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Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-86247
PROSPECTUS
VERITAS LOGO
$200,000,000
VERITAS DGC INC.
DEBT SECURITIES
PREFERRED STOCK
COMMON STOCK
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the
SEC using a "shelf" registration process. This means:
- we may issue debt securities, preferred stock and common stock covered by
this prospectus from time to time;
- we will provide a prospectus supplement each time we issue the
securities; and
- the prospectus supplement will provide specific information about the
terms of that offering and also may add, update or change information
contained in this prospectus.
The Veritas DGC common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol "VTS" and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "VER."
YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY REVIEW AND CONSIDER THE INFORMATION UNDER THE HEADING
"RISK FACTORS" IN THE APPLICABLE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND IN OUR LATEST REPORTS
FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WHICH ARE INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS BEFORE INVESTING IN OUR SECURITIES.
NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR
COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
This prospectus is dated September 26, 2000.
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YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE OR
PROVIDED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT. WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED
ANYONE ELSE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH DIFFERENT INFORMATION. WE ARE NOT MAKING AN
OFFER OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER IS NOT PERMITTED. YOU
SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THE DATE ON THE FRONT OF THESE
DOCUMENTS.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PROSPECTUS
Where You Can Find More Information......................... 3
The Company................................................. 3
Risk Factors................................................ 3
Forward-Looking Statements.................................. 3
Use of Proceeds............................................. 4
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.......................... 4
Description of Debt Securities.............................. 5
Description of Capital Stock................................ 9
Plan of Distribution........................................ 13
Experts..................................................... 14
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference............. 15
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 registering
the securities we are offering. This prospectus, which is a part of the
registration statement, omits certain information included in the registration
statement.
You may read and copy the registration statement, including the attached
exhibits, and any reports, statements or other information that we file at the
SEC's public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may also obtain information
about Veritas DGC from the following regional offices of the SEC: Northwestern
Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661; and
7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048. Veritas DGC
maintains an Internet site at http://www.veritasdgc.com that contains
information about its business.
We file annual reports, quarterly reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further
information on the operation of the public reference rooms. Copies of such
material can be obtained by mail from the Public Reference Section of the SEC at
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed
rates. Our SEC filings are also available to the public on the SEC's home page
on the Internet at http://www.sec.gov.
THE COMPANY
We are a leading provider of seismic data acquisition, data processing and
multi-client data surveys and information services to the oil and gas industry
in selected markets worldwide. Oil and gas companies utilize seismic data for
the determination of suitable locations for drilling exploratory wells and,
increasingly, in reservoir management for the development and production of oil
and gas reserves. We acquire seismic data on land and in marine and transition
zone environments, and process data acquired by our own crews and crews of other
operators. We acquire seismic data both on an exclusive contractual basis for
our customers and on our own behalf for licensing to multiple customers on a
non-exclusive basis. Veritas DGC was incorporated in Texas in 1965 and was
reincorporated in Delaware in 1969. Our principal offices are located at 3701
Kirby Drive, Houston, Texas 77098, and our telephone number is (713) 512-8300.
RISK FACTORS
Before investing in our securities, you should carefully review and
consider the information under the heading "Risk Factors" in the applicable
prospectus supplement and in our latest reports filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The statements included in this prospectus, other than statements of
historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section
27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934. These statements include statements incorporated by reference to other
Veritas DGC documents filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements include,
among other things, business strategy and expectations concerning industry
conditions, market position, future operations, margins, profitability,
liquidity and capital resources. Forward-looking statements generally can be
identified by the use of terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend,"
"estimate," "anticipate" or "believe" or the negative thereof or variations
thereon or similar terminology.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such statements are
reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will be correct. You
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements,
which speak only as of the date of this prospectus. Our operations are subject
to a number of uncertainties, risks and other influences, many of which are
outside our control and any one of which, or a combination of which, could
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cause our actual results of operations to differ materially from the
forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual result to
differ materially from our expectations are disclosed in "Risk Factors" in the
applicable prospectus supplement and in our latest reports filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, which are incorporated by reference in this
prospectus.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Except as otherwise described in any prospectus supplement, the net
proceeds from the sale of securities will be used for general corporate
purposes, which may include working capital, investment in multi-client data
library, capital expenditures, possible acquisitions and repurchases and
redemptions of securities.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges, if applicable, will be included in the
applicable prospectus supplement.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
GENERAL
The debt securities will be:
- our direct unsecured general obligations;
- either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities; and
- will be issued under one or more separate indentures.
