
shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors, considered for the purpose of this
Article Fifteenth as one class ("Voting Shares"). Such affirmative vote shall be
required notwithstanding the fact that no vote may be required, or that some
lesser percentage may be specified, by law or in any agreement with any national
securities exchange or otherwise.
(2) The term "business combination" as used in this Article
Fifteenth shall mean any transaction which is referred to in
any one or more of clauses (A) through (E) of paragraph 1 of
the section (a).
(b) The provisions of section (a) of this Article Fifteenth shall
not be applicable to any particular business combination and such
business combination shall require only such affirmative vote as
is required by law and any other provisions of the Charter or Act
of Incorporation or By-Laws if such business combination has been
approved by a majority of the whole Board.
(c) For the purposes of this Article Fifteenth:
(1) A "person" shall mean any individual, firm, corporation or other
entity.
(2) "Interested Stockholder" shall mean, in respect of any business
combination, any person (other than the Corporation or any Subsidiary)
who or which as of the record date for the determination of
stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote on such business
combination, or immediately prior to the consummation of any such
transaction:
(A) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than
10% of the Voting Shares, or
(B) is an Affiliate of the Corporation and at any time within two
years prior thereto was the beneficial owner, directly or
indirectly, of not less than 10% of the then outstanding voting
Shares, or
(C) is an assignee of or has otherwise succeeded in any share of
capital stock of the Corporation which were at any time within
two years prior thereto beneficially owned by any Interested
Stockholder, and such assignment or
<PAGE> 14
succession shall have occurred in the course of a transaction or
series of transactions not involving a public offering within the
meaning of the Securities Act of 1933.
(3) A person shall be the "beneficial owner" of any Voting Shares:
(A) which such person or any of its Affiliates and Associates (as
hereafter defined) beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or
(B) which such person or any of its Affiliates or Associates has
(i) the right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable
immediately or only after the passage of time), pursuant to any
agreement, arrangement or understanding or upon the exercise of
conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or
otherwise, or (ii) the right to vote pursuant to any agreement,
arrangement or understanding, or
(C) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any
other person with which such first mentioned person or any of its
Affiliates or Associates has any agreement, arrangement or
understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or
disposing of any shares of capital stock of the Corporation.
(4) The outstanding Voting Shares shall include shares deemed owned
through application of paragraph (3) above but shall not include any
other Voting Shares which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement,
or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options or
otherwise.
(5) "Affiliate" and "Associate" shall have the respective meanings
given those terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect on December
31, 1981.
(6) "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation of which a majority of any
class of equity security (as defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the General
Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in
effect on December 31, 1981) is owned, directly or indirectly, by the
Corporation; provided, however, that for the purposes of the
definition of Investment Stockholder set forth in paragraph (2) of
this section (c), the term "Subsidiary" shall mean only a corporation
of which a majority of each class of equity security is owned,
directly or indirectly, by the Corporation.
(d) majority of the directors shall have the power and duty to
determine for the purposes of this Article Fifteenth on the basis
of information known to them, (1) the number of Voting Shares
beneficially owned by any person (2) whether a person is an
Affiliate or Associate of another, (3) whether a person has an
agreement, arrangement or understanding with another as to the
matters referred to in paragraph (3) of section (c), or (4)
whether the assets subject to any
<PAGE> 15
business combination or the consideration received for the
issuance or transfer of securities by the Corporation, or any
Subsidiary has an aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or
more.
(e) Nothing contained in this Article Fifteenth shall be
construed to relieve any Interested Stockholder from any
fiduciary obligation imposed by law.
Sixteenth: Notwithstanding any other provision of this Charter or Act
of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation (and in addition to
any other vote that may be required by law, this Charter or Act of
Incorporation by the By-Laws), the affirmative vote of the holders of
at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of
the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors (considered for this purpose as one class) shall be required
to amend, alter or repeal any provision of Articles Fifth, Thirteenth,
Fifteenth or Sixteenth of this Charter or Act of Incorporation.
Seventeenth: (a) a Director of this Corporation shall not be liable to
the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
fiduciary duty as a Director, except to the extent such exemption from
liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the Delaware
General Corporation Laws as the same exists or may hereafter be
amended.
(b) Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph shall
not adversely affect any right or protection of a Director of the
Corporation existing hereunder with respect to any act or
omission occurring prior to the time of such repeal or
modification."
