<PAGE>
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-78723
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated June 4, 1999)
$250,000,000
Aon Corporation
6.90% NOTES DUE 2004
----------------
Interest payable on January 1 and July 1
----------------
Aon may not redeem the notes before the maturity date.
----------------
PRICE 99.870% AND ACCRUED INTEREST, IF ANY
----------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Price to Underwriting Discounts Proceeds to
Public and Commissions Company
------------ ---------------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Note....................... 99.870% .600% 99.270%
Total.......................... $249,675,000 $1,500,000 $248,175,000
</TABLE>
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if
this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated expects to deliver the notes to purchasers on
June 29, 1999.
----------------
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER Aon CAPITAL MARKETS
June 24, 1999
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prospectus Supplement
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
Use of Proceeds........... S-3
Description of the Notes.. S-3
Underwriters.............. S-4
Validity of the Notes..... S-4
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Prospectus
Page
----
<S> <C>
About this Prospectus................................................. 2
Where You Can Find More Information................................... 2
The Company........................................................... 4
Use of Proceeds....................................................... 4
Selected Financial Data............................................... 4
Ratios................................................................ 5
Description of Debt Securities........................................ 5
Description of Preferred Stock and Common Stock....................... 14
Plan of Distribution.................................................. 16
Validity of Securities................................................ 17
Experts............................................................... 17
</TABLE>
No person is authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, and, if given or made,
such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been
authorized. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not
constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any
securities other than the securities described in this prospectus supplement or
an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any
circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. Neither the
delivery of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, nor any
sale made hereunder and thereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any
implication that there has been no change in the affairs of Aon Corporation
since the date hereof or that the information contained or incorporated by
reference herein or therein is correct as of any time subsequent to the date of
such information.
S-2
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will use all of the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to reduce
outstanding commercial paper borrowings incurred for working capital purposes.
At June 23, 1999, our commercial paper borrowings matured no later than 60 days
from the date of issue and bore a weighted average interest rate of
approximately 4.97% per year.
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
The following description of the terms of the notes (referred to in the
accompanying prospectus as "debt securities") supplements the description of
the general terms and provisions of the debt securities contained in the
accompanying prospectus.
General
We will issue the notes under an indenture dated as of September 15, 1992,
as may be supplemented, between us and The Bank of New York, as trustee.
The notes will be unsecured obligations, ranking equally with each other and
with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness, and will
mature on July 1, 2004. The notes will bear interest at the rate of 6.90% per
year. Interest on the notes will accrue from June 29, 1999 or from the most
recent date to which interest has been paid or provided for. We will pay
interest on the notes semi-annually on January 1 and July 1 of each year,
commencing on January 1, 2000, to the persons in whose names the notes are
registered at the close of business on the June 15 or December 15, as the case
may be, immediately preceding an interest payment date. We will compute
interest on the notes on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
The notes may not be redeemed before the maturity date and are not entitled to
the benefit of any sinking fund.
If an interest payment date or the maturity date falls on a day which is not
a business day, the related payment of interest and principal will be made on
the next business day without further accrual of interest.
We will issue $250,000,000 principal amount of notes in denominations of
$1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.
Global Notes
The notes will be issued in book-entry form. This means that they will be
issued in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that will
be deposited with The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York ("DTC") or
its nominee and that we will not issue certificates to each beneficial owner of
notes. Each global security will be issued to DTC who will keep a computerized
record of its participants (for example, your broker) whose clients have
purchased notes. The participant will then keep a record of its clients who
purchased the notes. A more complete description of the handling of book-entry
securities is contained in the accompanying prospectus under the caption
"Description of Debt Securities--Global Securities."
Neither we, the trustee, any paying agent nor the registrar for the notes
will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records
relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in
the notes represented by the global securities or for maintaining, supervising
or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial interests.
S-3
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITERS
Under the terms and subject to the conditions in an underwriting agreement
dated the date hereof, the underwriters named below have severally agreed to
purchase, and we have agreed to sell to them, severally, the principal amount
of the notes set forth opposite their names below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Amount
Underwriter of Notes
----------- ----------------
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated........................ $150,000,000
Aon Capital Markets...................................... $100,000,000
------------
Total................................................ $250,000,000
============
</TABLE>
The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters need not pay for
and accept delivery of the notes until their counsel have passed upon certain
legal matters and certain other conditions are met. If the underwriters take
any of the notes, then the underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all
of the notes.
The underwriters initially propose to offer part of the notes to the public
at the offering prices described on the cover page and part to certain dealers
at a price that represents a concession not in excess of 0.35% of the principal
amount of the notes. Any underwriter may allow, and any such dealer may
reallow, a concession not in excess of 0.25% of the principal amount of the
notes to certain other dealers. After the initial offering of the notes, the
underwriters may from time to time vary the offering price and other selling
terms.
The notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market
and will not be listed on any national securities exchange. The underwriters
have advised us that they intend to make a market for the notes, but they have
no obligation to do so and may discontinue market making at any time without
providing any notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of any
trading market for the notes.
In connection with the offering of the notes, the underwriters may engage in
transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the
notes. Specifically, the underwriters may overallot in connection with the
offering of the notes, creating a syndicate short position. In addition, the
underwriters may bid for, and purchase, notes in the open market to cover
syndicate short positions or to stabilize the price of the notes. Finally, the
underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed for distributing
the notes in the offering if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed
notes in syndicate covering transactions, stabilization transactions or
otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price
of the notes above independent market levels. The underwriters are not required
to engage in any of these activities, and may end any of them at any time.
We have also agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or to contribute to payments which the underwriters may be required to
make in respect of any such liabilities.
Our expenses associated with this offering are estimated to be $145,000.