We are a holding company that conducts all operations through our
subsidiaries. Holders of debt securities generally will have a junior position
to claims of creditors of our subsidiaries including trade creditors, debt
holders, secured creditors, taxing authorities, guaranty holders and any
preferred stockholders.
We will issue senior debt securities under a senior indenture and
subordinated debt securities under a subordinated indenture. We have summarized
selected provisions of the indentures below. These provisions are subject to and
may be modified by the specific terms of a particular series of debt securities
which will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. The summary is not complete.
The forms of the indentures have been filed as exhibits to the registration
statement, and you should read the indentures for provisions that may be
important to you. In the summary, we have included references to section numbers
of the indentures so that you can easily locate those provisions.
- The indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt
securities that can be issued thereunder. (Section 301)
- Debt securities may be issued in one or more series, each in an aggregate
principal amount authorized by Veritas DGC before issuance, and may be in
any currency or currency unit that we may designate. (Section 301)
- Debt securities of a series may be issued in fully registered form and
may be in global form. (Sections 201 and 203)
- Senior debt securities will rank equally with all of our other senior
debt.
- Subordinated debt securities will have a junior position to all of our
senior debt. (Section 1301)
- Debt securities will be issued in denominations of $1,000 each or
multiples thereof, unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement.
(Section 302)
- Debt securities may be sold at a discount (which may be substantial)
below their stated principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a
rate below market rates.
- The indentures do not limit the amount of other unsecured indebtedness or
securities that we can issue.
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A prospectus supplement and a supplemental indenture relating to any series
of debt securities being offered will include specific terms relating to the
offering. These terms will include some or all of the following:
- title and type of debt securities;
- total principal amount;
- dates on which the principal of, and premium, if any, is payable;
- interest rate (or method of determination);
- date from which interest will accrue;
- interest payment dates, if any;
- optional redemption periods;
- sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate us to repurchase or
otherwise redeem the debt securities;
- currency in which payment of principal and interest shall be made, if
other than United States dollars or the currency in which the debt
securities are stated to be payable;
- terms of conversion or exchange if the debt securities will be
convertible into shares of common stock or exchangeable for other of our
securities;
- additional means or conditions to discharge the debt securities;
- changes to or additional events of default or covenants;
- special tax implications of the debt securities; and
- other specific terms of the debt securities. (Section 301)
SUBORDINATION
Under the subordinated indenture, payment of the principal, interest and
any premium on the subordinated debt securities will be subordinated and junior
in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all our senior debt.
