<PAGE>
AS FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424B(2)
REGISTRATION NO. 333-67543
Prospectus Supplement to Prospectus dated March 30, 1999.
4,100,000 Shares
MARSH & MCLENNAN COMPANIES, INC.
Common Stock
--------------
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. is offering 4,100,000 shares of common
stock by this prospectus supplement. Our common stock is listed for trading on
the New York Stock Exchange, the Chicago Stock Exchange, the Pacific Exchange
and the London Stock Exchange under the symbol "MMC". On April 5, 1999, the last
reported sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was
$75.00 per share.
-------------------
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY OTHER REGULATORY BODY
HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
-------------------
The underwriter will purchase the common stock from Marsh & McLennan
Companies, Inc. at a price of $73.555 per share (resulting in $301,575,500
aggregate net proceeds (before expenses) to Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.).
The underwriter may offer the common stock in transactions in the
over-the-counter market or through negotiated transactions at market prices or
at negotiated prices. The underwriter may not offer the common stock to the
public through the facilities of a national securities exchange or to or through
a market maker otherwise than on an exchange. See "Underwriting".
-------------------
The underwriter expects to deliver the common stock against payment in New
York, New York on April 8, 1999.
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
------------
Prospectus Supplement dated April 5, 1999.
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co., as the
underwriter for the offering, have entered into an underwriting agreement with
respect to the shares being offered by this prospectus supplement. Subject to
conditions, Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. has agreed to sell to the
underwriter, and the underwriter has agreed to purchase from Marsh & McLennan
Companies, Inc., the 4,100,000 shares of common stock offered hereby.
Under the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, the
underwriter is committed to take and pay for all of the shares offered hereby,
if any are taken.
The underwriter proposes to offer the shares of common stock from time to
time for sale in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market,
through negotiated transactions or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the
time of the sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated
prices, subject to receipt and acceptance by it and subject to its right to
reject any order in whole or in part. The underwriter may not offer the shares
of common stock to the public through the facilities of a national securities
exchange or to or through a market maker otherwise than on an exchange. In
connection with the sale of the shares of common stock offered hereby, the
underwriter may be deemed to have received compensation in the form of
underwriting discounts. The underwriter may effect such transactions by selling
shares of the common stock offered hereby to or through dealers, and such
dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or
commissions from the underwriter and/or purchasers of shares of common stock for
whom they may act as agents or to whom they may sell as principal.
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. has agreed with the underwriter not to
dispose of or hedge any of its common stock or securities convertible into or
exchangeable for shares of such common stock during the period from the date of
this prospectus supplement continuing through the date 90 days after the date of
this prospectus supplement, except with the prior written consent of the
underwriter, other than (A) the issuance by Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. of
shares of common stock upon the exercise of an option or warrant or the
conversion of a security outstanding on the date hereof, (B) the granting of
stock options or the issuance of restricted stock under the current employee
benefit plans of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. or (C) the issuance of shares
of common stock by Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. in connection with
acquisitions.
In connection with the offering, the underwriter may purchase and sell
shares of common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short
sales and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales
involve the sale by the underwriter of a greater number of shares than it is
required to purchase in the offering.
These activities by the underwriter may maintain or otherwise affect the
market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may
be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these
activities are commenced, they may be discontinued by the underwriter at any
time. These transactions may be effected on the New York Stock Exchange, in the
over-the-counter market or otherwise.
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. estimates that its total expenses for the
offering will be approximately $1,200,000.
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. has agreed to indemnify the underwriter
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of
1933.
The underwriter has provided from time to time, and may provide in the
future, investment banking and other financial services to Marsh & McLennan
Companies, Inc. In the ordinary course of business, the underwriter may actively
trade the debt and equity securities of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. for its
own account or for accounts of customers and, accordingly, it may at any time
hold long or short positions in those securities.
S-2
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PROSPECTUS
$2,700,000,000
MARSH & MCLENNAN COMPANIES, INC.
COMMON STOCK, PREFERRED STOCK AND DEBT SECURITIES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. may sell
- common stock to the public.
- preferred stock to the public.
- debt securities to the public.
