<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 3, 1998
REGISTRATION NO. 333-67791
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------------------------
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
MINNESOTA 41-1396490
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or Identification
organization) Code)
</TABLE>
4400 BAKER ROAD
MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA 55343
(612) 932-3100
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
Registrant's principal executive offices)
MICHAEL P. SHERMAN, ESQ.
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
4400 BAKER ROAD
MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA 55343
(612) 932-3100
(Name, address and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
------------------------
WITH A COPY TO:
KRIS SHARPE, ESQ.
FAEGRE & BENSON LLP
2200 NORWEST CENTER
90 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402
------------------------
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 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE
ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY
DETERMINE.
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
[LOGO]
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
4400 BAKER ROAD
MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA 55343
(612) 932-3100
$400,000,000
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
DEBT SECURITIES
PREFERRED STOCK
COMMON STOCK
SECURITIES WARRANTS
------------------
We will provide the specific terms of these securities in supplements to this
prospectus.
You should read this prospectus and the applicable supplement carefully before
you invest.
------------------------
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
------------------------
This prospectus is dated November , 1998.
<PAGE>
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission using a "shelf" registration process. Under
this shelf process, we may sell either separately or in units:
- Debt Securities (as defined under "Description of Debt Securities");
- Preferred Stock (as defined under "Description of Preferred Stock");
- Common Stock (as defined under "Description of Common Stock"); and
- Securities Warrants (as defined under "Description of Securities
Warrants");
in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $400,000,000.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities.
Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will
contain specific information about the terms of that offering. Such prospectus
supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this
prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus
supplement together with the additional information described under the heading
"Where You Can Find More Information."
The registration statement that contains this prospectus (including the
exhibits to the registration statement) contains additional information about
our company and the securities offered under this prospectus. That registration
statement can be read at the SEC web site or at the SEC offices mentioned under
the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the
Internet at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy
any document we file with the SEC at its Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can also obtain copies of the
documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the
SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of its Public Reference
Room. Our SEC filings are also available at the office of the New York Stock
Exchange. For more information on obtaining copies of our public filings at the
New York Stock Exchange, you should call (212) 656-5060.
We "incorporate by reference" into this prospectus the information we file
with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is
an important part of this prospectus and information that we file subsequently
with the SEC will automatically update this prospectus. We incorporate by
reference the documents listed below and any filings we make with the SEC under
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 after
the initial filing of the registration statement that contains this prospectus
and prior to the time that we sell all the securities offered by this
prospectus:
- Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 1997 (including
information specifically incorporated by reference into our Form 10-K from
our 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders and our definitive Notice and Proxy
Statement for our 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders);
- Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 27, 1998, June
26, 1998 and September 25, 1998 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A
for the quarter ended September 25, 1998 filed on November 23, 1998;
2
<PAGE>
- Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on August 19, 1998, September 17, 1998
and October 1, 1998 and Amendments to Current Reports on Form 8-K/A filed
on October 5, 1998, November 9, 1998 and November 23, 1998; and
- the description of our Common Stock contained in the registration
statement on Form 8-A (File No. 1-8668) filed pursuant to Section 12 of
the Exchange Act and declared effective on April 25, 1990 and any
amendment or reports filed to update that description after the date of
this prospectus.
You may request a copy of these filings (other than an exhibit to a filing
unless that exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into that filing)
at no cost, by writing to or telephoning us at the following address:
Secretary
Fingerhut Companies, Inc.
4400 Baker Road
Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343
(612) 932-3100
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or
presented in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement. We have
not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. We may
only use this prospectus to sell securities if it is accompanied by a prospectus
supplement. We are only offering these securities in states where the offer is
permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or the
applicable prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the dates
on the front of those documents.
THE COMPANY
We are a database marketing company that sells a broad range of products and
services directly to consumers using catalogs, telemarketing, television, the
Internet and other media. Our main subsidiary is Fingerhut Corporation
("Fingerhut"). Fingerhut, a large national catalog marketer, sells general
merchandise to moderate-income consumers who have limited credit histories.
Fingerhut markets its products using its extensive database (the "Fingerhut
Database"), proprietary data base segmentation software and sophisticated credit
scoring models for determining the creditworthiness of its target customers (the
"Credit Models"). The Fingerhut Database contains information on over 30 million
people, approximately seven million of whom have purchased products from
Fingerhut within the past 24 months, and contains up to 3,500 potential data
items in a customer record. The Fingerhut Database is continually updated as new
information is obtained.
Another principal subsidiary, Fingerhut National Bank ("FNB"), offers
extended payment terms to all customers of Fingerhut in the form of fixed-term,
fixed-payment loans and revolving credit card loans. Fingerhut makes
substantially all of its sales on FNB's proprietary credit. Fingerhut and FNB
together developed the Fingerhut Database and Credit Models.
Our other principal subsidiaries include Arizona Mail Order Company, Inc.
("AMO"), Figi's, Inc. ("Figi's") and Popular Club Plan, Inc. ("PCP"). AMO
markets and sells non-fashion apparel using catalogs and other direct marketing
solicitations. Figi's markets and sells specialty foods and other gifts,
primarily through catalogs. PCP markets and sells general merchandise and
apparel using agent-based catalogers.
When we refer to "OUR COMPANY," "WE," "OUR" and "US" in this prospectus
under the headings "The Company," "Use of Proceeds" and "Ratios of Earnings to
Fixed Charges," we mean Fingerhut Companies, Inc. and its subsidiaries. When
these terms are used elsewhere in this prospectus, we mean only Fingerhut
Companies, Inc. unless the context indicates otherwise.
3
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, the net
proceeds from the sale of the securities offered by us will be added to our
general funds and may be used:
- to meet our working capital requirements;
- to refinance debt; and
- for general corporate purposes, including possible future acquisitions.
Until the net proceeds have been used, they will be invested in short-term
marketable securities.
RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 30, DECEMBER 29, DECEMBER 27, DECEMBER 26,
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges..................... 3.3 2.7 2.6 1.6 2.5
<CAPTION>
THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED
-----------------------------
SEPTEMBER 26, SEPTEMBER 25,
1997(1) 1998(2)
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges..................... 1.1 -- (3)
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is 2.1 for the fifty-two weeks ended
September 26, 1997.
(2) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is 1.7 for the fifty-two weeks ended
September 25, 1998. Excluding the non-recurring charge of $38.1 million
taken by us in the third quarter, the pro forma ratio of earnings to fixed
charges would have been 2.7.
(3) Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $32.0 million. Excluding
the non-recurring charge of $38.1 million taken by us in the third quarter,
the pro forma ratio of earnings to fixed charges would have been 1.3.
For purposes of calculating the ratios, fixed charges consist of:
- interest on debt;
- amortization of discount on debt; and
- the interest portion of rental expense on operating leases.
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is calculated as follows:
(income before extraordinary charges and income taxes) + (fixed charges) -
(capitalized interest)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(fixed charges)
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
This section describes the general terms and provisions of the senior debt
securities (the "SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES") and the subordinated debt securities
(the "SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES," and together with the Senior Debt
Securities, the "DEBT SECURITIES"). The prospectus supplement will describe the
specific terms of the Debt Securities offered through that prospectus supplement
and any general terms outlined in this section that will not apply to those Debt
Securities.
The Senior Debt Securities will be issued under an indenture (the "SENIOR
INDENTURE") between us and the trustee named in the applicable prospectus
supplement (the "SENIOR TRUSTEE") and the Subordinated Debt Securities will be
issued under an indenture (the "SUBORDINATED INDENTURE," and together with the
Senior Indenture, the "INDENTURES") between us and the trustee named in the
applicable prospectus supplement (the "SUBORDINATED TRUSTEE," and together with
the Senior Trustee, the "TRUSTEES").
4
<PAGE>
We have summarized certain terms and provisions of the Indentures in this
section. The summary is not complete. We have also filed the form of each of the
Indentures as exhibits to the registration statement. You should read the
applicable Indenture for additional information before you buy any Debt
Securities. The summary that follows includes references to section numbers of
the Indentures so that you can more easily locate these provisions. Capitalized
terms used but not defined in this summary have the meanings specified in the
Indentures.
GENERAL
The Debt Securities will be our direct unsecured obligations. Neither of the
Indentures limits the amount of Debt Securities that we may issue. Both
Indentures permit us to issue Debt Securities from time to time and Debt
Securities issued under an Indenture will be issued as part of a series that has
been established by us pursuant to such Indenture. (Section 301)
The Senior Debt Securities will rank equally with all of our other unsecured
Indebtedness (as defined under "--Subordination" below) other than Indebtedness
that by its terms is subordinated to the Senior Debt Securities. The
Subordinated Debt Securities will rank equally with all of our other
Subordinated Debt Securities and will be subordinated to all of our other
existing and future Indebtedness. See "--Subordination" below.
Unless a prospectus supplement relating to Debt Securities states otherwise,
neither the Indentures nor the terms of the Debt Securities will contain any
covenants designed to afford holders of any Debt Securities protection in a
highly leveraged or other transaction involving us that may adversely affect
holders of the Debt Securities.
A prospectus supplement relating to a series of Debt Securities being
offered will include specific terms relating to the offering. (Section 301)
These terms will include some or all of the following:
- the title and type of the Debt Securities;
- any limit on the total principal amount of the Debt Securities;
- the price at which the Debt Securities will be issued;
- the Person who will receive interest payments if not the registered Holder
(as defined below) on the relevant record date;
- the date or dates on which the principal of and any premium on the Debt
Securities will be payable, and any rights to extend such dates;
- the maturity date of the Debt Securities;
- if the Debt Securities will bear interest:
- the interest rate on the Debt Securities;
- the date from which interest will accrue;
- the record and interest payment dates for the Debt Securities; and
- the first interest payment date;
- any index or formula for calculating principal of or any premium or
interest on the Debt Securities and a description of the applicable
calculation method;
- any optional redemption provisions that would permit us or the Holders of
Debt Securities to elect redemption of the Debt Securities before their
final maturity;
- any sinking fund provisions that would obligate us to redeem the Debt
Securities prior to their final maturity;
5
<PAGE>
- whether the Debt Securities will be convertible into shares of Common
Stock and/or exchangeable for other securities and the terms and
conditions of any such conversion or exchange;
- any additions or changes to the covenants and definitions in the
applicable Indenture;
- the currency or currencies in which the Debt Securities will be
denominated and payable, if other than U.S. dollars;
- any provisions that would permit us or the Holders of the Debt Securities
to elect the currency or currencies in which the Debt Securities are paid;
- if the Debt Securities are denominated in a currency or currencies other
than U.S. dollars, whether and under what terms the provisions described
under the heading "--Defeasance" below apply to such Debt Securities;
- any changes to or additional Events of Default;
- whether all or a part of the Debt Securities will be issued as Global
Securities and, if so, the Depositary for those Global Securities (a
"GLOBAL SECURITY" means a Debt Security that we issue in accordance with
the Indenture to represent all or part of a series of Debt Securities);
- any special tax implications of the Debt Securities; and
- any other terms of the Debt Securities.
A "HOLDER," with respect to a Registered Security, means the Person in whose
name such Registered Security is registered in the Security Register. (Section
101)
PAYMENT; TRANSFER
We will designate a Place of Payment where you can receive payment of the
principal of and any premium and interest on the Debt Securities or transfer the
Debt Securities. Even though we will designate a Place of Payment, we may elect
to pay any interest on the Debt Securities by mailing a check to the Person
listed as the owner of the Debt Securities in the Security Register or by wire
transfer to an account designated by that Person in writing not later than 10
days before the date of the interest payment. (Sections 305, 1001, 1002) There
will be no service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange of the
Debt Securities, but we may require you to pay any related tax or other
governmental charge. (Section 305)
DENOMINATIONS
Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, the Debt Securities will
be issued only in registered form, without coupons, in denominations of $1,000
each or multiples of $1,000.
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT
Debt Securities may be issued under the Indentures as Original Issue
Discount Securities and sold at a substantial discount below their stated
principal amount. If a Debt Security is an "ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT SECURITY,"
that means that an amount less than the principal amount of the Debt Security
will be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity of
the Debt Security pursuant to the applicable Indenture. (Section 101) The
applicable prospectus supplement will describe the federal income tax
consequences and other special factors you should consider before purchasing any
Original Issue Discount Securities.
6
<PAGE>
RESTRICTIONS ON SECURED DEBT
The Senior Indenture limits the amount of secured Debt that we and our
Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined below) may incur, issue, assume or
guarantee. Neither we nor our Restricted Subsidiaries may incur, issue, assume
or guarantee any Debt secured by a pledge of, or mortgage or other lien on, any
Principal Property owned by us or one of our Restricted Subsidiaries or any
shares of stock or Debt of any of our Restricted Subsidiaries unless immediately
after such incurrence or creation:
- the sum of:
- the aggregate principal amount of all of our outstanding secured Debt
and that of our Restricted Subsidiaries (other than certain categories
of secured Debt discussed below and after giving effect to the
retirement of any Debt which is being retired at the same time as the
incurrence of the additional secured Debt), plus
- the aggregate amount of our Attributable Debt and that of our
Restricted Subsidiaries relating to Sale and Leaseback Transactions
(other than those permitted by the first two bullet points under
"--Restrictions on Sale and Leaseback Transactions" below),
- does not exceed 25% of our Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.
This limitation does not apply if the outstanding Senior Debt Securities are
secured equally and ratably with or prior to the new secured Debt. In addition,
the Senior Indenture provides that a Sale and Leaseback Transaction will not be
deemed to result in the creation of a lien. (Section 1007 of the Senior
Indenture)
A "RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" means any of our Subsidiaries which owns or leases
a Principal Property. (Section 101 of the Senior Indenture)
A "SUBSIDIARY" means any Corporation of which we own, directly or through
one or more of our other Subsidiaries, more than 50% of the outstanding
securities of the Corporation entitled to elect at least a majority of the
directors of the Corporation (except for securities entitled to vote for
directors only by reason of the occurrence of a contingency). (Section 101)
"DEBT" means any notes, bonds, debentures or other similar evidences of
indebtedness for money borrowed. (Section 1007 of the Senior Indenture)
"PRINCIPAL PROPERTY" means any plant, office facility, warehouse
distribution center or equipment located in the United States (but not in its
territories or possessions) owned by us or one of our Subsidiaries if it has a
gross book value (without deduction of any depreciation reserves) greater than
1.0% of our Consolidated Net Tangible Assets, but does not include any such
property which is not of material importance to our business and that of our
Subsidiaries (as determined by certain of our officers) (Section 101 of the
Senior Indenture)
"ATTRIBUTABLE DEBT" means, with respect to a Sale and Leaseback Transaction,
the present value (discounted at the rate of interest implicit in the terms of
the lease in question) of the lessee's obligation for net rental payments during
the remaining term of the lease (including any period for which such lease has
been extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be extended). "NET RENTAL
PAYMENTS" means, for any lease period, (1) the rental and other payments
required to be paid in such period by the lessee, minus (2) any amounts required
to be paid by such lessee on account of maintenance and repairs, insurance,
taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges required to be paid by such
lessee under the lease, and minus (3) any amounts required to be paid by such
lessee under the lease that is contingent upon the amount of sales, maintenance
and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges.
(Section 101 of the Senior Indenture)
"CONSOLIDATED NET TANGIBLE ASSETS" means the total amount of assets (minus
applicable reserves and other properly deductible items), minus
7
<PAGE>
- all current liabilities (excluding any indebtedness for money borrowed
having a maturity of less than 12 months from the date of our most recent
consolidated balance sheet but which by its terms can be renewed or
extended at the option of the borrower beyond 12 months from such date),
and
- goodwill, trade names, patents, unamortized debt discount and expense and
other similar intangibles,
all as presented in our most recent consolidated balance sheet and computed in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. (Section 101 of the
Senior Indenture)
"SALE AND LEASEBACK TRANSACTION" means an arrangement with any bank,
insurance company or other lender or investor (but not including us or any of
our Restricted Subsidiaries) that involves the leasing by us or one of our
Restricted Subsidiaries for a period (including renewals) of more than three
years of any Principal Property which has been or will be sold or transferred by
us or such Restricted Subsidiary to such lender or investor or to any person
that has been or will be advanced funds by such lender or investor on the
security of such Principal Property. (Section 1008 of the Senior Indenture)
Debt secured by the following liens will not be considered in determining
whether we are in compliance with the covenant described in the first paragraph
under the heading "--Restrictions on Secured Debt" above:
- liens on any Principal Property acquired, constructed or improved by us or
one of our Restricted Subsidiaries after the date of the Senior Indenture
which are created or assumed at the same time as, or within 120 days
before or after the completion of, such acquisition, construction or
improvement, to secure or provide for the payment of all or any part of
the cost of such acquisition, construction or improvement (including
related expenditures capitalized for federal income tax purposes) incurred
after the date of the Senior Indenture;
- liens of or upon any property, shares of capital stock or Debt that exist
when such property, shares of capital stock or Debt is acquired (whether
by merger, consolidation, purchase, lease or otherwise), including liens
of or upon property, shares of capital stock or indebtedness of a
corporation that exist when such corporation becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary;
- liens in favor of us or any Restricted Subsidiary;
- liens in favor of the U.S. government or any State or any instrumentality
thereof to secure certain payments or obligations or to secure any Debt
incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the cost of
acquiring, constructing or improving the property subject to such liens;
- liens imposed by law or governmental liens arising out of contracts for
the sale of products or services by us or one of our Restricted
Subsidiaries, or deposits or pledges to obtain the release of any such
liens;
- (1) pledges or deposits under workmen's compensation laws or similar
legislation and liens of judgments under such laws and legislation which
cannot at such time be discharged, (2) good faith deposits in connection
with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of money) or
leases to which we or one of our Restricted Subsidiaries is a party, (3)
deposits to secure the public or statutory obligations of us or one of our
Restricted Subsidiaries, (4) deposits in connection with obtaining or
maintaining self-insurance or to obtain the benefit of any law, regulation
or arrangement pertaining to unemployment insurance, old age pensions,
social security or similar matters, (5) deposits of cash or obligations of
the U.S. government to secure surety, appeal or customs bonds to which we
or one of our Restricted Subsidiaries is party or (6) deposits in
litigation or other proceedings;
8
<PAGE>
- liens created by or resulting from any litigation or other proceeding
which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings,
including liens arising out of judgments or awards against us or any
Restricted Subsidiary with respect to which we or such Restricted
Subsidiary is in good faith prosecuting an appeal or proceedings for
review, or liens incurred by us or a Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose
of obtaining a stay or discharge in the course of any litigation or other
proceeding to which we or such Restricted Subsidiary is a party;
- liens for taxes or assessments or governmental charges or levies not yet
due or delinquent, or which can thereafter be paid without penalty or
which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;
- liens consisting of easements, rights-of-way, zoning restrictions,
restrictions on the use of real property, and defects and irregularities
in the title thereto, landlords' liens and other similar liens and
encumbrances none of which materially interfere with the use of the
property covered by the lien in the ordinary course of business and which
do not, in our opinion, materially detract from the value of such
properties;
- liens existing on the first date on which Senior Debt Securities are
authenticated under the Senior Indenture; and
- any extension, renewal or replacement of any liens referred to above
provided that (1) such extension, renewal or replacement lien is limited
to all or part of the same property, shares of stock or Debt that secured
the lien extended, renewed or replaced (plus improvements on such
property) and (2) the Debt secured by the lien at the time is not
increased. (Section 1007 of the Senior Indenture)
RESTRICTIONS ON SALE AND LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS
The Senior Indenture provides that neither we nor any of our Restricted
Subsidiaries may enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction, unless either:
- we or such Restricted Subsidiary could incur Debt secured by a lien on
such Principal Property pursuant to any one of the exclusions to the
secured Debt covenant set forth above without equally and ratably securing
the Senior Debt Securities; or
- we apply an amount (subject to credits for certain voluntary retirements
of Senior Debt Securities and/or certain other Debt as specified in the
Senior Indenture) equal to the greater of (1) the net proceeds of the sale
of the Principal Property sold and leased back pursuant to such Sale and
Leaseback Transaction, or (2) the fair market value of the Principal
Property so sold and leased back at the time of entering into such Sale
and Leaseback Transaction, within 120 days, to the retirement of Debt
which by its terms matures at or is extendible or renewable at the option
of the obligor to a date more than 12 months after the date of the
creation of such Debt.
This restriction will not apply to any Sale and Leaseback Transaction if at
the time of such transaction (and after giving effect to such transaction), the
total amount of all Attributable Debt relating to Sale and Leaseback
Transactions (other than those permitted by the provisions set forth in the
prior paragraph), together with the total amount of all outstanding Debt secured
by liens (other than Debt which is not considered in determining whether we are
in compliance with the secured Debt covenant), does not at such time exceed 25%
of our Consolidated Net Tangible Assets. (Section 1008 of the Senior Indenture)
9
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR SALE
Each of the Indentures generally permits a consolidation or merger between
us and another corporation. They also permit the sale or transfer by us of all
or substantially all of our property and assets and the purchase by us of all or
substantially all of the property and assets of another corporation. These
transactions are permitted if:
- the resulting or acquiring corporation assumes all of our responsibilities
and liabilities under the applicable Indenture, including the payment of
all amounts due on the Debt Securities and performance of the covenants in
the applicable Indenture;
- immediately after the transaction, no Event of Default exists; and
- in the case of the Senior Indenture, if, as a result of such transaction,
any of our properties and assets would become subject to a lien or other
encumbrance not permitted by the Senior Indenture, we or our successor
will secure the Senior Debt Securities equally and ratable with or prior
to all indebtedness secured by such lien or encumbrance. (Section 801)
If we consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation or sell all or
substantially all of our assets according to the terms and conditions of the
Indentures, the resulting or acquiring corporation will be substituted for us in
the Indentures with the same effect as if it had been an original party to the
Indentures. As a result, such successor corporation may exercise our rights and
powers under the Indentures, in our name or in its own name and, except in the
case of a lease of all or substantially all of our properties, we will be
released from all our liabilities and obligations under the Indentures and under
the Debt Securities. (Section 802)
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Under each of the Indentures, certain of our rights and obligations and
certain of the rights of Holders of the Debt Securities may be modified or
amended with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of each series of Debt Securities
under the Indenture affected by the modification or amendment. The following
modifications and amendments will not be effective against any Holder without
its consent:
- a change in the stated maturity date of any payment of principal or
interest;
- a reduction in certain payments due on the Debt Securities;
- a change in the Place of Payment or currency in which any payment on the
Debt Securities is payable;
- a limitation of a Holder's right to sue us for the enforcement of certain
payments due on the Debt Securities;
- a reduction in the percentage of Outstanding Debt Securities required to
consent to a modification or amendment of the applicable Indenture, or
consent to a waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the
applicable Indenture or certain defaults under the applicable Indenture;
and
- a modification of any of the foregoing requirements or a reduction in the
percentage of Outstanding Debt Securities required to waive compliance
with certain provisions of the applicable Indenture or to waive certain
defaults under the applicable Indenture. (Section 902)
Under each of the Indentures, the Holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of any series of Debt
Securities may, on behalf of all Holders of that series:
- waive compliance by us with certain restrictive covenants of the
applicable Indenture; and
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- waive any past default under the applicable Indenture, except:
- a default in the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest
on any Debt Securities of that series; or
- a default under any provision of the applicable Indenture which itself
cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holders of
each Outstanding Debt Security of that series. (Sections 1011, 513 of
the Senior Indenture, Sections 1009, 513 of the Subordinated Indenture)
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
"EVENT OF DEFAULT," when used in the Senior Indenture with respect to any
series of Senior Debt Securities, means any of the following:
- failure to pay interest on any Senior Debt Security of that series for 30
days after the payment is due;
- failure to pay the principal of or any premium on any Senior Debt Security
of that series when due;
- failure to deposit any sinking fund payment when due on Senior Debt
Securities of that series;
- failure to perform any other covenant in the Senior Indenture that applies
to Senior Debt Securities of that series for 60 days after we have
received written notice of the failure to perform in the manner specified
in the Senior Indenture;
- default under any indenture or instrument under which we or one of our
Restricted Subsidiaries has outstanding or has guaranteed indebtedness for
borrowed money of at least $10.0 million (other than the Senior Indenture
or any Senior Debt Securities of any other series), and which results in
acceleration of such indebtedness, unless such acceleration is rescinded
within 10 days after we have received written notice of the default in the
manner specified in the Senior Indenture (but if such default is remedied
or waived by the holders of such indebtedness before acceleration of the
Senior Debt Securities of such series, the Event of Default caused by the
events set forth above will also be deemed remedied or waived);
- certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; or
- any other Event of Default that may be specified for the Senior Debt
Securities of that series when that series is created. (Section 501 of the
Senior Indenture)
An Event of Default for a particular series of Senior Debt Securities will not
constitute an Event of Default for any other series of Senior Debt Securities
issued under the Senior Indenture.
Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, "Event of
Default" when used with respect to any series of Subordinated Debt Securities,
means any of the following:
- failure to pay interest on any Subordinated Debt Security of that series
for 30 days after the payment is due;
- failure to pay the principal of or any premium on any Subordinated Debt
Security of that series when due;
- failure to convert any Subordinated Debt Security into Common Stock upon
the election of the Holder to convert such Subordinated Debt Security if
the terms of such Debt Security provide for such conversion; or
- certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization. (Section 501
of the Subordinated Indenture)
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If an Event of Default for any series of Debt Securities occurs and
continues, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal
amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of the series may declare the entire
principal of all the Debt Securities of that series to be due and payable
immediately. If such a declaration occurs, the Holders of a majority of the
aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series
can, subject to certain conditions, rescind the declaration. (Section 502) The
prospectus supplement relating to each series of Debt Securities which are
Original Issue Discount Securities will describe the particular provisions that
relate to the acceleration of maturity of a portion of the principal amount of
such series when an Event of Default occurs and continues.
Each of the Indentures requires us to file an Officers' Certificate with the
applicable Trustee each year that states that certain defaults do not exist
under the terms of the applicable Indenture. (Section 1009 of the Senior
Indenture, Section 1007 of the Subordinated Indenture) A Trustee may withhold
notice to the Holders of Debt Securities of any default (except defaults in the
payment of principal or any premium or interest or any sinking fund installment)
if it considers such withholding of notice to be in the best interests of the
Holders. (Section 602)
Other than its duties in the case of a default, a Trustee is not obligated
to exercise any of its rights or powers under the applicable Indenture at the
request, order or direction of any Holders, unless the Holders offer such
Trustee reasonable indemnification. (Sections 601, 603) If reasonable
indemnification is provided, then, subject to certain other rights of the
Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt
Securities of any series may, with respect to the Debt Securities of that
series, direct the time, method and place of:
- conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee; or
- exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee. (Sections 512,
603)
The Holder of a Debt Security of any series will have the right to begin any
proceeding with respect to the applicable Indenture or for any remedy only if:
- the Holder has previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing
Event of Default with respect to that series;
- the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
Outstanding Debt Securities of that series have made a written request of,
and offered reasonable indemnification to, the Trustee to begin such
proceeding;
- the Trustee has not started such proceeding within 60 days after receiving
the request; and
- the Trustee has not received directions inconsistent with such request
from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Outstanding Debt Securities of that series during those 60 days. (Section
507)
However, the Holder of any Debt Security will have an absolute right to receive
payment of principal of and any premium and interest on the Debt Security when
due and to institute suit to enforce such payment. (Section 508)
DEFEASANCE
DEFEASANCE AND DISCHARGE. All Debt Securities denominated in U.S. dollars
are subject to the defeasance and discharge provisions of the applicable
Indenture. If we deposit with the Trustee, in trust, sufficient money or direct
obligations of the United States of America (backed by its full faith and
credit) to pay the principal, interest, any premium and any other sums due on
the Debt Securities of that series (such as sinking fund payments) on the dates
such payments are due under the applicable Indenture and the terms of the Debt
Securities, we will, subject to certain conditions set forth in the
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applicable Indenture, be discharged from our obligations on such Debt Securities
on the 91st day after we make such deposit. (Section 403)
If we deposit funds in trust and discharge our obligations under a series of
Debt Securities as described above, then:
- the applicable Indenture will no longer apply to the Debt Securities of
that series (except for certain obligations to compensate, reimburse and
indemnify the Trustee, to register the transfer and exchange of Debt
Securities, to replace lost, stolen or mutilated Debt Securities and to
maintain paying agencies and the trust funds); and
- Holders of Debt Securities of that series can only look to the trust fund
for payment of principal, any premium and interest on the Debt Securities
of that series. (Section 403)
DEFEASANCE OF CERTAIN COVENANTS AND CERTAIN EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Unless we
otherwise provide in the applicable prospectus supplement, all Debt Securities
denominated in U.S. dollars are also subject to the covenant defeasance
provisions of the applicable Indenture. If we make the deposit described in this
section under the heading "--Defeasance and Discharge" above, subject to certain
other conditions set forth in the applicable Indenture, we will not have to
comply with the following restrictive covenants contained in the applicable
Indenture:
- Consolidation, Merger or Sale (Section 801);
- Maintenance of Properties (Section 1005);
- Payment of Taxes and Other Claims (Section 1006);
- Restrictions on Secured Debt (Section 1007 of the Senior Indenture);
- Restrictions on Sale and Leaseback Transactions (Section 1008 of the
Senior Indenture); and
- any other covenant we designate when we establish the series of Debt
Securities;
and such failure to comply will not cause an Event of Default under the
applicable Indenture. If we defease, our obligations under the applicable
Indenture and such Debt Securities, other than with respect to the covenants and
the Events of Default specifically referred to above, will remain in effect.
(Section 1010 of the Senior Indenture, Section 1008 of the Subordinated
Indenture)
If we exercise our option not to comply with the certain covenants listed
above and the Debt Securities of such series become immediately due and payable
because an Event of Default has occurred (other than as a result of an Event of
Default specifically referred to above), the amount of money and/or U.S.
government obligations on deposit with the applicable Trustee will be sufficient
to pay the principal, interest, any premium and any other sums due on the Debt
Securities of such series (such as sinking fund payments) on the date such
payments are due under the applicable Indenture and the terms of such Debt
Securities, but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due at the time of
acceleration. However, we would remain liable for the balance of the payments.
(Section 1010)
DEBT SECURITIES DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES. If Debt Securities of a
series are denominated in a currency or currencies other than the U.S. dollar,
we will indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement whether, and under what
terms and conditions, the defeasance provisions described above will apply to
such Debt Securities.
SUBORDINATION
The Subordinated Debt Securities will be subordinate to all of our existing
and future Indebtedness (as defined below). If we default in the payment of any
principal, premium or interest on any Senior Indebtedness (as defined below)
when such payment becomes due and payable (whether at maturity or at a date
fixed for prepayment or by declaration of acceleration or otherwise), then,
until
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such default is cured, waived or ceases to exist, we will not make or agree to
make any direct or indirect payment (in cash, property, securities, by set-off
or otherwise):
- for principal or any premium or interest on the Subordinated Debt
Securities; or
- in respect of any redemption, repayment, retirement, purchase or other
acquisition of any of the Subordinated Debt Securities. (Section 1301 of
the Subordinated Indenture)
As of September 25, 1998, we had approximately $292.0 million of Senior
Indebtedness outstanding.
"SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS" means Indebtedness to which the Subordinated Debt
Securities are subordinated.
"INDEBTEDNESS" means, with respect to us:
- the principal, any premium and interest in respect of:
- our indebtedness for money borrowed; and
- indebtedness evidenced by securities, debentures, bonds or other
similar instruments issued by us;
- all of our capital lease obligations;
- all of our obligations issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of
property, all of our conditional sale obligations and all of our
obligations under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade
accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business);
- all of our obligations for the reimbursement on any letter of credit,
banker's acceptance, security purchase facility or similar credit
transaction;
- all obligations of the type referred to above of other Persons for which
we are responsible or liable for the payment of as obligor, guarantor or
otherwise; and
- all obligations of the type referred to above of other Persons secured by
any lien on any of our property or assets (whether or not such obligation
is assumed by us). (Section 101 of the Subordinated Indenture)
If certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur, we will
first pay all Senior Indebtedness (including any interest accrued after such
events occur) in full before we make any payment or distribution (whether in
cash, securities or other property) on account of the principal of or interest
on the Subordinated Debt Securities. In such an event, we will pay or deliver
directly to the holders of Senior Indebtedness any payment or distribution
otherwise payable or deliverable to holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities.
We will make such payments to the holders of Senior Indebtedness according to
priorities existing among such holders until we have paid all Senior
Indebtedness (including accrued interest) in full. Notwithstanding the
subordination provisions discussed in this paragraph, we may make payments or
distributions on the Subordinated Debt Securities so long as (1) the payments or
distributions consist of securities issued by us or another company in
connection with a plan of reorganization or readjustment, and (2) payment on
those securities is subordinate to outstanding Senior Indebtedness and any
securities issued with respect to Senior Indebtedness under such plan of
reorganization or readjustment at least to the same extent provided in the
subordination provisions of such Subordinated Debt Securities.
If such events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur after we
have paid in full all amounts owed on Senior Indebtedness:
- the Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities,
- together with the holders of any of our other obligations ranking equal
with such Subordinated Debt Securities,
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will be entitled to receive from our remaining assets any principal, premium or
interest due at that time on such Subordinated Debt Securities and such other
obligations before we make any payment or other distribution on account of any
of our capital stock or obligations ranking junior to such Subordinated Debt
Securities and such other obligations.
If we violate the Subordinated Indenture by making a payment or distribution
to Holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities before we have paid all the
Senior Indebtedness in full, then such Holders will be deemed to have received
the payments or distributions in trust for the benefit of, and will have to pay
or transfer the payments or distributions to, the holders of the Senior
Indebtedness outstanding at the time. The payment or transfer to the holders of
the Senior Indebtedness will be made according to the priorities existing among
such holders. Notwithstanding the subordination provisions discussed in this
paragraph, Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities will not be required to pay,
or transfer payments or distributions to, holders of Senior Indebtedness so long
as (1) the payments or distributions consist of securities issued by us or
another company in connection with a plan of reorganization or readjustment, and
(2) payment on those securities is subordinate to outstanding Senior
Indebtedness and any securities issued with respect to Senior Indebtedness under
such plan of reorganization or readjustment at least to the same extent provided
in the subordination provisions of such Subordinated Debt Securities.
Because of the subordination, if we become insolvent, holders of Senior
Indebtedness may receive more, ratably, and Holders of the Subordinated Debt
Securities having a claim pursuant to such securities may receive less, ratably,
than our other creditors. Such subordination will not prevent an Event of
Default from occurring in connection with the Subordinated Debt Securities.
We may modify or amend the Subordinated Indenture as provided under
"--Modification and Waiver" above. However, such modification or amendment may
not, without the consent of the holders of all Senior Indebtedness outstanding,
modify any of the provisions of such Indenture relating to the subordination of
the Subordinated Debt Securities in a manner that would adversely affect such
holders. (Section 902 of the Subordinated Indenture)
CONVERSION AND EXCHANGE
If any offered Debt Securities are convertible into Preferred Stock,
Depositary Shares or Common Stock at the option of the Holders or exchangeable
for Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Common Stock at our option, the
prospectus supplement relating to such Debt Securities will include the terms
and conditions governing such conversions and exchanges.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
This section describes the general terms and provisions of our preferred
stock (the "PREFERRED STOCK") that may be offered by this prospectus. The
prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the series of the
Preferred Stock offered through that prospectus supplement and any general terms
outlined in this section that will not apply to that series of Preferred Stock.
We have summarized certain terms and provisions of the Preferred Stock in
this section. The summary is not complete. We have also filed our Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation and the form of Certificate of Designation,
Preferences and Rights of Preferred Stock as exhibits to the registration
statement. You should read our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
and the Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights ("CERTIFICATE OF
DESIGNATION") relating to the applicable series of the Preferred Stock for
additional information before you buy any Preferred Stock.
GENERAL
Pursuant to our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, our Board of
Directors has the authority, without further shareholder action, to issue a
maximum of 5,000,000 shares of Preferred
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Stock, including shares issued or reserved for issuance. As of the date of this
prospectus, we had no shares of Preferred Stock outstanding. The Board of
Directors has the authority to determine or fix the following terms with respect
to shares of any series of Preferred Stock:
- the number of shares and designation or title of the shares;
- dividend rights;
- whether and upon what terms the shares will be redeemable;
- the rights of the holders upon our dissolution or upon the distribution of
our assets;
- whether and upon what terms the shares will have a purchase, retirement or
sinking fund;
- whether and upon what terms the shares will be convertible;
- the voting rights, if any, which will apply; and
- any other preferences, rights, limitations or restrictions of the series.
If we purchase, redeem or convert shares of Preferred Stock, we will retire and
cancel them and restore them to the status of authorized but unissued shares of
Preferred Stock. Such shares will not be part of any particular series of
Preferred Stock and may be reissued by us.
As described under "Description of Depositary Shares" below, we may elect to
offer Depositary Shares represented by Depositary Receipts. If we so elect, each
Depositary Share will represent a fractional interest (to be specified in the
applicable prospectus supplement) in a share of Preferred Stock. If we issue
Depositary Shares representing interests in shares of Preferred Stock, those
shares of Preferred Stock will be deposited with a Depositary.
The Preferred Stock will have the dividend, liquidation, redemption, voting
and conversion rights described in this section unless the applicable prospectus
supplement provides otherwise. You should read the prospectus supplement
relating to the particular series of the Preferred Stock it offers for specific
terms, including:
- the title and liquidation preference of the Preferred Stock and the number
of shares offered;
- the initial public offering price at which we will issue the Preferred
Stock;
- the dividend rate or rates (or method of calculation), the dividend
periods, the dates on which dividends will be payable and whether the
dividends will be cumulative or noncumulative and, if cumulative, the
dates from which the dividends will start to cumulate;
- any redemption or sinking fund provisions;
- any conversion provisions;
- whether we have elected to offer Depositary Shares as described under
"Description of Depositary Shares" below; and
- any additional dividend, liquidation, redemption, sinking fund and other
rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions.
When we issue shares of Preferred Stock, they will be fully paid and
nonassessable (I.E., you will have paid the full purchase price for your shares
of Preferred Stock and you will not be assessed any additional amounts for such
shares). Unless the applicable prospectus supplement specifies otherwise:
- each series of Preferred Stock will rank equally in all respects with the
outstanding shares of each other series of Preferred Stock; and
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- the Preferred Stock will have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any
additional securities which we may issue in the future (I.E., the holders
of shares of Preferred Stock will have no right, as holders of shares of
Preferred Stock, to buy any portion of those issued securities).
The transfer agent and registrar for the Preferred Stock and any Depositary
Shares will be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
DIVIDENDS
Subject to the preferential rights as to dividends of holders of any other
of our capital stock ranking prior to any series of the Preferred Stock, the
holders of each series of the Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive cash
dividends, if declared by our Board of Directors or its duly authorized
committee, out of our assets that we can legally use to pay dividends. The
applicable prospectus supplement will describe the dividend rates and dates on
which dividends will be payable. The rates may be fixed or variable or both. If
the dividend rate is variable, the applicable prospectus supplement will
describe the formula used to determine the dividend rate for each dividend
period. We will pay dividends to the holders of record as they appear on our
stock books on the record dates fixed by our Board of Directors or its duly
authorized committee.
The applicable prospectus supplement will also state whether the dividends
on any series of the Preferred Stock are cumulative or noncumulative. If our
Board of Directors does not declare a dividend payable on a dividend payment
date on any noncumulative series of Preferred Stock, then the holders of that
series will not be entitled to receive a dividend for that dividend period and
we will not be obligated to pay the dividend for that dividend period even if
the Board declares a dividend on that series payable in the future.
Our Board will not declare and pay a dividend on any of our stock ranking,
as to dividends, equal with or junior to the Preferred Stock unless full
dividends on the Preferred Stock have been declared and paid (or declared and
sufficient money is set aside for payment). Until full dividends are paid (or
declared and payment is set aside) on any of our capital stock ranking equal
with the Preferred Stock as to dividends, then:
- we will declare any dividends pro rata among the Preferred Stock of each
series offered under this prospectus and any other series of Preferred
Stock ranking equal to the Preferred Stock of each series offered under
this prospectus as to dividends (I.E., the dividends we declare per share
on each series of such Preferred Stock will bear the same relationship to
each other that the full accrued dividends per share on each such series
of the Preferred Stock bear to each other);
- other than such pro rata dividends, we will not declare or pay any
dividends or declare or make any distributions upon any security ranking
junior to or equal with the Preferred Stock offered under this prospectus
as to dividends or upon liquidation (except dividends or distributions
paid for with securities ranking junior to the Preferred Stock as to
dividends and upon liquidation); and
- we will not redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire (or set aside money for
a sinking fund for) any securities ranking junior to or equal with the
Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation (except by conversion
into or exchange for stock junior to the Preferred Stock as to dividends
and upon liquidation).
We will not owe any interest, or any money in lieu of interest, on any dividend
payment(s) on any series of Preferred Stock which may be past due.
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REDEMPTION
We may redeem all or a part of a series of the Preferred Stock and such
series may be subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a sinking fund or
otherwise, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Redeemed
Preferred Stock will become authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock
that we may issue in the future.
If a series of the Preferred Stock is subject to mandatory redemption, the
applicable prospectus supplement will specify the number of shares that we will
redeem each year and the redemption price. If shares of Preferred Stock are
redeemed, we will pay all accrued and unpaid dividends on those shares to, but
excluding, the redemption date. The prospectus supplement will also specify
whether the redemption price will be paid in cash or other property. If (1) we
are only permitted to pay the redemption price for a series of Preferred Stock
from the proceeds of a capital stock issuance and (2) the proceeds from the
issuance are insufficient or no such issuance has occurred, then the terms of
that series may provide that the Preferred Stock will automatically and
mandatorily be converted into such capital stock.
If fewer than all of the outstanding shares of any series of the Preferred
Stock are to be redeemed, our Board of Directors will determine the number of
shares to be redeemed. We will redeem the shares pro rata from the holders of
record in proportion to the number of shares held by them (with adjustments to
avoid redemption of fractional shares).
Even though the terms of a series of Preferred Stock may permit redemption
of all or a part of the Preferred Stock, if any dividends, including accumulated
dividends, on that series are past due:
- we will not redeem any shares of Preferred Stock of that series unless we
simultaneously redeem all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of that
series; and
- we will not purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of Preferred Stock of
that series.
The prohibition discussed in the prior sentence will not prohibit us from
purchasing or acquiring Preferred Stock of that series pursuant to a purchase or
exchange offer if we make the offer on the same terms to all holders of that
series.
Unless the applicable prospectus supplement specifies otherwise, we will
give notice of a redemption by mailing a notice to each record holder of the
shares to be redeemed, between 30 to 60 days prior to the date fixed for
redemption (unless we issue Depositary Shares representing interests in
Preferred Stock, in which case we will send a notice to the Depositary between
40 to 70 days prior to the date fixed for redemption). We will mail the notices
to the holders' addresses as they appear on our stock records. Each notice will
state:
- the redemption date;
- the number of shares and the series of the Preferred Stock to be redeemed;
- the redemption price;
- the place or places where holders can surrender the certificates for the
Preferred Stock for payment of the redemption price;
- that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on the
redemption date; and
- the date when the holders' conversion rights, if any, will terminate.
If we redeem fewer than all shares of any series of the Preferred Stock held by
any holder, we will also specify the number of shares to be redeemed from the
holder in the notice.
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If we have given notice of the redemption and have provided the funds for
the payment of the redemption price, then beginning on the redemption date:
- the dividends on the shares of Preferred Stock called for redemption will
no longer accrue;
- such shares will no longer be considered outstanding; and
- the holders will no longer have any rights as shareholders except to
receive the redemption price.
When the holder properly surrenders the redeemed shares, the redemption price
will be paid out of the funds provided by us. If we redeem fewer than all of the
shares represented by any certificate, we will issue a new certificate
representing the unredeemed shares without cost to the holder.
If a redemption described above is deemed to be a "tender offer" within the
meaning of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, we will comply with all applicable
provisions of the Exchange Act.
CONVERSION
The applicable prospectus supplement relating to a series of convertible
Preferred Stock will describe the terms on which shares of that series are
convertible into shares of Common Stock or a different series of Preferred
Stock.
RIGHTS UPON LIQUIDATION
Unless the applicable prospectus states otherwise, if we voluntarily or
involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up our business, the holders of shares
of each series of the Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive:
- liquidation distributions in the amount stated in the applicable
prospectus supplement; and
- all accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared).
We will pay these amounts to the holders of shares of each series of the
Preferred Stock, and all amounts owing on any Preferred Stock ranking equally
with such series of Preferred Stock as to distributions upon liquidation, out of
our assets available for distribution to shareholders before any distribution is
made to holders of any securities ranking junior to the series of Preferred
Stock upon liquidation.
The sale of all or substantially all of our property and assets, our merger
into or consolidation with any other corporation or the merger of any other
corporation into us will not be considered a dissolution, liquidation or winding
up of our business.
If (1) we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up our
business and (2) we do not have enough assets available for distribution to the
holders of the Preferred Stock of any series and any other shares of our stock
ranking equal with such series as to any such distribution to pay all amounts to
which the holders are entitled, then we will only make pro rata distributions to
the holders of all shares ranking equal as to distributions upon dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of our business (I.E., the distributions we pay to the
holders of all shares ranking equal as to distributions upon dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of our business will bear the same relationship to
each other that the full distributable amounts for which such holders are
respectively entitled upon such dissolution, liquidation or winding up of our
business bear to each other).
After we pay the full amount of the liquidation distribution to which the
holders of a series of the Preferred Stock are entitled, such holders will have
no right or claim to any of our remaining assets.
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VOTING RIGHTS
Except as described in this section 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. If the holders of a series of
Preferred Stock are entitled to vote and the applicable prospectus supplement
does not state otherwise, then each share of Preferred Stock will have one vote.
As more fully described under "Description of Depositary Shares" below, if
we issue Depositary Shares representing fractional interests in a share of
Preferred Stock, the holders of each Depositary Share will have a fraction of a
vote.
For any series of Preferred Stock having one vote per share, the voting
power of the series, on matters on which holders of such series and holders of
any other series of Preferred Stock are entitled to vote as a single class, will
solely depend on the total number of shares in such series (not the aggregate
liquidation preference or initial offering price).
Unless we receive the consent of the holders of an outstanding series of
Preferred Stock and the outstanding shares of all other series of Preferred
Stock which (1) rank equal with such series either as to dividends or the
distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our
business and (2) have voting rights that are exercisable and that are similar to
those of such series, we will not:
- authorize, create or issue, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of stock ranking prior to such outstanding
Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution
of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our business; or
- amend, alter or repeal, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, the
provisions of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or of the
resolutions contained in a Certificate of Designation creating such series
of the Preferred Stock in a way that materially and adversely affect any
right, preference, privilege or voting power of such outstanding Preferred
Stock.
This consent must be given by the holders of at least two-thirds of all such
outstanding Preferred Stock described in the preceding sentence, voting together
as a single class. However, we will not be required to obtain this consent for
the actions listed in the second bullet point above if we only (1) increase the
amount of the authorized Preferred Stock, (2) create and issue another series of
Preferred Stock, or (3) increase the amount of authorized shares of any series
of Preferred Stock, if such Preferred Stock in each case ranks equal with or
junior to the shares of Preferred Stock offered under this prospectus with
respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our business.
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
This section describes the general terms and provisions of the Depositary
Shares (as defined below). The prospectus supplement will describe the specific
terms of the Depositary Shares offered through that prospectus supplement and
any general terms outlined in this section that will not apply to those
Depositary Shares.
We have summarized certain terms and provisions of the Deposit Agreement,
the Depositary Shares and the Depositary Receipts in this section. The summary
is not complete. We have also filed the form of Deposit Agreement, including the
form of Depositary Receipt, as an exhibit to the registration statement. You
should read the forms of Deposit Agreement and Depositary Receipt relating to a
series of Preferred Stock for additional information before you buy any
Depositary Shares that represent Preferred Stock of such series.
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GENERAL
We may offer fractional interests in Preferred Stock, rather than full
shares of Preferred Stock. If we do, we will provide for the issuance by a
Depositary (as defined below) to the public of receipts for depositary shares
("DEPOSITARY SHARES"), each of which will represent a fractional interest in a
share of a particular series of Preferred Stock.
The shares of any series of Preferred Stock underlying the Depositary Shares
will be deposited under a separate deposit agreement (the "DEPOSIT AGREEMENT")
between us and a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United
States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50.0 million (the
"DEPOSITARY"). We will name the Depositary in the applicable prospectus
supplement. Subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement, each owner of a
Depositary Share will have a fractional interest in all the rights and
preferences of the Preferred Stock underlying such Depositary Share. Those
rights include any dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation
rights.
The Depositary Shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued under
the Deposit Agreement (the "DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS"). If you purchase fractional
interests in shares of the related series of Preferred Stock, you will receive
Depositary Receipts as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. While
the final Depositary Receipts are being prepared, we may order the Depositary to
issue temporary Depositary Receipts substantially identical to the final
Depositary Receipts although not in final form. The holders of the temporary
Depositary Receipts will be entitled to the same rights as if they held the
Depositary Receipts in final form. Holders of the temporary Depositary Receipts
can exchange them for the final Depositary Receipts at our expense.
If you surrender Depositary Receipts at the principal office of the
Depositary (unless the related Depositary Shares have previously been called for
redemption), you are entitled to receive at such office the number of shares of
Preferred Stock and any money or other property represented by such Depositary
Shares. We will not issue partial shares of Preferred Stock. If you deliver
Depositary Receipts evidencing a number of Depositary Shares that represent more
than a whole number of shares of Preferred Stock, the Depositary will issue you
a new Depositary Receipt evidencing such excess number of Depositary Shares at
the same time that the Preferred Stock is withdrawn. Holders of shares of
Preferred Stock received in exchange for Depositary Shares will no longer be
entitled to deposit such shares under the Deposit Agreement or to receive
Depositary Shares in exchange for such Preferred Stock.
