<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 22, 1998
REGISTRATION NO. 33-64293
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
__________________
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
__________________
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 6749 36-2669023
(State or other (Primary Standard (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction of Industrial Identification Number)
incorporation or Classification Code
organization) Number)
30 NORTH LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60602
(312) 630-1900
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
______________________
LEROY T. CARLSON, CHAIRMAN WITH A COPY TO:
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC. WILBUR C. DELP, JR., SIDLEY & AUSTIN
30 NORTH LASALLE STREET ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60602 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60603
(312) 630-1900 (312) 853-7000
(Names, addresses, including zip codes, and telephone numbers,
including area code, of agents for service)
______________________
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
FROM TIME TO TIME AFTER THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.
______________________
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, check the following box. /x/
If the securities being registered on this form are to be offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, 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, 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(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier registration statement for the same
offering. / /
<PAGE>
______________________
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Amount of Proposed Maximum Proposed Maximum
Title of Each Class of Securities to Offering Price Aggregate Amount of
Securities to Be Registered Be Registered(1) Per Unit Offering Price Registration Fee
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Shares 2,750,000 (2) (2) (2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) This Registration Statement also covers (i) contracts which may be issued
by the Registrant in connection with the issuance of the shares registered
above and (ii) such indeterminate amount of securities as may be issued
pursuant to anti-dilution provisions of such contracts or in exchange for,
or upon conversion of, the securities registered hereunder.
(2) The registration fee was paid previously at the time of the filing of
Registration Statement No. 33-64293.
______________________
The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant 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.
<PAGE>
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 by Telephone and Data Systems,
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("TDS Delaware") to the Registration Statement on
Form S-4 (Registration No. 33-64293) of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., an
Iowa corporation ("TDS Iowa"), relates to its Common Shares previously
registered for issuance in connection with acquisitions. Pursuant to Rule 414
promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), TDS
Delaware hereby adopts Registration Statement No. 33-64293 as its own for all
purposes under the 1933 Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "1934 Act"), as a result of the transaction described below.
Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"),
dated as of March 6, 1998, between TDS Iowa and TDS Delaware, which had been a
wholly-owned subsidiary of TDS Iowa, TDS Iowa merged with and into TDS Delaware,
with TDS Delaware as the surviving corporation (the "Reincorporation Merger").
In the Reincorporation Merger, each Common Share, $1.00 par value, of TDS Iowa
issued immediately prior to the Reincorporation Merger was automatically
converted into one issued and fully paid and nonassessable Common Share, $.01
par value, of TDS Delaware, each Series A Common Share, $1.00 par value, of TDS
Iowa issued immediately prior to the Reincorporation Merger was automatically
converted into one issued and fully paid and nonassessable Series A Common
Share, $.01 par value, of TDS Delaware, and each Preferred Share, without par
value, of TDS Iowa issued immediately prior to the Reincorporation Merger was
automatically converted into one issued and fully paid and nonassessable
Preferred Share, $.01 par value, of the same series of TDS Delaware.
The Reincorporation Merger and related transactions are described in
the Proxy Statement of TDS Iowa and Prospectus of TDS Delaware, dated March 24,
1998, which is incorporated by reference herein. TDS Iowa and its successor TDS
Delaware are herein referred to as "TDS," the "Company" or the "Registrant."
<PAGE>
PRELIMINARY, SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
DATED MAY 22, 1998
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY
NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN
OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
PROSPECTUS [LOGO]
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
2,750,000 COMMON SHARES ($.01 PAR VALUE)
We may use this Prospectus to offer and sell Common Shares, $.01 par
value (the "Common Shares"), of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("TDS" or the "Company"), in connection with acquisitions by TDS
or its subsidiaries. Such shares may be issued in exchange for the shares of
capital stock, partnership interests or other assets representing an
interest, direct or indirect, in other companies or other entities, in
exchange for assets used in or related to the business of such entities or
otherwise pursuant to agreements related to such acquisitions, including
collateral agreements, such as employment agreements, consulting agreements
and non-competition agreements, as well as an additional number of securities
which may be issuable upon conversion or exchange of any securities covered
by this Prospectus. The terms of such acquisitions and of the issuance of
TDS shares under acquisition agreements will generally be determined by
direct negotiations with the owners of the business or assets to be acquired
or, in the case of entities which are more widely held, through exchange
offers to stockholders or documents soliciting the approval of statutory
mergers, consolidations or sales of assets. Underwriting discounts or
commissions will generally not be paid by TDS. However, under some
circumstances, the Company may issue securities covered by this Prospectus to
pay brokers' commissions or similar fees incurred in connection with
acquisitions.
This Prospectus, as amended or supplemented if appropriate, may also be
used by the persons who have or will receive shares issued by TDS in
acquisitions, including shares sold hereunder and securities received upon
conversion of other equity securities of TDS or received upon exercise of rights
to exchange equity securities of TDS subsidiaries issued in acquisitions, and
who wish to offer and sell such shares, on terms then obtainable, in
transactions in which they may be deemed underwriters within the meaning of the
Securities Act of 1933. Any profits realized on such sales by such persons may
be regarded as underwriting compensation under the Securities Act of 1933.
The Common Shares are traded on the American Stock Exchange under the
symbol "TDS." The Company's Common Shares have less voting power than its
Series A Common Shares. The Series A Common Shares, which have effective
control of the Company, are not being offered by this Prospectus.
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 4 FOR CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE
CONSIDERED BY YOU BEFORE YOU INVEST IN THESE SECURITIES.
______________________
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR HAS PASSED UPON
THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
______________________
The date of this Prospectus is ____________, 1998.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Risk Factors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Use of Proceeds/Plan of Distribution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Legal Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Where You Can Find More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 SAFE HARBOR CAUTIONARY
STATEMENT
THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN CONTAIN
"FORWARD-LOOKING" STATEMENTS, AS DEFINED IN THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION
REFORM ACT OF 1995, THAT ARE BASED ON CURRENT EXPECTATIONS, ESTIMATES AND
PROJECTIONS. STATEMENTS THAT ARE NOT HISTORICAL FACTS, INCLUDING STATEMENTS
ABOUT THE COMPANY'S BELIEFS AND EXPECTATIONS, ARE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.
THESE STATEMENTS CONTAIN POTENTIAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES AND, THEREFORE,
ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY. THE COMPANY UNDERTAKES NO OBLIGATION TO
UPDATE PUBLICLY ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHETHER AS A RESULT OF NEW
INFORMATION, FUTURE EVENTS OR OTHERWISE.
IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT THESE PROJECTIONS OR EXPECTATIONS
INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: CHANGES IN THE OVERALL ECONOMY; CHANGES IN
COMPETITION IN MARKETS IN WHICH THE COMPANY OPERATES; ADVANCES IN
TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY; CHANGES IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY
ENVIRONMENT; PENDING AND FUTURE LITIGATION; AVAILABILITY OF FUTURE FINANCING;
START-UP OF PCS OPERATIONS; AND UNANTICIPATED CHANGES IN GROWTH IN CELLULAR
CUSTOMERS, PENETRATION RATES, CHURN RATES AND THE MIX OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
OFFERED IN THE COMPANY'S MARKETS. SEE ALSO "RISK FACTORS." READERS SHOULD
EVALUATE ANY STATEMENTS IN LIGHT OF THESE IMPORTANT FACTORS.
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SUMMARY
THIS SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS SELECTED INFORMATION FROM THIS DOCUMENT AND DOES
NOT CONTAIN ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU. YOU SHOULD
CAREFULLY READ THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT AND THE DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
IN THIS DOCUMENT. SEE "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION."
THE COMPANY
TDS is a diversified telecommunications service company with cellular telephone,
local telephone and developing personal communications services (PCS)
operations. The Company's business development strategy is to expand its
existing operations through internal growth and acquisitions and to explore and
develop other telecommunications businesses that management believes will
utilize the Company's expertise in customer-based telecommunications services.
TRACKING GROUP CAPITAL STRUCTURE
The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation establishes three tracking
groups, each of which is represented by a different class of common stock, and
one residual group, the TDS Group, which is represented by the Series A Common
Shares and Common Shares of the Company.
THE TDS GROUP
The Common Shares are intended to reflect the TDS Group's interest in TDS's
three tracking groups as well as the performance of all other interests held by
the TDS Group and the effects of certain corporate operations performed by the
TDS Group. Until such time as there are any issued and outstanding United
States Cellular Group Shares, TDS Telecommunication Group Shares and Aerial
Communications Group Shares, all of the Company's equity interest in the United
States Cellular Group, the TDS Telecommunications Group and the Aerial
Communications Group, respectively, will be deemed to be held by the TDS Group.
THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER
We may offer up to 2,750,000 Common Shares of the Company.
PURPOSE OF OFFERING
The Common Shares are being offered in connection with acquisitions by TDS or
its subsidiaries.
MARKET FOR SECURITIES
The Common Shares are listed on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol
"TDS."
RESALE OF SECURITIES
This Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, may also be used by persons who
have or will receive TDS Common Shares in connection with acquisitions and who
wish to offer and sell such shares.
RISK FACTORS
An investment in the Common Shares involves certain risks. See "Risk Factors"
immediately following this summary.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
This Prospectus "incorporates by reference" certain information about the
Company and the TDS Group from the Company's filings with the SEC. See "Where
You Can Find More Information" about how to obtain copies of such filings.
ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE
The address of TDS is 30 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603; and its
telephone number is (312) 630-1900.
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RISK FACTORS
AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON SHARES OFFERED HEREBY INVOLVES CERTAIN
RISKS. ACCORDINGLY, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING FACTORS,
TOGETHER WITH THE OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN
THIS PROSPECTUS, BEFORE PURCHASING THE COMMON SHARES OFFERED HEREBY. THIS
PROSPECTUS INCLUDES OR INCORPORATES CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT
INVOLVE RISK AND UNCERTAINTY. ACTUAL RESULTS AND THE TIMING OF CERTAIN
EVENTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE PROJECTED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS AS A RESULT OF THE RISK FACTORS SET FORTH BELOW AND OTHER FACTORS
DISCUSSED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS. SEE "PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION
REFORM ACT OF 1995 SAFE HARBOR CAUTIONARY STATEMENT." CAPITALIZED TERMS USED
BUT NOT DEFINED IN THIS SECTION ARE USED AS DEFINED ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS.
RISK OF ADVERSE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUSINESS OF TDS
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
The Company and its business units are subject to extensive federal and
state regulation. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "1996 Act")
mandates significant changes in existing regulation of the telecommunications
industry to promote competitive development of new service offerings, to
expand public availability of telecommunications services and to streamline
regulation of the industry. TDS cannot predict the manner in which all
aspects of the 1996 Act will be implemented by the Federal Communications
Commission ("FCC") and by state regulators or the impact that such
implementation and regulation will have on its businesses. The
implementation of these mandates by the FCC and state authorities potentially
involves numerous changes in established rules and policies which could
adversely affect the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
In particular, TDS Telecom may be adversely affected by reduced allowable
rates of return, reduced access charges, reduced payments from the universal
service fund and increased competition.
COMPETITION AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES
The 1996 Act was intended to promote competition in the
telecommunications industry as a national policy. The Company expects that
competition will increase with existing competitors and with other
communications technologies that now exist, such as specialized mobile radio,
enhanced specialized mobile radio, global satellite networks and cable
systems. In addition, the Company may face competition from technologies
that may be introduced in the future.
All of such competition is expected to be intense. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to compete successfully in this
environment or that new technologies and products that are more commercially
effective than the Company's technologies and products will not be developed.
In addition, many of the Company's competitors have substantially greater
financial, technical, marketing, sales and distribution resources than those
of the Company and have significantly greater experience than the Company in
testing new or improved telecommunications products and services and
obtaining regulatory approvals.
RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES
The telecommunications industry has experienced and is expected to
continue to experience rapid and significant changes in technology.
Alternative technologies may develop for the provision of services to
customers which may render certain technologies used by the Company
unprofitable or obsolete. There can be no assurance that technological
developments will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
UNCERTAINTY OF FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS AND CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS
Although U.S. Cellular and TDS Telecom are currently profitable and have
positive cash flow, on a consolidated basis the Company has recently
experienced net losses and/or operating losses due primarily to large
start-up losses at Aerial. The Company expects Aerial to continue to incur
significant operating losses and net losses, and to generate negative cash
flow from operating activities during the next few years, while Aerial
continues to develop and construct its PCS networks and build a PCS customer
base. There can be no assurance that Aerial will achieve or sustain
profitability or positive cash
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flow from operating activities in the future. If Aerial cannot achieve
operating profitability or positive cash flow from operating activities, it
may not be able to meet its debt service or working capital requirements,
which would have a material adverse effect on the Company and its Common
Shares.
Changes in any of several other factors could further reduce the
Company's growth and profitability. These factors include, but are not
limited to: (i) the growth rate in the Company's customer base; (ii) the
usage and pricing of services; (iii) the churn rate; (iv) the cost of
providing services, including the cost of attracting new customers; (v) the
introduction of competition from new competitors or from emerging
technologies; and (vi) continuing technological advances which may provide
additional competitive alternatives to the Company's services.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
TDS and its subsidiaries operate relatively capital-intensive
businesses. Rapid growth has caused expenditures for construction, expansion
and acquisition programs to exceed internally generated cash flow.