(Section 1301) The subordinated indenture provides that no payment of principal,
interest or any premium on the subordinated debt securities may be made in the
event:
- we fail to pay the principal, interest, any premium or any other amounts
on any senior debt when due; or
- of any insolvency, bankruptcy or similar proceeding involving us or our
property. (Sections 1302 and 1303)
Senior debt is defined to include all indebtedness including our guarantees
for money we borrowed, not expressed to be subordinate or junior in right of
payment to any of our other indebtedness. (Section 101) The subordinated
indenture will not limit the amount of senior debt that we may incur.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The following are events of default under each indenture:
- failure to pay principal or any premium on any debt security when due;
- failure to pay any interest on any debt security when due, continued for
30 days;
- failure to deposit any mandatory sinking fund payment when due, continued
for 30 days;
- failure to perform any other covenant in the indenture that continues for
90 days after written notice;
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- certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and
- any other event of default as may be specified with respect to debt
securities of such series. (Section 501)
An event of default for a particular series of debt securities does not
necessarily constitute an event of default for any other series of debt
securities. (Section 502) The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt
securities of any default (except in the payment of principal, interest or any
premium) if the trustee or Veritas DGC's board of directors considers
withholding of notice to be in the best interest of the holders. (Section 602)
ACCELERATION OF DEBT UPON AN EVENT OF DEFAULT
If an event of default occurs:
- Either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of
the outstanding debt securities may declare the principal amount of all
the debt securities of the applicable series to be due and payable
immediately. (Section 502)
- If this happens, subject to certain conditions, the holders of a majority
in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series can
void the declaration. These conditions include the requirement that we
have paid or deposited with the trustee a sum sufficient to pay all
overdue principal, premiums (if any) and interest payments on the series
of debt securities subject to the default. (Section 502)
If an event of default occurs due to certain events of bankruptcy,
insolvency or reorganization, the principal amount of the outstanding debt
securities of all series will become immediately due and payable without any
declaration or other act on the part of either trustee or any holder. (Section
502)
Depending on the terms of our indebtedness, an event of default under an
indenture may cause a cross default on such other indebtedness.
DUTIES OF TRUSTEE
Other than its duties in the case of default, the trustee is not obligated
to exercise any of its rights or powers under any indenture at the request,
order or direction of any holders unless the holders offer the trustee
reasonable indemnity. (Section 603)
If the holders provide reasonable indemnification, the holders of a
majority of principal amount of any series of debt securities may direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the trustee, or exercising any power conferred upon the trustee for any series
of debt securities. (Section 512)
COVENANTS
Under the indentures, we will:
- pay the principal, interest and any premium on the debt securities when
due;
- maintain a place of payment;
- deposit sufficient funds with any payment agent on or before the due date
for the principal, interest or any premium; and
- deliver a report to the trustee after the end of each fiscal year
reviewing our activities and performance under the indentures, and
stating whether we are in default under the indentures. (Sections 1001,
1002, 1003 and 1005)
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MODIFICATION OF INDENTURES
We may modify the holders rights and obligations under the indenture, if we
first obtain the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series effected by the
modification. Except, all holders must consent to modifications that:
- change the principal or interest payment terms;
- impair their right to sue to enforce payments;
- change subordination provisions in a manner adverse to them; or
- reduce the majority requirement for modifications effective against any
holder without its consent. (Section 902)
Each Indenture provides that we and the trustee may, without the consent of
any holders, enter into supplemental indentures for the following purposes:
- adding to our covenants;
- adding additional events of default;
- establishing the form or terms of debt securities; or
- curing ambiguities or inconsistencies in the indenture, provided that
such action to cure ambiguities or inconsistencies shall not adversely
affect the interests of the holders in any material way. (Section 901)
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS
Each indenture generally permits a consolidation or merger between us and
another company. They also permit our sale of all or substantially all of our
property and assets. If this happens, the remaining or acquiring company will
assume all of our responsibilities and liabilities under the indentures,
including the payment of all amounts due on the debt securities and performance
of the covenants in the indentures. (Sections 801 and 802)
We will only consolidate or merge with or into any other company or sell
all or substantially all of our assets according to the terms and conditions of
the indentures. The remaining or acquiring company will be substituted for us in
the indentures with the same effect as if it had been an original party to the
indenture. If we sell all or substantially all of our assets, we shall be
released from all our liabilities and obligations under any indenture and under
the debt securities. (Section 801 and 802)
DISCHARGE AND DEFEASANCE
We will be discharged from our obligations under the debt securities of any
series if we:
- deposit with the trustee enough cash or government securities to pay the
principal, interest, any premium and any other sums due to the stated
maturity date or redemption date of the debt securities of the series;
- request the trustee to discharge us from our obligations on that series
of debt securities; and
- comply with any additional conditions that may be specified in an
indenture supplement regarding defeasance of that series of debt
securities.