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
The Depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash
distributions received with respect to the Preferred Stock to the record holders
of Depositary Shares representing the Preferred Stock in proportion to the
numbers of Depositary Shares owned by the holders on the relevant record date.
The Depositary will not distribute amounts less than one cent. The Depositary
will distribute these balances with the next sum received for distribution to
record holders of Depositary Shares.
If there is a distribution other than in cash, the Depositary will
distribute property to the holders of Depositary Shares, unless the Depositary
determines that it is not feasible to make such distribution. If this occurs,
the Depositary may, with our approval, sell the property and distribute the net
proceeds from the sale to the holders of Depositary Shares.
The Deposit Agreement will also contain provisions relating to how any
subscription or similar rights offered by us to holders of the Preferred Stock
will be made available to the holders of Depositary Shares.
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CONVERSION AND EXCHANGE
If any series of Preferred Stock underlying the Depositary Shares is subject
to conversion or exchange, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe
the rights or obligations of each record holder of Depositary Receipts to
convert or exchange the Depositary Shares.
REDEMPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
If the series of the Preferred Stock underlying the Depositary Shares is
subject to redemption, all or a part of the Depositary Shares will be redeemed
from the redemption proceeds of such series of the Preferred Stock held by the
Depositary. The Depositary will mail notice of redemption between 30 to 60 days
prior to the date fixed for redemption to the record holders of the Depositary
Shares to be redeemed at their addresses appearing in the Depositary's records.
The redemption price per Depositary Share will bear the same relationship to the
redemption price per share of Preferred Stock that the Depositary Share bears to
the underlying Preferred Stock. Whenever we redeem Preferred Stock held by the
Depositary, the Depositary will redeem, as of the same redemption date, the
number of Depositary Shares representing the Preferred Stock 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 determined by the Depositary.
After the date fixed for redemption, the Depositary Shares called for
redemption will no longer be outstanding. When the Depositary Shares are no
longer outstanding, all rights of the holders will cease, except the right to
receive money or other property that the holders of the Depositary Shares were
entitled to receive upon such redemption. Such payments will be made when
holders surrender their Depositary Receipts to the Depositary.
VOTING THE PREFERRED STOCK
When the Depositary receives notice of any meeting at which the holders of
the Preferred Stock may vote, the Depositary will mail information contained in
the notice (and any accompanying proxy materials) 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
how the Preferred Stock underlying the holder's Depositary Shares should be
voted.
The Depositary will try, if practical, to vote the number of shares of
Preferred Stock underlying the Depositary Shares according to the instructions
received. We will agree to take all action requested by and deemed necessary by
the Depositary in order to enable the Depositary to vote the Preferred Stock in
that manner. The Depositary will not vote any Preferred Stock for which it does
not receive specific instructions from the holders of the Depositary Shares
relating to such Preferred Stock.
TAXATION
Owners of Depositary Shares will be treated for federal income tax purposes
as if they were owners of the Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary
Shares. Accordingly, for federal income tax purposes they will have the income
and deductions to which they would be entitled if they were holders of the
Preferred Stock. In addition:
- 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;
- the tax basis of the Preferred Stock to an exchanging owner of Depositary
Shares will, upon the exchange, be the same as the aggregate tax basis of
the Depositary Shares exchanged for such Preferred Stock; and
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- the holding period for the Preferred Stock, in the hands of an exchanging
owner of Depositary Shares who held the Depositary Shares as a capital
asset at the time of the exchange, will include the period that the owner
held such Depositary Shares.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
The form of Depositary Receipt evidencing the Depositary Shares and any
provision of the Deposit Agreement may be amended by agreement between us and
the Depositary at any time. However, any amendment that materially and adversely
alters the rights of the existing holders of Depositary Shares will not be
effective unless approved by the record holders of at least a majority of the
Depositary Shares then outstanding. A Deposit Agreement may be terminated by us
or the Depositary only if:
- all outstanding Depositary Shares relating to the Deposit Agreement have
been redeemed; or
- there has been a final distribution on the Preferred Stock of the relevant
series in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
our business and the distribution has been distributed to the holders of
the related Depositary Shares.
CHARGES OF DEPOSITARY
We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising
solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will pay associated
charges of the Depositary for the initial deposit of the Preferred Stock and any
redemption of the Preferred Stock. Holders of Depositary Shares will pay
transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and any other charges that are
stated to be their responsibility in the Deposit Agreement.
MISCELLANEOUS
We will forward to the Depositary, for distribution to the holders of
Depositary Shares, all reports and communications that we must furnish to the
holders of the Preferred Stock.
Neither the Depositary nor we will be liable if the Depositary is prevented
or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond its control in performing its
obligations under the Deposit Agreement. Our obligations and the Depositary's
obligations under the Deposit Agreement will be limited to performance in good
faith of duties set forth in the Deposit Agreement. Neither the Depositary nor
we will be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding connected with
any Depositary Shares or Preferred Stock unless satisfactory indemnity is
furnished to us and/or the Depositary. We and the Depositary may rely upon
written advice of counsel or accountants, or information provided by persons
presenting Preferred Stock for deposit, holders of Depositary Shares 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 notice to us. We may
also remove the Depositary at any time. Resignations or removals will take
effect when a successor depositary is appointed and it accepts the appointment.
The 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 $50.0 million.
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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
A description of our common stock (the "COMMON STOCK") is included in the
registration statement on Form 8-A (File No. 1-8668) filed pursuant to Section
12 of the Exchange Act and declared effective on April 25, 1990, which is
incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You may request a copy of this
registration statement in the manner described under "Where You Can Find More
Information."
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WARRANTS
This section describes the general terms and provisions of the Securities
Warrants (as defined below). The prospectus supplement will describe the
specific terms of the Securities Warrants offered through that prospectus
supplement and any general terms outlined in this section that will not apply to
those Securities Warrants.
We may issue warrants for the purchase of Senior Debt Securities,
Subordinated Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Common Stock
(the "SECURITIES WARRANTS"). Securities Warrants may be issued alone or together
with Senior Debt Securities, Subordinated Debt Securities, Preferred Stock,
Depositary Shares or Common Stock offered by any prospectus supplement and may
be attached to or separate from those securities. Each series of Securities
Warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement (a "SECURITIES
WARRANT AGREEMENT") between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent
(the "SECURITIES WARRANT AGENT"), which will be described in the applicable
prospectus supplement. The Securities Warrant Agent will act solely as our agent
in connection with the Securities Warrants and will not act as an agent or
trustee for any holders of Securities Warrants.
We have summarized certain terms and provisions of the Securities Warrant
Agreements and Securities Warrants in this section. The summary is not complete.
We have also filed the forms of Securities Warrant Agreements and the
certificates representing the Securities Warrants ("SECURITIES WARRANT
CERTIFICATES") as exhibits to the registration statement. You should read the
applicable forms of Securities Warrant Agreement and Securities Warrant
Certificate for additional information before you buy any Securities Warrants.
GENERAL
If we offer Securities Warrants, the applicable prospectus supplement will
describe their terms. If Securities Warrants for the purchase of Debt Securities
or Subordinated Debt Securities are offered, the applicable prospectus
supplement will describe the terms of such Securities Warrants, including the
following if applicable:
- the offering price;
- the currencies in which such Securities Warrants are being offered;
- the designation, aggregate principal amount, currencies, denominations and
terms of the series of the Senior Debt Securities or Subordinated Debt
Securities that can be purchased if a holder exercises such Securities
Warrants;
- the designation and terms of any series of Senior Debt Securities,
Subordinated Debt Securities, Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares with
which such Securities Warrants are being offered and the number of
Securities Warrants offered with each Senior Debt Security, Subordinated
Debt Security, share of Preferred Stock, Depositary Share or share of
Common Stock;
- the date on and after which the holder of such Securities Warrants can
transfer them separately from the related Common Stock or series of Senior
Debt Securities, Subordinated Debt Securities, Preferred Stock or
Depositary Shares;
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- the principal amount of the series of Senior Debt Securities or
Subordinated Debt Securities that can be purchased if a holder exercises
such Securities Warrant and the price at which and currencies in which
such principal amount may be purchased upon exercise;
- the date on which the right to exercise such Securities Warrants begins
and the date on which such right expires;
- United States federal income tax consequences; and
- any other terms of such Securities Warrants.
Securities Warrants for the purchase of Senior Debt Securities and Subordinated
Debt Securities will be in registered form only.
If Securities Warrants for the purchase of Preferred Stock, Depositary
Shares or Common Stock are offered, the applicable prospectus supplement will
describe the terms of such Securities Warrants, including the following where
applicable:
- the offering price;
- the total number of shares that can be purchased if a holder of such
Securities Warrants exercises them and, in the case of Securities Warrants
for Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares, the designation, total number
and terms of the series of Preferred Stock that can be purchased upon
exercise or that are underlying the Depositary Shares that can be
purchased upon exercise;
- the designation and terms of the series of Debt Securities, Subordinated
Debt Securities, Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares with which such
Securities Warrants are being offered and the number of Securities
Warrants being offered with each Senior Debt Security, Subordinated Debt
Security, share of Preferred Stock, Depositary Share or share of Common
Stock;
- the date on and after which the holder of such Securities Warrants can
transfer them separately from the related Common Stock or series of Senior
Debt Securities, Subordinated Debt Securities, Preferred Stock or
Depositary Shares;
- the number of shares of Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or shares of
Common Stock that can be purchased if a holder exercises such Securities
Warrant and the price at which such Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or
Common Stock may be purchased upon each exercise;
- the date on which the right to exercise such Securities Warrants begins
and the date on which such right expires;
- United States federal income tax consequences; and
- any other terms of such Securities Warrants.
Securities Warrants for the purchase of Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or
Common Stock will be in registered form only.
A holder of Securities Warrant Certificates may (1) exchange them for new
certificates of different denominations, (2) present them for registration of
transfer and (3) exercise them at the corporate trust office of the Securities
Warrant Agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus
supplement. Until any Securities Warrants to purchase Senior Debt Securities or
Subordinated Debt Securities are exercised, the holder of such Securities
Warrants will not have any of the rights of Holders of the Senior Debt
Securities or Subordinated Debt Securities that can be purchased upon exercise,
including any right to receive payments of principal, premium or interest on the
underlying Senior Debt Securities or Subordinated Debt Securities or to enforce
covenants in the applicable Indenture. Until any Securities Warrants to purchase
Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Common Stock are exercised, holders of
such Securities Warrants will not have any rights of holders of the
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underlying Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Common Stock, including any
right to receive dividends or to exercise any voting rights.
EXERCISE OF SECURITIES WARRANTS
Each holder of a Securities Warrant is entitled to purchase the principal
amount of Senior Debt Securities or Subordinated Debt Securities or the number
of shares of Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or shares of Common Stock, as
the case may be, at the exercise price described in the applicable prospectus
supplement. After the close of business on the day when the right to exercise
terminates (or a later date if we extend the time for exercise), unexercised
Securities Warrants will become void.
A holder of Securities Warrants may exercise them by following the general
procedure outlined below:
- delivering to the Securities Warrant Agent the payment required by the
applicable prospectus supplement to purchase the underlying security;
- properly completing and signing the reverse side of the Securities Warrant
Certificate representing the Securities Warrants; and
- delivering the Securities Warrant Certificate representing the Securities
Warrants to the Securities Warrant Agent within five business days of the
Securities Warrant Agent receiving payment of the exercise price.
If you comply with the procedures described above, your Securities Warrants
will be considered to have been exercised when the Securities Warrant Agent
receives payment of the exercise price. After you have completed those
procedures, we will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver to you the Senior
Debt Securities, Subordinated Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary
Shares or Common Stock that you purchased upon exercise. If you exercise fewer
than all of the Securities Warrants represented by a Securities Warrant
Certificate, the Securities Warrant Agent will issue to you a new Securities
Warrant Certificate for the unexercised amount of Securities Warrants. Holders
of Securities Warrants will be required to pay any tax or governmental charge
that may be imposed in connection with transferring the underlying securities in
connection with the exercise of the Securities Warrants.
AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO SECURITIES WARRANT AGREEMENTS
We may amend or supplement a Securities Warrant Agreement without the
consent of the holders of the applicable Securities Warrants if the changes are
not inconsistent with the provisions of the Securities Warrants and do not
materially adversely affect the interests of the holders of the Securities
Warrants. We, along with the Securities Warrant Agent, may also modify or amend
a Securities Warrant Agreement and the terms of the Securities Warrants if a
majority of the then outstanding unexercised Securities Warrants affected by the
modification or amendment consent. However, no modification or amendment that
accelerates the expiration date, increases the exercise price, reduces the
majority consent requirement for any such modification or amendment, or
otherwise materially adversely affects the rights of the holders of the
Securities Warrants may be made without the consent of each holder affected by
the modification or amendment.
COMMON STOCK WARRANT ADJUSTMENTS
Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, the exercise
price of, and the number of shares of Common Stock covered by, a warrant for
Common Stock ("COMMON STOCK WARRANTS") will be adjusted in the manner set forth
in the applicable prospectus supplement if certain events occur, including:
- if we issue capital stock as a dividend or distribution on the Common
Stock;
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- if we subdivide, reclassify or combine the Common Stock;
- if we issue rights or warrants to all holders of Common Stock entitling
them (for a period expiring 45 days after the date fixed for determining
the shareholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants) to purchase
Common Stock at less than the current market price (as defined in the
Warrant Agreement for such series of Common Stock Warrants); or
- if we distribute to all holders of Common Stock evidences of our
indebtedness or our assets (excluding certain cash dividends and
distributions described below) or rights or warrants (excluding those
referred to above).
Except as stated above, the exercise price and number of shares of Common
Stock covered by a Common Stock Warrant will not be adjusted if we issue Common
Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock, or
securities carrying the right to purchase Common Stock or securities convertible
into or exchangeable for Common Stock.
Holders of Common Stock Warrants may have additional rights under the
following circumstances:
- a reclassification or change of the Common Stock;
- a consolidation or merger involving our company; or
- a sale or conveyance to another corporation of all or substantially all of
our property and assets.
If one of the above transactions occurs and holders of our Common Stock are
entitled to receive stock, securities, other property or assets (including cash)
with respect to or in exchange for such Common Stock, the holders of the Common
Stock Warrants then outstanding will be entitled to receive upon exercise of
their Common Stock Warrants the kind and amount of shares of stock and other
securities or property that they would have received upon the reclassification,
change, consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance if they had exercised their
Common Stock Warrants immediately before the transaction.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus through
agents, through underwriters or dealers, directly to one or more purchasers, or
through any combination of these methods of sale.
Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the
securities offered pursuant to this prospectus may be underwriters as defined in
the Securities Act of 1933 and any discounts or commissions received by them
from us and any profit on the resale of the offered securities by them may be
treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Any
underwriters or agents will be identified and their compensation (including
underwriting discount) will be described in the applicable prospectus
supplement. The prospectus supplement will also describe other terms of the
offering, including any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to
dealers and any securities exchanges on which the offered securities may be
listed.
The distribution of the securities offered under this prospectus may occur
from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which
may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices
related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, we will authorize dealers
or our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase offered
securities from us pursuant to contracts that provide for payment and delivery
on a future date. We must approve all institutions, but they may include, among
others:
- commercial and savings banks;
- insurance companies;
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- pension funds;
- investment companies; and
- educational and charitable institutions.
The institutional purchaser's obligations under the contract are only subject to
the condition that the purchase of the offered securities at the time of
delivery is allowed by the laws that govern the purchaser. The dealers and our
agents will not be responsible for the validity or performance of the contracts.
We may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers and agents to
indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under
the Securities Act, or to contribute with respect to payments which the
underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make as a result of those
certain civil liabilities.
When we issue the securities offered by this prospectus (except for shares
of Common Stock), they may be new securities without an established trading
market. If we sell a security offered by this prospectus to an underwriter for
public offering and sale, the underwriter may make a market for that security,
but the underwriter will not be obligated to do so and could discontinue any
market making without notice at any time. Therefore, we cannot give any
assurances to you concerning the liquidity of any security offered by this
prospectus.
Underwriters and agents and their affiliates may be customers of, engage in
transactions with, or perform services for us or our subsidiaries in the
ordinary course of their businesses.
LEGAL OPINIONS
Michael P. Sherman, Esq., who is our General Counsel, or another of our
lawyers, will issue an opinion about the legality of the securities offered by
this prospectus. Mr. Sherman owns, or has the right to acquire, a number of
shares of our Common Stock which represents less than 0.2% of the total
outstanding Common Stock. Any underwriters will be represented by their own
legal counsel.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Fingerhut Companies, Inc. as of
December 26, 1997 and December 27, 1996, and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 26, 1997, have been incorporated by reference
herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent
certified public accountants, which report is also incorporated by reference
herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing. To the extent that KPMG Peat Marwick LLP audits and reports on
financial statements of Fingerhut Companies, Inc. issued at future dates, and
consents to the use of their report thereon, such financial statements also will
be incorporated by reference in the registration statement in reliance upon
their report and said authority.
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The following is an estimate, subject to future contingencies, of the
expenses to be incurred by the Registrants in connection with the issuance and
distribution of the securities being registered:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Registration Fee.................................................. $ 111,200
Legal Fees and Expenses*.......................................... 100,000
Trustee Fees and Expenses*........................................ 25,000
Accounting Fees and Expenses*..................................... 55,000
Blue Sky and Legal Investment Fees and Expenses*.................. 25,000
Printing and Engraving Fees*...................................... 80,000
Rating Agency Fees*............................................... 200,000
Listing Fees*..................................................... 50,000
Miscellaneous*.................................................... 28,800
---------
Total*............................................................ $ 675,000
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---------
</TABLE>
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* Estimated pursuant to instruction to Item 511 of Regulation S-K.
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Registrant is subject to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 302A, the Minnesota
Business Corporation Act (the "Corporation Act"). Section 302A.521 of the
Corporation Act provides in substance that, unless prohibited by its articles of
incorporation or bylaws, a corporation must indemnify an officer or director who
is made or threatened to be made a party to a proceeding by reason of the former
or present official capacity of the person against judgments, penalties, fines,
including, without limitation, excise taxes assessed against the person with
respect to an employee benefit plan, settlements, and reasonable expenses,
including attorneys' fees and disbursements, incurred by such person in
connection with the proceeding, if certain criteria are met. These criteria, all
of which must be met by the person seeking indemnification, are: (a) that such
person has not been indemnified by another organization or employee benefit plan
for the same judgments, penalties, fines, including, without limitation, excise
taxes assessed against the person with respect to an employee benefit plan,
settlements, and reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees and
disbursements, incurred by the person in connection with the proceeding with
respect to the same act or omissions; (b) that such person must have acted in
good faith; (c) that no improper personal benefit was obtained by such person
and such person satisfied certain statutory conflicts of interest provisions, if
applicable; (d) that in the case of a criminal proceeding, such person had no
reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful; and (e) that such
person must have acted in a manner he reasonably believed was in the best
interests of the corporation or, in certain limited circumstances, not opposed
to the best interests of the corporation. The determination as to eligibility
for indemnification is made by the members of the corporation's board of
directors or a committee of the board who are at the time not parties to the
proceedings under consideration, by special legal counsel, by the shareholders
who are not parties to the proceedings or by a court.
The Corporation Act also permits a corporation to purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of a person in that person's official capacity against any
liability asserted against and incurred by the person in or arising from that
capacity whether or not the corporation would have been required to indemnify
the person against the liability.
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The Bylaws of the Registrant provide for indemnification of its officers and
directors to the fullest extent permitted under the Corporation Act.
The Registrant currently maintains a policy insuring, subject to certain
exceptions, its directors and officers and the directors and officers of its
subsidiaries against liabilities which may be incurred by such persons acting in
such capacities.
Pursuant to the terms of the form of underwriting agreement and the form of
distribution agreement filed as Exhibits 1.1 and 1.2 to this Registration
Statement, the directors and officers of the Registrant will be indemnified
against certain civil liabilities that they may incur under the Securities Act
of 1933 (the "Securities Act") in connection with this Registration Statement
and the related Prospectus and applicable Prospectus Supplement.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
The following Exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement for Debt
Securities, Preferred Stock, Common
Stock, Depositary Shares and
Securities Warrants.
1.2 Form of Distribution Agreement.
3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation of the Registrant.(1)
3.2 Bylaws of the Registrant.(2)
4.1 Form of Senior Indenture.
4.2 Form of Subordinated Indenture.
4.3 Form of Senior Debt Security.
4.4 Form of Subordinated Debt Security.
4.5 Form of Certificate of Designation,
Preferences and Rights of Preferred
Stock.
4.6 Form of Preferred Stock Certificate.
4.7 Form of Convertible Preferred Stock
Certificate.
4.8 Form of Deposit Agreement, including
form of Depositary Receipt.
4.9 Form of Debt Warrant Agreement,
including form of Debt Warrant
Certificate.
4.10 Form of Preferred Stock Warrant
Agreement, including form of Preferred
Stock Warrant Certificate.
4.11 Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement,
including form of Common Stock Warrant
Certificate.
4.12 Forms of Registered Medium-Term Notes.
4.13 Form of Common Stock Certificate.(3)
*5.1 Opinion of General Counsel of the
Registrant
*12.1 Computations of ratio of earnings to
fixed charges.
23.1 Consent of General Counsel of the
Registrant (included as part of
Exhibit 5.1).
23.2 Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
*24.1 Powers of Attorney.
</TABLE>
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* Previously filed.
(1) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.a to the Registrant's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 (File No. 1-8668).
II-2
<PAGE>
(2) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.b to the Registrant's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 (File No. 1-8668).
(3) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 1-8668) filed on April 13, 1990.
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) 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;
(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. 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
Securities and Exchange Commission (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;
(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 (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if
the Registration Statement is on Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3, and the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant
to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange
Act") that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, 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.
(b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act 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.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act 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 Commission, such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the
II-3
<PAGE>
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.
(d) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration
Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(e) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus 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.
(f) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for
the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under
subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the
rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of
the Securities Act.
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 to the
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Minnetonka, State of Minnesota, on the 3rd day
of December, 1998.
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By /s/ THEODORE DEIKEL
---------------------------
Theodore Deikel
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this amendment
to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:
By /s/ THEODORE DEIKEL Dated: December 3, 1998
-------------------------------------------
Theodore Deikel
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
By /s/ GERALD T. KNIGHT Dated: December 3, 1998
-------------------------------------------
Gerald T. Knight
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
By /s/ THOMAS C. VOGT Dated: December 3, 1998
-------------------------------------------
Thomas C. Vogt
Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
By *
-------------------------------------------
Wendell R. Anderson
Director
By
-------------------------------------------
Edwin C. Gage
Director
II-5
<PAGE>
By *
-------------------------------------------
Stanley S. Hubbard
Director
By
-------------------------------------------
Robert H. Lessin
Director
By *
-------------------------------------------
Kenneth A. Macke
Director
By *
-------------------------------------------
John M. Morrison
Director
By *
-------------------------------------------
Christina L. Shea
Director
*By /s/ MICHAEL P. SHERMAN Dated: December 3, 1998
--------------------------------------
Michael P. Sherman
AS ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
II-6
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT FORM OF FILING
- ---------- ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement for Debt
Securities, Preferred Stock, Common
Stock, Depositary Shares and
Securities Warrants................... Electronic Transmission
1.2 Form of Distribution Agreement.......... Electronic Transmission
3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation of the Registrant....... Incorporated by Reference
3.2 Bylaws of the Registrant................ Incorporated by Reference
4.1 Form of Senior Indenture................ Electronic Transmission
4.2 Form of Subordinated Indenture.......... Electronic Transmission
4.3 Form of Senior Debt Security............ Electronic Transmission
4.4 Form of Subordinated Debt Security...... Electronic Transmission
4.5 Form of Certificate of Designation,
Preferences and Rights of Preferred
Stock................................. Electronic Transmission
4.6 Form of Preferred Stock Certificate..... Electronic Transmission
4.7 Form of Convertible Preferred Stock
Certificate........................... Electronic Transmission
4.8 Form of Deposit Agreement, including
form of Depositary Receipt............ Electronic Transmission
4.9 Form of Debt Warrant Agreement,
including form of Debt Warrant
Certificate........................... Electronic Transmission
4.10 Form of Preferred Stock Warrant
Agreement, including form of Preferred
Stock Warrant Certificate............. Electronic Transmission
4.11 Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement,
including form of Common Stock Warrant
Certificate........................... Electronic Transmission
4.12 Forms of Registered Medium-Term Notes... Electronic Transmission
4.13 Form of Common Stock Certificate........ Incorporated by Reference
*5.1 Opinion of General Counsel of the
Registrant............................
*12.1 Computations of ratio of earnings to
fixed charges.........................
23.1 Consent of General Counsel of the
Registrant (included as part of
Exhibit 5.1)..........................
23.2 Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP........ Electronic Transmission
*24.1 Powers of Attorney......................
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Previously filed.
<PAGE>
Exhibit 1.1
SECURITIES
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT BASIC PROVISIONS
__________, _____
1. INTRODUCTORY. Fingerhut Companies, Inc., a Minnesota
corporation (the "Company"), proposes to issue and sell from time to time its
(i) unsecured debt securities, consisting of debentures, notes and other
unsecured evidences of indebtedness in one or more series ("Debt
Securities"), (ii) shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, in
one or more series, (iii) shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share,
(iv) shares of preferred stock represented by depositary shares ("Depositary
Shares"), and (v) warrants (the "Warrants") to purchase Debt Securities,
preferred stock, common stock or Depositary Shares, all of which (together
with any securities issuable upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any of
thereof) have been registered under the registration statement referred to in
Section 2(a) (such Debt Securities, preferred stock, common stock, Depositary
Shares and Warrants (together with any securities issuable upon conversion,
exchange or exercise of any of thereof) are herein collectively called
"Registered Securities"). If so specified in a Terms Agreement (as defined
below) referred to in Section 3, the Company proposes to grant to the
underwriters an option to purchase up to the amount of Registered Securities
specified in such Terms Agreement (the "Option Securities"). Debt Securities
will be issued under one or more indentures (as amended or supplemented from
time to time and including the applicable supplemental indenture entered into
on or about the Closing Date (as defined below), an "Indenture" and
collectively, the "Indentures"), more particularly described in a Terms
Agreement, between the Company and the trustee named therein (the "Trustee"),
in one or more series, which series may vary as to interest rates,
maturities, redemption provisions, selling prices and other terms, with all
such terms for any particular series of the Debt Securities being determined
at the time of sale. The preferred stock will be issued in one or more
series, which series may vary as to voting rights, dividends, optional and
mandatory redemption provisions, liquidation preference and conversion
provisions and other terms, with all such terms for any particular series or
issue of the preferred stock being determined at the time of sale.
Additional representations, warranties, covenants, conditions and other terms
related to any issue of Depositary Shares or Warrants (and any securities
issuable upon conversion, exchange or exercise thereof) will be set forth in
the Terms Agreement applicable thereto. The Registered Securities will be
sold pursuant to a Terms Agreement, for resale in accordance with terms of
offering determined at the time of sale.
The Registered Securities (including, without limitation, any
Option Securities) involved in any such offering are hereinafter referred to
as the "Securities." The firm or firms which agree to purchase the
Securities are hereinafter referred to as the "Underwriters" of
<PAGE>
such Securities, and the representative or representatives of the
Underwriters, if any, specified in a Terms Agreement are hereinafter referred
to as the "Representatives"; provided, however, that if the Terms Agreement
does not specify any representative of the Underwriters, the term
"Representatives," as used in this Agreement, shall mean the Underwriters.
2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY. The Company
represents and warrants as of the date of this Agreement as follows:
(a) A registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-_____) with
respect to the Registered Securities (i) has been prepared by the Company in
conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), and the rules and regulations (the "Rules and
Regulations") of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
thereunder and (ii) has been filed with the Commission under the Securities
Act. Such registration statement has become effective under the Securities
Act. If any post-effective amendment to such registration statement has been
filed with the Commission prior to the date of the applicable Terms
Agreement, the most recent such amendment has been declared effective by the
Commission. Copies of such registration statement and any amendments thereto
have been delivered by the Company to the Representatives. As used in this
Agreement, "Effective Time" means the respective date and time as of which
such registration statement, or the most recent post-effective amendment
thereto, if any, was declared effective by the Commission; and "Effective
Date" means the respective applicable date of the Effective Time. As
provided in Section 4(a), a prospectus supplement relating to the Securities,
the terms of the offering thereof and the other manners set forth therein has
been prepared and will be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities
Act. In addition, a preliminary prospectus supplement reflecting the terms
of the Securities, the terms of the offering thereof, and the other matters
set forth therein also may be prepared and filed pursuant to Rule 424 under
the Securities Act. Such prospectus supplement, in the form filed on or
after the date of this Agreement pursuant to Rule 424, is referred to in this
Agreement as the "Prospectus Supplement," and any such preliminary prospectus
supplement in the form filed after the date of this Agreement pursuant to
Rule 424 is referred to as the "Preliminary Prospectus Supplement." Any
prospectus accompanied by a Preliminary Prospectus Supplement is referred to
in this Agreement, collectively with such Preliminary Prospectus Supplement,
as a "Preliminary Prospectus." The registration statement referred to in
this Section 2(a), as amended at the time of execution and delivery of the
Terms Agreement, including the exhibits thereto (but excluding the Statement
of Qualification and Eligibility ("Form T-1") and the documents filed by the
Company with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Exchange Act"), that are incorporated by reference therein
pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 under the Securities Act (the "Incorporated
Documents") and the information, if any, deemed to be a part of the
registration statement pursuant to Rule 430A(b) under the Securities Act, is
called the "Registration Statement"; and the basic prospectus included
therein relating to all offerings of securities under the Registration
Statement, as supplemented by the Prospectus Supplement, is called the
"Prospectus," except that, if such basic prospectus is amended or
supplemented on or prior to the date on which the Prospectus Supplement is
first filed pursuant to Rule 424, the term "Prospectus" shall refer to the
basic prospectus as so amended or supplemented and as
2
<PAGE>
supplemented by the Prospectus Supplement, in either case including the
Incorporated Documents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any prospectus
supplement prepared or filed with respect to an offering pursuant to the
Registration Statement of securities other than the Securities shall not be
deemed to have supplemented the Prospectus. The Commission has not issued
any order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, and no
such stop order has been initiated or threatened by the Commission.
(b) On the Effective Date, the Registration Statement conformed in
all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Rules
and Regulations, and did not contain an untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements therein not misleading; and on the date of the
applicable Terms Agreement, and at the time of filing of the Prospectus
pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act, the Prospectus will conform
in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the
Rules and Regulations, and will not include an untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading; and on the Effective Date and the Closing Date,
respectively, the Indenture, if any, described in the Terms Agreement
conformed and will conform in all material respects with the requirements of
the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"), and
the applicable rules and regulations thereunder; provided that no
representation or warranty is made as to (i) information contained in or
omitted from the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in reliance upon
and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company through
the Representatives by or on behalf of any Underwriter specifically for
inclusion therein or (ii) that part of the Registration Statement which shall
constitute the Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture Act.
(c) KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, who have certified the financial
statements and supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement,
are independent public accountants as required by the Securities Act and the
Rules and Regulations.
(d) Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is
given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, except as set forth
in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, there has been no material
adverse change or any development involving a prospective material adverse
change in the business, prospects, properties, operations, condition
(financial or other), net worth or results of operations of the Company and
its subsidiaries taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions
in the ordinary course of business, (such change or development involving a
prospective change, a "Material Adverse Change") and since the date of the
latest balance sheet included or incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus, neither the Company nor any of its
subsidiaries has incurred or undertaken any liabilities or obligations,
direct or contingent, which are material to the Company and its subsidiaries
taken as a whole, except for liabilities or obligations which are reflected
in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
(e) The execution, delivery and performance of the Terms Agreement
(including the provisions of this Agreement) by the Company and the
consummation of the
3
<PAGE>
transactions contemplated thereby and hereby, and compliance by the Company
with the provisions of the Indenture, if any, described in the Terms
Agreement and the Securities, have been duly and validly authorized by the
Company, and this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered
by the Company.
(f) The execution, delivery and performance of the Terms Agreement
(including the provisions of this Agreement) by the Company and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby and hereby and
compliance by the Company with the provisions of the Indenture, if any,
described in the Terms Agreement and the Securities do not and will not (i)
conflict with or result in a breach of any of the terms and provisions of, or
constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time, or
both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the creation or
imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to, any agreement,
instrument, franchise, license or permit to which the Company or any of its
subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries or
their respective properties or assets may be bound or (ii) violate or
conflict with any provision of the articles of incorporation or by-laws of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any judgment, decree, order,
statute, rule or regulation of any court or any public, governmental or
regulatory agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets. No consent,
approval, authorization, order, registration, filing, qualification, license
or permit of or with any court or any public, governmental or regulatory
agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets is required for
the execution, delivery and performance of the Terms Agreement (including the
provisions of this Agreement) by the Company and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated thereby and hereby, and compliance by the Company
with the provisions of the Indenture, if any, described in the Terms
Agreement and the Securities, including the issuance, sale and delivery of
the Securities to be issued, sold and delivered by the Company hereunder,
except the registration under the Securities Act of the Securities and such
consents, approvals, authorizations, orders, registrations, filings,
qualifications, licenses and permits as may be required under state
securities or Blue Sky laws in connection with the purchase and distribution
of the Securities by the Underwriters.
(g) All of the outstanding shares of common stock are duly and
validly authorized and issued, fully paid and non-assessable and were not
issued and are not now in violation of or subject to any preemptive rights.
The common stock and preferred stock, if any, described in the Terms
Agreement have been duly authorized by the Company and, when issued and paid
for pursuant to the Terms Agreement, will be duly and validly issued, fully
paid and non-assessable and will not be issued in violation of or be subject
to any preemptive rights. The Company had, at __________, _____, an
authorized and outstanding Capitalization as set forth in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus. The common stock and the preferred stock, if
any, described in the Terms Agreement conform to the descriptions thereof
contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
(h) Each of the Company and each of its subsidiaries (as defined
in Rule 405 of the Rules and Regulations) has been duly organized and is
validly existing as a corporation
4
<PAGE>
in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation. Each
of the Company and its subsidiaries is duly qualified and in good standing as
a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which the character or location
of its properties (owned, leased or licensed) or the nature or conduct of its
business makes such qualification necessary, except for those failures to be
so qualified or in good standing which will not in the aggregate have a
material adverse effect on the business, prospects, properties, assets,
operations, condition (financial or other), net worth or results of
operations of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole (a "Material
Adverse Effect"). Each of the Company and its subsidiaries has all requisite
power and authority, and all necessary consents, approvals, authorizations,
orders, registrations, qualifications, licenses and permits of and from all
public, regulatory or governmental agencies and bodies, to own, lease and
operate its properties and conduct its business as now being conducted and as
described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and no such
consent, approval, authorization, order, registration, qualification, license
or permit contains a materially burdensome restriction not adequately
disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. Each of the
Company and its subsidiaries has (i) good and marketable title to all of the
properties and assets described in the Prospectus as owned by it, free and
clear of all liens, charges, encumbrances and restrictions (except for taxes
not yet payable and as described in the Prospectus) and (ii) peaceful and
undisturbed possession under all material leases to which any of them is a
party as lessee and each of which lease is valid and binding and no default
exists thereunder, except for defaults that could not reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect. All material leases to which the Company
or any of its subsidiaries is a party are valid and binding and no default by
the Company or such subsidiary, as the case may be, has occurred and is
continuing thereunder and, to the best knowledge of the Company, no material
defaults by the landlord are existing under any such lease, except those
defaults that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect. All of the issued shares of capital stock of each significant
subsidiary of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued
and are fully paid, non-assessable and are owned directly or indirectly by
the Company, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities, claims,
security interests, restrictions on transfer, stockholders' agreements,
voting trusts or other defects in title. None of the subsidiaries of the
Company, other than those so identified in the Terms Agreement, is a
"significant subsidiary," as such term is defined in Rule 405 of the Rules
and Regulations.
(i) The Indenture, if any, described in the Terms Agreement has
been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and (assuming the
due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the Trustee under the
Indenture) constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of the
Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.
(j) The Debt Securities, if any, described in the Terms Agreement
have been duly authorized by the Company and, when the terms of the Debt
Securities and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in
accordance with the Indenture, the Terms Agreement (including the provisions
of this Agreement) and the Debt Securities have been duly executed,
authenticated, issued and delivered in the manner provided in the Indenture
and paid for in accordance with the Terms Agreement (including the provisions
of this Agreement), the
5
<PAGE>
Debt Securities will be duly and validly issued and delivered by the Company
and will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company,
enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms and entitled
to the benefits of the Indenture; if any Securities to be issued are
convertible, the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion thereof have
been duly authorized by the Company, have been duly reserved for issuance
upon conversion of the Securities and, when issued upon the conversion of the
Securities, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable;
no further approval or authority of the stockholders or the Board of
Directors of the Company will be required for the issuance and sale of the
Securities as contemplated herein or the issuance of the shares of common
stock upon conversion of the Securities; and the Debt Securities and the
Indenture, if any, described in the Terms Agreement and the common stock of
the Company issuable upon conversion of such Debt Securities, if any, will
conform to the descriptions thereof contained in the Registration Statement
and the Prospectus.
(k) Except as described in the Prospectus, there is no litigation
or governmental proceeding to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is
a party or to which any property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is
subject or which is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company,
contemplated against the Company or any of its subsidiaries which would
reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change or which is
required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus;
and to the actual knowledge of the Company, no such proceedings are
threatened by governmental authorities or by others.
(l) The Company has not taken and will not take, directly or
indirectly, any action designed to cause or result in, or which constitutes
or which might reasonably be expected to constitute, the stabilization or
manipulation of the price of the Securities to facilitate the sale or resale
of the Securities.
(m) The financial statements, including the notes thereto, and
supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus present fairly the financial position of the Company as of the
dates indicated and the results of its operations for the periods specified;
except as otherwise stated in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus,
said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis; and the
supporting schedules, if any, included in the Registration Statement and
Prospectus present fairly the information required to be stated therein.
(n) Except as described in the Prospectus, no holder of securities
of the Company has any rights to the registration of securities of the
Company because of the filing of the Registration Statement or otherwise in
connection with the sale of the Securities contemplated in the Terms
Agreement. Immediately after the sale of the Securities by the Company under
the Terms Agreement, the aggregate amount of Securities which shall have been
issued and sold by the Company under the Terms Agreement and of any other
securities of the Company (other than the Securities) that shall have been
issued and sold pursuant to the
6
<PAGE>
Registration Statement will not exceed the amount of Securities registered
under the Registration Statement.
(q) The documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference in the Prospectus, at the time they were or hereafter are filed
with the Commission, complied and will comply in all material respects with
the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the
Commission under the Exchange Act, and, when read together with the other
information in the Prospectus, at the time the Registration Statement and any
amendments thereto become effective and at the Closing Date, will not contain
an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in
the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(r) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries nor, to the
Company's best knowledge, any other party, is now, or is reasonably expected
by the Company or any of its subsidiaries to be, (i) in violation or breach
of, or default (disregarding any grace or notice provision), with respect to
any material provision of any contract, agreement, instrument, lease,
license, policy, arrangement, or understanding to which the Company or any of
its subsidiaries is a party or will become a party in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) in violation of any provision of its
articles of incorporation or by-laws, or (iii) in violation of any law,
ordinance, governmental rule, regulation or court decree to which it or its
property or assets may be subject or has failed to obtain any license,
permit, certificate, franchise or other governmental authorization or permit
necessary to the ownership of its property or to the conduct of its business,
which violation, breach or default or violations, breaches or defaults, in
the case of clause (i) or (iii), singly or in the aggregate has, or would
reasonably be expected in the future to have, a Material Adverse Effect; and
each such contract, agreement, instrument, lease, license, policy,
arrangement and understanding is in full force and effect and is the legal,
valid and binding obligation of the Company or its subsidiaries, as the case
may be, and to the Company's best knowledge, the other parties thereto, and
is enforceable as to the Company or its subsidiaries, as the case may be, and
to the Company's best knowledge, the other parties thereto in accordance with
its terms subject, as to enforceability, to applicable bankruptcy,
reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws of general application
affecting the rights of creditors generally, except where such failure to be
in full force and effect or to be a legal, valid and binding obligation or to
be enforceable, as the case may be, has not had, or would not reasonably be
expected in the future to have, a Material Adverse Effect.
(s) The Company has no reason to believe that the Company and each
of its subsidiaries do not own or possess adequate rights to use all material
patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade names,
trademark registrations, service mark registrations, copyrights and licenses
necessary for the conduct of their respective businesses in the manner
described in the Prospectus and have no reason to believe that the conduct of
their respective businesses will conflict with any such rights of others.
7
<PAGE>
(t) There are no contracts or other documents which are required
to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement by the Securities Act
or by the Rules and Regulations which have not been filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement.
(u) Except as described in the Prospectus, since the date as of
which information is given in the Prospectus, the Company has not (i) issued
or granted any rights to acquire any securities (other than pursuant to
employee benefit plans or other compensation plans existing on the date of
the Terms Agreement) or (ii) declared or paid any dividend on its capital
stock other than regular quarterly cash dividends.
(v) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is, nor upon
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will be, required to
register as, or be subject to regulation as, an "investment company" under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or a "broker" within the
meaning of Section 3(a)(4) of the Exchange Act, or a "dealer" within the
meaning of Section 3(a)(5) of the Exchange Act, or required to be registered
pursuant to Section 15(a) of the Exchange Act.
(w) The conditions for use of Form S-3, as set forth in the
General Instructions thereto, have been satisfied.
(x) The Company has (i) initiated a review and assessment of all
areas within its and each of its subsidiaries' business and operations
(including those affected by suppliers, vendors and customers) that could be
adversely affected by the "Year 2000 Problem" (that is, the risk that
computer applications used by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (or
suppliers, vendors and customers) may be unable to recognize and perform
properly date-sensitive functions involving certain dates prior to and any
date after December 31, 1999), (ii) developed a plan and timeline for
addressing the Year 2000 Problem on a timely basis and (iii) to date, has
implemented that plan in accordance with that timetable. Based on the
foregoing, the Company believes that all computer applications (including
those of the Company's suppliers, vendors and customers) that are material to
its or any of its subsidiaries' business and operations are reasonably
expected on a timely basis to be able to perform properly date-sensitive
functions for all dates before and after January 1, 2000 (that is, be "Year
2000 Compliant"), except to the extent that a failure to do so could not
reasonably be expected to have Material Adverse Effect.
3. PURCHASE AND OFFERING OF THE SECURITIES BY THE UNDERWRITERS.
The obligation of the Underwriters to purchase the Securities will be
evidenced by an exchange of written communications (including, without
limitation, facsimile transmissions) ("Terms Agreement") at each time the
Company determines to sell the Securities. Unless otherwise agreed by the
parties thereto, each Terms Agreement will be in the form of Annex II(A) or
(B) attached hereto and will incorporate by reference the provisions of this
Agreement, except as otherwise provided therein, and will specify the firm or
firms which will be Underwriters, the names of any Representatives, the
amount to be purchased by each Underwriter, the purchase price to be paid by
the Underwriters and certain terms of the Securities and whether any of the
Securities may be sold to institutional investors pursuant to Delayed
Delivery Contracts (as
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defined below). The Terms Agreement will also specify the time and date of
delivery and payment (such time and date being herein and in the Terms
Agreement referred to as the "Closing Date"), the place of delivery and
payment and any details of the terms of any public offering that should be
reflected in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the offering of the
Securities. The obligations of the Underwriters to purchase the Securities
will be several and not joint. It is understood that the Underwriters
propose to offer the Securities for sale as set forth in the Prospectus.
Debt Securities, if any, delivered to the Underwriters on the Closing Date
will be in definitive fully registered form, in such denominations and
registered in such names as the Underwriters may request.
If specified in a Terms Agreement, on the basis of the
representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Agreement, and
subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Company
grants an option to the several Underwriters to purchase, severally and not
jointly, up to that amount of the Option Securities as shall be specified in
the Terms Agreement from the Company at the same price as the Underwriters
shall pay for the Securities which the Underwriters are committed to purchase
on the Closing Date (the "Firm Securities"). Said option may be exercised
only to cover over-allotments in the sale of the Firm Securities by the
Underwriters and may be exercised in whole or in part at any time and from
time to time on or before the thirtieth day after the date of the Terms
Agreement upon written or telegraphic notice by the Representatives to the
Company setting forth the amount of the Option Securities as to which the
several Underwriters are exercising the option. The amount of Option
Securities to be purchased by each Underwriter in connection with each
exercise of such option shall be the same percentage of the total amount of
the Option Securities to be purchased by the several Underwriters as such
Underwriter is purchasing of the Firm Securities, as adjusted by the
Representatives in such manner as the Representatives deem advisable to avoid
fractional shares or units.
If the Terms Agreement provides for sales of Securities pursuant to
delayed delivery contracts, the Company authorizes the Underwriters to
solicit offers to purchase Securities pursuant to delayed delivery contracts
substantially in the form of Annex I attached hereto ("Delayed Delivery
Contracts") with such changes therein as the Company may authorize or
approve. Delayed Delivery Contracts are to be made only with institutional
investors, including commercial and savings banks, insurance companies
pension funds, investment companies and educational and charitable
institutions. On the Closing Date, the Company will pay, as compensation, to
the Representatives for the accounts of the Underwriters, the fee set forth
in such Terms Agreement in respect of the amount of Securities to be sold
pursuant to Delayed Delivery Contracts ("Contract Securities"). The
Underwriters will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or
the performance of Delayed Delivery Contracts. If the Company executes and
delivers Delayed Delivery Contracts, the Contract Securities will be deducted
from the Securities to be purchased by the several Underwriters and the
aggregate amount of Securities to be purchased by each Underwriter will be
reduced pro rata in proportion to the amount of Securities set forth opposite
each Underwriter's name in such Terms Agreement, except to the extent that
the Representatives determine that such reduction shall be otherwise than pro
rata and so advise the Company.
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The Company will advise the Representatives not later than the business day
prior to the Closing Date of the amount of Contract Securities.
4. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY. The Company covenants and agrees
with the Underwriters as follows:
(a) The Company agrees: (i) to prepare the Prospectus in a form
approved by the Representatives and to file such Prospectus, including the
Prospectus Supplement, pursuant to Rule 424(b) within the time period
prescribed by the Rules and Regulations; (ii) to notify the Representatives,
promptly after it receives notice, of the time when the Registration
Statement or any amendment thereto becomes effective or promptly after the
filing of any supplement or amendment to the Prospectus (other than any
Incorporated Document or any amendment or supplement relating to an offering
of securities other than the Securities) and to furnish the Representatives
with copies thereof; (iii) to notify the Representatives, promptly after it
receives notice thereof, of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order
or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary
Prospectus or the Prospectus, of the suspension of the qualification of the
Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, of the initiation or
threatening of any proceeding for any such purpose, or of any request by the
Commission for the amending or supplementing of the Registration Statement or
the Prospectus or for additional information; and, in the event of the
issuance of any stop order or of any order preventing or suspending the use
of any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or suspending any such
qualification, to use promptly its best efforts to obtain its withdrawal; and
(iv) not to file any amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment
of or supplement to the Prospectus (including the prospectus required to be
filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)) that differs from the prospectus on file at
the time of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or file any
document under the Exchange Act if such document would be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into the Prospectus to which the Representatives
shall reasonably object in writing after being timely furnished in advance a
copy thereof.
(b) If at any time when a Prospectus relating to the Securities is
required to be delivered under the Securities Act any event shall have
occurred as a result of which the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented
would, in the judgment of the Underwriters or the Company include an untrue
statement of a material factor or omit to state any material fact required to
be state therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or if it shall
be necessary at any time to amend or supplement the Prospectus or
Registration Statement to comply with the Securities Act or the Rules and
Regulations, or to file under the Exchange Act, so as to comply with the
Exchange Act or the Securities Act, any document incorporated by reference in
the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or in any amendment thereof or
supplement thereto, the Company will notify the Representatives promptly and
prepare and file with the Commission an appropriate amendment or supplement
(in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives) which will
correct such misstatement or omission or which will effect such compliance
and will use its best efforts to have any amendment to the Registration
Statement declared effective as soon as possible.
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(c) The Company will promptly deliver to the Representatives two
signed copies of the Registration Statement, including exhibits and all
documents incorporated by reference therein and all amendments thereto, and
the Company will promptly deliver to each of the Underwriters such number of
copies of any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, the Registration
Statement, and all amendments of and supplements to such documents, if any,
and all documents incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and
Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, without exhibits,
as the Representatives may reasonably request.
(d) The Company will endeavor in good faith, in cooperation with
the Representatives, at or prior to the time of effectiveness of the
Registration Statement, to qualify the Securities for offering and sale under
the securities laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives may
designate and to maintain such qualification in effect for so long as
required for the distribution thereof; except that in no event shall the
Company be obligated in connection therewith to qualify as a foreign
corporation or to execute a general consent to service of process.
(e) As soon as practicable but no later than 16 months after the
date of each Terms Agreement, the Company will make generally available to
its securityholders an earning statement of the Company and its subsidiaries
(which need not be audited) complying with Section 11(a) of the Securities
Act (including, at the option of the Company, Rule 158) covering a period of
at least 12 months beginning on the first day of the first fiscal quarter of
the Company commencing after the later of (i) the effective date of the
Registration Statement, (ii) the effective date of the most recent
post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement to become effective
prior to the date of such Terms Agreement or (iii) the date of the Company's
most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission prior to the
date of such Terms Agreement.