<PAGE> 16
EXHIBIT B
BY-LAWS
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
AS EXISTING ON JANUARY 20, 2000
<PAGE> 17
BY-LAWS OF WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
ARTICLE I
STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS
Section 1. The Annual Meeting of Stockholders shall be held on the
third Thursday in April each year at the principal office at the Company or
at such other date, time, or place as may be designated by resolution by
the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Special meetings of all stockholders may be called at any
time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President.
Section 3. Notice of all meetings of the stockholders shall be given
by mailing to each stockholder at least ten (10) days before said meeting,
at his last known address, a written or printed notice fixing the time and
place of such meeting.
Section 4. A majority in the amount of the capital stock of the
Company issued and outstanding on the record date, as herein determined,
shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of stockholders for the
transaction of any business, but the holders of a small number of shares
may adjourn, from time to time, without further notice, until a quorum is
secured. At each annual or special meeting of stockholders, each
stockholder shall be entitled to one vote, either in person or by proxy,
for each share of stock registered in the stockholder's name on the books
of the Company on the record date for any such meeting as determined
herein.
ARTICLE II
DIRECTORS
Section 1. The number and classification of the Board of Directors
shall be as set forth in the Charter of the Bank. No more than two
Directors may also be employees of the Company or any affiliate thereof.
Section 2. No person who has attained the age of seventy-two (72)
years shall be nominated for election to the Board of Directors of the
Company, provided, however, that this limitation shall not apply to any
person who was serving as director of the Company on September 16, 1971.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall not be qualified to continue
to serve as a Director upon the termination for any reason of his or her
services in that office.
Section 3. The class of Directors so elected shall hold office for
three years or until their successors are elected and qualified.
Section 4. The affairs and business of the Company shall be managed
and conducted by the Board of Directors.
<PAGE> 18
Section 5. The Board of Directors shall meet at the principal office
of the Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to be
determined by a majority of its members, or at the call of the Chairman of
the Board of Directors or the President.
Section 6. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at
any time by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or by the President, and
shall be called upon the written request of a majority of the directors.
Section 7. A majority of the directors elected and qualified shall be
necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any
meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 8. Written notice shall be sent by mail to each director of
any special meeting of the Board of Directors, and of any change in the
time or place of any regular meeting, stating the time and place of such
meeting, which shall be mailed not less than two days before the time of
holding such meeting.
Section 9. In the event of the death, resignation, removal, inability
to act, or disqualification of any director, the Board of Directors,
although less than a quorum, shall have the right to elect the successor
who shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of
directors in which the vacancy occurred, and until such director's
successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.
Section 10. The Board of Directors at its first meeting after its
election by the stockholders shall appoint an Executive Committee, a Trust
Committee, an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee, and shall elect
from its own members a Chairman of the Board of Directors and a President
who may be the same person. The Board of Directors shall also elect at such
meeting a Secretary and a Treasurer, who may be the same person, may
appoint at any time such other committees and elect or appoint such other
officers as it may deem advisable. The Board of Directors may also elect at
such meeting one or more Associate Directors.
Section 11. The Board of Directors may at any time remove, with or
without cause, any member of any Committee appointed by it or any associate
director or officer elected by it and may appoint or elect his successor.
Section 12. The Board of Directors may designate an officer to be in
charge of such of the departments or divisions of the Company as it may
deem advisable.
<PAGE> 19
ARTICLE III
COMMITTEES
Section 1. Executive Committee
(A) The Executive Committee shall be composed of not more
than nine members who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its own
members and who shall hold office during the pleasure of the Board.
(B) The Executive Committee shall have all the powers of
the Board of Directors when it is not in session to transact all business for
and in behalf of the Company that may be brought before it.
(C) The Executive Committee shall meet at the principal
office of the Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to be
determined by a majority of its members, or at the call of the Chairman of the
Executive Committee or at the call of the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
The majority of its members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business. Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be held
at any time when a quorum is present.
(D) Minutes of each meeting of the Executive Committee
shall be kept and submitted to the Board of Directors at its next meeting.
(E) The Executive Committee shall advise and superintend
all investments that may be made of the funds of the Company, and shall direct
the disposal of the same, in accordance with such rules and regulations as the
Board of Directors from time to time make.