Accordingly, TDS has obtained substantial funds from external sources to
finance the build-out of PCS markets, to fund acquisitions and for general
corporate purposes. Although increasing internal cash flow from U.S.
Cellular and steady internal cash flow from TDS Telecom have reduced the need
for external financing, Aerial's development and construction activities will
require substantial additional funds from external sources.
There can be no assurance that sufficient funds will continue to be
available to the Company or its subsidiaries on terms or at prices acceptable
to the Company. If sufficient funding is not available to the Company or its
subsidiaries on terms and prices acceptable to the Company, the Company or
its subsidiaries may be required to reduce their construction, development
and acquisition programs. In the long term, reduction of the Company's
construction, development and acquisition programs would have a negative
impact on the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to increase their
consolidated revenues, income and cash flows.
VALUE OF FCC LICENSES
A large portion of the Company's assets consist of intangible assets in
the form of investments in licenses. In many cases the transfer of such
interests is restricted and subject to prior FCC or state regulatory
approval. In some cases the transfer of TDS's interests is subject to rights
of first refusal. The Company's cellular and PCS licenses are granted by the
FCC for ten-year terms and there is no assurance that licenses will be
renewed. In addition, the future value of all cellular interests will depend
significantly upon the success of the Company's business. While there is a
current market for cellular licenses, such a market may not exist in the
future or the values obtainable may be significantly lower than at present.
In addition, the value of licenses may be affected by the level of supply and
demand for such licenses and therefore awards of additional licenses to new
competitors or for competitive technologies may adversely affect the value of
the Company's licenses.
RISKS OF EXPANSION AND ENTRY INTO NEW BUSINESSES
The Company believes that a portion of its future growth may come from
the development of new technologies and expansion into new markets. TDS is
currently expanding into other related telecommunications businesses, such as
providing data and Internet services, and entering into new markets as a
Competitive Local Exchange Carrier. Such new business development requires
significant expenditures, a substantial portion of which must be made before
any revenues will be realized. Such capital expenditures are expected to
increase as TDS decides to pursue opportunities created by the accelerated
pace of regulatory changes designed to increase competition. These
expenditures, together with the associated high initial service costs of
providing service in new markets, may result in negative cash flow and
operating losses from new businesses until an adequate revenue base is
established. There can be no assurance that an adequate revenue base will be
established in any new technology or market which the Company pursues.
As the Company expands into new telecommunications businesses, it will
incur certain additional risks in connection with such expansion, including
increased legal and regulatory risks, and possible adverse reaction by some
of its current customers. Such telecommunications businesses and markets are
highly competitive and, as a new entrant, the Company may be disadvantaged.
The success of TDS's entry into new telecommunications businesses will be
dependent upon, among other things, TDS's ability to select new equipment and
software and to integrate the new equipment and
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software into its networks, to hire and train qualified personnel and to
enhance its billing, back-office and information systems to accommodate new
services. No assurance can be given that TDS will be successful with respect
to these telecommunications businesses. If TDS is not successful with
respect to these matters, there may be a material adverse effect on TDS's
businesses. In addition, demand and market acceptance for these new products
and services are subject to a high level of uncertainty.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH POSSIBLE ACQUISITIONS
The Company expects that a portion of its future growth may come from
acquisitions. The acquisition of additional businesses will depend on TDS's
ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates, to negotiate acceptable
terms for their acquisition and to finance any such acquisitions. TDS will
also be subject to competition for suitable acquisition candidates. Any
acquisitions, if made, could divert the resources and management time of TDS
and would require integration with TDS's existing networks and services. As
a result, there can be no assurance that any such acquisitions will occur or
that any such acquisitions, if made, would be made in a timely manner or on
terms favorable to TDS or would be successfully integrated into TDS's
operations.
RADIO FREQUENCY EMISSION CONCERNS
Media reports have suggested that certain radio frequency ("RF")
emissions from portable cellular telephones might be linked to cancer. The
Company is not aware of any authoritative evidence linking the usage of
portable cellular telephones with cancer. Concerns over RF emissions may
have the effect of discouraging the use of cellular telephones and other
wireless communications devices, such as those used by PCS services, which
could have an adverse effect upon the Company's financial condition and
results of operations. The FCC currently has a rulemaking proceeding pending
to update the guidelines and methods it uses for evaluating RF emissions in
radio equipment, including cellular telephones. While the proposal would
impose more restrictive standards on RF emissions from low-power devices such
as portable cellular telephones, it is anticipated that all cellular and PCS
telephones currently marketed and in use will comply with those standards.
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
TDS's businesses are managed by a relatively small number of senior
management and operating personnel and the Company is highly dependent upon
the technical and management skills of its key employees. The loss of the
services of any key employee could adversely affect TDS's financial condition
and results of operations. There can be no assurance that the Company will
be successful in retaining its key employees or that it can attract or retain
additional skilled personnel.
YEAR 2000 RISK
TDS has implemented a Year 2000 program to ensure that its computer
systems and applications will function properly beyond 1999. TDS believes
that it has allocated adequate resources for this purpose and expects its
Year 2000 date conversion program to be successfully completed on a timely
basis. There can, however, be no assurance that this will be the case. TDS
does not expect to incur significant expenditures to address this issue. The
ability of third parties with whom TDS transacts business to adequately
address their Year 2000 issues is outside of TDS's control. There can be no
assurance that the failure of TDS or such third parties adequately to address
their respective Year 2000 issues will not have a material adverse effect on
TDS's business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
RISKS RELATED TO CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND THE COMMON SHARES
SHAREHOLDERS OF ONE COMPANY; FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF OTHER GROUPS COULD ADVERSELY
AFFECT THE TELECOM GROUP
Notwithstanding the attribution of assets and liabilities (including
contingent liabilities) and shareholders' equity among the Groups for the
purpose of preparing their respective financial statements, such attribution
in the capital structure of the Company does not affect legal title to such
assets or responsibility for such liabilities of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries. Financial impacts arising from the Telecom Group, the Cellular
Group or the Aerial Group that affect the consolidated results of operations
or financial position of the Company could affect the results of operations
or financial position of the TDS Group. Moreover, any net losses of the
Telecom Group, the Cellular Group or the Aerial Group, and
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any distributions on, or repurchases of, any shares of capital stock will
reduce the funds of the Company legally available for the payment of
dividends on the Common Shares. Accordingly, the TDS Group financial
information should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated
financial information.
Important factors that may have a material adverse effect on the TDS
Group and the TDS Group's interests in the Telecom Group, Cellular Group
and/or Aerial Group include, but are not limited to: changes in the overall
economy; changes in competition in markets in which the Telecom Group,
Cellular Group and/or the Aerial Group operate; advances in
telecommunications technology; changes in the telecommunications regulatory
environment; pending and future litigation; availability of future financing;
and unanticipated negative changes in growth in customers, penetration rates,
churn rates or the mix of products and services offered in their respective
markets.