(f) For the period specified in the Terms Agreement, the Company,
(A) in the event of an offering of common stock, preferred stock or
convertible debt securities, (x) will not (i) offer for sale, sell or
otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of common stock of
the Company or permit registration under the Securities Act of any shares of
common stock of the Company (other than the Securities and shares issued
pursuant to employee benefit plans, qualified stock option plans or other
employee compensation plans), (ii) sell or grant options, rights or warrants
with respect to any shares of common stock of the Company (other than the
Securities and the grant of options pursuant to employee benefit plans), or
(iii) offer for sale, sell or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly,
any securities convertible into or, exchangeable or exercisable for common
stock of the Company (other than the Securities) and (y) will obtain the
agreement of the persons, if any, specified in the Terms Agreement not to
offer for sale, sell or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any
shares of common stock of the Company, without, in any case, the prior
written consent of the Representatives; and, (B) in the event of an offering
of Debt Securities, will not, between the date of the Terms Agreement and the
date of delivery of the Debt Securities, offer for sale, sell or cause to be
offered for sale or sold, without the prior written consent of the
Representatives, any debt securities which are substantially similar to the
Debt Securities.
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(g) During the period, if any, specified in the Terms Agreement
after the date of such Terms Agreement, the Company will furnish to the
Representatives copies of (i) all reports to its stockholders; and (ii) all
reports, financial statements and proxy or information statements filed by
the Company with the Commission or any national securities exchange or
quotation system.
(h) The Company will apply the proceeds from the sale of the
Securities as set forth under "Use of Proceeds" in the Prospectus.
(i) If the Securities include shares of common stock or securities
convertible into shares of common stock, the Company will cause such shares
to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
(k) The Company, during the period when the Prospectus is required
to be delivered under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, will file all
documents required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14
or 15 of the Exchange Act within the time periods required by the Exchange
Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
5. PAYMENT OF EXPENSES. Whether or not the transactions
contemplated by any Terms Agreement are consummated or such Terms Agreement
is terminated, the Company hereby agrees to pay all costs and expenses
incident to the performance of the obligations of the Company under such
Terms Agreement (including the provisions of this Agreement), including,
without limitation, (i) costs and expenses of preparing, printing,
duplicating, filing and distributing the Registration Statement, as
originally filed and all amendments thereof (including all exhibits thereto),
any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements
thereto (including, without limitation, fees and expenses of the Company's
accountants and counsel), any Incorporated Documents and any amendments or
supplements thereto, the underwriting documents (including this Agreement,
and any Agreement Among Underwriters and Selling Agreement) and all other
documents related to the public offering of the Securities (including those
supplied to the Underwriters in quantities as hereinabove stated); (ii) costs
and expenses in connection with the issuance, transfer and delivery of the
Securities to the Underwriters, including any transfer or other taxes payable
thereon; (iii) costs and expenses in connection with the qualification of the
Securities under state or foreign securities or Blue Sky laws, including the
costs of printing and mailing a preliminary and/or final "blue sky survey"
and fees of counsel for the Underwriters and such counsel's disbursements in
relation thereto; (iv) fees and expenses in connection with listing shares of
common stock, and other Securities, if any, on the New York Stock Exchange or
other securities exchange or quotation system, as the case may be; (v) filing
fees of the Commission and the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. (the "NASD"), if any; (vi) the cost of printing certificates
representing the Securities; (vii) the fees paid to rating agencies in
connection with the rating of the Securities; (viii) the reasonable fees and
disbursements of the Trustee and any transfer agent and their respective
counsel; and (ix) all other reasonable costs and expenses incident to the
performance of the obligations of the Company under the Terms Agreement
(including the provisions of this Agreement).
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6. CONDITIONS OF UNDERWRITERS' OBLIGATIONS. The obligations of
the Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Securities as provided herein,
shall be subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the
Company herein contained, as of the date of the applicable Terms Agreement
and as of the Closing Date (for purposes of this Section 6 "Closing Date"
shall refer to the Closing Date for the Firm Securities and the date of
delivery, if different, for any Option Securities), to the absence from any
certificates, opinions, written statements or letters furnished to the
Representatives or to Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft ("Underwriters' Counsel")
pursuant to this Section 6 of any misstatement or omission to state a
material fact, to the performance by the Company of its obligations
hereunder, and to the following additional conditions:
(a) The Prospectus as amended or supplemented shall have been
filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act
within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by the Rules and
Regulations and in accordance with Section 4(a); no stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof shall have
been issued and no proceeding for that purpose shall have been initiated or
threatened by the Commission; and any request of the Commission for inclusion
of additional information in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or
otherwise shall have been complied with. No Underwriter shall have
discovered and disclosed to the Company on or prior to the Closing Date that
the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement
thereto contains an untrue statement of a fact which, in the opinion of
Underwriters' Counsel is material or omits to state a fact which, in the
opinion of such counsel, is material and is required to be stated therein or
is necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
(b) At the Closing Date, the Representatives shall have received
the opinion of Faegre & Benson LLP, counsel for the Company, and/or Michael
P. Sherman, Esq., Senior Vice President, Business Development, General
Counsel and Secretary of the Company, dated the Closing Date addressed to the
Underwriters and in form and substance satisfactory to Underwriters' Counsel,
to the effect that:
(i) Each of the Company and its subsidiaries has been duly
incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing
under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation. Each of the Company
and its subsidiaries is duly qualified and in good standing as a foreign
corporation in each jurisdiction in which the character or location of its
properties (owned, leased or licensed) or the nature or conduct of its
business makes such qualification necessary, except for those failures to
be so qualified or in good standing which would not in the aggregate be
reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each of the Company
and its subsidiaries has the corporate power to own, lease and license its
respective properties and conduct its business as now being conducted and
as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. All of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of each subsidiary of the Company have
been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and
non-assessable and were not issued in violation of or subject to any
preemptive rights, and are owned directly or indirectly by the Company,
free and clear of any lien,
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encumbrance, claim, security interest, restriction on transfer,
stockholders' agreement, voting trust or other defect of title whatsoever.
(ii) The authorized and outstanding capital stock of the Company
is as set forth in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. All of
the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are duly and validly
authorized and issued, fully paid and non-assessable and were not issued in
violation of or subject to any preemptive rights.
(iii) The shares of common stock and preferred stock, if any,
of the Company described in the Terms Agreement have been duly authorized
by the Company and, when issued and paid for pursuant to the Terms
Agreement, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable
and will not have been issued in violation of or be subject to any
preemptive rights.
(iv) The Indenture, if any, described in the Terms Agreement has
been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and (assuming
the due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the Trustee under
the Indenture) constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of the
Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.
(v) The Debt Securities, if any, described in the Terms
Agreement have been duly authorized by the Company and, when the terms of
the Debt Securities and of their issuance and sale have been duly
established in accordance with the Indenture, this Agreement and the Terms
Agreement, and the Debt Securities have been duly executed, authenticated,
issued and delivered in the manner provided in the Indenture and paid for
in accordance with this Agreement and the Terms Agreement, the Debt
Securities will be duly and validly issued and delivered by the Company and
will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company,
enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms and entitled
to the benefits of the Indenture; if any Securities to be issued are
convertible, the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion thereof
have been duly authorized by the Company, have been duly reserved for
issuance upon conversion of the Securities and, when issued upon the
conversion of the Securities, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid
and non-assessable and will not have been issued in violation of or subject
to any preemptive rights.
(vi) The Securities, other than any Contract Securities, the
Indenture and the capital stock of the Company conform, and any Contract
Securities, when issued, delivered and sold, will conform, in all material
respects to the descriptions thereof contained or incorporated by reference
in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus; and the provisions of the
contracts, agreements and instruments (as the same may be in effect on the
Closing Date) summarized in the Prospectus, any supplement thereto or any
document incorporated by reference therein, conform in all
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material respects to the descriptions thereof in the Prospectus, any
supplement thereto or any document incorporated by reference therein;
(vii) The Company has the corporate power to execute, deliver
and perform its obligations under the Terms Agreement, this Agreement and
any Delayed Delivery Contracts and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby, and the Terms Agreement, this Agreement
and any Delayed Delivery Contracts have been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by the Company.
(viii) There is no litigation or governmental proceeding to
which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party, or to which any
property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject, which is
pending or, to the best of such counsel's knowledge, threatened against the
Company or any of its subsidiaries, which is of a character required to be
disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus which has not
been properly disclosed therein.
(ix) The execution, delivery and performance of the Terms
Agreement (including the provisions of this Agreement) by the Company and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby and hereby and
compliance by the Company with the provisions of the Indenture, if any,
described in the Terms Agreement and the Securities, including the
issuance, sale and delivery of the Securities to be issued, sold and
delivered by the Company on the Closing Date, do not and will not (i)
conflict with or result in a breach of any of the terms and provisions of,
or constitute a default (or any event which with notice or lapse of time,
or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the creation or
imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets
of the Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to, any agreement,
instrument, franchise, license or permit to which the Company or any of its
subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries
or any of their respective properties or assets may be bound or (ii)
violate or conflict with any provisions of the articles of incorporation or
by-laws of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any judgment, decree,
order, statute, rule or regulation of any court or any public, governmental
or regulatory agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of
its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets.
(x) No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration,
filing, qualification, license or permit of or with any court or any
public, governmental or regulatory agency or body having jurisdiction over
the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective
properties or assets is required for the execution, delivery and
performance of the Terms Agreement (including the provisions of this
Agreement) by the Company and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated thereby and hereby and compliance by the Company which the
provisions of the Indenture, if any, described in the Terms Agreement and
the Securities, including the issuance, sale and delivery of the Securities
to be issued, sold and delivered by the Company on the Closing Date, except
the registration under the Securities Act of the
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Securities and such consents, approvals, authorizations, orders,
registrations, filings, qualifications, licenses and permits as may be
required under state securities or Blue Sky laws in connection with the
purchase and distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters.
(xi) To the best of such counsel's knowledge, neither the
Company nor any of its subsidiaries is (i) in violation or breach of, or
default (disregarding any grace or notice provision) with respect to any
material provision of any contract, agreement, instrument, lease, license
or permit known to such counsel to which the Company or any of its
subsidiaries is a party, or (ii) in violation of any law, ordinance,
governmental rule, regulation or court decree to which the Company or any
of its subsidiaries or their respective properties or assets may be
subject, which violations, breaches or defaults, in the case of clause
(i) or (ii), singly or in the aggregate, have or can reasonably be
expected in the future to have, a Material Adverse Effect.
(xii) At the Effective Time, the Registration Statement
(including all documents incorporated by reference therein) complied, and
on the date of the Terms Agreement, the Prospectus (including all documents
incorporated by reference therein) complies, and any further amendments or
supplements thereto made by the Company on or prior to the date of such
opinion comply (other than, in each case, the financial statements and
related schedules and other financial and statistical data included or
incorporated by reference therein and the Form T-1 under the Trust
Indenture Act, as to which such counsel need express no opinion) as to form
in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act, the
Exchange Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder.
(xiii) To the best of such counsel's knowledge, there are no
contracts or other documents which are required to be filed as exhibits to
the Registration Statement by the Securities Act or by the Rules and
Regulations which have not been so filed.
(xiv) The Registration Statement is effective under the
Securities Act, and, to the best of such counsel's knowledge, no stop
order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any
post-effective amendment thereof has been issued and no proceedings
therefor have been initiated or threatened by the Commission and all
filings required by Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations have been
made.
(xv) To the best of such counsel's knowledge, there are no
contracts, agreements or understandings between the Company and any person
granting such person the right to require the Company to include any
securities owned or to be owned by such person in the securities registered
pursuant to the Registration Statement, or, except as described in the
Prospectus or Schedule B to the Terms Agreement, to require the Company to
file any other registration statement under the Securities Act (other than
a registration statement on Form S-8) with respect to any securities of the
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Company owned or to be owned by such person or to require the Company to
include such securities in any securities being registered pursuant to any
other registration statement filed by the Company under the Securities Act.
(xvi) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is, nor
upon consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will be, required
to be registered as, or subject to regulation as, an "investment company"
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or a "broker" within
the meaning of Section 3(a)(4) of the Exchange Act, or a "dealer" within
the meaning of Section 3(a)(5) of the Exchange Act, or required to be
registered pursuant to Section 15(a) of the Exchange Act.
(xvii) The statements in the Prospectus under the captions
[list relevant sections of Prospectus] insofar as such statements
constitute matters of law, summaries of legal matters, the Company's
charter or bylaw provisions, legal documents or legal proceedings, or legal
conclusions, have been reviewed by such counsel and, as of the date of the
Prospectus and as of the date hereof, fairly present and summarize, in all
material respects, the matters referred to therein.
In addition, such opinion shall also contain a statement that
such counsel has participated in conferences with officers and
representatives of the Company, representatives of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
the Underwriters and Underwriters' Counsel at which the contents of the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus and related matters were
discussed, and no facts have come to the attention of such counsel which
would lead such counsel to believe that either the Registration
Statement, as of the Effective Time, or, if later, as of the date of the
Company's most recent filing of an Annual Report on Form 10-K (including
such Annual Report on Form 10-K), contained or any amendment thereof made
prior to the Closing Date, as of the date of such amendment, contained an
untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading or that the Prospectus as of its date (or any amendment
thereof or supplement thereto made prior to the Closing Date, as of the
date of such amendment or supplement) and as of the Closing Date,
contained or contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted
or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading (it being understood that such
counsel need express no belief or opinion with respect to the financial
statements and schedules and other financial or statistical data included
or incorporated by reference therein).
In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely (A) as to matters
involving the application of laws other than the laws of the United States and
jurisdictions in which they are admitted, to the extent such counsel deems
proper and to the extent specified in such opinion, if at all, upon an opinion
or opinions (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Underwriters'
Counsel) of other counsel reasonably acceptable to Underwriters' Counsel,
familiar with the applicable laws and (B) as to matters of fact, to the extent
they deem proper, on certificates of responsible officers of the Company and
certificates or other written
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statements of officers of departments of various jurisdictions having
custody of documents respecting the corporate existence or good standing
of the Company and its subsidiaries, provided that copies of any such
statements or certificates shall be delivered to Underwriters' Counsel.
The opinion of such counsel for the Company shall state that the opinion
of any such other counsel is in form satisfactory to such counsel and, in
the opinion of such counsel to the Company, the Representatives and they
are justified in relying thereon. Counsel for the Company may also state
that their opinions set forth in subparagraphs (iv) and (v) above are
subject to the qualification that the enforceability of the Company's
obligations under the Indenture and the Securities may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium
and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights
generally, general equitable principles (whether considered in a
proceeding in equity or at law) or by an implied covenant of good faith
and fair dealing.
(c) All corporate proceedings and other legal matters incident
to the authorization, form and validity of this Agreement, the Terms
Agreement, the Indenture, if any, described in the Terms Agreement, the
Securities, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and all other
legal matters relating to this Agreement and the Terms Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall be satisfactory in all
material respects to the Representatives and Underwriters' Counsel; and
the Underwriters shall have received from said Underwriters' Counsel a
favorable opinion, dated as of the Closing Date with respect to the
issuance and sale of the Securities, the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus and such other related matters as the Representatives may
reasonably require, and the Company shall have furnished to Underwriters'
Counsel such documents as they request for the purpose of enabling them
to pass upon such matters.
(d) At the Closing Date, the Representatives shall have
received a certificate of the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer or any Vice President and the
principal financial officer of the Company, dated the Closing Date to the
effect that (i) the conditions set forth in subsection (a) of this
Section 6 have been satisfied, (ii) as of the date hereof and as of the
Closing Date, the representations and warranties of the Company set forth
in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects, (iii) as
of the Closing Date, all obligations and conditions to be performed or
complied with by the Company on or prior thereto have been duly performed
or complied with in all material respects, (iv) they have examined the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus and, in their opinion, (A) as
of the Effective Date, the Registration Statement did not contain an
untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading, and, as of the date of such certificate, the
Prospectus does not include an untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading, and (B) since the Effective Date no event has occurred
which should have been set forth in a supplement or amendment to the
Registration Statement or Prospectus which has not been set forth in such
a supplement or amendment, and (v) subsequent to the respective dates as
of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus, the Company or its subsidiaries have not sustained any
material loss or interference with their respective businesses or
properties from fire, flood,
18
<PAGE>
hurricane, accident or other calamity, whether or not covered by
insurance, or from any labor dispute or any legal or governmental
proceeding, and there has not been a Material Adverse Change,except in
each case as described in or contemplated by the Prospectus.
(e) At the time this Agreement is executed and at the Closing
Date, the Representatives shall have received a letter from KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP, independent public accountants for the Company, dated,
respectively, as of the date of the Terms Agreement and as of the Closing
Date addressed to the Underwriters and in form and substance satisfactory
to the Representatives, in each case of the type described in the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Statement on Auditing
Standards No. 72, and covering such additional financial statement items
and procedures (including a review of interim financial statements
specified in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants'
Statement on Auditing Standards No. 71) as the Representatives may
reasonably request, and each such letter shall further state:
(i) whether, with respect to the period subsequent to the date
of the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its
subsidiaries included or incorporated by reference in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus there have been, as of the date of the most
recent available monthly consolidated financial statements of the Company
and its subsidiaries, if any, and as of a specified date not more than five
days prior to the date of such letter, any changes in the capital stock or
consolidated long-term indebtedness of the Company or any decrease in the
consolidated net current assets or stockholders' equity of the Company, in
each case as compared with the amounts shown in the most recent balance
sheet included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement
and the Prospectus, except for changes or decreases which the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus disclose have occurred or may occur or which
are set forth in such letter or whether during the period from the date of
the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its
subsidiaries included or incorporated by reference in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus to the date of the most recent available
monthly consolidated financial statements of the Company and its
subsidiaries, if any, and to a specified date not more than five days prior
to the date of such letter, there were any decreases, as compared with the
corresponding period in the preceding fiscal year, in total revenues, or in
total or per share net income, except for decreases which the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus disclose have occurred or may occur or which
are set forth in such letter; and
(ii) their conclusions with respect to specific dollar amounts,
numbers of shares, percentages of revenues and earnings, and other
financial information pertaining to the Company and its subsidiaries set
forth or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus, which have been specified by the Representatives prior to the
date of the Terms Agreement.
19
<PAGE>
(f) Prior to the Closing Date the Company shall have furnished to
the Representatives such further information, certificates and documents as
the Representatives may reasonably request.
(g) At the Closing Date, any shares of common stock included in or
issuable upon conversion of the Securities shall have been approved for
listing on the New York Stock Exchange upon notice of issuance and all the
then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company shall be listed on the
New York Stock Exchange.
If any of the conditions specified in this Section 6 shall not have
been fulfilled when and as required by this Agreement, or if any of the
certificates, opinions, written statements or letters furnished to the
Representatives or to Underwriters' Counsel pursuant to this Section 6 shall
not be in all material respects reasonably satisfactory in form and substance
to the Representatives and to Underwriters' Counsel, all obligations of the
Underwriters hereunder may be cancelled by the Representatives at, or at any
time prior to, the Closing Date and the obligations of the Underwriters to
purchase the Option Securities may be cancelled by the Representatives at, or
at any time prior to, the agreed upon date of delivery thereof. Notice of
such cancellation shall be given to the Company in writing, or by telephone,
telex, telegraph or facsimile, confirmed in writing.
All opinions, letters, evidence and certificates mentioned above or
elsewhere in this Agreement shall be deemed to be in compliance with the
provisions hereof only if they are in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Underwriters' Counsel.
7. INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION.
(a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each
Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the
meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange
Act against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses
whatsoever as incurred (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and
any and all expenses whatsoever incurred in investigating, preparing or
defending against any litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim
whatsoever, and any and all amounts paid in settlement of any claim or
litigation), joint or several, to which they or any of them may become
subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as
such losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses (or actions in respect
thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement,
any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, or in any supplement thereto or
amendment thereof, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged
omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however,
that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent but only
to the extent that any such loss, liability, claim, damage or expense arises
out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
or omission or alleged omission made in the Registration Statement, any
Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or in any such supplement or
amendment in reliance upon and in conformity with written information
furnished to the Company by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the
Representatives expressly for use therein. This indemnity agreement
20
<PAGE>
will be in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have,
including under this Agreement.
(b) Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of the directors of the
Company, each of the officers of the Company who shall have signed the
Registration Statement, and each other person, if any, who controls the
Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section
20(a) of the Exchange Act, against any losses, liabilities, claims, damages
and expenses whatsoever as incurred (including, without limitation,
attorneys' fees and any and all expenses whatsoever incurred in
investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, commenced or
threatened, or any claim whatsoever, and any and all amounts paid in
settlement of any claim or litigation), joint or several, to which they or
any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or
otherwise, insofar as such losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses
(or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, or in
any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based
upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that any such
loss, liability, claim, damage or expense arises out of or is based upon any
such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged
omission made in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or
the Prospectus or in any such amendment or supplement, in reliance upon and
in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on
behalf of any Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use
therein; provided, however, that in no case shall any Underwriter be liable
or responsible for any amount in excess of the underwriting discount
applicable to the Securities purchased by such Underwriter under the Terms
Agreement. This indemnity will be in addition to any liability which any
Underwriter may otherwise have, including under this Agreement.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under
subsection (a) or (b) above of notice of the commencement of any action, such
indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against
the indemnifying party under such subsection, notify each party against whom
indemnification is to be sought in writing of the commencement thereof (but
the failure so to notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any
liability which it may have under this Section 7). In case any such action
is brought against any indemnified party, and it notifies an indemnifying
party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party will be entitled to
participate therein, and to the extent it may elect by written notice
delivered to the indemnified party promptly after receiving the aforesaid
notice from such indemnified party, to assume the defense thereof with
counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the indemnified party or parties shall have the right to employ
its or their own counsel in any such case, but the fees and expenses of such
counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified party or parties unless
(i) the employment of such counsel shall have been authorized in writing by
one of the indemnifying parties in connection with the defense of such
action, (ii) the indemnifying parties shall not have employed counsel to have
charge of the defense of such action within a reasonable time
21
<PAGE>
after notice of commencement of the action, or (iii) such indemnified party
or parties shall have reasonably concluded that there may be defenses
available to it or them which are different from or additional to those
available to one or all of the indemnifying parties (in which case the
indemnifying parties shall not have the right to direct the defense of such
action on behalf of the indemnified party or parties), in any of which events
such fees and expenses shall be borne by the indemnifying parties. Anything
in this subsection to the contrary notwithstanding, an indemnifing party
shall not be liable for any settlement of any claim or action effected
without its written consent; provided, however, that such consent was not
unreasonably withheld.
(d) In order to provide for contribution in circumstances in which
the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is for any reason held to
be unavailable from any indemnifying party or is insufficient to hold
harmless a party indemnified thereunder, each indemnifying party shall
contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses
of the nature contemplated by such indemnification provision (including any
investigation, legal and other expenses incurred in connection with, and any
amount paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding or any claims
asserted, but after deducting in the case of losses, claims, damages,
liabilities and expenses suffered by the Company any contribution received by
the Company from persons, other than the Underwriters, who may also be liable
for contribution, including persons who control the Company within the
meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange
Act, officers of the Company who signed the Registration Statement and
directors of the Company) as incurred to which the Company and one or more of
the Underwriters may be subject, in such proportions as is appropriate to
reflect the relative benefits received by the Company and the Underwriters
from the offering of the Securities or, if such allocation is not permitted
by applicable law or indemnification is not available as a result of the
indemnifying party not having received notice as provided in this Section 7,
in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative
benefits referred to above but also the relative fault of the Company and the
Underwriters in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in
such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other
relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the
Company and the Underwriters shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as
(x) the total proceeds from the offering (net of underwriting discounts and
commissions but before deducting epenses) received by the Company and (y) the
underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters,
respectively, in each case as set forth in the Prospectus. The relative
fault of the Company and of the Underwriters shall be determined by reference
to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact
relates to information supplied by the Company or the Underwriters and the
parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to
correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the
Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution
pursuant to this Section 7(d) were determined by pro rata allocation (even if
the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other
method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable
considerations referred to above. Notwithstanding the provisions of this
Section 7(d), (i) in no case shall the liability or responsibility of any
Underwriter to indemnify or contribute under this Section 7 exceed the
22
<PAGE>
lesser of (x) the underwriting discount or commission applicable to the
Securities purchased by such Underwriter under the Terms Agreement, or (y)
the amount by which the total price at which the Securities underwritten by
it and distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the
amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been required to
pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or
alleged omission, and (ii) no person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation
(within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled
to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent
misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section 7(d), each person, if any,
who controls an Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act shall have the same
rights to contribution as such Underwriter, and each person, if any, who
controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act
or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, each officer of the Company who shall
have signed the Registration Statement and each director of the Company shall
have the same rights to contribution as the Company, subject in each case to
clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 7(d). Any party entitled to
contribution will, promptly after receipt of notice of commencemen of any
action, suit or proceeding against such party in respect of which a claim for
contribution may be made against another party or parties, notify each party
or parties from whom contribution may be sought, but the omission to so
notify such party or parties shall not relieve the party or parties from whom
contribution may be sought from any obligation it or they may have under this
Section 7(d) or otherwise. No party shall be liable for contribution with
respect to any action or claim settled without its consent; provided, however
that such consent was not unreasonably withheld.
(e) The Underwriters severally confirm that the statements with
respect to the public offering of the Securities set forth on the cover page
of, and under the caption "Underwriting" in, the Prospectus are correct and
constitute the only information furnished in writing to the Company by or on
behalf of the Underwriters specifically for inclusion in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus.
(f) The agreements contained in Sections 4(e), 4(g), 5 and this
Section 7 and the representations and warranties of the Company in Section 2
(as made as of the date of the Terms Agreement incorporating this Agreement)
shall survive the delivery of the Securities and shall remain in full force
and effect, regardless of any termination or cancellation of the Terms
Agreement incorporating the terms of this Agreement or any investigation made
by or on behalf of any indemnified party.
8. DEFAULT BY AN UNDERWRITER.
(a) If any Underwriter or Underwriters shall default in its or
their obligation to purchase Securities under the Terms Agreement, and if the
Securities with respect to which such default relates do not (after giving
effect to arrangements, if any, made by the Representatives pursuant to
subsection (b) below) exceed in the aggregate 10% of the number of shares or
aggregate principal amount, as the case may be, of the Firm Securities or
Option Securities, as the case may be, then the Firm Securities or Option
Securities, as the case may be, to which the default relates shall be
purchased by the non-defaulting Underwriters in the
23
<PAGE>
respective proportions which the number of shares or principal amount of Firm
Securities set forth opposite their respective names in the schedule attached
to the Terms Agreement bears to the aggregate number of shares or aggregate
principal amount of Firm Securities set forth opposite the names of all
non-defaulting Underwriters.
(b) In the event that such default relates to more than 10% of the
aggregate number of shares or aggregate principal amount, as the case may be,
of Firm Securities or Option Securities, as the case may be, the
Representatives may in their discretion arrange for the Underwriters or for
another party or parties (including any non-defaulting Underwriter or
Underwriters who so agree) to purchase such Firm Securities or Option
Securities to which such default relates on the terms contained herein. In
the event that within five calendar days after such a default the
Representatives do not arrange for the purchase of the Firm Securities or
Option Securities, as the case may be, to which such default relates as
provided in this Section 8, the Terms Agreement or, in the case of a default
with respect to the Option Securities, the obligations of the Underwriters to
purchase and of the Company to sell the Option Securities shall thereupon
terminate, without liability on the part of the Company with respect thereto
(except in each case as provided in Sections 5, 7(a), 7(c) and 7(d) hereof)
or the Underwriters, but nothing in this Agreement shall relieve a defaulting
Underwriter or Underwriters of its or their liability, if any, to the other
Underwriters and the Company for damages occasioned by its or their default
hereunder.
(c) In the event that the Firm Securities or Option Securities to
which the default relates are to be purchased by the non-defaulting
Underwriters, or are to be purchased by another party or parties as
aforesaid, the Representatives or the Company shall have the right to
postpone the Closing Date or date of delivery of the Option Securities, as
the case may be, for a period, not exceeding five business days, in order to
effect whatever changes may thereby be made necessary in the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus or in any other documents and arrangements, and
the Company agrees to file promptly any amendment or supplement to the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus which, in the opinion of
Underwriters' Counsel, may thereby be made necessary or advisable. The term
"Underwriter" as used in the Terms Agreement (including this Agreement) shall
include any party substituted under this Section 8 with like effect as if it
had originally been a party to the Terms Agreement with respect to such Firm
Securities or Option Securities.
9. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS. All
representations and warranties, covenants and agreements of the Underwriters
and the Company contained in the Terms Agreement (including the provisions of
this Agreement), including the agreements contained in Section 5, the
indemnity agreements contained in Section 7 and the contribution agreements
contained in Section 7, shall remain operative and in full force and effect
regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or
any controlling person thereof or by or on behalf of the Company, any of its
officers and directors or any controlling person thereof, and shall survive
delivery of and payment for the Firm Securities and any Option Securities to
and by the Underwriters. The representations contained in Section 2 and the
agreements contained in Sections 4(e), 4(g), 5, 7, and 10(c) hereof shall
24
<PAGE>
survive the termination of this Agreement, including termination pursuant to
Section 8 or 10 hereof.
10. EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERMINATION.
(a) The Representatives shall have the right to terminate the
Terms Agreement at any time prior to the Closing Date or the obligations
of the Underwriters to purchase the Option Securities at any time prior
to the agreed upon date of delivery thereof, as the case may be:
(i) if, subsequent to the respective dates as of which
information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, the
Company or its subsidiaries shall have sustained any material loss or
interference with their respective businesses or properties from fire,
flood, hurricane, accident or other calamity, whether or not covered by
insurance, or from any labor dispute or any legal or governmental
proceeding, or there shall have been a Material Adverse Change, except in
each case as described in or contemplated by the Prospectus; or
(ii) if (A) any domestic or international event or act or
occurrence shall have materially disrupted, or in the opinion of the
Representatives will in the immediate future materially disrupt, the market
for the Company's securities or securities in general, (B) trading on the
New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq National
Market shall have been suspended, or minimum or maximum prices for trading
shall have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities shall
have been required, on either such exchange or the Nasdaq National Market
by either such exchange, by the NASD or by order of the Commission or any
other governmental authority having jurisdiction or (C) a banking
moratorium shall have been declared by a state or federal authority or any
new restriction materially adversely affecting the distribution of the Firm
Securities or the Option Securities shall have become effective; or
(iii) if (A) any downgrading in the rating of the Company's
debt securities or preferred stock by any "nationally recognized
statistical rating organization" (as defined for purposes of Rule 436(g)
under the Securities Act) shall occur or (B) any such organization shall
have publicly announced that it has under surveillance or review, with
possible negative implications, its rating of any of the Company's debt
securities or preferred stock; or
(iv) if (A) the United States shall become engaged in
hostilities or there shall be an escalation of hostilities involving the
United States or there shall be a declaration of a national emergency or
war by the United States or (B) there shall have been a change in
political, financial or economic conditions, and the effect of any such
event in (A) or (B) is such as to make it in the sole judgment of the
Representatives impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the
offering, sale and delivery of the Firm Securities or the Option
Securities on the terms contemplated by the Prospectus.
25
<PAGE>
(b) Any notice of termination pursuant to this Section 10 shall be
by hand delivery, telephone (confirmed in writing) or facsimile transmission.
(c) If the Terms Agreement shall be terminated pursuant to any of
the provisions thereof or hereof (otherwise than pursuant to Section 8(b)
hereof), or if the sale of the Securities provided for herein is not
consummated because any condition to the obligations of the Underwriters set
forth herein is not satisfied or because of any refusal, inability or failure
on the part of the Company to perform any agreement herein or comply with any
provision hereof, the Company will, upon demand by the Representatives,
reimburse the underwriters for all out-of-pocket expenses (including the fees
and expenses of Underwriters' Counsel), incurred by the Underwriters in
connection herewith.
11. NOTICES, ETC. All communications hereunder, except as may be
otherwise specifically provided herein, shall be in writing and, if sent to
any Underwriter, shall be hand delivered, or sent by facsimile transmission,
to such Underwriter, in care of the Representatives at the address specified
in the Terms Agreement; if sent to the Company, shall be hand delivered or
sent by facsimile transmission to Fingerhut Companies, Inc., 4400 Baker Road,
Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343, facsimile: (612) 932-3302, Attention: General
Counsel; provided, however, that any notice to an Underwriter pursuant to
Section 7(c) shall be given to such Underwriter at its address set forth in
its acceptance to the Representatives, which address will be supplied to any
other party hereto by the Representatives upon request. Any such statements,
requests, notices or agreements shall take effect at the time of receipt
thereof.
12. PARTIES. The Terms Agreement (including the provisions of
this Agreement) shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
Underwriters and the Company and their respective successors. The Terms
Agreement (including the provisions of this Agreement) are for the sole
benefit of only those persons, except that (A) the representations,
warranties, indemnities and agreements of the Company contained in this
Agreement also shall be deemed to be for the benefit of the person or
persons, if any, who control any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15
of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act and (B) the
indemnity agreement of the Underwriters contained in Section 7(b) of this
Agreement shall be deemed to be for the benefit of directors of the Company,
officers of the Company who have signed the Registration Statement and any
person controlling the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. Nothing in this
Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, other than
the persons referred to in this Section 12, any legal or equitable right,
remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision
contained in this Agreement. No purchaser of Securities from any Underwriter
shall be deemed to be a successor solely by reason of such purchase.
13. GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TERMS AGREEMENT SHALL
BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW
YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
26
<PAGE>
14. DEFINITION OF THE TERM "BUSINESS DAY." For purposes of this
Agreement, "business day" means any day on which the New York Stock Exchange
is open for trading.
15. COUNTERPARTS. The Terms Agreement may be executed in
counterparts and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original but
all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
16. HEADINGS. The headings herein are inserted for convenience of
reference only and are not intended to be part of, or to affect the meaning
or interpretation of, this Agreement.
27
<PAGE>
ANNEX I
(Three copies of this Delayed Delivery Contract should be signed and returned
to the address shown below so as to arrive not later than 9:00 a.m., New York
City time, on __________, _____. [three business days prior to Closing Date
under the Terms Agreement])
DELAYED DELIVERY CONTRACT
[Date of Public Offering]
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
c/o [NAMES OF REPRESENTATIVES]
[On behalf of [themselves] [itself] and
as Representative[s] of the several] [As]
Underwriter[s]
[c/o Name of Lead Manager]
-----------------------
-----------------------
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby agrees to purchase from Fingerhut Companies,
Inc., a Minnesota corporation (the "Company"), and the Company agrees to sell
to the undersigned as of the date hereof for delivery on the dates set forth
below (each a "Delivery Date") the principal amount set forth opposite each
Delivery Date of the Company's [Title of Securities] (the "Securities"),
offered by the Company's Prospectus dated __________, _____ and a Prospectus
Supplement dated __________, _____ relating thereto, receipt of copies of
which is hereby acknowledged, at _____% of the principal amount thereof plus
accrued interest from __________, _____, if any, and on the further terms and
conditions soft forth in this Delayed Delivery Contract (this "Contract"):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DELIVERY DATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
<S> <C>
$
-------------- --------------
$
-------------- --------------
</TABLE>
Payment for the Securities that the undersigned has agreed to
purchase for delivery on [the] [each] Delivery Date shall be made to the
Company or its order by certified or official bank check in New York
[Clearing House (next day)] [Federal (same day)] funds at the office of
__________ at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Delivery Date upon
delivery to the undersigned of the Securities to be purchased by the
undersigned for delivery on such Delivery Date in definitive fully registered
form and in such denominations and
I-1
<PAGE>
registered in such names as the undersigned may designate by written or
telegraphic communication addressed to the Company not less than five full
business days prior to such Delivery Date.
It is expressly agreed that the provisions for delayed delivery and
payment are for the sole convenience of the undersigned; that the purchase
hereunder of Securities is to be regarded in all respects as a purchase as of
the date of this Contract; that the obligation of the Company to make
delivery of and accept payment for, and the obligation of the undersigned to
take delivery of and make payment for, Securities on [the] [each] Delivery
Date shall be subject only to the conditions that (1) investment in the
Securities shall not at such Delivery Date be prohibited under the laws of
any jurisdiction in the United States to which the undersigned is subject and
(2) the Company shall have sold to the Underwriters the total principal
amount of the Securities less the principal amount thereof covered by this
and other similar Contracts. The undersigned represents that its investment
in the Securities is not, as of the date hereof, prohibited under the laws of
any jurisdiction to which the undersigned is subject and which governs such
investment.
Promptly after completion of the sale to the Underwriters, the
Company will mail or deliver to the undersigned at its address set forth
below, notice to such effect, accompanied by a copy of the opinion of counsel
for the Company delivered to the Underwriters in connection therewith.
This Contract will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
parties hereto and their respective successors, but will not be assignable by
either party hereto without the written consent of the other.
I-2
<PAGE>
It is understood that the acceptance of any such Contract is in the
Company's sole discretion and, without limiting the foregoing, need not be on
a first-come, first-served basis. If this Contract is acceptable to the
Company, it is requested that the Company sign the form of acceptance below
and mail or deliver one of the counterparts hereof to the undersigned at its
address set forth below. This will become a binding contract between the
Company and the undersigned when such counterpart is so mailed or delivered.
Very truly yours,
------------------------------------
(Name of Purchaser)
By:
---------------------------------
(Title of Signatory)
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
(Address of Purchaser)
Accepted, as of the above date,
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By:
---------------------------------
Name:
Title:
I-3
<PAGE>
ANNEX II(A)
DEBT SECURITIES
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
(the "Company")
TERMS AGREEMENT
__________, _____
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
4400 Baker Road
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Attention:
Ladies and Gentlemen:
[On behalf of the several Underwriters named in Schedule A hereto and
for their respective accounts, we] [We] offer to purchase, on and subject to the
terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement Basic Provisions of the
Company attached hereto (the "Underwriting Agreement"), the following securities
("Securities") to be issued under an indenture, dated as of __________, _____,
between the Company and _______________, as Trustee, on the following terms:
TITLE: [_____%] [Floating Rate] [Senior] [Subordinated] [Notes]
[Debentures]
due _____
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT: $__________
INTEREST: [[_____% per annum] [Floating Rate Formula], from
__________, _____, payable semiannually on __________ and __________, commencing
__________, _____, to holders of record on the preceding __________ or
__________, as the case may be.] [Zero coupon.]
MATURITY: __________, _____.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION:
SINKING FUND:
PERIOD DESIGNATED PURSUANT TO SECTION 4(f) OF THE UNDERWRITING
AGREEMENT: _____ days.
II(A)-1
<PAGE>
PERIOD DESIGNATED PURSUANT TO SECTION 4(g) OF THE UNDERWRITING
AGREEMENT: _____ years.
CONVERSION PROVISIONS:
OTHER TERMS:
DELAYED DELIVERY CONTRACTS: [None.] [Delivery Date[s] shall be
_________, _____ [and ___________, _____]. The Underwriters' fee is _____% of
the principal amount of the Securities.]
PURCHASE PRICE: _____% of principal amount, plus accrued interest, if
any, from __________, _____.
EXPECTED REOFFERING PRICE: _____% of principal amount, subject to
change by the undersigned.
CLOSING DATE: [9:00 a.m.] on __________, _____, at the offices of
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, 100 Maiden Lane, New York, New York 10038 in
New York [Clearing House (next day)] [Federal (same day)] funds.
NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) OF REPRESENTATIVE(S):
[NAME OF REPRESENTATIVES]
c/o [Name of Lead Manager]
[Address of Lead Manager]
The respective principal amounts of the Securities to be purchased by each of
the Underwriters are set forth opposite their names in Schedule A hereto.
[It is understood that we may, with your consent, amend this offer to
add additional Underwriters and reduce the aggregate principal amount to be
purchased by the Underwriters listed in Schedule A hereto by the aggregate
principal amount to be purchased by such additional Underwriters.]
The significant subsidiaries (as defined in Rule 405 under the
Securities Act of 1933) of the Company are as follows:
[List Significant Subsidiaries]
The provisions of the Underwriting Agreement are incorporated herein
by reference[, except that the obligations and agreements set forth in Section 8
("Default by an Underwriter") of the Underwriting Agreement shall not apply to
the obligations of the Underwriters to purchase the above Securities].
II(A)-2
<PAGE>
The Securities will be made available for checking and packaging at
the office of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, 100 Maiden Lane, New York, New
York 10038 at least 24 hours prior to the Closing Date.
[Please signify, your acceptance of our offer by signing the response
attached hereto as Schedule B in the space provided and returning it to us.]
[Please signify your acceptance of the foregoing by return wire in the form of
Schedule B not later than __:__ p.m. today.]
Very truly yours,
[NAMES OF REPRESENTATIVES]
[On behalf of [themselves] [itself] and as
Representative[s] of the several] [As]
Underwriter[s]
[By: Name of Lead Manager]
By:
------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
II(A)-3
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF UNDERWRITER PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
- ------------------- ----------------
<S> <C>
[Name of Underwriters] .................................. $
--------------
Total .............................................. $
--------------
--------------
</TABLE>
II(A)-4
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE B
To: [NAMES OF REPRESENTATIVES]
[On behalf of [themselves] [itself]
and as Representative[s] of the
several] [As] Underwriter[s]
[c/o Name of Lead Manager]
----------------
----------------
We accept the offer contained in your [letter] [wire], dated
__________, _____ (the "Terms Agreement"), relating to $__________ principal
amount of our [Title of Securities]. We also confirm that, to the best of
our knowledge after reasonable investigation, the representations and
warranties of the undersigned contained in Section 2 of the Underwriting
Agreement Basic Provisions of the Company referred to in the Terms Agreement
(together with the Terms Agreement, the "Underwriting Agreement"), are true
and correct, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement (as defined in the Underwriting Agreement) or of any part thereof
has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or,
to the best of our knowledge, are contemplated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission and, subsequent to the respective dates of the most recent
financial statements in the Prospectus (as defined in the Underwriting
Agreement), there has been (or in the case of a form of prospectus filed
pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) or (5) there will be, as of the date of such
prospectus) no material adverse change in the financial position or results
of operations of the undersigned and its subsidiaries except as set forth in
or contemplated by the Prospectus.
Very truly yours,
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By
--------------------------------
Name:
Title:
II(A)-5
<PAGE>
ANNEX II(B)
EQUITY SECURITIES
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
(the "Company")
TERMS AGREEMENT
__________, _____
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
4400 Baker Road
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Attention:
Ladies and Gentlemen:
[On behalf of the several Underwriters named in Schedule A hereto and
for their respective accounts, we] [We] offer to purchase, on and subject to the
terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement Basic Provisions of the
Company attached hereto (the "Underwriting Agreement"), the following securities
("Securities") on the following terms:
TITLE: [Common Stock] [Preferred Stock, Series _____]
NUMBER OF SHARES TO BE ISSUED: __________ shares
[For Preferred Stock Only:]
VOTING RIGHTS:
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS: Cash dividends of $_____ to $_____ per
share payable quarterly in arrears on __________, __________, __________ and
__________.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION:
MANDATORY REDEMPTION/SINKING FUND:
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE: $_____ per share plus __________.
CONVERSION PROVISIONS:
OTHER TERMS:
[For all Equity Securities:]
II(B)-1
<PAGE>
NAME OF EXCHANGE OR MARKET: [New York Stock Exchange] [Nasdaq
National Market] [American Stock Exchange]
PERIOD DESIGNATED PURSUANT TO SECTION 4(f) OF THE UNDERWRITING
AGREEMENT: _____ days.
PERSONS SUBJECT TO LOCK-UP AGREEMENTS PURSUANT TO SECTION 4(f) OF THE
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT: The persons listed on Schedule B.
PERIOD DESIGNATED PURSUANT TO SECTION 4(g) OF THE UNDERWRITING
AGREEMENT: _____ years.
PRICE TO PUBLIC: $_____ per share.
UNDERWRITING DISCOUNTS AND COMMISSION:
PROCEEDS TO COMPANY:
OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION:
NAME OF TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR:
CLOSING DATE: [9:00 a.m.] on __________, _____, at the offices of
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, 100 Maiden Lane, New York, New York 10038 in New
York [Clearing House (next day)] [Federal (same day)] funds.
NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) OF REPRESENTATIVE(S):
[NAME OF REPRESENTATIVES]
c/o [Name of Lead Manager]
[Address of Lead Manager]
The respective shares of the Securities to be purchased by each of the
Underwriters are set forth opposite their names in Schedule A hereto.
[It is understood that we may, with your consent, amend this offer to
add additional Underwriters and reduce the number of shares to be purchased by
the Underwriters listed in Schedule A hereto by the number of shares to be
purchased by such additional Underwriters.]
The significant subsidiaries (as defined in Rule 405 under the
Securities Act of 1933) of the Company are as follows:
[List Significant Subsidiaries]
The provisions of the Underwriting Agreement are incorporated herein
by reference[, except that the obligations and agreements set forth in Section 8
("Default by an
II(B)-2
<PAGE>
Underwriter") of the Underwriting Agreement shall not apply to the
obligations of the Underwriters to purchase the above Securities].
The Securities will be made available for checking and packaging at
the office of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, 100 Maiden Lane, New York, New
York 10038 at least 24 hours prior to the Closing Date.
[Please signify, your acceptance of our offer by signing the response
attached hereto as Schedule C in the space provided and returning it to us.]
[Please signify your acceptance of the foregoing by return wire in the form of
Schedule C not later than __:__ p.m. today.]
Very truly yours,
[NAMES OF REPRESENTATIVES]
[On behalf of [themselves] [itself] and as
Representative[s] of the several] [As]
Underwriter[s]
[By: Name of Lead Manager]
By:
-------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
II(B)-3
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF UNDERWRITER NUMBER OF SHARES
- ------------------- ----------------
<S> <C>
[Name of Underwriters.......................................
-------------
Total.............................................
-------------
-------------
</TABLE>
II(B)-4
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE B
[List Persons Subject to Lock-up]
II(B)-5
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE C
To: [NAMES OF REPRESENTATIVES]
[On behalf of [themselves] [itself]
and as Representative[s] of the
several] [As] Underwriter[s]
[c/o Name of Lead Manager]
--------------
--------------
We accept the offer contained in your [letter] [wire], dated
__________, _____ (the "Terms Agreement"), relating to __________ shares of
our [Title of Securities]. We also confirm that, to the best of our
knowledge after reasonable investigation, the representations and warranties
of the undersigned contained in Section 2 of the Underwriting Agreement Basic
Provisions of the Company referred to in the Terms Agreement (together with
the Terms Agreement, the "Underwriting Agreement"), are true and correct, no
stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement (as
defined in the Underwriting Agreement) or of any part thereof has been issued
and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or, to the best of
our knowledge, are contemplated by the Securities and Exchange Commission
and, subsequent to the respective dates of the most recent financial
statements in the Prospectus (as defined in the Underwriting Agreement),
there has been (or in the case of a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule
424(b)(2) or (5) there will be, as of the date of such prospectus) no
material adverse change in the financial position or results of operations of
the undersigned and its subsidiaries except as set forth in or contemplated
by the Prospectus.
Very truly yours,
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By
-------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
II(B)-6
<PAGE>
Exhibit 1.2
Fingerhut Companies, Inc.
-------------------------
Medium-Term Notes, Series _
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
------------------
[Agents]
Dear Sirs:
Fingerhut Companies Inc., a Minnesota corporation (the "Company"),
proposes to issue and sell up to _____________ aggregate principal amount of
its Medium-Term Notes, Series __ (the "Securities"). Subject to the terms
and conditions stated herein and to the reservation by the Company of the
right to sell Securities directly on its own behalf, the Company hereby (i)
appoints [list agents] (each individually an "Agent" and collectively the
"Agents") as agents of the Company for the purpose of soliciting offers to
purchase the Securities from the Company and (ii) agrees that, except as
otherwise contemplated herein, whenever it determines to sell Securities
directly to [list agents] for resale to others, it will enter into a separate
agreement (each a "Terms Agreement"), substantially in the form of Annex I
hereto, relating to such sale in accordance with Section 2(b) hereof.
The terms and rights of the Securities shall be as specified in or
established pursuant to the indenture, dated as of __________________, (the
"Indenture"), between the Company and ________________, as Trustee (the
"Trustee"). The Securities shall have the maturity ranges, annual interest
rates, redemption provisions and other terms set forth in the Prospectus
referred to below as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time.
The Securities will be issued, and the terms thereof established, from time
to time by the Company in accordance with the Indenture and the
Administrative Procedure attached hereto as Annex II (the "Procedure") or as
otherwise agreed upon and, if applicable, will be specified in a related
Terms Agreement.