MMC URGES YOU TO READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT, WHICH WILL DESCRIBE THE SPECIFIC TERMS OF THE COMMON STOCK, THE
PREFERRED STOCK AND THE DEBT SECURITIES, CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR
INVESTMENT DECISION.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS
PROSPECTUS OR THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE.
ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO SELL SECURITIES UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
The date of this prospectus is March 30, 1999
<PAGE>
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the
SEC using a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf process, we may sell
any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one of more
offerings up to a total dollar amount of $2,700,000,000. This prospectus
provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each
time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will
contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus
supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this
prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement
together with additional information described under the heading "Where You Can
Find More Information."
MARSH & MCLENNAN COMPANIES, INC.
MMC, a professional services organization with origins dating from 1871 in
the United States, is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries and
affiliates, provides clients with analysis, advice and transactional
capabilities in the fields of insurance and reinsurance broking, investment
management and consulting.
USE OF PROCEEDS
MMC intends to use the proceeds of any securities sold for general corporate
purposes, including working capital, acquisitions, retirement of debt and other
business opportunities.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for
MMC. For the year ended December 31, 1997, income before taxes included special
charges totaling $297 million.
Excluding those charges, the ratio of earnings to fixed charges would have
been 5.9.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
- --------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1998 1997
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
4.4 6.0 5.8 6.3 6.0 7.1 6.2
</TABLE>
------------------------
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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
This prospectus contains a summary of the common stock, preferred stock and
debt securities that MMC may sell. These summaries are not meant to be a
complete description of each security. However, this prospectus and the
accompanying prospectus supplement contain the material terms of the securities
being offered.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
MMC's authorized capital stock consists of 400,000,000 shares of common
stock and 6,000,000 shares of preferred stock. No shares of preferred stock were
issued or outstanding as of March 3, 1999.
COMMON STOCK
VOTING RIGHTS. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each
share held on all matters to be voted upon by stockholders.
DIVIDENDS. The holders of common stock, after any preferences of holders of
any preferred stock, are entitled to receive dividends as determined by the
board of directors.
LIQUIDATION AND DISSOLUTION. If MMC is liquidated or dissolved, the holders
of the common stock will be entitled to share in the assets of MMC available for
distribution to stockholders in proportion to the amount of common stock they
own. The amount available for common stockholders is calculated after payment of
liabilities. Holders of any preferred stock will receive their preferential
share of the assets of MMC before the holders of the common stock receive any
assets.
OTHER RIGHTS. Holders of the common stock have no right to:
- convert the stock into any other security;
- have the stock redeemed; or
- purchase additional stock or to maintain their proportionate ownership
interest.
The common stock does not have cumulative voting rights. Holders of shares
of the common stock are not required to make additional capital contributions.
DIRECTORS' LIABILITY
Our certificate of incorporation provides that a member of the board of
directors will not be personally liable to MMC or its stockholders for monetary
damages for breaches of their legal duties to MMC or its stockholders as a
director, except for liability:
- for any breach of the director's legal duty to act in the best interests
of MMC and its stockholders,
- for acts or omissions by the director with dishonest intentions or which
involve intentional misconduct or an intentional violation of the law,
- for declaring dividends or authorizing the purchase or redemption of
shares in violation of Delaware law, or
- for transactions where the director derived an improper personal benefit.
Our certificate of incorporation also allows us to indemnify directors and
officers to the fullest extent authorized by Delaware law.
The above summary of our certificate of incorporation may not contain all of
the information that is important to you. Accordingly, you should carefully read
our certificate of incorporation, which is incorporated by reference into this
prospectus in its entirety.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The Bank of New York is transfer agent and registrar for the common stock.
STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN
Under Delaware law, a corporation may create and issue rights entitling the
holders of such rights to purchase from the corporation shares of its capital
stock of any class or classes, unless prohibited by its certificate of
incorporation. The price and terms of these shares must
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be stated in the certificate of incorporation or in a resolution adopted by the
board of directors.
We have entered into a stockholder rights agreement. As with most
stockholder rights agreements, the terms of our rights agreement are complex and
not easily summarized, particularly as they relate to the acquisition of our
common stock and to exercisability of the rights. This summary may not contain
all of the information that is important to you. Accordingly, you should
carefully read our rights agreement, which is incorporated by reference into
this prospectus in its entirety.