(F) In the event of a state of disaster of sufficient
severity to prevent the conduct and management of the affairs and business of
the Company by its directors and officers as contemplated by these By-Laws any
two available members of the Executive Committee as constituted immediately
prior to such disaster shall constitute a quorum of that Committee for the full
conduct and management of the affairs and business of the Company in accordance
with the provisions of Article III of these By-Laws; and if less than three
members of the Trust Committee is constituted immediately prior to such disaster
shall be available for the transaction of its business, such Executive Committee
shall also be empowered to exercise all of the powers reserved to the Trust
Committee under Article III Section 2 hereof. In the event of the
unavailability, at such time, of a minimum of two members of such Executive
Committee, any three available directors shall constitute the Executive
Committee for the full conduct and management of the affairs and business of the
Company in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section. This By-Law
shall be subject to implementation by Resolutions of the Board of Directors
presently existing or hereafter passed from time to time for that purpose, and
<PAGE> 20
any provisions of these By-Laws (other than this Section) and any resolutions
which are contrary to the provisions of this Section or to the provisions of any
such implementary Resolutions shall be suspended during such a disaster period
until it shall be determined by any interim Executive Committee acting under
this section that it shall be to the advantage of the Company to resume the
conduct and management of its affairs and business under all of the other
provisions of these By-Laws.
Section 2. Audit Committee
(A) The Audit Committee shall be composed of five members
who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its own members, none of
whom shall be an officer of the Company, and shall hold office at the pleasure
of the Board.
(B) The Audit Committee shall have general supervision over
the Audit Division in all matters however subject to the approval of the Board
of Directors; it shall consider all matters brought to its attention by the
officer in charge of the Audit Division, review all reports of examination of
the Company made by any governmental agency or such independent auditor employed
for that purpose, and make such recommendations to the Board of Directors with
respect thereto or with respect to any other matters pertaining to auditing the
Company as it shall deem desirable.
(C) The Audit Committee shall meet whenever and wherever
the majority of its members shall deem it to be proper for the transaction of
its business, and a majority of its Committee shall constitute a quorum.
Section 3. Compensation Committee
(A) The Compensation Committee shall be composed of not
more than five (5) members who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from
its own members who are not officers of the Company and who shall hold office
during the pleasure of the Board.
(B) The Compensation Committee shall in general advise upon
all matters of policy concerning the Company brought to its attention by the
management and from time to time review the management of the Company, major
organizational matters, including salaries and employee benefits and
specifically shall administer the Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.
(C) Meetings of the Compensation Committee may be called at
any time by the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, the Chairman of the
Board of Directors, or the President of the Company.
<PAGE> 21
Section 4. Associate Directors
(A) Any person who has served as a director may be
elected by the Board of Directors as an associate director, to serve during the
pleasure of the Board.
(B) An associate director shall be entitled to attend all
directors meetings and participate in the discussion of all matters brought to
the Board, with the exception that he would have no right to vote. An associate
director will be eligible for appointment to Committees of the Company, with the
exception of the Executive Committee, Audit Committee and Compensation
Committee, which must be comprised solely of active directors.
Section 5. Absence or Disqualification of Any Member of a Committee
(A) In the absence or disqualification of any member of
any Committee created under Article III of the By-Laws of this Company, the
member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from
voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint
another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of
any such absent or disqualified member.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
Section 1. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall preside at
all meetings of the Board and shall have such further authority and powers and
shall perform such duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time confer
and direct. He shall also exercise such powers and perform such duties as may
from time to time be agreed upon between himself and the President of the
Company.
Section 2. The Vice Chairman of the Board. The Vice Chairman of the
Board of Directors shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors at
which the Chairman of the Board shall not be present and shall have such further
authority and powers and shall perform such duties as the Board of Directors or
the Chairman of the Board may from time to time confer and direct.
Section 3. The President shall have the powers and duties pertaining
to the office of the President conferred or imposed upon him by statute or
assigned to him by the Board of Directors. In the absence of the Chairman of the
Board the President shall have the powers and duties of the Chairman of the
Board.
Section 4. The Chairman of the Board of Directors or the President
as designated by the Board of Directors, shall carry into effect all legal
directions of the Executive Committee and
<PAGE> 22
of the Board of Directors, and shall at all times exercise general supervision
over the interest, affairs and operations of the Company and perform all duties
incident to his office.
Section 5. There may be one or more Vice Presidents, however
denominated by the Board of Directors, who may at any time perform all the
duties of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and/or the President and such
other powers and duties as may from time to time be assigned to them by the
Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, the Chairman of the Board or the
President and by the officer in charge of the department or division to which
they are assigned.
Section 6. The Secretary shall attend to the giving of notice of
meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors, as well as the
Committees thereof, to the keeping of accurate minutes of all such meetings and
to recording the same in the minute books of the Company. In addition to the
other notice requirements of these By-Laws and as may be practicable under the
circumstances, all such notices shall be in writing and mailed well in advance
of the scheduled date of any other meeting. He shall have custody of the
corporate seal and shall affix the same to any documents requiring such
corporate seal and to attest the same.