If this happens, the holders of the debt securities of the series will not
be entitled to the benefits of the indenture except for registration, transfer
and exchange of debt securities and
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replacement of lost, stolen or mutilated debt securities. However, the Company's
obligations will be revived and reinstated if the trustee is unable to apply our
deposited amounts because of any legal proceeding, order or judgment. (Sections
401, 403 and 404)
PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENTS
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, we will pay
principal, interest and any premium on fully registered securities at the office
of the paying agent designated by us from time to time. We have the option to
make interest payments by check mailed to the person in whose name the debt
securities are registered on the day specified in the indentures or any
prospectus supplement. Holders may transfer or exchange fully registered
securities at the corporate trust office of the trustee or at any other office
or agency maintained by us for such purposes. The holder will not be charged for
making a transfer or exchange, except for any required tax or governmental
charge. (Sections 305, 307, 1001 and 1002)
GLOBAL SECURITIES
The debt securities of a series may be issued in the form of one or more
global certificates that will be deposited with a depositary identified in a
prospectus supplement. Beneficial interests in global certificates will be shown
on, and transfers of global certificates will be effected only through, records
maintained by the depositary. (Section 203).
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
Our restated certificate of incorporation authorizes 40,000,000 ordinary
shares, par value $0.01 per share. Ordinary shares consist of common stock, a
series of Veritas Energy Services special voting stock, and a series of Enertec
special voting stock. Our restated certificate of incorporation also authorizes
1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.
COMMON STOCK
Voting Rights. The holders of the common stock are entitled to one vote for
each share held of record in the election of directors and on all other matters
submitted to a vote of stockholders. No pre-emptive rights, conversion rights,
redemption rights or sinking fund provisions are applicable to the common stock.
The common stock does not have cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, the
holders of more than 50% of the shares may elect all of the directors and, in
that event, the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any
directors.
Dividends. Common stockholders may receive dividends when declared by the
board of directors. Dividends may be paid in cash, stock or another form.
However, certain of our existing debt agreements contain covenants that
currently restrict us from paying dividends.
Fully Paid. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and
non-assessable. Any additional common stock we issue will also be fully paid and
non-assessable.
Other. We will notify common stockholders of any stockholders' meetings
according to applicable law. If we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our business,
either voluntarily or not, common stockholders will share equally in the assets
remaining after we pay our creditors and preferred stockholders.
Transfer Agent and Registrar. Our transfer agent and registrar is
ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C., Dallas, Texas.
SPECIAL VOTING STOCK AND EXCHANGEABLE SHARES
Two shares of special voting stock of Veritas DGC are authorized and
outstanding as a series of common shares. One special voting share was issued in
connection with the
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combination of Digicon Inc. (Veritas DGC's former name) and Veritas Energy
Services Inc. in August of 1996. The other special voting share was issued in
connection with the combination of Veritas DGC, Veritas Energy Services and
Enertec Resources Inc. in September 1999.
These special voting shares possess a number of votes equal to the number
of outstanding Veritas Energy Services exchangeable shares and Veritas Energy
Services class A exchangeable shares, series 1 that are not owned by Veritas DGC
or any of its subsidiaries. Such exchangeable shares were issued to the former
shareholders of Veritas Energy Services and Enertec Resources in business
combinations with Veritas DGC. In any matter submitted to Veritas DGC
stockholders for a vote, each holder of a Veritas Energy Services exchangeable
share has the right to instruct a trustee as to the manner of voting for one of
the votes comprising the Veritas Energy Services special voting share for each
Veritas Energy Services exchangeable share owned by the holder. Likewise, in any
matter submitted to Veritas DGC stockholders for a vote, each holder of a
Veritas Energy Services class A exchangeable share, series 1 has the right to
instruct a trustee as to the manner of voting for one of the votes comprising
the Enertec special voting share for each Veritas Energy Services class A
exchangeable shares, series 1 owned by the holder. The Veritas Energy Services
exchangeable shares and the Veritas Energy Services class A exchangeable shares,
series 1 are convertible on a one-for-one basis into shares of the common stock
and, when coupled with the voting rights afforded by the special voting shares,
have rights virtually identical to Veritas DGC common stock.