In the ordinary course of its business, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
and its affiliates have engaged, and may in the future engage, in investment
banking transactions with us and our affiliates.
VALIDITY OF THE NOTES
The validity of the notes will be passed upon for us by Jerome S. Hanner,
our Senior Counsel and Assistant Secretary, and Sidley & Austin, Chicago,
Illinois. As of May 17, 1999 Mr. Hanner owned 7,011 shares of Aon Corporation
common stock and held restricted stock awards of 37,800 shares. In addition,
2,008 shares of Aon Corporation common stock held by its employee stock
ownership plan were attributable to Mr. Hanner. Certain legal matters will be
passed upon for the underwriters by Davis Polk & Wardwell, New York, New York.
S-4
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aon Corporation
Debt Securities
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We will describe the specific terms of these securities in one or more
supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the
applicable supplements carefully before you invest.
Our executive offices are located at 123 North Wacker Drive, Chicago,
Illinois 60606, and our telephone number is (312) 701-3000.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission 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.
We may offer these securities in any of the following ways:
. directly to purchasers;
. through agents;
. through dealers; or
. through one or more underwriters or a syndicate of underwriters in an
underwritten offering.
Additional information on our plan of distribution can be found inside under
"Plan of Distribution." We will describe the plan of distribution for any
securities in the applicable prospectus supplements.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The date of this Prospectus is June 4, 1999.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
About This Prospectus...................................................... 2
Where You Can Find More Information........................................ 2
The Company................................................................ 4
Use of Proceeds............................................................ 4
Selected Financial Data.................................................... 4
Ratios..................................................................... 5
Description of Debt Securities............................................. 5
Description of Preferred Stock and Common Stock............................ 14
Plan of Distribution....................................................... 16
Validity of Securities..................................................... 17
Experts.................................................................... 17
</TABLE>
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement (No. 333-78723) that we
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") utilizing a "shelf"
registration process. Under this shelf process, we may offer up to $500,000,000
of the debt securities, preferred stock and common stock described in this
prospectus in one or more offerings. In this prospectus we will refer to the
debt securities, preferred stock and common stock collectively as the
"securities." This prospectus provides you with a general description of the
securities we may offer. Each time we offer securities, we will provide you
with a prospectus supplement and, if applicable, a pricing supplement. The
prospectus supplement and any applicable pricing supplement will describe the
specific terms of the securities being offered. The prospectus supplement and
any applicable pricing supplement may also add, update or change the
information in this prospectus. Please carefully read this prospectus, the
applicable prospectus supplement and any applicable pricing supplement,
together with the information contained in the documents referred to under the
heading "Where You Can Find More Information."
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements, and other
information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file with the
SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549 or at the SEC's regional offices located at Citicorp Center, 500
West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and 7 World Trade
Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048. You may obtain further
information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330. Our SEC filings are also available to the public over the
Internet at the SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, you may
inspect our SEC filings at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad
Street, New York, New York 10005, the Chicago Stock Exchange, 440 South LaSalle
Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605 and the London Stock Exchange, Old Broad
Street, London, England EC2N1HP. You may find additional information about Aon
Corporation and its subsidiaries at our Web site at http://www.aon.com.
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" into this prospectus the
information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important
information to you by referring you to those documents. Any information
referenced this way is considered to be part of this prospectus, and any
information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and
supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the following documents
that we have filed with the SEC and any future filings that we make with the
SEC under
2
<PAGE>
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
until we complete our sale of the securities to the public:
. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 (common
stock and per share data do not reflect the 3-for-2 stock split effective
May 17, 1999); see "Selected Financial Data" on Page 4 of this
Prospectus;
. Proxy statement for the 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed March
8, 1999;
. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999; and
. The description of Aon Corporation's common stock contained in Item 12 of
the registration statement on Form 10 filed on February 19, 1980 (when we
were called Combined International Corporation), and any amendment or
report which we have filed (or will file after the date of this
prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering) for the purpose
of updating such description, including Aon Corporation's Current Report
on Form 8-K dated April 23, 1987.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement we have filed with the
SEC relating to the securities. As permitted by SEC rules, this prospectus does
not contain all of the information included in the registration statement and
the accompanying exhibits and schedules we file with the SEC. You may refer to
the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules for more information
about us and our securities. The registration statement and exhibits and
schedules are also available at the SEC's Public Reference Room or through its
Web site.
You may obtain a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing to or
telephoning us at the following address:
Aon Corporation
123 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Telephone (312) 701-3000
Attention: Corporate Secretary
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or
provided in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement and in any
pricing supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with
different information. You should not assume that the information in this
prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any pricing supplement is
accurate as of any date other than the date on the cover of the applicable
document. We are not making an offer of the securities in any state where the
offer or sale is not permitted.