LIMITED SEPARATE SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
Holders of Common Shares do not have any legal rights specifically
related to the assets attributed to the TDS Group except as provided by the
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the "Restated
Certificate"). Holders of Common Shares will be common shareholders of the
Company, and will continue to be subject to all the risks associated with an
investment in the Company and all of its businesses and liabilities. The
Company and its subsidiaries will continue to be responsible for each of
their respective liabilities.
LIMITED VOTING RIGHTS; VARIABLE VOTING RIGHTS
Holders of Common Shares do not have the right to vote with respect to
the election of a majority of the directors, which are elected by the holders
of Series A Common Shares and certain series of Preferred Shares of the
Company. In addition, only the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the outstanding voting power of the Series A Common Shares, Common Shares
and series of Preferred Shares which have voting rights will be required to
amend the Restated Certificate, approve the sale of substantially all of the
assets of TDS, approve the dissolution of TDS or approve any other matter
required to be voted on by shareholders, except as required under the
Restated Certificate or the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL").
When a vote is taken on any matter as to which all stock is voting
together as one group, any one or more classes entitled to more than the
number of votes required to approve such matter will be in a position to
control the outcome of the vote on such matter. Currently, the TDS voting
trust controls a majority of the voting power of the Company. Certain
matters on which holders of common stock would vote together as a single
class could involve a divergence or the appearance of a divergence of the
interests between the holders of classes of common stock.
The relative voting power of the Common Shares in the election of
certain directors will fluctuate from time to time, based upon the relative
market capitalization of the Common Shares to the average market
capitalization of all classes of stock voting in the election of such
directors.
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POTENTIAL DIVERGENCE OF INTERESTS; NO SPECIFIC PROCEDURES FOR RESOLUTION
Occasions may arise when the interests of the holders of the Common
Shares and the holders of the Tracking Stocks may diverge or appear to
diverge. Examples include, among others, determinations by the Board to (i)
redeem the shares of a class of Tracking Stock, (ii) approve the disposition
of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of one of the
Tracking Groups, (iii) allocate consideration to be received by holders of
common stock in connection with a merger or consolidation involving the
Company among holders of different classes of common stock, (iv) allocate
resources and financial support to or pursue business opportunities or
operational strategies through one Group instead of one or more of the other
Groups, (v) if and to the extent there is either a retained interest
("Retained Interest") or an inter-Group interest ("Inter-Group Interest"),
allocate the proceeds of future issuances of the Tracking Stock as a
reduction (a) in a Retained Interest or Inter-Group Interest (as the case may
be) in the issuing Tracking Group or (b) to the equity of the issuing
Tracking Group, (vi) pay or omit dividends on any class of common stock or
(vii) approve transactions involving the transfer of funds or assets from one
Group to one or more of the other Groups or make other operational or
financial decisions with respect to one Group that could be considered to be
detrimental to one or more of the other Groups.
The Company has adopted procedures for consideration of matters
involving a divergence of interests among the holders of the Company's
different classes of common stock, however, these policies could be modified
or rescinded by the Board, in its sole discretion, without the approval of
shareholders, although there is no present intention to do so.
Disproportionate ownership interests of members of the Board in one or
more classes of common stock of the Company or disparate values of the
classes of common stock of the Company held by directors could create or
appear to create potential conflicts of interest when directors are faced
with decisions that could have different implications for different classes.
NO ASSURANCE OF PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS
Dividends on Common Shares are payable out of the lesser of assets of
the Company legally available therefor and the available dividend amount for
the TDS Group. Subject to the foregoing provisions, and notwithstanding the
available dividend amount for the TDS Group, the respective amounts of prior
dividends paid on, or liquidation rights of, any shares of common stock, or
any other factor, dividends may be declared and paid on the Common Shares,
the Series A Common Shares, any Special Common Shares that may be issued in
the future, the Telecom Group Shares, the Cellular Group Shares and/or the
Aerial Group Shares in equal or unequal amounts (with the exception that
dividends paid on Common Shares and any Special Common Shares that may be
issued in the future must always be the same per share and equal to or
greater than the per share dividend on the Series A Common Shares).
If any of the Groups incurs a net loss, the assets legally available for
payment of dividends on all classes of common stock would be reduced. In
addition, payment of dividends or distributions on any class of common stock
will decrease the amount of funds available under the limitations described
above for the payment of dividends on all classes of common stock.
ALLOCATION OF PROCEEDS UPON SUBSEQUENT ISSUANCES OF TRACKING STOCK
If and to the extent that, at the time of any subsequent issuance of
Tracking Stock, the TDS Group has a Retained Interest in such Tracking Group,
the Board would determine the allocation of the net proceeds of such issuance
among the TDS Group and the Tracking Group. Any such allocation of net
proceeds to the TDS Group would reduce the Retained Interest of the TDS Group
in the Tracking Group.
MANAGEMENT AND ALLOCATION POLICIES
The Board has adopted certain management and allocation policies with
respect to cash management, corporate expenses and inter-Group transactions,
any and all of which could be modified or rescinded by the Board, in its sole
discretion, without the approval of shareholders, although there is no
present intention to do so. The Board could also decide to modify or rescind
such policies, or to adopt additional policies, and any such decision could
have disparate effects upon holders of shares of any class or series of
common stock. The Board could also allocate resources and financial support
to or pursue business opportunities or operational strategies through one
Group instead of the other Groups. The decision to allocate resources and
financial support to one Group may adversely affect the ability of the other
Groups to obtain funds sufficient to implement their business strategies. In
making any such determination, the Board may also consider regulatory
requirements, including those imposed by the public utility commissions of
various states and the FCC.
TRANSFER OF FUNDS AMONG GROUPS; EQUITY CONTRIBUTIONS
To the extent cash needs of one Group exceed cash provided by such
Group, one of the other Groups may transfer funds to such other Group. There
are no specific criteria for determining when a transfer will be reflected as
a borrowing or as the creation of, or an increase or reduction in, a Retained
Interest or an Inter-Group Interest. Although the creation of or any
increase in a Retained Interest or an Inter-Group Interest resulting from an
equity contribution by the TDS Group or another Group to a Tracking Group (or
any decrease in such Retained Interest or Inter-Group Interest) would be
determined by reference to the market value of the Tracking Group shares as
of the date of such event, an increase (or decrease) could occur at a time
when the Tracking Group shares could be considered undervalued or overvalued.
