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AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON AUGUST 18, 1995
REGISTRATION NO. 33-59327
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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AMENDMENT
NO. 1
TO
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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FIRST CHICAGO CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE 36-2669970
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670
(312) 732-4000
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
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ROBERT A. ROSHOLT
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
FIRST CHICAGO CORPORATION
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670
(312) 732-3209
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
COPIES TO:
LAURENCE GOLDMAN, ESQ. B. ROBBINS KIESSLING, ESQ.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND ASSOCIATE CRAVATH, SWAINE & MOORE
GENERAL COUNSEL WORLDWIDE PLAZA
FIRST CHICAGO CORPORATION 825 EIGHTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, 10019
ILLINOIS 60670
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APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF SECURITIES TO THE
PUBLIC: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration
Statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the
following box. [_]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [_]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [X]
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THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO
SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
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++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF +
+ANY STATE. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, AUGUST 18, 1995
PROSPECTUS
FIRST CHICAGO CORPORATION
DEBT SECURITIES AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE DEBT SECURITIES
FOREIGN CURRENCY WARRANTS, STOCK-INDEX WARRANTS AND OTHER WARRANTS
PREFERRED STOCK, DEPOSITARY SHARES AND PREFERRED STOCK WARRANTS
COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
First Chicago Corporation (the "Company") may issue from time to time,
together or separately, (i) in one or more series, its unsecured debt
securities ("Debt Securities"), which may be either senior (the "Senior
Securities") or subordinated (the "Subordinated Securities") in priority of
payment, both of which may be convertible or exchangeable into common stock,
par value $5 per share, of the Company ("Common Stock"), preferred stock of the
Company ("Preferred Stock"), other Debt Securities, Debt Warrants, Common Stock
Warrants, Preferred Stock Warrants or Depositary Shares (each as defined
herein); (ii) warrants ("Debt Warrants") to purchase Debt Securities; (iii)
options, warrants or other rights relating to the exchange of certain
currencies ("Currency Warrants"); (iv) options, warrants or other rights
entitling the holder to receive an amount in cash determined by reference to
increases ("Stock-Index Call Warrants") and decreases ("Stock-Index Put
Warrants" and, collectively with Stock-Index Call Warrants, being referred to
herein as the "Stock-Index Warrants") in the level of a specified stock-index
which may be based on one or more U.S. or foreign stocks or a combination
thereof; (v) options, warrants or other rights relating to other items or
indices ("Other Warrants"); (vi) shares of Preferred Stock which may be
convertible into shares of Common Stock or exchangeable for Debt Securities;
(vii) shares of Preferred Stock represented by depositary shares ("Depositary
Shares"); (viii) warrants to purchase shares of Preferred Stock ("Preferred
Stock Warrants"); and (ix) warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock ("Common
Stock Warrants"), in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at the
time of the offering. The Debt Warrants, Currency Warrants, Stock-Index
Warrants, Other Warrants, Preferred Stock Warrants and Common Stock Warrants
are collectively referred to herein as the "Warrants"; and the Debt Securities,
Warrants, shares of Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares are collectively
referred to herein as the "Securities".
The Company may issue Securities for proceeds up to an aggregate of
$2,000,000,000, or the equivalent thereof if any of the Securities are
denominated in a foreign currency or a foreign currency unit, including the
European Currency Unit ("ECU"). The Securities of each series will be offered
on terms determined at the time of sale. The Securities may be sold for U.S.
dollars, foreign currencies or foreign currency units, and the principal of,
and any interest on, the Debt Securities may be payable in U.S. dollars,
foreign currencies or foreign currency units.
The Senior Securities will rank equally with all other unsubordinated and
unsecured indebtedness of the Company. The Subordinated Securities will be
unsecured and subordinated as described under "Subordinated Securities".
Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to
Subordinated Securities, payment of the principal of Subordinated Securities
may be accelerated only in the case of certain events involving the bankruptcy
or insolvency of the Company, and no right of acceleration will exist in the
case of default in the payment of principal or interest or in the performance
of any covenant.
When a particular series of Securities, in respect of which this Prospectus
is being delivered, is offered, a supplement to this Prospectus (the
"Prospectus Supplement") setting forth certain terms of the offered Securities
will be delivered together with this Prospectus. The applicable Prospectus
Supplement, among other things and where applicable, will include: (i) with
regard to Debt Securities, the specific designation, priority, aggregate
principal amount, currency or currency unit, rate (or method of calculation)
and time of payment of any interest, authorized denominations, maturity,
offering price, place or places of payment, redemption terms, terms of any
repayment at the option of the holder, special provisions relating to Debt
Securities in bearer form, terms for sinking fund payments, terms for
conversion or exchange into other securities, provisions regarding original
issue discount securities and other terms of such Debt Securities; (ii) with
regard to Warrants, where applicable, the duration, aggregate amount, offering
price, exercise price, and detachability; (iii) with regard to Debt Warrants,
Preferred Stock Warrants and Common Stock Warrants, the applicable type and
amount of Securities covered thereby; (iv) with regard to Stock-Index Warrants
or Other Warrants, the applicable securities index or other items or indices
with respect to which such warrants shall apply and the method of determining
the cash value payable in connection with the exercise of such warrants; (v)
with regard to Currency Warrants, the currency to which U.S. Dollars will be
compared, the method of determining the cash value payable in connection with
the exercise of such Currency Warrants, the manner in which such Currency
Warrants may be exercised and any restrictions on exercise of such Currency
Warrants; (vi) with regard to Preferred Stock, the specific number of shares,
title, stated value and liquidation preference of each share, issuance price,
dividend rate or method of calculation, dividend periods, dividend payment
dates, any redemption or sinking fund provisions, any conversion or exchange
provisions, whether fractional interests in shares of Preferred Stock will be
offered through depositary arrangements and other specific terms of each series
of Preferred Stock; and (vii) in the case of Depositary Shares, the fraction of
a share of Preferred Stock which each such Depositary Share will represent.
The Prospectus Supplement will also contain information, where applicable,
about certain U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to, and any
listing on a securities exchange of, the Securities covered by the Prospectus
Supplement.
The Securities may be sold by the Company directly, through agents designated
from time to time, through underwriting syndicates led by one or more managing
underwriters or through one or more underwriters acting alone. If any agent of
the Company, or any underwriter, is involved in the sale of the Securities, the
name of such agent or underwriter, the principal or stated amount to be
purchased by it, any applicable commissions or discounts and the net proceeds
to the Company from such sale will be set forth in, or may be calculated from,
the Prospectus Supplement. The Company may also issue contracts under which the
counterparty may be required to purchase Debt Securities, Preferred Stock,
Depositary Shares or Common Stock. Such contracts would be issued with the Debt
Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares and/or Warrants in amounts, at
prices and on terms to be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
The aggregate net proceeds to the Company from the sale of all the Securities
will be the public offering or purchase price of the Securities sold less the
aggregate of such commissions and discounts and other expenses of issuance and
distribution. An affiliate of the Company may from time to time act as an agent
or underwriter in connection with the sale of Securities to the extent
permitted by applicable law. See "Plan of Distribution".
THESE SECURITIES ARE NOT SAVINGS OR DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS OR OTHER
OBLIGATIONS OF A BANK AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE BANK
INSURANCE FUND OR ANY OTHER
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.
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THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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The date of this Prospectus is , 1995.
<PAGE>
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS AND THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE
HEREBY, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE
RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR BY ANOTHER PERSON. THIS
PROSPECTUS AND THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY
JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH
JURISDICTION.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Information, as of particular dates, concerning
directors and executive officers, their compensation, options granted to them,
the principal holders of securities of the Company and any material interest of
such persons in transactions with the Company is disclosed in proxy statements
distributed to stockholders of the Company and filed with the Commission. Such
reports, proxy statements and other information can be inspected and copied at
the Public Reference Room of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and the Commission's Regional Offices at 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and Seven World Trade
Center (13th Floor), New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. In addition, such
reports, proxy statements and other material concerning the Company can be
inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New
York, New York; the Chicago Stock Exchange, 440 South LaSalle Street, Chicago,
Illinois; and the Pacific Stock Exchange, 301 Pine Street, San Francisco,
California.
The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the
Securities being offered by this Prospectus. This Prospectus does not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain portions
of which have been omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the
Commission. For further information with respect to the Company and the
Securities, reference is made to the Registration Statement, including the
exhibits thereto. The Registration Statement may be inspected by anyone without
charge at the principal office of the Commission in Washington, D.C. and copies
of all or any part of it may be obtained from the Commission upon payment of
the prescribed fees.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents heretofore filed by the Company with the Commission
pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act are incorporated herein by
reference:
(i) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1994;
(ii) The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended
March 31, 1995 and June 30, 1995;
(iii) The Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 17, 1995,
April 17, 1995, July 14, 1995, July 17, 1995, July 19, 1995, July 21, 1995
and August 15, 1995;
(iv) Item 14 on pages 26 and 27 of the Company's Registration Statement
on Form 10 (File No. 1-6052) describing the Company's Common Stock; and
(v) The Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated November 25,
1988, describing the Preferred Share Purchase Rights declared by the
Company on November 18, 1988, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 8 dated
July 16, 1990.
All documents filed pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
termination of the offering of the Securities shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the
date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference
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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 which 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.
ANY PERSON RECEIVING A COPY OF THIS PROSPECTUS MAY OBTAIN WITHOUT CHARGE,
UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST, A COPY OF ANY OF THE DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE HEREIN, EXCEPT FOR THE EXHIBITS TO SUCH DOCUMENTS (UNLESS SUCH
EXHIBITS ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO SUCH DOCUMENTS).
REQUESTS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO FIRST CHICAGO CORPORATION, ONE FIRST NATIONAL
PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670, ATTENTION: INVESTOR RELATIONS (312) 732-8013.
FIRST CHICAGO CORPORATION
PROPOSED MERGER WITH NBD
On July 11, 1995, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
(the "Merger Agreement") with NBD Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("NBD"), pursuant to which the Company will merge with and into NBD (the
"Merger") in a merger of equals transaction. The new name of the combined
company after the effective time of the Merger (the "Effective Time") will be
"First Chicago NBD Corporation". As a result of the Merger, each outstanding
share of the Company's Common Stock will be converted into the right to receive
1.81 shares of the common stock of NBD, $1.00 par value per share (the "NBD
Common Stock"), together with cash in lieu of fractional shares otherwise
deliverable in respect thereof. Each share of the Existing Preferred Stock (as
defined herein) will be converted into the right to receive one share of
preferred stock of the combined company with substantially the same terms.
The headquarters of the combined company will be in Chicago. The principal
subsidiary banks will be The First National Bank of Chicago ("FNBC"), NBD Bank
(Michigan) headquartered in Detroit, NBD Bank, N.A. (Indiana) headquartered in
Indianapolis, American National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago ("ANB") and
FCC National Bank ("FCCNB"). The Board of Directors for the combined company
will have equal representation from the Boards of each of the Company and NBD.
The Merger will be accounted for as a pooling of interests and is expected to
be consummated on or about December 31, 1995, pending stockholder approvals of
the Company and NBD, regulatory approvals and other customary closing
conditions. The Merger Agreement may be terminated by either the Company or NBD
if the Merger is not completed by July 11, 1996.
In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Company granted
NBD an option to purchase, under certain circumstances, up to 19.9 percent of
the Company's outstanding shares of Common Stock. NBD also granted the Company
an option to purchase, under certain circumstances, up to 19.9 percent of the
shares of outstanding NBD Common Stock. A copy of the Merger Agreement and the
stock option agreements have been filed with the Commission on the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 19, 1995.
At the Effective Time, the separate corporate existence of the Company will
terminate, and all the liabilities, obligations and duties of the Company
(including, but not limited to its liabilities, obligations and duties under,
and with respect to, the Securities offered pursuant to this Prospectus and the
applicable Prospectus Supplement) will attach to the combined company and may
be enforced to the same extent as if such liabilities, obligations and duties
had been incurred or contracted by the combined company. The combined company
at the Effective Time will enter into any and all contracts, agreements,
supplemental indentures or other arrangements which may be necessary to assume
these liabilities, obligations and duties.
NBD is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act.
Accordingly, NBD files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Commission. Copies of NBD's registration statements,
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reports, proxy statements and other information may be inspected and copied at
certain offices of the Commission at the addresses listed under "Available
Information". The Company has filed Current Reports on Form 8-K dated July 21,
1995 and August 15, 1995 with the Commission which contain certain unaudited
pro forma condensed combined financial statements and the notes thereto which
give effect to the Merger. These pro forma financial statements should be read
in conjunction with the consolidated historical financial statements of the
Company and NBD.
THIS PROSPECTUS RELATES ONLY TO THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY AND DOES NOT
RELATE TO ANY SECURITIES OF NBD. ALL DISCLOSURES CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS
REGARDING NBD ARE DERIVED FROM THE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE DOCUMENTS DESCRIBED IN
THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPH. ALTHOUGH THE COMPANY EXPECTS THE MERGER TO BE
COMPLETED ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 31, 1995, THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE
MERGER WILL BE COMPLETED BY SUCH TIME.
GENERAL
The Company is a multi-bank holding company incorporated in Delaware. At June
30, 1995, the Company had consolidated assets of $75.3 billion and total equity
capital of $4.8 billion. The principal asset of the Company is the capital
stock of FNBC, which provides a broad range of banking, fiduciary, financial
and other services domestically and overseas. At June 30, 1995, FNBC had
deposits of $28.2 billion and assets of approximately $49.3 billion.
The Company also owns all the outstanding capital stock of American National
Corporation ("ANC") and FCCNB. ANC is the holding company for ANB. FCCNB is a
Delaware-based bank primarily engaged in the issuance of VISA and MasterCard
credit cards. Together with these banking organizations, the Company, directly
or indirectly, owns the stock of various nonbank companies engaged in
businesses related to banking and finance, including venture capital, leasing
and investment management subsidiaries.
In addition to its equity investment in subsidiaries, the Company, directly
or indirectly, raises funds principally to finance the operations of its
nonbank subsidiaries. A substantial portion of the Company's annual income
typically has been derived from dividends from its subsidiaries, and from
interest on loans, some of which are subordinated, to its subsidiaries.
Because the Company is a holding company, its rights and the rights of its
creditors, including the holders of the Debt Securities, to participate in the
assets of any subsidiary upon the subsidiary's liquidation or recapitalization
would be subject to the prior claims of such subsidiary's creditors except to
the extent that the Company may itself be a creditor with recognized claims
against the subsidiary.
The Company's executive offices are located at One First National Plaza,
Chicago, Illinois 60670, and the telephone number is (312) 732-4000.
SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Company's
banking subsidiaries (the "Banks") and the Company's other affiliates.
Investors should be aware of the various legal limitations on the extent to
which the Banks can finance or otherwise supply funds to the Company or various
of its affiliates. In particular, the Banks are subject to certain restrictions
imposed by the laws of the United States on any extensions of credit to the
Company or, with certain exceptions, other affiliates, on investments in stock
or other securities thereof, on the taking of such securities as collateral for
loans, and on the terms of transactions between the Banks and other
subsidiaries. The Company and its subsidiaries, including the Banks, are also
subject to certain restrictions with respect to engaging in the issuance,
flotation, underwriting, public sale or distribution of securities. The Banks
are subject to regulation by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the
"Comptroller"), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the
"Federal Reserve Board") and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
("FDIC"). These national banks are examined by the
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Comptroller, and FNBC's and ANB's operations in other countries are subject to
various restrictions imposed by the laws of such countries.
Federal law prohibits the Company and certain of its affiliates from
borrowing from the Banks without the prior approval of the respective Bank's
Board of Directors and unless such loans are secured by U.S. Treasury or other
specified obligations. Further, such secured loans and investments by any of
the Banks are limited in amount as to the Company or any other such affiliate
to 10% of the respective Bank's capital and surplus and as to the Company and
all such affiliates to an aggregate 20% of the respective Bank's capital and
surplus. Under Federal Reserve Board policy, the Company is expected to act as
a source of financial strength to each Bank and to commit resources to support
such Bank in circumstances where it might not do so absent such policy. In
addition, any capital loans by the Company to any of the Banks would be
subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness
of such Bank.
Additionally, there are certain regulatory limitations on the payment of
dividends to the Company by the Banks. Dividend payments by national banks are
limited to the lesser of (i) the level of "undivided profits then on hand" less
the amount of bad debts, as defined, in excess of the allowance for credit
losses and (ii) absent regulatory approval, an amount not in excess of "net
profits" for the current year combined with "retained net profits" for the
preceding two years. As of December 31, 1994, the Banks could have declared
additional dividends of approximately $664 million without approval of the
Comptroller. The payment of dividends by any Bank may also be affected by other
factors, such as the maintenance of adequate capital for such Bank. The
Comptroller also has authority under the Financial Institutions Supervisory Act
to prohibit a national bank from paying dividends if, in the Comptroller's
opinion, the payment of dividends would, in light of the financial condition of
such bank, constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.
As a bank holding company, the Company and its subsidiaries are prohibited
from engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with extensions of
credit or providing property or services.
CAPITAL ADEQUACY
The Federal Reserve Board has adopted risk-based capital guidelines for bank
holding companies that require bank holding companies to maintain a minimum
ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets (including certain off-balance-
sheet items, such as standby letters of credit) of 8%. At least half of total
capital must be composed of common stockholders' equity, noncumulative
perpetual preferred stock and a limited amount of cumulative perpetual
preferred stock, less disallowed intangibles and other adjustments (primarily
goodwill) ("Tier I capital"). The remainder ("Tier II capital") may consist of
subordinated debt, other preferred stock, certain other instruments and a
limited amount of loan loss reserves. At June 30, 1995, the Company's
consolidated Tier I capital and total capital ratios were 8.8% and 13.1%,
respectively.