3
<PAGE>
THE COMPANY
Aon Corporation is an insurance services holding company for a family of
insurance brokerage, consulting and consumer insurance companies. Through its
insurance brokerage and other services and consulting operations, Aon
Corporation offers commercial insurance brokerage, alternative risk solutions,
risk management, employee benefit and human resources consulting and managing
general underwriting services. In addition, Aon Corporation's insurance
underwriting businesses provide a variety of insurance products, including
accident and health coverage, traditional life insurance and extended
warranties. Aon Corporation's revenues were $6.5 billion in 1998. Based on 1998
insurance brokerage and consulting revenues, management believes that the
Company is the second largest insurance brokerage company in the world.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we expect
to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate
purposes, including securities repurchase programs, capital expenditures,
working capital, repayment or reduction of long-term and short-term debt and
the financing of acquisitions. We may invest funds that we do not immediately
require in short-term marketable securities.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The dilutive and basic per share data and common stock data included in
"Selected Financial Data" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1998 is restated below to reflect the three-for-two stock split
effective May 17, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dilutive per share data
Income from continuing
operations excluding
special charges...... $ 2.07 $ 1.55 $ 1.33 $ 1.14 $ 1.01
Income from continuing
operations........... 2.07 1.12 1.10 1.14 1.01
Discontinued
operations........... -- -- 0.17 0.39 0.38
Net income............ 2.07 1.12 1.27 1.53 1.39
Basic per share data
Income from continuing
operations........... 2.11 1.14 1.11 1.15 1.02
Net income............ 2.11 1.14 1.29 1.55 1.41
Common stock data
Dividends paid per
share................ $ 0.73 $ 0.68 $ 0.63 $ 0.59 $ 0.56
Stockholders' equity
per share............ 11.83 11.20 10.81 10.12 8.13
Price range........... 50 3/8-32 3/16 39 1/4-26 13/16 28 3/4-21 1/16 22 9/16-13 15/16 15 15/16-13
Market price at year-
end.................. 36.917 39.083 27.583 22.167 14.250
Common stockholders... 12,294 12,698 13,030 13,520 14,163
Shares outstanding
(in millions)........ 255.0 252.0 249.6 243.6 242.3
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
RATIOS
Our ratios of earnings to fixed charges and of earnings to combined fixed
charges and preferred stock dividends for each of the periods indicated are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Quarters Fiscal Year Ended
Ended March 31, December 31,
--------------- ------------------------
1999 1998 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
------- ------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges. 3.8 8.5 7.6 5.6 6.7 6.6 5.9
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
(1)............................... 8.6 7.1 7.9
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed
charges and preferred stock
dividends (2)..................... 2.5 5.5 5.1 3.3 4.9 4.5 3.7
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed
charges and preferred stock
dividends (1)..................... 5.7 4.2 5.8
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Reflects the exclusion of special charges from income from continuing
operations before provision for income taxes and minority interests for the
first quarter ended March 31, 1999 and for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996, respectively.
(2) Reflects the inclusion into total fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends for the first quarters ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 and for the
years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 of $16 million, $16 million, $66
million and $64 million, respectively, of pre-tax distributions on the
8.205% mandatorily redeemable preferred capital securities which are
classified as "minority interest" on our condensed consolidated statements
of operations.
For these ratios, earnings consist of income from continuing operations
before provision for income taxes and minority interests and before fixed
charges. Fixed charges include interest expense and that portion of rental
expense we deem to represent interest. Combined fixed charges and preferred
stock dividends include preferred stock dividend requirements, interest expense
and that portion of rental expense we deem to represent interest. Preferred
stock dividends consist of the pre-tax earnings required to pay dividends on
all preferred stock. Our earnings, fixed charges and preferred stock dividends
include the earnings, fixed charges and preferred stock dividends of Aon
Corporation and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
This prospectus describes certain general terms and provisions of our debt
securities. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we
will describe the specific terms of the series in a supplement to this
prospectus. We will also indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement the
extent to which the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus
apply to a particular series of debt securities.
The debt securities we may offer pursuant to this prospectus will be
unsecured obligations of Aon Corporation and will be either senior or
subordinated debt. We will issue senior debt under an indenture dated as of
September 15, 1992, as may be supplemented, between us and The Bank of New
York, as the successor senior indenture trustee. We will issue subordinated
debt under an indenture to be dated as of a date before the first issuance of
subordinated debt, as may be supplemented, between us and U.S. Bank Trust
National Association, as the subordinated indenture trustee. The senior debt
indenture and the subordinated debt indenture are sometimes referred to in this
prospectus individually as an "indenture" and collectively as the "indentures"
and the senior indenture trustee and the subordinated indenture trustee are
sometimes referred to in this prospectus individually as a "trustee." We have
summarized selected provisions of the indentures below. This is a summary and
is not complete. It does not describe certain exceptions and qualifications
contained in the indentures or the debt securities. If you would like more
information on the provisions of either of the indentures, you should read the
more detailed provisions of the applicable indenture, both of which have been
incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement for the
debt securities. In the summary, we have included parenthetical references to
the section numbers of the applicable indenture so that you can easily locate
those provisions.
5
<PAGE>
General
The debt securities will be unsecured obligations of Aon Corporation. The
indentures do not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue under
them. The indentures provide that we may issue debt securities from time to
time in one or more series. We have previously issued debt securities pursuant
to the senior debt indenture.
The debt securities issued under the senior debt indenture will be unsecured
obligations and will rank equally with each other and with all of our other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The debt securities issued under the
subordinated debt indenture will be subordinate and junior in right of payment,
as more fully described in the subordinated debt indenture, to all of our
senior indebtedness. See "--Subordination under the Subordinated Debt
Indenture."
Because we are a holding company, the holders of the debt securities may not
receive assets of our subsidiaries in a liquidation or recapitalization until
the claims of our subsidiaries' creditors and insurance policyholders (in the
case of insurance subsidiaries) are paid, except to the extent that we may have
recognized claims against such subsidiaries. In addition, certain regulatory
laws limit some of our subsidiaries, including Combined Insurance Company of
America, from making payments to us of dividends and on loans and other
transfers of funds.
We will include in a supplement to this prospectus and any pricing
supplement the specific terms relating to the debt securities being offered.