ABSENCE OF APPROVAL RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO FUTURE ISSUANCES OF AUTHORIZED SHARES
The authorized but unissued Common Shares (as well as Series A Common
Shares and Special Common Shares) will be available for issuance from time to
time at the sole discretion of the Board for any proper corporate purpose. The
approval of the shareholders of the Company will not be sought by the Company
for the issuance of authorized but unissued shares of any class of capital stock
(or the reissuance of previously issued shares that have been reacquired by the
Company)
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or securities of the Company that are convertible into or exercisable or
exchangeable for such shares, unless deemed advisable by the Board or
required by applicable law, regulation or American Stock Exchange
requirements. The Company has no current plans to issue any material number
of Common Shares (or Series A Common Shares or Special Common Shares) except
as otherwise described or incorporated by reference herein.
CONTROL BY VOTING TRUST
A substantial majority of the outstanding Series A Common Shares are
held in a voting trust which expires on June 30, 2009 (herein referred to as
the "TDS Voting Trust"). The TDS Voting Trust was created to facilitate the
long-standing relationships among the trustees' certificate holders. By
virtue of the number of shares held by them, the voting trustees have the
power to elect approximately 75% (less one) of the directors, or eight
directors based on the current size of the Board, and control a majority of
the voting power of the Company with respect to matters other than the
election of directors.
ANTI-TAKEOVER CONSIDERATIONS
The existence of the TDS Voting Trust is likely to deter any potential
unsolicited or hostile takeover attempts or other efforts to obtain control
of the Company and may make it more difficult for shareholders to sell shares
of the Company at higher than market prices. The trustees of the TDS Voting
Trust have advised the Company that they intend to maintain the ability to
keep or dispose of voting control of TDS.
The Restated Certificate and the Company's Bylaws also contain
provisions which may serve to discourage or make more difficult a change in
control of the Company without the support of the Board or without meeting
various other conditions. In particular, the Restated Certificate includes a
provision which authorizes the Board to consider various factors, including
effects on customers, taxes, and the long-term and short-term interests of
the Company, in the context of a proposal or offer to acquire or merge the
corporation, or to sell its assets, and to reject such offer if the Board
determines that the proposal is not in the best interests of the corporation
based on such factors. The provisions of the Restated Certificate and the
Bylaws of the Company and the existence of the Tracking Stocks could, under
certain circumstances, prevent shareholders from profiting from an increase
in the market value of their shares as a result of a change in control of the
Company by delaying or preventing such change in control.
The Restated Certificate also authorizes the Board to designate and
issue Undesignated Shares in one or more classes or series of preferred or
common stock from time to time. Generally, no further action or
authorization by the shareholders is necessary prior to the designation or
issuance of the additional Undesignated Shares authorized pursuant to the
Restated Certificate unless applicable laws or regulations would require such
approval in a given instance. Such Undesignated Shares could be issued in
circumstances that would serve to preserve control of TDS's then existing
management.
The Restated Certificate divides the Board into three classes, with
staggered terms of office. Each year, one class is elected for a three-year
term. The classification of directors may have the effect of limiting or
deterring a proxy contest for the removal of incumbent directors.
The Company is not aware of any current intention of the TDS Voting
Trust to dispose of any significant amount of Series A Common Shares of the
Company or of any existing or planned effort on the part of any party to
accumulate material amounts of Common Shares or Series A Common Shares, or to
acquire control of TDS by means of a merger, tender offer, solicitation in
opposition to management or otherwise, or to change TDS's management.
YEAR 2000 RISK
The Company has implemented a Year 2000 program to ensure that its
computer systems and applications will function properly beyond 1999. The
Company believes that it has allocated adequate resources for this purpose
and expects its Year 2000 date conversion program to be successfully
completed on a timely basis. There can, however, be no assurance that this
will be the case. The Company does not expect to incur significant
expenditures to address this issue. The ability of third parties with whom
the Company transacts business to adequately address their Year 2000 issues
is outside of the Company's control. There can be no assurance that the
failure of the Company or such third parties adequately to address
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their respective Year 2000 issues will not have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition, cash flows and results of
operations.
THE COMPANY
TDS is a diversified telecommunications service company with cellular
telephone, local telephone and developing personal communications services
(PCS) operations. The Company's business development strategy is to expand
its existing operations through internal growth and acquisitions and to
explore and develop other telecommunications businesses that management
believes will utilize the Company's expertise in customer-based
telecommunications services.
The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation establishes three
tracking groups (the "Tracking Groups"), each of which would be represented
by a different class of common stock ("Tracking Stock"), and one residual
group (the "TDS Group"), which is represented by the Series A Common Shares
and Common Shares of the Company.
The United States Cellular Group Common Shares (the "Cellular Group
Shares"), when issued, are intended to reflect the separate performance of
the United States Cellular Group (the "Cellular Group"), which consists of
the Company's interest in United States Cellular Corporation, a subsidiary of
the Company operating and investing in cellular telephone companies and
properties ("U.S. Cellular").
The TDS Telecommunications Group Common Shares (the "Telecom Group
Shares"), when issued, are intended to reflect the separate performance of
the TDS Telecommunications Group (the "Telecom Group"), which consists of the
Company's interest in TDS Telecommunications Corporation, a subsidiary of the
Company operating landline telephone companies ("TDS Telecom"), and includes
the attribution of certain corporate debt.
The Aerial Communications Group Common Shares (the "Aerial Group
Shares"), when issued, are intended to reflect the separate performance of
the Aerial Communications Group (the "Aerial Group"), which consists of the
Company's interest in Aerial Communications, Inc., a subsidiary of the
Company providing broadband personal communications services ("Aerial").
Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"),
dated as of March 6, 1998, between Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., an Iowa
corporation ("TDS Iowa"), and the Company, which had been a wholly-owned
subsidiary of TDS Iowa, TDS Iowa merged with and into Company, with Company
as the surviving corporation (the "Reincorporation Merger"). In the
Reincorporation Merger, each Common Share, $1.00 par value, of TDS Iowa
issued immediately prior to the Reincorporation Merger was automatically
converted into one issued and fully paid and nonassessable Common Share, $.01
par value, of Company ("Common Shares"), each Series A Common Share, $1.00
par value, of TDS Iowa issued immediately prior to the Reincorporation Merger
was automatically converted into one issued and fully paid and nonassessable
Series A Common Share, $.01 par value, of Company ("Series A Common Shares"),
and each Preferred Share, without par value, of TDS Iowa issued immediately
prior to the Reincorporation Merger was automatically converted into one
issued and fully paid and nonassessable Preferred Share, $.01 par value, of
Company with the same rights, preferences and limitations as set forth in
the original certificate of designation for the series related to such
Preferred Share.
In connection with the Reincorporation Merger, the Company intends to
distribute (the "Distribution") one Cellular Group Share, two-thirds of a
Telecom Group Share and two-thirds of an Aerial Group Share with respect to
each outstanding Series A Common Share and Common Share. There can be no
assurance that the Distribution will be completed or that it will be
completed as currently contemplated.