<PAGE>
1. The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, you that:
(a) A registration statement (Registration No. 333-________),
and as a part thereof a preliminary prospectus, in respect of the Securities
has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
in the form heretofore delivered to you; such registration statement in such
form has been declared effective by the Commission; no stop order suspending
the effectiveness of such registration statement has been issued and no
proceeding for that purpose has been initiated or threatened by the
Commission (any such preliminary prospectus included in such registration
statement or filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(a) of the rules
and regulations of the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Act"), being hereinafter called a "Preliminary Prospectus"; the
various parts of such registration statement, including all exhibits thereto
but excluding Form T-1 and, if applicable, including the information
contained in the form of final prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant
to Rule 424(b) under the Act, in accordance with Section 4(a) hereof and
deemed by virtue of Rule 430A under the Act to be part of the registration
statement, each as amended at the time such part became effective, being
herein after collectively called the "Registration Statement"; the prospectus
relating to the Securities, in the form in which it has most recently been
filed with the Commission on or prior to the date of this Agreement, being
hereinafter called the "Prospectus"; any reference herein to any Preliminary
Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the
documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3
under the Act, as of the date of such Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus,
as the case may be; any reference to any amendment or supplement to any
Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and
include any documents filed after such date under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and incorporated therein by
reference; and any reference to the Prospectus as amended or supplemented
shall be deemed to refer to the Prospectus as each time amended or
supplemented with respect to Securities sold pursuant to this Agreement, in
the form in which it is filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424 under
the Act, including any documents incorporated therein by reference as of the
date of such filing);
(b) The documents incorporated by reference in the Prospectus,
when they were filed with the Commission, conformed in all material respects to
the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the
Commission thereunder, and none of such documents contained an untrue statement
of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and any
further documents so filed and incorporated by reference, when they are filed
with the Commission, will conform in all material respects to the requirements
of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder
and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this representation and warranty
shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in
conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by you expressly
for use in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented to relate to a particular
issuance of Securities;
2
<PAGE>
(c) The Registration Statement, when it became effective,
conformed, and the Prospectus, and any amendments or supplements to the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus, when they become effective or are
filed with the Commission, as the case may be, will conform, in all material
respects to the requirements of the Act and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"), and the rules and regulations of the
Commission thereunder and did not and will not, as of the applicable effective
date as to the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto and as of the
applicable filing date as to the Prospectus and any supplement thereto, does not
and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this representation and warranty
shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in
conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by you expressly
for use in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented to relate to a particular
issuance of Securities;
(d) Since the respective dates as of which information is
given in the Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-________) and in
the Prospectus, there have not been any decreases in the capital stock or any
material increases in the long-term debt of the Company [(except for
_________________,)] or any of its subsidiaries or any material adverse
change, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change,
in or affecting the general affairs, management, financial position,
shareholders' investment or results of operations of the Company and its
subsidiaries, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus;
(e) The Company and its subsidiaries have good and marketable
title in fee simple to all real property and good and marketable title to all
personal property owned by them, in each case free and clear of all liens,
encumbrances and defects except such as are described in the Prospectus or such
as do not materially affect the value of such property and do not interfere with
the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company and its
subsidiaries; and any real property and buildings held under lease by the
Company and its subsidiaries are held by them under valid, subsisting and
enforceable leases with such exceptions as are not material and do not interfere
with the use made and proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the
Company and its subsidiaries;
(f) The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly
existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of
Minnesota, with power and authority (corporate and other) to own its
properties and conduct its business as described in the Prospectus, and has
been duly qualified as a foreign corporation for the transaction of business
and is in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction where, in
light of the nature of the business transacted or the property owned by it,
such qualification is necessary and the failure so to qualify might
permanently impair title to property material to its operations or its right
to enforce a material contract against others or expose it to substantial
liabilities in such jurisdiction; and each subsidiary of the Company has been
duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing
under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and has been duly
qualified as a foreign corporation for the
3
<PAGE>
transaction of business and is in good standing under the laws of each other
jurisdiction where, in light of the nature of the business transacted or the
property owned by it, such qualification is necessary and the failure so to
qualify might permanently impair title to property material to its operations
or its right to enforce a material contract against others or expose it to
substantial liabilities in such jurisdiction;
(g) The Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth
in the Prospectus, and all of the issued shares of capital stock of the
Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid
and non-assessable; and all of the issued shares of capital stock of each
subsidiary of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued,
are fully paid and non-assessable, and (except for directors' qualifying
shares) are owned directly or indirectly by the Company, free and clear of
all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims;
(h) When the terms of the Securities have been established in
accordance with the Indenture, and the Securities are issued and delivered
pursuant to this Agreement and any Terms Agreement, the Securities will have
been duly authorized, executed, authenticated, issued and delivered and will
constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company entitled to
the benefits provided by the Indenture; the Indenture has been duly
authorized, executed and delivered and constitutes a valid and legally
binding instrument, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject, as to
enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other laws of
general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to
general equity principles; and the Securities and the Indenture will conform
to the description thereof in the Prospectus;
(i) The issue and sale of the Securities and the compliance by
the Company with all of the provisions of the Securities, the Indenture, this
Agreement and any Terms Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
herein and therein contemplated will not conflict with or result in a breach of
any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in
the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any of the
property or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to the
terms of, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other
agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a
party or by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is bound or to which
any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is
subject, nor will such action result in any violation of the provisions of the
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Company or
any statute or any order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency
or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any
of their properties; and no consent, approval, authorization, order,
registration or qualification of or with any court or governmental agency or
body is required for the issue and sale of the Securities or the consummation of
the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, any Terms Agreement or
the Indenture, except such as have been obtained, or will have been obtained
prior to the Closing Date (as defined in Section 3 hereof), under the Act and
the Trust Indenture Act and such consents, approvals, authorizations,
registrations or qualifications as may be required under state securities or
Blue Sky laws in connection with the solicitation by
4
<PAGE>
you of offers to purchase the Securities from the Company and with purchases
of the Securities by you as principals, as the case may be, both in the
manner contemplated hereby;
(j) There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending to
which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any property
of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is the subject, other than as set
forth in the Prospectus and other than litigation or governmental proceedings
incident to the kind of business conducted by the Company and its subsidiaries
which, if determined adversely to the Company and its subsidiaries, would not
individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the financial
position, shareholders' investment or results of operations of the Company and
its subsidiaries; and, to the best of the Company's knowledge, no such
proceedings are threatened or contemplated by governmental authorities or
threatened by others; and
(k) KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, who have certified certain financial
statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, are independent public
accountants as required by the Act and the rules and regulations of the
Commission thereunder.
2. (a) On the basis of the representations and warranties, and subject
to the terms and conditions, herein set forth each of the Agents hereby
severally agrees to use its reasonable efforts, as agent of the Company, to
solicit offers to purchase the Securities from the Company upon the terms and
conditions set forth in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented.
The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to instruct the
Agents to suspend at any time, for any period of time or permanently, the
solicitation of offers to purchase the Securities. Upon receipt of instructions
from the Company, the Agents will forthwith suspend solicitation of offers to
purchase Securities from the Company until such time as the Company has advised
them that such solicitation may be resumed.
The Company agrees to pay to the presenting Agent (or jointly to two or to
all Agents if such solicitation is jointly made) a commission, at the time of
settlement of each sale of a Security by the Company as a result of a
solicitation made by such Agent, in an amount equal to the following percentage
of the principal amount of such Security sold:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Commission (percentage of
aggregate principal
Maturities amount of Securities sold)
----------------------------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C>
[From 9 months to less than 1 year
From 1 year to less than 18 months
From 18 months to less than 2 years
From 2 years to less than 3 years
From 3 years to less than 4 years
From 4 years to less than 5 years
From 5 years to less than 6 years
From 6 years to less than 7 years
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Commission (percentage of
aggregate principal
Maturities amount of Securities sold)
----------------------------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C>
From 7 years to less than 10 years
From 10 years to less than 15 years
From 15 years to less than 20 years
20 years and more]
</TABLE>
Each Agent shall communicate to the Company, orally or in writing,
each offer to purchase Securities other than those rejected by such Agent. The
Company shall have the sole right to accept offers to purchase Securities and
may reject any proposed purchase of Securities as a whole or in part. Each of
the Agents shall have the right, in its discretion reasonably exercised, to
reject any offer received by it to purchase Securities, as a whole or in part,
and any such rejection by an Agent shall not be deemed a breach of its
agreements contained herein.
The Company reserves the right to sell, and may solicit and accept
offers to purchase, Securities directly on its own behalf, and, in the case of
any such sale not resulting from a solicitation made by any Agent, no commission
will be payable with respect to such sale.
(b) Each sale of Securities to any Agent as principal shall be
made in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and (unless the Company and
such Agent shall otherwise agree) a Terms Agreement which will provide for the
sale of such Securities to, and the purchase thereof by, such Agent. A Terms
Agreement may also specify certain provisions relating to the reoffering of such
Securities by such Agent. Any Agent's commitment to purchase Securities as
principal pursuant to any Terms Agreement or otherwise shall be deemed to have
been made on the basis of the representations and warranties of the Company
herein contained and shall be subject to the terms and conditions herein set
forth. Each Terms Agreement shall include a specification of the principal
amount of Securities to be purchased by an Agent pursuant thereto, the price to
be paid to the Company for such Securities, any provisions relating to rights
of, and default by, underwriters acting together with such Agent in the
reoffering of the Securities, and the time and place of delivery of and payment
for such Securities. Such Terms Agreement shall also specify any requirements
for officers' certificates, opinions of counsel and accountants, letters
pursuant to Section 4 hereof. Each time and date of delivery of and payment for
Securities to be purchased by any Agent as principal, whether set forth in a
Terms Agreement or in accordance with the Procedure, is referred to herein as a
"Time of Delivery".
(c) Procedural details relating to the issuance and delivery of
Securities, the solicitation of offers to purchase, and purchases by any Agent
as principal of, Securities not made pursuant to a Terms Agreement, and the
payment in each case therefor, are set forth in the Procedure. Each of the
Agents and the Company agrees to perform the respective duties and obligations
specifically provided to be performed by it in the Procedure as it may
6
<PAGE>
be amended from time to time by written agreement between you and the
Company. For each such sale of Securities to an Agent as principal that is
not made pursuant to a Terms Agreement, the Company agrees to pay such Agent
a commission (or grant an equivalent discount) as provided in Section 2(a)
hereof and in accordance with the schedule set forth therein.
3. The documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6
hereof shall be delivered at the offices of __________________________at
_____________, [New York City] time, on ____________, which date and time of
such delivery may be postponed by agreement between the Agents and the
Company but in no event shall be later than the day prior to the date on
which the settlement of any sale of Securities sold hereunder is first made,
such time and date being herein called the "Closing Date". The settlement of
any offers to purchase Securities hereunder which are accepted by the Company
prior to the Closing Date shall be subject to the delivery of the documents
required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6 hereof on the Closing Date.
4. The Company covenants and agrees with you:
(a) To make no amendment or supplement to the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus prior to the Closing Date or after the date of
any Terms Agreement or other agreement by any Agent to purchase Securities as
principal and prior to the related Time of Delivery which shall be
disapproved by you promptly after reasonable notice thereof unless in the
opinion of counsel to the Company such amendment or supplement is required by
law; to make no such amendment or supplement at any other time prior to
having afforded you a reasonable opportunity to review it; to prepare, with
respect to any Securities to be sold through or to such Agent pursuant to
this Agreement, a Pricing Supplement with respect to such Securities in a
form previously approved by such Agent and to file such Pricing Supplement
pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) under the Act not later than the close of business
of the Commission on the third business day after the date on which such
Pricing Supplement is first used; to file promptly all reports and any
definitive proxy or information statements required to be filed by the
Company with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of
the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of the Prospectus and for so long as
the delivery of a prospectus is required in connection with the offering or
sale of the Securities, and during such same period to advise you, promptly
after it receives notice thereof, of the time when any amendment to the
Registration Statement has been filed or become effective or any supplement
to the Prospectus or any amended Prospectus has been filed with the
Commission, of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order or of any
order preventing or suspending the use of any prospectus relating to the
Securities, of the suspension of the qualification of the Securities for
offering or sale in any jurisdiction, of the initiation or threatening of any
proceeding for any such purpose, or of any request by the Commission for the
amendment or supplement of the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or for
additional information; and, in the event of the issuance of any such stop
order or of any such order preventing or suspending the use of any such
prospectus or suspending any such qualification, to use promptly its best
efforts to obtain its withdrawal;
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(b) Promptly from time to time to take such action as you
reasonably may request to qualify the Securities for offering and sale under the
securities laws of such jurisdictions as you may request and to comply with such
laws so as to permit the continuance of sales and dealings therein for as long
as may be necessary to complete the distribution or sale of the Securities;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in connection therewith the Company shall not be
required to qualify as a foreign corporation or to file a general consent to
service of process in any jurisdiction;
(c) To furnish you with copies of the Registration Statement and
each amendment thereto, and with copies of the Prospectus as each time amended
or supplemented, other than any Pricing Supplement (except as provided in the
Procedure), in the form in which it is filed with the Commission pursuant to
Rule 424 under the Act, both in such quantities as you may reasonably request
from time to time; and, if the delivery of a prospectus is required at any time
in connection with the offering or sale of the Securities (including Securities
purchased from the Company by an Agent as principal) and if at such time any
event shall have occurred as a result of which the Prospectus as then amended or
supplemented would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in
the light of the circumstances under which they were made when such Prospectus
is delivered, not misleading, or, if for any other reason it shall be necessary
during such same period to amend or supplement the Prospectus or to file under
the Exchange Act any document incorporated by reference in the Prospectus in
order to comply with the Act, the Exchange Act or the Trust Indenture Act, to
notify you and request you to suspend solicitation of offers to purchase
Securities from the Company, in your capacity as agents of the Company and, if
so notified, you shall forthwith cease such solicitations; and if the Company
shall decide to amend or supplement the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, to so advise each Agent promptly by
telephone (with confirmation in writing) and to prepare and cause to be filed
promptly with the Commission an amendment or supplement to the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, that will correct
such statement or omission or effect such compliance; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if
during such same period any Agent continues to own Securities purchased from the
Company by such Agent as principal, the Company shall promptly prepare and file
with the Commission such an amendment or supplement;
(d) To make generally available to its security holders as soon
as practicable, but in any event not later than 90 days after the close of the
period covered thereby, an earning statement of the Company and its subsidiaries
(which need not be audited) complying with Section 11(a) of the Act and the
rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (including, at the option of
the Company, Rule 158) and covering each twelve-month period beginning not later
than the first day of the Company's fiscal quarter next following the effective
date of the Registration Statement or a post-effective amendment thereto (within
the meaning of Rule 158);
(e) During the period when this Agreement is in effect, to
furnish to you copies of all reports or other communications (financial or
other) furnished to shareholders,
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and deliver to you as soon as they are available, copies of any reports and
financial statements furnished to or filed with the Commission;
(f) That each acceptance by the Company of an offer to purchase
Securities hereunder (including any purchase by an Agent as principal not
pursuant to a Terms Agreement), and each sale of Securities to any of you
pursuant to a Terms Agreement, shall be deemed to be an affirmation to each of
you that the representations and warranties of the Company contained in or made
pursuant to this Agreement are true and correct as of the date of such
acceptance or of such Terms Agreement as though made at and as of such time, and
an undertaking that such representations and warranties will be true and correct
as of the settlement date for the Securities relating to such acceptance and as
of the Time of Delivery relating to such sale, as though made at and as of each
such date (except that such representations and warranties shall be deemed to
relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as amended and
supplemented relating to such Securities);
(g) That each time the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
shall be amended or supplemented in a manner relevant to the Securities or their
offer and sale (other than by a Pricing Supplement to the Prospectus or any
other amendment or supplement relating solely to a change in the terms of the
Securities), each time a quarterly report on Form 10-Q or an annual report on
Form 10-K filed under the Exchange Act, or any other document filed under the
Act or the Exchange Act that is relevant to the Securities or their offer and
sale, is incorporated by reference into the Prospectus, and each time, if so
indicated in the applicable Terms Agreement, the Company sells Securities to an
Agent as principal, the Company shall furnish or cause to be furnished forthwith
to you a certificate of officers of the Company satisfactory to you, dated the
date of such supplement, amendment, incorporation or Time of Delivery related to
such sale, in form satisfactory to you in your reasonable judgment, to the
effect that the statements contained in the certificate referred to in Section
6(f) hereof which were last furnished to you are true and correct at such date,
as though made at and as of such date (except that such statements shall be
deemed to relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as amended and
supplemented to such time) or, in lieu of such certificate, certificates of the
same tenor as the certificates referred to in said Section 6(f) but modified to
relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as amended and
supplemented to such date;
(h) That each time the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
shall be amended or supplemented in a manner relevant to the Securities or their
offer and sale (other than by a Pricing Supplement to the Prospectus or any
other amendment or supplement relating solely to a change in the terms of the
Securities), each time a quarterly report on Form 10-Q or an annual report on
Form 10-K filed under the Exchange Act, or any other document filed under the
Act or the Exchange Act that is relevant to the Securities or their offer and
sale, is incorporated by reference into the Prospectus, and each time, if so
indicated in the applicable Terms Agreement, the Company sells Securities to an
Agent as principal, the Company shall furnish or cause to be furnished forthwith
to you a written opinion of counsel for the Company, or other counsel
satisfactory to you in your reasonable judgment, dated the date of such
amendment, supplement, incorporation or Time of Delivery relating to
9
<PAGE>
such sale, in form satisfactory to you in your reasonable judgment to the
effect that you may rely on the opinion referred to in Section 6(c) hereof
which was last furnished to you to the same extent as though it were dated
the date of such letter authorizing reliance (except that statements in such
last opinion shall be deemed to relate to the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus as amended and supplemented to such date) or, in lieu of such
opinion, an opinion of the same tenor as the opinion referred to in Section
6(c) hereof but modified to relate to the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus as amended and supplemented to such date; and
(i) That each time the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
shall be amended or supplemented and each time that a document filed under the
Act or the Exchange Act is incorporated by reference into the Prospectus, in
either case to set forth financial information included in or derived from the
Company's consolidated financial statements, or, if so indicated in the
applicable Terms Agreement, each time the Company sells Securities to an Agent
as principal, the Company shall cause its independent public accountants
forthwith to furnish you a letter, dated the date of such amendment, supplement,
incorporation or Time of Delivery relating to such sale, in form satisfactory to
you in your reasonable judgment, of the same tenor as the letter referred to in
Section 6(d) hereof but modified to relate to the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus as amended or supplemented to the date of such letter, with such
changes as may be necessary to reflect changes in the financial statements and
other information derived from the accounting records of the Company, to the
extent such financial statements and other information are available as of a
date not more than three business days prior to the date of such letter;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that where such amendment, supplement or document
incorporated by reference only sets forth unaudited quarterly financial
information, the scope of such letter may be limited to relate to such unaudited
financial information unless any other accounting or financial information
included or incorporated by reference therein is of such a character that, in
your reasonable judgment, such letter should address such other information.
5. The Company covenants and agrees with you that the Company will pay
or cause to be paid the following: (i) the fees and expenses of the Company's
counsel and accountants in connection with the registration of the Securities
under the Act and all other expenses in connection with the preparation,
printing and filing of the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus
and the Prospectus and amendments and supplements thereto and the mailing and
delivering of copies thereof to you; (ii) the fees and expenses of your counsel
in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder; (iii) the cost of
printing or reproducing this Agreement, any Terms Agreement, any Indenture, any
Blue Sky and Legal Investment Memoranda and any other documents in connection
with the offering, purchase, sale and delivery of the Securities; (iv) all
expenses in connection with the qualification of the Securities for offering and
sale under state securities laws as provided in Section 4(b) hereof, including
fees and disbursements of your counsel in connection with such qualification and
in connection with the Blue Sky and legal investment surveys; (v) any fees
charged by security rating services for rating the Securities; (vi) the cost of
preparing the Securities; (vii) the fees and expenses of any Trustee and any
agent of any Trustee and the fees and disbursements of counsel for any Trustee
in connection with any indenture and the
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Securities; (viii) any advertising expenses connected with the solicitation
of offers to purchase and the sale of Securities so long as such advertising
expenses have been approved by the Company; and (ix) all other costs and
expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder which are
not otherwise specifically provided for in this Section. You shall pay all
other fees and expenses you incur.
6. The obligations of each Agent, as agent of the Company, to solicit
offers to purchase the Securities, and the obligations of each Agent to purchase
Securities as principal pursuant to any Terms Agreement or otherwise, shall in
each case be subject, in such Agent's reasonable discretion, to the condition
that all representations and warranties and other statements of the Company
herein (and, in the case of an obligation of any Agent under a Terms Agreement,
in or incorporated in such Terms Agreement by reference) are true and correct at
and as of the Closing Date, the date of each such solicitation, any settlement
date related to the acceptance of such an offer, and each Time of Delivery, the
condition that the Company shall have performed all of its obligations hereunder
theretofore in each case to be performed and the following additional
conditions:
(a) No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceeding for that purpose
shall have been initiated or threatened by the Commission; and all requests for
additional information on the part of the Commission shall have been complied
with to your reasonable satisfaction;
(b) Counsel for the Company shall have furnished to you such
opinion or opinions, dated the Closing Date with respect to the incorporation
of the Company, the validity of the Indenture, the Securities, the
Registration Statement, the Prospectus as amended or supplemented and other
related matters as you may reasonably request, and such counsel shall have
received such papers and information as you may reasonably request to enable
them to pass upon such matters;
(c) Counsel for the Company shall have furnished to you a written
opinion, dated the Closing Date or any applicable date referred to in Section
4(h), as the case may be, in form and substance satisfactory to you, to the
effect that:
(i) The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly
existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of
Minnesota, with power and authority (corporate and other) to own its
properties and conduct its business as described in the Prospectus;
(ii) The Company has been duly qualified as a foreign corporation
for the transaction of business and is in good standing under the laws of
each other jurisdiction where, in light of the nature of the business
transacted or the property owned by it, such qualification is necessary and
the failure so to qualify might in such counsel's opinion permanently
impair title to property material to its operations or its right to enforce
a material contract against others or expose it to substantial liabilities
in such jurisdiction (such counsel being entitled to rely in respect of the
opinion in this clause upon opinions of local counsel and in respect of
matters of fact upon
11
<PAGE>
certificates of officers of the Company, provided that such counsel shall
state that he believes that both you and such counsel are justified in
relying upon such opinions and certificates);
(iii) Each subsidiary of the Company has been duly incorporated and
is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of incorporation, and has been duly qualified as a foreign
corporation for the transaction of business and is in good standing under
the laws of each other jurisdiction where, in light of the nature of the
business transacted or the property owned by it, such qualification is
necessary and the failure so to qualify might in such counsel's opinion
permanently impair title to property material to its operations or its
right to enforce a material contract against others or expose it to
substantial liabilities in such jurisdiction; all of the issued shares of
capital stock of each such subsidiary have been duly and validly authorized
and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; and all of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of each such subsidiary (except for
directors' qualifying shares) are owned directly or indirectly by the
Company, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims
(such counsel being entitled to rely in respect of the opinion in this
clause upon opinions of local counsel and in respect of matters of fact
upon certificates of officers of the Company or its subsidiaries, provided
that such counsel shall state that such counsel believes that both you and
such counsel are justified in relying upon such opinions and certificates);
(iv) To the best of such counsel's knowledge there are no legal or
governmental proceedings pending to which the Company or any of its
subsidiaries is a party or of which any property of the Company or any of
its subsidiaries is the subject, other than as set forth in the Prospectus
and other than litigation or governmental proceedings incident to the kind
of business conducted by the Company and its subsidiaries which
individually and in the aggregate are not material to the Company and its
subsidiaries; and to the best of such counsel's knowledge no such
proceedings are threatened or contemplated by governmental authorities or
threatened by others;
(v) Each of this Agreement (and any applicable Terms Agreement),
the Calculation Agent Agreement, dated as of ____________________ (the
"Calculation Agent Agreement"), between the Company and ______________, as
Calculation Agent, and the Letter of Representations, dated as of
________________ (the "Letter of Representations") among the Company, the
Trustee and _______________ has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by the Company;
(vi) When the terms of the Securities have been established in
accordance with the Indenture and so as not to violate any applicable law
or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company, and the Securities
are issued and delivered by the Company in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement and any Terms Agreement, the Securities will have been duly
authorized, executed, authenticated,
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<PAGE>
issued and delivered and will constitute valid and legally binding
obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits provided by the
Indenture; and the Indenture conforms and the Securities will conform to
the descriptions thereof in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented;
(vii) The Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by the parties thereto and constitutes a valid and legally
binding instrument, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject, as
to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other laws of
general applicability relating to or affecting creditors, rights and to
general equity principles; and the Indenture has been duly qualified under
the Trust Indenture Act;
(viii) The issue and sale of the Securities and the compliance by
the Company with all of the provisions of the Securities, the Indenture,
this Agreement and any Terms Agreement, the Calculation Agent Agreement and
the Letter of Representations, and the consummation of the transactions
herein and therein contemplated will not conflict with or result in a
breach of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under,
or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance
upon any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of, any indenture, mortgage, deed of
trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument known to such
counsel to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by
which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is bound or to which any of
the property or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is
subject, nor will such action result in any violation of the provisions of
the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the
Company or any statute or any order, rule or regulation applicable to the
Company and known to such counsel of any court or governmental agency or
body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any
of their properties; and no consent, approval, authorization, order,
registration or qualification of or with any court or governmental agency
or body is required for the issue and sale of the Securities or the
consummation of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (and
any applicable Terms Agreement), the Indenture, the Calculation Agent
Agreement or the Letter of Representations, except such as have been
obtained under the Act and the Trust Indenture Act and such consents,
approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be
required under state securities or Blue Sky laws in connection with your
solicitation of offers to purchase Securities and with purchases of
Securities by you as principals, as the case may be,both as contemplated by
this Agreement (and any applicable Terms Agreement);
(ix) The documents incorporated by reference in the Prospectus
(other than the financial statements and related schedules therein, as to
which such counsel need express no opinion), when they were filed with the
Commission, complied as to form in all material respects with the
requirements of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations of the
Commission thereunder; and such counsel has no reason to believe that any
of such documents, when they were so filed, contained an untrue statement
of
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a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of
the circumstances under which they were made when such documents were so
filed, not misleading;
(x) The Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any
amendments and supplements thereto made by the Company prior to the date of
such opinion (other than the financial statements therein, as to which such
counsel need express no opinion) comply as to form in all material respects
with the requirements of the Act and the Trust Indenture Act and the rules
and regulations thereunder; such counsel has no reason to believe that
either the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, as of the effective
date of the Registration Statement, or any amendment or supplement thereto
made by the Company prior to the date of such opinion, as of its date, or
any of such documents as so amended or supplemented, as of the date of such
opinion, contained or contains an untrue statement of a material fact or,
as of any such date, omitted or omits to state a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading; and such counsel does not know of any contracts or other
documents of a character required to be filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement or required to be incorporated by reference into the
Prospectus or required to be described in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus which are not filed or incorporated by reference or described as
required; and
(xi) The Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth in
the Prospectus as amended and supplemented.
(d) At [11:00 a.m., New York City] time, on the Closing Date and
on any applicable date referred to in Section 4(i), the independent accountants
who have certified the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries
included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall have
furnished to you a letter, dated the Closing Date, in form and substance
satisfactory to you, to the effect set forth in Annex III hereto.
(e) (i) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries shall
have sustained after the date of the latest audited financial statements
included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus and (A) prior to the
Closing Date, any material loss or interference with its business from fire,
explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or
from any labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree,
other than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus as amended or
supplemented through the date of this Agreement and (B) prior to each Time of
Delivery, any such loss or interference, otherwise than as set forth or
contemplated in the Prospectus as amended and supplemented through the date
of each corresponding Terms Agreement, and (ii) since the respective dates as
of which information is given in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented
and (A) prior to the Closing Date, there shall not have been any decrease in
the capital stock or any increase in the long-term debt of the Company
[(except for _____________________)] or any of its subsidiaries or any
change, or any development involving a prospective change, in or affecting
the general affairs, management, financial position, shareholders' investment
or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries,
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otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus as amended or
supplemented through the date of this Agreement and (B) prior to each Time of
Delivery, there shall not have been any such change or development, otherwise
than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus as amended and
supplemented through the date of each corresponding Terms Agreement, the
effect of which, in any such case described in clause (i) or (ii), is in your
judgment so material and adverse as to make it impracticable or inadvisable
to proceed with your solicitation of offers to purchase Securities from the
Company or your purchase of Securities from the Company as principal, as the
case may be;
(f) The Company shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to
you a certificate of officers of the Company satisfactory to you, dated the
Closing Date or any applicable date referred to in Section 4(g), as the case may
be, as to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company
herein at and as of the Closing Date or such applicable date, as to the
performance by the Company of all of its obligations hereunder to be performed
at or prior to the Closing Date or such applicable date, and as to the matters
set forth in subsections (a) and (e) of this Section 6; and
(g) During the period in which you are soliciting offers to
purchase Securities or during the period between the date of any Terms Agreement
and the related Time of Delivery, there shall not have occurred any of the
following: (i) a suspension or material limitation in trading in securities
generally on the New York Stock Exchange; (ii) a general moratorium on
commercial banking activities in New York declared by either Federal or New York
State authorities; or (iii) an outbreak or escalation of hostilities involving
the United States or the declaration by the United States of a national
emergency or war, if the effect of any such event specified in this clause (iii)
in your judgment makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with your
solicitation of offers to purchase Securities or your purchase of Securities
from the Company as principal.
7. (a) The Company will indemnify and hold you harmless against any
losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which you may
become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims,
damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based
upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained in any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the
Prospectus as amended or supplemented, and any other prospectus relating to the
Securities or any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based
upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
and will reimburse you for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred, as
incurred, by you in connection with investigating or defending any such action
or claim; provided, however, that the Company shall not be liable to an Agent in
any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability
arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
or omission or alleged omission made in any Preliminary Prospectus, the
Registration Statement, the Prospectus as amended or supplemented and any other
prospectus relating to the Securities or any such amendment or supplement in
reliance upon and in conformity with written
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information furnished to the Company by any Agent expressly for use in the
Prospectus as amended or supplemented relating to such Securities.
(b) Each Agent will indemnify and hold harmless the Company
against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which the Company may
become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims,
damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based
upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained in any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the
Prospectus as amended or supplemented and any other prospectus relating to the
Securities, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based
upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in any
Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus as amended or
supplemented and any other prospectus relating to the Securities, or any such
amendment or supplement in reliance upon and in conformity with written
information furnished to the Company by such Agent expressly for use therein;
and will reimburse the Company for any legal or other expenses reasonably
incurred, as incurred, by the Company in connection with investigating or
defending any such action or claim.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under
subsection (a) or (b) above of notice of the commencement of any action, such
indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the
indemnifying party under such subsection, notify the indemnifying party in
writing of the commencement thereof; but the omission so to notify the
indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have to
any indemnified party otherwise than under such subsection. In case any such
action shall be brought against any indemnified party and it shall notify the
indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall be
entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it shall wish, jointly
with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense
thereof, with counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party (who shall not,
except with the consent of the indemnified party, be counsel to the indemnifying
party), and, after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party
of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall
not be liable to such indemnified party under such subsection for any legal
expenses of other counsel or any other expenses, in each case subsequently
incurred by such indemnified party, in connection with the defense thereof other
than reasonable costs of investigation.
(d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is
unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under
subsection (a) or (b) above in respect of any losses, claims, damages or
liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to therein, then each
indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such
indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or
actions in respect thereof), as incurred, in such proportion as is appropriate
to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and
each Agent on the other from the offering of the Securities to which such loss,
claim, damage or liability (or action in respect
16
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thereof) relates. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately
preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law or if the indemnified
party failed to give the notice required under subsection (c) above, then
each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by
such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not
only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the Company on the
one hand and each Agent on the other in connection with the statements or
omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or
actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable
considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one
hand and each Agent on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion
as the total net proceeds from the sale of Securities (before deducting
expenses) received by the Company bear to the total commissions or discounts
received by each Agent in respect thereof. The relative fault shall be
determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged
untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to
make the statements therein not misleading relates toinformation supplied by
the Company on the one hand or by an Agent on the other and the parties,
relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct
or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and each Agent agree that
it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this
subsection (d) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method
of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations
referred to above in this subsection (d). The amount paid or payable by an
indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities
(or actions in respect thereof) referred to above in this subsection (d)
shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by
such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such
action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (d), each
Agent shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount
by which the total price at which the Securities purchased by or through such
Agent were sold exceeds the amount of any damages which such Agent has
otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue
statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent
misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be
entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation.
(e) The obligations of the Company under this Section 7 shall be
in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have and shall
extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each person, if any, who controls
any Agent within the meaning of the Act; and each Agent's obligations under this
Section 7 shall be in addition to any liability which such Agent may otherwise
have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each officer and
director of the Company and to each person, if any, who controls the Company
within the meaning of the Act.
8. In soliciting offers by others to purchase Securities from the
Company, each of you is acting solely as an agent for the Company, and not as
principal. Each of you will make reasonable efforts to assist the Company in
obtaining performance by each purchaser whose offer to purchase Securities from
the Company has been accepted by the Company, but you shall not have any
liability to the Company in the event such purchase for any reason
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is not consummated. If the Company shall default on its obligation to
deliver Securities to a purchaser whose offer it has accepted, the Company
shall hold you harmless against any loss, claim or damage arising from or as
a result of such default by the Company.
9. The respective indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties
and other statements by you and the Company set forth in or pursuant to this
Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation
(or any statement as to the results thereof) made by or on behalf of you or the
Company or any of its officers or directors or any controlling person, and shall
survive each delivery of and payment for any of the Securities.
10. The provisions of this Agreement relating to the solicitation of
offers to purchase the Securities may be suspended or terminated at any time by
the Company as to any or all Agents or by any Agent insofar as this Agreement
relates to such Agent upon the giving of written notice of such suspension or
termination to the other parties hereto. In the event of any such suspension or
termination, no party shall have any liability to the other parties hereto,
except as provided in the third paragraph of Section 2(a), Section 4(c), Section
5, Section 7, Section 8 and Section 9 and except that, (i) if at the time of
such suspension or termination, an offer for the purchase of Securities shall
have been accepted by the Company but the delivery of the Securities relating
thereto to the purchaser or his agent shall not yet have occurred or (ii) the
proviso in Section 4(c) shall apply, the Company shall have the obligations
provided in subsections (c), (f), (g), (h) and (i) of Section 4.
11. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein or in the
Procedure, all statements, requests, notices and advices hereunder shall be in
writing, or by telephone if promptly confirmed in writing, and if to
[Agent's name] shall be sufficient in all respects when delivered or sent by
facsimile transmission or registered mail to ________________, _______________,
Fax No. (___)____________, Attention: ______________, if to [Agent's name]
shall be sufficient in all respects when delivered or sent by facsimile
transmission or registered mail to _________________, ________________,
Fax No. (___)____________, Attention: _________________, if to [Agent's name]
shall be sufficient in all respects when delivered or sent by facsimile
transmission or registered mail to ____________________, ___________________,
_________________, Fax No. (___) _______________, Attention: _______________,
and if to the Company shall be sufficient in all respects when delivered or
sent by facsimile transmission or registered mail to _________________________,
________________________, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343, Fax No. (612) 932-3302
Attention: Treasurer and General Counsel.
12. This Agreement and any Terms Agreement shall be binding upon, and
inure solely to the benefit of, each of you and the Company, and to the extent
provided in Section 7, Section 8 and Section 9 hereof, the officers and
directors of the Company and any person who controls any of you or the Company,
and their respective personal representatives, successors and assigns, and no
other person shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this
Agreement or any Terms Agreement. No purchaser of any of the Securities through
or from you shall be deemed a successor or assign by reason of such purchase.
13. This Agreement and any Terms Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
18
<PAGE>
14. Time shall be of the essence in this Agreement and any Terms
Agreement.
15. This Agreement and any Terms Agreement may be executed by any one or
more of the parties hereto and thereto in any number of counterparts, each of
which shall be an original, but all of such respective counterparts shall
together constitute one and the same instrument.
If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and
return to us three counterparts hereof, whereupon this letter and the acceptance
by you thereof shall constitute a binding agreement between the Company and you
in accordance with its terms.
Very truly yours,
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By:
-----------------------------
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
Accepted in New York, New York, as of
the date hereof:
-------------------------------------
[Agent]
[AGENT]
By:
----------------------------------
[AGENT]
By:
----------------------------------
19
<PAGE>
ANNEX I
Fingerhut Companies, Inc.
[$_______________ Medium-Term Notes, Series _]
TERMS AGREEMENT
______________, 199_
[AGENTS]
Dear Sirs:
Fingerhut Companies, Inc. (the "Company") proposes, subject to the terms
and conditions stated herein and in the Distribution Agreement, dated
_________________ (the "Distribution Agreement"), between the Company and [list
agents], to issue and sell to you the securities specified in the Schedule
hereto (the "Purchased Securities"). Each of the provisions of the Distribution
Agreement not specifically related to the solicitation by the Agents, as agents
of the Company, of offers to purchase Securities is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety, and shall be deemed to be part of this Agreement to
the same extent as if such provisions had been set forth in full herein.
Nothing contained herein or in the Distribution Agreement shall make [any of]
you an agent of the Company or make [any of] you subject to the provisions
therein relating to the solicitation of offers to purchase securities from the
Company, solely by virtue of your execution of this Terms Agreement. Each of
the representations and warranties set forth therein shall be deemed to have
been made at and as of the date of this Terms Agreement, except that each
representation and warranty with respect to the Prospectus in Section 1 of the
Distribution Agreement shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty as of
the date of the Distribution Agreement in relation to the Prospectus (as therein
defined), and also a representation and warranty as of the date of this Terms
Agreement in relation to the Prospectus as amended and supplemented to relate to
the Purchased Securities.
An amendment to the Registration Statement, or a supplement to the
Prospectus, as the case may be, relating to the Purchased Securities, in the
form heretofore delivered to you is now proposed to be filed with the
Commission.
I-1
<PAGE>
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the
Distribution Agreement incorporated herein by reference, the Company agrees to
issue and sell to you and you agree to purchase from the Company the Purchased
Securities, at the time and place, in the principal amount and at the purchase
price set forth in the Schedule hereto.
If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and
return to us counterparts hereof, and upon acceptance hereof by you this letter
and such acceptance hereof, including those provisions of the Distribution
Agreement incorporated herein by reference, shall constitute a binding agreement
between you and the Company.
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By:
---------------------------------
Authorized Officer
Accepted:
- ------------------------------
[AGENT]
[AGENT]
By ]
----------------------------
[AGENT]
By ]
----------------------------
I-2
<PAGE>
Schedule to Annex I
Title of Purchased Securities:
Medium-Term Notes, Series _
Aggregate principal amount:
$
Purchase Price by [_______________________________]:
__% of the principal amount of the Purchased Securities, plus accrued
interest from ________________ to _________________ [and accrued
amortization, if any, from _____________ to _____________].
Specified funds for payment of purchase price:
[New York Clearing House] [same day] funds
Indenture:
Indenture, dated as of _________________, between the Company and
_______________________________, as Trustee.
Maturity:
Interest Rate:
[________________%]
Interest Payment Dates:
[months and dates]
Time of Delivery:
Closing Location:
I-3
<PAGE>
Documents to be Delivered:
The following documents referred to in the Distribution Agreement shall be
delivered:
[(l) The officers' certificate referred to in Section 4(g).]
[(2) The opinion referred to in Section 4(h).]
[(3) The accountants' letters referred to in Section 4(i).]
Syndicate Provisions:
[Set forth any provisions relating to underwriters' default and step-up of
amounts to be purchased by underwriters acting with the Purchasing
Agent[s].]
[Other Terms: Set forth any other terms, including any restrictions on
sales of securities similar to the Purchased Securities.]
I-4
<PAGE>
ANNEX II
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
This Administrative Procedure relates to the Securities defined in the
Distribution Agreement, dated _______________ (the "Distribution Agreement"),
among Fingerhut Companies, Inc. (the "Company"), [list agents] (together, the
"Agents"), to which this Administrative Procedure is attached as Annex II.
Defined terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings given
such terms in the Distribution Agreement, the Prospectus as amended or
supplemented, the Indenture or the forms of the Securities filed with the
Commission. To the extent any procedure set forth below conflicts with the
provisions of the Securities, the Indenture or the Distribution Agreement, the
relevant provisions of the Securities, the Indenture and the Distribution
Agreement shall control.
The procedures to be followed with respect to the settlement of sales of
Securities directly by the Company to purchasers solicited by an Agent, as
agent, are set forth below. The terms and settlement details related to a
purchase of Securities by an Agent, as principal, from the Company will be set
forth in a Terms Agreement pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, unless the
Company and such Agent otherwise agree as provided in Section 2(b) of the
Distribution Agreement, in which case the procedures to be followed in respect
of the settlement of such sale will be as set forth below. An Agent, in relation
to a purchase of a Security by a purchaser solicited by such Agent, is referred
to herein as the "Selling Agent" and, in relation to a purchase of a Security by
such Agent as principal other than pursuant to a Terms Agreement, as the
"Purchasing Agent".
The Company will advise each Agent in writing of those persons with whom
such Agent is to communicate regarding offers to purchase Securities and the
related settlement details.
Each Security will be issued only in fully registered form and will be
represented by either a global security (a "Global Security") delivered to the
Trustee, as agent for The Depository Trust Company (the "Depositary") and
recorded in the book-entry system maintained by the Depositary (a "Book-Entry
Security") or a certificate issued in definitive form (a "Certificated
Security") delivered to a person designated by an Agent, as set forth in the
applicable Pricing Supplement. An owner of a Book-Entry Security will not be
entitled to receive a certificate representing such a Security, except as
provided in the Indenture.
Certificated Securities will be issued in accordance with the
Administrative Procedure set forth in Part I hereof, and Book-Entry Securities
will be issued in accordance with the Administrative Procedure set forth in Part
II hereof.
II-1
<PAGE>
PART I: ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE FOR CERTIFICATED SECURITIES
POSTING RATES BY COMPANY:
The Company and the Agents will discuss from time to time the rates of
interest per annum to be borne by and the maturity of Securities that may be
sold as a result of the solicitation of offers by an Agent. The Company may
establish a fixed set of interest rates and maturities for an offering period
("posting"). If the Company decides to change already posted rates, it will
promptly advise the Agents to suspend solicitation of offers until the new
posted rates have been established with the Agents.
ACCEPTANCE OF OFFERS BY COMPANY:
Each Agent will promptly advise the Company by telephone or other
appropriate means of all reasonable offers to purchase Securities, other than
those rejected by such Agent. Each Agent may, in its discretion reasonably
exercised, reject any offer received by it in whole or in part. Each Agent also
may make offers to the Company to purchase Securities as a Purchasing Agent.
The Company will have the sole right to accept offers to purchase Securities and
may reject any such offer in whole or in part.
The Company will promptly notify the Selling Agent or Purchasing Agent, as
the case may be, of its acceptance or rejection of an offer to purchase
Securities. If the Company accepts an offer to purchase Securities, it will
confirm such acceptance in writing to the Selling Agent or Purchasing Agent, as
the case may be, and the Trustee.
COMMUNICATIONS OF SALE INFORMATION TO COMPANY BY SELLING AGENT:
After the acceptance of an offer by the Company, the Selling Agent or
Purchasing Agent, as the case may be, will communicate the following details of
the terms of such offer (the "Sale Information") to the Company by telephone
(confirmed in writing) or by facsimile transmission or other acceptable written
means:
(1) Principal amount of Certificated Securities to be purchased;
(2) If a Fixed Rate Certificated Security, the interest rate and the
initial interest payment date;
(3) Maturity Date;
(4) Issue Price;
(5) Selling Agent's commission or Purchasing Agent's discount, as the
case may be;
(6) Net proceeds to the Company;
(7) Settlement Date;
II-2
<PAGE>
(8) If a redeemable Certificated Security, such of the following as are
applicable:
(i) Redemption Commencement Date,
(ii) Initial Redemption Price (% of par), and
(iii) Amount (% of par) that the Redemption Price shall decline
(but not below par) on each anniversary of the Redemption
Commencement Date;
(9) If a Floating Rate Certificated Security, such of the following as
are applicable:
(i) Interest Rate Basis,
(ii) Index Maturity,
(iii) Spread or Spread Multiplier,
(iv) Maximum Rate,
(v) Minimum Rate,
(vi) Initial Interest Rate,
(vii) Interest Reset Dates,
(viii) Calculation Dates,
(ix) Interest Determination Dates,
(x) Interest Payment Dates,
(xi) Regular Record Dates, and
(xii) Calculation Agent;
(10) Name, address and taxpayer identification number of the registered
owner;
(11) Denomination of certificates to be delivered at settlement;
(12) Original Issue Discount provisions, if any; and
(13) Book-Entry Security or Certificated Security.
II-3
<PAGE>
SUPPLEMENT BY COMPANY:
If the Company accepts an offer to purchase a Security, it will prepare a
Pricing Supplement. The Company will supply at least [ten] copies of such
Pricing Supplement to the Selling Agent or Purchasing Agent, as the case may be,
not later than [5:00 p.m., New York City] time, on the business day following
the date of acceptance of such offer, or if the Company and the purchaser agree
to settlement on the date of such acceptance, not later than [noon, New York
City] time, on such date. The Company will arrange to file the Pricing
Supplement electronically with the Commission.
DELIVERY OF CONFIRMATION AND PROSPECTUS TO PURCHASER BY SELLING AGENT:
The Selling Agent will deliver to the purchaser of a Certificated Security
a written confirmation of the sale and delivery and payment instructions. In
addition, the Selling Agent will deliver to such purchaser or its agent the
Prospectus as amended or supplemented (including the Pricing Supplement) in
relation to such Certificated Security prior to or together with the earlier of
the delivery to such purchaser or its agent of (a) the confirmation of sale or
(b) the Certificated Security.
DATE OF SETTLEMENT:
All offers solicited by a Selling Agent or made by a Purchasing Agent and
accepted by the Company will be settled on a date (the "Settlement Date") which
is the third business day after the date of acceptance of such offer, unless the
Company and the purchaser agree to settlement (a) on any other business day
after the acceptance of such offer or (b) with respect to an offer accepted by
the Company prior to [10:00 a.m., New York City] time, on the date of such
acceptance.
INSTRUCTION FROM COMPANY TO TRUSTEE FOR PREPARATION OF SECURITIES:
After receiving the Sale Information from the Selling Agent or Purchasing
Agent, as the case may be, the Company will communicate such Sale Information to
the Trustee by telephone (confirmed in writing) or by facsimile transmission or
other acceptable written means.
The Company will instruct the Trustee by facsimile transmission or other
acceptable written means to authenticate and deliver the Securities no later
than [2:15 p.m., New York City] time, on the Settlement Date. Such instruction
will be given by the Company prior to [3:00 p.m., New York City] time, on the
business day prior to the Settlement Date unless the Settlement Date is the date
of acceptance by the Company of the offer to purchase Securities, in which case
such instruction will be given by the Company by [11:00 a.m., New York City]
time.
II-4
<PAGE>
PREPARATION AND DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATED SECURITIES BY TRUSTEE AND RECEIPT OF
PAYMENT THEREFOR:
The Trustee will prepare each Certificated Security and appropriate
receipts that will serve as the documentary control of the transaction.
In the case of sale of Certificated Securities to a purchaser solicited by
an Agent, the Trustee will, by [1:15 p.m., New York City] time, on the
Settlement Date, deliver the Certificated Securities to the Selling Agent for
the benefit of the purchaser of such Certificated Securities against delivery by
the Selling Agent of a receipt therefor. On the Settlement Date the Selling
Agent will deliver payment for such Certificated Securities in immediately
available funds to the Company in an amount equal to the issue price of the
Certificated Securities less the Selling Agent's commission; provided that the
Selling Agent reserves the right to withhold payment for which it has not
received funds from the purchaser. The Company shall not use any proceeds
advanced by a Selling Agent to purchase securities or carry any securities in
violation of Regulations G, T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board or otherwise
in violation of law.
In the case of a sale of Certificated Securities to a Purchasing Agent, the
Trustee will, by [2:15 p.m., New York City] time, on the Settlement Date,
deliver the Certificated Securities to the Purchasing Agent against delivery of
payment of such Certificated Securities in immediately available funds to the
Company in an amount equal to the issue price of the Certificated Securities
less the Purchasing Agent's discount.
FAILURE OF PURCHASER TO PAY SELLING AGENT:
If a purchaser (other than a Purchasing Agent) fails to make payment to the
Selling Agent for a Certificated Security, the Selling Agent will promptly
notify the Trustee and the Company thereof by telephone (confirmed in writing)
or by facsimile transmission or other acceptable written means. The Selling
Agent will immediately return the Certificated Security to the Trustee.
Immediately upon receipt of such Certificated Security by the Trustee, the
Company will return to the Selling Agent an amount equal to the amount
previously paid to the Company in respect of such Certificated Security. The
Company will reimburse the Selling Agent on an equitable basis for its loss of
the use of funds during the period when they were credited to the account of the
Company.
The Trustee will cancel the Certificated Security in respect of which the
failure occurred, make appropriate entries in its records and, unless otherwise
instructed by the Company, destroy the Certificated Security.
PART II: ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE FOR BOOK-ENTRY SECURITIES
In connection with the qualification of the Book-Entry Securities for
eligibility in the book-entry system maintained by the Depositary, the Trustee
will perform the custodial, document control and administrative functions
described below, in accordance with its respective obligations under a Letter of
Representations from the Company and the Trustee
II-5
<PAGE>
to the Depositary, dated _____________________, and a Medium-Term Note
Certificate Agreement between the Trustee and the Depositary (the
"Certificate Agreement"), and its obligations as a participant in the
Depositary, including the Depositary's Same-Day Funds Settlement System
("SDFS").
POSTING RATES BY THE COMPANY:
The Company and the Agents will discuss from time to time the rates of
interest per annum to be borne by and the maturity of Book-Entry Securities that
may be sold as a result of the solicitation of offers by an Agent. The Company
may establish a fixed set of interest rates and maturities for an offering
period ("posting"). If the Company decides to change already posted rates, it
will promptly advise the Agents to suspend solicitation of offers until the new
posted rates have been established with the Agents.
ACCEPTANCE OF OFFERS BY THE COMPANY:
Each Agent will promptly advise the Company by telephone or other
appropriate means of all reasonable offers to purchase Securities, other than
those rejected by such Agent. Each Agent may, in its discretion reasonably
exercised, reject any offer received by it in whole or in part. Each Agent also
may make offers to the Company to purchase Book-Entry Securities as a Purchasing
Agent. The Company will have the sole right to accept offers to purchase
Book-Entry Securities and may reject any such offer in whole or in part.
The Company will promptly notify the Selling Agent or Purchasing Agent, as
the case may be, of its acceptance or rejection of an offer to purchase
Book-Entry Securities. If the Company accepts an offer to purchase Book-Entry
Securities, it will confirm such acceptance in writing to the Selling Agent or
Purchasing Agent, as the case may be, and the Trustee.