These terms will include some or all of the following:
. the title of the debt securities and whether the debt securities will be
senior or subordinated debt;
. the total principal amount of the debt securities;
. the maturity date or dates of the debt securities;
. the interest rate or rates, if any (which may be fixed or variable) and,
if applicable, the method used to calculate the interest rate;
. the date or dates from which interest will accrue and on which interest
will be payable and the dates used to determine the persons to whom
interest will be paid;
. the place or places where principal of, and any premium or interest on,
the debt securities will be paid;
. whether (and if so, when and under what terms and conditions) the debt
securities may be redeemed by us at our option or at the option of the
holders;
. whether there will be a sinking fund;
. if other than United States dollars and denominations of $1,000 or any
multiple of $1,000, the currency or currencies or currency unit or
currency units and denomination in which the debt securities will be
issued;
. if other than United States dollars and denominations of $1,000 or any
multiple of $1,000, the currency or currencies or currency unit or
currency units and denomination in which the debt securities will be
issued;
. if other than the principal amount, the portion of the principal amount
of the debt securities that we will pay upon acceleration of the maturity
date;
. whether we will issue the debt securities in registered or bearer
("unregistered") form or both;
. if we issue debt securities in unregistered form, any restrictions on the
exchange of one form for another and to the offer, sale and delivery of
such unregistered securities;
. whether and under what circumstances and conditions we will pay
additional amounts on the debt securities held by foreign persons in
respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge imposed on such
holders with respect to the debt securities ("additional amounts");
. whether we will issue the debt securities in certificated or book-entry
form;
6
<PAGE>
. with respect to subordinated debt securities, whether they will be
convertible into shares of common stock and the terms and conditions
governing such conversion; and
. any other terms of the series being offered, so long as they are not
inconsistent with any provision of the applicable indenture. (Section
2.01)
If we denominate the purchase price of a series of debt securities in a
foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, or if the
principal of, any premium and interest on, and any additional amounts with
respect to any series of debt securities is payable in a foreign currency or
currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, we will describe any special
United States federal income tax considerations in the applicable prospectus
supplement.
We will pay principal and any interest, premium and additional amounts in
the manner, at the places and subject to the restrictions set forth in the
indentures, the debt securities and the applicable prospectus supplement. We
will not impose a service charge for any transfer or exchange of debt
securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or
other governmental charge that may be imposed. (Section 2.05) Unregistered debt
securities and any related coupons will be transferable by delivery. (Section
2.05)
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will
issue debt securities in fully registered form, without coupons, in
denominations of $1,000 or multiples of $1,000. (Sections 2.01 and 2.04)
We may offer to sell at a substantial discount below their stated principal
amount, debt securities bearing no interest or interest at a rate that, at the
time of issuance, is below the prevailing market rate. We will describe any
special United States federal income tax considerations applicable to any of
those discounted debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We may offer to sell debt securities in which the principal or interest will
be determined by reference to one or more currency exchange rates, commodity
prices, equity indices or other factors. The principal amount or payment of
interest applicable to such debt securities may be greater than or less than
the amount of principal or interest otherwise payable, depending upon the value
of the applicable currency, commodity, equity index or other factor on the date
on which such principal or interest is due. We will set forth in the applicable
prospectus supplement information about the methods used to determine the
amount of principal or interest payable on any date, the currencies,
commodities, equity indices or other factors to which the amount payable on
that date is linked and certain additional tax considerations applicable to
such debt securities.
The senior debt indenture limits our ability to incur certain secured
indebtedness. See "--Limitation on Liens under Senior Indenture." The
indentures do not restrict our ability to incur unsecured indebtedness or,
subject to the restrictions described in "--Consolidation and Merger," to
engage in reorganizations, restructurings, mergers, consolidations or similar
transactions that have the effect of increasing our indebtedness. Accordingly,
unless we state otherwise in the applicable supplement, the debt securities
will not contain any provisions that afford holders protection against us
incurring such indebtedness or engaging in certain reorganizations or
transactions. As a result, we could become highly leveraged.
Limitation on Liens under Senior Indenture
Under the senior debt indenture we have agreed, among other things, to not,
directly or indirectly, create, issue, assume, incur or guarantee any
indebtedness for money borrowed which is secured by a mortgage, pledge, lien,
security interest or other encumbrance of any nature on any of the present or
future common stock of Combined Insurance Company of America, one of our
subsidiaries (or any company besides us having direct or indirect control of
such subsidiary). This restriction will not apply if we ensure that the debt
securities (together with, if we decide, any other indebtedness for money
borrowed by us then existing or thereafter created which is not subordinate to
the senior debt securities) will be secured equally and proportionately with
(or, at our option, prior to) such other secured indebtedness for as long as
such indebtedness is secured. (Section 4.05 of senior debt indenture)
7
<PAGE>
Events of Default
With respect to any series of debt securities, "event of default" means any
of the following:
. we fail to pay the interest or any additional amount on any debt security
of that series when due and such failure continues for 30 days;
. we fail to pay the principal or any premium on any debt security of that
series when due;
. we fail to comply with any of our other agreements contained in the
applicable indenture and such failure continues for 90 days after written
notice is given to us of that failure from the applicable trustee (or to
us and such trustee from the holders of at least 25% in principal amount
of the outstanding debt securities of that series);
. certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to
us; and
. any other event of default provided with respect to debt securities of
that series that is described in the applicable prospectus supplement
accompanying this prospectus. (Section 6.01)
If there is a continuing event of default with respect to any outstanding
series of debt securities, the applicable trustee or the holders of at least
25% of the outstanding principal amount of the debt securities of that series
may require us to pay immediately the principal (or, if the debt securities of
that series are discount securities, that portion of the principal amount as
may be specified in the terms of that series) of and accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, on all debt securities of that series. However, at any time
after such trustee or the holders, as the case may be, declare such
acceleration with respect to debt securities of any series, but before the
applicable person has obtained a judgment or decree for payment of the money,
the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt
securities of that series may, under certain conditions, cancel such
acceleration if we have cured all events of default (other than the non-payment
of accelerated principal and interest, if any) with respect to debt securities
of that series or all such events of default have been waived as provided in
the applicable indenture. (Section 6.01) For information as to waiver of
defaults, see "--Modification and Waiver." We refer you to the prospectus
supplement relating to any series of debt securities that are discount
securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of the
maturity of a portion of the principal amount of such debt securities triggered
by an event of default.