Upon the completion of the Distribution as contemplated, the Series A
Common Shares and the Common Shares, and any issued Special Common Shares, par
value $.01 per share ("Special Common Shares"), of the Company would represent a
common equity interest in the TDS Group, which would have a Retained Interest of
approximately 20-25% of the common shareholders' equity value of the Company
attributable to each of the Cellular Group, the Telecom Group and the Aerial
Group. Accordingly, the Series A Common Shares, Common Shares and any issued
Special Common Shares (collectively, the "TDS Group Shares") of TDS Delaware are
intended to reflect the combined performance of the all of the Tracking Groups
of TDS. In addition, the Series A Common Shares and Common Shares are intended
to reflect the
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performance of all other interests held by the TDS Group and the effects of
certain corporate operations performed by the TDS Group. The TDS Group would
also include such other assets and liabilities of the Company as the Board
may in the future determine to attribute to the TDS Group and such other
businesses, assets and liabilities as the Company or any of its subsidiaries
may in the future acquire for the TDS Group, as determined by the Board.
Until such time as there are any issued and outstanding Cellular Group
Shares, Telecom Group Shares and Aerial Group Shares, all of the Company's
equity interest in the Cellular Group, the Telecom Group and the Aerial
Group, respectively, will be deemed to be held by the TDS Group.
The Company has attempted to reach an agreement with a special committee
of U.S. Cellular relating to the acquisition by TDS of the outstanding shares
of U.S. Cellular which TDS does not own in exchange for Cellular Group
Shares, and to reach an agreement with a special committee of Aerial relating
to the acquisition by TDS of the outstanding shares of Aerial which TDS does
not own in exchange for Aerial Group Shares. There can be no assurance that
TDS will be able to reach agreements relating to such transactions. If TDS
is unable to reach such agreements or otherwise acquire the publicly-held
shares of U.S. Cellular or Aerial, such shares would continue to remain
outstanding.
The Reincorporation Merger, the Distribution and related transactions
are described in the Proxy Statement of TDS Iowa and Prospectus of Company,
dated March 24, 1998, as supplemented, which is incorporated by reference
herein.
The Company is the successor to TDS Iowa. As noted above, in 1998, TDS
Iowa merged with and into the Company, with the Company surviving the merger.
The Company's corporate headquarters are located at 30 N. LaSalle, Suite
4000, Chicago, Illinois 60602, and its telephone number is (312) 630-1900.
Except where the context otherwise indicates, the term "Company" and "TDS"
include Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its
subsidiaries.
USE OF PROCEEDS/PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The securities of TDS which may be offered from time to time by this
Prospectus include up to 2,750,000 Common Shares, as well as an indeterminate
number of securities which may be issuable upon conversion or exchange of any
securities covered by this Prospectus. TDS proposes to issue such shares in
connection with acquisitions by TDS or its subsidiaries. The consideration
for any acquisition, including consideration issued under any collateral
arrangements such as employment agreements, consulting agreements or
non-competition agreements, may consist of cash, notes or other evidences of
debt, assumptions of liabilities, equity securities, or a combination
thereof, as determined from time to time by negotiations between TDS and the
owners of businesses or properties to be acquired. TDS intends to
concentrate its acquisitions in the telecommunications industry, with
primary emphasis on acquiring cellular interests and operating telephone
companies. If the opportunity arises, however, TDS will attempt to make
acquisitions which are either complementary to its present operations or
which it considers advantageous even though they may be dissimilar to its
present activities. In general, the terms of acquisitions will be determined
by direct negotiations between the representatives of TDS and the owners of
the businesses or properties to be acquired or, in the case of entities more
widely held, through exchange offers to stockholders or documents soliciting
approval of statutory mergers, consolidations or sales of assets.
Underwriting discounts or commissions will generally not be paid by TDS.
However, under some circumstances, the Company may issue Common Shares
covered by this Prospectus to pay brokers' commissions or similar fees
incurred in connection with acquisitions.
This Prospectus, as appropriately amended or supplemented, has also been
prepared for use by persons who receive shares issued by TDS in acquisitions,
including Common Shares received upon conversion or exchange of other equity
securities of TDS or its subsidiaries issued in acquisitions, and who wish to
offer and sell such shares, on terms then available, in transactions in which
they may be deemed affiliates or underwriters within the meaning of the
Securities Act of 1933 (such persons being referred to under this caption as
"Selling Shareholders"). Resales may be made pursuant to this Prospectus, as
amended or supplemented, pursuant to Rule 145(d) under the Securities Act of
1933, or pursuant to an exemption from such Act. Profits realized on resales
by Selling Shareholders under certain circumstances may be regarded as
underwriting compensation under the Securities Act of 1933.
Resales by Selling Shareholders may be made directly to investors or
through a securities firm acting as an underwriter, broker or dealer. When
resales are to be made through a securities firm, such securities firm may be
engaged
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<PAGE>
to act as the Selling Shareholder's agent in the sale of shares by such
Selling Shareholder, or such securities firm may purchase shares from the
Selling Shareholder as principal and thereafter resell such shares from time
to time. The fees earned by or paid to such securities firm may be the
normal stock exchange commission or negotiated commissions or underwriting
discounts to the extent permissible. In addition, such securities firm may
effect resales through other securities dealers, and customary commissions or
concessions to such other dealers may be allowed. Sales of shares may be at
negotiated prices, at fixed prices, at market prices or at prices related to
market prices then prevailing. Any such sales may be made on the American
Stock Exchange or other exchange on which such shares are traded, in the
over-the-counter market, by block trade, in special or other offerings,
directly to investors or through a securities firm acting as agent or
principal, or a combination of such methods. Any participating securities
firm may be indemnified against certain civil liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933. Any participating securities
firm may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities
Act of 1933, and any commissions earned by such firm may be deemed to be
underwriting discounts or commissions under such Act.
A Prospectus Supplement, if required, will be filed under Rule 424(b)
under the Securities Act of 1933, disclosing the name of the Selling
Shareholder, the participating securities firm, if any, the number of shares
involved, and other details of such resale, if appropriate.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters relating to the securities offered hereby will be
passed upon for TDS by Sidley & Austin, Chicago, Illinois. The Company is
controlled by a voting trust. Walter C.D. Carlson, a trustee and beneficiary
of the voting trust and a director of the Company and certain subsidiaries of
the Company, Michael G. Hron, the Secretary of the Company and certain
subsidiaries of the Company, William S. DeCarlo, the Assistant Secretary of
the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company, Stephen P. Fitzell, the
Secretary of certain subsidiaries of the Company, and Sherry S. Treston, the
Assistant Secretary of certain subsidiaries of the Company, are partners of
Sidley & Austin.