Our rights agreement provides that each share of our common stock
outstanding will have attached to it the right to purchase one two-hundredth of
a preferred share of MMC. The purchase price per one two-hundredth of a share of
preferred stock is $260, but this amount may be adjusted in some circumstances.
Initially, the rights are attached to outstanding certificates representing
MMC common stock, and no separate certificates representing the rights will be
distributed. The rights will separate from the common stock and be represented
by separate certificates approximately 10 days after someone acquires or
commences a tender offer for 15% or more of the outstanding common stock.
After the rights separate from the common stock, certificates representing
the rights will be mailed to record holders of the common stock. Once
distributed, the rights certificates alone will represent the rights.
All shares of common stock issued prior to the date the rights separate from
the common stock will be issued with the rights attached. The rights are not
exercisable until the date the rights separate from the common stock. The rights
will expire on September 29, 2007, unless earlier redeemed or exchanged by MMC.
If an acquiror obtains or has the right to obtain 15% or more of MMC common
stock, except in connection with an offer which our board of directors has
determined to be at a price that is fair and not inadequate and otherwise in the
best interests of MMC and its stockholders, then each right will entitle the
holder to purchase a number of shares of MMC common stock with a then current
market value of $520 for $260, unless this amount is adjusted.
Each right will entitle the holder to purchase a number of shares of common
stock of the acquiror having a then current market value of twice the purchase
price if an acquiror obtains 15% or more of MMC common stock, and any of the
following occurs:
- MMC merges into another entity
- an acquiring entity merges into MMC
- MMC sells more than 50% of its assets or earning power
Under our rights agreement, any rights that are or were owned by an acquiror
of more than 15% of our respective outstanding common stock will be null and
void.
After an acquiror obtains 15% or more, but less than 50%, of our outstanding
common stock, our board of directors may, at its option, exchange all or part of
the then outstanding and exercisable rights for common shares or preferred
shares. If our board exercises this option, the exchange ratio is one common
share or one two-hundredth of a preferred share per right, adjusted to reflect
any stock split, stock dividend or similar transaction.
Our board of directors may, at its option, redeem all of the outstanding
rights prior to ten days following the time that an acquiror obtains 15% or more
of our outstanding common stock. The redemption price is $.01 per right, but
this amount may be adjusted under some circumstances. The right to exercise the
rights will terminate when our board of directors orders the redemption of the
rights and the only right of the holders of the rights will be to receive the
redemption price.
Holders of rights will have no rights as stockholders of MMC, including the
right to vote or receive dividends, simply by virtue of holding the rights.
The rights agreement may be amended by the board of directors without the
approval of the holders of the rights prior to the date the
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rights separate from the common stock. However, after that date, the rights
agreement may not be amended in any manner which would adversely affect the
interests of the holders of the rights, excluding the interests of any acquiror.
In addition, no amendment may be made at a time when the rights are not
redeemable.
The rights may have anti-takeover effects. The rights may cause substantial
dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire MMC. The rights, however,
should not affect any potential acquiror willing to make an offer at a price
that is fair and not inadequate and otherwise in the best interest of MMC and
its stockholders. The rights should not interfere with any merger or other
business combination approved by our board since our board may, at its option,
at any time until ten days following the date a stockholder acquires 15% or more
of our common stock redeem all the rights. In addition, the rights should not
interfere with a proxy contest.
PROVISIONS OF MMC'S RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS AND
DELAWARE LAW THAT MAY HAVE ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS
CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Our restated certificate of incorporation
divides the board of directors into three classes. Each class is to consist as
nearly as possible of one-third of the directors. Each director serves for a
term of three years and until his or her successor is elected and qualified. The
number of directors of MMC will be fixed from time to time by the board of
directors.
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS BY STOCKHOLDERS. Delaware law provides that members of
a classified board of directors may only be removed for cause by a vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the election
of the directors.
STOCKHOLDER NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS. MMC's restated by-laws provide that a
stockholder must notify MMC in writing of any stockholder nomination of a
director at least sixty, but not more than ninety, days prior to the date of the
meeting for the election of directors. Except that if the date for the meeting
is not the date stated in the by-laws and MMC gives less than seventy five days
notice or prior public disclosure of the date for the meeting, then notice by a
stockholder is timely if received by MMC no more than fifteen days after the
date of public disclosure.