PREFERRED STOCK
There are no shares of preferred stock presently outstanding. A series of
400,000 shares of preferred stock has been designated for use in connection with
the rights plan (the rights plan is explained below). Our board of directors
can, without approval of our stockholders, issue one or more series of preferred
stock. If we offer preferred stock, the board will determine number of shares
and the rights, preferences and limitations of each series. This information
will be described in a prospectus supplement, including:
- specific designations;
- number of shares;
- liquidation value;
- dividend rights;
- liquidation and redemption rights;
- voting rights;
- other rights, including conversion or exchange rights, if any; and
- any other specific terms.
In some cases, the issuance of preferred stock could delay a change in control
of Veritas DGC and make it harder to remove present management. Under certain
circumstances, preferred stock could also restrict dividend payments to holders
of our common stock.
The transfer agent, registrar, and dividend disbursement agent for a series
of preferred stock will be named in a prospectus supplement. The registrar for
shares of preferred stock will send notices to stockholders of any meetings at
which holders of the preferred stock have the right to elect directors or to
vote on any other matter.
RIGHTS PLAN
General. Under the rights plan, each share of Veritas DGC common stock has
attached to it one right. The right is represented by a certificate which is the
same certificate representing the Veritas DGC common stock. Each right entitles
the registered holder to purchase from Veritas
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DGC one one-thousandth of a share of series A junior participating preferred
stock of Veritas DGC at a purchase price of $100. The purchase price is subject
to adjustment. Until the distribution date, the rights will be transferred with
and only with the Veritas DGC common stock certificates. The rights are not
exercisable until after the distribution date and are subject to termination of
any extended redemption periods described below. The rights expire at the close
of business on May 15, 2007, unless they are earlier redeemed by Veritas DGC.
The holder of unexercised rights has no rights as a stockholder of Veritas DGC,
including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends.
Separation of Rights from Veritas DGC Common Stock. The rights will
separate from Veritas DGC common stock and a distribution date will occur upon
the earlier of two possible times. The first such time is 10 business days
following a public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or
associated persons (an "acquiring person") has acquired, or has the right to
acquire, the ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of Veritas DGC
common stock (the "stock acquisition date"). The second possible time is 10
business days following the commencement of a tender or exchange offer which
would result in a person or group owning 15% or more of such outstanding shares
of the Veritas DGC common stock (the "tender offer date"). The board of
directors of Veritas DGC may set a later tender offer date if a majority of the
continuing directors agree to do so and there are five continuing directors then
in office.
Continuing Director. A continuing director is any member of the board of
directors of Veritas DGC who was a member of the board on May 15, 1997, or who
was elected to the board after May 15, 1997 and was recommended or approved by a
majority of at least five continuing directors. An acquiring person, or an
affiliate or associate of an acquiring person, or such representative is not a
continuing director.
Triggering Events. Each holder of a right (other than the acquiring person,
certain related parties and transferees) will have the right to purchase, upon
exercise of a right, a number of one one-thousandth fractional share interests
in series A preferred stock determined by dividing the purchase price by 50% of
the then current market price of the common stock if, among other things:
- Veritas DGC is the surviving corporation in a merger or other business
combination with an acquiring person; or
- any person shall become the beneficial owner of more than 15% of the
outstanding shares of the Veritas DGC common stock, except:
- pursuant to certain consolidations or mergers involving Veritas DGC or
sales or transfers of the combined assets or earning power of Veritas
DGC and its subsidiaries; or
- pursuant to an offer for all outstanding shares of the Veritas DGC
common stock at a price and upon terms and conditions which a majority
of the board of directors and a majority of the continuing directors
determine to be in the best interests of Veritas DGC and its
stockholders, and provided at least five continuing directors are then
in office.