EXPERTS
The audited consolidated financial statements and schedules of TDS
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus have been audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports
incorporated by reference herein. The financial statements and schedules
referred to above have been incorporated by reference in reliance upon the
authority of such firms as experts in accounting and auditing in giving said
reports.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
The Company files reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). You may inspect and copy
such reports, proxy statements and other information at the public reference
facilities maintained by the SEC at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330
for further information. Such materials also may be accessed electronically
by means of the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov.
The Company filed a Registration Statement related to the offering
described in this Prospectus. As allowed by SEC rules, this Prospectus does
not contain all of the information which you can find in the Registration
Statement. You are referred to the Registration Statement and the Exhibits
thereto for further information. This document is qualified in its entirely
by such other information.
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information into this
Prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The
information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this
Prospectus, except for any information superseded by information in this
Prospectus. This Prospectus incorporates by reference the documents set
forth below that have been previously filed with the SEC. These documents
contain important information about the Company's business and finances.
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1. TDS's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1997;
2. TDS's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
1998;
3. TDS's Current Reports on Form 8-K reporting events on January 28,
February 10, March 24, April 17, April 21 and April 27, 1998;
4. The Company's Prospectus dated March 24, 1998, which is part of its
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-42535); and
5. The Company's Report on Form 8-A/A-3 dated May 22, 1998, which
includes a description of the Company's capital stock.
This Prospectus also incorporates by reference additional documents that
may be filed by the Company with the SEC between the date of this Prospectus
and the date our offering is completed.
YOU MAY OBTAIN COPIES OF SUCH DOCUMENTS WHICH ARE INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS (OTHER THAN EXHIBITS THERETO WHICH ARE NOT
SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN), WITHOUT CHARGE, UPON WRITTEN
OR ORAL REQUEST TO INVESTOR RELATIONS, TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC., 30
N. LASALLE STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60603, (312) 630-1900. IN ORDER TO ENSURE
DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS, ANY REQUEST THEREFOR SHOULD BE MADE NOT LATER THAN
FIVE BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO MAKING AN INVESTMENT DECISION.
YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS. WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU
WITH INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE PROSPECTUS IS
ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAT THE DATE OF SUCH PROSPECTUS, AND NEITHER
THE MAILING OF THE PROSPECTUS TO SHAREHOLDERS NOR THE ISSUANCE OF ANY
SECURITIES HEREUNDER SHALL CREATE ANY IMPLICATION TO THE CONTRARY. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT OFFER TO BUY OR SELL SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE
IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DO SO.
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that TDS shall
indemnify directors and officers of TDS, its consolidated subsidiaries and
certain other related entities generally in the same manner and to the extent
permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as more specifically
provided in the Bylaws of TDS. The Bylaws provide for indemnification and
permit the advancement of expenses by TDS generally in the same manner and to
the extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, subject to
compliance with certain requirements and procedures specified in the Bylaws.
In general, the Bylaws require that any person seeking indemnification must
provide TDS with sufficient documentation as described in the Bylaws and, if
an undertaking to return advances is required, to deliver an undertaking in
the form prescribed by TDS and provide security for such undertaking if
considered necessary by TDS. In addition, the Bylaws specify that, except to
the extent required by law, TDS does not intend to provide indemnification to
persons under certain circumstances, such as where the person was not acting
the interests of TDS or was otherwise involved in a crime or tort against TDS.
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, directors and officers,
as well as other employees or persons, may be indemnified against judgments,
fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with specified actions,
suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation - a
"derivative action"), and against expenses (including attorney's fees) in any
action (including a derivative action), if they acted in good faith and in a
manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests
of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding,
had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. However, in
the case of a derivative action, a person cannot be indemnified for expenses
in respect of any matter as to which the person is adjudged to be liable to
the corporation unless and to the extent a court determines that such person
is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses.
Delaware law also provides that, to the extent a director, officer,
employee or agent of a corporation has been successful on the merits or
otherwise in defense of any action or matter, the corporation must indemnify
such party against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and
reasonably incurred by such party in connection therewith.
Expenses incurred by a director or officer in defending any action
may be paid by a Delaware corporation in advance of the final disposition of
the action upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or
officer to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that such party
is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation.
The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that the
indemnification and advancement of expenses provided thereby are not
exclusive of any other rights granted by bylaws, agreements or otherwise, and
provides that a corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of any person, whether or not the corporation would have
the power to indemnify such person under Delaware law.
The Company has directors' and officers' liability insurance which
provides, subject to certain policy limits, deductible amounts and
exclusions, coverage for all persons who have been, are or may in the future
be, directors or officers of the Company, against amounts which such persons
must pay resulting from claims against them by reason of their being such
directors or officers during the policy period for certain breaches of duty,
omissions or other acts done or wrongfully attempted or alleged.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the 1933
Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
1933 Act and therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
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ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Exhibits
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
<S> <C>
4.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A-3)
4.2 Restated By-laws (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form 8-A/A-3)
5 Opinion of Sidley & Austin
23.1 Consent of independent public accountants
23.2 Consent of Sidley & Austin (included in Exhibit 5)
24 Powers of Attorney (included on Signature Page)
(b) Schedules
Report of Independent Public Accountants on Financial Statement Schedules*
I. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant-Balance
Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and Statements of
Income and Statements of Cash Flows for each of the Three
Years in the Period Ended December 31, 1997
II. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for each of the Three
Years in the Period Ended December 31, 1997*
</TABLE>
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or
not required or because the required information is shown in the financial
statements or notes thereto.
_______________
* Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 1997
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(i) to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(1) to include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of
the Securities Act of 1933;
(2) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
after the effective date of the registration statement (or
the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,
individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental
change in the information set forth in the registration
statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that
which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high
end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected
in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant
to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume
and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum
aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
Registration Fee" table in the effective registration
statement; and
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(3) to include any material information with respect to the plan
of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
statement or any material change to such information in the
registration statement.
(ii) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
(iii) to remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons
controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the
registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim
for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for
purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing
of the registrant'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 therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: prior
to any public offering of the securities registered hereunder through use of
a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or
party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c),
the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the
information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to
reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the
information called for by the other Items of the applicable form.
(e) The undersigned registrant undertakes that every prospectus
(i) that is filed pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph or (ii)
that purports to meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities
Act and is used in connection with the offering of securities subject to Rule
415, except to the extent permitted to be filed as a prospectus supplement,
will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and
will not be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the bona fide offering thereof.
(f) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to
requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the
prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one
business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated
documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes
information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of
the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.
(g) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by
means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction,
and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of
and included in the registration statement when it became effective, except
where the transaction in which the securities being offered pursuant to this
registration statement would itself qualify for an exemption from Section 5
of the Securities Act, absent the existence of other similar (prior or
subsequent) transactions.