Each indenture provides that, subject to the duties of the trustee to act
with the required standard of care if there is a continuing event of default,
the trustee need not exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture
at the request or direction of any of the holders of debt securities, unless
such holders have offered to the trustee reasonably security or indemnity.
(Section 6.04) Subject to such provisions for security or indemnification of
each trustee and certain other conditions, the holders of the majority in
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the
right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any
remedy available to the applicable trustee or exercising any trust or power
such trustee holds with respect to the debt securities of that series. (Section
6.06)
No holder of any debt security of any series will have any right to
institute any proceeding with respect to either indenture or for any remedy
under the applicable indenture unless:
. the applicable trustee has failed to institute such proceeding for 60
days after the holder has previously given to such trustee written notice
of a continuing event of default with respect to debt securities of that
series;
. the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt
securities of that series have made written request, and offered
reasonable security or indemnity, to the applicable trustee to institute
such proceeding as trustee; and
. the applicable trustee has not received from the holders of a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series a
direction inconsistent with such request. (Section 6.04)
However, the holder of any debt security will have an absolute and
unconditional right to receive payment of the principal of, and any premium or
interest on, and any additional amounts with respect to, such debt
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security on or after the date or dates they are to be paid as expressed in such
debt security and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment.
(Section 6.04)
We are required to furnish to the each trustee annually a statement as to
the existence or absence of certain defaults under each indenture. (Section
4.06) Each indenture provides that the trustee need not provide holders of debt
securities of any series notice of any default (other than the non-payment of
principal or any premium, interest or additional amounts) if it considers it in
the interest of the holders of debt securities of that series not to provide
such notice. (Section 6.07)
Consolidation and Merger
Each indenture provides that we may consolidate with or merge into, or
transfer or lease our assets substantially as an entirety to, another person
without the consent of any debt security holders if, along with certain other
conditions in the indentures:
. the person (if other than us) formed by such consolidation or into which
we merge or which acquires or leases our assets is a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any state
thereof or the District of Columbia and expressly assumes our obligations
on the debt securities and under the applicable indenture; and
. after giving effect to such transaction, there is no event of default,
and no event which, after notice or passage of time or both, would become
an event of default. (Section 11.01)
Defeasance
Defeasance and Discharge. Unless the debt securities of any series provide
otherwise, we may be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the
debt securities of that series (except for certain obligations to register the
transfer or exchange of debt securities of that series, to replace stolen,
destroyed, lost or mutilated debt securities of that series, to maintain paying
agencies, to compensate and indemnify the applicable trustee or to furnish such
trustee (if the trustee is not the registrar) with the names and addresses of
holders of debt securities of that series). This discharge, referred to as
defeasance, will occur only if:
. we irrevocably deposit with the applicable trustee, in trust, money
and/or securities of the government which issues the currency in which
the debt securities of that series are payable or securities of agencies
backed by the full faith and credit of such government, which, through
the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms,
will provide enough money to pay each installment of principal of, and
any premium and interest on, and any additional amounts and any mandatory
sinking fund payments in respect of, the debt securities of that series
on the applicable due dates for those payments in accordance with the
terms of those debt securities; and
. we deliver to the applicable trustee an opinion of counsel confirming
that the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize
income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a
result of such defeasance and will be subject to United States federal
income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same
times as would have been the case if the discharge had not occurred.
That opinion must state that we have received from, or there has been published
by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling or, since the date of
execution of the applicable indenture, there has been a change in the
applicable United States federal income tax law, in any case, in support of
that opinion. (Sections 13.03 and 13.04)
In addition, we may also obtain a discharge of either indenture with respect
to all debt securities issued under such indenture by depositing with the
applicable trustee, in trust, enough money to pay all amounts due on the debt
securities on the date such payments are due or upon redemption of all of such
debt securities, so long as such debt securities are by their terms to become
due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one
year. (Section 12.01)
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Defeasance of Certain Covenants and Certain Events of Default. Unless the
debt securities of any series provide otherwise, upon compliance with certain
conditions:
. we may omit to comply with the covenants described under "--Limitation on
Liens under Senior Indenture" (with respect to senior debt securities)
and "--Consolidation and Merger"; and
. any omission to comply with those covenants will not constitute an event
of default with respect to the debt securities of that series ("covenant
defeasance"). (Sections 13.03 and 13.04)
The conditions include:
. depositing with the applicable trustee money and/or securities of the
government which issues the currency in which the debt securities of that
series are payable or securities of agencies backed by the full faith and
credit of such government, which, through the payment of interest and
principal in accordance with their terms, will provide enough money to
pay each installment of principal of, any premium and interest on, and
any additional amounts and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect
of, the debt securities of that series on the due dates for those
payments in accordance with the terms of those debt securities; and
. delivering to the applicable trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect
that the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize
income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a
result of the deposit and related covenant defeasance and will be subject
to United States federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same
manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit
and related covenant defeasance had not occurred. (Section 13.04)
Covenants Defeasance and Certain Other Events of Default. If we exercise our
option to effect a covenant defeasance with respect to the debt securities of
any series as described above and the debt securities of that series are
thereafter declared due and payable because of an event of default (other than
an event of default caused by failing to comply with the covenants that are
defeased), the amount of money and securities we have deposited with the
applicable trustee would be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt
securities of that series on their respective due dates but may not be
sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time
of acceleration resulting from such event of default. However, we would remain
liable for such payments.