In addition, the Federal Reserve Board has established minimum leverage ratio
guidelines for bank holding companies. These guidelines provide for a minimum
ratio of Tier I capital to total average assets (the "leverage ratio") of 3%
for bank holding companies that meet certain specified criteria, including
those having the highest regulatory rating. All other bank holding companies
generally are required to maintain a leverage ratio of at least 3% plus an
additional cushion of 100 to 200 basis points. The Company's leverage ratio at
June 30, 1995, was 7.0%. The guidelines also provide that bank holding
companies experiencing internal growth or making acquisitions will be expected
to maintain strong capital positions substantially above the minimum
supervisory levels without significant reliance on intangible assets.
Furthermore, the Federal Reserve Board has indicated that it will consider a
"tangible Tier I capital leverage ratio" (deducting all intangibles) and other
indicia of capital strength in evaluating proposals for expansion or new
activities.
Each of the Banks is subject to similar risk-based and leverage capital
requirements adopted by the Comptroller. Each of the Company's Banks was in
compliance with the applicable minimum capital requirements as of June 30,
1995. Neither the Company nor any of the Banks has been advised by any federal
banking agency of any specific minimum leverage ratio requirement applicable to
it.
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Failure to meet capital requirements could subject a bank to a variety of
enforcement remedies, including the termination of deposit insurance by the
FDIC, and to certain restrictions on its business, which are described below
under "Recent Legislation".
Bank regulators continue to indicate their desire to raise capital
requirements applicable to banking organizations beyond their current levels.
However, the management of the Company is unable to predict whether higher
capital requirements would be imposed and, if so, at what levels and on what
schedule.
RECENT LEGISLATION
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA")
significantly expanded the regulatory and enforcement powers of federal banking
regulators, in particular the FDIC, and has important consequences for the
Company, the Banks and other depository institutions located in the United
States.
A major feature of FDICIA is the comprehensive directions it gives to federal
banking regulators to promptly direct or require the correction of problems at
inadequately capitalized banks in the manner that is least costly to the
federal deposit insurance funds. The degree of corrective regulatory
involvement in the operations and management of banks and their holding
companies is, under FDICIA, largely determined by the actual or anticipated
capital positions of the subject institution.
FDICIA established five tiers of capital measurement for regulatory purposes
ranging from "well capitalized" to "critically undercapitalized." Under
regulations adopted by the federal banking agencies, a depository institution
is well capitalized if it significantly exceeds the minimum level required by
regulation for each relevant capital measure, adequately capitalized if it
meets such measure, undercapitalized if it fails to meet any such measure,
significantly undercapitalized if it is significantly below such measure and
critically undercapitalized if its tangible equity is not greater than 2% of
total tangible assets. A depository institution may be deemed to be in a
capitalization category lower than is indicated by its actual capital position
if it receives an unsatisfactory examination rating. FDICIA requires banking
regulators to take increasingly strong corrective steps, based on the capital
tier of any subject bank, to cause such bank to achieve and maintain capital
adequacy. Even if a bank is adequately capitalized, however, the banking
regulators are authorized to apply corrective measures if the bank is
determined to be in an unsafe or unsound condition or engaging in an unsafe or
unsound activity.
Depending on the level of capital of an insured depository institution, the
banking regulatory agencies' corrective powers can include: requiring a capital
restoration plan; placing limits on asset growth and restrictions on
activities; requiring the institution to reduce total assets; requiring the
institution to issue additional stock (including voting stock) or to be
acquired; placing restrictions on transactions with affiliates; restricting the
interest rate the institution may pay on deposits; ordering a new election for
the institution's board of directors; requiring that certain senior executive
officers or directors be dismissed; prohibiting the institution from accepting
deposits from correspondent banks; requiring the institution to divest certain
subsidiaries; prohibiting the payment of principal or interest on subordinated
debt; prohibiting the institution's parent bank holding company from making
capital distributions without prior regulatory approval; and, ultimately,
appointing a receiver for the institution.
If the insured depository institution is undercapitalized, the parent bank
holding company is required to guarantee that the institution will comply with
any capital restoration plan submitted to, and approved by, the appropriate
federal banking agency in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 5% of the
institution's total assets at the time the institution became undercapitalized
or (ii) the amount which is necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring
the institution into compliance with all applicable capital standards as of the
time the institution fails to comply with the capital restoration plan. If such
parent bank holding company guarantee is not obtained, the capital restoration
plan may not be accepted by the banking regulators. As a result, such
institution would be subject to the more severe restrictions imposed on
significantly
6
<PAGE>
undercapitalized institutions. Further, the failure of such a depository
institution to submit an acceptable capital plan is grounds for the
appointment of a conservator or receiver.
FDICIA also contains a number of other provisions affecting depository
institutions, including additional reporting and independent auditing
requirements, the establishment of safety and soundness standards, the
changing of FDIC insurance premiums from flat amounts to the system of risk-
based assessments described below under "FDIC Insurance," a review of
accounting standards, and supplemental disclosures and limits on the ability
of all but well capitalized depository institutions to acquire brokered
deposits. The Riegle-Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of
1994, however, among other things, contains a number of specific provisions
easing the regulatory burden on banks and bank holding companies, including
some imposed by FDICIA, and making the bank regulatory system more efficient.
Federal banking regulators are taking actions to implement these provisions.
The Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989
("FIRREA"), among other things, provides generally that, upon the default of
any bank of a multi-unit holding company, the FDIC may assess an affiliated
insured depository institution for the estimated losses incurred by the FDIC.
Specifically, FIRREA provides that a depository institution insured by the
FDIC can be held liable for any loss incurred by, or reasonably expected to be
incurred ~by, the FDIC, in connection with (i) the default of a commonly
controlled FDIC-insured depository institution or (ii) any assistance provided
by the FDIC to a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution in
danger of a default. "Default" is defined generally as the appointment of a~
conservator or receiver. "In danger of a default" is defined generally as the
existence of certain conditions indicating that a default is likely to occur
in the absence of regulatory assistance. All of the Banks are FDIC-insured
depository institutions.
FDIC INSURANCE
The Banks are subject to FDIC deposit insurance assessments. Under the
FDIC's risk-based assessment system effective January 1, 1994, the prior flat
assessment rate of 0.23% per annum on the amount of domestic deposits has been
changed to a rate based on classification of a depository institution in one
of nine risk assessment categories. Such classification is based upon the
institution's capital level and upon certain supervisory evaluations of the
institution by its primary regulator.
The assessment rate schedule currently in effect creates a 0.08% spread in
assessment rates, ranging from 0.23% per annum to 0.31% per annum, between
banks classified as strongest and weakest by the FDIC. In August 1995, the
FDIC approved a reduction in the minimum assessment rate applicable to the
strongest banks from 0.23% per annum to 0.04% per annum; the premium for the
weakest banks will remain at 0.31% per annum.
INTERSTATE BANKING AND BRANCHING
The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the
"Riegle-Neal Act") significantly revises prior laws applicable to interstate
acquisitions of banks and bank holding companies and the branching powers of
national banks. Prior to the Riegle-Neal Act, the Federal Reserve Board was
not permitted to approve an application to acquire shares of a bank located
outside the state in which the operations of the applicant's bank subsidiaries
were principally conducted unless the acquisition were specifically authorized
by a statute of the acquired bank's state. Commencing September 29, 1995, the
Federal Reserve Board is authorized to approve an application of an adequately
capitalized and adequately managed bank holding company to acquire control of
a bank located in another state without regard to whether such transaction is
prohibited under the law of such state. The Federal Reserve Board may not,
however, approve such an application if, following the acquisition, the
applicant would control either (1) more than 10% of all insured depository
institution deposits in the United States or (2) under certain circumstances,
30% or more of all insured depository institution deposits in any state where
either the applicant or the acquired bank is
7
<PAGE>
located. The 30% limit on aggregate deposits that may be controlled by an
applicant can be adjusted by the states on a non-discriminatory basis.
The Riegle-Neal Act also revises the rules applicable to mergers between
insured banks located in different states. Before passage of the Riegle-Neal
Act, such mergers generally were not authorized. Commencing June 1, 1997,
however, adequately capitalized and adequately managed insured banks in
different states may merge without regard to whether the merger is authorized
under the law of any state. States may elect to prohibit interstate bank
mergers or may elect to permit early interstate bank mergers by adopting, prior
to June 1, 1997, legislation that expressly so provides, and that applies on
equal terms to all out-of-state banks. The Riegle-Neal Act provides that an
interstate merger involving the acquisition of a branch (as distinguished from
an entire bank) or the de novo establishment of a national bank branch in
another state may be approved only if the law of the host state expressly
permits such action. An interstate merger may not be approved if, following the
merger, the resulting bank would control (1) more than 10% of all insured
depository institution deposits in the United States or (2) under certain
circumstances, 30% or more of all insured depository institution deposits in
any state where the resulting bank will be located. The 30% limit on aggregate
deposits that may be controlled by the resulting bank can be adjusted by the
states on a non-discriminatory basis. The laws of the host state regarding
community reinvestment, consumer protection, fair lending and the establishment
of intrastate branches will apply to any out-of-state branch of a national bank
unless preempted by federal law or the Comptroller determines that application
of such laws would have a discriminatory effect on the national bank.
The Riegle-Neal Act contains a number of other provisions related to banks
and bank holding companies, including: authorization of interstate branching by
foreign banks; additional branch closing notice requirements for interstate
banks proposing to close a branch in a low or moderate income area; amendments
to the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to require separate written
evaluations of an insured depository institution for each state in which it
maintains branches; a prohibition on interstate banks maintaining out-of-state
deposit production offices; and authorization for a bank subsidiary of a bank
holding company to receive deposits, renew time deposits, close and service
loans and receive payments on loans as agent for a depository institution
affiliate of such bank.
The extent to, and terms on, which full interstate branching and certain
other actions authorized under the Riegle-Neal Act are implemented will depend
on the actions of entities other than the Company and the Banks, including the
legislatures of the various states. Further developments by state and federal
authorities, including legislation, with respect to matters covered by the
Riegle-Neal Act reasonably can be anticipated to occur in the future. In
addition, there may be new, significant banking legislation introduced in the
current Congress related to bank holding companies and their powers; the
likelihood of passage and effect, if any, of such legislation on the Company
and the Banks cannot be predicted.
The Illinois Bank Holding Company Act (the "Illinois Act") provides that any
out-of-state bank holding company whose principal place of business is in a
state that grants Illinois bank holding companies reciprocal authority may
acquire control of an Illinois bank or bank holding company. The approval of
the Illinois Commissioner of Banks and Trust Companies is required to complete
such an interstate acquisition in Illinois. The Illinois Act also permits
intrastate acquisitions throughout Illinois by Illinois bank holding companies.
All interstate and intrastate bank acquisitions by the Company are subject to
the approval of the Federal Reserve Board.
CONSOLIDATED RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the Company, which are computed
on the basis of the total enterprise (as defined by the Commission) by dividing
earnings before fixed charges and income taxes by fixed charges, are set forth
below for the periods indicated. Also set forth below are the ratios of
earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends, which are
computed on the basis of the total enterprise by dividing earnings before fixed
charges and income taxes by fixed charges and preferred stock dividend
8
<PAGE>
requirements for the periods indicated. Fixed charges consist principally of
interest expense on all long- and short-term borrowings, excluding or including
interest on deposits as indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX
MONTHS
ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
------------------------------ ---------
1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1995 1994
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Earnings to Fixed Charges:
Excluding interest expense on
deposits....................... 1.9x 2.7x 0.7x(1) 1.2x 1.3x 1.7x 2.2x
Including interest expense on
deposits....................... 1.6x 1.9x 0.9x(1) 1.1x 1.1x 1.4x 1.7x
Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges
and Preferred Dividends:
Excluding interest expense on
deposits....................... 1.8x(2) 2.4x 0.8x(3) 1.1x 1.3x 1.6x 2.0x(2)
Including interest expense on
deposits....................... 1.5x(2) 1.8x 0.7x(3) 1.0x 1.1x 1.4x 1.6x(2)
</TABLE>
--------
(1) For 1992, earnings (as defined) were insufficient to cover fixed charges.
The coverage deficiency was approximately $201 million.
(2) For 1994, preferred dividends include a $4.5 million premium related to the
redemption of the Company's 10% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D.
(3) For 1992, earnings (as defined) were insufficient to cover combined fixed
charges and preferred stock dividends. The coverage deficiency was
approximately $279 million.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise provided in the Prospectus Supplement, the Company will use
the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities for general corporate
purposes, including the funding of investments in, or extensions of credit to,
the Company's subsidiaries. Pending the uses described above, the Company may
temporarily invest the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities in various
short-term securities or apply the net proceeds to reduce short-term
indebtedness. Based upon the historic and anticipated future growth of the
Company and the financial needs of its subsidiaries, the Company anticipates
that it will, on a recurrent basis, engage in additional financings in
character and amount to be determined.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
GENERAL
The Debt Securities will constitute either Senior Securities or Subordinated
Securities. The Senior Securities will be issued under an Indenture dated as of
May 1, 1995 (the "Senior Indentures"), between the Company and Marine Midland
Bank, as Trustee ("Marine Midland"). The Subordinated Securities will be issued
under an Indenture dated as of May 1, 1995 (the "Subordinated Indenture"),
between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association), as
Trustee ("Chase"). The Senior Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture are
collectively referred to herein as the "Indentures". References to the
"Trustee" shall mean Marine Midland or Chase, as applicable. The statements
under this caption are brief summaries of certain provisions contained in the
Indentures, do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety
by reference to the applicable Indenture, copies of which are exhibits to the
Registration Statement. Whenever defined terms are used but not defined herein,
such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the applicable
Indenture, it being intended that such defined terms shall be incorporated
herein by reference.
The following description of the terms of the Debt Securities sets forth
certain general terms and provisions of the Debt Securities to which any
Prospectus Supplement may relate. The particular terms of any Debt Securities
and the extent, if any, to which such general provisions may apply to such Debt
Securities will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Debt
Securities.
9
<PAGE>
None of the Indentures limits the amount of Debt Securities which may be
issued thereunder, and each Indenture provides that Debt Securities of any
series may be issued thereunder up to the aggregate principal amount which may
be authorized from time to time by the Company and may be denominated in any
currency or currency unit designated by the Company. Neither the Indentures nor
the Debt Securities will limit or otherwise restrict the amount of other
indebtedness which may be incurred or the other securities which may be issued
by the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Debt Securities of a series may be issuable in registered form without
coupons ("Registered Securities"), in bearer form with or without coupons
attached ("Bearer Securities") or in the form of one or more global securities
in registered or bearer form (each a "Global Security"). Bearer Securities, if
any, will be offered only to non-United States persons and to offices located
outside the United States of certain United States financial institutions.
Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement for a description of the
following terms, where applicable, of each series of Debt Securities in respect
of which this Prospectus is being delivered: (1) the title of such Debt
Securities; (2) the limit, if any, on the aggregate principal amount or
aggregate initial public offering price of such Debt Securities; (3) the
priority of payment of such Debt Securities; (4) the price or prices (which may
be expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount thereof) at
which the Debt Securities will be issued; (5) the date or dates on which the
principal of the Debt Securities will be payable; (6) the rate or rates (which
may be fixed or variable) per annum at which such Debt Securities will bear
interest, if any, or the method of determining the same; (7) the date or dates
from which such interest, if any, on the Debt Securities will accrue, the date
or dates on which such interest, if any, will be payable, the date or dates on
which payment of such interest, if any, will commence and the Regular Record
Dates for such Interest Payment Dates; (8) the extent to which any of the Debt
Securities will be issuable in temporary or permanent global form, or the
manner in which any interest payable on a temporary or permanent global Debt
Security will be paid; (9) each office or agency where, subject to the terms of
the applicable Indenture, the Debt Securities may be presented for registration
of transfer or exchange; (10) the place or places where the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Debt Securities will be payable;
(11) the date or dates, if any, after which such Debt Securities may be
redeemed or purchased in whole or in part, at the option of the Company or
mandatorily pursuant to any sinking, purchase or analogous fund or may be
required to be purchased or redeemed at the option of the holder, and the
redemption or repayment price or prices thereof; (12) the denomination or
denominations in which such Debt Securities are authorized to be issued; (13)
the currency, currencies or units (including ECU) based on or related to
currencies for which the Debt Securities may be purchased and the currency,
currencies or currency units (including ECU) in which the principal of,
premium, if any, and any interest on such Debt Securities may be payable; (14)
any index used to determine the amount of payments of principal of, premium, if
any, and interest on the Debt Securities; (15) whether any of the Debt
Securities are to be issuable as Bearer Securities and/or Registered
Securities, and if issuable as Bearer Securities, any limitations on issuance
of such Bearer Securities and any provisions regarding the transfer or exchange
of such Bearer Securities (including exchange for registered Debt Securities of
the same series); (16) the payment of any additional amounts with respect to
the Debt Securities; (17) whether any of the Debt Securities will be issued as
Original Issue Discount Securities (as defined below); (18) information with
respect to book-entry procedures, if any; (19) the terms, if any, upon which
the Debt Securities may be convertible into or exchanged for Common Stock,
Preferred Stock (which may be represented by Depositary Shares), other Debt
Securities, Debt Warrants, Common Stock Warrants or Preferred Stock Warrants or
any other securities of the Company or any other obligor and the terms and
conditions upon which such conversion or exchange will be effected, including
the initial conversion or exchange price or rate, the conversion or exchange
period and any other provision in addition to or in lieu of those described
herein; (20) any additional covenants or Events of Default not currently set
forth in the applicable Indenture; and (21) any other terms of such Debt
Securities not inconsistent with the provisions of the applicable Indenture.