COMMUNICATION OF SALE INFORMATION TO THE COMPANY BY SELLING AGENT AND SETTLEMENT
PROCEDURES:
A. After the acceptance of an offer by the Company, the Selling Agent
or Purchasing Agent, as the case may be, will communicate promptly, but in no
event later than the time set forth under "Settlement Procedure Timetable"
below, the following details of the terms of such offer (the "Sale Information")
to the Company by telephone (confirmed in writing) or by facsimile transmission
or other acceptable written means:
(1) Principal amount of Book-Entry Securities to be purchased;
(2) If a Fixed Rate Book-Entry Security, the interest rate and the
initial interest payment date;
(3) Maturity Date;
(4) Issue Price;
II-6
<PAGE>
(5) Selling Agent's commission or Purchasing Agent's discount, as the
case may be;
(6) Net proceeds to the Company;
(7) Settlement Date;
(8) If a redeemable Book-Entry Security, such of the following as are
applicable:
(i) Redemption Commencement Date,
(ii) Initial Redemption Price (% of par), and
(iii) Amount (% of par) that the Redemption Price shall decline
(but not below par) on each anniversary of the Redemption
Commencement Date;
(9) If a Floating Rate Book-Entry Security, such of the following as are
applicable:
(i) Interest Rate Basis,
(ii) Index Maturity,
(iii) Spread or Spread Multiplier,
(iv) Maximum Rate,
(v) Minimum Rate,
(vi) Initial Interest Rate,
(vii) Interest Reset Dates,
(viii) Calculation Dates,
(ix) Interest Determination Dates,
(x) Interest Payment Dates,
(xi) Regular Record Dates, and
(xii) Calculation Agent;
(10) Name, address and taxpayer identification number of the registered
owner(s);
(11) Original Issue Discount provisions, if any; and
II-7
<PAGE>
(12) Denomination of certificates to be delivered at settlement.
B. After receiving the Sale Information from the Selling Agent or
Purchasing Agent, the Company will communicate such Sale Information to the
Trustee by facsimile transmission or other acceptable written means. The
Trustee will assign a CUSIP number to the Global Security from a list of CUSIP
numbers previously delivered to the Trustee by the Company representing such
Book-Entry Security and then advise the Company and the Selling Agent or
Purchasing Agent, as the case may be, of such CUSIP number.
C. The Trustee will enter a pending deposit message through the
Depositary's Participant Terminal System, providing the following settlement
information to the Depositary, and the Depositary shall forward such information
to such Agent and Standard & Poor's Corporation:
(1) The applicable Sale Information;
(2) CUSIP number of the Global Security representing such Book-Entry
Security;
(3) Whether such Global Security will represent any other Book-Entry
Security (to the extent known at such time);
(4) Number of the participant account maintained by the Depositary on
behalf of the Selling Agent or Purchasing Agent, as the case may be;
(5) The interest payment period; and
(6) Initial interest payment date for such Book-Entry Security, number
of days by which such date succeeds the record date for the
Depositary's purposes (which, in the case of Floating Rate
Securities which reset weekly shall be the date three calendar days
immediately preceding the applicable interest payment date and in
the case of all other Book-Entry Securities shall be the Regular
Record Date, as defined in the Security) and, if calculable at that
time, the amount of interest payable on such interest payment date.
D. The Trustee will complete and authenticate the Global Security
previously delivered by the Company representing such Book-Entry Security.
E. The Depositary will credit such Book-Entry Security to the Trustee's
participant account at the Depositary.
F. The Trustee will enter an SDFS deliver order through the
Depositary's Participant Terminal System instructing the Depositary to (i) debit
such Book-Entry Security to the Trustee's participant account and credit such
Book-Entry Security to the participant account of the Selling or Purchasing
Agent, as the case may be, and (ii) debit such Agent's settlement account and
credit the Trustee's settlement account for an amount equal to the price of such
Book-Entry Security less such Agent's commission. The entry of such a deliver
order shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Trustee to the
Depositary
II-8
<PAGE>
that (a) the Global Security representing such Book-Entry Security has been
issued and authenticated and (b) the Trustee is holding such Global Security
pursuant to the Certificate Agreement.
G. Such Selling or Purchasing Agent, as the case may be, will enter an
SDFS deliver order through the Depositary's Participant Terminal System
instructing the Depositary (i) to debit such Book-Entry Security to such Agent's
participant account and credit such Book-Entry Security to the participant
accounts of the participants with respect to such Book-Entry Security and (ii)
to debit the settlement accounts of such participants and credit the settlement
account of such Agent for an amount equal to the price of such Book-Entry
Security.
H. Transfers of funds in accordance with SDFS deliver orders described
in Settlement Procedures "F" and "G" will be settled in accordance with SDFS
operating procedures in effect on the Settlement Date.
I. Upon confirmation of receipt of funds, the Trustee will transfer
to the account of the Company maintained at ____________________,
________________, or such other account as the Company may have previously
specified to the Trustee, in funds available for immediate use in the amount
transferred to the Trustee in accordance with Settlement Procedure "F".
J. Upon request, the Trustee will send to the Company a statement
setting forth the principal amount of Book-Entry Securities outstanding as of
that date under the Indenture.
K. Such Selling or Purchasing Agent, as the case may be, will confirm
the purchase of such Book-Entry Security to the purchaser either by transmitting
to the participants with respect to such Book-Entry Security a confirmation
order or orders through the Depositary's Institutional Delivery System or by
mailing a written confirmation to such purchaser.
L. The Depositary will, at any time, upon request of the Company or the
Trustee, promptly furnish to the Company or the Trustee a list of the names and
addresses of the participants for whom the Depositary has credited Book-Entry
Securities.
PREPARATION OF PRICING SUPPLEMENT:
If the Company accepts an offer to purchase a Book-Entry Security, it will
prepare a Pricing Supplement reflecting the terms of such Book-Entry Security.
The Company will supply at least [ten] copies of such Pricing Supplement to the
Selling Agent or Purchasing Agent, as the case may be, not later than [5:00
p.m., New York City] time, on the business day following the acceptance of such
offer, or if the Company and the purchaser agree to settlement on the business
day following the date of acceptance, not later than [noon, New York City] time,
on such date. The Company will arrange to file the Pricing Supplement
II-9
<PAGE>
electronically with the Commission not later than the close of business of the
Commission on the third business day following the date on which such Pricing
Supplement is first used.
DELIVERY OF CONFIRMATION AND PROSPECTUS TO PURCHASER BY SELLING AGENT:
The Selling Agent will deliver to the purchaser of a Book-Entry Security a
written confirmation of the sale and delivery and payment instructions. In
addition, the Selling Agent will deliver to such purchaser or its agent the
Prospectus as amended or supplemented (including the Pricing Supplement) in
relation to such Book-Entry Security prior to or together with the earlier of
the delivery to such purchaser or its agent of (a) the confirmation of sale or
(b) the Book-Entry Security.
DATE OF SETTLEMENT:
The receipt by the Company of immediately available funds in payment for a
Book-Entry Security and the authentication and issuance of the Global Security
representing such Book-Entry Security shall constitute "settlement" with respect
to such Book-Entry Security. All orders accepted by the Company will be settled
on the third business day pursuant to the timetable for settlement set forth
below unless the Company and the purchaser agree to settlement on another day
which shall be no earlier than the next business day.
SETTLEMENT PROCEDURE TIMETABLE:
For orders of Book-Entry Securities solicited by an Agent, as agent, and
accepted by the Company for settlement on the first business day after the sale
date, Settlement Procedures "A" through "I" set forth above shall be completed
as soon as possible but not later than the respective times [(New York City
time)] set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Settlement
Procedure Time
------------- ------------------------------------
<S> <C>
[A 5:00 p.m. on the business day following the
acceptance of an offer by the
Company or 10:00 a.m. on the
business day prior to the
settlement date, whichever is
earlier
B 12:00 noon on the sale date
C 2:00 p.m. on the sale date
D 9:00 a.m. on settlement date
E 10:00 a.m. on settlement date
F-G 2:00 p.m. on settlement date
H 4:45 p.m. on settlement date
I 5:00 p.m. on settlement date]
</TABLE>
If a sale is to be settled more than one business day after the sale
date, Settlement Procedures "B" and "C" shall be completed as soon as
practicable but not later
II-10
<PAGE>
than [2:00 p.m.] on the first business day after the sale date. If the
initial interest rate for a Floating Rate Book-Entry Security has not been
determined at the time that Settlement Procedure "A" is completed, Settlement
Procedures "B" and "C" shall be completed as soon as such rate has been
determined but no later than [12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m.], respectively, on the
business day before the settlement date. Settlement Procedure "H-9 is subject
to extension in accordance with any extension of Fedwire closing deadlines
and in the other events specified in the SDFS operating procedures in effect
on the settlement date.
If settlement of a Book-Entry Security is rescheduled or cancelled,
the Trustee, upon obtaining knowledge thereof, will deliver to the Depositary,
through the Depositary's Participant Terminal System, a cancellation message to
such effect by no later than [2:00 p.m.] on the business day immediately
preceding the scheduled settlement date (provided the Trustee received such
notice from the Company by noon on the business day immediately preceding the
Settlement Date) and in any case as soon as practicable.
FAILURE TO SETTLE:
If the Trustee fails to enter an SDFS deliver order with respect to
a Book-Entry Security pursuant to Settlement Procedure "F", the Trustee may
deliver to the Depositary, through the Depositary's Participant Terminal System,
as soon as practicable a withdrawal message instructing the Depositary to debit
such Book-Entry Security to the Trustee's participant account, provided that the
Trustee's participant account contains a principal amount of the Global Security
representing such Book-Entry Security that is at least equal to the principal
amount to be debited. If a withdrawal message is processed with respect to all
the Book-Entry Securities represented by a Global Security, the Trustee will
mark such Global Security "cancelled", make appropriate entries in the Trustee's
records and send such cancelled Global Security to the Company. The CUSIP
number assigned to such Global Security shall, in accordance with CUSIP Service
Bureau procedures, be cancelled and not immediately reassigned. If a withdrawal
message is processed with respect to one or more, but not all, of the Book-Entry
Securities represented by a Global Security, the Trustee will exchange such
Global Security for two Global Securities, one of which shall represent such
Book-Entry Security or Securities and shall be cancelled immediately after
issuance and the other of which shall represent the remaining Book-Entry
Securities previously represented by the surrendered Global Security and shall
bear the CUSIP number of the surrendered Global Security.
If the purchase price for any Book-Entry Security is not timely paid
to the participants with respect to such Book-Entry Security by the beneficial
purchaser thereof (or a person, including an indirect participant in the
Depositary, acting on behalf of such purchaser), such participants and, in turn,
the Agent for such Book-Entry Security may enter deliver orders through the
Depositary's Participant Terminal System debiting such Book-Entry Security to
such participants, account and crediting such Book-Entry Security to such
Agent's account and then debiting such Book-Entry Security to such Agent's
participant account and crediting such Book-Entry Security to the Trustee's
participant account and shall notify the Company and the Trustee thereof.
Thereafter, the Trustee will (i) immediately
II-11
<PAGE>
notify the Company of such order and the Company shall transfer to such Agent
funds available for immediate use in an amount equal to the price of such
Book-Entry Security which was credited to the account of the Company
maintained at the Trustee in accordance with Settlement Procedure "I", and
(ii) deliver the withdrawal message and take the related actions described in
the preceding paragraph. If such failure shall have occurred for any reason
other than default by the applicable Agent to perform its obligations
hereunder or under the Distribution Agreement, the Company will reimburse
such Agent on an equitable basis for the loss of its use of funds during the
period when the funds were credited to the account of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon any failure to settle with
respect to a Book-Entry Security, the Depositary may take any actions in
accordance with its SDFS operating procedures then in effect. In the event of a
failure to settle with respect to one or more, but not all, of the Book-Entry
Securities to have been represented by a Global Security, the Trustee will
provide, in accordance with Settlement Procedure "D", for the authentication and
issuance of a Global Security representing the other Book-Entry Securities to
have been represented by such Global Security and will make appropriate entries
in its records. The Company will, from time to time, furnish the Trustee with a
sufficient quantity of Securities.
II-12
<PAGE>
ANNEX III
Pursuant to Section 6(d) of the Distribution Agreement, the accountants
shall furnish letters to the Agents to the effect that:
(i) They are independent certified public accountants with respect to
the Company and its subsidiaries within the meaning of the Act and the
applicable published rules and regulations thereunder;
(ii) In their opinion, the financial statements and any supplementary
financial information and schedules examined by them and included or
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus comply
as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements
of the Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and the related published rules
and regulations thereunder; and, if applicable, they have made a review in
accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants of the consolidated interim financial statements of the
Company for the periods specified in such letter, as indicated in their reports
thereon, copies of which have been furnished to the Agents;
(iii) In their opinion, the unaudited selected financial information with
respect to the consolidated results of operations and financial position of the
Company for the five most recent fiscal years included in the Prospectus and
included or incorporated by reference in Item 6 of the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year agrees with the corresponding
amounts (after restatement where applicable) in the audited consolidated
financial statements for such fiscal years which were included or incorporated
by reference in the Company's Annual Reports on Form 10-K for such fiscal years;
(iv) On the basis of limited procedures, not constituting an examination
in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, consisting of a
reading of the unaudited financial statements and other information referred to
below, a reading of the latest available interim financial statements of the
Company and its subsidiaries, inspection of the minute books of the Company and
its subsidiaries since the date of the latest audited financial statements
included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus, inquiries of officials
of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries responsible for financial and
accounting matters and such other inquiries and procedures as may be specified
in such letter, nothing came to their attention that caused them to believe
that:
(A) the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income,
consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of changes in
financial position included or incorporated by reference in the Company's
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q incorporated by reference in the Prospectus
do not comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable
accounting requirements of the Exchange Act and the related published rules
and regulations thereunder or are not in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles for interim financial statements applied on a basis
substantially consistent with the basis for the audited consolidated
III-1
<PAGE>
statements of income, consolidated balance sheets and consolidated
statements of changes in financial position included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recent
fiscal year;
(B) any other unaudited income statement data and balance sheet
items included in the Prospectus do not agree with the corresponding items
in the unaudited consolidated financial statements from which such data and
items were derived, and any such unaudited data and items were not
determined on a basis substantially consistent with the basis for the
corresponding amounts in the audited consolidated financial statements
included or incorporated by reference in the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year;
(C) the unaudited financial statements which were not included in
the Prospectus but from which were derived the unaudited condensed
financial statements referred to in Clause (A) and any unaudited income
statement data and balance sheet items included in the Prospectus and
referred to in Clause (B) were not determined on a basis substantially
consistent with the basis for the audited financial statements included or
incorporated by reference in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the most recent fiscal year;
(D) any unaudited pro forma consolidated condensed financial
statements included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus do not
comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting
requirements of the Act and the published rules and regulations thereunder;
(E) as of a specified date not more than three days prior to the
date of delivery of such letter, there have been any decreases in the
consolidated capital stock or any increase in the consolidated long-term
debt of the Company and its subsidiaries, or any decreases in consolidated
net current assets or net assets or other items specified by the Agents, or
any increases in any items specified by the Agents, in each case as
compared with amounts shown in the latest balance sheet included or
incorporated by reference in the Prospectus, except in each case for
changes, increases or decreases which the Prospectus discloses have
occurred or may occur or which are described in such letter; and
(F) for the period from the date of the latest financial
statements included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus to the
specified date referred to in Clause (E), there were any decreases in
consolidated net sales or operating profit or the total or per share
amounts of consolidated net income or other items specified by the Agents,
or any increases in any items specified by the Agents, in each case as
compared with the comparable period of the preceding year and with any
other period of corresponding length specified by the Agents, except in
each case for decreases or increases which the Prospectus discloses have
occurred or may occur or which are described in such letter; and
III-2
<PAGE>
(v) In addition to the examination referred to in their report(s)
included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus and the limited
procedures, inspection of minute books, inquiries and other procedures
referred to in subparagraphs (iii) and (iv) above, they have carried out
certain specified procedures, not constituting an examination in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards, with respect to certain amounts,
percentages and financial information specified by you which are derived from
the general accounting records of the Company and its subsidiaries, which
appear in the Prospectus (excluding documents incorporated by reference), or
in Part II of, or in exhibits and schedules to, the Registration Statement
specified by the Agents or in documents incorporated by reference in the
Prospectus specified by the Agents, and have compared certain of such
amounts, percentages and financial information with the accounting records of
the Company and its subsidiaries, and have found them to be in agreement.
All references to the Prospectus in this Annex III shall be deemed to refer to
the Prospectus (including the documents incorporated by reference therein), as
defined in the Distribution Agreement, as of the Closing Date referred to in
Section 6(d) thereof and to the Prospectus as amended or supplemented (including
the documents incorporated by reference therein), as defined in such Agreement,
as of the date of the amendment, supplement, incorporation or the Time of
Delivery related to the Terms Agreement requiring the delivery of such letter
under Section 4(i) thereof.
III-3
<PAGE>
Exhibit 4.1
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
TO
_____________________________,
TRUSTEE
_________________
INDENTURE
DATED AS OF ____________________
_________________
_________________
<PAGE>
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
Reconciliation and tie between Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and
Indenture, dated as of __________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Trust Indenture
Act Section Indenture Section
- ----------- -----------------
<S> <C>
Section 310(a)(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .609
(a)(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .609
(a)(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(a)(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(a)(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .609
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608, 610
Section 311. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .613
Section 312(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .701, 702(a)
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 702(b)
(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 702(c)
Section 313. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .703
Section 314(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(c)(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
(c)(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
(c)(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
Section 315(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .601
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .602
(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .601
(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .601
(e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .514
Section 316(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
(a)(1)(A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 502, 512
(a)(1)(B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .513
(a)(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .508
Section 317(a)(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .503
(a)(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .504
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1003
Section 318(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
</TABLE>
- ----------------------
Note: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be
part of the Indenture.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
RECITALS OF THE COMPANY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
ARTICLE ONE DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL
APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
SECTION 101. Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Affiliate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Attributable Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Authenticating Agent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Board Resolution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Business Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Commission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Company Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Company Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Consolidated Net Tangible Assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Corporate Trust Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Defaulted Interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Depositary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Event of Default. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Exchange Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Funded Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Global Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Holder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Indenture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Interest Payment Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Lien. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Liens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Maturity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Officers' Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Opinion of Counsel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Original Issue Discount Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Paying Agent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Periodic Offering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
<PAGE>
Person. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Place of Payment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Predecessor Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Principal Property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Redemption Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Redemption Price. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Regular Record Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Required Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Responsible Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Restricted Subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Security Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Security Registrar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Special Record Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Stated Maturity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Subsidiary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Trust Indenture Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
TIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
U.S. Government Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Vice President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions. . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . .9
SECTION 104. Acts of Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SECTION 107. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents. . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 109. Successors and Assigns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 110. Separability Clause . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 111. Benefits of Indenture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
SECTION 112. Governing Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
SECTION 113. Legal Holidays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
ARTICLE TWO SECURITY FORMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
SECTION 201. Forms Generally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
SECTION 202. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication . . . . . . . 14
SECTION 203. Securities in Global Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SECTION 204. Form of Legend for Global Securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
ARTICLE THREE THE SECURITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SECTION 302. Denominations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
-ii-
<PAGE>
SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating. . . . . . . . 19
SECTION 304. Temporary Securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange . . . . . 22
SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities. . . . . . . 23
SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved. . . . . . . . 24
SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
SECTION 309. Cancellation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SECTION 310. Computation of Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SECTION 311. CUSIP Number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SECTION 312. Payment to be in Proper Currency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
ARTICLE FOUR SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture . . . . . . . . . . . 27
SECTION 402. Application of Trust Money. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
SECTION 403. Defeasance and Discharge of Indenture . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
ARTICLE FIVE REMEDIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
SECTION 501. Events of Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment. . . . . . 32
SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement
by Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of
Securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal,
Premium and Interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 512. Control by Holders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
SECTION 514. Undertaking for Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
SECTION 515. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
ARTICLE SIX THE TRUSTEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
SECTION 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
SECTION 602. Notice of Defaults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
SECTION 603. Certain Rights of Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
SECTION 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities. . . . 41
SECTION 605. May Hold Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
SECTION 606. Money Held in Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
SECTION 607. Compensation and Reimbursement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
SECTION 608. Disqualification; Conflicting Interests . . . . . . . . . . . 43
-iii-
<PAGE>
SECTION 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . 43
SECTION 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor . . . . . . 43
SECTION 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor. . . . . . . . . . . . 45
SECTION 612. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to
Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
SECTION 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company . . . . . . 47
SECTION 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
ARTICLE SEVEN HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY . . . . . . 49
SECTION 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of
Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
SECTION 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders. . . . 49
SECTION 703. Reports by Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
SECTION 704. Reports by Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
ARTICLE EIGHT CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE. . . . . 51
SECTION 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms. . . . . 51
SECTION 802. Successor Substituted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
ARTICLE NINE SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders. . . . . . 52
SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders . . . . . . . 53
SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures. . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures. . . . . . 55
SECTION 907. Notice of Supplemental Indentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
ARTICLE TEN COVENANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest. . . . . . . . . . 56
SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
SECTION 1003. Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust . . . . . . 57
SECTION 1004. Existence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
SECTION 1005. Maintenance of Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
SECTION 1006. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
SECTION 1007. Restrictions on Secured Debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
SECTION 1008. Restriction on Sale and Leaseback Transactions. . . . . . . . 61
SECTION 1009. Compliance Certificate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
SECTION 1010. Defeasance of Certain Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
SECTION 1011. Waiver of Certain Covenants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
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ARTICLE ELEVEN REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed . . . . . . 65
SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
ARTICLE TWELVE SINKING FUNDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
SECTION 1201. Applicability of Article. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities . . . . 68
SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund . . . . . . . . . . 68
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
INDENTURE, dated as of ________________________ between Fingerhut
Companies, Inc. a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the
State of Minnesota (herein called the "Company"), having its principal office at
4400 Baker Road, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343, and __________________________, as
Trustee (herein called the "Trustee").
RECITALS OF THE COMPANY
The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this
Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured
debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (herein called the
"Securities"), to be issued in one or more series as in this Indenture provided.
All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the
Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.
NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:
For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the
Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the
equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities or of series
thereof, as follows:
ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
SECTION 101. Definitions.
For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly
provided or unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings
assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the
singular;
(2) all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust
Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings
assigned to them therein; the following TIA terms used in this Indenture
have the following meanings:
"INDENTURE SECURITIES" means the Securities;
"INDENTURE SECURITY HOLDER" means a Holder;
"INDENTURE TO BE QUALIFIED" means this Indenture;
"INDENTURE TRUSTEE" or "INSTITUTIONAL TRUSTEE" means the Trustee;
(3) any gender used in this Indenture shall be deemed and
construed to include correlative words of the masculine, feminine or
neuter gender;
<PAGE>
(4) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the
meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and, except as otherwise herein expressly
provided, the term "generally accepted accounting principles" with
respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean
such accounting principles as are generally accepted in the United States
of America at the date of such computation; and
(5) the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder" and other
words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any
particular Article, Section or other subdivision.
Certain terms, used principally in Article Six, are defined in that
Article.
"Act", when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in
Section 104.
"Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition,
"control", when used with respect to any specified Person, means the power to
direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly,
whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise;
and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the
foregoing.
"Attributable Debt" in respect of any Sale and Leaseback Transaction
means, at the date of determination, the present value (discounted at the rate
of interest implicit in the terms of the lease) of the obligation of the lessee
for net rental payments during the remaining term of the lease (including any
period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the
lessor, be extended). "Net rental payments" under any lease for any period
means the sum of the rental and other payments required to be paid in such
period by the lessee thereunder, excluding any amounts required to be paid by
such lessee (whether or not designated as rental or additional rental) on
account of maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates
or similar charges required to be paid by such lessee thereunder or any amounts
required to be paid by such lessee thereunder contingent upon the amount of
sales, maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or
similar charges.
"Authenticating Agent" means any Person authorized by the Trustee
pursuant to Section 614 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate
Securities of one or more series.
"Board of Directors" means either the board of directors of the Company
or any duly authorized committee appointed by that board.
"Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by
the Board of Directors and
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to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification. Where any
provision of this Indenture refers to action to be taken pursuant to a Board
Resolution (including establishment of any series of the Securities and the
forms and terms thereof), such action may be taken by any committee, officer or
employee of the Company authorized to take such action by a Board Resolution.
"Business Day", when used with respect to any Place of Payment, means
each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which
banking institutions generally in that Place of Payment are authorized or
obligated by law or executive order to close, unless otherwise specified in a
form of Security.
"Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time
to time constituted, created under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument such
Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under
the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.
"Company" means the Person named as the "Company" in the first paragraph
of this instrument until a successor corporation shall have become such pursuant
to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Company" shall
mean such successor corporation.
"Company Request" or "Company Order" means a written request or order
signed in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its President or
a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Secretary or
an Assistant Secretary and delivered to the Trustee.
"Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means the aggregate amount of assets
(less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items) after deducting
therefrom (a) all current liabilities (excluding any indebtedness for money
borrowed having a maturity of less than 12 months from the date of the most
recent consolidated balance sheet of the Company but which by its terms is
renewable or extendable beyond 12 months from such date at the option of the
borrower) and (b) all goodwill, trade names, patents, unamortized debt discount
and expense and any other like intangibles, all as set forth on the most recent
consolidated balance sheet of the Company and computed in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.
"Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Trustee in
_________________ at which at any particular time its corporate trust business
shall be principally administered.
"Corporation" includes corporations, associations, companies, joint stock
companies and business trusts.
"Debt" has the meaning specified in Section 1007.
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"Defaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in Section 307.
"Depositary" means, with respect to the Securities of any series issuable
or issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, the
clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, specified for that purpose as
contemplated by Section 301 or any successor clearing agency registered under
the Exchange Act as contemplated by Section 305, and if at any time there is
more than one such Person, "Depositary" as used with respect to the Securities
of any series shall mean the Depositary with respect to the Securities of such
series.
"Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 501.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"Funded Debt" means Debt which by its terms matures at or is extendible
or renewable at the option of the obligor to a date more than 12 months after
the date of the creation of such Debt.
"Global Security" means a Security bearing the legend specified in
Section 204 evidencing all or part of a series of Securities, issued to the
Depositary for such series or its nominee, and registered in the name of such
Depositary or nominee.
"Holder" means a Person in whose name a Security is registered in the
Security Register.
"Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed or as it may
from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures
supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof
and shall include the terms of particular series of Securities established as
contemplated by Section 301; provided, however, that, if at any time more than
one Person is acting as Trustee under this instrument due to the appointment of
one or more separate Trustees for any one or more separate series of Securities
pursuant to Section 610(e), "Indenture" shall mean, with respect to such series
of Securities for which any such Person is Trustee, this instrument as
originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by
one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the
applicable provisions hereof and shall include the terms of particular series of
Securities for which such Person is Trustee established as contemplated by
Section 301, exclusive, however, of any provisions or terms which relate solely
to other series of Securities for which such Person is not Trustee, regardless
of when such terms or provisions were adopted, and exclusive of any provisions
or terms adopted by means of one or more indentures supplemental hereto executed
and delivered after such Person had become such Trustee but to which such
Person, as such Trustee, was not a party.
"Interest", when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security
which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable
after Maturity.
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<PAGE>
"Interest Payment Date", when used with respect to any Security, means
the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.
"Lien" or "Liens" has the meaning specified in Section 1007.
"Maturity", when used with respect to any Security, means the date on
which the principal of such Security or an installment of principal becomes due
and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by
declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise.
"Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the
Board, the President, a Vice President or an Assistant Vice President of the
Company, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.
"Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be
counsel for the Company.
"Original Issue Discount Security" means any Security which provides for
an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a
declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502.
"Outstanding", when used with respect to Securities, means, as of the
date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered
under this Indenture, except:
(i) Securities theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered
to the Trustee for cancellation;
(ii) Securities for whose payment or redemption money in the
necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any
Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and
segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own
Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities; provided that, if such
Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly
given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to
the Trustee has been made; and
(iii) Securities which have been paid pursuant to Section 306 or
in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been
authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any
such Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to
the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Securities are held by a
bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Securities are valid obligations
of the Company;
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<PAGE>
provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder or whether a
quorum is present at a meeting of Holders of Securities, (i) the principal
amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that shall be deemed to be
Outstanding shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and
payable as of the date of such determination upon acceleration of the Maturity
thereof pursuant to Section 502, (ii) the principal amount of a Security
denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units that shall be
deemed to be Outstanding shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined in the
manner provided as contemplated by Section 301 as of the date of original
issuance of such Security, of the principal amount (or, in the case of an
Original Issue Discount Security, the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined as of
the date of original issuance of such Security, of the amount determined as
provided in (i) above) of such Security as determined by the Company pursuant to
Section 301, and (iii) Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon
the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be
disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining
whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Securities which the
Trustee knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which
have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee
establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right so to act
with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any
other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such
other obligor.
"Paying Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the
principal of (and premium, if any) and/or interest on any Securities on behalf
of the Company.
"Periodic Offering" means an offering of Securities of a series from time
to time the specific terms of which Securities, including without limitation the
rate or rates of interest (or formula for determining the rate or rates of
interest), if any, thereon, the Stated Maturity or Maturities thereof and the
redemption provisions, if any, with respect thereto, are to be determined by the
Company or its agents upon the issuance of such Securities.
"Person" means any individual, Corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or
government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
"Place of Payment", when used with respect to the Securities of any
series, means the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any)
and/or interest on the Securities of that series are payable, where Securities
of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and
where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of
that series and this Indenture may be served.
"Predecessor Security" of any particular Security means every previous
Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such
particular Security, and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security
authenticated and delivered under
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<PAGE>
Section 306 in exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen
Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed,
lost or stolen Security.
"Principal Property" means any plant, office facility, warehouse
distribution center or equipment located within the United States of America
(other than its territories or possessions) and owned by the Company or any
Subsidiary, the gross book value (without deduction of any depreciation
reserves) of which on the date as of which the determination is being made
exceeds 1% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the Company, except any such
property which is not of material importance to the business conducted by the
Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (as determined by any two of the
following: the Chairman or a Vice Chairman of the Board of the Company, its
President, its Chief Financial Officer, its Vice President of Finance, its
Treasurer or its Controller).
"Redemption Date", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed,
means the date fixed for such redemption pursuant to this Indenture.
"Redemption Price", when used with respect to any Security to be
redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this
Indenture.
"Regular Record Date" for the interest payable on any Interest Payment
Date on the Securities of any series means the date specified for that purpose
as contemplated by Section 301.
"Required Currency" has the meaning specified in Section 311.
"Responsible Officer", when used with respect to the Trustee, means any
officer of the Trustee assigned by it to administer its corporate trust matters.
"Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company, which owns
or leases a Principal Property.
"Securities" has the meaning stated in the first recital of this
Indenture and more particularly means any Securities authenticated and delivered
under this Indenture; provided, however, that if at any time there is more than
one Person acting as Trustee under this Indenture, "Securities" with respect to
the Indenture as to which such Person is Trustee shall have the meaning stated
in the first recital of this Indenture and shall more particularly mean
Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, exclusive, however,
of Securities of any series as to which such Person is not Trustee.
"Security Register" and "Security Registrar" have the respective meanings
specified in Section 305.
"Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a
date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.
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<PAGE>
"Stated Maturity", when used with respect to any Security or any
installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified
in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or
such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.
"Subsidiary" means any Corporation of which securities (excluding
securities entitled to vote for directors only by reason of the happening of a
contingency) entitled to elect at least a majority of the corporation's
directors shall at the time be owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, or
one or more Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more Subsidiaries.
"Trustee" means the Person named as the "Trustee" in the first paragraph
of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to
the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Trustee" shall mean
or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there
is more than one such Person, "Trustee" as used with respect to the Securities
of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.
"Trust Indenture Act" or "TIA" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as
in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed, except as
provided in Section 905.
"U.S. Government Obligations" means direct obligations of the United
States of America, backed by its full faith and credit.
"Vice President", when used with respect to the Company, means any vice
president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added before
or after the title "vice president".
SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions.
Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any
action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the
Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any,
provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been
complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such
counsel all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with, except
that in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing
of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture
relating to such particular application or request, no additional certificate or
opinion need be furnished.
Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition
or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include:
(1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate
or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein
relating thereto;
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<PAGE>
(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the
examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions
contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
(3) a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual,
he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable
him to express an informed opinion whether such covenant or condition has
been complied with; and
(4) a statement whether, in the opinion of each such
individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.
In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or
covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all
such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such
Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one
such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one
or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify
or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.
Any certificate or opinion of any officer of the Company may be based,
insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or
representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of
reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations
with respect to the matters upon which such officer's certificate or opinion is
based are erroneous. Any such certificate or Opinion of Counsel may be based,
insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or
representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the
information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the
Company, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should
know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such
matters are erroneous.
Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more
applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other
instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and
form one instrument.
SECTION 104. Acts of Holders.
(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by
Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of
substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent duly
appointed in writing, and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such
action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered
to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such
instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced
thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "ACT" of the Holders signing
such instrument or
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<PAGE>
instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing
appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture
and (subject to Section 601) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company,
if made in the manner provided in this Section.
(b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such
instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such
execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by
law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing
such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where
such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than such signer's
individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute
sufficient proof of such signer's authority. The fact and date of the execution
of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the
same, may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.
(c) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security
Register.
(d) The Company may fix any day as the record date for the purpose of
determining the Holders of Securities of any series entitled to give or take any
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other
action, or to vote on any action, authorized or permitted to be given or taken
by Holders of Securities of such series, but the Company shall have no
obligation to do so. If not set by the Company prior to the first solicitation
of a Holder of Securities of such series made by any Person in respect of any
such action, or, in the case of any such vote, prior to such vote, the record
date for any such action or vote shall be the 30th day (or, if later, the date
of the most recent list of Holders required to be provided pursuant to
Section 701) prior to such first solicitation or vote, as the case may be. With
regard to any record date for action to be taken by the Holders of one or more
series of Securities, only the Holders of Securities of such series on such date
(or their duly designated proxies) shall be entitled to give or take, or vote
on, the relevant action.
(e) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder
of the same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the
registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in
respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the
Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon
such Security.
SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or
Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be
made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,
(1) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be
sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed
in writing to or with a
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Responsible Officer of the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office,
Attention: _________________________, or
(2) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be
sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly
provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the
Company addressed to it at the address of its principal office specified
in the first paragraph of this instrument (Attention: Treasurer) or at
any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the
Company.
SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver.
Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event, such
notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided)
if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder affected
by such event, at such Holder's address as it appears in the Security Register,
not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date,
prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders
is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any
notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such
notice with respect to other Holders. Where this Indenture provides for notice
in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to
receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be
the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with
the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity
of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.
In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason
of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then
such notification as shall be made by or with the approval of the Trustee shall
constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.
SECTION 107. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.
This Indenture is subject to, and shall be governed by, the provisions of
the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Indenture. If any
provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust
Indenture Act that is required under such Act to be a part of and govern this
Indenture, the latter provision shall control. If any provision of this
Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act that may
be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to
this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.
SECTION 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.
The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for
convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
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SECTION 109. Successors and Assigns.
All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company or the
Trustee shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
SECTION 110. Separability Clause.
In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities shall be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of
the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
SECTION 111. Benefits of Indenture.
Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall
give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, any Authenticating Agent, any
Paying Agent, any Security Registrar, and their successors hereunder and the
Holders, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this
Indenture.
SECTION 112. Governing Law.
This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
SECTION 113. Legal Holidays.
Except as may be otherwise specified with respect to any particular
Securities, in any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or
Stated Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of
Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the
Securities) payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) need not be
made at such Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next
succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect
as if made on the Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date, or at the Stated
Maturity, provided that no interest shall accrue for the period from and after
such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may
be.
ARTICLE TWO
SECURITY FORMS
SECTION 201. Forms Generally.
The Securities of each series shall be in substantially the form as shall
be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution and set forth in an
Officers' Certificate or established by one or more indentures supplemental
hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions
and other variations as are required or permitted by this
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Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification
and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply
with the rules of any securities exchange or as may, consistently herewith, be
determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their
execution of the Securities. If the form of Securities of any series is
established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an
appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to
the delivery of the Company Order contemplated by Section 303 for the
authentication and delivery of such Securities.
The Trustee's certificates of authentication shall be in substantially
the form set forth in this Article with such appropriate insertions, omissions,
substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this
Indenture.
The definitive Securities may be printed, lithographed or engraved or
produced by any combination of these methods on steel engraved borders or may be
produced in any other manner permitted by the rules of any securities exchange
on which the Securities may be listed, all as determined by the officers
executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.
SECTION 202. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein and issued
pursuant to the within-mentioned Indenture.
------------------------------
as Trustee
By
----------------------------
Authorized Signatory
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SECTION 203. Securities in Global Form.
If Securities of a series are issuable in whole or in part in global
form, as specified as contemplated by Section 301, then, notwithstanding
clause (13) of Section 301 and the provisions of Section 302, such Global
Security shall represent such of the Outstanding Securities of such series as
shall be specified therein and may provide that it shall represent the aggregate
amount of Outstanding Securities from time to time endorsed thereon and that the
aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities represented thereby may from time to
time be reduced to reflect exchanges. Any endorsement of a Global Security to
reflect the amount, or any increase or decrease in the amounts, of Outstanding
Securities represented thereby shall be made in such manner and upon
instructions given by such Person or Persons as shall be specified therein or in
the Company Order to be delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 303 or
Section 304.
The provisions of the last sentence of Section 303 shall apply to any
Securities represented by a Security in global form if such Security was never
issued and sold by the Company and the Company delivers to the Trustee the
Security in global form together with written instructions (which need not
comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel)
with respect to the reduction in the principal amount of Securities represented
thereby, together with the written statement contemplated by the last sentence
of Section 303.
Global Securities will be issued in registered form and may be issued in
either temporary or permanent form.
SECTION 204. Form of Legend for Global Securities.
Any Global Security authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a
legend in substantially the following form or such similar form as may be
required by the Depositary:
"Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized representative of
The Depository Trust Company (55 Water Street, New York, New York) to the issuer
or to its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any
certificate issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or such other name
as requested by an authorized representative of The Depository Trust Company and
any payment is made to Cede & Co., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR
VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL since the registered owner
hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.
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ARTICLE THREE
THE SECURITIES
SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.
The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated
and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.
The Securities shall rank equally and pari passu and may be issued in one
or more series. There shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution
and, subject to Section 303, set forth or determined in the manner provided in
an Officers' Certificate or established in one or more indentures supplemental
hereto, prior to the initial issuance of Securities of any series,
(1) the title of the Securities of the series (which shall
distinguish the Securities of the series from Securities of any other
series);
(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the
Securities of the series which may be authenticated and delivered under
this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon
registration of transfer of, or in lieu of, other Securities of the
series pursuant to Section 304, 305, 306, 906, 1107 and except for any
Securities which, pursuant to Section 303, are deemed never to have been
authenticated and delivered hereunder);
(3) the Person to whom any interest on a Security of the series
shall be payable, if other than the Person in whose name that Security
(or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of
business on the Regular Record Date for such interest;
(4) the date or dates on which the principal or installments of
principal of the Securities of the series is or are payable and any
rights to extend such date or dates;
(5) the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series
shall bear interest, if any, or the formula pursuant to which such rate
or rates shall be determined, the date or dates from which such interest
shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest shall be
payable and the Regular Record Date for the interest payable on any
Interest Payment Date;
(6) the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if
any) and interest on Securities of the series shall be payable, any
Securities of the series may be surrendered for registration of transfer
or exchange and notices and demands to or upon the Company with respect
to the Securities of the series and this Indenture may be served;
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(7) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at
which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series
may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company;
(8) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or
purchase Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or
analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof and the period
or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and
conditions upon which Securities of the series shall be redeemed or
purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;
(9) whether the Securities of the series will be convertible
into shares of Common Stock and/or exchangeable for other securities, and
if so, the terms and conditions upon which such Securities will be so
convertible or exchangeable, and any deletions from or modifications or
additions to this Indenture to permit or to facilitate the issuance of
such convertible or exchangeable Securities or the administration
thereof;
(10) the identity of each Security Registrar and Paying Agent,
if other than or in addition to the Trustee;
(11) if the amount of principal of, or any premium or interest
on, any Securities of the series may be determined by reference to an
index or pursuant to a formula, the manner in which such amounts shall be
determined;
(12) the applicability of, and any addition to or change in, the
covenants and definitions currently set forth in this Indenture;
(13) if other than denominations of $1,000 or any amount in
excess thereof which is an integral multiple of $1,000, the denominations
in which Securities of the series shall be issuable;
(14) if other than the currency of the United States of America,
the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of the
principal of and any premium and interest on any Securities of the series
shall be payable if other than the currency of the United States of
America, the manner of determining the U.S. dollar equivalent of the
principal amount thereof for purposes of the definition of "Outstanding"
in Section 101, and, if the principal of or any premium or interest on
any Securities of the series is to be payable, at the election of the
Company or a Holder thereof, in one or more currencies or currency units
other than that or those in which the Securities are stated to be
payable, the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of
the principal of and any premium and interest on Securities of such
series as to which such election is made shall be payable, and the
periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which such
election is to be made;
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(15) any other event or events of default applicable with
respect to Securities of the series in addition to or in lieu of those
provided in Section 501(1)-(7);
(16) if less than the principal amount thereof, the portion of
the principal amount of Securities of the series which shall be payable
upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to
Section 502;
(17) whether the Securities of the series shall be issued in
whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, if so,
(a) the Depositary with respect to such Global Security or Securities and
(b) the circumstances under which any such Global Security may be
exchanged for Securities registered in the name of, and any transfer of
such Global Security may be registered to, a Person other than such
Depositary or its nominee, if other than as set forth in Section 305;
(18) if principal of or any premium or interest on the
Securities of a series is denominated or payable in a currency or
currencies other than the currency of the United States of America,
whether and under what terms and conditions the Company may be discharged
from obligations pursuant to Sections 403 and 1010 with respect to
Securities of such series; and
(19) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be
inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, except as permitted
by Section 901(5)).
All Securities of any one series (other than Securities offered in a
Periodic Offering) shall be substantially identical except as to denomination
and except as may otherwise be provided by or pursuant to the Board Resolution
referred to above and, subject to Section 303, set forth, or determined in the
manner provided, in the Officers' Certificate referred to above or in any such
indenture supplemental hereto.
If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken
pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action
shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and
delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers'
Certificate setting forth the terms of the series.
With respect to Securities of a series offered in a Periodic Offering,
such Board Resolution and Officers' Certificate or supplemental indenture may
provide general terms or parameters for Securities of such series and provide
either that the specific terms of particular Securities of such series shall be
specified in a Company Order or that such terms shall be determined by the
Company or its agents in accordance with other procedures specified in a Company
Order as contemplated by the third paragraph of Section 303.
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SECTION 302. Denominations.
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Officers' Certificate or
supplemental indenture, the Securities of each series shall be issued in
registered form without coupons in such denominations as shall be specified as
contemplated by Section 301. In the absence of any such provisions with respect
to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series shall be issuable
in denominations of $1,000 or any amount in excess thereof which is an integral
multiple of $1,000.
SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.
The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman
of the Board, its President or one of its Vice Presidents, under its corporate
seal affixed thereto or reproduced thereon attested by its Secretary or one of
its Assistant Secretaries. The signature of any of these officers on the
Securities may be manual or facsimile.
Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who
were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company,
notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such
offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not
hold such offices at the date of such Securities.
At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of
this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the
Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the
authentication and delivery of such Securities, or, in the case of Securities
offered in a Periodic Offering, from time to time in accordance with such other
procedures (including, without limitation, the receipt by the Trustee of
electronic instructions from the Company or its duly authorized agents, promptly
confirmed in writing by the Company) acceptable to the Trustee as may be
specified from time to time by a Company Order for establishing the specific
terms of particular Securities being so offered, and the Trustee in accordance
with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities. If the
form or forms or terms of the Securities of the series have been established by
or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions as permitted by Sections 201 and
301, in authenticating such Securities and accepting the additional
responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the
Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 601) shall be
fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating,
(a) that the form or forms of such Securities have been
established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
(b) that the terms of such Securities have been established in
conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
(c) that such Securities, when authenticated and delivered by
the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any
conditions specified in
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such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally binding
obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms,
subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent
conveyance or transfer and other laws of general applicability relating
to or affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights and to general
equity principles;
(d) that authentication and delivery of such Securities and the
execution and delivery of the supplemental indenture, if any, by the
Trustee will not violate the terms of the Indenture;
(e) that the Company has the corporate power to issue such
Securities, and has duly taken all necessary corporate action with
respect to such issuance; and
(f) that the issuance of such Securities will not contravene
the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the Company or result in any
violation of any of the terms or provisions of any law or regulation or
of any indenture, mortgage or other agreement known to such Counsel by
which the Company is bound;
provided, however, that, with respect to Securities of a series offered in a
Periodic Offering, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive such Opinion of
Counsel in connection only with the first authentication of each form of
Securities of such series and that the opinions described in Clauses (b) and (c)
above may state, respectively, that
(b) if the terms of such Securities are to be established
pursuant to a Company Order or pursuant to such procedures as may be
specified from time to time by a Company Order, all as contemplated by a
Board Resolution or action taken pursuant thereto, such terms will have
been duly authorized by the Company and established in conformity with
the provisions of this Indenture; and
(c) that such Securities, when executed by the Company,
completed, authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in accordance with
this Indenture, and issued and delivered by the Company and paid for, all
in accordance with any agreement of the Company relating to the offering,
issuance and sale of such Securities, will be duly issued under this
Indenture and will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of
the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws
relating to or affecting generally the enforcement of creditors' rights
and to general principles of equity.
With respect to Securities of a series offered in a Periodic Offering,
the Trustee may rely, as to the authorization by the Company of any of such
Securities, the form or forms and terms thereof and the legality, validity,
binding effect and enforceability thereof, upon the Opinion of Counsel, Company
Order and other documents delivered pursuant to Sections 201 and 301 and this
Section, as applicable, in connection with the first authentication of a form of
Securities of such series and it shall not be necessary for the Company to
deliver
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such Opinion of Counsel and other documents (except as may be required by the
specified other procedures, if any, referred to above) at or prior to the time
of authentication of each Security of such series unless and until the Trustee
receives notice that such Opinion of Counsel or other documents have been
superseded or revoked, and may assume compliance with any conditions specified
in such Opinion of Counsel (other than any conditions to be performed by the
Trustee). If such form or forms or terms have been so established, the Trustee
shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such
Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee's own rights,
duties or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a
manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.
Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.
No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be
valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a
certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein
executed by the Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate upon any
Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security
has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and is entitled to the
benefits of this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security
shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold
by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such Security to the Trustee for
cancellation as provided in Section 309 together with a written statement (which
need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of
Counsel) stating that such Security has never been issued and sold by the
Company, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never
to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled
to the benefits of this Indenture.
SECTION 304. Temporary Securities.
Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any Series, the
Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and
deliver, temporary Securities which are printed, lithographed, typewritten or
otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor
of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued and with such
appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the
officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their
execution of such Securities. In the case of Securities of any series, such
temporary Securities may be in the form of Global Securities.
If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause
definitive Securities of that series to be prepared without unreasonable delay.
After the preparation of definitive Securities of such series, the temporary
Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of
like tenor of such series upon surrender of the temporary Securities of such
series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that
series, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any
one or more temporary Securities of any series the Company shall execute and the
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Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal
amount of definitive Securities of the same series and of like tenor and of any
authorized denominations. Until so exchanged the temporary Securities of any
series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this
Indenture as definitive Securities of such series and tenor.
SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.
The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the
Trustee a register (the "SECURITY REGISTER") in which, subject to such
reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the
registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. The Trustee is
hereby appointed "SECURITY REGISTRAR" for the purpose of registering Securities
and transfers of Securities as herein provided at the Corporate Trust Office.
Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of any series
at the office or agency of the Company in any Place of Payment for such series,
the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver (in the
name of the designated transferee or transferees) one or more new Securities of
the same series, of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate
principal amount and tenor and bearing a number not contemporaneously
outstanding.
At the option of the Holder, Securities of any series may be exchanged
for other Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of
a like aggregate principal amount and tenor, upon surrender of the Securities to
be exchanged at the office or agency of the Company in any Place of Payment for
such series. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the
Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the
Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.
All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of
Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same
debt and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Securities
surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or
for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee) be duly
endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed, by the
Holder thereof or such Holder's attorney duly authorized in writing.
No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or
exchange of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient
to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection
with any registration of
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transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to
Section 304, 906 or 1107 not involving any transfer.
The Company may but shall not be required (i) to issue, register the
transfer of or exchange Securities of any series during a period beginning at
the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of
redemption of Securities of that series selected for redemption under
Section 1103 and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, or
(ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for
redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security
being redeemed in part.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise specified as
contemplated by Section 301, any Global Security shall be exchangeable pursuant
to this Section 305 for Securities registered in the name of Persons other than
the Depositary for such Security or its nominee only if (i) such Depositary
notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary
for such Global Security or if at any time such Depositary ceases to be a
clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, (ii) the Company executes and
delivers to the Trustee a Company Order that such Global Security shall be so
exchangeable or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of
Default with respect to the Securities of such series. Upon the occurrence in
respect of any Global Security of any series of any one or more of the
conditions specified in Clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of the preceding sentence or
such other conditions as may be specified as contemplated by Section 301 for
such series, such Global Security may be exchanged for Securities not bearing
the legend specified in Section 204 and registered in the names of such Persons
as may be specified by the Depositary (including Persons other than the
Depositary).
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, a Global Security
may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary for such Global
Security to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the
Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary.
SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.
If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company
shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange
therefor a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal
amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence
to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security and
(ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them
and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the
Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide
purchaser, the Company shall execute and upon its written request the Trustee
shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen
Security, a new Security, including a Global Security if the destroyed, lost or
stolen Security
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was a Global Security, of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount
and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become
or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may,
instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.
Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may
require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental
charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including
the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.