NO ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT. Our certificate of incorporation provides
that stockholders of MMC may not act by written consent and may only act at duly
called meetings of stockholders.
10% STOCKHOLDER PROVISION. Article eighth of our certificate of
incorporation changes the voting requirements for stockholders to approve some
transactions involving a 10% stockholder. Business combinations are an example
of the type of transaction addressed. These transactions must be approved by the
holders of a majority of MMC's outstanding voting power, voting together as a
single class. Any voting stock owned by a 10% stockholder is not counted in the
vote. These transactions, however, can also be approved by a majority of
unbiased directors. In that case the voting requirements of Delaware law, the
certificate of incorporation and MMC's by-laws that otherwise apply would govern
the vote. Article eighth does not affect the voting requirements of holders of
preferred stock, if any, which arise under Delaware law and the certificate of
incorporation.
Transactions covered by article eighth include:
- mergers of MMC or any of its subsidiaries with a 10% stockholder,
- sales of all or any substantial part of the assets of MMC and its
subsidiaries to a 10% stockholder,
- the issuance or delivery of any securities of MMC or any of its
subsidiaries to a 10% stockholder,
- any loan, advance or guarantee, pledge or other financial assistance
provided by MMC or any of its subsidiaries to a 10% stockholder,
- any voluntary dissolution or liquidation of MMC or amendment to MMC's
by-laws,
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- a reclassification of securities or recapitalization of MMC or other
transaction, if as a result the 10% stockholder increases its
proportionate share of any class of MMC's capital stock, or
- any agreement or other arrangement to do any of the foregoing.
A 10% stockholder is described in article eighth as an "Interested
Stockholder."
A 10% stockholder is generally considered to be any other corporation,
person or entity which:
- beneficially owns or controls, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the
voting stock of MMC or has announced a plan or intention to acquire such
securities, and any affiliate or associate or
- is an affiliate or associate of MMC and at any time within two years prior
to the date in question was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the
voting stock of MMC.
The following are not considered to be 10% stockholders:
- MMC and any of its subsidiaries and
- any profit-sharing, employee stock ownership or other employee benefit
plan of MMC or any subsidiary, or trustees or fiduciaries for these plans.
An unbiased director is described in article eighth as a "Disinterested
Director."
An unbiased director is generally considered to be a director who:
- is not related to a 10% stockholder, and
- was a member of the board of directors prior to the time that the 10%
stockholder involved in the transaction being considered became a 10%
stockholder, and
- any successor to an unbiased director, while the successor is a member of
the board of directors, who is not related to a 10% stockholder and who
was nominated by a majority of the unbiased directors.
A director is considered related to a 10% stockholder if he is an affiliate,
associate, representative, agent or employee of the 10% stockholder.
Article eighth may not be changed or repealed without the affirmative vote
of the holders of a majority of MMC's outstanding voting power, voting together
as a single class. Any voting stock owned by a 10% stockholder will not be
counted in the vote. If a majority of unbiased directors recommends a change in
article eighth, the standard voting requirements of Delaware law, the
certificate of incorporation and MMC's by-laws that otherwise apply will govern
the vote.
DELAWARE BUSINESS COMBINATION STATUTE. Section 203 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law is applicable to MMC. Section 203 of the DGCL restricts some
types of transactions and business combinations between a corporation and a 15%
stockholder. A 15% stockholder is generally considered by Section 203 to be a
person owning 15% or more of the corporation's outstanding voting stock. Section
203 refers to a 15% stockholder as an "interested stockholder." Section 203
restricts these transactions for a period of three years from the date the
stockholder acquired 15% or more of MMC's outstanding voting stock. With some
exceptions, unless the transaction is approved by the board of directors and the
holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of the
corporation, Section 203 prohibits significant business transactions such as:
- a merger with, disposition of significant assets to or receipt of
disproportionate financial benefits by the 15% stockholder, or
- any other transaction that would increase the 15% stockholder's
proportionate ownership of any class or series of MMC's capital stock.