Section 7. The Treasurer shall have general supervision over all
assets and liabilities of the Company. He shall be custodian of and responsible
for all monies, funds and valuables of the Company and for the keeping of proper
records of the evidence of property or indebtedness and of all the transactions
of the Company. He shall have general supervision of the expenditures of the
Company and shall report to the Board of Directors at each regular meeting of
the condition of the Company, and perform such other duties as may be assigned
to him from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Executive Committee.
Section 8. There may be a Controller who shall exercise general
supervision over the internal operations of the Company, including accounting,
and shall render to the Board of Directors at appropriate times a report
relating to the general condition and internal operations of the Company.
There may be one or more subordinate accounting or controller
officers however denominated, who may perform the duties of the Controller and
such duties as may be prescribed by the Controller.
Section 9. The officer designated by the Board of Directors to be in
charge of the Audit Division of the Company with such title as the Board of
Directors shall prescribe, shall report to and be directly responsible only to
the Board of Directors.
There shall be an Auditor and there may be one or more Audit
Officers, however denominated, who may perform all the duties of the Auditor and
such duties as may be prescribed by the officer in charge of the Audit Division.
<PAGE> 23
Section 10. There may be one or more officers, subordinate in rank
to all Vice Presidents with such functional titles as shall be determined from
time to time by the Board of Directors, who shall ex officio hold the office
Assistant Secretary of this Company and who may perform such duties as may be
prescribed by the officer in charge of the department or division to whom they
are assigned.
Section 11. The powers and duties of all other officers of the
Company shall be those usually pertaining to their respective offices, subject
to the direction of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, Chairman of
the Board of Directors or the President and the officer in charge of the
department or division to which they are assigned.
ARTICLE V
STOCK AND STOCK CERTIFICATES
Section 1. Shares of stock shall be transferrable on the books of
the Company and a transfer book shall be kept in which all transfers of stock
shall be recorded.
Section 2. Certificates of stock shall bear the signature of the
President or any Vice President, however denominated by the Board of Directors
and countersigned by the Secretary or Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary, and
the seal of the corporation shall be engraved thereon. Each certificate shall
recite that the stock represented thereby is transferrable only upon the books
of the Company by the holder thereof or his attorney, upon surrender of the
certificate properly endorsed. Any certificate of stock surrendered to the
Company shall be cancelled at the time of transfer, and before a new certificate
or certificates shall be issued in lieu thereof. Duplicate certificates of stock
shall be issued only upon giving such security as may be satisfactory to the
Board of Directors or the Executive Committee.
Section 3. The Board of Directors of the Company is authorized to
fix in advance a record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled
to notice of, and to vote at, any meeting of stockholders and any adjournment
thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or to any allotment or
rights, or to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or
exchange of capital stock, or in connection with obtaining the consent of
stockholders for any purpose, which record date shall not be more than 60 nor
less than 10 days proceeding the date of any meeting of stockholders or the date
for the payment of any dividend, or the date for the allotment of rights, or the
date when any change or conversion or exchange of capital stock shall go into
effect, or a date in connection with obtaining such consent.
ARTICLE VI
SEAL
<PAGE> 24
Section 1. The corporate seal of the Company shall be in the
following form:
Between two concentric circles the words
"Wilmington Trust Company" within the inner circle
the words "Wilmington, Delaware."
ARTICLE VII
FISCAL YEAR
Section 1. The fiscal year of the Company shall be the calendar
year.
ARTICLE VIII
EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS OF THE COMPANY
Section 1. The Chairman of the Board, the President or any Vice
President, however denominated by the Board of Directors, shall have full power
and authority to enter into, make, sign, execute, acknowledge and/or deliver and
the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary shall have full power and authority to
attest and affix the corporate seal of the Company to any and all deeds,
conveyances, assignments, releases, contracts, agreements, bonds, notes,
mortgages and all other instruments incident to the business of this Company or
in acting as executor, administrator, guardian, trustee, agent or in any other
fiduciary or representative capacity by any and every method of appointment or
by whatever person, corporation, court officer or authority in the State of
Delaware, or elsewhere, without any specific authority, ratification, approval
or confirmation by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee, and any
and all such instruments shall have the same force and validity as though
expressly authorized by the Board of Directors and/or the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE IX
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND MEMBERS OF COMMITTEES
Section 1. Directors and associate directors of the Company, other
than salaried officers of the Company, shall be paid such reasonable honoraria
or fees for attending meetings of the Board of Directors as the Board of
Directors may from time to time determine. Directors and associate directors who
serve as members of committees, other than salaried employees of the Company,
shall be paid such reasonable honoraria or fees for services as members of
committees as the Board of Directors shall from time to time determine and
directors and associate directors may be employed by the Company for such
special services as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine and
shall be paid for such special services so performed reasonable compensation as
may be determined by the Board of Directors.