If any of the Debt Securities are sold for one or more foreign currencies or
foreign currency units or if the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on
any series of Debt Securities is payable in one or more foreign
10
<PAGE>
currencies or foreign currency units, the restrictions, elections, tax
consequences, specific terms and other information with respect to such issue
of Debt Securities and such currencies or currency units will be set forth in
the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
Debt Securities may be issued as original issue discount Debt Securities
(bearing no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is
below market rates) ("Original Issue Discount Securities"), to be sold at a
substantial discount below the stated principal amount thereof due at the
stated maturity of such Debt Securities. There may not be any periodic payments
of interest on Original Issue Discount Securities as defined herein. In the
event of an acceleration of the maturity of any Original Issue Discount
Security, the amount payable to the holder of such Original Issue Discount
Security upon such acceleration will be determined in accordance with the
Prospectus Supplement, the terms of such security and the Indenture, but will
be an amount less than the amount payable at the maturity of the principal of
such Original Issue Discount Security. Federal income tax considerations with
respect to Original Issue Discount Securities will be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, Debt
Securities will be issued only as Registered Securities. If Bearer Securities
are issued, the United States Federal income tax consequences and other special
considerations, procedures and limitations applicable to such Bearer Securities
will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
Debt Securities issued as Registered Securities will be without coupons. Debt
Securities issued as Bearer Securities shall have interest coupons attached,
unless issued as zero coupon securities.
Registered Securities (other than a Global Security) may be presented for
transfer (with the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly executed) or
exchanged for other Debt Securities of the same series at the office of the
Note Registrar specified according to the terms of the applicable Indenture.
The Company has agreed in each of the Indentures that, with respect to
Registered Securities having The City of New York as a place of payment, the
Company will appoint a Note Registrar or Co-Note Registrar located in The City
of New York for such transfer or exchange. Such transfer or exchange shall be
made without service charge, but the Company may require payment of any taxes
or other governmental charges as described in the applicable Indenture.
Provisions relating to the exchange of Bearer Securities for other Debt
Securities of the same series (including, if applicable, Registered Securities)
will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. In no event,
however, will Registered Securities be exchangeable for Bearer Securities.
GLOBAL SECURITIES
The Debt Securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form
of one or more Global Securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of,
a depositary (the "Depositary") identified in the Prospectus Supplement
relating to such series. Global Securities may be issued in either registered
or bearer form and in either temporary or permanent form. Unless and until it
is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual Debt Securities represented
thereby, a Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the
Depositary for such Global Security to a nominee of such Depositary or by a
nominee of such Depositary to such Depositary or another nominee of such
Depositary or by the Depositary or any nominee to a successor Depositary or any
nominee of such successor.
The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of
Debt Securities and certain limitations and restrictions relating to a series
of Bearer Securities in the form of one or more Global Securities, will be
described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series. The Company
anticipates that the following provisions will generally apply to depositary
arrangements.
11
<PAGE>
Upon the issuance of a Global Security, the Depositary for such Global
Security or its nominee will credit, on its book-entry registration and
transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the individual Debt
Securities represented by such Global Security to the accounts of persons that
have accounts with such Depositary. Such accounts shall be designated by the
underwriters or agents with respect to such Debt Securities. Ownership of
beneficial interests in a Global Security will be limited to persons that have
accounts with the applicable Depositary ("participants") or persons that may
hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in such
Global Security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be
effected only through, records maintained by the applicable Depositary or its
nominee (with respect to interests of participants) and the records of
participants (with respect to interests of persons other than participants).
The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take
physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such limits and such
laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global
Security.
So long as the Depositary for a Global Security, or its nominee, is the
registered owner of such Global Security, such Depositary or such nominee, as
the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the Debt
Securities represented by such Global Security for all purposes under the
Indenture governing such Debt Securities. Except as provided below, owners of
beneficial interests in a Global Security will not be entitled to have any of
the individual Debt Securities of the series represented by such Global
Security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive
physical delivery of any such Debt Securities of such series in definitive form
and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the Indenture
governing such Debt Securities.
Payments of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on
individual Debt Securities represented by a Global Security registered in the
name of a Depositary or its nominee will be made to the Depositary or its
nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the Global Security
representing such Debt Securities. Neither the Company, the Trustee for such
Debt Securities, any Paying Agent, nor the Note Registrar for such Debt
Securities will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership
interests of the Global Security for such Debt Securities or for maintaining,
supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership
interests.
Subject to certain restrictions relating to Bearer Securities, the Company
expects that the Depositary for a series of Debt Securities or its nominee,
upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium or interest in respect of a
permanent Global Security representing any of such Debt Securities will credit
participants' accounts immediately with payments in amounts proportionate to
their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such Global
Security for such Debt Securities as shown on the records of such Depositary or
its nominee. The Company also expects that payments by participants to owners
of beneficial interests in such Global Security held through such participants
will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now
the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or
registered in "street name". Such payments will be the responsibility of such
participants. With respect to owners of beneficial interests in a temporary
Global Security representing Bearer Securities, receipt by such beneficial
owners of payments of principal, premium or interest in respect thereof will be
subject to additional restrictions.
If the Depositary for a series of Debt Securities is at any time unwilling,
unable or ineligible to continue as depositary and a successor depositary is
not appointed by the Company within 90 days, the Company will issue individual
Debt Securities of such series in definitive form in exchange for the Global
Security representing such series of Debt Securities. In addition, the Company
may at any time and in its sole discretion, subject to any limitations
described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Debt Securities,
determine not to have any Debt Securities of a series represented by one or
more Global Securities and, in such event, will issue individual Debt
Securities of such series in definitive form in exchange for the Global
Security or Securities representing such series of Debt Securities. Further, if
the Company so specifies with respect to the Debt Securities of a series, an
owner of a beneficial interest in a Global Security representing
12
<PAGE>
Debt Securities of such series may, on terms acceptable to the Company, Trustee
and the Depositary for such Global Security, receive Debt Securities of such
series in definitive form in exchange for such beneficial interests, subject to
any limitations described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Debt
Securities. In any such instance, an owner of a beneficial interest in a Global
Security will be entitled to physical delivery in definitive form of Debt
Securities of the series represented by such Global Security equal in principal
amount to such beneficial interest and to have such Debt Securities registered
in its name (if the Debt Securities of such series are issuable as Registered
Securities). Debt Securities of such series so issued in definitive form will
be issued (a) as Registered Securities in denominations, unless otherwise
specified by the Company, of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof if the Debt
Securities of such series are issuable as Registered Securities, (b) as Bearer
Securities in the denomination, unless otherwise specified by the Company, of
$5,000 if the Debt Securities of such series are issuable as Bearer Securities
or (c) as either Registered or Bearer Securities, if the Debt Securities of
such series are issuable in either form. Certain restrictions may apply,
however, on the issuance of a Bearer Security in definitive form in exchange
for an interest in a Global Security.
PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENTS
Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment of
principal of, premium, if any, and any interest on Registered Securities will
be made at the office of such Paying Agent or Paying Agents as the Company may
designate from time to time, except that, at the option of the Company, payment
of any interest may be made (i) by check mailed to the address of the person
entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the applicable Note Register
or (ii) by wire transfer to an account maintained by the person entitled
thereto as specified in the applicable Note Register. Unless otherwise
indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment of any installment of
interest on Registered Securities will be made to the person in whose name such
Debt Security is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date
for such payment.
Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment of
principal of, premium, if any, and any interest on Bearer Securities will be
payable, subject to any applicable laws and regulations, at the offices of such
Paying Agents outside the United States as the Company may designate from time
to time, at the option of the Holder, by check or by transfer to an account
maintained by the payee with a bank located outside the United States. Unless
otherwise indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment of interest
on Bearer Securities will be made only against surrender of the coupon relating
to such Interest Payment Date. No payment with respect to any Bearer Security
will be made at any office or agency of the Company in the United States or by
check mailed to any address in the United States or by transfer to an account
maintained with a bank located in the United States.
LEVERAGED AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS
Each Indenture and the Debt Securities do not contain, among other things,
provisions which would afford holders of the Debt Securities protection in the
event of a highly leveraged or other transaction involving the Company which
could adversely affect the holders of Debt Securities.
MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURE; WAIVER OF COVENANTS
Each Indenture provides that, with the consent of the holders of not less
than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt
Securities of each affected series, modifications and alterations of such
Indenture may be made which affect the rights of the holders of such Debt
Securities; provided, however, that no such modification or alteration may be
made without the consent of the holder of each Debt Security so affected which
would, among other things, (i) change the maturity of the principal of, or of
any installment of interest (or premium, if any) on, any Debt Security issued
pursuant to such Indenture, or reduce the principal amount thereof or any
premium thereon, or change the method of calculation of interest or the
13
<PAGE>
currency of payment of principal or interest (or premium, if any) on, or reduce
the minimum rate of interest thereon, or impair the right to institute suit for
the enforcement of any such payment on or with respect to any such Debt
Security, or reduce the amount of principal of an Original Issue Discount
Security that would be due and payable upon an acceleration of the maturity
thereof; or (ii) reduce the above-stated percentage in principal amount of
outstanding Debt Securities required to modify or alter such Indenture.
CONVERTIBLE DEBT SECURITIES
Certain Debt Securities (the "Convertible Debt Securities") may be
convertible into other Securities of the Company. The holders of such
Convertible Debt Securities of a specified series may be entitled or, if so
provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, may be required at such time
or times specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, subject to prior
redemption, repayment or repurchase, to convert any Convertible Debt Securities
of such series (in denominations set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement) into Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Common Stock Warrants,
Preferred Stock Warrants, another series of Debt Securities, Debt Warrants or
Depositary Shares, as the case may be, (collectively, the foregoing securities
into which the Convertible Debt Securities may convert are referred to herein
as "Conversion Securities") at the conversion price set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, subject to adjustment as described below, and in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. The relevant provisions for each series of
Convertible Debt Securities will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. Except as described below or in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, no adjustment will be made upon conversion of any Convertible Debt
Securities for interest accrued thereon or for dividends on any Conversion
Securities issued. If any Convertible Debt Securities not called for redemption
are converted between a Regular Record Date for the payment of interest and the
next succeeding Interest Payment Date, such Convertible Debt Securities must be
accompanied by funds equal to the interest payable on such succeeding Interest
Payment Date on the principal amount so converted. The Company is not required
to issue fractional shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock upon conversion
of Convertible Debt Securities that are convertible into Common Stock or
Preferred Stock, respectively, and, in lieu thereof, will pay a cash
adjustment, in the case of Convertible Debt Securities convertible into Common
Stock, based upon the market value of the Common Stock, and in the case of
Convertible Debt Securities convertible into Preferred Stock, based upon the
liquidation preference of such series of Preferred Stock, unless otherwise
specified in the Prospectus Supplement. In the case of Convertible Debt
Securities convertible into securities other than Common Stock or Preferred
Stock, such adjustment will be based on such method as is set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement.
The conversion price for a series of Convertible Debt Securities that are
convertible into Common Stock is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of
certain events under formulas that will be set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement.
In the event of a taxable distribution to holders of Common Stock or
Preferred Stock (or other transaction) which results in any adjustment of the
conversion price of Convertible Debt Securities that are convertible into
Common Stock or Preferred Stock, the holders of such Convertible Debt
Securities may, in certain circumstances, be deemed to have received a
distribution subject to United States Federal income tax as a dividend; in
certain other circumstances, the absence of such an adjustment may result in a
taxable dividend to the holders of Common Stock or Preferred Stock acquired
upon conversion of such Convertible Debt Securities.
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR SALE OF ASSETS
Each Indenture provides that the Company may, without the consent of the
holders of any of the Debt Securities outstanding under the applicable
Indenture, consolidate with, merge into or transfer its assets substantially as
an entirety to any person, provided that (i) any such successor assumes the
Company's obligations on the applicable Debt Securities and under the
applicable Indenture, (ii) after giving effect
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thereto, no Event of Default (as defined in the Senior Indenture) in the case
of the Senior Securities, or Default (as defined in the Subordinated Indenture)
in the case of the Subordinated Securities, shall have happened and be
continuing and (iii) certain other conditions under the applicable Indenture
are met. Accordingly, any such consolidation, merger or transfer of assets
substantially as an entirety, which meets the conditions described above, would
not create any Event of Default or Default which would entitle holders of the
Debt Securities, or the Trustee on their behalf, to take any of the actions
described below under "Senior Securities--Events of Default, Waivers, etc." or
"Subordinated Securities--Events of Default, Waivers, etc."
It is expected that at the Effective Time of the Merger the conditions
described above will be met. See "First Chicago Corporation--Proposed Merger
with NBD".
SENIOR SECURITIES
The Senior Securities will be direct, unsecured obligations of the Company
and will rank pari passu with all outstanding unsecured senior indebtedness of
the Company. Assuming consummation of the Merger, the Senior Securities will be
direct, unsecured obligation of the combined company and will rank pari passu
with all outstanding unsecured senior indebtedness of the combined company.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT, WAIVERS, ETC.
An Event of Default with respect to Senior Securities of any series is
defined in the Senior Indenture as (i) default in the payment of principal of
or premium, if any, on any of the Senior Securities of that series outstanding
under the Senior Indenture when due; (ii) default in the payment of interest on
any of the Senior Securities of that series outstanding under the Senior
Indenture when due and continuance of such default for 30 days; (iii) default
in the performance of any other covenant of the Company in the Senior Indenture
with respect to Senior Securities of such series and continuance of such
default for 60 days after written notice; (iv) due acceleration of any
indebtedness for borrowed money in principal amount in excess of $1,000,000 of
the Company under the terms of the instrument under which such indebtedness is
issued or secured, if such acceleration is not rescinded or annulled or such
indebtedness is not discharged within 30 days after written notice; (v) certain
events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company or FNBC; and
(vi) any other event that may be specified in a Prospectus Supplement with
respect to any series of Senior Securities. If an Event of Default with respect
to any series of Senior Securities for which there are Senior Securities
outstanding under the Senior Indenture occurs and is continuing, either the
applicable Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal
amount of the Senior Securities of such series outstanding may declare the
principal amount (or if such Senior Securities are Original Issue Discount
Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the
terms of that series) of all Senior Securities of that series to be immediately
due and payable. The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Senior Securities of any series outstanding under the Senior Indenture may
waive an Event of Default resulting in acceleration of such Senior Securities,
but only if all Events of Default with respect to Senior Securities of such
series have been remedied and all payments due (other than those due as a
result of acceleration) have been made. If an Event of Default occurs and is
continuing, the applicable Trustee may, in its discretion, and at the written
request of holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the Senior Securities of any series outstanding under the Senior Indenture and
upon reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be
incurred in compliance with such request and subject to certain other
conditions set forth in the Senior Indenture shall, proceed to protect the
rights of the holders of all the Senior Securities of such series. Prior to
acceleration of maturity of the Senior Securities of any series outstanding
under the Senior Indenture, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of such Senior Securities may waive any past default under the Senior
Indenture except a default in the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on the Senior Securities of such series.
The Senior Indenture provides that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default
specified in clauses (i) or (ii) of the immediately preceding paragraph, the
Company will, upon demand of the applicable Trustee, pay
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to it, for the benefit of the holder of any such Senior Security, the whole
amount then due and payable on such Senior Securities for principal, premium,
if any, and interest. The Senior Indenture further provides that if the
Company fails to pay such amount forthwith upon such demand, such Trustee may,
among other things, institute a judicial proceeding for the collection
thereof.
A judgment for money damages by courts in the United States, including a
money judgment based on an obligation expressed in a foreign currency, will
ordinarily be rendered only in U.S. dollars. New York statutory law provides
that a court shall render a judgment or decree in the foreign currency of the
underlying obligation and that the judgment or decree shall be converted into
U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of entry of the
judgment or decree.
The Senior Indenture also provides that notwithstanding any other provision
of the Senior Indenture, the holder of any Senior Security of any series shall
have the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment of
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such Senior Securities when due
and that such right shall not be impaired without the consent of such holder.
The Company is required to file annually with the Trustees a written
statement of officers as to the existence or non-existence of defaults under
the Senior Indenture or the Senior Securities.
REGARDING MARINE MIDLAND
Marine Midland, the Trustee under the Senior Indenture, has its principal
corporate trust office at 140 Broadway, 12th Floor, New York, New York 10005.
The Company has normal banking relationships with Marine Midland.
SUBORDINATED SECURITIES
The Subordinated Securities will be direct, unsecured obligations of the
Company and will be subject to the subordination provisions described below.
Assuming consummation of the Merger, the Subordinated Securities will be
subordinated to the senior indebtedness and general obligations of the
combined company. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any series of
Subordinated Securities will describe the relationship and priority between
the Subordinated Securities on the one hand, and the senior indebtedness,
general obligations and subordinated indebtedness of the combined company, on
the other hand.
SUBORDINATION
It is the intent of the Company that Subordinated Securities issued by the
Company be treated as capital for calculation of regulatory capital ratios.
The Federal Reserve Board ~ has issued interpretations of its capital
regulations indicating, among other things, that subordinated debt of bank
holding companies issued on or after September 4, 1992, is includable in
capital for calculation of regulatory capital ratios only if the subordination
of the debt meets certain criteria and if the debt may be accelerated only for
bankruptcy, insolvency and similar matters (the "Subordination
Interpretations"). Accordingly, the Subordinated Indenture contains
subordination and acceleration provisions for the Subordinated Securities
which are intended to be consistent with the Subordination Interpretations.