Modification and Waiver
Each indenture provides that we may enter into supplemental indentures with
the trustee without the consent of the holders of debt securities to:
. document the fact that a successor corporation has assumed our
obligations;
. add covenants or events of default for the protection of the holders of
debt securities;
. add or change provisions as are necessary to permit issuance of global
debt securities or unregistered securities and exchangeability of such
debt securities with registered securities;
. cure any ambiguity or correct any inconsistency in the indenture;
. document the fact that a successor trustee has been appointed; or
. establish the forms and terms of debt securities of any series. (Section
10.01)
In addition, the subordinated debt indenture provides that we may enter into
a supplemental indenture with the trustee without the consent of the holders of
subordinated debt securities to provide for the terms and conditions of
conversion into common stock if such terms and conditions are different than
those provided in the subordinated debt indenture. (Section 10.01 of the
subordinated debt indenture)
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We may modify either indenture with the consent of the trustee and holders
of at least a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of
each series affected by such modification. However, we may not modify either
indenture without the consent of the holders of all then outstanding debt
securities of the affected securities to:
. change the due date of the principal of, or any installment of principal
of or interest on, or payment of additional amounts with respect to, the
debt securities of that series;
. reduce the principal amount of, or any premium or interest rate on, or
any additional amount with respect to, the debt securities of that
series;
. reduce the amount due and payable upon acceleration or make payments
thereon payable in any currency other than that provided in such debt
security;
. impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such
payment on or after it is due; or
. reduce the percentage in principal amount of outstanding debt securities
of any series, the consent of whose holders is necessary to effect any
such modification or amendment of the indenture, for waiver of compliance
with certain covenants and provisions in the indenture or for waiver of
certain defaults. (Section 10.02)
In the case of the subordinated debt indenture, no modification may adversely
affect the rights of any holder of senior indebtedness under the subordination
provisions of the subordinated debt indenture without the consent of such
holder. (Section 10.02 of the subordinated debt indenture)
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of any series issued under the senior debt indenture may on
behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series waive, insofar as
that series is concerned, compliance by us with the restrictive covenant of the
senior debt indenture described above under "--Limitation on Liens under Senior
Indenture." (Section 4.07 of senior debt indenture) The holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series
may on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series waive any
past default under either indenture with respect to that series, except a
default in the payment of the principal of or any premium or any interest on,
any debt security of that series or in respect of a provision which under the
indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of
each outstanding debt security of that affected series. (Section 6.09)
Global Securities
The registered debt securities of a series may be issued in the form of one
or more fully registered global securities (each, a "global security") that
will be deposited with The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York ("DTC")
or its nominee. This means that we will not issue certificates to each holder.
Each global security will be issued to DTC, who will keep a computerized record
of its participants (for example, your broker) whose clients have purchased
debt securities. The participant will then keep a record of its clients who
purchased the debt securities. Unless it is exchanged in whole or in part for a
certificate, a global security may not be transferred, except that DTC, its
nominees, and their successors may transfer a global security as a whole to one
another.
Beneficial interests in global securities will be shown on, and transfers of
global securities will be made only through, records maintained by DTC and its
participants. If you are not a participant in DTC, you may beneficially own
debt securities held by DTC only through a participant.
The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take
physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such limits and laws
may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security.
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DTC has provided us the following information: DTC is a limited-purpose
trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a "banking
organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the
United States Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency"
registered under the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934. DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC also
records the settlement among participants of securities transactions, such as
transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through computerized records for
participants' accounts. This eliminates the need to exchange certificates.
Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies,
clearing corporations and certain other organizations.
DTC's book-entry system is also used by other organizations such as
securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that work through a
participant. The rules that apply to DTC and its participants are on file with
the SEC.
DTC is owned by a number of its participants and by the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc., The American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc.
We will wire principal and interest payments to DTC's nominee. We and the
trustee under each indenture will treat DTC's nominee as the owner of the
global securities for all purposes. Accordingly, we, each trustee and any
paying agent will have no direct responsibility or liability to pay amounts due
on the global securities to owners of beneficial interests in the global
securities.
It is DTC's current practice, upon receipt of any payment of principal or
interest, to credit participants' accounts on the payment date according to
their respective holdings of beneficial interests in the global securities as
shown on DTC's records. In addition, it is DTC's current practice to assign any
consenting or voting rights to participants whose accounts are credited with
debt securities on a record date, by using an omnibus proxy. Payments by
participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global securities, and
voting by participants, will be governed by the customary practices between the
participants and owners of beneficial interests, as is the case with debt
securities held for the account of customers registered in "street name."
However, payments will be the responsibility of the participants and not of
DTC, either trustee or us.
So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of a global security,
DTC or that nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or
holder of the debt securities represented by that global security for all
purposes under the indentures. Except as set forth in the next paragraph,
owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to
have the debt securities represented by that global security registered in
their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of
the debt securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or
holders of the debt securities under the indentures.
We will issue debt securities of any series then represented by global
securities in definitive form in exchange for those global securities if:
. DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary
or if DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under applicable law
and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days; or
. we determine not to require all of the debt securities of a series to be
represented by a global security.
If we issue debt securities in definitive form in exchange for a global
security, an owner of a beneficial interest in the global security will be
entitled to have debt securities equal in principal amount to the beneficial
interest registered in its name and will be entitled to physical delivery of
those debt securities in definitive form. Debt securities issued in definitive
form will, except as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, be
issued in denominations of $1,000 and any multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof
and will be issued in registered form only, without coupons.
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The debt securities of a series may also be issued in the form of one or
more bearer global securities (a "bearer global security") that will be
deposited with a common depositary for Euroclear and CEDEL, or with a nominee
for such depositary identified in the applicable prospectus supplement relating
to such series. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific
terms and procedures, including the specific terms of the depositary
arrangement, with respect to any portion of a series of debt securities to be
represented by a bearer global security.