II-3
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement or Amendment to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the
City of Chicago, State of Illinois on the 22nd day of May, 1998.
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
By: /s/ LeRoy T. Carlson
----------------------------
LeRoy T. Carlson, CHAIRMAN
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature below constitutes and appoints LeRoy T.
Carlson and LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr., and each of them individually, as his true
and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, and to take such actions in, and file
with the appropriate applications, statements, consents and other documents
as may be necessary or expedient to register securities of the Registrant for
sale, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority
to do so and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to
be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all the said
attorney-in-fact and agent or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof and the
registrant hereby confers like authority on its behalf.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this Registration Statement or Amendment has been signed below by the
following persons in the capacities and on the 22nd day of May, 1998.
Signature Title
/s/LeRoy T. Carlson CHAIRMAN AND DIRECTOR
- -------------------------------
LeRoy T. Carlson
/s/LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr. PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR (CHIEF EXECUTIVE
- ------------------------------- OFFICER)
LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.
/s/Murray L. Swanson EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT - FINANCE AND
- ------------------------------ DIRECTOR (PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER)
Murray L. Swanson
/s/James Barr III DIRECTOR
- ------------------------------
James Barr III
/s/Rudolph E. Hornacek DIRECTOR
- ------------------------------
Rudolph E. Hornacek
/s/Donald C. Nebergall DIRECTOR
- ------------------------------
Donald C. Nebergall
PAGE 1 OF 2 SIGNATURE PAGES TO
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO TDS SHELF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
RE: COMMON SHARES FOR USE IN ACQUISITIONS
<PAGE>
/s/Herbert S. Wander DIRECTOR
- -----------------------------
Herbert S. Wander
/s/Walter C.D. Carlson DIRECTOR
- -----------------------------
Walter C.D. Carlson
/s/Letitia C.G. Carlson DIRECTOR
- -----------------------------
Letitia C.G. Carlson
/s/Donald R. Brown DIRECTOR
- -----------------------------
Donald R. Brown
DIRECTOR
- -----------------------------
George W. Off
/s/Martin L. Solomon DIRECTOR
- -----------------------------
Martin L. Solomon
/s/ Gregory J. Wilkinson VICE PRESIDENT AND CONTROLLER (PRINCIPAL
- ----------------------------- ACCOUNTING OFFICER)
Gregory J. Wilkinson
PAGE 2 OF 2 SIGNATURE PAGES TO
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO TDS SHELF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
RE: COMMON SHARES FOR USE IN ACQUISITIONS
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
5 Opinion of Sidley & Austin
23.1 Consent of Independent Public Accountants
23.2 Consent of Sidley & Austin (included in Exhibit 5)
24 Powers of Attorney (included on Signature Page)
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 5
SIDLEY & AUSTIN
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60603
(312) 853-7000
May 22, 1998
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Suite 4000
30 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Re: Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4
Gentlemen:
We are counsel to Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), and have represented the Company in connection
with the Post-Effective Amendment (the "Amendment") to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 33-64293 (the
"Registration Statement"), being filed by the Company with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), with respect to the offer and sale of 2,750,000 Common
Shares, par value $.01 per share (the "Shares"), of the Company, for use in
acquisitions.
In rendering this opinion, we have examined and relied upon a copy
of the Amendment, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus included
therein. We have also examined and relied upon originals, or copies of
originals certified to our satisfaction, of such agreements, documents,
certificates and other statements of governmental officials and other
instruments, have examined such questions of law and have satisfied ourselves
as to such matters of fact as we have considered relevant and necessary as a
basis for this opinion. We have assumed the authenticity of all documents
submitted to us as originals, the genuineness of all signatures, the legal
capacity of all natural persons and the conformity with the original
documents of any copies thereof submitted to us for our examination.
Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
1. The Company is duly incorporated and validly existing under
the laws of the State of Delaware.
2. The Shares will be legally issued, fully paid and
nonassessable when: (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended, shall
have become effective under the Securities Act; (ii) the Company's Board of
Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof shall have duly adopted
final resolutions authorizing the issuance and sale of the Shares; (iii) the
Shares shall have been duly issued and sold in the manner contemplated by
such resolutions and the Registration Statement; and (iv) certificates
representing the Shares shall have been duly executed, countersigned and
registered and duly delivered to the purchasers thereof against payment of
the agreed consideration therefor (not less than the par value thereof) in
accordance with such resolutions and the Registration Statement.
<PAGE>
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
May 22, 1998
Page 2
This opinion is limited to the General Corporation Law of the State
of Delaware and to the Securities Act.
We do not find it necessary for the purposes of this opinion to
cover, and accordingly we express no opinion as to, the application of the
securities or "Blue Sky" laws of the various states to the sale of the Shares.
The Company is controlled by a voting trust. Walter C.D. Carlson,
a trustee and beneficiary of the voting trust and a director of the Company
and certain subsidiaries of the Company, Michael G. Hron, the Secretary of
the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company, William S. DeCarlo, the
Assistant Secretary of the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company,
Stephen P. Fitzell, the Secretary of certain subsidiaries of the Company, and
Sherry S. Treston, the Assistant Secretary of certain subsidiaries of the
Company, are partners of this Firm.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to
the Registration Statement and to all references to our Firm in or made a
part of the Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
SIDLEY & AUSTIN
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Form S-4 Registration Statement of Telephone and Data
Systems, Inc. of our report dated January 28, 1998 (except with respect to
the matters discussed in Note 5, "American Paging Merger"; and in Note 16, as
to which the date is February 18, 1998) on the consolidated financial
statements of Telephone and Data systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries, incorporated
by reference in the Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1997 and to the incorporation by reference in this Form
S-4 Registration Statement of our report dated January 28, 1998, (except with
respect to the matters discussed in Note 5, "American Paging Merger"; and in
Note 16, as to which the date is February 18, 1998) on the financial
statement schedules of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., included in the
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1997. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of our reports dated
January 28, 1998 on the financial statements of the United States Cellular
Group, the TDS Telecommunications Group and the TDS Group for the year ended
December 31, 1997, our report dated January 28, 1998 (except with respect to
the matters discussed in Note 10, as to which the date is February 5, 1998)
on the financial statements of the Aerial Communications Group and our report
dated January 28, 1998 (except with respect to the matters discussed in Note
5, "American Paging Merger"; and in Note 16, as to which the date is February
18, 1998) on the consolidated financial statements of Telephone and Data
Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 1997, included
in the Telephone and Data Systems Inc. Proxy Statement/Prospectus on Form
S-4, as amended. We also consent to all references to our Firm included in
this Registration Statement.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Chicago, Illinois
May 22, 1998