Subordinated debt of the Company issued after September 4, 1992, which meets
the Subordination Interpretations are referred to herein as "New Subordinated
Securities". Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating
to a particular series of Subordinated Securities offered thereby,
Subordinated Securities offered pursuant to this Prospectus will constitute
New Subordinated Securities. See "Events of Default, Defaults, Waivers, etc."
below.
Upon any distribution of assets of the Company upon any dissolution, winding
up, liquidation or reorganization, the payment of the principal of, premium,
if any, and interest on the Subordinated Securities is to be subordinated in
right of payment, to the extent provided in the Subordinated Indenture, to the
prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness. In certain events of
bankruptcy or insolvency, the payment of the
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principal of and interest on the Subordinated Securities (and other New
Subordinated Securities) will, to the extent provided in the Subordinated
Indenture, also be effectively subordinated in right of payment to the prior
payment in full of all General Obligations.
Upon any distribution of assets of the Company upon any dissolution, winding
up, liquidation or reorganization, the holders of Senior Indebtedness will
first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become
due before the holders of the Subordinated Securities will be entitled to
receive any payment in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on the Subordinated Securities. If upon any such payment or
distribution of assets there remain, after giving effect to such subordination
provisions in favor of the holders of Senior Indebtedness, any amounts of cash,
property or securities available for payment or distribution in respect of the
New Subordinated Securities ("Excess Proceeds") and if, at such time, any
creditors in respect of General Obligations have not received payment in full
of all amounts due or to become due on or in respect of such General
Obligations, then such Excess Proceeds shall first be applied to pay or provide
for the payment in full of such General Obligations before any payment or
distribution may be made in respect of the New Subordinated Securities.
In addition, no payment may be made of the principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on the Subordinated Securities, or in respect of any redemption,
retirement, purchase or other acquisition of any of the Subordinated
Securities, at any time when (i) there is a default in the payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, interest on or otherwise in respect of any
Senior Indebtedness or (ii) any event of default with respect to any Senior
Indebtedness has occurred and is continuing, or would occur as a result of such
payment on the Subordinated Securities or any redemption, retirement, purchase
or other acquisition of any of the Subordinated Securities, permitting the
holders of such Senior Indebtedness to accelerate the maturity thereof. Except
as described above, the obligation of the Company to make payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Subordinated Securities will
not be affected.
By reason of such subordination in favor of the holders of Senior
Indebtedness, in the event of a distribution of assets upon any dissolution,
winding up, liquidation or reorganization, certain creditors of the Company who
are not holders of Senior Indebtedness or of the Subordinated Securities may
recover less, ratably, than holders of Senior Indebtedness and may recover
more, ratably, than holders of the Subordinated Securities. By reason of the
obligation of the holders of New Subordinated Securities to pay over any Excess
Proceeds to creditors in respect of General Obligations, in the event of a
distribution of assets upon any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or
reorganization, holders of Old Subordinated Indebtedness (as defined herein)
may recover less, ratably, than creditors in respect of General Obligations and
may recover more, ratably, than the holders of New Subordinated Securities.
Subject to payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, the rights of the
holders of Subordinated Securities will be subrogated to the rights of the
holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions of cash,
property or securities of the Company applicable to Senior Indebtedness.
Subject to payment in full of all General Obligations, the rights of the
holders of the New Subordinated Securities will be subrogated to the rights of
the creditors in respect of General Obligations to receive payments or
distributions of cash, property or securities of the Company applicable to such
creditors in respect of General Obligations.
Senior Indebtedness is defined in the Subordinated Indenture as the principal
of, premium, if any, and interest on (i) all of the Company's indebtedness for
money borrowed, other than the subordinated securities issued under the
Subordinated Indenture, the Company's Floating Rate Subordinated Capital Notes
Due December 1996, the Company's 9 7/8% Subordinated Notes Due July 1999, the
Company's 9% Subordinated Notes Due June 15, 1999, the Company's 9 7/8%
Subordinated Notes Due August 15, 2000, the Company's 11 1/4% Subordinated
Notes Due February 20, 2001, the Company's 10 1/4% Subordinated Notes Due May
1, 2001, the Company's 9 1/4% Subordinated Notes Due November 15, 2001, the
Company's 8 7/8% Subordinated Notes Due March 15, 2002, the Company's 8 1/4%
Subordinated Notes Due June 15, 2002, the Company's 9 1/5% Subordinated Notes
Due December 17, 2001, the Company's 7 5/8% Subordinated Notes Due January 15,
2003 (the "January 2003 Notes"), the Company's 6 7/8% Subordinated Notes Due
June 15, 2003 (the
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"June 2003 Notes"), the Company's Floating Rate Subordinated Notes Due July 28,
2003 (the "July 2003 Notes") and the Company's 6 3/8% Subordinated Notes Due
January 30, 2009 (the "January 2009 Notes") (collectively, all of the foregoing
notes are hereinafter referred to as the "Existing Subordinated Indebtedness"),
whether outstanding on the date of execution of the Subordinated Indenture or
thereafter created, assumed or incurred, except such indebtedness as is by its
terms expressly stated to be not superior in right of payment to the
subordinated securities issued under the Subordinated Indenture or the Existing
Subordinated Indebtedness or to rank pari passu with the subordinated
securities issued under the Subordinated Indenture or the Existing Subordinated
Indebtedness and; (ii) any deferrals, renewals or extensions of any such Senior
Indebtedness. The term "indebtedness for money borrowed" as used in the prior
sentence includes, without limitation, any obligation of, or any obligation
guaranteed by, the Company for the repayment of borrowed money, whether or not
evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other written instruments, and any
deferred obligation for the payment of the purchase price of property or
assets. There is no limitation on the issuance of additional Senior
Indebtedness of the Company.
The January 2003 Notes, the June 2003 Notes, the July 2003 Notes and the
January 2009 Notes all constitute New Subordinated Securities; all other
Existing Subordinated Indebtedness constitutes Old Subordinated Securities.
The Subordinated Securities rank and will rank pari passu with the Existing
Subordinated Indebtedness, subject to the obligations of the holders of
Subordinated Securities (and holders of other New Subordinated Securities) to
pay over any Excess Proceeds to creditors in respect of General Obligations.
Thus, in the event of a distribution of assets of the Company upon any
dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization, the holders of the New
Subordinated Securities (including holders of the Subordinated Securities
offered hereby) may receive less, ratably, than holders of Old Subordinated
Securities.
Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to a
particular series of Subordinated Securities offered thereby, General
Obligations means all obligations of the Company to make payment on account of
claims in respect of derivative products such as interest and foreign exchange
rate contracts, commodity contracts and similar arrangements, other than (i)
obligations on account of Senior Indebtedness, (ii) obligations on account of
indebtedness for money borrowed ranking pari passu with or subordinate to the
Subordinated Securities and (iii) obligations which by their terms are
expressly stated not to be superior in right of payment to the Subordinated
Securities or to rank on parity with the Subordinated Securities; provided,
however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any rule,
guideline or interpretation promulgated or issued by the Federal Reserve Board
(or other competent regulatory agency or authority), as from time to time in
effect, establishes or specifies criteria for the inclusion in regulatory
capital of subordinated debt of a bank holding company requiring that such
subordinated debt be subordinated to obligations to creditors in addition to
those set forth above, then the term "General Obligations" shall also include
such additional obligations to creditors, as from time to time in effect
pursuant to such rules, guidelines or interpretations. For purposes of this
definition, "claim" shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 101(4)
of the Bankruptcy Code 1978, as amended to the date of the Subordinated
Indenture.
As of June 30, 1995, the aggregate amount of Senior Indebtedness and General
Obligations of the Company was approximately $2.3 billion.
LIMITED RIGHTS OF ACCELERATION
Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to any
series of Subordinated Securities, payment of principal of the Subordinated
Securities may be accelerated only in case of the bankruptcy or reorganization
of the Company. There is no right of acceleration in the case of a default in
the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Subordinated
Securities or the performance of any other covenant of the Company in the
Subordinated Indenture. Payment of principal of the Old Subordinated
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Securities may be accelerated in the case of the bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization of the Company. Such payment may also be accelerated in the case
of certain events of insolvency or receivership of FNBC.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT, DEFAULTS, WAIVERS, ETC.
An Event of Default with respect to Subordinated Securities of any series is
defined in the Subordinated Indenture as certain events involving the
bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company and any other Event of Default
provided with respect to Subordinated Securities of that series. A Default with
respect to Subordinated Securities of any series is defined in the Subordinated
Indenture as (i) an Event of Default with respect to such series, (ii) default
in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on any Subordinated
Security of such series when due, (iii) default in the payment of interest upon
any Subordinated Security of such series when due and the continuance of such
default for a period of 30 days, (iv) default in the performance of any other
covenant or agreement of the Company in the Subordinated Indenture with respect
to Subordinated Securities of such series and continuance of such default for
60 days after written notice, or (v) any other Default provided with respect to
Subordinated Securities of any series. If an Event of Default with respect to
any series of Subordinated Securities for which there are Subordinated
Securities outstanding under the Subordinated Indenture occurs and is
continuing, either Chase, as Trustee, or the holders of not less than 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Securities of such series may
declare the principal amount (or if such Subordinated Securities are Original
Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be
specified in the terms of that series) of all Subordinated Securities of that
series to be immediately due and payable. The holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Securities of any series
outstanding under the Subordinated Indenture may waive an Event of Default
resulting in acceleration of such Subordinated Securities, but only if all
Defaults have been remedied and all payments due (other than those due as a
result of acceleration) have been made. If a Default occurs and is continuing,
Chase may in its discretion, and at the written request of holders of not less
than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Securities of
any series outstanding under the Subordinated Indenture and upon reasonable
indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in
compliance with such request and subject to certain other conditions set forth
in the Subordinated Indenture shall, proceed to protect the rights of the
holders of all the Subordinated Securities of such series. Prior to
acceleration of maturity of the Subordinated Securities of any series
outstanding under the Subordinated Indenture, the holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of such Subordinated Securities may waive any past
default under the Subordinated Indenture except a default in the payment of
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Subordinated Securities of
such series.
The Subordinated Indenture provides that in the event of a Default specified
in clauses (ii) or (iii) of the immediately preceding paragraph in payment of
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Subordinated Security of any
series, the Company will, upon demand of Chase, pay to it, for the benefit of
the holder of any such Subordinated Security, the whole amount then due and
payable on such Subordinated Security for principal, premium, if any, and
interest. The Subordinated Indenture further provides that if the Company fails
to pay such amount forthwith upon such demand, Chase may, among other things,
institute a judicial proceeding for the collection thereof.
The Subordinated Indenture also provides that notwithstanding any other
provision of the Subordinated Indenture, the holder of any Subordinated
Security of any series shall have the right to institute suit for the
enforcement of any payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on
such Subordinated Security on the respective Stated Maturities (as defined in
the Subordinated Indenture) expressed in such Subordinated Security and that
such right shall not be impaired without the consent of such holder.
The Company is required to file annually with Chase a written statement of
officers as to the existence or non-existence of defaults under the
Subordinated Indenture or the Subordinated Securities.
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REGARDING CHASE
Chase, the Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture, has a principal
corporate trust office at 4 Chase MetroTech Center, New York, New York 11245.
The Company has normal banking relationships with Chase.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT WARRANTS
The Company may issue Debt Warrants for the purchase of Debt Securities.
Debt Warrants may be issued independently or together with any Debt Securities
offered by any Prospectus Supplement and may be attached to or separate from
such Debt Securities. The Debt Warrants are to be issued under warrant
agreements (each a "Debt Warrant Agreement") to be entered into between the
Company and a warrant agent which will be designated in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement (the "Debt Warrant Agent"), all as set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular issue of Debt Warrants (the
"Offered Debt Warrants"). The Debt Warrant Agent will act solely as an agent
of the Company in connection with the Debt Warrants and will not assume any
obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or
beneficial owners of Debt Warrants. The following summaries of certain
provisions of the form of Debt Warrant Agreement and the warrant certificates
representing the Debt Warrants (the "Debt Warrant Certificates"), if any, do
not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their
entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Debt Warrant Agreement and
the Debt Warrant Certificates, respectively, including the definitions therein
of certain terms, which Agreement and Certificates will be filed as exhibits
to or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus forms a part.
If Debt Warrants are offered, the Prospectus Supplement will describe the
terms of the Offered Debt Warrants, the Debt Warrant Agreement relating to the
Offered Debt Warrants and the Debt Warrant Certificates representing the
Offered Debt Warrants, if any, including the following: (1) the offering
price; (2) the currency or currency unit in which the price for the Offered
Debt Warrants may be payable; (3) the designation, aggregate principal amount
and terms of the Debt Securities purchasable upon exercise of the Offered Debt
Warrants; (4) if applicable, the designation and terms of the Debt Securities
with which the Offered Debt Warrants are issued and the number of Offered Debt
Warrants issued with each such Debt Security; (5) if the Debt Securities
purchasable upon exercise of Offered Debt Warrants are denominated in a
currency or currency unit other than U.S. dollars, the denomination of such
Debt Securities and the currency or units based on or relating to currencies
(including ECU) in which the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on
such Debt Securities will be payable; (6) if applicable, the date on and after
which the Offered Debt Warrants and the related Debt Securities will be
separately transferable; (7) the principal amount of Debt Securities
purchasable upon exercise of an Offered Debt Warrant and the price at which,
and currency or currency units based on or relating to currencies (including
ECU) in which, such principal amount of Debt Securities may be purchased upon
such exercise; (8) the date on which the right to exercise the Offered Debt
Warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire; (9) if
applicable, a discussion of certain Federal income tax, accounting and other
special considerations, procedures and limitations; (10) whether the Debt
Warrants represented by the Debt Warrant Certificates will be issued as
Registered Securities or Bearer Securities; and (11) any other terms of the
Offered Debt Warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to
the exchange and exercise of the Offered Debt Warrants.
DESCRIPTION OF CURRENCY WARRANTS
The Company may issue Currency Warrants which, upon exercise at a permitted
time or times in the future, entitle any holder thereof to receive the Cash
Settlement Value (as defined below) of two designated currencies. Currency
Warrants may be issued independently or together with any Debt Securities
offered by any Prospectus Supplement and may be attached to or separate from
such Debt Securities. The Currency Warrants are to be issued under warrant
agreements (each a "Currency Warrant Agreement") to be entered
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into between the Company and a warrant agent which will be designated in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement (the "Currency Warrant Agent"), all as set
forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular issue of Currency
Warrants (the "Offered Currency Warrants"). The Currency Warrant Agent will act
solely as an agent of the Company in connection with the Currency Warrants and
will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with
any holder or beneficial owners of Currency Warrants. The following summaries
of certain provisions of the form of Currency Warrant Agreement do not purport
to be complete and are subject to and are qualified in their entirety by
reference to all the provisions of the Currency Warrant Agreement and the form
of certificate, if any, representing the Currency Warrants (the "Currency
Warrant Certificates"), respectively, including the definitions therein of
certain terms which Agreement and Certificate, if any, will be filed as an
exhibit to or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement of which
this Prospectus forms a part.
The Currency Warrants will not require, or entitle, any holder thereof to
sell any foreign currency to the Company. The Company will make only a U.S.
dollar cash settlement upon exercise of a Currency Warrant and will not be
obligated to purchase or take delivery of any foreign currency from any holder
of a Currency Warrant.
The "Cash Settlement Value" of an exercised Currency Warrant will be an
amount stated in U.S. dollars which is the greater of (i) zero and (ii) an
amount equal to (a) the nominal amount of such Currency Warrant, minus (b) an
amount equal to the nominal amount of such Currency Warrant times a fraction,
the numerator of which is the Strike Price of such Currency Warrant and the
denominator of which is the Spot Rate of such Currency Warrant on the Exercise
Date. The "nominal amount" of a Currency Warrant refers to the principal
amount, expressed in U.S. dollars, of a currency (the "Base Currency") which is
to be compared to another currency (the "Second Currency") upon exercise of
such Currency Warrant. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, the Base Currency shall be U.S. dollars. The "Strike Price" is the
designated rate of exchange of the Base Currency for the Second Currency which
the Company will specify in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the Offered
Currency Warrants. The "Spot Rate" refers to the floating rate of exchange of
the Base Currency for the Second Currency on any given date, as quoted by a
reference bank or banks or other institution at a designated time of day, such
source of quotations and time to be specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. The "Exercise Date" refers to the effective date on which the
holder of a Currency Warrant exercises such Currency Warrant.
If Currency Warrants are offered, the Prospectus Supplement will describe the
terms of the Offered Currency Warrants, the Currency Warrant Agreement relating
to the Offered Currency Warrants and, if applicable, Currency Warrant
Certificates, including the following: (1) the aggregate number of Offered
Currency Warrants; (2) the Nominal Amount of each Offered Currency Warrant; (3)
the price of the Offered Currency Warrants; (4) the Base Currency and the
Second Currency; (5) the Strike Price for the Offered Currency Warrants; (6)
the reference bank or banks or other institution and time of day to be used to
determine the Spot Rate; (7) the date on which the right to exercise the
Offered Currency Warrants shall begin and the date on which such right shall
terminate; (8) if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of Offered Currency
Warrants which may be exercised at any one time; (9) the place or places at
which payment of the Cash Settlement Value is to be made by the Company; (10)
whether the Offered Currency Warrants will be represented by certificates or
issued in book-entry form; (11) the method by which the Offered Currency
Warrants are to be exercised; (12) the Federal income tax consequences and
other special considerations, procedures and limitations applicable to such
Offered Currency Warrants; and (13) any other terms of the Offered Currency
Warrants, including risk factors specifically relating to the Base Currency or
Second Currency and Currency Warrants relating to such currencies.