Subordination under the Subordinated Debt Indenture
The subordinated debt securities issued under the subordinated debt
indenture will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to all senior
indebtedness to the extent provided in the subordinated debt indenture.
(Section 14.03 of the subordinated debt indenture) We may not make any payments
on account of principal or any premium, redemption, interest or other amount on
the subordinated debt securities at any time when we have defaulted with
respect to payment of principal or any premium, interest, sinking fund or other
payment due on the senior indebtedness. (Section 14.02 of the subordinated debt
indenture) If we make any payment described in the foregoing sentence under the
subordinated debt indenture before all senior indebtedness is paid in full,
such payment or distribution will be applied to pay off the senior indebtedness
which remains unpaid. Subject to the condition that the senior indebtedness is
paid in full, if any such payments are made on the senior indebtedness as
described above, the subordinated debt security holders will be subrogated to
the rights of the senior debt security holders. (Section 14.03 of the
subordinated debt indenture)
The subordinated debt indenture defines the term "senior indebtedness" to
mean:
. all indebtedness of Aon Corporation, whether outstanding on the date of
the subordinated debt indenture or created later, for money borrowed or
otherwise evidenced by a note or similar instrument given in connection
with the acquisition of any business, property or assets (other than
inventory or other similar property acquired in the ordinary course of
business), including securities or for the payment of money relating to a
capitalized lease obligation (as defined in the subordinated debt
indenture);
. any indebtedness of others described in the preceding bullet point which
we have guaranteed or which is otherwise our legal obligation;
. any of our indebtedness under interest rate swaps, caps or similar
hedging agreements and foreign exchange contracts, currency swaps or
similar agreements; and
. renewals, extensions, refundings, restructurings, amendments and
modifications of any indebtedness or guarantee described above. (Section
1.01 of subordinated debt indenture)
"Senior indebtedness" does not include:
. any of our indebtedness to any of our subsidiaries; or
. any of our indebtedness which by its terms is equal or subordinated to
the subordinated debt securities in rights of payment or upon
liquidation. (Section 1.01 of subordinated debt indenture)
Because of the subordination provisions described above, some of our general
creditors may recover proportionately more than holders of the subordinated
debt securities if our assets are distributed as a result of insolvency or
bankruptcy. The subordinated debt indenture provides that the subordination
provisions will not apply to money and securities held in trust pursuant to the
satisfaction and discharge and the legal defeasance provisions of the
subordinated debt indenture. (Section 14.03 of the subordinated debt indenture)
See "--Defeasance."
We will set forth (or incorporate by reference) the approximate amount of
senior indebtedness outstanding as of a recent date in any prospectus
supplement under which we offer to sell subordinated debt securities.
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Conversion Rights
We will include in a supplement to this prospectus the terms and conditions,
if any, on which debt securities being offered are convertible into common
stock. Such terms will include the conversion price, the conversion period,
provisions as to whether conversion will be at our option or the option of the
holder, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and
provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of such debt
securities.
Regarding the Trustees
We have commercial deposits and custodial arrangements with the senior
indenture trustee and have borrowed money from such trustee in the normal
course of business. We also have commercial deposits with the subordinated
indenture trustee. In addition, we have provided brokerage and other insurance
services in the ordinary course of their respective businesses for each
trustee. The senior indenture trustee is also trustee with respect to other
debt securities we have issued.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON STOCK
Our second restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, authorizes us
to issue 300,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, and
25,000,000 shares of serial preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share. In
general, any series of preferred stock is afforded preferences regarding
dividends and liquidation rights over the common stock. The second restated
certificate of incorporation, as amended, empowers the board of directors of
Aon Corporation, without approval of the stockholders, to cause preferred stock
to be issued in one or more series, with the numbers of shares of each series
and the rights, preferences and limitations of each series to be determined by
it. The description set forth below is only a summary and is not complete. For
more information regarding the preferred stock and common stock which may be
offered by this prospectus, please refer to the applicable prospectus
supplement and our second restated certificate of incorporation, as amended,
which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement.
In addition, a more detailed description of the common stock may be found in
the documents referred to in the fourth bullet point in the second paragraph of
"Where You Find More Information."
Because we are a holding company, the holders of the preferred and common
stock may not receive assets of our subsidiaries in a liquidation or
recapitalization of the subsidiaries until the claims of our subsidiaries'
creditors and insurance policyholders (in the case of insurance subsidiaries)
are paid, except to the extent that we may have recognized claims against such
subsidiaries. In addition, certain regulatory laws limit some of our
subsidiaries from making payments to us of dividends and on loans and other
transfers of funds.
Preferred Stock
We will in include in a supplement to this prospectus the terms relating to
the preferred stock being offered. These terms will include some or all of the
following:
. the number of shares;
. the designation of the series;
. the initial offering price;
. any liquidation preference per share;
. any dividend rights and the specific terms relating thereto;
. whether and upon what terms the shares will be redeemable;
. whether and upon what terms the shares will have a sinking fund to be
used to purchase or redeem the shares of any series;
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. whether and upon what terms the shares will be convertible;
. the relative priority of such shares to other classes or series of
preferred stock with respect to rights and preferences;
. any provisions for the auction or remarketing of the preferred stock;
. the restrictions, if any, on the issue or reissue of any additional
preferred stock, including increases or decreases in the number of shares
of any series subsequent to the issue of shares of that series;
. any voting rights;
. whether or not the shares are or will be listed on any securities
exchange;
. any additional terms, preferences, rights, limitations or restrictions
applicable to the shares; and
. a discussion of Federal income tax considerations applicable to the
shares.