The shares held by the 15% stockholder are not counted as outstanding when
calculating the two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock needed for approval.
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The prohibition against these transactions does not apply if:
- prior to the time that any stockholder became a 15% stockholder, the board
of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction
in which such stockholder acquired 15% or more of MMC's outstanding voting
stock, or
- the 15% stockholder owns at least 85% of the outstanding voting stock of
the corporation as a result of the transaction in which such stockholder
acquired 15% or more of MMC's outstanding voting stock. Shares held by
persons who are both directors and officers or by some types of employee
stock plans are not counted as outstanding when making this calculation.
The terms of our certificate of incorporation and by-laws are complex and
not easily summarized. The above summary may not contain all of the information
that is important to you. Accordingly, you should carefully read our certificate
of incorporation and by-laws, which are incorporated by reference into this
prospectus in their entirety.
PREFERRED STOCK
GENERAL. MMC is authorized to issue 6,000,000 shares of preferred stock. No
shares of preferred stock are currently issued or outstanding. The board of
directors of MMC may, without stockholder approval, issue shares of preferred
stock. The board can issue more than one series of preferred stock. The board
has the right to fix the number of shares, dividend rights, conversion rights,
voting rights, redemption rights, liquidation preferences and any other rights,
preferences, privileges and restrictions applicable to the preferred stock it
decides to issue.
VOTING RIGHTS. The DGCL provides that the holders of preferred stock will
have the right to vote separately as a class on any proposal involving
fundamental changes in the rights of holders of such preferred stock.
CONVERSION OR EXCHANGE. The prospectus supplement will describe the terms,
if any, on which the preferred stock may be convertible into or exchangeable for
common stock, debt securities or other preferred stock of MMC. These terms will
include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the
option of the holder or at the option of MMC. These provisions may allow or
require the number of shares of common stock or other securities of MMC to be
received by the holders of preferred stock to be adjusted.
STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN. In connection with MMC's stockholder rights plan
described above, the board of directors has authorized the issuance of up to
2,000,000 shares of series A junior participating preferred stock.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The debt securities will be our direct unsecured general obligations. The
debt securities will be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt
securities. The debt securities will be issued under one or more separate
indentures between us and State Street Bank and Trust as trustee. Senior debt
securities will be issued under a senior indenture and subordinated debt
securities will be issued under a subordinated indenture. Together the senior
indentures and the subordinated indentures are called indentures.
We have summarized all material provisions of the indentures below. The
forms of the indentures have been filed as exhibits to the registration
statement and you should read the indentures for provisions that may be
important to you. In the summary below, we have included references to section
numbers of the indentures so that you can easily locate these provisions.
GENERAL
The debt securities will be our direct unsecured obligations. The senior
debt securities will rank equally with all of our other senior and
unsubordinated debt. The subordinated debt securities will have a junior
position to all of our senior debt.
Because we are a holding company that conducts all of our operations through
our subsidiaries, holders of the debt securities will have a junior position to
claims of creditors of our
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subsidiaries, including trade creditors, debtholders, secured creditors, taxing
authorities, guarantee holders and any preferred stockholders. All of our
operating subsidiaries have ongoing corporate debt programs used to finance
their business activities. As of December 31, 1998, our subsidiaries had
approximately $900 million of outstanding debt.
A prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities being
offered will include specific terms relating to the offering. The terms will be
established in an officer's certificate or a supplemental indenture. The
officers' certificate or supplemental indenture will be signed at the time of
issuance and will contain important information. The officers' certificate or
supplemental indenture will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form
8-K of MMC. The Current Report on Form 8-K will be publicly available. The
officers' certificate or supplemental indenture will include some or all of the
following for a particular series of debt securities:
- the title of the securities;
- any limit on the amount that may be issued;
- whether or not the debt securities will be issued in global form and who
the depository will be;
- the maturity date(s);
- the interest rate or the method of computing the interest rate;
- the date or dates from which interest will accrue, or how such date or
dates will be determined, and the interest payment date or dates and any
related record dates;
- the place(s) where payments will be made;
- MMC's right, if any, to defer payment of interest and the maximum length
of any deferral period;
- the terms and conditions on which the debt securities may be redeemed at
the option of MMC;
- the date(s), if any, on which, and the price(s) at which MMC is obligated
to redeem, or at the holder's option to purchase, such series of debt
securities and other related terms and provisions;
- any provisions granting special rights to holders when a specified event
occurs;
- any changes to or additional events of default or covenants;
- any special tax implications of the debt securities;
- the denominations in which the debt securities will be issued, if other
than denominations of $1,000 and whole multiples of $1,000;
- the subordination terms of any subordinated debt securities; and
- any other terms that are not inconsistent with the indenture.