DESCRIPTION OF STOCK-INDEX WARRANTS
The Company may issue Stock Index Warrants which, upon exercise at a
permitted time or times in the future, entitle any holder thereof to receive an
amount of cash determined by references to increases and/or
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decreases in the level of a specified stock index. Stock-Index Warrants may be
issued independently or together with other Securities offered by any
Prospectus Supplement and may be attached to or separate from such other
Securities. The Stock-Index Warrants are to be issued under one or more warrant
agreements (each a "Stock-Index Warrant Agreement") to be entered into between
the Company and a bank or trust company, as stock-index warrant agent which
will be designated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement (the "Stock-Index
Warrant Agent"), all as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the
particular issue of Stock-Index Warrants. The Stock-Index Warrant Agent will
act solely as an agent of the Company in connection with the Stock-Index
Warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust
for or with any holder or beneficial owners of Stock-Index Warrants. The
following summaries of certain provisions of the form of Stock-Index Warrant
Agreement and form of certificate, if any, representing the Stock-Index
Warrants (the "Stock-Index Warrant Certificates") do not purport to be complete
and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all
the provisions of the Stock-Index Warrant Agreement and the Stock-Index Warrant
Certificates, respectively, including the definitions therein of certain terms
which Agreement and Certificate, if any, will be filed as an exhibit to or
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus forms a part.
The Company may issue Stock-Index Warrants either in the form of Stock-Index
Put Warrants entitling the holders thereof to receive from the Company the
Stock-Index Cash Settlement Value (as described in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement) in U.S. dollars, which amount will be determined by reference to
the amount, if any, by which the Stock-Index Exercise Price (as described in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement) exceeds the closing value of the Index on
the valuation date (the "Index Value") at the time of exercise, or in the form
of Stock-Index Call Warrants entitling the holders thereof to receive from the
Company the Stock-Index Cash Settlement Value in U.S. dollars, which amount
will be determined by reference to the amount, if any, by which the Index Value
at the time of exercise exceeds the Stock-Index Exercise Price.
The Prospectus Supplement for an issue of Stock-Index Warrants will set forth
the formula pursuant to which the Stock-Index Cash Settlement Value will be
determined. In addition, if so specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, following the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event (as defined
therein), the Stock-Index Cash Settlement Value may be determined on a
different basis than under normal exercise of a Stock-Index Warrant.
Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, a Stock-Index
Warrant will be settled only in cash and, accordingly, will not require or
entitle a holder thereof to sell, deliver, purchase or take delivery of any
shares of any underlying stock or any other securities. The holders will not be
entitled to any of the rights of the holders of any underlying stock.
If Stock-Index Warrants are offered, the Prospectus Supplement will describe
the terms of Stock-Index Warrants offered thereby, including the following: (1)
whether such Stock-Index Warrants are Stock-Index Put Warrants, Stock-Index
Call Warrants or both; (2) the aggregate amount of such Stock-Index Warrants;
(3) the offering price; (4) the stock index for such Stock-Index Warrants,
which may be based on one or more U.S. or foreign stocks or a combination
thereof and may be a preexisting U.S. or foreign stock index compiled and
published by a third party or an index based on one or more underlying stock or
stocks selected by the Company solely in connection with the issuance of such
Stock-Index Warrants, and certain information regarding such stock index and
the underlying stock or stocks; (5) the date on which the right to exercise
such Stock-Index Warrants commences and the date on which such right expires
(the "Stock-Index Warrant Expiration Date"); (6) the procedures and conditions
relating to exercise; (7) the circumstances, if any, which will cause the
Stock-Index Warrants to be deemed to be automatically exercised; (8) the
minimum number, if any, of Stock-Index Warrants to be exercised at any one time
other than upon automatic exercise and any other restrictions on exercise; (9)
the maximum number, if any, of such Stock-Index Warrants that may, subject to
the Company's election, be exercised by all owners (or by any person or entity)
on any day; (10) the method of providing for a substitute index or otherwise
determining the amount payable in connection with the exercise of such Stock-
Index Warrants if the stock index changes or ceases to be made
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available by its publisher, which determination will be made by an independent
expert; (11) the national securities exchange on which the Stock-Index Warrants
will be listed, if any; (12) whether the Stock-Index Warrants will be issued in
certificated or book-entry form; (13) the place or places at which payment of
the Stock-Index Cash Settlement Value is to be made by the Company; (14)
information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; (15) the plan of
distribution of such Stock-Index Warrants; (16) the identity of the Stock-Index
Warrant Agent; (17) any provisions permitting a holder of a Stock-Index Warrant
to condition a stock-index exercise notice on the absence of certain specified
changes in the Index Value after the Stock-Index Warrant Exercise Date; and
(18) any other terms of such Stock-Index Warrants, including risk factors
specifically relating to fluctuations in the applicable stock index and
possible illiquidity in the secondary market.
Prospective purchasers of Stock-Index Warrants should be aware that special
U.S. Federal income tax, accounting and other considerations may be applicable
to instruments such as Stock-Index Warrants. The Prospectus Supplement relating
to any issue of Stock-Index Warrants will describe such considerations.
DESCRIPTION OF OTHER WARRANTS
The Company may issue Other Warrants, if permitted under applicable law, to
buy or sell debt securities of or guaranteed by the United States, to buy or
sell a commodity or a unit of a commodity index or to buy or sell some other
item or unit of an index other than indices covered by Stock-Index Warrants
(collectively, "Exercise Items"). Owners of Other Warrants will be entitled to
receive from the Company the cash settlement value in U.S. dollars of the right
to buy or sell the Exercise Items (the "Other Warrant Cash Settlement Value").
An Owner of Other Warrants will receive a cash payment upon exercise only if
the Other Warrants have an Other Warrant Cash Settlement Value in excess of
zero at that time.
Other Warrants may be issued independently or together with other Securities
offered by any Prospectus Supplement and may be attached to or separate from
such other Securities. The Other Warrants are to be issued under one or more
other warrant agreements (the "Other Warrant Agreements") to be entered into
between the Company and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent which will be
designated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement (the "Other Warrant Agent"),
all as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular issue
of Other Warrants. The Other Warrant Agent will act solely as an agent of the
Company in connection with the Other Warrants and will not assume any
obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holder or
beneficial owners of the Other Warrants. The following summaries of certain
provisions of the form of Other Warrant Agreement and form of certificate, if
any, representing the Other Warrants (the "Other Warrant Certificates") do not
purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety
by reference to, all the provisions of the Other Warrant Agreement and the
Other Warrant Certificates, respectively, including the definitions therein of
certain terms which Agreement and Certificate, if any, will be filed as an
exhibit to or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement of which
this Prospectus forms a part.
Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, an Other Warrant
will be settled only in cash, in U.S. dollars, and accordingly, will not
require or entitle an owner thereof to sell, deliver, purchase or take delivery
of any Exercise Items.
If Other Warrants are offered, the applicable Prospectus Supplement will
describe the terms of such Other Warrants, including, where applicable, the
following: (1) the title and aggregate number of such Other Warrants; (2) the
offering price; (3) the Exercise Items that such Other Warrants represent the
right to buy or sell; (4) the procedures and conditions relating to exercise;
(5) the date on which the right to exercise the Other Warrants shall commence
and the date such right shall expire (the "Other Warrant Expiration Date"); (6)
the method of determining the Other Warrant Cash Settlement Value; (7) whether
such Other Warrants will be issued in certificated or book-entry form; (8)
whether such Other Warrants will be listed on a national securities exchange;
(9) information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; (10) the
identity of the
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Other Warrant Agent; and (11) any other terms of such Other Warrants, including
risk factors relating to significant fluctuations in the market for the
applicable Exercise Item, the potential illiquidity of the secondary market and
the risk that the Other Warrants may expire worthless.
Prospective purchasers of Other Warrants should be aware that special U.S.
Federal income tax, accounting and other considerations may be applicable to
instruments such as Other Warrants. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any
issue of Other Warrants will describe such considerations.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED STOCK
The following description of the terms of the Preferred Stock sets forth
certain general terms and provisions of the Preferred Stock to which any
Prospectus Supplement may relate. Certain other terms of any series of
Preferred Stock offered by any Prospectus Supplement will be specified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. If so specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, the terms of any series of Preferred Stock may differ from the
terms set forth below. The description of the terms of the Preferred Stock set
forth below and in any Prospectus Supplement does not purport to be complete
and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Certificate
of Designation relating to the applicable series of Preferred Stock, which
Certificate will be filed as an exhibit to or incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part.
GENERAL
Pursuant to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of
Directors of the Company has the authority, without further stockholder action,
to issue from time to time a maximum of 15,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
without par value, in one or more series and for such consideration, as may be
fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Company, and to fix
before the issuance of any shares of preferred stock of a particular series,
the designation of such series, the number of shares to comprise such series,
the dividend rate or rates payable with respect to the shares of such series,
the redemption price or prices, if any, and the terms and conditions of the
redemption, the voting rights, any sinking fund provisions for the redemption
or purchase of the shares of such series, the terms and conditions upon which
the shares are convertible, if they are convertible, and any other relative
rights, preferences and limitations pertaining to such series. As of June 30,
1995, there were issued and outstanding 2,410,000 shares of the Company's
Preferred Stock with Cumulative and Adjustable Dividends ($50 stated value)
(the "Series A Preferred Stock"), 1,191,000 shares of the Company's Preferred
Stock with Cumulative and Adjustable Dividends, Series B ($100 stated value)
(the "Series B Preferred Stock"), 713,800 shares of the Company's Preferred
Stock with Cumulative and Adjustable Dividends, Series C ($100 stated value)
(the "Series C Preferred Stock"), 160,000 shares of the Company's 8.45%
Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series E ($625 stated value) (the "Series E
Preferred Stock"), and 40,000 shares of the Company's 5 3/4% Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock, Series B ($5,000 stated value) (the "Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock") (collectively, the "Existing Preferred Stock").
All shares of the Series A Preferred Stock were called for redemption on August
31, 1995. See "Description of Existing Preferred Stock" herein.
As described under "Description of Depositary Shares" below, the Company may,
at its option, elect to offer depositary shares ("Depositary Shares") evidenced
by depositary receipts, each representing a fraction (to be specified in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular series of Preferred Stock) of
a share of the particular series of the Preferred Stock issued and deposited
with a depositary, in lieu of offering full shares of such series of the
Preferred Stock.
Under interpretations adopted by the Federal Reserve Board, if the holders of
Preferred Stock of any series become entitled to vote for the election of
directors because dividends on such series are in arrears as described under
"Voting Rights" below, such series may then be deemed a "class of voting
securities" and a holder of 25% or more of such series (or a holder of 5% or
more if it otherwise exercises a "controlling
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influence" over the Company) may then be subject to regulation as a bank
holding company in accordance with the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as
amended. In addition, at such time as such series is deemed a class of voting
securities, any other bank holding company may be required to obtain the prior
approval of the Federal Reserve Board to acquire 5% or more of such series, and
any person other than a bank holding company may be required to obtain the
prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board to acquire 10% or more of such
series.
The Preferred Stock shall have the dividend, liquidation, redemption, voting
and conversion rights set forth below unless otherwise specified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. Reference is made to the Prospectus
Supplement relating to the particular series of Preferred Stock offered thereby
for specific terms, including: (1) the designation, stated value and
liquidation preference of such Preferred Stock and the number of shares
offered; (2) the initial public offering price at which such shares will be
issued; (3) the dividend rate or rates (or method of calculation), the dividend
periods, the date on which dividends shall be payable and whether such
dividends shall be cumulative or noncumulative and, if cumulative, the dates
from which dividends shall commence to cumulate; (4) any redemption or sinking
fund provisions; (5) any conversion provisions; (6) whether the Company has
elected to offer Depositary Shares as described below under "Description of
Depositary Shares"; and (7) any additional dividend, liquidation, redemption,
sinking fund and other rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and
restrictions of such Preferred Stock.
The Preferred Stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the shares
of each series of Preferred Stock will upon issuance rank on a parity in all
respects with the Company's Existing Preferred Stock, described below, and each
other then outstanding series of preferred stock of the Company. The Preferred
Stock will have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any additional securities
which may be issued by the Company. Unless otherwise specified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, First Chicago Trust Company of New York will
be the transfer agent and registrar for the Preferred Stock.
Because the Company is a holding company, its rights and the rights of
holders of its securities, including the holders of Preferred Stock, to
participate in the assets of any Company subsidiary upon the latter's
liquidation or recapitalization will be subject to the prior claims of such
subsidiary's creditors and preferred shareholders, except to the extent the
Company may itself be a creditor with recognized claims against such subsidiary
or a holder of preferred shares of such subsidiary.
DIVIDENDS
The holders of the Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, when, as and
if declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, out of funds legally
available therefor, dividends at such rates and on such dates as will be
specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Such rates may be fixed or
variable or both. If variable, the formula used for determining the dividend
rate for each dividend period will be specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. Dividends will be payable to the holders of record as they appear
on the stock books of the Company (or, if applicable, the records of the
Depositary referred to below under "Description of Depositary Shares") on such
record dates as will be fixed by the Board of Directors of the Company.
Dividends may be paid in the form of cash, Preferred Stock (of the same or a
different series) or Common Stock of the Company, in each case as specified in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Dividends on any series of Preferred Stock may be cumulative or
noncumulative, as specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. If the
Board of Directors of the Company fails to declare a dividend payable on a
dividend payment date on any Preferred Stock for which dividends are
noncumulative ("Noncumulative Preferred Stock"), then the holders of such
Preferred Stock will have no right to receive a dividend in respect of the
dividend period relating to such dividend payment date, and the Company will
have no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for such period, whether or not
dividends on such Preferred Stock are declared or paid on any future dividend
payment dates.
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The Company shall not declare or pay or set apart for payment any dividends
on any series of its preferred shares ranking, as to dividends, on a parity
with or junior to the outstanding Preferred Stock of any series unless (i) if
such Preferred Stock has a cumulative dividend ("Cumulative Preferred Stock"),
full cumulative dividends have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid
or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such
payment on such Preferred Stock for all dividend periods terminating on or
prior to the date of payment of any such dividends on such other series of
preferred shares of the Company, or (ii) if such Preferred Stock is
Noncumulative Preferred Stock, full dividends for the then-current dividend
period on such Preferred Stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and
paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for
such payment. When dividends are not paid in full upon Preferred Stock of any
series and any other shares of preferred stock of the Company ranking on a
parity as to dividends with such Preferred Stock, all dividends declared upon
such Preferred Stock and any other preferred shares of the Company ranking on a
parity as to dividends with such Preferred Stock shall be declared pro rata so
that the amount of dividends declared per share on such Preferred Stock and
such other shares shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that the
accrued dividends per share on such Preferred Stock (which shall not, if such
Preferred Stock is Noncumulative Preferred Stock, include any accumulation in
respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods) and such other
preferred shares bear to each other. Except as set forth in the preceding
sentence, unless full dividends on the outstanding Cumulative Preferred Stock
of any series have been paid for all past dividend periods and full dividends
for the then-current dividend period on the outstanding Noncumulative Preferred
Stock of any series have been declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such payment, no dividends
(other than in Common Stock of the Company or other shares of the Company
ranking junior to such Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation)
shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment, nor shall any other
distribution be made on the Common Stock of the Company or on any other shares
of the Company ranking junior to or on a parity with such Preferred Stock as to
dividends or upon liquidation. Unless full dividends on the Cumulative
Preferred Stock of any series have been paid for all past dividend periods and
full dividends for the then-current dividend period on the Noncumulative
Preferred Stock of any series have been declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such payment, no Common Stock
or any other shares of the Company ranking junior to or on a parity with such
Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation shall be redeemed,
purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any moneys be paid or
made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such shares) by the
Company or any subsidiary of the Company except by conversion into or exchange
for shares of the Company ranking junior to such Preferred Stock as to
dividends and upon liquidation.
REDEMPTION
A series of the Preferred Stock may be redeemable, in whole or in part, at
the option of the Company, and may be subject to mandatory redemption pursuant
to a sinking fund or otherwise, in each case upon terms, at the times and at
the redemption prices specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement and
subject to the rights of holders of other securities of the Company. Preferred
Stock redeemed by the Company will be restored to the status of authorized but
unissued preferred shares.
The Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of Preferred Stock that is
subject to mandatory redemption will specify the number of shares of such
Preferred Stock that shall be redeemed by the Company in each year commencing
after a date to be specified, at a redemption price per share to be specified,
together with an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon
(which shall not, if such Preferred Stock is Noncumulative Preferred Stock,
include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend
periods) to the date of redemption. The redemption price may be payable in cash
or other property, as specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. If the
redemption price for Preferred Stock of any series is payable only from the net
proceeds of the issuance of capital stock of the Company, the terms of such
Preferred Stock may provide that, if no such capital stock shall have been
issued or to the extent the net proceeds from any issuance are insufficient to
pay in full the aggregate redemption price then due, such
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Preferred Stock shall automatically and mandatorily be converted into shares of
the applicable capital stock of the Company pursuant to conversion provisions
specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
If fewer than all the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of any series are
to be redeemed, the number of shares to be redeemed will be determined in a
manner designated by the Board of Directors of the Company and such shares
shall be redeemed pro rata from the holders of record of such shares in
proportion to the number of such shares held by such holders (with adjustments
to avoid redemption of fractional shares) or by lot or by any other method as
may be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any dividends, including any accumulation,
on Cumulative Preferred Stock of any series are in arrears, no Preferred Stock
of such series shall be redeemed unless all outstanding Preferred Stock of such
series is simultaneously redeemed, and the Company shall not purchase or
otherwise acquire any Preferred Stock of such series; provided, however, that
the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition of Preferred Stock
of such series pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer provided such offer is
made on the same terms to all holders of the Preferred Stock of such series.