Every new Security of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu
of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original
additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed,
lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be
entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with
any and all other Securities of that series duly issued hereunder. A new
Security shall have such legends as appeared on the old Security unless the
Company determines otherwise.
The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the
extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or
payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.
SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.
Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to
any series of Securities, interest on any Security which is payable, and is
punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid
to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor
Securities) is registered in the Security Register at the close of business on
the Regular Record Date for such Interest Payment Date.
Any interest on any Security of any series which is payable but is not
punctually paid or duly provided for on any Interest Payment Date (herein called
"DEFAULTED INTEREST") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the
relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such
Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as
provided in Clause (1) or (2) below:
(1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted
Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or
their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of
business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted
Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company
shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest
proposed to be paid on each Security of such series and the date of the
proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the
Trustee
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an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in
respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements
satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the
proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the
benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this
Clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date
for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than
15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed
payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the
notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the
Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense
of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such
Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed,
first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder of Securities of such series
at such Holder's address as it appears in the Security Register, not less
than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed
payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor
having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the
Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective
Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such
Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the
following Clause (2).
(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on
the Securities of any series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent
with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities
may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange,
if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed
payment pursuant to this Clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed
practicable by the Trustee.
Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Security
delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange
for, or in lieu of, any other Security shall carry the rights to interest
accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.
SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners.
Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the
Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the
Person in whose name such Security is registered in the Security Register as the
owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and
premium, if any) and (subject to Section 307) interest on such Security and for
all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and
neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee
shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
No holder of any beneficial interest in any Global Security held on its
behalf by a Depositary (or its nominee) shall have any rights under this
Indenture with respect to such Global Security or any Security represented
thereby, and such Depositary may be treated by the Company, the Trustee, and any
agent of the Company or the Trustee as the owner of such
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Global Security or any Security represented thereby for all purposes whatsoever.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Global Security, nothing
herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee, or any agent of the Company or
the Trustee, from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other
authorization furnished by a Depositary or impair, as between a Depositary and
such holders of beneficial interest in such Global Security, the operation of
customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of the Depositary (or
its nominees) as Holder of such Global Security.
SECTION 309. Cancellation.
All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of
transfer or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if
surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee
and shall be promptly canceled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to
the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and
delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner
whatsoever, and may deliver to the Trustee (or to any other Person for delivery
to the Trustee) for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated
hereunder which the Company has not issued and sold, and all Securities so
delivered shall be promptly canceled by the Trustee. No Securities shall be
authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities canceled as provided
in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All canceled
Securities held by the Trustee shall be destroyed unless otherwise directed by a
Company Order. The Trustee is hereby directed by the Company to destroy the
cancelled Securities held by the Trustee (subject to the record retention
requirements of the Exchange Act), and the Trustee shall provide the Company
with a certificate of a Responsible Officer certifying as to the destruction of
such Securities.
SECTION 310. Computation of Interest.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for
Securities of any series, interest on the Securities of each series shall be
computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
SECTION 311. CUSIP Number.
The Company in issuing the Securities may use "CUSIP" numbers, and if it
does so, the Trustee shall use the applicable CUSIP number in notices of
redemption or exchange as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such
notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness or
accuracy of the CUSIP number printed in the notice or on the Securities, and
that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on
the Securities. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee of any change in
any CUSIP number.
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SECTION 312. Payment to be in Proper Currency.
In the case of any Securities denominated in any currency (the "REQUIRED
CURRENCY") other than United States of America dollars, except as otherwise
provided therein, the obligation of the Company to make any payment of
principal, premium or interest thereon shall not be discharged or satisfied by
any tender by the Company, or recovery by the Trustee, in any currency other
than the Required Currency, except to the extent that such tender or recovery
shall result in the Trustee timely holding the full amount of the Required
Currency then due and payable. If any such tender or recovery is in a currency
other than the Required Currency, the Trustee may take such actions as it
considers appropriate to exchange such currency for the Required Currency. The
costs and risks of any such exchange, including without limitation the risks of
delay and exchange rate fluctuation, shall be borne by the Company, the Company
shall remain fully liable for any shortfall or delinquency in the full amount of
Required Currency then due and payable, and in no circumstances shall the
Trustee be liable therefor except in the case of its negligence or willful
misconduct.
ARTICLE FOUR
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.
This Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect
(except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of
Securities herein expressly provided for), and the Trustee, at the expense of
the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and
discharge of this Indenture, when
(1) either
(A) all Securities theretofore authenticated and
delivered (other than (i) Securities which have been destroyed,
lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in
Section 306 and (ii) Securities for whose payment money has
theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in
trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or
discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 1003) have been
delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
(B) all such Securities not theretofore delivered to the
Trustee for cancellation
(i) have become due and payable, or
(ii) will become due and payable at their Stated
Maturity within one year, or
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(iii) if redeemable at the option of the Company,
are to be called for redemption within one year under
arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of
notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the
expense, of the Company,
and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has
deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust
funds in trust for the purpose an amount, in the currency in which
such Securities are payable, sufficient to pay and discharge the
entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered
to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal (and premium, if
any) and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of
Securities which have become due and payable) or to the respective
Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;
(2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums
payable hereunder by the Company, and
(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge
of this Indenture have been complied with.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the
obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 607, the obligations of
the Trustee to any Authenticating Agent under Section 614, and, if money shall
have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Subclause (B) of Clause (1) of
this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 402 and the last
paragraph of Section 1003, shall survive.
SECTION 402. Application of Trust Money.
Subject to provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money
deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 401 shall be held in trust and
applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this
Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent
(including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may
determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium, if
any) and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the
Trustee but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the
extent required by law.
SECTION 403. Defeasance and Discharge of Indenture.
If principal of and any premium and interest on Securities of any series
are denominated and payable in United States of America dollars, the Company
shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness on all the
Outstanding Securities of such series on the 91st day after the date of the
deposit referred to in subparagraph (d) hereof, and the provisions of this
Indenture, as it relates to such Outstanding Securities, shall no longer
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be in effect (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall at Company
Request, execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except as to:
(a) the rights of Holders of Securities to receive, from the
trust funds described in subparagraph (d) hereof, (i) payment of the
principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the Outstanding
Securities on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of
principal or interest and (ii) the benefit of any mandatory sinking fund
payments applicable to the Securities on the day on which such payments
are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and
the Securities;
(b) the Company's obligations with respect to such Securities
under Sections 305, 306, 1002 and 1003; and
(c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the
Trustee hereunder;
provided that, the following conditions shall have been satisfied:
(d) The Company has deposited or caused to be irrevocably
deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying the
requirements of Section 609) as trust funds in the trust, specifically
pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the
Holders of the Securities, (i) money in an amount, or (ii) U.S.
Government Obligations which through the payment of interest and
principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide
not later than one day before the due date of any payment referred to in
clause (A) or (B) of this subparagraph (d) money in an amount or (iii) a
combination thereof, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally
recognized firm of independent certified public accountants expressed in
a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and
discharge (A) the principal of (and premium, if any) and each installment
of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Outstanding
Securities on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of
principal and interest and (B) any mandatory sinking fund payments
applicable to the Securities on the day on which such payments are due
and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and of the
Securities;
(e) such deposit shall not cause the Trustee with respect to
the Securities to have a conflicting interest as defined in Section 608
and for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to the
Securities;
(f) such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of,
or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other agreement or
instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound;
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(g) such provision would not cause any Outstanding Securities
then listed on the New York Stock Exchange or other securities exchange
to be de-listed as a result thereof;
(h) no Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of
time would become an Event of Default with respect to the Securities
shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or
during the period ending on the 91st day after such date;
(i) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that there has been a
change in applicable Federal law such that, or the Company has received
from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a
ruling to the effect that, Holders of the Securities will not recognize
income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such
deposits, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to Federal income
tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times, as
would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had
not occurred; and
(j) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
precedent relating to the defeasance contemplated by this Section have
been complied with.
ARTICLE FIVE
REMEDIES
SECTION 501. Events of Default.
"EVENT OF DEFAULT", wherever used herein with respect to Securities of
any series, and unless otherwise provided with respect to Securities of any
series pursuant to Section 301(12), means any one of the following events
(whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary
or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment,
decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any
administrative or governmental body):
(1) default in the payment of any interest upon any Security of
that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such
default for a period of 30 days; or
(2) default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if
any, on) any Security of that series at its Maturity; or
(3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when
and as due by the terms of a Security of that series; or
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(4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or
warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or
warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in
this Section specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included
in this Indenture solely for the benefit of a series of one or more
Securities other than that series), and continuance of such default or
breach for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by registered
or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and
the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount
of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying
such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that
such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or
(5) a default under any indenture or instrument under which the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary shall have outstanding or shall have
guaranteed the payment of at least $10,000,000 aggregate principal amount
of indebtedness for money borrowed (other than this Indenture or any
Security) shall happen and be continuing which default results in the
acceleration of such indebtedness so that the same shall be or become due
and payable prior to the date on which the same would otherwise have
become due and payable, and such acceleration shall not be rescinded or
annulled within 10 days after notice thereof shall have been given, by
registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee, or to the
Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding; provided,
however, that if such default under such indenture or instrument shall be
remedied or cured by the Company or waived by the holders of such
indebtedness, then, unless the Securities of any series shall have been
accelerated as provided herein, the Event of Default hereunder by reason
thereof shall be deemed likewise to have been thereupon remedied, cured
or waived without further action upon the part of either the Trustee or
any Holders of the Securities of any series; or
(6) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of
(A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an
involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (B) a
decree or order adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or
approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization,
arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company
under any applicable Federal or State law, or appointing a custodian,
receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar
official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or
ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the
continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other
decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive
days; or
(7) the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case or
proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to
be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry
of a decree or order for relief in respect of
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the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable
Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar
law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or
proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or
consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or
State law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the
appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator,
assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company
or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an
assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in
writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due,
or the taking of corporate action by the Company in furtherance of any
such action; or
(8) any other Event of Default provided with respect to
Securities of that series.
The term "BANKRUPTCY LAW" means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar
Federal or state law for the relief of debtors. The term "CUSTODIAN" means any
receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy
Law.
A default under clause (4) is not an Event of Default with respect to any
series of Securities until the Trustee notifies the Company in writing, or the
Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then Outstanding Securities
of such series notify the Company and the Trustee in writing, of the default and
the Company does not cure the default within 60 days after receipt of such
notice. The written notice must specify the default, demand that it be remedied
and state that the notice is a "Notice of Default."
SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.
If an Event of Default with respect to Outstanding Securities of any
series occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the Trustee or the
Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or, if any of the
Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such lesser
portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified in the
terms thereof) of all of the Securities of that series to be due and payable
immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given
by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified
portion thereof) shall become immediately due and payable.
At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to
Outstanding Securities of any series has been made and before a judgment or
decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as
hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series, by written notice
to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its
consequences if
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(1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum
sufficient to pay
(A) all overdue interest on all Securities of that
series,
(B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any
Securities of that series which have become due otherwise than by
such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate
or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities,
(C) to the extent that payment of such interest is
lawful, interest upon overdue interest at the rate or rates
prescribed therefor in such Securities, and
(D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder
and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and
advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other
amounts due the Trustee under Section 607; and
(2) all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that
series, other than the non-payment of the principal of Securities of that
series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration,
have been cured or waived as provided in Section 513.
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right
consequent thereon.
SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.
The Company covenants that if
(1) default is made in the payment of any interest on any
Security when such interest becomes due and payable and such default
continues for a period of 30 days, or
(2) default is made in the payment of the principal of (or
premium, if any, on) any Security at the Maturity thereof,
the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the
Holders of such Security, the whole amount then due and payable on such Security
for principal (and premium, if any) and interest and, to the extent that payment
of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal
(and premium, if any) and on any overdue interest at the rate or rates
prescribed therefor in such Security, and, in addition thereto, such further
amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection,
including
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the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the
Trustee, its agents and counsel.
If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the
Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a
judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may
prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same
against the Company or any other obligor upon such Security and collect the
moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of
the property of the Company or any other obligor upon such Security, wherever
situated.
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs
and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and
enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series by
such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual
to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of
any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any
power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.
SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation,
bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other
judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the
Securities or the property of the Company or of such other obligor or their
creditors, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities
shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or
otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on
the Company for the payment of overdue principal or interest) shall be entitled
and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise,
(i) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of principal
(and premium, if any) or such portion of the principal amount of any
series of Original Issue Discount Securities as may be specified in the
terms of such series and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the
Securities and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary
or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any
claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and
advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts
due the Trustee under Section 607) and of the Holders allowed in such
judicial proceeding, and
(ii) to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable
or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or
other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by
each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the
Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments
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directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee,
its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to
authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities
or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in
respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding; provided, however,
that the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders, vote for the election of a
trustee in bankruptcy or similar official and be a member of a creditors' or
other similar committee.
SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.
All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities
may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of
the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and
any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name
as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after
provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and for any
other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607, be for the ratable benefit of
the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been
recovered.
SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected.
Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be
applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and,
in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal (or premium,
if any) or interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the notation
thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if
fully paid:
FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under
Section 607; and
SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for
principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Securities in
respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been
collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according
to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal (and
premium, if any) and interest, respectively; and
THIRD: The balance, if any, to the Person or Persons entitled
thereto.
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SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits.
No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute
any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for
the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder,
unless
(1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the
Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities
of that series;
(2) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of that series shall have made written request to
the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default
in its own name as Trustee hereunder;
(3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee
reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be
incurred in compliance with such request;
(4) the Trustee, for 60 days after its receipt of such notice,
request and offer of indemnity, has failed to institute any such
proceeding; and
(5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has
been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that
series;
it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have
any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision
of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of
such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any
other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in
the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such
Holders.
SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and
Interest.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any
Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive
payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Section 307)
interest on such Security on the Stated Maturity or Maturities expressed in such
Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date) and to
institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall
not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.
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SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.
If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any
right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued
or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or
to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in
such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored
severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter
all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though
no such proceeding had been instituted.
SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative.
Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment
of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of
Section 306, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee
or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and
every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and
in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter
existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any
right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent
assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver.
No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Securities to
exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any
such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an
acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to
the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often
as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may
be.
SECTION 512. Control by Holders.
The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of any series shall 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 Securities of such series, provided that
(1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or with this Indenture, and
(2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the
Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.
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SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults.
The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the Outstanding Securities of any series may, on behalf of the Holders of all
the Securities of such series, waive any past default hereunder with respect to
such series and its consequences, except a default
(1) in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or
interest on any Security of such series, or
(2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under
Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the
Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected.
The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the
purpose of determining the Persons entitled to waive any past default hereunder.
If a record date is fixed, the Holders on such record date, or their duly
designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall be entitled to waive any
default hereunder, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record
date; provided, that unless such majority in principal amount shall have waived
such default prior to the date which is 90 days after such record date, any such
waiver of such default previously given shall automatically and without further
action by any Holder be canceled and of no further effect.
Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of
Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose
of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other
default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 514. Undertaking for Costs.
All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security by
such Holder's acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court
may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or
remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action
taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in
such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court
may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys'
fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits
and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; provided,
however, that the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit
instituted by the Company, to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit
instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more
than 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, or to
any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the
principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Security on or after the
Stated Maturity or Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of
redemption, on or after the Redemption Date).
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SECTION 515. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws.
The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it
will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or
take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted,
now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the
performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may
lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law
and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any
power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of
every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
ARTICLE SIX
THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities.
The provisions of TIA Section 315 shall apply to the Trustee.
SECTION 602. Notice of Defaults.
Within 90 days after the occurrence of any default hereunder with respect
to the Securities of any series, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all
Holders of Securities of such series, as their names and addresses appear in the
Security Register, notice of such default hereunder known to the Trustee, unless
such default shall have been cured or waived; provided however, that, except in
the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or
interest on any Security of such series or in the payment of any sinking fund
installment with respect to Securities of such series, the Trustee shall be
protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors,
the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or Responsible
Officers of the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such
notice is in the interest of the Holders of Securities of such series; and
provided, further, that in the case of any default of the character specified in
Section 501(4) with respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to
Holders shall be given until at least 30 days after the occurrence thereof. For
the purpose of this Section, the term "default" means any event which is, or
after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with
respect to Securities of such series.
SECTION 603. Certain Rights of Trustee.
Subject to the provisions of TIA Section 315(a) through 315(d):
(a) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or
refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement,
instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order,
bond, debenture, note, other evidence of
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indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and
to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
(b) any instruction, request or direction of the Company
mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or
Company Order or as otherwise expressly provided herein and any
resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a
Board Resolution;
(c) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the
Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established
prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee
(unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the
absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officers' Certificate;
(d) before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, the
Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel
or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and
protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it
hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;
(e) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of
the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or
direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such
Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or
indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be
incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;
(f) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation
into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate,
statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction,
consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or
other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make
such further inquiry or investigation into such fact or matters as it may
see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry
or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and
premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney;
(g) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers
hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or
through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for
any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney
appointed with due care by it hereunder;
(h) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken,
suffered or omitted by it in good faith and believed by it to be
authorized or within the discretion, rights or powers conferred upon it
by this Indenture;
(i) the Trustee shall not be required to expend or risk its own
funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of
any of its duties
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hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it shall
have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or
adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably
assured to it; and
(j) except with respect to Section 1001 herein, the Trustee
shall have no duty to inquire as to the performance of the Company's
covenants in Article 4 hereof. In addition, the Trustee shall not be
deemed to have knowledge of any Event of Default except (i) any Event of
Default occurring pursuant to Sections 501(1), 501(2) and 1001 herein or
(ii) any Event of Default of which the Trustee shall have received
written notification or obtained actual knowledge.
SECTION 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.
The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee's
certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company,
and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility
for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity
or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities, except that the Trustee
represents that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture,
authenticate the Securities and perform its obligations hereunder and that the
statements made by it in a Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 supplied to the
Company is true and accurate subject to the qualifications set forth therein.
The Trustee or any Authenticating Agent shall not be accountable for the use or
application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.
SECTION 605. May Hold Securities.
The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security
Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other
capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to TIA
Sections 310(b) and 311, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same
rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent,
Security Registrar or such other agent.
SECTION 606. Money Held in Trust.
Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from
other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no
liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise
agreed to in writing by the Company and the Trustee.
SECTION 607. Compensation and Reimbursement.
The Company agrees
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(1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable
compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder (which
compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to
the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);
(2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse
the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements
and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any
provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and
the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any
such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its
negligence or bad faith; and
(3) to indemnify the Trustee and its agents for, and to hold it
harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without
negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in connection with
the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder,
including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or
liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its
powers or duties hereunder.
The obligations of the Company under this Section 607 to compensate and
indemnify the Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee for expenses,
disbursements and advances shall constitute additional indebtedness hereunder
and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture. Such
additional indebtedness shall be a senior claim to that of the Securities upon
all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds
held in trust for the payment of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest
on particular Securities, and the Securities are hereby subordinated to each
senior claim. When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in
connection with an Event of Default specified in Article Five hereof, the
expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) and the
compensation for the service in connection therewith are intended to constitute
expenses of administration under any applicable bankruptcy law.
The Trustee shall give the Company notice of any claim or liability for
which the Trustee might be entitled to indemnification under subparagraph (3) of
this Section 607 within a reasonable amount of time after a trust officer of the
Trustee becomes aware of such claim or liability.
SECTION 608. Disqualification; Conflicting Interests.
The provisions of TIA Section 310(b) shall apply to the Trustee.
SECTION 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.
There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be eligible
to act under TIA Section 310(a)(1) and shall have a combined capital and surplus
of at least $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal,
State or District of Columbia authority. The Trustee hereby represents and
warrants that it is currently in compliance and at all times
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will remain in compliance with the requirements of this Section 609. If such
Corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or
to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the
purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Corporation
shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most
recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee shall cease
to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall
resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in
this Article. Neither the Company, nor any Person directly or indirectly
controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Company, shall act
as Trustee hereunder.
SECTION 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.
(a) No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a
successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the
acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the
applicable requirements of Section 611.
(b) The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities
of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company. If the
instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 611 shall
not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such
notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the
Securities of such series.
(c) The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the
Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount
of the Outstanding Securities of such series, delivered to the Trustee and to
the Company.
(d) If at any time:
(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with TIA Section 310(b)
after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has
been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or
(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 609
and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or
by any such Holder,
(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be
adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its
property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or
control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of
rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, or
(4) the Trustee shall commence a voluntary case under the
Federal bankruptcy laws, as now or thereafter constituted, or any other
applicable Federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law or
shall consent to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver,
custodian, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator
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(or other similar official) of the Trustee or its property or affairs, or
shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall admit in
writing its inability to pay its debt generally as they become due, or
shall take corporate action in furtherance of any such action,
then, in any such case, (i) the Company by a Board Resolution may remove the
Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (ii) subject to Section 514, any
Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months
may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court
of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all
Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.
(e) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of
acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with
respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by a Board
Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect
to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such
successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more
or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with
respect to the Securities of any particular series) and shall comply with the
applicable requirements of Section 611. If, within one year after such
resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a
successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall be
appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring
Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance
of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of
Section 611, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such
series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the
Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series
shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders and accepted
appointment in the manner required by Section 611, any Holder who has been a
bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, on
behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of
competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect
to the Securities of such series.
(f) The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal
of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment
of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series by mailing
written notice of such event by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to all
Holders of Securities of such series as their names and addresses appear in the
Security Register. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee
with respect to the Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate
Trust Office.
SECTION 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.
(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with
respect to all Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall
execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an
instrument accepting such appointment, and
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thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become
effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or
conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties
of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor
Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and
deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights,
powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and
deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring
Trustee hereunder.
(b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with
respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the
retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of
one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto
wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall
contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and
confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers,
trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that
or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2)
if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall
contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm
that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with
respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring
Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and
(3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be
necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts
hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or
in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the
same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts
hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by
any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental
indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become
effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee,
without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the
rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the
Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor
Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such
retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor
Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with
respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of
such successor Trustee relates. Whenever there is a successor Trustee with
respect to one or more (but less than all) series of securities issued pursuant
to this Indenture, the terms "Indenture" and "Securities" shall have the
meanings specified in the provisos to the respective definitions of those terms
in Section 101 which contemplate such situation.
(c) Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall
execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and
confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred
to in paragraph (a) and (b) of this Section, as the case may be.
(d) No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the
time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible
under this Article.
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SECTION 612. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.
Any Corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with
which it may be consolidated, or any Corporation resulting from any merger,
conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any
Corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business
of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such
Corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article,
without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of
any of the parties hereto. In case any Securities shall have been
authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor
by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt
such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same
effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities; in
case any of the Securities shall not have been authenticated by the Trustee then
in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such Trustee
may authenticate such Securities either in the name of such predecessor
hereunder or in the name of the successor Trustee; and in all such cases such
certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Securities or
in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have;
provided, however, that the right to adopt the certificate of authentication of
any predecessor Trustee or to authenticate Securities in the name of any
predecessor Trustee shall apply only to its successor or successors by merger,
conversion or consolidation.
SECTION 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.
The Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 311(a). A Trustee which has
resigned or been removed is subject to TIA Section 311(a) to the extent
indicated therein.
SECTION 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent.
At any time when any of the Securities remain Outstanding the Trustee,
with the concurrence of the Company, may appoint an Authenticating Agent or
Agents with respect to one or more series of Securities which shall be
authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such
series, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of
this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if
authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is made in this
Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the
Trustee's certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to
include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an
Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of
the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be
acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a Corporation organized and
doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof
or the District of Columbia authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating
Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and
subject to supervision or examination by Federal, State or District of Columbia
authority. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least
annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or
examining authority,
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then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such
Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as
set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time
an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the
provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately
in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.
Any Corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or
converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Corporation resulting
from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent
shall be a party, or any Corporation succeeding to the corporate agency or
corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an
Authenticating Agent, provided such Corporation shall be otherwise eligible
under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further
act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.
An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice
thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time
terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof
to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice
of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such
Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the
provisions of this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating
Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall mail written notice of
such appointment by first class mail, postage prepaid, to all Holders of
Securities of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will
serve, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register. Any
successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder
shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor
hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent.
No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the
provisions of this Section 614.
The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time
reasonable compensation for its services under this Section 614.
If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to
this Section, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in
addition to the Trustee's certificate of authentication, an alternate
certificate of authentication in the following form:
This is one of the Securities of the series designated herein and issued
pursuant to the within-mentioned Indenture.
-----------------------------------
as Trustee
By
--------------------------------
As Authenticating Agent
By
--------------------------------
Authorized Signatory
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ARTICLE SEVEN
HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY
SECTION 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.
If the Trustee is not acting as Security Registrar for the Securities of
any series, the Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee.
(a) at intervals of no more than six months commencing after
the first issue of such series, a list, in such form as the Trustee may
reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders as of a
date not more than 15 days prior to the time such information is
furnished, and
(b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing,
within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a
list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior
to the time such list is furnished.
SECTION 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.
(a) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably
practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent
list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 701 and the names and
addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security
Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in
Section 701 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.
(b) The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with
respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and the
corresponding rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided by TIA
Section 312(b).
(c) Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same,
agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee
nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of the
disclosure of any such information as to the names and addresses of the Holders
in accordance with Section 702(b), regardless of the source from which such
information was derived, and that the Trustee shall not be held accountable by
reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request made under Section 702(b).
SECTION 703. Reports by Trustee.
Within 60 days after May 15 of each year commencing with the later of May
15, ____ or the first May 15 after the first issuance of Securities pursuant to
this Indenture, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders of Securities
as provided in TIA Section 313(c) a brief
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report dated as of such May 15 if required by TIA Section 313(a). A copy of
each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by
the Trustee with each stock exchange upon which any Securities are listed, with
the Commission and with the Company. The Company will notify the Trustee when
any Securities are listed on any stock exchange.
SECTION 704. Reports by Company.
The Company shall:
(1) file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company is
required to file the same with the Commission, copies of the annual
reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of
such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to
time by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company may be
required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15
(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; or, if the Company is not
required to file information, documents or reports pursuant to either of
said Sections, then it shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, in
accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the
Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic information, documents
and reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in respect of a security listed and
registered on a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from
time to time in such rules and regulations; notwithstanding anything
contrary herein, the Trustee shall have no duty to review such documents
for the purposes of determining compliance with any provision of this
Indenture;
(2) file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance
with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the
Commission, such additional information, documents and reports with
respect to compliance by the Company with the conditions and covenants of
this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and
regulations;
(3) transmit by mail to all Holders, as their names and
addresses appear in the Security Register, within 30 days after the
filing thereof with the Trustee, such summaries of any information,
documents and reports required to be filed by the Company pursuant to
paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Section as may be required by rules and
regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission; and
(4) furnish to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of
each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, a brief
certificate of the Company's principal executive officer, principal
financial officer or principal accounting officer as to his or her
knowledge of the Company's compliance with all conditions and covenants
under this Indenture. For purposes of this paragraph, such compliance
shall be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement
of notice provided under this Indenture.
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ARTICLE EIGHT
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE
SECTION 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.
The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or
convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety
to any Person and the Company shall not permit any person to consolidate with or
merge into the Company or convey transfer or lease all or substantially all of
its properties and assets to the Company, unless:
(1) the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the
Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer,
or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially
as an entirety shall be a Corporation, partnership or trust, shall be
organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of
America any State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly
assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to
the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual
payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all the
Securities and the performance or observance of every covenant of this
Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;
(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no
Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or
both, would become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be
continuing;
(3) if, as a result of any such consolidation or merger or such
conveyance, transfer or lease, properties or assets of the Company would
become subject to a mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest or other
encumbrance which would not be permitted by this Indenture, the Company
or such successor Person, as the case may be, shall take such steps as
shall be necessary to effectively secure the Securities equally and
ratably with (or prior to) all indebtedness secured thereby; and
(4) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such
consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a
supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction,
such supplemental indenture, comply with this Article and that all
conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction
have been complied with.
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SECTION 802. Successor Substituted.
Upon any consolidation of the Company with, or merger by the Company
into, any other Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties
and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with
Section 801, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the
Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall
succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of,
the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor
Person had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter, except in the case
of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all obligations and
covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.
ARTICLE NINE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.
Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, when authorized by or
pursuant to a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to
time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form
satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:
(1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company
and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company
herein and in the Securities; or
(2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of
the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants are
to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that
such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of one
or more specified series) or to surrender any right or power herein
conferred upon the Company; or
(3) to add any additional Events of Default (and if such Events
of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of
Securities, stating that such Events of Default are being included solely
for the benefit of such series); or
(4) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture
to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance
of Securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to
principal, and with or without interest coupons; or
(5) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of
this Indenture in respect of one or more series of Securities, provided
that any such addition, change or elimination (i) shall neither (A) apply
to any Security of any series created prior to the
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execution of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of
such provision nor (B) modify the rights of the Holder of any such
Security with respect to such provision or (ii) shall become effective
only when there is no such Security Outstanding; or
(6) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series
as permitted by Sections 201 and 301; or
(7) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment
hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or
more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this
Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the
administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant
to the requirements of Section 611(b); or
(8) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any
provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision
herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or
questions arising under this Indenture, provided such action shall not
adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series
in any material respect; or
(9) to comply with the requirements of the Commission in order
to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust
Indenture Act.
SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.
With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such
supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the
Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may
enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of
adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the
provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the
Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however,
that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of
each Outstanding Security affected thereby,
(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of principal of or interest on, any such Security, or reduce
the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any
premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or reduce the amount of the
principal of an Original Issue Discount Security that would be due and
payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof
pursuant to Section 502, or change any Place of Payment where, or the
coin or currency in which, any such Security or any premium or the
interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for
the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity
thereof (or, in the case of redemption or repayment, on or after the
Redemption Date or any repayment date), or
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(2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is
required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose
Holders is required for any waiver of compliance with certain provisions
of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences
provided for in this Indenture, or
(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section 902,
Section 513 or Section 1011, except to increase any such percentage or to
provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be
modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding
Security affected thereby; provided however, that this Clause shall not
be deemed to require the consent of any Holder with respect to changes in
the references to "the Trustee" and concomitant changes in this
Section 902 and Section 1011, or the deletion of this proviso, in
accordance with the requirements of Sections 611(b) and 901(7).
A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other
provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the
benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which modifies the
rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant
or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this
Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.
The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the
purpose of determining the Persons entitled to consent to any indenture
supplemental hereto. If a record date is fixed for such purpose, the Holders on
such record date or their duly designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall
be entitled to consent to such supplemental indenture, whether or not such
Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided, that unless such
consent shall have become effective by virtue of the requisite percentage having
been obtained prior to the date which is 90 days after such record date, any
such consent previously given shall automatically and without further action by
any Holder be canceled and of no further effect.
It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section to
approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall
be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.
SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.
In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any
supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of
the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive,
and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an
Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is
authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be
obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the
Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.
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SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures.
Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this
Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental
indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder
of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder
shall be bound thereby to the extent provided therein.
SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.
Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall
conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.
SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.
Securities authenticated and delivered after the execution of any
supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by
the Trustee, bear a notation in a form approved by the Trustee as to any matter
provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine,
new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the
Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and
executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in
exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series.
SECTION 907. Notice of Supplemental Indentures.
Promptly after the execution by the Company and the Trustee of any
supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of Section 902, the Company
shall give notice thereof to the Holders of each Outstanding Security so
affected, pursuant to Section 106, setting forth in general terms the substance
of such supplemental indenture.
ARTICLE TEN
COVENANTS
SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.
The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of
Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of (and premium,
if any) and interest on the Securities of that series in accordance with the
terms of the Securities and this Indenture. In the absence of contrary
provisions with respect to the Securities of any series, interest on the
Securities of any series may, at the option of the Company, be paid by check
mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as it appears on the
Security Register or by wire transfer to an account designated by such Person in
writing not later than ten days prior to the date of such payment.
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SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency.
The Company will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of
Securities an office or agency where Securities of that series may be presented
or surrendered for payment, where Securities of that series may be surrendered
for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or
upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture
may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of
the location and any change in the location of such office or agency. If at any
time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or
shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations,
surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust
Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent
to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.
The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other
offices or agencies where the Securities of one or more series may be presented
or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind
such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission
shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office
or agency in each Place of Payment for Securities of any series for such
purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any
such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such
other office or agency.
SECTION 1003. Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust.
If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect
to any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the
principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any of the Securities of that
series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled
thereto a sum in the currency in which such series of Securities is payable
sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest so becoming
due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as
herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of its failure so to act.
Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for any series
of Securities, it will, prior to each due date of the principal of (and premium,
if any) or interest on any Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying
Agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest so
becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons
entitled to such principal, premium or interest, and (unless such Paying Agent
is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its failure so
to act.
The Company will cause each Paying Agent for any series of Securities
other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in
which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions
of this Section, that such Paying Agent will:
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(1) hold all sums held by it for the payment of the principal
of (and premium, if any) or interest on Securities of that series in
trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto until such sums
shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein
provided;
(2) give the Trustee notice of any default by the Company (or
any other obligor upon the Securities of that series) in the making of
any payment of principal (and premium, if any) or interest on the
Securities of that series; and
(3) at any time during the continuance of any such default,
upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all
sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent.
The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or
by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in
trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee
upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or
such Paying Agent, and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee,
such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to
such money.
Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by
the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any)
or interest on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years
after such principal (and premium, if any) or interest has become due and
payable shall be paid to the Company on Company Request, or (if then held by the
Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security
shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for
payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with
respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee
thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such
Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the
expense of the Company cause to be published once, in a newspaper published in
the English language, customarily published on each Business Day and of general
circulation in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, notice that such
money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall
not be less than 30 days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed
balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company on Company
Request.
SECTION 1004. Existence.
Subject to Article Eight, the Company will do or cause to be done all
things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence,
rights (charter and statutory) and franchises; provided, however, that the
Company shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the
Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer
desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and that the loss
thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.
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SECTION 1005. Maintenance of Properties.
The Company will cause all properties used or useful in the conduct of
its business or the business material to be maintained and kept in good
condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment
and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements,
betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Company may
be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be
properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that
nothing in this Section shall prevent the Company from discontinuing the
operation or maintenance of any of such properties if such discontinuance is, in
the judgment of the Company, desirable in the conduct of its business and not
disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.
SECTION 1006. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.
The Company will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged,
before the same shall become delinquent, (1) all taxes, assessments and
governmental charges levied or imposed upon it or upon its income, profits or
property, and (2) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if
unpaid, might by law become a lien upon its property; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
the Company shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or
discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability
or validity is being contested in good faith.
SECTION 1007. Restrictions on Secured Debt.
(a) The Company will not itself, and will not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to, incur, issue, assume or guarantee any notes, bonds, debentures or
other similar evidences of indebtedness for money borrowed (notes, bonds,
debentures or other similar evidences of indebtedness for money borrowed being
hereinafter in this Article called "DEBT"), secured by pledge of, or mortgage or
other lien on, any Principal Property, now owned or hereafter owned by the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, or any shares of stock or Debt of any
Restricted Subsidiary (pledges, mortgages and other liens being hereinafter in
this Article called "LIEN" or "LIENS"), without effectively providing that the
Securities of each series then Outstanding (together with, if the Company shall
so determine, any other Debt of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary then
existing or thereafter created which is not subordinate to the Securities of
each series then Outstanding) shall be secured equally and ratably with (or
prior to) such secured Debt, so long as such secured Debt shall be so secured;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this Section shall not apply to, and there shall be
excluded from secured Debt in any computation under this Section, Debt secured
by:
(1) Liens on any Principal Property acquired, constructed or
improved by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after the date of
this Indenture which are created or assumed contemporaneously with such
acquisition, construction or improvement, or within 120 days before or
after the completion thereof, to secure or provide for the payment of all
or any part of the cost of such acquisition, construction
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or improvement (including related expenditures capitalized for Federal
income tax purposes in connection therewith) incurred after the date of
this Indenture;
(2) Liens of or upon any property, shares of capital stock or
Debt existing at the time of acquisition thereof, whether by merger,
consolidation, purchase, lease or otherwise (including Liens of or upon
property, shares of capital stock or indebtedness of a corporation
existing at the time such corporation becomes a Restricted Subsidiary);
(3) Liens in favor of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(4) Liens in favor of the United States of America or any State
thereof, or any department, agency or instrumentality or political
subdivision of the United States of America or any State thereof or
political entity affiliated therewith, or in favor of any other country,
or any political subdivision thereof, to secure partial, progress,
advance or other payments, or other obligations, pursuant to any contract
or statute or to secure any Debt incurred for the purpose of financing
all or any part of the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving the
property subject to such Liens (including Liens incurred in connection
with pollution control, industrial revenue or similar financings);
(5) Liens imposed by law, such as mechanics', workmen's,
repairmen's, materialmen's, carriers', warehousemen's, vendors' or other
similar liens arising in the ordinary course of business, or governmental
(federal, state or municipal) liens arising out of contracts for the sale
of products or services by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, or
deposits or pledges to obtain the release of any of the foregoing;
(6) pledges or deposits under workmen's compensation laws or
similar legislation and Liens of judgments thereunder which are not
currently dischargeable, or good faith deposits in connection with bids,
tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of money) or leases to
which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary is a party, or deposits to
secure public or statutory obligations of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary, or deposits in connection with obtaining or maintaining self-
insurance or to obtain the benefits of any law, regulation or arrangement
pertaining to unemployment insurance, old age pensions, social security
or similar matters, or deposits of cash or obligations of the United
States of America to secure surety, appeal or customs bonds to which the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary is a party, or deposits in
litigation or other proceedings such as, but not limited to, interpleader
proceedings;
(7) Liens created by or resulting from any litigation or other
proceeding which is being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings, including Liens arising out of judgments or awards against
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary with respect to which the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is in good faith
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prosecuting an appeal or proceedings for review; or Liens incurred by the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of obtaining a stay
or discharge in the course of any litigation or other proceeding to which
the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is a party;
(8) Liens for taxes or assessments or governmental charges or
levies not yet due or delinquent, or which can thereafter be paid without
penalty, or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings;
(9) Liens consisting of easements, rights-of-way, zoning
restrictions, restrictions on the use of real property, and defects and
irregularities in the title thereto, landlords' liens and other similar
liens and encumbrances none of which interfere materially with the use of
the property covered thereby in the ordinary course of the business of
the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary and which do not, in the
opinion of the Company, materially detract from the value of such
properties;
(10) Liens existing on the first date on which the Securities
are authenticated; or
(11) any extension, renewal or replacement (or successive
extensions, renewals or replacements), as a whole or in part, of any Lien
referred to in the foregoing clauses (1) to (10), inclusive; provided,
that (i) such extension, renewal or replacement Lien shall be limited to
all or a part of the same property, shares of stock or Debt that secured
the Lien extended, renewed or replaced (plus improvements on such
property) and (ii) the Debt secured by such Lien at such time is not
increased.
(b) Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in subdivision (a) of
this Section, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, or any of them, may
incur, issue, assume or guarantee Debt secured by Liens without equally and
ratably securing the Securities of each series then Outstanding, provided, that
at the time of such incurrence, issuance, assumption or guarantee, after giving
effect thereto and to the retirement of any Debt which is concurrently being
retired, the aggregate amount of all outstanding Debt secured by Liens which
could not have been incurred, issued, assumed or guaranteed by the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary without equally and ratably securing the Securities of
each series then Outstanding except for the provisions of this subdivision (b),
together with the aggregate amount of Attributable Debt incurred pursuant to
subdivision (b) of Section 1008, does not at such time exceed 25% of
Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the Company.
SECTION 1008. Restriction on Sale and Leaseback Transactions.
(a) The Company will not itself, and it will not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to, enter into any arrangement with any bank, insurance company or
other lender or investor (not including the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary) or to which any such lender or investor is a party, providing for
the leasing by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary for a
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period, including renewals, in excess of three years of any Principal Property
which has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary to such lender or investor or to any person to whom funds have been
or are to be advanced by such lender or investor on the security of such
Principal Property (herein referred to as a "SALE AND LEASEBACK TRANSACTION")
unless either:
(1) The Company or such Restricted Subsidiary would, at the
time of entering into such arrangement, be entitled, without equally and
ratably securing the Securities of each series then Outstanding, to incur
Debt secured by a Lien on such property, pursuant to paragraphs (1) to
(10), inclusive, of Section 1007; or
(2) the Company within 120 days after the sale or transfer
shall have been made by the Company or by a Restricted Subsidiary,
applies an amount equal to the greater of (i) the net proceeds of the
sale of the Principal Property sold and leased back pursuant to such
arrangement or (ii) the fair market value of the Principal Property so
sold and leased back at the time of entering into such arrangement (as
determined by any two of the following: the Chairman or a Vice Chairman
of the Board of the Company, its President, its Chief Financial Officer,
its Vice President of Finance, its Treasurer or its Controller) to the
retirement of Funded Debt of the Company; provided, that the amount to be
applied to the retirement of Funded Debt of the Company shall be reduced
by (A) the principal amount of any Securities delivered within 120 days
after such sale to the Trustee for retirement and cancellation, and (B)
the principal amount of Funded Debt, other than Securities, voluntarily
retired by the Company within 120 days after such sale. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, no retirement referred to in this clause (a)(2) may be
effected by payment at maturity or pursuant to any mandatory sinking fund
payment or mandatory prepayment provision.
(b) Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in subdivision (a) of
this Section, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, or any of them, may
enter into a Sale and Leaseback Transaction, provided, that at the time of such
transaction, after giving effect thereto, the aggregate amount of all
Attributable Debt in respect of Sale and Leaseback Transactions existing at such
time which could not have been entered into except for the provisions of this
subdivision (b), together with the aggregate amount of all outstanding debt
incurred pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1007, does not at such time
exceed 25% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the Company.
(c) A Sale and Leaseback Transaction shall not be deemed to result in
the creation of a Lien.
SECTION 1009. Compliance Certificate.
(1) The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days
after the end of each fiscal year, an Officers' Certificate stating that
a review of the activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries during the
preceding fiscal year has been made under
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the supervision of the signing Officers with a view to determining
whether each has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations
under this Indenture, and further stating, as to each such Officer
signing such certificate, that to his or her knowledge each entity has
kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained
in this Indenture and is not in default in the performance or observance
of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (or, if
a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, describing all such
Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and
what action each is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto) and
that to his or her knowledge no event has occurred and remains in
existence by reason of which payments on account of the principal of or
interest, if any, on the Securities of any series is prohibited or if
such event has occurred, a description of the event and what action each
is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
(2) The Company shall, so long as any of the Securities of any
series are Outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, forthwith upon any
Officer becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default with respect to
such series of Securities, an Officers' Certificate specifying such
Default or Event of Default and what action the Company is taking or
proposes to take with respect thereto.
SECTION 1010. Defeasance of Certain Obligations.
The following provisions shall apply to the Securities of each series
unless specifically otherwise provided in a Board Resolution, Officers'
Certificate or indenture supplemental hereto provided pursuant to Section 301.
The Company may omit to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth
in Sections 1005, 1006, 1007 and 1008 and any such omission with respect to
Sections 1005, 1006, 1007 and 1008 shall not be an Event of Default, in each
case with respect to the Securities of that series, provided that the following
conditions have been satisfied:
(1) with reference to this Section 1010, the Company has
deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited with the Trustee (or
another trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 609) as trust
funds in trust, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated
solely to, the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of that series,
(i) money in an amount, or (ii) U.S. Government Obligations which through
the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance
with their terms will provide not later than one day before the due date
of any payment referred to in clause (A) or (B) of this subparagraph (1)
money in an amount, or (iii) a combination thereof, sufficient, in the
opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants
expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to
pay and discharge (A) the principal of (and premium, if any) and each
installment of principal (and premium, if any) and interest on the
Outstanding Securities on the Stated Maturity of such principal or
installments of principal and interest and (B) any mandatory sinking fund
payments or analogous payments
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applicable to the Securities of such series on the day on which such
payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this
Indenture and of such Securities;
(2) such deposit shall not cause the Trustee with respect to
the Securities of that series to have a conflicting interest as defined
in Section 608 and for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act with respect
to the Securities of any series;
(3) such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of,
or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other agreement or
instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound;
(4) no Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of
time would become an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of
that series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such
deposit;
(5) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of
Counsel to the effect that Holders of the Securities of such series will
not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a
result of such deposit and defeasance of certain obligations and will be
subject to Federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner
and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and
defeasance had not occurred; and
(6) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
precedent herein provided for relating to the defeasance contemplated in
this Section have been complied with.
SECTION 1011. Waiver of Certain Covenants.
The Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any term,
provision or condition set forth in Sections 1005 to 1008, inclusive, with
respect to the Securities of any series if before the time for such compliance
the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of such series shall, by Act of such Holders, either
waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such
term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such
term, provision or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and,
until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company and the
duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall
remain in full force and effect.
The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the
purpose of determining the Persons entitled to waive any such term, provision or
condition. If a record date is fixed for such purpose, the Holders on such
record date or their duly designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall be
entitled to waive any such term, provision or condition hereunder, whether or
not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that unless the
Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of such series shall have waived such term, provision or condition
-61-
<PAGE>
prior to the date which is 90 days after such record date, any such waiver
previously given shall automatically and without further action by any Holder be
canceled and of no further effect.
ARTICLE ELEVEN
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article.
Securities of any series which are redeemable before their Stated
Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as
otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series)
in accordance with this Article.
SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.
The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced
by an Officers' Certificate. The Company shall, at least 45 days prior to the
Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be
satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of
(1) such Redemption Date,
(2) if the Securities of such series have different terms and
less than all of the Securities of such series are to be redeemed, the
terms of the Securities to be redeemed, and
(3) if less than all the Securities of such series with
identical terms are to be redeemed, the principal amount of such
Securities to be redeemed.
In the case of any redemption of Securities prior to the expiration of any
restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or
elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an
Officers' Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction.
SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed.
If less than all the Securities of like tenor of any series are to be
redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more
than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding
Securities of like tenor of such series not previously called for redemption, by
such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide
for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized
denomination for Securities of like tenor of that series or any integral
multiple thereof) of the principal amount of Securities of such series of a
denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of
that series.
-62-
<PAGE>
The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the
Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities selected
for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.
For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise
requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate,
in the case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the
portion of the principal amount of such Securities which has been or is to be
redeemed.
SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption.
Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid,
mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, to
each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at each such Holder's address
appearing in the Security Register.
All notices of redemption shall state:
(1) the Redemption Date,
(2) the Redemption Price,
(3) if less than all the Outstanding Securities of like tenor
of any series are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of
partial redemption, the principal amounts) of the particular Securities
to be redeemed,
(4) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will
become due and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and, if
applicable, that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said
date,
(5) the place or places where such Securities are to be
surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price,
(6) that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the
case, and
(7) the CUSIP number of such Security, if any.
Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the
Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's request, by the
Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.
SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price.
On or prior to any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the
Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying
Agent, segregate and
-63-
<PAGE>
hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money in immediately
available funds sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the
Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the
Securities which are to be redeemed on that date.
SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date.
Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to
be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the
Redemption Price therein specified, and from and after such date (unless the
Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued
interest) such Securities shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any
such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall
be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest
to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that, unless otherwise specified as
contemplated by Section 301, installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is
on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such
Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the
close of business on the relevant Regular Record Dates according to their terms
and the provisions of Section 307.
If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender
thereof for redemption, the principal (and premium, if any) shall, until paid,
bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the
Security.
SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part.
Any Security which is to be redeemed in part shall be surrendered at a
Place of Payment for such series (with, if the Company or the Trustee so
requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof
or such Holder's attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall
execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such
Security without service charge, a new Security or Securities of the same series
and of like tenor, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder,
in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed
portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered; provided, however, that
if a Global Security is so surrendered, such new Security so issued shall be a
new Global Security in a denomination equal to the unredeemed portion of the
principal of the Global Security so surrendered.
-64-
<PAGE>
ARTICLE TWELVE
SINKING FUNDS
SECTION 1201. Applicability of Article.
The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund
for the retirement of Securities of a series except as otherwise specified as
contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of such series.
The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms
of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a "mandatory sinking fund
payment", and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the
terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as an "optional sinking
fund payment". If provided for by the terms of Securities of any series, the
cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided
in Section 1202. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption
of Securities of any series as provided for by the terms of Securities of such
series.
SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.
The Company (1) may deliver Outstanding Securities of like tenor of a
series (other than any previously called for redemption) and (2) may apply as a
credit Securities of like tenor of a series which have been redeemed either at
the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through
the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the
terms of such Securities, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any
sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of like tenor of such series
required to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities as provided for by
the terms of such series; provided that such Securities have not been previously
so credited. Such Securities shall be received and credited for such purpose by
the Trustee at the Redemption Price specified in such Securities for redemption
through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund
payment shall be reduced accordingly.
SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.
Not less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for
Securities of like tenor of a series, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund
payment for such Securities pursuant to the terms of such Securities, the
portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the
portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting
Securities of like tenor of that series pursuant to Section 1202 and, at the
time of delivery of such Officers' Certificate, will also deliver to the Trustee
any Securities to be so delivered. Not less than 45 days before each such
sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed
upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 1103 and
cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the
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<PAGE>
expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 1104. Such notice
having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the
terms and in the manner stated in Sections 1106 and 1107.
This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts
shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
-66-
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be
duly executed, and the respective corporate seals to be hereunto affixed and
attested, all as of the day and year first above written.