CONVERSION OR EXCHANGE RIGHTS
The prospectus supplement will describe the terms, if any, on which a series
of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for common stock,
preferred stock or other debt securities of MMC. These terms will include
provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of
the holder or at the option of MMC. These provisions may allow or require the
number of shares of common stock or other securities of MMC to be received by
the holders of such series of debt securities to be adjusted. (section 2.01)
COVENANTS
Under the indentures, MMC will:
- pay the principal, interest and any premium on the debt securities when
due (section 4.01); and
- maintain a place of payment (section 4.02).
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CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR SALE
The indentures do not contain any covenant which restricts the ability of
MMC to merge or consolidate, or sell, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of
all or substantially all of its assets. However, any successor or acquiror of
such assets must assume all of the obligations of MMC under the indentures and
the debt securities. (sections 10.01 and 10.02)
EVENTS OF DEFAULT UNDER THE INDENTURE
The following are events of default under the indentures with respect to any
series of debt securities issued:
- we fail to pay interest when due and continuing for 90 days and the time
for payment has not been properly extended or deferred;
- we fail to pay the principal or any premium when due;
- we fail to observe or perform any other covenant contained in the debt
securities or the indentures, other than a covenant specifically relating
to another series of debt securities, and such failure continues for 90
days after we receive notice from the trustee or holders of at least 25%
in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that
series; and
- events of bankruptcy or insolvency, whether voluntary or not.
If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders
of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities
of that series may declare each debt security of that series due and payable
immediately. (section 6.01)
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt
securities of an affected series may waive any default or event of default with
respect to such series and its consequences, except defaults or events of
default regarding payment of principal, any premium or interest. A waiver will
eliminate the default. (section 6.06)
Unless otherwise specified in the indentures, if an event of default under
an indenture occurs and is continuing, the trustee will be under no obligation
to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture, unless the holders
of the debt securities have offered the trustee reasonable indemnity. The
holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of
any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising
any trust or power conferred on the trustee, with respect to the debt securities
of that series, provided that:
- it is not in conflict with any law or the applicable indenture;
- the trustee may take any other action deemed proper by it which is not
inconsistent with directions from the holders; and
- unless otherwise provided under the Trust Indenture Act, the trustee need
not take any action that might involve it in personal liability or might
be unduly prejudicial to the holders not involved in the proceeding.
(sections 6.04 and 6.06)
A holder of the debt securities of any series will only have the right to
institute a proceeding under the indentures or to appoint a receiver or trustee,
or to seek other remedies if:
- the holder has given written notice to the trustee of a continuing event
of default;
- the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of that series have made written request;
- such holders have offered reasonable indemnity to the trustee to institute
proceedings as trustee; and
- the trustee does not institute a proceeding, and does not receive
conflicting directions within 60 days.
These limitations do not apply to a suit brought by a holder of debt
securities if MMC
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defaults in the payment of the principal, any premium or interest (section 6.04)
MMC will periodically file statements with the trustee regarding its
compliance with the covenants in the indentures. (section 5.03)
MODIFICATION OF INDENTURE; WAIVER
MMC and the trustee may change an indenture without the consent of any
holders to:
- fix any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the indenture; and
- change anything that does not materially adversely affect the interests of
any holder of debt securities of any series. (section 9.01)
In addition, the rights of holders of a series of debt securities may be
changed by MMC and the trustee with the written consent of the holders of a
majority of the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each
series that is affected. However, the following changes may only be made with
the consent of each affected holder:
- extending the fixed maturity;
- reducing the principal amount or any premium;
- reducing the rate of or extending the time of payment of interest;
- reducing any premium payable upon redemption; or
- reducing the percentage of debt securities referred to above, the holders
of which are required to consent to any amendment. (section 9.02)
FORM, EXCHANGE, AND TRANSFER
The debt securities of each series will be issued only in fully registered
form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and whole multiples of $1,000.