<PAGE> 25
ARTICLE X
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. (A) The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to
the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may
hereafter be amended, any person who was or is made or is threatened to be made
a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a "proceeding") by reason of
the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the legal representative, is or was
a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving
at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or
agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust,
enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with respect to employee
benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses reasonably
incurred by such person. The Corporation shall indemnify a person in connection
with a proceeding initiated by such person only if the proceeding was authorized
by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
(B) The Corporation shall pay the expenses incurred in
defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided, however,
that the payment of expenses incurred by a Director or officer in his capacity
as a Director or officer in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding
shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the Director or officer to
repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the
Director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article or
otherwise.
(C) If a claim for indemnification or payment of
expenses, under this Article X is not paid in full within ninety days after a
written claim therefor has been received by the Corporation the claimant may
file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole
or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim.
In any such action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the
claimant was not entitled to the requested indemnification of payment of
expenses under applicable law.
(D) The rights conferred on any person by this Article X
shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such person may have or
hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Charter or Act of
Incorporation, these By-Laws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
Directors or otherwise.
(E) Any repeal or modification of the foregoing
provisions of this Article X shall not adversely affect any right or protection
hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the
time of such repeal or modification.
ARTICLE XI
AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS
<PAGE> 26
Section 1. These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed, in
whole or in part, and any new By-Law or By-Laws adopted at any regular or
special meeting of the Board of Directors by a vote of the majority of all the
members of the Board of Directors then in office.
<PAGE> 27
EXHIBIT C
SECTION 321(B) CONSENT
Pursuant to Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, Wilmington Trust Company hereby consents that reports of examinations
by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such
authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon requests therefor.
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
Dated: By: /s/ Donaldson G. Mackelcan
---------------------- ------------------------------
Name: Donald G. MacKelcan
Title: Vice President
<PAGE> 28
EXHIBIT D
NOTICE
This form is intended to assist state nonmember banks and savings
banks with state publication requirements. It has not been
approved by any state banking authorities. Refer to your
appropriate state banking authorities for your state publication
requirements.
R E P O R T O F C O N D I T I O N
Consolidating domestic subsidiaries of the
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY of WILMINGTON
- ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Name of Bank City
in the State of DELAWARE , at the close of business on December 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
Thousands of dollars
<S> <C>
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coins........................213,700
Interest-bearing balances......................................... 0
Held-to-maturity securities................................................................................. 30,232
Available-for-sale securities.............................................................................1,628,889
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell......................................390,650
Loans and lease financing receivables:
Loans and leases, net of unearned income. . . . . . . 4,374,777
LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses. . . . . . 71,368
LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve. . . . . . . 0
Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and reserve...............4,303,409
Assets held in trading accounts...................................................................................0
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)....................................................122,273
Other real estate owned...................................................................................... 576
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 29
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies...........................................1,511
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding......................................................0
Intangible assets............................................................................................ 5,100
Other assets................................................................................................133,449
Total assets..............................................................................................6,829,789
</TABLE>
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
<PAGE> 30
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
In domestic offices.......................................................................................5,186,079
Noninterest-bearing . . . . . . . . 986,667
Interest-bearing. . . . . . . . . . 4,199,412
Federal funds purchased and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase................................. 269,343
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury.....................................................................95,000
Trading liabilities (from Schedule RC-D)..........................................................................0
Other borrowed money:.......................................................................................///////
With original maturity of one year or less.............................670,000
With original maturity of more than one year.............................43,000
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding..........................................................0
Subordinated notes and debentures.................................................................................0
Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G).................................................................... 151,436
Total liabilities.........................................................................................6,414,858
EQUITY CAPITAL
Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus.....................................................................0
Common Stock....................................................................................................500
Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).....................................................62,118
Undivided profits and capital reserves......................................................................386,485
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities.....................................(34,172)
Total equity capital........................................................................................414,931
Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity capital.......................................6,829,789
</TABLE>