Notice of redemption shall be given by mailing the same to each record holder
of the Preferred Stock to be redeemed, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days
prior to the date fixed for redemption thereof, to the respective addresses of
such holders as the same shall appear on the stock books of the Company. Each
notice shall state: (i) the redemption date; (ii) the number of shares and
series of the Preferred Stock to be redeemed; (iii) the redemption price; (iv)
the place or places where certificates for such Preferred Stock are to be
surrendered for payment of the redemption price; (v) that dividends on the
shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such redemption date; and (vi)
the date upon which the holder's conversion rights, if any, as to such shares,
shall terminate. If fewer than all the shares of Preferred Stock of any series
held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to such holder shall
also specify the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed from such
holder.
If notice of redemption of any shares of Preferred Stock has been given, from
and after the redemption date for such shares (unless default shall be made by
the Company in providing money for the payment of the redemption price of such
shares), dividends on such shares shall cease to accrue and such shares shall
no longer be deemed to be outstanding, and all rights of the holders thereof as
shareholders of the Company (except the right to receive the redemption price)
shall cease. Upon surrender in accordance with such notice of the certificates
representing any such shares (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if
the Board of Directors of the Company shall so require and the notice shall so
state), the redemption price set forth above shall be paid out of the funds
provided by the Company. If fewer than all the shares represented by any such
certificate are redeemed, a new certificate shall be issued representing the
unredeemed shares without cost to the holder thereof.
CONVERSION RIGHTS
The Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of the Preferred Stock that is
convertible will state the terms on which shares of such series are convertible
into the Company's Common Stock, or another series of Preferred Stock.
RIGHTS UPON LIQUIDATION
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company, the holders of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to
receive out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to
shareholders, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of Common
Stock or any other class or series of shares ranking junior to such Preferred
Stock upon liquidation, liquidating distributions in the amount of the
liquidation preference of such Preferred Stock plus accrued and unpaid
dividends (which shall not, if such Preferred Stock is Noncumulative Preferred
Stock, include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior
dividend periods). If, upon any voluntary or involuntary
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liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company the amounts payable with
respect to Preferred Stock of any series and any other shares of the Company
ranking as to any such distribution on a parity with such Preferred Stock are
not paid in full, the holders of such Preferred Stock and of such other shares
will share ratably in any such distribution of assets of the Company in
proportion to the full respective preferential amounts to which they are
entitled. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to
which they are entitled, the holders of Preferred Stock of any series will not
be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the
Company.
VOTING RIGHTS
Except as indicated below or in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, or
except as expressly required by applicable law, the holders of the Preferred
Stock will not be entitled to vote. In the event the Company issues full shares
of any series of Preferred Stock, each such share will be entitled to one vote
on matters on which holders of such series of the Preferred Stock are entitled
to vote. However, as more fully described under "Description of Depositary
Shares" below, if the Company elects to issue Depositary Shares representing a
fraction of a share of a series of Preferred Stock, each such Depositary Share
will, in effect, be entitled to such fraction of a vote, rather than a full
vote, per Depositary Share. Since each full share of any series of Preferred
Stock of the Company shall be entitled to one vote, the voting power of such
series, on matters on which holders of such series and holders of other series
of Preferred Stock are entitled to vote as a single class, shall depend on the
number of shares in such series, not the aggregate stated value, liquidation
preference or initial offering price of the shares of such series of Preferred
Stock.
If the equivalent of six quarterly dividends payable on any series of
Preferred Stock are in default, the number of directors of the Company will be
increased by two and the holders of all outstanding series of Preferred Stock,
voting as a single class without regard to series, will be entitled to elect
such additional two directors until all dividends in default have been paid or
declared and set apart for payment.
The affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3 percent of
the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of any series, voting as a class,
will be required for any amendment to the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation (or any certificate supplemental thereto) that will adversely
affect the powers, preferences, privileges or rights of the Preferred Stock of
such series. The affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3
percent of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of any series and any
other series of preferred shares of the Company ranking on a parity with the
Preferred Stock of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation, voting as a
single class without regard to series, will be required to authorize, effect or
validate the creation, authorization or issue of any shares of any class of
stock of the Company ranking prior to the Preferred Stock of such series as to
dividends or upon liquidation, or the reclassification of any authorized stock
of the Company into any such prior shares, or the creation, authorization or
issue of any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right to
purchase any such prior shares.
Subject to such affirmative vote or consent of the holders of the outstanding
shares of Preferred Stock of any series, the Company may, by resolution of its
Board of Directors or as otherwise permitted by law, from time to time alter or
change the preferences, rights or powers of the Preferred Stock of such series.
The holders of the Preferred Stock of such series shall not be entitled to
participate in any such vote if, at or prior to the time when any such
alteration or change is to take effect, provision is made for the redemption of
all the Preferred Stock of such series at the time outstanding. Nothing in this
section shall be taken to require a class vote or consent in connection with
the authorization, designation, increase or issuance of any shares of any class
or series (including additional Preferred Stock of any series) that rank junior
to or on a parity with the Preferred Stock of such series as to dividends and
liquidation rights or in connection with the authorization, designation,
increase or issuance of any bonds, mortgages, debentures or other obligations
of the Company.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
GENERAL
The Company may, at its option, elect to offer fractional shares of Preferred
Stock, rather than full shares of Preferred Stock. In the event such option is
exercised, the Company will issue to the public receipts for Depositary Shares,
each of which will represent a fraction (to be set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to a particular series of Preferred Stock) of a share of a
particular series of Preferred Stock as described below.
The shares of any series of Preferred Stock represented by Depositary Shares
will be deposited under a Deposit Agreement (the "Deposit Agreement") between
the Company and a bank or trust company selected by the Company having its
principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus
of at least $50,000,000 (the "Depositary"). Subject to the terms of the Deposit
Agreement, each owner of a Depositary Share will be entitled, in proportion to
the applicable fraction of a share of Preferred Stock represented by such
Depositary Share, to all the rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock
represented thereby (including dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and
liquidation rights).
The Depositary Shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued
pursuant to the Deposit Agreement ("Depositary Receipts"). Depositary Receipts
will be distributed to those persons purchasing the fractional shares of
Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms of the offering. Copies of the
forms of Deposit Agreement and Depositary Receipt will be filed as exhibits to,
or incorporated by reference in, the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus is a part, and the following summary is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such exhibits.
Pending the preparation of definitive engraved Depositary Receipts, the
Depositary may, upon the written order of the Company, issue temporary
Depositary Receipts substantially identical to (and entitling the holders
thereof to all the rights pertaining to) the definitive Depositary Receipts but
not in definitive form. Definitive Depositary Receipts will be prepared
thereafter without unreasonable delay, and temporary Depositary Receipts will
be exchangeable for definitive Depositary Receipts at the Company's expense.
Upon surrender of Depositary Receipts at the principal office of the
Depositary (unless the related Depositary Shares have previously been called
for redemption), the owner of the Depositary Shares evidenced thereby is
entitled to delivery at such office, to or upon his order, of the number of
whole shares of Preferred Stock and any money or other property represented by
such Depositary Shares. Partial shares of Preferred Stock will not be issued.
If the Depositary Receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of
Depositary Shares in excess of the number of Depositary Shares representing a
number of whole shares of Preferred Stock to be withdrawn, the Depositary will
deliver to such holder at the same time a new Depositary Receipt evidencing
such excess number of Depositary Shares. Holders of shares of Preferred Stock
thus withdrawn will not thereafter be entitled to deposit such shares under the
Deposit Agreement or to receive Depositary Shares therefor. The Company does
not expect that there will be any public trading market for withdrawn shares of
Preferred Stock.
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
The Depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions
received in respect of the Preferred Stock to the record holders of Depositary
Shares relating to such Preferred Stock in proportion to the numbers of such
Depositary Shares owned by such holders. The Depository shall distribute only
such amount, however, as can be distributed without attributing to any holder
of Depositary Shares a fraction of one cent, and any balance not so distributed
shall be added to and treated as part of the next sum received by the
Depositary for distribution to record holders of Depositary Shares.
In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the Depositary will
distribute property received by it to the record holders of Depositary Shares
entitled thereto, unless the Depositary determines that it is not
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feasible to make such distribution, in which case the Depositary may, with the
approval of the Company, sell such property and distribute the net proceeds
from such sale to such holders.
REDEMPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
If a series of Preferred Stock represented by Depositary Shares is subject to
redemption, the Depositary Shares will be redeemed from the proceeds received
by the Depositary resulting from the redemption, in whole or in part, of such
series of Preferred Stock held by the Depositary. The Depositary shall mail
notice of redemption not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the date
fixed for redemption to the record holders of the Depositary Shares to be so
redeemed at their respective addresses appearing in the Depositary's books. The
redemption price per Depositary Share will be equal to the applicable fraction
of the redemption price per share payable with respect to such series of the
Preferred Stock. Whenever the Company redeems shares of Preferred Stock held by
the Depositary, the Depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the
number of Depositary Shares representing shares of Preferred Stock so redeemed.
If less than all the Depositary Shares are to be redeemed, the Depositary
Shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or pro rata as may be determined
by the Depositary.
After the date fixed for redemption, the Depositary Shares so called for
redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the
holders of the Depositary Shares will cease, except the right to receive the
moneys payable upon such redemption and any money or other property to which
the holders of such Depositary Shares were entitled upon such redemption upon
surrender to the Depositary of the Depositary Receipts evidencing such
Depositary Shares.
VOTING THE PREFERRED STOCK
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the Preferred
Stock are entitled to vote, the Depositary will mail the information contained
in such notice of meeting to the record holders of the Depositary Shares
relating to such Preferred Stock. Each record holder of such Depositary Shares
on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for the
Preferred Stock) will be entitled to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise
of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of the Preferred Stock
represented by such holder's Depositary Shares. The Depositary will endeavor,
insofar as practicable, to vote the amount of the Preferred Stock represented
by such Depositary Shares in accordance with such instructions, and the Company
will agree to take all action which may be deemed necessary by the Depositary
in order to enable the Depositary to do so. The Depositary will abstain from
voting shares of the Preferred Stock to the extent it does not receive specific
instructions from the holders of Depositary Shares representing such Preferred
Stock.
TAXATION
Owners of the Depositary Shares will be treated for Federal income tax
purposes as if they were owners of the series of Preferred Stock represented by
such Depositary Shares and, accordingly, will be entitled to take into account
for Federal income tax purposes income and deductions to which they would be
entitled if they were holders of such series of Preferred Stock. In addition,
(i) no gain or loss will be recognized for Federal income tax purposes upon the
withdrawal of Preferred Stock in exchange for Depositary Shares as provided in
the Deposit Agreement, (ii) the tax basis of each share of Preferred Stock to
an exchanging owner of Depositary Shares will, upon such exchange, be the same
as the aggregate tax basis of the Depositary Shares exchanged therefor and
(iii) the holding period for shares of the Preferred Stock in the hands of an
exchanging owner of Depositary Shares who held such Depositary Shares as a
capital asset at the time of the exchange thereof for Preferred Stock will
include the period during which such person owned such Depositary Shares.
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AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE DEPOSITARY AGREEMENT
The form of Depositary Receipt evidencing the Depositary Shares and any
provision of the Deposit Agreement may at any time be amended by agreement
between the Company and the Depositary. However, any amendment which materially
and adversely alters the rights of the holders of Depositary Shares will not be
effective unless such amendment has been approved by the holders of at least a
majority of the Depositary Shares then outstanding. The Deposit Agreement may
be terminated by the Company or the Depositary only if (i) all outstanding
Depositary Shares have been redeemed or (ii) there has been a final
distribution in respect of the Preferred Stock in connection with any
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company and such distribution has
been distributed to the holders of Depositary Receipts.
CHARGES OF DEPOSITARY
The Company will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges
arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. The Company
will pay charges of the Depositary in connection with the initial deposit of
the Preferred Stock and any redemption of the Preferred Stock. Holders of
Depositary Receipts will pay other transfer and other taxes and governmental
charges and such other charges as are expressly provided in the Deposit
Agreement to be for their accounts.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Depositary will forward to the holders of Depositary Shares all reports
and communications from the Company which are delivered to the Depositary and
which the Company is required to furnish to the holders of the Preferred Stock.
Neither the Depositary nor the Company will be liable if it is prevented or
delayed by law or any circumstance beyond its control in performing its
obligations under the Deposit Agreement. The obligations of the Company and the
Depositary under the Deposit Agreement will be limited to performance in good
faith of their duties thereunder and they will not be obligated to prosecute or
defend any legal proceeding in respect of any Depositary Shares or Preferred
Stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. They may rely upon written
advice of counsel or accountants, or information provided by persons presenting
Preferred Stock for deposit, holders of Depositary Receipts or other persons
believed to be competent and on documents believed to be genuine.
RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF DEPOSITARY
The Depositary may resign at any time by delivering to the Company notice of
its election to do so, and the Company may at any time remove the Depositary,
any such resignation or removal to take effect upon the appointment of a
successor Depositary and its acceptance of such appointment. Such successor
Depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of
resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal
office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at
least $50,000,000.
DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING PREFERRED STOCK
The outstanding Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series
C Preferred Stock of the Company were issued in October 1982, February 1983,
and February 1984, respectively. The dividend rate on each series is adjusted
quarterly, based on a formula that considers the interest rates for selected
short- and long-term U.S. Treasury securities prevailing at the time the rate
is set. The Company's Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and Series E
Preferred Stock, which were issued in March 1993, and November 1992,
respectively, have fixed dividend rates. The Existing Preferred Stock ranks
prior to the Company's Common Stock, both as to dividends and upon liquidation,
but has no general voting rights (except as
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described under "Description of Preferred Stock--Voting Rights"). Each series
of the Existing Preferred Stock ranks pari passu with each other series of the
Existing Preferred Stock with respect to dividends and liquidation rights. At
the Effective Time of the Merger, each share of the Existing Preferred Stock
then outstanding will be converted into the right to receive one share of
preferred stock of the combined company with substantially the same terms. See
"First Chicago Corporation--Proposed Merger with NBD".
The Series A Preferred Stock is subject to a minimum and maximum annual
dividend rate of 7.00 percent and 15.00 percent, respectively. The annualized
dividend rate for the quarterly dividend period ended September 30, 1995, is
7.00 percent. Shares of this series are redeemable, at the option of the
Company, at their stated value of $50 per share plus accrued and unpaid
dividends. Shares of this series are not convertible into other securities of
the Company. The Company has called for the redemption of all shares of the
Series A Preferred Stock on August 31, 1995; consequently, after such date, no
shares of this series will remain outstanding.
The Series B Preferred Stock is subject to a minimum and maximum annual
dividend rate of 6.00 percent and 12.00 percent, respectively. The annualized
dividend rate for the quarterly period ended August 31, 1995, is 6.00 percent.
Shares of this series are redeemable, at the option of the Company, at their
stated value of $100 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. Shares of
this series are not convertible into other securities of the Company.
The Series C Preferred Stock is subject to a minimum and maximum annual
dividend rate of 6.50 percent and 12.50 percent, respectively. The annualized
dividend rate for the quarterly period ended August 31, 1995, is 6.50 percent.
Shares of this series are redeemable, at the option of the Company, at their
stated value of $100 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. Shares of
this series are not convertible into other securities of the Company.
The Series E Preferred Stock is represented by depositary shares with each
depositary share representing a one-twenty-fifth interest in a share of Series
E Preferred Stock. The Series E Preferred Stock has an annual dividend rate
equal to $52.8125 ($2.1125 per depositary share), or 8.45 percent, which was
fixed at the date of issue. Shares of this series are redeemable, at the option
of the Company, at any time on or after November 16, 1997 at a redemption price
of $625 per share ($25 per depositary share). Shares of this series are not
convertible into other securities of the Company.
The Series B Convertible Preferred Stock is represented by depositary shares
with each depositary share representing a one-hundredth interest in a share of
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. The Series B Convertible Preferred Stock
has an annual dividend rate equal to $287.50 ($2.875 per depositary share), or
5 3/4 percent, which was fixed at the date of issue. Shares of the Company's
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock may be converted into shares of the
Company's Common Stock at a conversion price of $53 5/8 per share of Common
Stock (equivalent to a conversion rate of .9324 share of Common Stock for each
depositary share) at the option of the stockholder at any time. Resultant
fractional interests are paid in cash. The conversion rate is subject to
adjustment for certain stock dividends, subdivisions, splits and combinations,
certain distributions of assets and debt to holders of Common Stock, certain
reclassifications of Common Stock into other securities and certain
distributions of rights or warrants to purchase Common Stock at a price per
share less than the Common Stock's then market value. At the Effective Time of
the Merger, the conversion rate will be adjusted to provide that the Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock will be convertible into shares of common stock of
the combined company at a conversion price of $29.6271 per share of common
stock of the combined company (equivalent to a conversion rate of 1.6876 share
of common stock of the combined company for each depositary share). Shares of
this series are redeemable, at the option of the Company, on or after April 1,
1997, through March 30, 2003, at an original redemption price of $5,172.50
($51.7250 per depositary share), declining over such period to $5,028.75
($50.2875 per depositary share), and thereafter at their stated value of $5,000
per share ($50.00 per depositary share) plus accrued and unpaid dividends.