Common Stock
We will include in a supplement to this prospectus the terms relating to the
common stock being offered, including the number of shares offered, the initial
offering price, market price and dividend information.
Common stockholders will receive dividends as may be declared at various
times by the board of directors out of funds legally available for that
purpose. Common stockholders are entitled to one vote per share on all matters
submitted to a vote of stockholders and do not have cumulative voting rights.
Common stockholders will receive, upon any liquidation of Aon Corporation, all
remaining assets available for distribution to stockholders after we satisfy
our liabilities relating to, and make payments in respect of preferential
obligations of, any preferred stock that may then be issued and outstanding.
Common stockholders have no preemptive rights. The common stock is listed on
the New York, Chicago and London Stock Exchanges. First Chicago Trust Company
of New York is the registrar and transfer agent for the common stock.
Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions
Our second restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, contains
provisions, summarized below, that could have the effect of delaying, deferring
or preventing a change of control of Aon Corporation. Because this is a
summary, it does not contain all of the information that may be important to
you. You should read carefully the provisions of our second restated
certificate of incorporation, as amended, as well as the provisions of any
applicable laws.
Our second restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, provides that
the approval of a voluntary liquidation or dissolution of Aon Corporation and
certain business combinations (including mergers, consolidations, sales, leases
and exchanges), requires the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all of
the securities of Aon Corporation then entitled to vote at a meeting of
stockholders, considered as one class. Our second restated certificate of
incorporation, as amended, also permits our board of directors, in response to
certain acquisition proposals (including tender or exchange offers, mergers,
consolidations and sales), to consider not only the best interests of the
stockholders, but also such other factors as the board of directors deems
relevant, including social, legal and economic effects upon employees, field
sales agents, suppliers, customers, policyholders and business. In addition,
unless the board of directors decides otherwise with respect to any series of
preferred stock, stockholders may not take any action by written consent if
such action is the type that must or may be taken at any annual or special
meeting of stockholders.
Under Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, we may not engage
in certain business combinations (as defined in such section) with any
interested stockholders (as defined therein) for a period of three years
following the date that such stockholder became an interested stockholder,
unless:
. prior to such date our board of directors approved the business
combination with the interested stockholder;
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. the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of our voting stock upon
consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder
becoming an interested stockholder; or
. the business combination is approved by the affirmative vote of at least
two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock.
Our board of directors has adopted a resolution making the provisions of
Section 203 inapplicable to transactions involving Mr. Patrick G. Ryan, our
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. In addition, the insurance laws and
regulations of the jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries do business may
impede or delay a business combination involving Aon Corporation.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell the securities in any of the following ways:
. directly to purchasers;
. through agents;
. through dealers; or
. through one or more underwriters or a syndicate of underwriters in an
underwritten offering.
The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the names of any
underwriters or agents involved in the sale of the securities being offered and
any applicable commissions or discounts.
Underwriters, dealers or agents may offer and sell the securities at a fixed
price or prices, which may be changed, or from time to time at market prices
prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market
prices or at negotiated prices. In connection with the sale of the securities,
underwriters or agents may be deemed to have received compensation from us in
the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive
commissions from purchasers of the securities for whom they may act as agent.
Underwriters or agents may sell the securities to or through dealers, and such
dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or
commissions from the underwriters or commissions from the purchasers for whom
they may act as agent.
If we do not list the securities being offered on a national securities
exchange, any underwriters or agents to or through whom such securities are
sold by us for public offering and sale may make a market in such securities,
but such underwriters or agents will not be obligated to do so and may
discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We give no assurances
as to the liquidity of the trading market for any of the securities being
offered.
Any underwriters, dealers or agents participating in the distribution of the
securities may be deemed to be underwriters and any discounts and commissions
received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the securities
may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities
Act of 1933. We may enter into agreements with underwriters, dealers or agents
under which we agree to indemnify against, or contribute payments made in
respect of, certain civil liabilities incurred by such persons, including
liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize
underwriters or agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase
securities from us pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on
a future date. These contracts may be made with commercial and savings banks,
insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and
charitable institutions and others, but in all cases such institutions must be
approved by us. The obligations of any purchaser under any such contract will
be subject to the condition that the purchase of the securities is at the time
of delivery not prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which such
purchaser is subject. The underwriters and such other persons will not have any
responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of such contracts.
Aon Capital Markets, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aon Corporation, may
participate as an underwriter with respect to any securities of Aon Corporation
offered pursuant to a prospectus supplement to this prospectus. In any such
offering where Aon Capital Markets will participate as an underwriter, the
offering will be made pursuant to the provisions of Rule 2720 of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
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VALIDITY OF SECURITIES
The validity of the securities will be passed upon for us by Jerome S.
Hanner, our Senior Counsel and Assistant Secretary. As of May 17, 1999 Mr.
Hanner owned 7,011 shares of Aon Corporation common stock and held restricted
stock awards of 37,800 shares. In addition, 2,008 shares of Aon Corporation
common stock held by its employee stock ownership plan were attributable to Mr.
Hanner.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Aon Corporation incorporated by
reference in Aon Corporation's Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1998, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, as set forth in their report thereon incorporated by reference
therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial
statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report
given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial
information for the three-month periods ended March 31, 1999 and March 31,
1998, incorporated by reference in this prospectus, Ernst & Young LLP have
reported that they have applied limited procedures in accordance with
professional standards for a review of such information. However, their
separate report, included in Aon Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended March 31, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference,
states that they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on that
interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their
report on such information should be restricted considering the limited nature
of the review procedures applied. The independent auditors are not subject to
the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 for their
report on the unaudited interim financial information because that report is
not a "report" or a "part" of the registration statement prepared or certified
by the auditors within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act
of 1933.
17