Because of the nature of the voting, dividend and liquidation rights of the
series A preferred stock, each of the one-thousandth fractional share interests
in series A preferred stock should approximate the value of a share of Veritas
DGC common stock. Therefore, it is anticipated that the value of the series A
preferred stock purchased upon exercise of the rights will be approximately
twice the exercise price paid. For example, at the exercise price of $100 per
right, each right not owned by an acquiring person (or by certain related
parties and transferees) following a triggering event set forth above would
entitle its holder to purchase $200 worth of series A preferred stock for $100.
Assuming that the series A preferred stock had a per share market price of $40
at such time (with each one-thousandth share of series A preferred stock
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valued at one share of common stock), the holder of each valid right would be
entitled to purchase five one one-thousandth shares of the series A preferred
stock for $100. Rights are not exercisable following the occurrence of any of
the triggering events described above until the rights are no longer redeemable
by Veritas DGC as described below. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing,
following the occurrence of any of the triggering events described in this
paragraph, all rights that are, or (under certain circumstances specified in the
rights plan) were, beneficially owned by any acquiring person will be null and
void.
If at any time following the stock acquisition date:
- Veritas DGC is acquired in a merger or other business combination
transaction in which Veritas DGC is not the surviving corporation;
- Veritas DGC is the surviving corporation in a consolidation or merger
pursuant to which all or part of the outstanding shares of Veritas DGC
common stock are changed into or exchanged for stock or other securities
of any other person or cash or any other property; or
- more than 50% of the combined assets or earning power of Veritas DGC and
its subsidiaries is sold or transferred (in each case other than certain
consolidations with, mergers with and into, or sales of assets or earning
power by or to subsidiaries of Veritas DGC as specified in the rights
agreement);
each holder of a right (except rights that previously have been voided as set
forth above) will have the right to exercise and receive common stock of the
acquiring company having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the
right. The events described in this paragraph and in the preceding paragraph are
referred to as the triggering events.
Redemption of Rights. At any time until ten business days following the
stock acquisition date, Veritas DGC may redeem the rights in whole, but not in
part, at a price of $0.001 per right. The Veritas DGC board may set a later date
to redeem the rights if a majority of the continuing directors then in office
agree. Redemption of the rights is payable in cash, shares of Veritas DGC common
stock or other consideration deemed appropriate by the board of directors.
Rights may not be redeemed during the 180 day period after any person becomes an
acquiring person unless the redemption is approved by a majority of continuing
directors.
Anti-takeover Effects. The rights have certain anti-takeover effects. They
may reduce or eliminate:
- two-tiered or other partial offers that do not offer fair value for all
Veritas DGC common stock;
- the accumulation by a third party of 15% or more of the Veritas DGC
common stock in open-market or private purchases in order to influence or
control the business and affairs of Veritas DGC without paying an
appropriate premium for a controlling position in Veritas DGC; and
- the accumulation of shares of Veritas DGC common stock by third parties
in market transactions for the primary purpose of attempting to cause
Veritas DGC to be sold.
The rights will also cause the substantial dilution of shareholder voting
strength to a person or group that attempts to acquire Veritas DGC in a manner
defined as a triggering event. This is not so if the acquiring person's offer is
conditioned on a substantial number of rights being acquired. The rights should
not affect any prospective offeror who is willing:
- to make an offer for all outstanding shares of Veritas DGC common stock
and other voting securities at a price and terms that are in the best
interests of Veritas DGC and its stockholders as determined by the board
of directors; or
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- to negotiate with the board of directors because as part of any
negotiated transaction the rights would either be redeemed or otherwise
made inapplicable to the transaction.