The indentures provide that debt securities of a series may be issued in
temporary or permanent global form and may be issued as book-entry securities
that will be deposited with The Depository Trust Company or another depository
named by MMC and identified in a prospectus supplement with respect to such
series. (sections 2.03, 2.06 and 2.11)
A holder of debt securities of any series can exchange such debt securities
for other debt securities of the same series, in any authorized denomination and
with the same terms and aggregate principal amount.
A holder may present debt securities for exchange or for registration of
transfer at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any
transfer agent designated by MMC for such purpose. Unless otherwise provided in
the debt securities to be transferred or exchanged, no service charge will be
made for any registration of transfer or exchange, but MMC may require payment
of any taxes or other governmental charges. The prospectus supplement will name
the security registrar and any transfer agent initially designated for any debt
securities. MMC may at any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind
the designation of any transfer agent or approve a change in the office through
which any transfer agent acts, except that MMC will be required to maintain a
transfer agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of each series.
If the debt securities of any series are to be redeemed, MMC will not be
required to:
- issue, register the transfer of, or exchange any debt securities of that
series during a period beginning 15 days before the day of mailing of a
notice of redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of
mailing; or
- register the transfer of or exchange any debt securities so selected for
redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any such debt securities
being redeemed in part. (section 2.05)
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
The trustee, except when there is an event of default, will perform only
those duties as are specifically stated in the indentures. The trustee must use
the same degree of care as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct
of his or her own affairs. Except as provided in the
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preceding sentence, the trustee is not required to exercise any of the powers
given it by the indentures at the request of any holder of debt securities
unless it is offered reasonable security and indemnity against the costs,
expenses and liabilities that it might incur. The trustee is not required to
spend or risk its own money or otherwise become financially liable while
performing its duties unless it reasonably believes that it will be repaid or
receive adequate indemnity. (section 7.01)
PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENTS
We will pay interest on any debt securities to the person in whose name the
debt securities are registered on the regular record date for interest.
(sections 2.03 and 3.03)
We will pay principal, any premium and interest on the debt securities of a
particular series at the office of the paying agents designated by MMC, except
that we may pay interest by check mailed to the holder. We will designate the
corporate trust office of the trustee in the City of New York as our sole paying
agent for payments. The prospectus supplement will name any other paying agents
initially designated for the debt security of a particular series. We will be
required to maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt
securities. (sections 4.01, 4.02 and 4.03)
All moneys we pay to a paying agent or the trustee for the payment of
principal, any premium or interest which remains unclaimed at the end of two
years will be repaid to us, and the holder of the security may then look only to
us for payment.
GOVERNING LAW
The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by and interpreted
in accordance with the laws of the State of New York except to the extent that
the Trust Indenture Act otherwise applies. (section 13.05)
SUBORDINATION OF SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
The subordinated debt securities will be unsecured and will be subordinate
and junior in priority of payment to other indebtedness on the terms described
in a prospectus supplement. The subordinated indenture does not limit the amount
of subordinated debt securities which MMC may issue, nor does it limit MMC from
issuing any other secured or unsecured debt. (section 14.01)
A prospectus supplement relating to a series of subordinated debt securities
will disclose the amount of debt of MMC that will be senior to the subordinated
debt securities.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
MMC files reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC.
These reports, proxy statements, and other information can be read and copied at
the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the
Public Reference Room. The SEC maintains an internet site at http://www.sec.gov
that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding companies that file electronically with the SEC, including MMC. MMC's
common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the Chicago
Stock Exchange, the Pacific Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. These
reports, proxy statements and other information can also be read at the offices
of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005, the offices of the CSE,
440 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605 and at the offices of the PE,
115 Sansome Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, California 94104.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement filed with the SEC by
MMC. The full registration statement can be obtained from the SEC as indicated
above, or from MMC.