The shares of the outstanding Existing Preferred Stock (or with respect to
the Series E Preferred Stock and the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, the
outstanding depositary shares representing such stock), are
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listed on the New York Stock Exchange. First Chicago Trust Company of New York
serves as transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for shares of
the Existing Preferred Stock and the depositary shares representing such stock.
The First National Bank of Chicago also serves as depositary for the shares of
Existing Preferred Stock represented by depositary shares.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK WARRANTS
The Company may issue Preferred Stock Warrants for the purchase of Preferred
Stock. Preferred Stock Warrants may be issued independently or together with
other Securities offered by any Prospectus Supplement and may be attached to or
separate from such other Securities. Each series of Preferred Stock Warrants
will be issued under one or more warrant agreements (each a "Preferred Stock
Warrant Agreement") to be entered into between the Company and a bank or trust
company, as preferred stock warrant agent which will be designated in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement (the "Preferred Stock Warrant Agent"), all as
set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular issue of
Preferred Stock Warrants. The Preferred Stock Warrant Agent will act solely as
an agent of the Company in connection with the Preferred Stock Warrants and
will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with
any holders of Preferred Stock Warrant Certificates or beneficial owners of
Preferred Stock Warrants. The following summaries of certain provisions of the
form of Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement and form of certificate representing
the Preferred Stock Warrants (the "Preferred Stock Warrant Certificates") do
not purport to be complete and are subject to and are qualified in their
entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Preferred Stock Warrant
Agreement and the Preferred Stock Warrant Certificates which Agreement and
Certificate will be filed as an exhibit to or incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part.
GENERAL
If Preferred Stock Warrants are offered, the applicable Prospectus Supplement
will describe the terms of such Preferred Stock Warrants, including the
following, where applicable: (1) the offering price; (2) the designation,
aggregate number and terms of the series of Preferred Stock purchasable upon
exercise of such Preferred Stock Warrants and minimum number of Preferred Stock
Warrants that are exercisable; (3) the designation and terms of the series of
Preferred Stock with which such Preferred Stock Warrants are being offered and
the number of such Preferred Stock Warrants being offered with each such
Preferred Stock; (4) the date on and after which such Preferred Stock Warrants
and the related series of Preferred Stock will be transferable separately; (5)
the number and stated values of the series of Preferred Stock purchasable upon
exercise of each such Preferred Stock Warrant and the price at which such
number of shares of Preferred Stock of such series may be purchased upon such
exercise; (6) the date on which the right to exercise such Preferred Stock
Warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire (the
"Preferred Stock Warrant Expiration Date"); (7) whether the Preferred Stock
Warrants represented by the Preferred Stock Warrant Certificates will be issued
in registered or bearer form; (8) information with respect to book-entry
procedures, if any; and (9) any other terms of such Preferred Stock Warrants
for the purchase of shares of Preferred Stock.
Preferred Stock Warrant Certificates may be exchanged for new Preferred Stock
Warrant Certificates of different denominations, may (if in registered form) be
presented for registration of transfer, and may be exercised at the corporate
trust office of the Preferred Stock Warrant Agent or any other office indicated
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Prior to the exercise of any Preferred
Stock Warrant, a holder thereof shall have no rights of a holder of shares of
the Preferred Stock purchasable upon such exercise, including the right to
receive payment of dividends, if any, on the underlying Preferred Stock or the
right to vote such underlying Preferred Stock.
Prospective purchasers of Preferred Stock Warrants should be aware that
special U.S. Federal income tax, accounting and other considerations may be
applicable to instruments such as Preferred Stock Warrants.
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The Prospectus Supplement relating to any issue of Preferred Stock Warrants
will describe such considerations.
EXERCISE OF PREFERRED STOCK WARRANTS
Each Preferred Stock Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase such
number of shares of Preferred Stock at such exercise price as shall be set
forth in, or calculable from, the Prospectus Supplement relating to the offered
Preferred Stock Warrants. After the close of business on the Preferred Stock
Warrant Expiration Date (or such later date to which such Preferred Stock
Warrant Expiration Date may be extended by the Company), unexercised Preferred
Stock Warrants will become void.
Preferred Stock Warrants may be exercised by delivery to the Preferred Stock
Warrant Agent of payment as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement of
the amount required to purchase the shares of Preferred Stock purchasable upon
such exercise together with certain information set forth on the reverse side
of the Preferred Stock Warrant Certificate. Preferred Stock Warrants will be
deemed to have been exercised upon receipt of the exercise price, subject to
the receipt, within five business days, of the Preferred Stock Warrant
Certificate evidencing such Preferred Stock Warrants. Upon receipt of such
payment and the Preferred Stock Warrant Certificate properly completed and duly
executed at the corporate trust office of the Preferred Stock Warrant Agent or
any other office indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company
will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver the shares of Preferred Stock
purchasable upon such exercise. If fewer than all of the Preferred Stock
Warrants represented by such Preferred Stock Warrant Certificate are exercised,
a new Preferred Stock Warrant Certificate will be issued for the remaining
number of Preferred Stock Warrants.
MODIFICATIONS
The Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement and the terms of the Preferred Stock
Warrants may be amended by the Company and the Preferred Stock Warrant Agent,
without the consent of the holders, for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, or
of curing, correcting or supplementing any defective or inconsistent provision
contained therein, or in any other manner which the Company may deem necessary
or desirable and which will not materially and adversely affect the interests
of the owners.
The Company and the Preferred Stock Warrant Agent also may modify or amend
the Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement and the terms of the Preferred Stock
Warrants, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in number
of the then outstanding unexercised Preferred Stock Warrants affected, provided
that no such modification or amendment that shortens the period of time during
which the Preferred Stock Warrants may be exercised, increases the exercise
price of such Preferred Stock Warrants or otherwise materially and adversely
affects the exercise rights of the holders of the Preferred Stock Warrants or
reduces the number of outstanding Preferred Stock Warrants the consent of whose
holders is required for modification or amendment of the Preferred Stock
Warrant Agreement or the terms of the Preferred Stock Warrants may be made
without the consent of the holders affected thereby.
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, SALE OR OTHER DISPOSITIONS
If at any time there shall be a merger, consolidation, sale, transfer,
conveyance or other disposition of substantially all of the assets of the
Company, then the successor or assuming corporation shall succeed to and be
substituted for the Company in, and the Company will be relieved of any further
obligation under, the Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement or the Preferred Stock
Warrants.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
The Company may issue Common Stock Warrants for the purchase of Common Stock.
Common Stock Warrants may be issued independently or together with other
Securities offered by any Prospectus
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Supplement and may be attached to or separate from such Securities. Each series
of Common Stock Warrants will be issued under one or more warrant agreements
(each a "Common Stock Warrant Agreement") to be entered into between the
Company and a bank or trust company, as common stock warrant agent which will
be designated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement (the "Common Stock
Warrant Agent"), all as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the
particular issue of Common Stock Warrants. The Common Stock Warrant Agent will
act solely as an agent of the Company in connection with the Common Stock
Warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust
for or with any holders or beneficial owners of Common Stock Warrants. The
following summaries of certain provisions of the form of Common Stock Warrant
Agreement and certificate representing Common Stock Warrants (the "Common Stock
Warrant Certificates") do not purport to be complete and are subject to and are
qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Common
Stock Warrant Agreement and the Common Stock Warrant Certificate which
Agreement and Certificate will be filed as an exhibit to or incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement which this Prospectus forms a part of.
GENERAL
If Common Stock Warrants are offered, the related Prospectus Supplement will
describe the terms of such Common Stock Warrants, including the following,
where applicable: (1) the offering price; (2) the aggregate number of shares of
Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of such Common Stock Warrants and
minimum number of Common Stock Warrants that are exercisable; (3) the number of
shares of Common Stock with which such Common Stock Warrants are being offered
and the number of such Common Stock Warrants being offered with each such share
of Common Stock; (4) the date on and after which such Common Stock Warrants and
the related shares of Common Stock will be transferable separately; (5) the
number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of each such Common
Stock Warrant and the price at which such number of shares of Common Stock may
be purchased upon such exercise; (6) the date on which the right to exercise
such Common Stock Warrants shall commence and the date on which such right
shall expire (the "Common Stock Warrant Expiration Date"); (7) whether the
Common Stock Warrants represented by the Common Stock Warrant Certificates will
be issued in registered or bearer form; (8) information with respect to book-
entry procedures, if any; and (9) any other terms of such Common Stock Warrants
for the purchase of shares of Common Stock which shall not be inconsistent with
the provisions of the Common Stock Warrant Agreements.
Common Stock Warrant Certificates may be exchanged for new Common Stock
Warrant Certificates of different denominations, may (if in registered form) be
presented for registration of transfer, and may be exercised at the corporate
trust office of the Common Stock Warrant Agent or any other office indicated in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Prior to the exercise of any Common Stock
Warrants to purchase Common Stock, holders of such Common Stock Warrants will
not have any rights of holders of shares of the Common Stock purchasable upon
such exercise, including the right to receive payments of dividends, if any, on
the Common Stock purchasable upon such exercise or to exercise any applicable
right to vote.
Prospective purchasers of Common Stock Warrants should be aware that special
U.S. Federal income tax, accounting and other considerations may be applicable
to instruments such as Common Stock Warrants. The Prospectus Supplement
relating to any issue of Common Stock Warrants will describe such
considerations.
EXERCISE OF COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
Each Common Stock Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase such
number of shares of Common Stock at such exercise price as shall be set forth
in, or calculable from, the Prospectus Supplement relating to the Common Stock
Warrants. After the close of business on the Common Stock Warrant Expiration
Date (or such later date to which such Common Stock Warrant Expiration Date may
be extended by the Company), unexercised Common Stock Warrants will become
void.
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Common Stock Warrants may be exercised by delivery to the Common Stock
Warrant Agent of payment as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement of
the amount required to purchase the shares of Common Stock purchasable upon
such exercise together with certain information set forth on the reverse side
of the Common Stock Warrant Certificate. Common Stock Warrants will be deemed
to have been exercised upon receipt of the exercise price, subject to the
receipt, within five business days, of the Common Stock Warrant Certificate
evidencing such Common Stock Warrants. Upon receipt of such payment and the
Common Stock Warrant Certificate properly completed and duly executed at the
corporate trust office of the Common Stock Warrant Agent or any other office
indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will, as soon as
practicable, issue and deliver the shares of Common Stock purchasable upon such
exercise. If fewer than all of the Common Stock Warrants represented by such
Common Stock Warrant Certificate are exercised, a new Common Stock Warrant
Certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of Common Stock Warrants.
MODIFICATIONS
The Common Stock Warrant Agreement and the terms of the Common Stock Warrants
may be amended by the Company and the Common Stock Warrant Agent, without the
consent of the holders, for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, or of curing,
correcting or supplementing any defective or inconsistent provision contained
therein, or in any other manner which the Company may deem necessary or
desirable and which will not materially and adversely affect the interests of
the owners.
The Company and the Common Stock Warrant Agent also may modify or amend the
Common Stock Warrant Agreement and the terms of the Common Stock Warrants, with
the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in number of the then
outstanding unexercised Common Stock Warrants affected, provided that no such
modification or amendment that shortens the period of time during which the
Common Stock Warrants may be exercised, increases the exercise price of such
Common Stock Warrants or otherwise materially and adversely affects the
exercise rights of the holders of the Common Stock Warrants or reduces the
number of outstanding Common Stock Warrants the consent of whose holders is
required for modification or amendment of the Common Stock Warrant Agreement or
the terms of the Common Stock Warrants may be made without the consent of the
holders affected thereby.
COMMON STOCK WARRANT ADJUSTMENTS
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
exercise price of, and the number of shares of Common Stock covered by a Common
Stock Warrant, will be subject to adjustment in certain events, including: (i)
dividends (and other distributions) payable in the Common Stock on any class of
capital stock of the Company; (ii) subdivision, combinations and
reclassifications of Common Stock; (iii) the issuance to all holders of Common
Stock of certain rights or warrants entitling them to subscribe for or purchase
Common Stock, at less than the current market price (as defined in the Common
Stock Warrant Agreement for such series of Common Stock Warrants); and (iv) the
distribution to all holders of Common Stock of evidences of indebtedness or
assets of the Company (including securities, but excluding those dividends and
distributions referred to above and dividends and distributions paid in cash
out of surplus or retained earnings of the Company) or rights or warrants
(excluding those referred to above) of the Company, subject to the limitation
that all adjustments by reason of any of the foregoing need not be made until
they result in a cumulative change in the exercise price of at least 1%.
In the event that the Company shall distribute or shall have distributed any
rights or warrants to acquire capital stock pursuant to clause (iv) of the
preceding paragraph ("Capital Stock Rights"), pursuant to which separate
certificates representing such Capital Stock Rights are distributed subsequent
to the initial distribution of such Capital Stock Rights (whether or not such
distribution shall have occurred prior to the date of the issuance of a series
of Common Stock Warrants), the subsequent distribution shall be deemed to be
the distribution of such Capital Stock Rights; provided, however, that the
Company may, in lieu of making any adjustment in the exercise price of, and the
number of shares of Common Stock covered by, a Common
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Stock Warrant upon a distribution of separate certificates representing such
Capital Stock Rights, make proper provision so that each holder of such a
Common Stock Warrant who exercises such Common Stock Warrant (or any portion
thereof) (a) on or before the record date for such distribution of separate
certificates shall be entitled to receive upon such exercise shares of Common
Stock issued with Capital Stock Rights and (b) after such record date and prior
to the expiration, redemption or termination of such Capital Stock Rights shall
be entitled to receive upon such exercise, in addition to the shares of Common
Stock issuable upon such exercise, the same number of such Capital Stock Rights
as would a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock that such Common
Stock Warrant so exercised would have entitled the holder thereof to acquire in
accordance with the terms and provisions applicable to the Capital Stock Rights
if such Common Stock Warrant were exercised immediately prior to the record
date for such distribution. Common Stock owned by or held for the account of
the Company or any majority owned subsidiary shall not be deemed outstanding
for the purpose of any adjustment.
In the event the Company shall effect any capital reorganization or
reclassification of its shares or shall consolidate, merge or engage in a
statutory share exchange with or into any other corporation (other than a
consolidation, merger or share exchange into which the Company is the surviving
corporation) or shall sell or transfer substantially all its assets to any
other corporation for a consideration consisting in whole or in part of equity
securities of such other corporation, the holders of the Common Stock Warrants
then outstanding will be entitled thereafter to exercise such Common Stock
Warrants to acquire the kind and amount of stock and other securities, cash or
property which they would have received in connection with such transaction had
such Common Stock Warrants been exercised immediately prior to such
transaction.
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, SALE OR OTHER DISPOSITIONS
If at any time there shall be a merger, consolidation, sale, transfer,
conveyance or other disposition of substantially all of the assets of the
Company, then the successor or assuming corporation shall succeed to and be
substituted for the Company in, and the Company will be relieved of any further
obligation under, the Common Stock Warrant Agreement or the Common Stock
Warrants.
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK
GENERAL
The Company is authorized to issue 150,000,000 shares of Common Stock. As of
June 30, 1995, there were outstanding 89,719,497 shares of the Company's Common
Stock.
Holders of the Company's Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends when,
as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of any funds legally available
therefor, and are entitled upon liquidation, after claims of creditors and
preferences of the Company's preferred stock and any other series of preferred
stock hereafter authorized, to receive pro rata the net assets of the Company.
The holders of the Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held
and are vested with all of the voting power except as the Board of Directors of
the Company has provided with respect to the outstanding shares of the
Company's preferred stock or may provide, in the future, with respect to any
other series of preferred stock which it may hereafter authorize. Directors of
the Company are elected for a one-year term expiring upon the annual meeting of
stockholders of the Company. The shares of the Company's Common Stock do not
have cumulative voting rights.
The holders of the Company's Common Stock do not have any preemptive rights
to subscribe for additional shares of capital stock of the Company. The holders
of Common Stock have no conversion rights, the Common Stock is not subject to
redemption by either the Company or a stockholder, and there is no restriction
on the purchase by the Company of shares of Common Stock except for certain
regulatory limits.
37
<PAGE>
The Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York, Chicago, Pacific and
London Stock Exchanges. First Chicago Trust Company of New York is the transfer
agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for the Common Stock.
PREFERRED SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS
On November 18, 1988, the Board of Directors declared a dividend to holders
of Common Stock of record on December 2, 1988 (the "Record Date") of one
preferred share purchase right (a "Right") for each outstanding share of Common
Stock for, and to be attached to, each share of Common Stock outstanding on the
Record Date. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the
Company one one-hundreth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Voting
Preferred Stock, without par value (the "Junior Preferred Shares"), of the
Company, at a price of $130 per one one-hundreth of a Junior Preferred Share,
subject to certain adjustments. As long as the Rights are attached to shares of
Common Stock as provided in the Rights Agreement referred to below, one
additional Right shall be issued with each share of Common Stock issued after
December 2, 1988.
The Rights will expire on December 2, 1998, unless the expiration date is
extended or the Rights are redeemed earlier and will not be exercisable or
transferable separately from the shares of Common Stock until the "Distribution
Date" which will occur on the earlier of (i) 10 days following a public
announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (an
"Acquiring Person") have acquired beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the
outstanding Common Stock or (ii) 10 business days (or such later date as may be
determined by action of the Board of Directors prior to such time as any person
becomes an Acquiring Person) following the commencement of, or announcement of
an intention to make, a tender offer or exchange offer the consummation of
which would result in the beneficial ownership by a person or group of 20% or
more of the outstanding Common Stock.