The rights should also not interfere with any merger or other business
combination approved by the board of directors since the board may, at its
option, choose to redeem all, but not less than all, of the then outstanding
rights at the $.001 redemption price. The board may exercise this option at any
time until ten business days following the stock acquisition date.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The specific terms of the particular securities to be issued will be set
forth in a prospectus supplement that will be delivered together with this
prospectus. In the case of common stock, a prospectus supplement would include
the number of shares to be issued. In the case of debt securities, the
prospectus supplement would include, where applicable:
- ranking as senior or subordinated debt securities;
- total principal amount;
- maturity;
- interest rate (or method of determination);
- interest payment dates, if any;
- terms for optional or mandatory redemption or repurchase, or payment of
additional amounts or any sinking fund provisions;
- conversion or exchange terms; and
- any other specific terms of such debt securities.
In the case of preferred stock, the information that will be set forth in a
prospectus supplement, will include:
- specific designations;
- number of shares;
- liquidation value;
- dividend rights;
- liquidation and redemption rights;
- voting rights;
- other rights, including conversion or exchange rights, if any; and
- any other specific terms.
We may sell the securities through underwriters, agents or dealers or
directly to purchasers. A prospectus supplement will set forth the terms of each
specific offering, including the name or names of any underwriters or agents,
the purchase price of the securities and the proceeds to us from such sales, any
delayed delivery arrangements, any underwriting discounts and other items
constituting underwriters' compensation, any initial public offering price and
any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be
changed from time to time.
If underwriters are used in the sale, the securities will be acquired by
the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in
one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public
offering price or at varying prices determined at the time
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of sale. The securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting
syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one
or more firms acting as underwriters. The underwriter or underwriters with
respect to a particular underwritten offering and, if an underwriting syndicate
is used, the managing underwriter or underwriters will be set forth on the cover
of such prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise set forth in the prospectus
supplement, the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the securities if
any are purchased.
We may sell the securities directly or through agents we designate from
time to time. Any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities covered
by this prospectus, other than at the market offerings of equity securities,
will be named in a prospectus supplement relating thereto. Any at the market
offerings of equity securities will be made through PaineWebber Incorporated as
our exclusive sales agent. Commissions payable by us to an agent will be set
forth in a prospectus supplement relating thereto. Unless otherwise indicated in
a prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis
for the period of its appointment.
If dealers are used in any of the sales of securities covered by this
prospectus, we will sell those securities to dealers as principals. The dealers
may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices the dealers
determine at the time of resale. The names of the dealers and the terms of the
transactions will be set forth in a prospectus supplement.
We may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others
who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of
1933 with respect to any sale thereof. The terms of any such sales will be
described in a prospectus supplement.
If so indicated in a prospectus supplement, we will authorize agents,
underwriters or dealers to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to
purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the
prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for
payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. These contracts will be
subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement, and the
prospectus supplement will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of
such contracts.
Agents, dealers and underwriters may be entitled under agreements entered
into with us to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribution with
respect to payments which such agents, dealers or underwriters may be required
to make in respect thereof. Agents, dealers and underwriters may be customers
of, engage in transactions with, or perform services on our behalf.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by
reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Veritas DGC Inc. for the year
ended July 31, 1999, have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of
said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
This prospectus incorporates documents by reference which are not presented
in or delivered with it. This means that Veritas DGC can disclose certain
information by referring a reader to certain documents. These documents (other
than exhibits to such documents unless specifically incorporated by reference)
are available, without charge, upon written or oral request directed to Larry L.
Worden, Veritas DGC Inc., at Veritas DGC's principal executive offices located
at 3701 Kirby Drive, Suite 112, Houston, Texas 77098-3982; telephone (713)
512-8300.
The following documents, which have been filed by Veritas DGC with the SEC
pursuant to the Exchange Act (File No. 1-7427), are incorporated in this
prospectus by reference and shall be deemed to be a part hereof:
(a) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 1999;
(b) Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 26, 1999;
(c) Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended October 31,
1999, January 31, 2000, and April 30, 2000; and
(d) All documents filed by Veritas DGC with the SEC pursuant to
sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the
date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of
securities by this prospectus.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein
or in any other subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such
statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified
or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.
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