The SEC allows MMC to "incorporate by reference" the information it files
with the SEC. This permits MMC to disclose important information to you by
referencing these filed documents. Any information referenced this way is
considered part of this prospectus, and any information filed with the SEC
subsequent to this prospectus will automatically be deemed to update and
supersede this information. MMC
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incorporates by reference the following documents which have been filed with the
SEC:
- Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1997;
- Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1998, June
30, 1998 and September 30, 1998;
- Current Reports on Form 8-K filed August 25, 1998, November 12, 1998 and
December 23, 1998, as amended by the Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed
February 3, 1999;
- Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on March 31, 1998;
- Registration Statement on Form 8-B dated May 22, 1969, as amended by the
Amendment on Form 8 dated February 3, 1987; and
- Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated October 10, 1997.
MMC incorporates by reference the documents listed above and any future
filings made with the SEC in accordance with Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until MMC files a post-effective
amendment which indicates the termination of the offering of the securities made
by this prospectus.
MMC will provide without charge upon written or oral request, a copy of any
or all of the documents which are incorporated by reference to this prospectus,
other than exhibits which are specifically incorporated by reference into those
documents. Requests should be directed to Investor Relations, Marsh & McLennan
Companies, Inc., 1166 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036-2774
(telephone number (212) 345-5000).
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
MMC may sell the common stock, preferred stock or any series of debt
securities in one or more of the following ways from time to time:
- to underwriters for resale to the public or to institutional investors;
- directly to institutional investors; or
- through agents to the public or to institutional investors.
The prospectus supplements will state the terms of the offering of the
securities, including:
- the name or names of any underwriters or agents,
- the purchase price of such securities and the proceeds to be received by
MMC,
- any underwriting discounts or agency fees and other items constituting
underwriters' or agents' compensation,
- any initial public offering price,
- any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers and
- any securities exchanges on which the securities may be listed.
If we use underwriters in the sale, the securities will be acquired by the
underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or
more transactions, including:
- negotiated transactions,
- at a fixed public offering price or prices, which may be changed,
- at market prices prevailing at the time of sale,
- at prices related to prevailing market prices or
- at negotiated prices.
Unless otherwise stated in a prospectus supplement, the obligations of the
underwriters to purchase any securities will be conditioned on customary closing
conditions and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of such series
of securities, if any are purchased.
Underwriters and agents may be entitled under agreements entered into with
MMC to indemnification by MMC against certain civil liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to
payments which the underwriters or agents may be required to make. Underwriters
and agents may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or
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perform services for MMC and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business.
Each series of securities will be a new issue of securities and will have no
established trading market other than the common stock which is listed on the
New York Stock Exchange, the Chicago Stock Exchange, the Pacific Exchange and
the London Stock Exchange. Any common stock sold will be listed on the New York
Stock Exchange, the Chicago Stock Exchange, the Pacific Exchange and the London
Stock Exchange, upon official notice of issuance. Any underwriters to whom
securities are sold by MMC for public offering and sale may make a market in the
securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may
discontinue any market making at any time without notice. The securities, other
than the common stock, may or may not be listed on a national securities
exchange.
LEGAL OPINIONS
MMC has been represented by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New
York, New York.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and supplemental notes of MMC and its
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for each of the years in the
three year period ended December 31, 1997, included and incorporated by
reference in MMC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1997 and incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, have been audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their reports, which
are incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance
upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in
accounting and auditing. The consolidated financial statements of Sedgwick Group
plc as of December 31, 1997, incorporated by reference into this Prospectus,
have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, Chartered Accountants.
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No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information
or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus. You must not rely on
any unauthorized information or representations. This prospectus is an offer to
sell only the shares offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in
jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this
prospectus is current only as of its date.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
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<S> <C>
Prospectus Supplement
Underwriting.............................................................. S-2
Prospectus
About This Prospectus..................................................... 2
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc........................................... 2
Use of Proceeds........................................................... 2
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges........................................ 2
Description of Securities................................................. 3
Description of Capital Stock.............................................. 3
Description of Debt Securities............................................ 7
Where You Can Find More Information....................................... 11
Plan of Distribution...................................................... 12
Legal Opinions............................................................ 13
Experts................................................................... 13
</TABLE>
4,100,000 Shares
MARSH & MCLENNAN
COMPANIES, INC.
Common Stock
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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
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GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
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