In the event the Company is acquired in a merger or other business
combination transaction or 50% or more of its consolidated assets are sold,
each holder of a Right will have the right to receive, upon payment of the
Right's then current exercise price, common stock of the acquiring company
which has a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right. In the
event that any person becomes an Acquiring Person, each holder of a Right,
other than Rights beneficially owned by the Acquiring Person (which will
thereafter be void), will thereafter have the right to receive upon exercise
that number of shares of Common Stock (or under certain circumstances, Common
Stock-equivalent Junior Preferred Shares) having a market value of two times
the exercise price of the Rights.
At any time after the acquisition by a person or group of affiliated or
associated persons of beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the outstanding
Common Stock and prior to the acquisition by such person or group of 50% or
more of the outstanding Common Stock, the Board of Directors may exchange the
Rights (other than Rights owned by such person or group which have become
void), in whole or in part, at an exchange ratio of one share of Common Stock
per Right, appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock split, stock dividend or
similar transaction (or under certain circumstances, Common Stock-equivalent
Junior Preferred Shares).
At any time prior to the acquisition by a person or group of affiliated or
associated persons of beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the outstanding
Common Stock, the Board of Directors may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in
part, at a price of $.01 per Right, appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock
split, stock dividend or similar transaction (the "Redemption Price"). The
redemption of the Rights may be made effective at such time, on such basis and
with such conditions as the Board of Directors in its sole discretion may
establish.
The purchase price payable, and the number of Junior Preferred Shares or
other securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the Rights are subject
to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution (i) in the event of a stock
dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or reclassification of, the Junior
Preferred Shares,
38
<PAGE>
(ii) upon the grant to holders of the Junior Preferred Shares of certain rights
or warrants to subscribe for or purchase Junior Preferred Shares at a price, or
securities convertible into Junior Preferred Shares with a conversion price,
less than the current market price of the Junior Preferred Shares or (iii) upon
the distribution to holders of the Junior Preferred Shares of evidences of
indebtedness or assets (excluding regular periodic cash dividends paid out of
earnings or retained earnings or dividends payable in Junior Preferred Shares)
or of subscription rights or warrants (other than those referred to above).
The number of outstanding Rights and the number of one-hundreths of a Junior
Preferred Share issuable upon exercise of each Right are also subject to
adjustment in the event of a stock split of the Common Stock or a stock
dividend on the Common Stock payable in Common Stock or subdivisions,
consolidations or combinations of the Common Stock occurring, in any such case,
prior to the Distribution Date.
The terms of the Rights may be amended by the Board of Directors without the
consent of the holders of the Rights, including an amendment to lower the
threshold for exercisability of the Rights from 20% to not less than the
greater of (i) any percentage greater than the largest percentage of the
outstanding Common Stock then known to the Company to be beneficially owned by
any person or group of affiliated or associated persons and (ii) 10%, except
that from and after such time as any person becomes an Acquiring Person no such
amendment may adversely affect the interests of the holders of the Rights.
The Rights have certain anti-takeover effects. The Rights will cause
substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire the Company
on terms not approved by the Board of Directors. The Rights should not
interfere with any merger or other business combination approved by the Board
of Directors since the Rights may be redeemed by the Company at the Redemption
Price prior to the time that a person or group has acquired beneficial
ownership of 20% or more of the Common Stock.
Immediately prior to the execution of the Merger Agreement with NBD, the
Board of Directors of the Company amended the Rights Agreement to (i) amend the
definition of "Acquiring Person" and the definition of "Distribution Date" to
permit the execution and delivery by the Company of a stock option agreement
with NBD without NBD's becoming an Acquiring Person or triggering a
Distribution Date under the Rights Agreement and (ii) provide that the Rights
will not be exercisable after the Effective Time.
The foregoing description of the Rights and the Junior Preferred Shares does
not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
Rights Agreement, as amended, which is an exhibit to the Registration Statement
of which this Prospectus forms a part, and the Certificate of Designation,
Preferences and Rights for the Junior Preferred Shares.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The distribution of the Securities may be effected from time to time in one
or more transactions at a fixed price or prices (which may be changed 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. Each Prospectus
Supplement will describe the method of distribution of the Securities offered
therein.
The Company may sell Securities directly, through agents designated from time
to time, through underwriting syndicates led by one or more managing
underwriters or through one or more underwriters acting alone. Each Prospectus
Supplement will set forth the terms of the Securities to which such Prospectus
Supplement relates, including the name or names of any underwriters or agents
with whom the Company has entered into arrangements with respect to the sale of
such Securities, the public offering or purchase price of such Securities and
the net proceeds to the Company from such sale, any underwriting discounts and
other items constituting underwriters' compensation, any discounts and
commissions allowed or paid to dealers, if any, any commissions allowed or paid
to agents, and the securities exchange or exchanges, if any, on which
39
<PAGE>
such Securities will be listed. Dealer trading may take place in certain of the
Securities, including Securities not listed on any securities exchange.
Securities may be purchased to be reoffered to the public through
underwriting syndicates led by one or more managing underwriters, or through
one or more underwriters acting alone. The underwriter or underwriters with
respect to each underwritten offering of Securities will be named in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to such offering and, if an underwriting
syndicate is used, the managing underwriter or underwriters will be set forth
on the cover page of such Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise set forth in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to
purchase the Securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent and
each of the underwriters with respect to a sale of Securities will be obligated
to purchase all of its Securities if any are purchased. Any initial public
offering price and any discounts or concession allowed or reallowed or paid to
dealers may be changed from time to time.
Securities may be offered and sold by the Company through agents designated
by the Company from time to time. Any agent involved in the offer and sale of
any Securities will be named, and any commissions payable by the Company to
such agent will be set forth, in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such
offering. Unless otherwise indicated in such Prospectus Supplement, any such
agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
Offers to purchase Securities may be solicited directly by the Company and
sales thereof may be made by the Company directly to institutional investors or
others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the
Securities Act with respect to any resale thereof. The terms of any such sales
will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
The Company may also issue contracts under which the counterparty may be
required to purchase Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or
Common Stock. Such contracts would be issued with Debt Securities, Preferred
Stock or Depositary Shares and/or Warrants in amounts, at prices and on terms
to be set in a Prospectus Supplement.
The anticipated place and time of delivery of Securities will be set forth in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
If so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will
authorize underwriters or agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to
purchase Securities from the Company pursuant to delayed delivery contracts
providing for payment and delivery at a future date. Institutions with which
such contracts may be made include 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
the Company. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, the obligations of any purchaser under any such contract will not
be subject to any conditions except that (i) the purchase of the Securities
shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the
jurisdiction to which such purchaser is subject, and (ii) if the Securities are
also being sold to underwriters acting as principals for their own account, the
underwriters shall have purchased such Securities not sold for delayed
delivery. The underwriters and such other persons will not have any
responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of such contracts.
Any underwriter or agent participating in the distribution of the Securities
may be deemed to be an underwriter, as that term is defined in the Securities
Act, of the Securities so offered and sold and any discounts or commissions
received by them from the Company and any profit realized by them on the sale
or resale of the Securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and
commissions under the Securities Act.
Underwriters and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered into with
the Company, to indemnification by the Company against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act,
40
<PAGE>
or to contribution with respect to payments which such underwriters or agents
may be required to make in respect thereof. Certain of any such underwriters
and agents, including their associates, may be customers of, engage in
transactions with and perform services for, the Company and its subsidiaries in
the ordinary course of business. First Chicago Capital Markets, Inc. ("FCCM"),
an affiliate of the Company, may from time to time act as an agent or
underwriter in connection with the sale of Securities to the extent permitted
by applicable law. The participation of FCCM in the offer and sale of the
Securities will comply with Schedule E of the By-laws of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. regarding the offer and sale of
securities of an affiliate.
This Prospectus and related Prospectus Supplements may be used by FCCM in
connection with offers and sales related to secondary market transactions in
Securities. FCCM, to the extent permitted by law, may act as principal or agent
in such transactions. Such sales will be made at prices related to prevailing
market prices at the time of sale.
LEGAL OPINIONS
Certain legal matters relating to the Securities offered hereby will be
passed upon for the Company by its General Counsel and for any underwriters,
selling agents and certain other purchasers by Cravath, Swaine & Moore,
Worldwide Plaza, 825 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10019. Cravath, Swaine &
Moore has represented and continues to represent the Company from time to time
in other matters.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of the Company incorporated by reference in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 1994,
incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement have been audited by
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their
report with respect thereto, and are incorporated herein by reference in
reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing
in giving said report.
The consolidated financial statements of NBD for the year ended December 31,
1994, appearing in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 21,
1995, incorporated into this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche
LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their report, which is incorporated
herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report
of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
41
<PAGE>
PART II.
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee.......... $ 689,656
Blue Sky Fees and Expenses................................... 20,000*
Accounting Fees and Expenses................................. 190,000*
Legal Fees and Expenses...................................... 40,000*
Printing and Engraving....................................... 150,000*
Fees and Expenses of Trustees................................ 60,000*
Paying Agent Fees............................................ 25,000*
Rating Agency Fees........................................... 350,000*
Miscellaneous................................................ 50,000*
----------
Total.................................................... $1,574,656*
==========
</TABLE>
--------
*Estimated.
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware contains detailed
provisions on indemnification of directors and officers of a Delaware
corporation against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement,
actually and reasonably incurred in connection with litigation.
Article Ninth of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of
the Registrant provides for indemnification of directors and officers to the
full extent permitted or allowed by the laws of the State of Delaware, as such
laws exist or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment,
only to the extent that such amendment permits the Registrant to provide
broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the Registrant to
provide prior to such amendment) whether or not specifically required,
permitted or allowed by said Section 145. The Registrant also insures its
officers and directors to the full extent permitted by said Section 145.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
This Registration Statement includes the following Exhibits:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
------- -----------------------
<C> <S>
1(a) Form of Debt Securities and Warrants Underwriting Agreement
[incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(a) to the Regis-
trant's Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-
65904]
1(b) Form of Debt Securities Distribution Agreement [incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 1(b) to the Registrant's Registra-
tion Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-42031]
1(c) Form of Preferred Stock Underwriting Agreement [incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 1(c) to the Registrant's Registra-
tion Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-65904]
1(d) Form of Common Stock Underwriting Agreement [incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 1(a) to the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-47351]
4(a) Form of Indenture dated as of May 1, 1995, between the Reg-
istrant and Marine Midland Bank, as Trustee
4(b) Form of Indenture dated as of May 1, 1995, between the Reg-
istrant and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association),
as Trustee
</TABLE>
II-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
------- -----------------------
<C> <S>
4(d)(1) Form of Debt Warrant Agreement (for Warrants attached to Debt
Securities, including form of Debt Warrant Certificate) [incor-
porated by reference to Exhibit 4(c)(1) to the Registrant's Reg-
istration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-16843]
4(d)(2) Form of Debt Warrant Agreement (for Warrants not attached to
Debt Securities, including form of Debt Warrant Certificate)
[incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c)(2) to the Regis-
trant's Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-16843]
4(e) Form of Foreign Currency Warrant Agreement (including form of
Global Warrant Certificate) [incorporated by reference to Ex-
hibit 4(d) to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-
3, File No. 33-16843]
4(f)(1) Form of Senior Note [incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4(e)(1) to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3,
File No. 33-16843]
4(f)(2) Form of Subordinated Note [incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4(e)(2) to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3,
File No. 33-16843]
4(f)(3) Form of Medium-Term Note (Fixed Rate) [incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4(f)(3) to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form S-3, File No. 33-27403]
4(f)(4) Form of Medium-Term Note (Floating Rate) [incorporated by refer-
ence to Exhibit 4(f)(4) to the Registrant's Registration State-
ment on Form S-3, File No. 33-27403]
4(f)(5) Form of Subordinated Medium-Term Note (Fixed Rate) [incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4(f)(5) to the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-27403]
4(f)(6) Form of Subordinated Medium-Term Note (Floating Rate) [incorpo-
rated by reference to Exhibit 4(f)(6) to the Registrant's Regis-
tration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-27403]
4(g) Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended [incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3(A) to the Registrant's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, File No. 1-
6052]
4(h) By-laws of Registrant, as amended [incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4(B) to Registrant's Form S-3 Registration Statement
(File No. 33-37717)]
4(i) Rights Agreement dated as of November 18, 1988, relating to Reg-
istrant's Preferred Share Purchase Rights [incorporated by ref-
erence to Exhibit 1 to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated November 25, 1988, File No. 1-6052]
4(j) Amendment to Rights Agreement dated as of July 13, 1990 [incor-
porated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Registrant's Current Report
on Form 8-K dated July 16, 1990, File No. 1-6052]
4(k) Form of Amendment to Rights Agreement dated as of July 11, 1995
[incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5 to Registrant's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated July 19, 1995, File No. 1-6052]
4(l) Form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences, Rights and Lim-
itations relating to Preferred Stock*
4(m) Form of Preferred Stock Certificate*
</TABLE>
II-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
------- -----------------------
<C> <S>
4(n) Form of Common Stock Certificate [incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4(a) to Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form S-3, File No. 2-88937]
4(o) Form of Deposit Agreement, with form of Depositary Receipt
as an exhibit thereto [incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4(h) to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3,
File No. 33-51408]
4(p) Form of Other Warrant Agreement (including form of Other
Warrant Certificate)*
4(q) Form of Stock Index Warrant Agreement (including form of
Stock Index Warrant Certificate)*
4(r) Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement (including form of
Common Stock Warrant Certificate)*
4(s) Form of Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement (including form of
Preferred Stock Warrant Certificate)*
5(a) Opinion of Counsel for the Registrant (including Consent of
Counsel for the Registrant)**
12 Computation of the Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges**
23(a) Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
23(b) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant (included in Exhibit
5(a))**
23(c) Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
24 Power of Attorney**
25(a) Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Ma-
rine Midland Bank, as Trustee under the Indenture dated as
of May 1, 1995**
25(b) Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of The
Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association) as Trustee under
the Indenture dated as of May 1, 1995**
</TABLE>
--------
*To be incorporated herein by reference.
**Previously filed.
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement: (i) to include any
prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933
(other than as provided in Item 512 of Regulation S-K); (ii) to reflect in
the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the
Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment
thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental
change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement (other
than as provided in Item 512 of Regulation S-K). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the
total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of Prospectus filed
with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the
maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
Registration Fee" table in the effective Registration Statement; and (iii)
to include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any
material change to such information in the Registration Statement.
Provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the
registration statement is on Form S-3, and the information required to be
included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in
periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant
pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.
II-3
<PAGE>
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(4) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to
Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that
is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(5) That, insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions,
or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than
the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense
of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against
public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
II-4
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT
CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT IT MEETS ALL OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING ON FORM S-3 AND HAS DULY CAUSED THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED,
THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO, AND STATE OF ILLINOIS, ON
THE 18TH DAY OF AUGUST, 1995.
First Chicago Corporation
/s/ Maurice E. Moore
By___________________________________
Maurice E. Moore,
Attorney-in-Fact
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS AMENDMENT
NO. 1 TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN
THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATE INDICATED.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
John H. Bryan*
------------------------------------
(John H. Bryan) Director
Dean L. Buntrock*
------------------------------------
(Dean L. Buntrock) Director
James S. Crown*
------------------------------------
(James S. Crown) Director
Donald V. Fites*
------------------------------------
(Donald V. Fites) Director August 18, 1995
Donald P. Jacobs*
------------------------------------
(Donald P. Jacobs) Director
Andrew J. McKenna*
------------------------------------
(Andrew J. McKenna) Director
Richard M. Morrow*
------------------------------------
(Richard M. Morrow) Director
Earl L. Neal*
------------------------------------
(Earl L. Neal) Director
</TABLE>
II-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
------------------------------------
(James J. O'Connor) Director
Jerry K. Pearlman*
------------------------------------
(Jerry K. Pearlman) Director
Jack F. Reichert*
------------------------------------
(Jack F. Reichert) Director
Patrick G. Ryan*
------------------------------------
(Patrick G. Ryan) Director
Adele Simmons*
------------------------------------
(Adele Simmons) Director August 18, 1995
Roger W. Stone*
------------------------------------
(Roger W. Stone) Director
Richard L. Thomas*
------------------------------------
(Richard L. Thomas) Director and Principal
Executive Officer
David J. Vitale*
------------------------------------
(David J. Vitale) Director
Robert A. Rosholt*
------------------------------------
(Robert A. Rosholt) Principal Financial Officer
William J. Roberts*
------------------------------------
(William J. Roberts) Principal Accounting Officer
</TABLE>
--------
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this Amendment
No. 1 to the Registration Statement on behalf of each of the above-indicated
directors and officers of the Registrant pursuant to a power of attorney
signed by such directors and officers.
/s/ Maurice E. Moore
-------------------------------------
Maurice E. Moore,
Attorney-in-Fact
II-6
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23(a)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To First Chicago Corporation:
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of
our report dated January 17, 1995, on the consolidated financial statements of
First Chicago Corporation, incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on
Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 1994, and to the
reference to our Firm under the caption "Experts" included in this Registration
Statement.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Chicago, Illinois
August 18, 1995
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23(c)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement No. 33-59327 of First Chicago Corporation on Form S-3 of
our report dated January 17, 1995, on the consolidated financial statements of
NBD Bancorp, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1994, appearing in the
Current Report on Form 8-K of First Chicago Corporation dated July 21, 1995,
and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" included in the
Prospectus, which is part of such Registration Statement.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Detroit, Michigan
August 18, 1995