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By
--------------------------------
---------------------
Attest:
By
--------------------------------
---------------------
[SEAL]
-----------------------------------
as Trustee
By
--------------------------------
---------------------
Attest:
By
--------------------------------
Its ---------------------
[SEAL]
-67-
<PAGE>
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
) SS.
COUNTY OF _______ )
On the _______ day of _______ before me personally came _______ to me
known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is _______ and
_______ of Fingerhut Companies, Inc., one of the Corporations described in and
which executed the foregoing instrument; that he knows the seal of said
Corporation; that the seal affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal;
that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of Directors of said
Corporation, and that he signed his name thereto by like authority.
[SEAL]
-------------------------------------
Notary Public
STATE OF _________ )
) SS.
COUNTY OF _______ )
On the ______ day of _______ before me personally came _______ to me
known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is _______ of
________________, one of the Corporations described in and which executed the
foregoing instrument; that he knows the seal of said Corporation; that the seal
affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by
authority of the Board of Directors of said Corporation, and that he signed his
name thereto by like authority.
[SEAL]
-------------------------------------
Notary Public
-68-
<PAGE>
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
TO
-------------------------
TRUSTEE
-----------------
INDENTURE
DATED AS OF _______________
-----------------
SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
<PAGE>
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
Reconciliation and tie between Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and
Indenture, dated as of _______________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Trust Indenture
Act Section Indenture Section
- ----------- -----------------
<S> <C>
Section 310(a)(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .609
(a)(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .609
(a)(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(a)(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(a)(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .609
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608, 610
Section 311. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .613
Section 312(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .701, 702(a)
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 702(b)
(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 702(c)
Section 313. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .703
Section 314(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(c)(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
(c)(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
(c)(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
Section 315(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .601
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .602
(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .601
(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .601
(e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .514
Section 316(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
(a)(1)(A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 502, 512
(a)(1)(B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .513
(a)(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .508
Section 317(a)(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .503
(a)(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .504
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1003
Section 318(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
</TABLE>
Note: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be
part of the Indenture.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Page
----
<S> <C>
RECITALS OF THE COMPANY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
ARTICLE ONE DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION. . . . .1
SECTION 101. Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Affiliate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Authenticating Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Board Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Business Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Closing Price. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Common Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Company Request. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Company Order. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Conversion Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Convertible Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Corporate Trust Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Defaulted Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Depositary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Event of Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Exchange Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Global Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Indenture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Interest Payment Date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Maturity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Officers' Certificate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Opinion of Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Original Issue Discount Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Outstanding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Paying Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Periodic Offering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Place of Payment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Predecessor Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
<PAGE>
Redemption Date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Redemption Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Regular Record Date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Required Currency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Responsible Officer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Security Register. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Security Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Senior Indebtednesst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Special Record Date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Stated Maturity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Trust Indenture Act or TIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
U.S. Government Obligations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
SECTION 104. Acts of Holders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SECTION 107. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SECTION 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SECTION 109. Successors and Assigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SECTION 110. Separability Clause. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SECTION 111. Benefits of Indenture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 112. Governing Law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 113. Legal Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
ARTICLE TWO SECURITY FORMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 201. Forms Generally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 202. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication. . . . . . . . 13
SECTION 203. Securities in Global Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
SECTION 204. Form of Legend for Global Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
ARTICLE THREE THE SECURITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
SECTION 302. Denominations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating . . . . . . . . 17
SECTION 304. Temporary Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange. . . . . . 20
SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities . . . . . . . 22
SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved . . . . . . . . 22
-ii-
<PAGE>
SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SECTION 309. Cancellation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SECTION 310. Computation of Interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
SECTION 311. CUSIP Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
SECTION 312. Payment to be in Proper Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
ARTICLE FOUR SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture. . . . . . . . . . . . 25
SECTION 402. Application of Trust Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
SECTION 403. Defeasance and Discharge of Indenture. . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
ARTICLE FIVE REMEDIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
SECTION 501. Events of Default. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment . . . . . . 30
SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by
Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of
Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal,
Premium and Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
SECTION 512. Control by Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
SECTION 514. Undertaking for Costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
SECTION 515. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
ARTICLE SIX THE TRUSTEE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 602. Notice of Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 603. Certain Rights of Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities . . . . 39
SECTION 605. May Hold Securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
SECTION 606. Money Held in Trust. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
SECTION 607. Compensation and Reimbursement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
SECTION 608. Disqualification; Conflicting Interests. . . . . . . . . . . . 40
SECTION 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility. . . . . . . . . . . . 40
SECTION 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor. . . . . . . 41
SECTION 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
SECTION 612. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to
Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
SECTION 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company. . . . . . . 44
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<PAGE>
SECTION 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
ARTICLE SEVEN HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY. . . . . . . 46
SECTION 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of
Holders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
SECTION 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders . . . . 46
SECTION 703. Reports by Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
SECTION 704. Reports by Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
ARTICLE EIGHT CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE . . . . . 48
SECTION 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms . . . . . 48
SECTION 802. Successor Substituted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
ARTICLE NINE SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders . . . . . . 49
SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders. . . . . . . . 50
SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures . . . . . . 52
SECTION 907. Notice of Supplemental Indentures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
ARTICLE TEN COVENANTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest . . . . . . . . . . 53
SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
SECTION 1003. Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust. . . . . . . 53
SECTION 1004. Existence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
SECTION 1005. Maintenance of Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
SECTION 1006. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
SECTION 1007. Compliance Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
SECTION 1008. Defeasance of Certain Obligations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
SECTION 1009. Waiver of Certain Covenants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
ARTICLE ELEVEN REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed. . . . . . . 58
SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date. . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
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<PAGE>
SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
ARTICLE TWELVE SINKING FUNDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
SECTION 1201. Applicability of Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities. . . . . 61
SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund. . . . . . . . . . . 61
ARTICLE THIRTEEN SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
SECTION 1301. Securities Subordinate to Senior Indebtedness. . . . . . . . . 62
SECTION 1302. Trustee and Holders of Securities May Rely on
Certificate of Liquidating Agent; Trustee May Require
Further Evidence as to Ownership of Senior
Indebtedness; Trustee Not Fiduciary to Holders of
Senior Indebtedness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
SECTION 1303. Payment Permitted If No Default. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
SECTION 1304. Trustee Not Charged with Knowledge of Prohibition. . . . . . . 65
SECTION 1305. Trustee to Effectuate Subordination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
SECTION 1306. Rights of Trustee as Holder of Senior Indebtedness . . . . . . 66
SECTION 1307. Article Applicable to Paying Agents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
SECTION 1308. Subordination Rights Not Impaired by Acts or Omissions of
the Company or Holders of Senior Indebtedness. . . . . . . . . 66
ARTICLE FOURTEEN CONVERSION OF CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
SECTION 1401. Applicability of Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
SECTION 1402. Right to Convert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
SECTION 1403. Exercise of Conversion Privilege; Delivery of Common
Stock on Conversion; No Adjustment for Interest or
Dividends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
SECTION 1404. Cash Payments in Lieu of Fractional Shares . . . . . . . . . . 68
SECTION 1405. Conversion Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
SECTION 1406. Adjustment to Conversion Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
SECTION 1407. Effect of Reclassification, Consolidation, Merger or Sale. . . 72
SECTION 1408. Taxes on Shares Issued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
SECTION 1409. Shares to be Fully Paid; Compliance with Governmental
Requirements; Listing of Common Stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
SECTION 1410. Responsibility of Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
SECTION 1411. Notice to Holders Prior to Certain Actions . . . . . . . . . . 74
SECTION 1412. Covenant to Reserve Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
INDENTURE, dated as of _______________ between Fingerhut Companies, Inc.
a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of
Minnesota (herein called the "Company"), having its principal office at 4400
Baker Road, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343, and _______________, a national banking
association, as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee").
RECITALS OF THE COMPANY
The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this
Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured
subordinated debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (herein called
the "Securities"), to be issued in one or more series as in this Indenture
provided.
All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the
Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.
NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:
For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the
Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the
equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities or of series
thereof, as follows:
ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
SECTION 101. Definitions.
For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly
provided or unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings
assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the
singular;
(2) all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust
Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings
assigned to them therein; the following TIA terms used in this Indenture
have the following meanings:
"INDENTURE SECURITIES" means the Securities;
"INDENTURE SECURITY HOLDER" means a Holder;
"INDENTURE TO BE QUALIFIED" means this Indenture;
"INDENTURE TRUSTEE" or "INSTITUTIONAL TRUSTEE" means the Trustee;
(3) any gender used in this Indenture shall be deemed and
construed to include correlative words of the masculine, feminine or
neuter gender;
<PAGE>
(4) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the
meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and, except as otherwise herein expressly
provided, the term "generally accepted accounting principles" with
respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean
such accounting principles as are generally accepted in the United States
of America at the date of such computation; and
(5) the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder" and other
words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any
particular Article, Section or other subdivision.
Certain terms, used principally in Article Six, are defined in that
Article.
"Act", when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in
Section 104.
"Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition,
"control", when used with respect to any specified Person, means the power to
direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly,
whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise;
and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the
foregoing.
"Authenticating Agent" means any Person authorized by the Trustee
pursuant to Section 614 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate
Securities of one or more series.
"Board of Directors" means either the board of directors of the Company
or any duly authorized committee appointed by that board.
"Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by
the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such
certification. Where any provision of this Indenture refers to action to be
taken pursuant to a Board Resolution (including establishment of any series of
the Securities and the forms and terms thereof), such action may be taken by any
committee, officer or employee of the Company authorized to take such action by
a Board Resolution.
"Business Day", when used with respect to any Place of Payment, means
each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which
banking institutions generally in that Place of Payment are authorized or
obligated by law or executive order to close, unless otherwise specified in a
form of Security.
"Closing Price" has the meaning specified in 1406(d).
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<PAGE>
"Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time
to time constituted, created under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument such
Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under
the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.
"Common Stock" means, when used with reference to the capital stock of
the Company, the class of stock which, at the date of execution of this
Indenture, is designated as common stock of the Company and stock of any class
or classes into which such common stock or any such other class may thereafter
be changed or reclassified. In case by reason of the operation of Article
Fourteen, the Convertible Securities shall be convertible into any other shares
or other securities or property of the Company or any other corporation, any
reference in this Indenture to the conversion or Convertible Securities pursuant
to Article Fourteen shall be deemed to refer to and include conversion of
Convertible Securities into such other shares or other securities or property.
"Company" means the Person named as the "Company" in the first paragraph
of this instrument until a successor corporation shall have become such pursuant
to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Company" shall
mean such successor corporation.
"Company Request" or "Company Order" means a written request or order
signed in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its President or
a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Secretary or
an Assistant Secretary and delivered to the Trustee.
"Conversion Price" has the meaning specified in Section 1405.
"Convertible Securities" means any series of Securities that are
designated as such pursuant to Section 301.
"Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Trustee in _____________
___________ at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall
be principally administered.
"Corporation" includes corporations, associations, companies, joint stock
companies and business trusts.
"Defaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in Section 307.
"Depositary" means, with respect to the Securities of any series issuable
or issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, the
clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, specified for that purpose as
contemplated by Section 301 or any successor clearing agency registered under
the Exchange Act as contemplated by
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<PAGE>
Section 305, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, "Depositary"
as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the Depositary
with respect to the Securities of such series.
"Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 501.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"Global Security" means a Security bearing the legend specified in
Section 204 evidencing all or part of a series of Securities, issued to the
Depositary for such series or its nominee, and registered in the name of such
Depositary or nominee.
"Holder" means a Person in whose name a Security is registered in the
Security Register.
"Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed or as it may
from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures
supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof
and shall include the terms of particular series of Securities established as
contemplated by Section 301; provided, however, that, if at any time more than
one Person is acting as Trustee under this instrument due to the appointment of
one or more separate Trustees for any one or more separate series of Securities
pursuant to Section 610(e), "Indenture" shall mean, with respect to such series
of Securities for which any such Person is Trustee, this instrument as
originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by
one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the
applicable provisions hereof and shall include the terms of particular series of
Securities for which such Person is Trustee established as contemplated by
Section 301, exclusive, however, of any provisions or terms which relate solely
to other series of Securities for which such Person is not Trustee, regardless
of when such terms or provisions were adopted, and exclusive of any provisions
or terms adopted by means of one or more indentures supplemental hereto executed
and delivered after such Person had become such Trustee but to which such
Person, as such Trustee, was not a party.
"Interest", when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security
which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable
after Maturity.
"Interest Payment Date", when used with respect to any Security, means
the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.
"Maturity", when used with respect to any Security, means the date on
which the principal of such Security or an installment of principal becomes due
and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by
declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise.
"Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the
Board, the President, a Vice President or an Assistant Vice President of the
Company, and by the
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<PAGE>
Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of
the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.
"Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be
counsel for the Company.
"Original Issue Discount Security" means any Security which provides for
an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a
declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502.
"Outstanding", when used with respect to Securities, means, as of the
date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered
under this Indenture, except:
(i) Securities theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered
to the Trustee for cancellation;
(ii) Securities for whose payment or redemption money in the
necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any
Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and
segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own
Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities; provided that, if such
Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly
given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to
the Trustee has been made; and
(iii) Securities which have been paid pursuant to Section 306 or
in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been
authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any
such Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to
the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Securities are held by a
bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Securities are valid obligations
of the Company;
provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder or whether a
quorum is present at a meeting of Holders of Securities, (i) the principal
amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that shall be deemed to be
Outstanding shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and
payable as of the date of such determination upon acceleration of the Maturity
thereof pursuant to Section 502, (ii) the principal amount of a Security
denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units that shall be
deemed to be Outstanding shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined in the
manner provided as contemplated by Section 301 as of the date of original
issuance of such Security, of the principal amount (or, in the case of an
Original Issue Discount Security, the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined as of
the date of original issuance of such Security, of the amount determined as
provided in (i) above) of such Security as determined by the Company pursuant to
Section 301, and (iii) Securities
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<PAGE>
owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate
of the Company or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to
be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be
protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction,
notice, consent or waiver, only Securities which the Trustee knows to be so
owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in
good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the
satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such
Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the
Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor.
"Paying Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the
principal of (and premium, if any) and/or interest on any Securities on behalf
of the Company.
"Periodic Offering" means an offering of Securities of a series from time
to time the specific terms of which Securities, including without limitation the
rate or rates of interest (or formula for determining the rate or rates of
interest), if any, thereon, the Stated Maturity or Maturities thereof and the
redemption provisions, if any, with respect thereto, are to be determined by the
Company or its agents upon the issuance of such Securities.
"Person" means any individual, Corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or
government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
"Place of Payment", when used with respect to the Securities of any
series, means the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any)
and/or interest on the Securities of that series are payable, where Securities
of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and
where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of
that series and this Indenture may be served.
"Predecessor Security" of any particular Security means every previous
Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such
particular Security, and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security
authenticated and delivered under Section 306 in exchange for or in lieu of a
mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the
same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.
"Redemption Date", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed,
means the date fixed for such redemption pursuant to this Indenture.
"Redemption Price", when used with respect to any Security to be
redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this
Indenture.
"Regular Record Date" for the interest payable on any Interest Payment
Date on the Securities of any series means the date specified for that purpose
as contemplated by Section 301.
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<PAGE>
"Required Currency" has the meaning specified in Section 311.
"Responsible Officer", when used with respect to the Trustee, means any
officer of the Trustee assigned by it to administer its corporate trust matters.
"Securities" has the meaning stated in the first recital of this
Indenture and more particularly means any Securities authenticated and delivered
under this Indenture; provided, however, that if at any time there is more than
one Person acting as Trustee under this Indenture, "Securities" with respect to
the Indenture as to which such Person is Trustee shall have the meaning stated
in the first recital of this Indenture and shall more particularly mean
Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, exclusive, however,
of Securities of any series as to which such Person is not Trustee.
"Security Register" and "Security Registrar" have the respective meanings
specified in Section 305.
Senior Indebtednesst" means (i) the principal, premium, if any, and
interest in respect of (A) indebtedness of the Company for money borrowed and
(B) indebtedness evidenced by securities, debentures, bonds or other similar
instruments issued by the Company; (ii) all capital lease obligations of the
Company; (iii) all obligations of the Company issued or assumed as the deferred
purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations of the Company and
all obligations of the Company under any title retention agreement (but
excluding trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business);
(iv) all obligations of the Company for the reimbursement on any letter of
credit, banker's acceptance, security purchase facility or similar credit
transaction; (v) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through
(iv) of other Persons for the payment of which the Company is responsible or
liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise; and (vi) all obligations of the type
referred to in clauses (i) through (v) of other Persons secured by any lien on
any property or asset of the Company (whether or not such obligation is assumed
by the Company), except for any such indebtedness that is by its terms PARI
PASSU with the Securities.
"Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a
date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.
"Stated Maturity", when used with respect to any Security or any
installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified
in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or
such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.
"Subsidiary" means any Corporation of which securities (excluding
securities entitled to vote for directors only by reason of the happening of a
contingency) entitled to elect at least a majority of the corporation's
directors shall at the time be owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, or
one or more Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more Subsidiaries.
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<PAGE>
"Trustee" means the Person named as the "Trustee" in the first paragraph
of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to
the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Trustee" shall mean
or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there
is more than one such Person, "Trustee" as used with respect to the Securities
of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.
Trust Indenture Act or TIA" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in
force at the date as of which this instrument was executed, except as provided
in Section 905.
"U.S. Government Obligations" means direct obligations of the United
States of America, backed by its full faith and credit.
"Vice President", when used with respect to the Company, means any vice
president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added before
or after the title "vice president".
SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions.
Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any
action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the
Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any,
provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been
complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such
counsel all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with, except
that in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing
of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture
relating to such particular application or request, no additional certificate or
opinion need be furnished.
Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition
or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include:
(1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate
or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein
relating thereto;
(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the
examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions
contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
(3) a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual,
he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable
him to express an informed opinion whether such covenant or condition has
been complied with; and
(4) a statement whether, in the opinion of each such
individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
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<PAGE>
SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.
In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or
covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all
such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such
Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one
such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one
or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify
or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.
Any certificate or opinion of any officer of the Company may be based,
insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or
representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of
reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations
with respect to the matters upon which such officer's certificate or opinion is
based are erroneous. Any such certificate or Opinion of Counsel may be based,
insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or
representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the
information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the
Company, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should
know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such
matters are erroneous.
Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more
applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other
instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and
form one instrument.
SECTION 104. Acts of Holders.
(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by
Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of
substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent duly
appointed in writing, and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such
action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered
to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such
instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced
thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "ACT" of the Holders signing
such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of
a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this
Indenture and (subject to Section 601) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and
the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section.
(b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such
instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such
execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by
law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing
such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where
such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than such signer's
individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute
sufficient proof of such
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signer's authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument
or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be
proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.
(c) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security
Register.
(d) The Company may fix any day as the record date for the purpose of
determining the Holders of Securities of any series entitled to give or take any
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other
action, or to vote on any action, authorized or permitted to be given or taken
by Holders of Securities of such series, but the Company shall have no
obligation to do so. If not set by the Company prior to the first solicitation
of a Holder of Securities of such series made by any Person in respect of any
such action, or, in the case of any such vote, prior to such vote, the record
date for any such action or vote shall be the 30th day (or, if later, the date
of the most recent list of Holders required to be provided pursuant to
Section 701) prior to such first solicitation or vote, as the case may be. With
regard to any record date for action to be taken by the Holders of one or more
series of Securities, only the Holders of Securities of such series on such date
(or their duly designated proxies) shall be entitled to give or take, or vote
on, the relevant action.
(e) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder
of the same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the
registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in
respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the
Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon
such Security.
SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or
Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be
made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,
(1) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be
sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed
in writing to or with a Responsible Officer of the Trustee at its
Corporate Trust Office, Attention: ________________________________, or
(2) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be
sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly
provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the
Company addressed to it at the address of its principal office specified
in the first paragraph of this instrument (Attention: Treasurer) or at
any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the
Company.
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SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver.
Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event, such
notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided)
if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder affected
by such event, at such Holder's address as it appears in the Security Register,
not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date,
prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders
is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any
notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such
notice with respect to other Holders. Where this Indenture provides for notice
in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to
receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be
the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with
the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity
of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.
In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason
of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then
such notification as shall be made by or with the approval of the Trustee shall
constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.
SECTION 107. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.
This Indenture is subject to, and shall be governed by, the provisions of
the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Indenture. If any
provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust
Indenture Act that is required under such Act to be a part of and govern this
Indenture, the latter provision shall control. If any provision of this
Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act that may
be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to
this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.
SECTION 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.
The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for
convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
SECTION 109. Successors and Assigns.
All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company or the
Trustee shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
SECTION 110. Separability Clause.
In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities shall be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of
the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
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SECTION 111. Benefits of Indenture.
Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall
give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, any Authenticating Agent, any
Paying Agent, any Security Registrar, and their successors hereunder and the
Holders, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this
Indenture.
SECTION 112. Governing Law.
This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
SECTION 113. Legal Holidays.
Except as may be otherwise specified with respect to any particular
Securities, in any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or
Stated Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of
Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the
Securities) payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) need not be
made at such Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next
succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect
as if made on the Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date, or at the Stated
Maturity, provided that no interest shall accrue for the period from and after
such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may
be.
ARTICLE TWO
SECURITY FORMS
SECTION 201. Forms Generally.
The Securities of each series shall be in substantially the form as shall
be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution and set forth in an
Officers' Certificate or established by one or more indentures supplemental
hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions
and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may
have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or
endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any
securities exchange or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the
officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of the
Securities. If the form of Securities of any series is established by action
taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such
action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the
Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company
Order contemplated by Section 303 for the authentication and delivery of such
Securities.
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The Trustee's certificates of authentication shall be in substantially
the form set forth in this Article with such appropriate insertions, omissions,
substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this
Indenture.
The definitive Securities may be printed, lithographed or engraved or
produced by any combination of these methods on steel engraved borders or may be
produced in any other manner permitted by the rules of any securities exchange
on which the Securities may be listed, all as determined by the officers
executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.
SECTION 202. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein and issued
pursuant to the within-mentioned Indenture.
------------------------------
------------------------------
as Trustee
By
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Authorized Signatory
SECTION 203. Securities in Global Form.
If Securities of a series are issuable in whole or in part in global
form, as specified as contemplated by Section 301, then, notwithstanding
clause (13) of Section 301 and the provisions of Section 302, such Global
Security shall represent such of the Outstanding Securities of such series as
shall be specified therein and may provide that it shall represent the aggregate
amount of Outstanding Securities from time to time endorsed thereon and that the
aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities represented thereby may from time to
time be reduced to reflect exchanges. Any endorsement of a Global Security to
reflect the amount, or any increase or decrease in the amounts, of Outstanding
Securities represented thereby shall be made in such manner and upon
instructions given by such Person or Persons as shall be specified therein or in
the Company Order to be delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 303 or
Section 304.
The provisions of the last sentence of Section 303 shall apply to any
Securities represented by a Security in global form if such Security was never
issued and sold by the Company and the Company delivers to the Trustee the
Security in global form together with written instructions (which need not
comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel)
with respect to the reduction in the principal amount of Securities represented
thereby, together with the written statement contemplated by the last sentence
of Section 303.
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Global Securities will be issued in registered form and may be issued in
either temporary or permanent form.
SECTION 204. Form of Legend for Global Securities.
Any Global Security authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a
legend in substantially the following form or such similar form as may be
required by the Depositary:
"Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized representative of
The Depository Trust Company (55 Water Street, New York, New York) to the issuer
or to its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any
certificate issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or such other name
as requested by an authorized representative of The Depository Trust Company and
any payment is made to Cede & Co., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR
VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL since the registered owner
hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein."
ARTICLE THREE
THE SECURITIES
SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.
The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated
and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.
The Securities shall rank equally and pari passu may be issued in one or
more series. There shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution
and, subject to Section 303, set forth or determined in the manner provided in
an Officers' Certificate or established in one or more indentures supplemental
hereto, prior to the initial issuance of Securities of any series,
(1) the title of the Securities of the series (which shall
distinguish the Securities of the series from Securities of any other
series);
(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the
Securities of the series which may be authenticated and delivered under
this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon
registration of transfer of, or in lieu of, other Securities of the
series pursuant to Section 304, 305, 306, 906, 1107 and 1403 and except
for any Securities which, pursuant to Section 303, are deemed never to
have been authenticated and delivered hereunder);
(3) the Person to whom any interest on a Security of the series
shall be payable, if other than the Person in whose name that Security
(or one or more
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Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the
Regular Record Date for such interest;
(4) the date or dates on which the principal or installments of
principal of the Securities of the series is or are payable and any
rights to extend such date or dates;
(5) the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series
shall bear interest, if any, or the formula pursuant to which such rate
or rates shall be determined, the date or dates from which such interest
shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest shall be
payable and the Regular Record Date for the interest payable on any
Interest Payment Date;
(6) the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if
any) and interest on Securities of the series shall be payable, any
Securities of the series may be surrendered for registration of transfer
or exchange and notices and demands to or upon the Company with respect
to the Securities of the series and this Indenture may be served;
(7) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at
which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series
may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company;
(8) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or
purchase Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or
analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof and the period
or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and
conditions upon which Securities of the series shall be redeemed or
purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;
(9) whether the Securities of the series will be convertible
into shares of Common Stock and/or exchangeable for other securities, and
if so, the terms and conditions upon which such Securities will be so
convertible or exchangeable, and any deletions from or modifications or
additions to this Indenture to permit or to facilitate the issuance of
such convertible or exchangeable Securities or the administration
thereof;
(10) the identity of each Security Registrar and Paying Agent,
if other than or in addition to the Trustee;
(11) if the amount of principal of, or any premium or interest
on, any Securities of the series may be determined by reference to an
index or pursuant to a formula, the manner in which such amounts shall be
determined;
(12) the applicability of, and any addition to or change in, the
covenants and definitions currently set forth in this Indenture;
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(13) if other than denominations of $1,000 or any amount in
excess thereof which is an integral multiple of $1,000, the denominations
in which Securities of the series shall be issuable;
(14) if other than the currency of the United States of America,
the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of the
principal of and any premium and interest on any Securities of the series
shall be payable if other than the currency of the United States of
America, the manner of determining the U.S. dollar equivalent of the
principal amount thereof for purposes of the definition of "Outstanding"
in Section 101, and, if the principal of or any premium or interest on
any Securities of the series is to be payable, at the election of the
Company or a Holder thereof, in one or more currencies or currency units
other than that or those in which the Securities are stated to be
payable, the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of
the principal of and any premium and interest on Securities of such
series as to which such election is made shall be payable, and the
periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which such
election is to be made;
(15) any other event or events of default applicable with
respect to Securities of the series in addition to or in lieu of those
provided in Section 501(1)-(7);
(16) if less than the principal amount thereof, the portion of
the principal amount of Securities of the series which shall be payable
upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to
Section 502;
(17) whether the Securities of the series shall be issued in
whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, if so,
(a) the Depositary with respect to such Global Security or Securities and
(b) the circumstances under which any such Global Security may be
exchanged for Securities registered in the name of, and any transfer of
such Global Security may be registered to, a Person other than such
Depositary or its nominee, if other than as set forth in Section 305;
(18) if principal of or any premium or interest on the
Securities of a series is denominated or payable in a currency or
currencies other than the currency of the United States of America,
whether and under what terms and conditions the Company may be discharged
from obligations pursuant to Sections 403 and 1008 with respect to
Securities of such series; and
(19) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be
inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, except as permitted
by Section 901(5)).
All Securities of any one series (other than Securities offered in a
Periodic Offering) shall be substantially identical except as to denomination
and except as may otherwise be provided by or pursuant to the Board Resolution
referred to above and, subject to
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Section 303, set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in the Officers'
Certificate referred to above or in any such indenture supplemental hereto.
If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken
pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action
shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and
delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers'
Certificate setting forth the terms of the series.
With respect to Securities of a series offered in a Periodic Offering,
such Board Resolution and Officers' Certificate or supplemental indenture may
provide general terms or parameters for Securities of such series and provide
either that the specific terms of particular Securities of such series shall be
specified in a Company Order or that such terms shall be determined by the
Company or its agents in accordance with other procedures specified in a Company
Order as contemplated by the third paragraph of Section 303.
SECTION 302. Denominations.
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Officers' Certificate or
supplemental indenture, the Securities of each series shall be issued in
registered form without coupons in such denominations as shall be specified as
contemplated by Section 301. In the absence of any such provisions with respect
to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series shall be issuable
in denominations of $1,000 or any amount in excess thereof which is an integral
multiple of $1,000.
SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.
The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman
of the Board, its President or one of its Vice Presidents, under its corporate
seal affixed thereto or reproduced thereon attested by its Secretary or one of
its Assistant Secretaries. The signature of any of these officers on the
Securities may be manual or facsimile.
Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who
were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company,
notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such
offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not
hold such offices at the date of such Securities.
At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of
this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the
Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the
authentication and delivery of such Securities, or, in the case of Securities
offered in a Periodic Offering, from time to time in accordance with such other
procedures (including, without limitation, the receipt by the Trustee of
electronic instructions from the Company or its duly authorized agents, promptly
confirmed in writing by the Company) acceptable to the Trustee as may be
specified from time to time by a Company Order for establishing the specific
terms of particular Securities being so offered, and the Trustee in accordance
with the Company Order shall authenticate
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and deliver such Securities. If the form or forms or terms of the Securities of
the series have been established by or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions
as permitted by Sections 201 and 301, in authenticating such Securities and
accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to
such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to
Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel
stating,
(a) that the form or forms of such Securities have been
established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
(b) that the terms of such Securities have been established in
conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
(c) that such Securities, when authenticated and delivered by
the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any
conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid
and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance
with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer and other laws of general
applicability relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors'
rights and to general equity principles;
(d) that authentication and delivery of such Securities and the
execution and delivery of the supplemental indenture, if any, by the
Trustee will not violate the terms of the Indenture;
(e) that the Company has the corporate power to issue such
Securities, and has duly taken all necessary corporate action with
respect to such issuance; and
(f) that the issuance of such Securities will not contravene
the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the Company or result in any
violation of any of the terms or provisions of any law or regulation or
of any indenture, mortgage or other agreement known to such Counsel by
which the Company is bound;
provided, however, that, with respect to Securities of a series offered in a
Periodic Offering, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive such Opinion of
Counsel in connection only with the first authentication of each form of
Securities of such series and that the opinions described in Clauses (b) and (c)
above may state, respectively, that
(b) if the terms of such Securities are to be established
pursuant to a Company Order or pursuant to such procedures as may be
specified from time to time by a Company Order, all as contemplated by a
Board Resolution or action taken pursuant thereto, such terms will have
been duly authorized by the Company and established in conformity with
the provisions of this Indenture; and
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(c) that such Securities, when executed by the Company,
completed, authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in accordance with
this Indenture, and issued and delivered by the Company and paid for, all
in accordance with any agreement of the Company relating to the offering,
issuance and sale of such Securities, will be duly issued under this
Indenture and will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of
the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws
relating to or affecting generally the enforcement of creditors' rights
and to general principles of equity.
With respect to Securities of a series offered in a Periodic Offering,
the Trustee may rely, as to the authorization by the Company of any of such
Securities, the form or forms and terms thereof and the legality, validity,
binding effect and enforceability thereof, upon the Opinion of Counsel, Company
Order and other documents delivered pursuant to Sections 201 and 301 and this
Section, as applicable, in connection with the first authentication of a form of
Securities of such series and it shall not be necessary for the Company to
deliver such Opinion of Counsel and other documents (except as may be required
by the specified other procedures, if any, referred to above) at or prior to the
time of authentication of each Security of such series unless and until the
Trustee receives notice that such Opinion of Counsel or other documents have
been superseded or revoked, and may assume compliance with any conditions
specified in such Opinion of Counsel (other than any conditions to be performed
by the Trustee). If such form or forms or terms have been so established, the
Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of
such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee's own rights,
duties or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a
manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.
Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.
No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be
valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a
certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein
executed by the Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate upon any
Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security
has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and is entitled to the
benefits of this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security
shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold
by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such Security to the Trustee for
cancellation as provided in Section 309 together with a written statement (which
need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of
Counsel) stating that such Security has never been issued and sold by the
Company, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never
to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled
to the benefits of this Indenture.
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SECTION 304. Temporary Securities.
Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any Series, the
Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and
deliver, temporary Securities which are printed, lithographed, typewritten or
otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor
of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued and with such
appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the
officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their
execution of such Securities. In the case of Securities of any series, such
temporary Securities may be in the form of Global Securities.
If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause
definitive Securities of that series to be prepared without unreasonable delay.
After the preparation of definitive Securities of such series, the temporary
Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of
like tenor of such series upon surrender of the temporary Securities of such
series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that
series, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any
one or more temporary Securities of any series the Company shall execute and the
Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal
amount of definitive Securities of the same series and of like tenor and of any
authorized denominations. Until so exchanged the temporary Securities of any
series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this
Indenture as definitive Securities of such series and tenor.
SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.
The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the
Trustee a register (the "SECURITY REGISTER") in which, subject to such
reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the
registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. The Trustee is
hereby appointed "SECURITY REGISTRAR" for the purpose of registering Securities
and transfers of Securities as herein provided at the Corporate Trust Office.
Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of any series
at the office or agency of the Company in any Place of Payment for such series,
the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver (in the
name of the designated transferee or transferees) one or more new Securities of
the same series, of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate
principal amount and tenor and bearing a number not contemporaneously
outstanding.
At the option of the Holder, Securities of any series may be exchanged
for other Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of
a like aggregate principal amount and tenor, upon surrender of the Securities to
be exchanged at the office or agency of the Company in any Place of Payment for
such series. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the
Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall
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authenticate and deliver, the Securities which the Holder making the exchange is
entitled to receive.
All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of
Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same
debt and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Securities
surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or
for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee) be duly
endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed, by the
Holder thereof or such Holder's attorney duly authorized in writing.
No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or
exchange of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient
to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection
with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than
exchanges pursuant to Section 304, 906 or 1107 not involving any transfer.
The Company may but shall not be required (i) to issue, register the
transfer of or exchange Securities of any series during a period beginning at
the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of
redemption of Securities of that series selected for redemption under
Section 1103 and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, or
(ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for
redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security
being redeemed in part.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise specified as
contemplated by Section 301, any Global Security shall be exchangeable pursuant
to this Section 305 for Securities registered in the name of Persons other than
the Depositary for such Security or its nominee only if (i) such Depositary
notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary
for such Global Security or if at any time such Depositary ceases to be a
clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, (ii) the Company executes and
delivers to the Trustee a Company Order that such Global Security shall be so
exchangeable or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of
Default with respect to the Securities of such series. Upon the occurrence in
respect of any Global Security of any series of any one or more of the
conditions specified in Clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of the preceding sentence or
such other conditions as may be specified as contemplated by Section 301 for
such series, such Global Security may be exchanged for Securities not bearing
the legend specified in Section 204 and registered in the names of such Persons
as may be specified by the Depositary (including Persons other than the
Depositary).
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, a Global Security
may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary for such Global
Security to a nominee of the
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Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another
nominee of the Depositary.
SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.
If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company
shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange
therefor a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal
amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence
to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security and
(ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them
and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the
Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide
purchaser, the Company shall execute and upon its written request the Trustee
shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen
Security, a new Security, including a Global Security if the destroyed, lost or
stolen Security was a Global Security, of the same series and of like tenor and
principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become
or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may,
instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.
Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may
require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental
charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including
the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.
Every new Security of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu
of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original
additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed,
lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be
entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with
any and all other Securities of that series duly issued hereunder. A new
Security shall have such legends as appeared on the old Security unless the
Company determines otherwise.
The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the
extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or
payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.
SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.
Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to
any series of Securities, interest on any Security which is payable, and is
punctually paid or duly
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provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose
name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered in the
Security Register at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such
Interest Payment Date.
Any interest on any Security of any series which is payable but is not
punctually paid or duly provided for on any Interest Payment Date (herein called
"DEFAULTED INTEREST") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the
relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such
Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as
provided in Clause (1) or (2) below:
(1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted
Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or
their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of
business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted
Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company
shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest
proposed to be paid on each Security of such series and the date of the
proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the
Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be
paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements
satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the
proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the
benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this
Clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date
for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than
15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed
payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the
notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the
Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense
of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such
Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed,
first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder of Securities of such series
at such Holder's address as it appears in the Security Register, not less
than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed
payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor
having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the
Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective
Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such
Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the
following Clause (2).
(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on
the Securities of any series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent
with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities
may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange,
if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed
payment pursuant to this Clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed
practicable by the Trustee.
Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Security
delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange
for, or in lieu of, any other Security
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shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were
carried by such other Security.
SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners.
Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the
Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the
Person in whose name such Security is registered in the Security Register as the
owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and
premium, if any) and (subject to Section 307) interest on such Security and for
all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and
neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee
shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
No holder of any beneficial interest in any Global Security held on its
behalf by a Depositary (or its nominee) shall have any rights under this
Indenture with respect to such Global Security or any Security represented
thereby, and such Depositary may be treated by the Company, the Trustee, and any
agent of the Company or the Trustee as the owner of such Global Security or any
Security represented thereby for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, with respect to any Global Security, nothing herein shall prevent the
Company, the Trustee, or any agent of the Company or the Trustee, from giving
effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by a
Depositary or impair, as between a Depositary and such holders of beneficial
interest in such Global Security, the operation of customary practices governing
the exercise of the rights of the Depositary (or its nominees) as Holder of such
Global Security.
SECTION 309. Cancellation.
All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of
transfer or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if
surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee
and shall be promptly canceled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to
the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and
delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner
whatsoever, and may deliver to the Trustee (or to any other Person for delivery
to the Trustee) for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated
hereunder which the Company has not issued and sold, and all Securities so
delivered shall be promptly canceled by the Trustee. No Securities shall be
authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities canceled as provided
in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All canceled
Securities held by the Trustee shall be destroyed unless otherwise directed by a
Company Order. The Trustee is hereby directed by the Company to destroy the
cancelled Securities held by the Trustee (subject to the record retention
requirements of the Exchange Act), and the Trustee shall provide the Company
with a certificate of a Responsible Officer certifying as to the destruction of
such Securities.
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SECTION 310. Computation of Interest.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for
Securities of any series, interest on the Securities of each series shall be
computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
SECTION 311. CUSIP Number.
The Company in issuing the Securities may use "CUSIP" numbers, and if it
does so, the Trustee shall use the applicable CUSIP number in notices of
redemption or exchange as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such
notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness or
accuracy of the CUSIP number printed in the notice or on the Securities, and
that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on
the Securities. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee of any change in
any CUSIP number.
SECTION 312. Payment to be in Proper Currency.
In the case of any Securities denominated in any currency (the "REQUIRED
CURRENCY") other than United States of America dollars, except as otherwise
provided therein, the obligation of the Company to make any payment of
principal, premium or interest thereon shall not be discharged or satisfied by
any tender by the Company, or recovery by the Trustee, in any currency other
than the Required Currency, except to the extent that such tender or recovery
shall result in the Trustee timely holding the full amount of the Required
Currency then due and payable. If any such tender or recovery is in a currency
other than the Required Currency, the Trustee may take such actions as it
considers appropriate to exchange such currency for the Required Currency. The
costs and risks of any such exchange, including without limitation the risks of
delay and exchange rate fluctuation, shall be borne by the Company, the Company
shall remain fully liable for any shortfall or delinquency in the full amount of
Required Currency then due and payable, and in no circumstances shall the
Trustee be liable therefor except in the case of its negligence or willful
misconduct.
ARTICLE FOUR
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.
This Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect
(except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of
Securities herein expressly provided for), and the Trustee, at the expense of
the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and
discharge of this Indenture, when
(1) either
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(A) all Securities theretofore authenticated and
delivered (other than (i) Securities which have been destroyed,
lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in
Section 306 and (ii) Securities for whose payment money has
theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in
trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or
discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 1003) have been
delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
(B) all such Securities not theretofore delivered to the
Trustee for cancellation
(i) have become due and payable, or
(ii) will become due and payable at their Stated
Maturity within one year, or
(iii) if redeemable at the option of the Company,
are to be called for redemption within one year under
arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of
notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the
expense, of the Company,
and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has
deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust
funds in trust for the purpose an amount, in the currency in which
such Securities are payable, sufficient to pay and discharge the
entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered
to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal (and premium, if
any) and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of
Securities which have become due and payable) or to the respective
Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;
(2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums
payable hereunder by the Company, and
(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge
of this Indenture have been complied with.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the
obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 607, the obligations of
the Trustee to any Authenticating Agent under Section 614, and, if money shall
have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Subclause (B) of Clause (1) of
this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 402 and the last
paragraph of Section 1003, shall survive.
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SECTION 402. Application of Trust Money.
Subject to provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money
deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 401 shall be held in trust and
applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this
Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent
(including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may
determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium, if
any) and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the
Trustee but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the
extent required by law.
SECTION 403. Defeasance and Discharge of Indenture.
If principal of and any premium and interest on Securities of any series
are denominated and payable in United States of America dollars, the Company
shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness on all the
Outstanding Securities of such series on the 91st day after the date of the
deposit referred to in subparagraph (d) hereof, and the provisions of this
Indenture, as it relates to such Outstanding Securities, shall no longer be in
effect (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall at Company
Request, execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except as to:
(a) the rights of Holders of Securities to receive, from the
trust funds described in subparagraph (d) hereof, (i) payment of the
principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the Outstanding
Securities on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of
principal or interest and (ii) the benefit of any mandatory sinking fund
payments applicable to the Securities on the day on which such payments
are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and
the Securities;
(b) the Company's obligations with respect to such Securities
under Sections 305, 306, 1002 and 1003; and
(c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the
Trustee hereunder;
provided that, the following conditions shall have been satisfied:
(d) The Company has deposited or caused to be irrevocably
deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying the
requirements of Section 609) as trust funds in the trust, specifically
pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the
Holders of the Securities, (i) money in an amount, or (ii) U.S.
Government Obligations which through the payment of interest and
principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide
not later than one day before the due date of any payment referred to in
clause (A) or (B) of this subparagraph (d) money in an amount or (iii) a
combination thereof, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally
recognized firm of independent certified public accountants expressed in
a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and
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discharge (A) the principal of (and premium, if any) and each installment
of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Outstanding
Securities on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of
principal and interest and (B) any mandatory sinking fund payments
applicable to the Securities on the day on which such payments are due
and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and of the
Securities;
(e) such deposit shall not cause the Trustee with respect to
the Securities to have a conflicting interest as defined in Section 608
and for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to the
Securities;
(f) such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of,
or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other agreement or
instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound;
(g) such provision would not cause any Outstanding Securities
then listed on the New York Stock Exchange or other securities exchange
to be de-listed as a result thereof;
(h) no Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of
time would become an Event of Default with respect to the Securities
shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or
during the period ending on the 91st day after such date;
(i) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that there has been a
change in applicable Federal law such that, or the Company has received
from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a
ruling to the effect that, Holders of the Securities will not recognize
income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such
deposits, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to Federal income
tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times, as
would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had
not occurred; and
(j) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
precedent relating to the defeasance contemplated by this Section have
been complied with.
ARTICLE FIVE
REMEDIES
SECTION 501. Events of Default.
"EVENT OF DEFAULT", wherever used herein with respect to Securities of
any series, and unless otherwise provided with respect to Securities of any
series pursuant to
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Section 301(12), means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for
such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be
effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any
court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental
body):
(1) default in the payment of any interest upon any Security of
that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such
default for a period of 30 days; or
(2) default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if
any, on) any Security of that series at its Maturity; or
(3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when
and as due by the terms of a Security of that series; or
(4) if applicable to the Securities of such series, default in
the issuance by the Company of Common Stock upon an election by the
Holder or Holders of such Securities to convert such Securities into
shares of Common Stock pursuant to the provision of any indenture
supplemental hereto, Board Resolution or other instrument authority such
series of Securities; or
(5) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or
warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or
warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in
this Section specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included
in this Indenture solely for the benefit of a series of one or more
Securities other than that series), and continuance of such default or
breach for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by registered
or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and
the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount
of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying
such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that
such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or
(6) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of
(A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an
involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (B) a
decree or order adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or
approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization,
arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company
under any applicable Federal or State law, or appointing a custodian,
receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar
official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or
ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the
continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other
decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive
days; or
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(7) the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case or
proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to
be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry
of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an
involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the
commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against
it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking
reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or State law, or
the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of
or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee,
trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any
substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment
for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its
inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of
corporate action by the Company in furtherance of any such action; or
(8) any other Event of Default provided with respect to
Securities of that series.
The term "BANKRUPTCY LAW" means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar
Federal or state law for the relief of debtors. The term "CUSTODIAN" means any
receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy
Law.
A default under clause (5) is not an Event of Default with respect to any
series of Securities until the Trustee notifies the Company in writing, or the
Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then Outstanding Securities
of such series notify the Company and the Trustee in writing, of the default and
the Company does not cure the default within 60 days after receipt of such
notice. The written notice must specify the default, demand that it be remedied
and state that the notice is a "Notice of Default."
SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.
If an Event of Default with respect to Outstanding Securities of any
series occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the Trustee or the
Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or, if any of the
Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such lesser
portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified in the
terms thereof) of all of the Securities of that series to be due and payable
immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given
by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified
portion thereof) shall become immediately due and payable.
At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to
Outstanding Securities of any series has been made and before a judgment or
decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as
hereinafter in this Article provided, the
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Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of that series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may
rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if
(1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum
sufficient to pay
(A) all overdue interest on all Securities of that
series,
(B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any
Securities of that series which have become due otherwise than by
such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate
or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities,
(C) to the extent that payment of such interest is
lawful, interest upon overdue interest at the rate or rates
prescribed therefor in such Securities, and
(D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder
and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and
advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other
amounts due the Trustee under Section 607; and
(2) all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that
series, other than the non-payment of the principal of Securities of that
series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration,
have been cured or waived as provided in Section 513.
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right
consequent thereon.
SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by
Trustee.
The Company covenants that if
(1) default is made in the payment of any interest on any
Security when such interest becomes due and payable and such default
continues for a period of 30 days, or
(2) default is made in the payment of the principal of (or
premium, if any, on) any Security at the Maturity thereof,
the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the
Holders of such Security, the whole amount then due and payable on such Security
for principal (and premium, if any) and interest and, to the extent that payment
of such interest shall be legally
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enforceable, interest on any overdue principal (and premium, if any) and on any
overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Security, and,
in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the
costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation,
expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.
If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the
Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a
judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may
prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same
against the Company or any other obligor upon such Security and collect the
moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of
the property of the Company or any other obligor upon such Security, wherever
situated.
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs
and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and
enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series by
such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual
to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of
any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any
power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.
SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation,
bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other
judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the
Securities or the property of the Company or of such other obligor or their
creditors, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities
shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or
otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on
the Company for the payment of overdue principal or interest) shall be entitled
and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise,
(i) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of principal
(and premium, if any) or such portion of the principal amount of any
series of Original Issue Discount Securities as may be specified in the
terms of such series and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the
Securities and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary
or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any
claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and
advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts
due the Trustee under Section 607) and of the Holders allowed in such
judicial proceeding, and
(ii) to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable
or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
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and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or
other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by
each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the
Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to
pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other
amounts due the Trustee under Section 607.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to
authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities
or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in
respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding; provided, however,
that the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders, vote for the election of a
trustee in bankruptcy or similar official and be a member of a creditors' or
other similar committee.
SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of
Securities.
All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities
may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of
the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and
any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name
as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after
provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and for any
other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607, be for the ratable benefit of
the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been
recovered.
SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected.
Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be
applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and,
in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal (or premium,
if any) or interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the notation
thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if
fully paid:
FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under
Section 607; and
SECOND: To the payment of amounts then due and unpaid to the
holders of Senior Indebtedness, to the extent required by Article
Thirteen; and
THIRD: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid
for principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Securities in
respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been
collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according
to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal (and
premium, if any) and interest, respectively; and
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FOURTH: The balance, if any, to the Person or Persons
entitled thereto.
SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits.
No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute
any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for
the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder,
unless
(1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the
Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities
of that series;
(2) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of that series shall have made written request to
the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default
in its own name as Trustee hereunder;
(3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee
reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be
incurred in compliance with such request;
(4) the Trustee, for 60 days after its receipt of such notice,
request and offer of indemnity, has failed to institute any such
proceeding; and
(5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has
been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that
series;
it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have
any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision
of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of
such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any
other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in
the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such
Holders.
SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal,
Premium and Interest.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any
Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive
payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Section 307)
interest on such Security on the Stated Maturity or Maturities expressed in such
Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date) and to
institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall
not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.
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SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.
If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any
right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued
or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or
to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in
such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored
severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter
all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though
no such proceeding had been instituted.
SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative.
Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment
of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of
Section 306, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee
or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and
every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and
in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter
existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any
right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent
assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver.
No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Securities to
exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any
such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an
acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to
the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often
as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may
be.
SECTION 512. Control by Holders.
The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of any series shall 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 Securities of such series, provided that
(1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or with this Indenture, and
(2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the
Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.
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SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults.
The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the Outstanding Securities of any series may, on behalf of the Holders of all
the Securities of such series, waive any past default hereunder with respect to
such series and its consequences, except a default
(1) in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or
interest on any Security of such series, or
(2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under
Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the
Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected.
The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the
purpose of determining the Persons entitled to waive any past default hereunder.
If a record date is fixed, the Holders on such record date, or their duly
designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall be entitled to waive any
default hereunder, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record
date; provided, that unless such majority in principal amount shall have waived
such default prior to the date which is 90 days after such record date, any such
waiver of such default previously given shall automatically and without further
action by any Holder be canceled and of no further effect.
Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of
Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose
of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other
default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 514. Undertaking for Costs.
All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security by
such Holder's acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court
may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or
remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action
taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in
such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court
may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys'
fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits
and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; provided,
however, that the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit
instituted by the Company, to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit
instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more
than 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, or to
any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the
principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Security on or after the
Stated Maturity or Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of
redemption, on or after the Redemption Date).
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SECTION 515. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws.
The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it
will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or
take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted,
now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the
performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may
lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law
and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any
power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of
every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
ARTICLE SIX
THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities.
The provisions of TIA Section 315 shall apply to the Trustee.
SECTION 602. Notice of Defaults.
Within 90 days after the occurrence of any default hereunder with respect
to the Securities of any series, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all
Holders of Securities of such series, as their names and addresses appear in the
Security Register, notice of such default hereunder known to the Trustee, unless
such default shall have been cured or waived; provided however, that, except in
the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or
interest on any Security of such series or in the payment of any sinking fund
installment with respect to Securities of such series, the Trustee shall be
protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors,
the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or Responsible
Officers of the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such
notice is in the interest of the Holders of Securities of such series; and
provided, further, that in the case of any default of the character specified in
Section 501(5) with respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to
Holders shall be given until at least 30 days after the occurrence thereof. For
the purpose of this Section, the term "default" means any event which is, or
after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with
respect to Securities of such series.
SECTION 603. Certain Rights of Trustee.
Subject to the provisions of TIA Section 315(a) through 315(d):
(a) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or
refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement,
instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order,
bond, debenture, note, other evidence of
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indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and
to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
(b) any instruction, request or direction of the Company
mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or
Company Order or as otherwise expressly provided herein and any
resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a
Board Resolution;
(c) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the
Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established
prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee
(unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the
absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officers' Certificate;
(d) before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, the
Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel
or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and
protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it
hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;
(e) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of
the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or
direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such
Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or
indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be
incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;
(f) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation
into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate,
statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction,
consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or
other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make
such further inquiry or investigation into such fact or matters as it may
see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry
or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and
premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney;
(g) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers
hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or
through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for
any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney
appointed with due care by it hereunder;
(h) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken,
suffered or omitted by it in good faith and believed by it to be
authorized or within the discretion, rights or powers conferred upon it
by this Indenture;
(i) the Trustee shall not be required to expend or risk its own
funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of
any of its duties
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hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it shall
have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or
adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably
assured to it; and
(j) except with respect to Section 1001 herein, the Trustee
shall have no duty to inquire as to the performance of the Company's
covenants in Article 4 hereof. In addition, the Trustee shall not be
deemed to have knowledge of any Event of Default except (i) any Event of
Default occurring pursuant to Sections 501(1), 501(2) and 1001 herein or
(ii) any Event of Default of which the Trustee shall have received
written notification or obtained actual knowledge.
SECTION 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.
The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee's
certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company,
and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility
for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity
or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities, except that the Trustee
represents that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture,
authenticate the Securities and perform its obligations hereunder and that the
statements made by it in a Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 supplied to the
Company is true and accurate subject to the qualifications set forth therein.
The Trustee or any Authenticating Agent shall not be accountable for the use or
application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.
SECTION 605. May Hold Securities.
The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security
Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other
capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to TIA
Sections 310(b) and 311, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same
rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent,
Security Registrar or such other agent.
SECTION 606. Money Held in Trust.
Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from
other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no
liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise
agreed to in writing by the Company and the Trustee.
SECTION 607. Compensation and Reimbursement.
The Company agrees
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(1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable
compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder (which
compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to
the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);
(2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse
the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements
and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any
provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and
the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any
such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its
negligence or bad faith; and
(3) to indemnify the Trustee and its agents for, and to hold it
harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without
negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in connection with
the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder,
including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or
liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its
powers or duties hereunder.
The obligations of the Company under this Section 607 to compensate and
indemnify the Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee for expenses,
disbursements and advances shall constitute additional indebtedness hereunder
and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture. Such
additional indebtedness shall be a senior claim to that of the Securities upon
all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds
held in trust for the payment of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest
on particular Securities, and the Securities are hereby subordinated to each
senior claim. When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in
connection with an Event of Default specified in Article Five hereof, the
expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) and the
compensation for the service in connection therewith are intended to constitute
expenses of administration under any applicable bankruptcy law.
The Trustee shall give the Company notice of any claim or liability for
which the Trustee might be entitled to indemnification under subparagraph (3) of
this Section 607 within a reasonable amount of time after a trust officer of the
Trustee becomes aware of such claim or liability.
SECTION 608. Disqualification; Conflicting Interests.
The provisions of TIA Section 310(b) shall apply to the Trustee.
SECTION 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.
There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be eligible
to act under TIA Section 310(a)(1) and shall have a combined capital and surplus
of at least $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal,
State or District of Columbia authority. The Trustee hereby represents and
warrants that it is currently in compliance and at all times
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will remain in compliance with the requirements of this Section 609. If such
Corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or
to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the
purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Corporation
shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most
recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee shall cease
to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall
resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in
this Article. Neither the Company, nor any Person directly or indirectly
controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Company, shall act
as Trustee hereunder.
SECTION 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.
(a) No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a
successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the
acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the
applicable requirements of Section 611.
(b) The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities
of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company. If the
instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 611 shall
not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such
notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the
Securities of such series.
(c) The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the
Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount
of the Outstanding Securities of such series, delivered to the Trustee and to
the Company.
(d) If at any time:
(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with TIA Section 310(b)
after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has
been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or
(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 609
and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or
by any such Holder,
(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be
adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its
property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or
control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of
rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, or
(4) the Trustee shall commence a voluntary case under the
Federal bankruptcy laws, as now or thereafter constituted, or any other
applicable Federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law or
shall consent to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver,
custodian, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator
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(or other similar official) of the Trustee or its property or affairs, or
shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall admit in
writing its inability to pay its debt generally as they become due, or
shall take corporate action in furtherance of any such action,
then, in any such case, (i) the Company by a Board Resolution may remove the
Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (ii) subject to Section 514, any
Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months
may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court
of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all
Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.
(e) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of
acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with
respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by a Board
Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect
to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such
successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more
or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with
respect to the Securities of any particular series) and shall comply with the
applicable requirements of Section 611. If, within one year after such
resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a
successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall be
appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring
Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance
of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of
Section 611, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such
series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the
Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series
shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders and accepted
appointment in the manner required by Section 611, any Holder who has been a
bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, on
behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of
competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect
to the Securities of such series.
(f) The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal
of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment
of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series by mailing
written notice of such event by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to all
Holders of Securities of such series as their names and addresses appear in the
Security Register. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee
with respect to the Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate
Trust Office.
SECTION 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.
(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with
respect to all Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall
execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an
instrument accepting such appointment, and
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thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become
effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or
conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties
of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor
Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and
deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights,
powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and
deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring
Trustee hereunder.
(b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with
respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the
retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of
one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto
wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall
contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and
confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers,
trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that
or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2)
if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall
contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm
that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with
respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring
Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and
(3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be
necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts
hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or
in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the
same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts
hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by
any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental
indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become
effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee,
without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the
rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the
Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor
Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such
retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor
Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with
respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of
such successor Trustee relates. Whenever there is a successor Trustee with
respect to one or more (but less than all) series of securities issued pursuant
to this Indenture, the terms "Indenture" and "Securities" shall have the
meanings specified in the provisos to the respective definitions of those terms
in Section 101 which contemplate such situation.
(c) Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall
execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and
confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred
to in paragraph (a) and (b) of this Section, as the case may be.
(d) No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the
time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible
under this Article.
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SECTION 612. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to
Business.
Any Corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with
which it may be consolidated, or any Corporation resulting from any merger,
conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any
Corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business
of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such
Corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article,
without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of
any of the parties hereto. In case any Securities shall have been
authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor
by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt
such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same
effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities; in
case any of the Securities shall not have been authenticated by the Trustee then
in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such Trustee
may authenticate such Securities either in the name of such predecessor
hereunder or in the name of the successor Trustee; and in all such cases such
certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Securities or
in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have;
provided, however, that the right to adopt the certificate of authentication of
any predecessor Trustee or to authenticate Securities in the name of any
predecessor Trustee shall apply only to its successor or successors by merger,
conversion or consolidation.
SECTION 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.
The Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 311(a). A Trustee which has
resigned or been removed is subject to TIA Section 311(a) to the extent
indicated therein.
SECTION 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent.
At any time when any of the Securities remain Outstanding the Trustee,
with the concurrence of the Company, may appoint an Authenticating Agent or
Agents with respect to one or more series of Securities which shall be
authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such
series, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of
this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if
authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is made in this
Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the
Trustee's certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to
include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an
Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of
the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be
acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a Corporation organized and
doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof
or the District of Columbia authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating
Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and
subject to supervision or examination by Federal, State or District of Columbia
authority. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least
annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or
examining authority,
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then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such
Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as
set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time
an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the
provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately
in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.
Any Corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or
converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Corporation resulting
from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent
shall be a party, or any Corporation succeeding to the corporate agency or
corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an
Authenticating Agent, provided such Corporation shall be otherwise eligible
under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further
act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.
An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice
thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time
terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof
to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice
of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such
Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the
provisions of this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating
Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall mail written notice of
such appointment by first class mail, postage prepaid, to all Holders of
Securities of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will
serve, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register. Any
successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder
shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor
hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent.
No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the
provisions of this Section 614.
The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time
reasonable compensation for its services under this Section 614.
If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to
this Section, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in
addition to the Trustee's certificate of authentication, an alternate
certificate of authentication in the following form:
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This is one of the Securities of the series designated herein and issued
pursuant to the within-mentioned Indenture.
------------------------------
as Trustee
By
----------------------------
As Authenticating Agent
By
----------------------------
Authorized Signatory
ARTICLE SEVEN
HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY
SECTION 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.
If the Trustee is not acting as Security Registrar for the Securities of
any series, the Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee.
(a) at intervals of no more than six months commencing after
the first issue of such series, a list, in such form as the Trustee may
reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders as of a
date not more than 15 days prior to the time such information is
furnished, and
(b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing,
within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a
list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior
to the time such list is furnished.
SECTION 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.
(a) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably
practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent
list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 701 and the names and
addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security
Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in
Section 701 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.
(b) The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with
respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and the
corresponding rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided by TIA
Section 312(b).
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(c) Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same,
agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee
nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of the
disclosure of any such information as to the names and addresses of the Holders
in accordance with Section 702(b), regardless of the source from which such
information was derived, and that the Trustee shall not be held accountable by
reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request made under Section 702(b).
SECTION 703. Reports by Trustee.
Within 60 days after May 15 of each year commencing with the later of May
15, or the first May 15 after the first issuance of Securities pursuant to
this Indenture, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders of Securities
as provided in TIA Section 313(c) a brief report dated as of such May 15 if
required by TIA Section 313(a). A copy of each such report shall, at the time
of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock
exchange upon which any Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the
Company. The Company will notify the Trustee when any Securities are listed on
any stock exchange.
SECTION 704. Reports by Company.
The Company shall:
(1) file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company is
required to file the same with the Commission, copies of the annual
reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of
such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to
time by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company may be
required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15
(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; or, if the Company is not
required to file information, documents or reports pursuant to either of
said Sections, then it shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, in
accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the
Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic information, documents
and reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in respect of a security listed and
registered on a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from
time to time in such rules and regulations; notwithstanding anything
contrary herein, the Trustee shall have no duty to review such documents
for the purposes of determining compliance with any provision of this
Indenture;
(2) file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance
with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the
Commission, such additional information, documents and reports with
respect to compliance by the Company with the conditions and covenants of
this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and
regulations;
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(3) transmit by mail to all Holders, as their names and
addresses appear in the Security Register, within 30 days after the
filing thereof with the Trustee, such summaries of any information,
documents and reports required to be filed by the Company pursuant to
paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Section as may be required by rules and
regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission; and
(4) furnish to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of
each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, a brief
certificate of the Company's principal executive officer, principal
financial officer or principal accounting officer as to his or her
knowledge of the Company's compliance with all conditions and covenants
under this Indenture. For purposes of this paragraph, such compliance
shall be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement
of notice provided under this Indenture.
ARTICLE EIGHT
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE
SECTION 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.
The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or
convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety
to any Person and the Company shall not permit any person to consolidate with or
merge into the Company or convey transfer or lease all or substantially all of
its properties and assets to the Company, unless:
(1) the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the
Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer,
or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially
as an entirety shall be a Corporation, partnership or trust, shall be
organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of
America any State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly
assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to
the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual
payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all the
Securities and the performance or observance of every covenant of this
Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;
(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no
Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or
both, would become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be
continuing; and
(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such
consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a
supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction,
such supplemental indenture, comply with this Article and that all
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conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction
have been complied with.
SECTION 802. Successor Substituted.
Upon any consolidation of the Company with, or merger by the Company
into, any other Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties
and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with
Section 801, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the
Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall
succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of,
the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor
Person had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter, except in the case
of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all obligations and
covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.
ARTICLE NINE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.
Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, when authorized by or
pursuant to a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to
time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form
satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:
(1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company
and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company
herein and in the Securities; or
(2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of
the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants are
to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that
such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of one
or more specified series) or to surrender any right or power herein
conferred upon the Company; or
(3) to add any additional Events of Default (and if such Events
of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of
Securities, stating that such Events of Default are being included solely
for the benefit of such series); or
(4) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture
to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance
of Securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to
principal, and with or without interest coupons; or
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(5) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of
this Indenture in respect of one or more series of Securities, provided
that any such addition, change or elimination (i) shall neither (A) apply
to any Security of any series created prior to the execution of such
supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor
(B) modify the rights of the Holder of any such Security with respect to
such provision or (ii) shall become effective only when there is no such
Security Outstanding; or
(6) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series
as permitted by Sections 201 and 301; or
(7) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment
hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or
more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this
Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the
administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant
to the requirements of Section 611(b); or
(8) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any
provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision
herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or
questions arising under this Indenture, provided such action shall not
adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series
in any material respect; or
(9) to comply with the requirements of the Commission in order
to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust
Indenture Act.
SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.
With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such
supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the
Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may
enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of
adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the
provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the
Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however,
that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of
each Outstanding Security affected thereby,
(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of principal of or interest on, any such Security, or reduce
the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any
premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or reduce the amount of the
principal of an Original Issue Discount Security that would be due and
payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof
pursuant to Section 502, or change any Place of Payment where, or the
coin or currency in which, any such Security or any premium or the
interest thereon is
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payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any
such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of
redemption or repayment, on or after the Redemption Date or any repayment
date), or
(2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is
required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose
Holders is required for any waiver of compliance with certain provisions
of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences
provided for in this Indenture, or
(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section 902,
Section 513 or Section 1009, except to increase any such percentage or to
provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be
modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding
Security affected thereby; provided however, that this Clause shall not
be deemed to require the consent of any Holder with respect to changes in
the references to "the Trustee" and concomitant changes in this
Section 902 and Section 1009, or the deletion of this proviso, in
accordance with the requirements of Sections 611(b) and 901(7), or
(4) impair the right of any Holder of Convertible Securities of
any series to convert such securities pursuant to Article Fourteen;
and PROVIDED, FURTHER, that no change shall be made in the provisions of Article
Thirteen that will affect adversely the holders of all Senior Indebtedness
outstanding. A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant
or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely
for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which
modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to
such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under
this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.
The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the
purpose of determining the Persons entitled to consent to any indenture
supplemental hereto. If a record date is fixed for such purpose, the Holders on
such record date or their duly designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall
be entitled to consent to such supplemental indenture, whether or not such
Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided, that unless such
consent shall have become effective by virtue of the requisite percentage having
been obtained prior to the date which is 90 days after such record date, any
such consent previously given shall automatically and without further action by
any Holder be canceled and of no further effect.
It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section to
approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall
be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.
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SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.
In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any
supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of
the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive,
and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an
Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is
authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be
obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the
Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.
SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures.
Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this
Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental
indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder
of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder
shall be bound thereby to the extent provided therein.
SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.
Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall
conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.
SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.
Securities authenticated and delivered after the execution of any
supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by
the Trustee, bear a notation in a form approved by the Trustee as to any matter
provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine,
new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the
Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and
executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in
exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series.
SECTION 907. Notice of Supplemental Indentures.
Promptly after the execution by the Company and the Trustee of any
supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of Section 902, the Company
shall give notice thereof to the Holders of each Outstanding Security so
affected, pursuant to Section 106, setting forth in general terms the substance
of such supplemental indenture.
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ARTICLE TEN
COVENANTS
SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.
The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of
Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of (and premium,
if any) and interest on the Securities of that series in accordance with the
terms of the Securities and this Indenture. In the absence of contrary
provisions with respect to the Securities of any series, interest on the
Securities of any series may, at the option of the Company, be paid by check
mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as it appears on the
Security Register or by wire transfer to an account designated by such Person in
writing not later than ten days prior to the date of such payment.
SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency.
The Company will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of
Securities an office or agency where Securities of that series may be presented
or surrendered for payment, where Securities of that series may be surrendered
for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or
upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture
may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of
the location and any change in the location of such office or agency. If at any
time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or
shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations,
surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust
Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent
to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.
The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other
offices or agencies where the Securities of one or more series may be presented
or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind
such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission
shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office
or agency in each Place of Payment for Securities of any series for such
purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any
such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such
other office or agency.
SECTION 1003. Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust.
If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect
to any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the
principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any of the Securities of that
series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled
thereto a sum in the currency in which such series of Securities is payable
sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest so becoming
due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as
herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of its failure so to act.
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Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for any series
of Securities, it will, prior to each due date of the principal of (and premium,
if any) or interest on any Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying
Agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest so
becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons
entitled to such principal, premium or interest, and (unless such Paying Agent
is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its failure so
to act.
The Company will cause each Paying Agent for any series of Securities
other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in
which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions
of this Section, that such Paying Agent will:
(1) hold all sums held by it for the payment of the principal
of (and premium, if any) or interest on Securities of that series in
trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto until such sums
shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein
provided;
(2) give the Trustee notice of any default by the Company (or
any other obligor upon the Securities of that series) in the making of
any payment of principal (and premium, if any) or interest on the
Securities of that series; and
(3) at any time during the continuance of any such default,
upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all
sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent.
The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or
by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in
trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee
upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or
such Paying Agent, and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee,
such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to
such money.
Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by
the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any)
or interest on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years
after such principal (and premium, if any) or interest has become due and
payable shall be paid to the Company on Company Request, or (if then held by the
Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security
shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for
payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with
respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee
thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such
Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the
expense of the Company cause to be published once, in a newspaper published in
the English language, customarily published on
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each Business Day and of general circulation in the Borough of Manhattan, The
City of New York, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a
date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of
such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be
repaid to the Company on Company Request.
SECTION 1004. Existence.
Subject to Article Eight, the Company will do or cause to be done all
things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence,
rights (charter and statutory) and franchises; provided, however, that the
Company shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the
Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer
desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and that the loss
thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.
SECTION 1005. Maintenance of Properties.
The Company will cause all properties used or useful in the conduct of
its business or the business material to be maintained and kept in good
condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment
and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements,
betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Company may
be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be
properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that
nothing in this Section shall prevent the Company from discontinuing the
operation or maintenance of any of such properties if such discontinuance is, in
the judgment of the Company, desirable in the conduct of its business and not
disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.
SECTION 1006. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.
The Company will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged,
before the same shall become delinquent, (1) all taxes, assessments and
governmental charges levied or imposed upon it or upon its income, profits or
property, and (2) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if
unpaid, might by law become a lien upon its property; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
the Company shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or
discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability
or validity is being contested in good faith.
SECTION 1007. Compliance Certificate.
(1) The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days
after the end of each fiscal year, an Officers' Certificate stating that
a review of the activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries during the
preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing
Officers with a view to determining whether each has kept, observed,
performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and further
stating, as to each such Officer signing such certificate, that to his or
her knowledge each entity has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled
each and every
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covenant contained in this Indenture and is not in default in the
performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions
of this Indenture (or, if a Default or Event of Default shall have
occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he
or she may have knowledge and what action each is taking or proposes to
take with respect thereto) and that to his or her knowledge no event has
occurred and remains in existence by reason of which payments on account
of the principal of or interest, if any, on the Securities of any series
is prohibited or if such event has occurred, a description of the event
and what action each is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
(2) The Company shall, so long as any of the Securities of any
series are Outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, forthwith upon any
Officer becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default with respect to
such series of Securities, an Officers' Certificate specifying such
Default or Event of Default and what action the Company is taking or
proposes to take with respect thereto.
SECTION 1008. Defeasance of Certain Obligations.
The following provisions shall apply to the Securities of each series
unless specifically otherwise provided in a Board Resolution, Officers'
Certificate or indenture supplemental hereto provided pursuant to Section 301.
The Company may omit to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth
in Sections 1005 and 1006 and any such omission with respect to Sections 1005
and 1006 shall not be an Event of Default, in each case with respect to the
Securities of that series, provided that the following conditions have been
satisfied:
(1) with reference to this Section 1008, the Company has
deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited with the Trustee (or
another trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 609) as trust
funds in trust, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated
solely to, the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of that series,
(i) money in an amount, or (ii) U.S. Government Obligations which through
the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance
with their terms will provide not later than one day before the due date
of any payment referred to in clause (A) or (B) of this subparagraph (1)
money in an amount, or (iii) a combination thereof, sufficient, in the
opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants
expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to
pay and discharge (A) the principal of (and premium, if any) and each
installment of principal (and premium, if any) and interest on the
Outstanding Securities on the Stated Maturity of such principal or
installments of principal and interest and (B) any mandatory sinking fund
payments or analogous payments applicable to the Securities of such
series on the day on which such payments are due and payable in
accordance with the terms of this Indenture and of such Securities;
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(2) such deposit shall not cause the Trustee with respect to
the Securities of that series to have a conflicting interest as defined
in Section 608 and for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act with respect
to the Securities of any series;
(3) such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of,
or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other agreement or
instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound;
(4) no Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of
time would become an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of
that series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such
deposit;
(5) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of
Counsel to the effect that Holders of the Securities of such series will
not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a
result of such deposit and defeasance of certain obligations and will be
subject to Federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner
and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and
defeasance had not occurred; and
(6) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
precedent herein provided for relating to the defeasance contemplated in
this Section have been complied with.
SECTION 1009. Waiver of Certain Covenants.
The Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any term,
provision or condition set forth in Sections 1005 and 1006, with respect to the
Securities of any series if before the time for such compliance the Holders of
not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of such series shall, by Act of such Holders, either waive such
compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term,
provision or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such term,
provision or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such
waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of
the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall remain in
full force and effect.
The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the
purpose of determining the Persons entitled to waive any such term, provision or
condition. If a record date is fixed for such purpose, the Holders on such
record date or their duly designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall be
entitled to waive any such term, provision or condition hereunder, whether or
not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that unless the
Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of such series shall have waived such term, provision or condition
prior to the date which is 90 days after such record date, any such waiver
previously given shall automatically and without further action by any Holder be
canceled and of no further effect.
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ARTICLE ELEVEN
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article.
Securities of any series which are redeemable before their Stated
Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as
otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series)
in accordance with this Article.
SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.
The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced
by an Officers' Certificate. The Company shall, at least 45 days prior to the
Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be
satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of
(1) such Redemption Date,
(2) if the Securities of such series have different terms and
less than all of the Securities of such series are to be redeemed, the
terms of the Securities to be redeemed, and
(3) if less than all the Securities of such series with
identical terms are to be redeemed, the principal amount of such
Securities to be redeemed.
In the case of any redemption of Securities prior to the expiration of any
restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or
elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an
Officers' Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction.
SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed.
If less than all the Securities of like tenor of any series are to be
redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more
than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding
Securities of like tenor of such series not previously called for redemption, by
such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide
for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized
denomination for Securities of like tenor of that series or any integral
multiple thereof) of the principal amount of Securities of such series of a
denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of
that series.
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The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the
Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities selected
for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.
For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise
requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate,
in the case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the
portion of the principal amount of such Securities which has been or is to be
redeemed.
SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption.
Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid,
mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, to
each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at each such Holder's address
appearing in the Security Register.
All notices of redemption shall state:
(1) the Redemption Date,
(2) the Redemption Price,
(3) if less than all the Outstanding Securities of like tenor
of any series are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of
partial redemption, the principal amounts) of the particular Securities
to be redeemed,
(4) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will
become due and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and, if
applicable, that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said
date,
(5) the place or places where such Securities are to be
surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price,
(6) that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the
case, and
(7) the CUSIP number of such Security, if any.
Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the
Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's request, by the
Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.
SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price.
On or prior to any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the
Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying
Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of
money in immediately available
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funds sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption
Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities
which are to be redeemed on that date.
SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date.
Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to
be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the
Redemption Price therein specified, and from and after such date (unless the
Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued
interest) such Securities shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any
such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall
be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest
to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that, unless otherwise specified as
contemplated by Section 301, installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is
on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such
Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the
close of business on the relevant Regular Record Dates according to their terms
and the provisions of Section 307.
If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender
thereof for redemption, the principal (and premium, if any) shall, until paid,
bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the
Security.
SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part.
Any Security which is to be redeemed in part shall be surrendered at a
Place of Payment for such series (with, if the Company or the Trustee so
requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof
or such Holder's attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall
execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such
Security without service charge, a new Security or Securities of the same series
and of like tenor, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder,
in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed
portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered; provided, however, that
if a Global Security is so surrendered, such new Security so issued shall be a
new Global Security in a denomination equal to the unredeemed portion of the
principal of the Global Security so surrendered.
ARTICLE TWELVE
SINKING FUNDS
SECTION 1201. Applicability of Article.
The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund
for the retirement of Securities of a series except as otherwise specified as
contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of such series.
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The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms
of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a "mandatory sinking fund
payment", and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the
terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as an "optional sinking
fund payment". If provided for by the terms of Securities of any series, the
cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided
in Section 1202. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption
of Securities of any series as provided for by the terms of Securities of such
series.
SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.
The Company (1) may deliver Outstanding Securities of like tenor of a
series (other than any previously called for redemption) and (2) may apply as a
credit Securities of like tenor of a series which have been redeemed either at
the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through
the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the
terms of such Securities, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any
sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of like tenor of such series
required to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities as provided for by
the terms of such series; provided that such Securities have not been previously
so credited. Such Securities shall be received and credited for such purpose by
the Trustee at the Redemption Price specified in such Securities for redemption
through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund
payment shall be reduced accordingly.
SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.
Not less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for
Securities of like tenor of a series, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund
payment for such Securities pursuant to the terms of such Securities, the
portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the
portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting
Securities of like tenor of that series pursuant to Section 1202 and, at the
time of delivery of such Officers' Certificate, will also deliver to the Trustee
any Securities to be so delivered. Not less than 45 days before each such
sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed
upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 1103 and
cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the
expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 1104. Such notice
having been duly given. the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon
the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 1106 and 1107.
This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts
shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
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ARTICLE THIRTEEN
SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES
SECTION 1301. Securities Subordinate to Senior Indebtedness.
The Company covenants and agrees that anything in this Indenture or the
Securities of any series to the contrary notwithstanding, the indebtedness
evidenced by the Securities of each series is subordinate and junior in right of
payment to all Senior Indebtedness to the extent provided herein, and each
Holder of Securities of each series, by such Holder's acceptance thereof,
likewise covenants and agrees to the subordination herein provided and shall be
bound by the provisions hereof. Senior Indebtedness shall continue to be Senior
Indebtedness and entitled to the benefits of these subordination provisions
irrespective of any amendment, modification or waiver of any term of the Senior
Indebtedness or extension or renewal of the Senior Indebtedness.
In the event that the Company shall default in the payment of any
principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Senior Indebtedness when
the same become due and payable, whether at maturity or at a date fixed for
prepayment or by declaration of acceleration or otherwise, then, upon written
notice of such default to the Company by the holders of Senior Indebtedness or
any trustee therefor, unless and until such default shall have been cured or
waived or shall have ceased to exist, no direct or indirect payment (in cash,
property, securities, by set-off or otherwise) shall be made or agreed to be
made on account of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any of
the Securities, or in respect of any redemption, repayment, retirement, purchase
or other acquisition of any of the Securities.
In the event of
(a) any insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation,
reorganization, readjustment, composition or other similar proceeding
relating to the Company, its creditors or its property,
(b) any proceeding for the liquidation, dissolution or other
winding up of the Company, voluntary or involuntary, whether or not
involving insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings,
(c) any assignment by the Company for the benefit of creditors,
or
(d) any other marshalling of the assets of the Company,
all Senior Indebtedness (including any interest thereon accruing after the
commencement of any such proceedings) shall first be paid in full before any
payment or distribution, whether in cash, securities or other property, shall be
made to any Holder of any of the Securities on account thereof. Any payment or
distribution, whether in cash, securities or other property (other than
securities of the Company or any other corporation provided for by a plan of
reorganization or
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readjustment the payment of which is subordinate, at least to the extent
provided in these subordination provisions with respect to the indebtedness
evidenced by the Securities, to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness at the
time outstanding and to any securities issued in respect thereof under any such
plan of reorganization or readjustment), which would otherwise (but for these
subordination provisions) be payable or deliverable in respect of the Securities
of any series shall be paid or delivered directly to the holders of Senior
Indebtedness in accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders
until all Senior Indebtedness (including any interest thereon accruing after the
commencement of any such proceedings) shall have been paid in full. In the
event of any such proceeding, after payment in full of all sums owing with
respect to Senior Indebtedness, the Holders of the Securities, together with the
holders of any obligations of the Company ranking on a parity with the
Securities, shall be entitled to be paid from the remaining assets of the
Company the amounts at the time due and owing on account of unpaid principal of
(and premium, if any) and interest on the Securities and such other obligations
before any payment or other distribution, whether in cash, property or
otherwise, shall be made on account of any capital stock or any obligations of
the Company ranking junior to the Securities and such other obligations.
In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment or
distribution of any character or any security, whether in cash, securities or
other property (other than securities of the Company or any other corporation
provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment the payment of which is
subordinate, at least to the extent provided in these subordination provisions
with respect to the indebtedness evidenced by the Securities, to the payment of
all Senior Indebtedness at the time outstanding and to any securities issued in
respect thereof under any such plan of reorganization or readjustment), shall be
received by the Trustee or any Holder in contravention of any of the terms
hereof such payment or distribution or security shall be received in trust for
the benefit of, and shall be paid over or delivered and transferred to, the
holders of the Senior Indebtedness at the time outstanding in accordance with
the priorities then existing among such holders for application to the payment
of all Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid, to the extent necessary to pay all
such Senior Indebtedness in full. In the event of the failure of the Trustee or
any Holder to endorse or assign any such payment, distribution or security, each
holder of Senior Indebtedness is hereby irrevocably authorized to endorse or
assign the same.
No present or future holder of any Senior Indebtedness shall be
prejudiced in the right to enforce subordination of the indebtedness evidenced
by the Securities by any act or failure to act on the part of the Company.
Nothing contained herein shall impair, as between the Company and the Holders of
Securities of each series, the obligation of the Company to pay to such Holders
the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such Securities or
prevent the Trustee or the Holder from exercising all rights, powers and
remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law or hereunder upon a default or
Event of Default hereunder, all subject to the rights of the holders of the
Senior Indebtedness to receive cash, securities or other property otherwise
payable or deliverable to the Holders.
Senior Indebtedness shall not be deemed to have been paid in full unless
the holders thereof shall have received cash, securities or other property equal
to the amount of such Senior
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Indebtedness then outstanding. Upon the payment in full of all Senior
Indebtedness, the Holders of Securities of each series, if any, shall be
subrogated to all rights of any holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive any
further payments or distributions applicable to the Senior Indebtedness until
the indebtedness evidenced by the Securities of such series, if any, shall have
been paid in full, and such payments or distributions received by such Holders,
by reason of such subrogation, of cash, securities or other property which
otherwise would be paid or distributed to the holders of Senior Indebtedness
shall, as between the Company and its creditors other than the holders of Senior
Indebtedness, on the one hand, and such Holders, on the other hand, be deemed to
be a payment by the Company on account of Senior Indebtedness, and not on
account of the Securities of such series.
The Trustee and Holders will take such action (including, without
limitation, the delivery of this Indenture to an agent for the holders of Senior
Indebtedness or consent to the filing of a financing statement with respect
hereto) as may, in the opinion of counsel designated by the holders of a
majority in principal amount of the Senior Indebtedness at the time outstanding,
be necessary or appropriate to assure the effectiveness of the subordination
effected by these provisions.
The provisions of this Section 1401 shall not impair any rights,
interests, remedies or powers of any secured creditor of the Company in respect
of any security interest the creation of which is not prohibited by the
provisions of this Indenture.
The securing of any obligations of the Company, otherwise ranking on a
parity with the Securities or ranking junior to the Securities, shall not be
deemed to prevent such obligations from constituting, respectively, obligations
ranking on a parity with the Securities or ranking junior to the Securities.
SECTION 1302. Trustee and Holders of Securities May Rely on Certificate
of Liquidating Agent; Trustee May Require Further Evidence
as to Ownership of Senior Indebtedness; Trustee Not
Fiduciary to Holders of Senior Indebtedness.
Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred
to in this Article Thirteen, the Trustee and the Holders shall be entitled to
rely upon an order or decree made by any court of competent jurisdiction in
which such dissolution or winding up or liquidation or reorganization or
arrangement proceedings are pending or upon a certificate of the trustee in
bankruptcy, receiver, assignee for the benefit of creditors or other Person
making such payment or distribution, delivered to the Trustee or to the Holders,
for the purpose of ascertaining the persons entitled to participate in such
distribution, the holders of the Senior Indebtedness and other indebtedness of
the Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid
or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article
Thirteen. In the absence of any such bankruptcy trustee, receiver, assignee or
other Person, the Trustee shall be entitled to rely upon a written notice by a
Person representing himself or herself to be a holder of Senior Indebtedness (or
a trustee or representative on behalf of such holder) as evidence that such
Person is a holder of such Senior Indebtedness (or is such a trustee or
representative). In the event that the Trustee determines, in good faith, that
further
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evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder of
Senior Indebtedness to participate in any payments or distributions pursuant to
this Article Thirteen, the Trustee may request such person to furnish evidence
to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior
Indebtedness held by such Person, as to the extent to which such Person is
entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, and as to other facts
pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article Thirteen, and if such
evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may offer any payment to such Person
pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive
payment. The Trustee, however, shall no be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to
the holders of Senior Indebtedness.
SECTION 1303. Payment Permitted If No Default.
Nothing contained in this Article Thirteen or elsewhere in this
Indenture, or in any of the Securities, shall prevent (a) the Company at any
time, except during the pendency of any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or
reorganization proceedings referred to in, or under the conditions described in,
Section 1301, from making payments of the principal of (or premium, if any) or
interest on the Securities or (b) the application by the Trustee or any Paying
Agent of any moneys deposited with it hereunder to payments of the principal of
or interest on the Securities, if, at the time of such deposit, the Trustee or
such Paying Agent, as the case may be, did not have the written notice provided
for in Section 1304 of any event prohibiting the making of such deposit, or if,
at the time of such deposit (whether or not in trust) by the Company with the
Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) such payment would not have
been prohibited by the provisions of this Article, and the Trustee or any Paying
Agent shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary received by it on or
after such date.
SECTION 1304. Trustee Not Charged with Knowledge of Prohibition.
Anything in this Article Thirteen or elsewhere in this Indenture
contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall not at any time be
charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts which would prohibit the
making of any payment of money to or by the Trustee and shall be entitled
conclusively to assume that no such facts exist and that no event specified in
Section 1301 has happened, until the Trustee shall have received an Officers'
Certificate to that effect or notice in writing to that effect signed by or on
behalf of the holder or holders, or their representatives, of Senior
Indebtedness who shall have been certified by the Company or otherwise
established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee to be such holder or
holders or representatives or from any trustee under any indenture pursuant to
which such Senior Indebtedness shall be outstanding. The Company shall give
prompt written notice to the Trustee and to the Paying Agent of any facts which
would prohibit the payment of money to or by the Trustee or any Paying Agent.
SECTION 1305. Trustee to Effectuate Subordination.
Each Holder of Securities by such Holder's acceptance thereof authorizes
and directs the Trustee in such Holder's behalf to take such action as may be
necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination as between such Holder
and holders of Senior Indebtedness as
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provided in this Article and appoints the Trustee its attorney-in-fact for any
and all such purposes.
SECTION 1306. Rights of Trustee as Holder of Senior Indebtedness.
The Trustee shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article
with respect to any Senior Indebtedness which may at the time be held by it, to
the same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness; PROVIDED that
nothing in this Article shall deprive the Trustee of any rights as such holder
and PROVIDED FURTHER that nothing in this Article shall apply to claims of, or
payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 607.
SECTION 1307. Article Applicable to Paying Agents.
In case at any time any Paying Agent other than the Trustee shall have
been appointed by the Company and be then acting hereunder, the term "Trustee"
as used in this Article shall in such case (unless the context shall otherwise
require) be construed as extending to and including such Paying Agent within its
meaning as fully for all intents and purposes as if the Paying Agent were named
in this Article in addition to or in place of the Trustee, PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that Sections 1304 and 1306 shall not apply to the Company or any Affiliate of
the Company if the Company or such Affiliate acts as Paying Agent.
SECTION 1308. Subordination Rights Not Impaired by Acts or Omissions of
the Company or Holders of Senior Indebtedness.
No right of any present or future holders of any Senior Indebtedness to
enforce subordination as herein provided shall at any time in any way be
prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Company
or by any act or failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder, or by any
noncompliance by the Company with the terms, provisions and covenants of this
Indenture, regardless of any knowledge thereof which any such holder may have or
be otherwise charged with. The holders of Senior Indebtedness may, at any time
or from time to time and in their absolute discretion, change the manner, place
or terms of payment, change or extend the time of payment of, or renew or alter,
any such Senior Indebtedness, or amend or supplement any instrument pursuant to
which any such Senior Indebtedness is issued or by which it may be secured, or
release any security therefor, or exercise or refrain from exercising any other
of their rights under the Senior Indebtedness including, without limitation, the
waiver of default thereunder, all without notice to or assent from the Holders
of the Securities or the Trustee and without affecting the obligations of the
Company, the Trustee or the Holders of the Securities under this Article.
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ARTICLE FOURTEEN
CONVERSION OF CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
SECTION 1401. Applicability of Article.
If an Officers' Certificate or supplemental indenture pursuant to
Section 301 provides that the Securities of a series shall be Convertible
Securities, Securities of such series shall be convertible in accordance with
their terms and (except as otherwise specified in such Officers' Certificate or
supplemental indenture) in accordance with this Article.
SECTION 1402. Right to Convert.
Subject to and upon compliance with the provisions of this Article, the
Holder of any Convertible Security shall have the right, at such Holder's
option, at any time prior to the close of business on the date set forth in the
Officers' Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 301 hereof or in an
indenture supplemental hereto, as the case may be (or if such Convertible
Security is called for redemption, then in respect of such Convertible Security
to and including but not after the close of business on the Redemption Date) to
convert the principal amount of any such Convertible Security, or, in the case
of any Convertible Security of a denomination greater than $1,000, any portion
of such principal which is $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof, into that
number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock (as such shares
shall then be constituted) obtained by dividing the principal amount of the
Convertible Security or portion thereof surrendered for conversion by the
Conversion Price, by surrender of the Convertible Security so to be converted in
whole or in part in the manner provided in Section 1403. Such conversion shall
be effected by the Company.
SECTION 1403. Exercise of Conversion Privilege; Delivery of Common Stock
on Conversion; No Adjustment for Interest or Dividends.
In order to exercise the conversion privilege, the Holder of any
Convertible Security to be converted in whole or in part shall surrender such
Convertible Security at an office or agency maintained by the Company pursuant
to Section 1002, accompanied by the funds, if any, required by the last
paragraph of this Section, together with written notice of conversion, in the
form provided on the Convertible Securities, that the Holder elects to convert
such Convertible Security or the portion thereof specified in said notice. Such
notice shall also state the name or names (with address) in which the
certificate or certificates for shares of Common Stock which shall be
deliverable on such conversion shall be registered, and shall be accompanied by
transfer taxes, if required pursuant to Section 1408. Each Convertible Security
surrendered for conversion shall, unless the shares deliverable on conversion
are to be registered in the same name as the registration of such Convertible
Security, be duly endorsed by, or accompanied by instruments of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Company duly executed by, the Holder or such Holder's duly
authorized attorney.
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As promptly as practicable after the surrender of such Convertible
Security and the receipt of such notice and funds, if any, as aforesaid, the
Company shall deliver at such office or agency to such Holder, or on such
Holder's written order, a certificate or certificates for the number of full
shares deliverable upon the conversion of such Convertible Security or portion
thereof in accordance with the provisions of this Article and a check or cash in
respect of any fractional interest in respect of a share of Common Stock arising
upon such conversion as provided in Section 1404. In case any Convertible
Security of a denomination greater than $1,000 shall be surrendered for partial
conversion and subject to Section 302, the Company shall execute and the Trustee
shall authenticate and deliver to or upon the written order of the Holder of the
Convertible Security so surrendered, without charge to such Holder, a new
Convertible Security or Convertible Securities in authorized denominations in an
aggregate principal amount equal to the unconverted portion of the surrendered
Convertible Security.
Each conversion shall be deemed to have been effected on the date on
which such Convertible Security shall have been surrendered (accompanied by the
funds, if any, required by the last paragraph of this Section) and such notice
shall have been received by the Company, as aforesaid, and the person in whose
name any certificate or certificates for shares of Common Stock shall be
registrable upon such conversion shall be deemed to have become on said date the
holder of record of the shares represented thereby; PROVIDED HOWEVER, that any
such surrender on any date when the stock transfer books of the Company shall be
closed shall constitute the person in whose name the certificates are to be
registered as the record holder thereof for all purposes on the next succeeding
day on which stock transfer books are open, but such conversion shall be at the
Conversion Price in effect on the date upon which such Convertible Security
shall have been surrendered.
Any Convertible Security or portion thereof surrendered for conversion
during the period from the close of business on the Regular Record Date for any
Interest Payment Date to the opening of business on such Interest Payment Date
shall (unless such Convertible Security or portion thereof being converted shall
have been called for redemption or submitted for repayment on a date in such
period) be accompanied by payment, in legal tender or other funds acceptable to
the Company, of an amount equal to the interest otherwise payable on such
Interest Payment Date on the principal amount being converted; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that no such payment need be made if there shall exist at the time of
conversion a default in the payment of interest on the Convertible Securities.
An amount equal to such payment shall be paid by the Company on such Interest
Payment Date to the Holder of such Convertible Security on such Regular Record
Date, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the Company shall default in the payment of
interest on such Interest Payment Date, such amount shall be paid to the person
who made such required payment. Except as provided above in this Section, no
adjustment shall be made for interest accrued on any Convertible Security
converted or for dividends on any shares issued upon the conversion of such
Convertible Security as provided in this Article.
SECTION 1404. Cash Payments in Lieu of Fractional Shares.
No fractional shares of Common Stock or scrip representing fractional
shares shall be delivered upon conversion of Convertible Securities. If more
than one Convertible Security
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shall be surrendered for conversion at one time by the same Holder, the number
of full shares which shall be deliverable upon conversion shall be computed on
the basis of the aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Securities (or
specified portions thereof to the extent permitted hereby) so surrendered. If
any fractional share of stock would be deliverable upon the conversion of any
Convertible Security or Convertible Securities, the Company shall make an
adjustment therefor in cash at the current market value of such fractional share
of stock. The market value of a share of Common Stock shall be the Closing
Price on the Business Day immediately preceding the day on which the Convertible
Securities (or specified portions thereof) are deemed to have been converted.
SECTION 1405. Conversion Price.
The Conversion Price shall be as specified in the form of Convertible
Security hereinabove set forth, subject to adjustment as provided in this
Article.
SECTION 1406. Adjustment to Conversion Price.
The Conversion Price shall be adjusted from time to time as follows:
(a) In case the Company shall (i) pay a dividend or make a
distribution on the Common Stock in shares of its capital stock (whether shares
of Common Stock or of capital stock of any other class), (ii) subdivide or
reclassify its outstanding Common Stock into a greater number of securities
(including Common Stock), or (iii) combine or reclassify its outstanding Common
Stock into a smaller number of securities (including Common Stock), the
Conversion Price in effect immediately prior thereto shall be adjusted so that
the Holder of any Convertible Security thereafter surrendered for conversion
shall be entitled to receive the number of shares of capital stock of the
Company which such Holder would have owned or have been entitled to receive
after the happening of any of the events described above had such Convertible
Security been converted immediately prior to the happening of such event. An
adjustment made pursuant to this subsection (a) shall become effective
immediately after the record date in the case of a dividend and shall become
effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision or
combination. If, as a result of an adjustment made pursuant to this subsection
(a), the Holder of any Convertible Security thereafter surrendered for
conversion shall become entitled to receive shares of two or more classes of
capital stock of the Company, the Board of Directors (whose determination shall
be conclusive and shall be described in a written statement filed with the
Trustee and any conversion agent) shall determine the allocation of the adjusted
Conversion Price between or among shares of such classes of capital stock.
In the event that at any time, as a result of an adjustment made pursuant
to this subsection (a) of this Section 1406, the Holder of any Convertible
Security thereafter converted shall become entitled to receive any shares or
other securities of the Company other than shares of Common Stock, thereafter
the number of such other shares so received upon conversion of any Convertible
Security shall be subject to adjustment from time to time in a manner and on
terms as nearly equivalent as practicable to the provisions with respect to the
shares of Common
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Stock contained in this Section 1406, and other provisions of this Article
Fourteen with respect to the shares of Common Stock shall apply on like terms to
any such other shares or other securities.
(b) In case the Company shall fix a record date for the issuance of
rights or warrants to all holders of its Common Stock (or securities convertible
into Common Stock) entitling them (for a period expiring within 45 days after
such record date) to subscribe for or purchase Common Stock at a price per share
(or a conversion price per share) less than the current market price per share
of Common Stock (as defined in subsection (d) below) at such record date, the
Conversion Price in effect immediately prior thereto shall be adjusted so that
the same shall equal the price determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in
effect immediately prior to such record date by a fraction of which the
numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on such
record date plus the number of shares which the aggregate offering price of the
total number of shares so offered (or the aggregate initial conversion price of
the convertible securities so offered) would purchase at such current market
price, and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding on such record date plus the number of additional shares of
Common Stock offered for subscription or purchase (or into which the convertible
securities so offered are initially convertible). Such adjustment shall be made
successively whenever such a record date is fixed, and shall become effective
immediately after such record date. In determining whether any rights or
warrants entitle the holders to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock
at less than such current market price, and in determining the aggregate
offering price of such shares, there shall be taken into account any
consideration received by the Company for such rights or warrants, the value of
such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by the Board of
Directors. 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 required under this subsection (b).
(c) In case the Company shall fix a record date for making a
distribution to all holders of its Common Stock evidences of its indebtedness or
assets (excluding regular quarterly or other periodic or recurring cash
dividends or distributions and cash dividends or distributions paid from
retained earnings of the Company or dividends or distributions referred to in
subsection (a) above) or rights or warrants to subscribe or purchase (excluding
those referred to in subsection (b) above), then in each such case the
Conversion Price shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the price
determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to
such record date by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the current
market price per share (as defined in subsection (d) below) of the Common Stock
on such record date less the then fair market value (as determined by the Board
of Directors whose determination shall be conclusive, and described in a
certificate filed with the Trustee) of the portion of the assets or evidences of
indebtedness so distributed or of such rights or warrants applicable to one
share of Common Stock, and the denominator shall be the current market price per
share (as defined in subsection (d) below) of the Common Stock. Such adjustment
shall be made successively whenever such a record date is fixed and shall become
effective immediately after such record date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in
the event that the Company shall distribute any rights or warrants to acquire
capital stock ("Rights") pursuant to this subsection (c), the distribution of
separate certificates representing such Rights subsequent
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to their initial distribution (whether or not such distribution shall have
occurred prior to the date of the issuance of such Convertible Securities) shall
be deemed to be the distribution of such Rights for purposes of this
subsection (c); provided that the Company may, in lieu of making any adjustment
pursuant to this subsection (c) upon a distribution of separate certificates
representing such Rights, make proper provision so that each Holder of such
Convertible Security who converts such Convertible Security (or any portion
thereof) (i) before the record date for such distribution of separate
certificates shall be entitled to receive upon such conversion shares of Common
Stock issued with Rights and (ii) after such record date and prior to the
expiration, redemption or termination of such Rights, shall be entitled to
receive upon such conversion, in addition to the shares of Common Stock issuable
upon such conversion, the same number of such Rights as would a holder of the
number of shares of Common Stock that such Convertible Security so converted
would have entitled the holder thereof to purchase in accordance with the terms
and provisions of and applicable to the Rights if such Convertible Security were
converted 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
required under this subsection (c).
(d) For the purpose of any computation under subsection (b) and (c)
above, the current market price per share of Common Stock at any date shall be
deemed to be the average of the daily Closing Prices for the thirty consecutive
days (which are not legal holidays as defined in Section 113) commencing
forty-five days (which are not legal holidays as defined in Section 113) before
the day in question. The Closing Price for any day shall be (i) if the Common
Stock is listed or admitted for trading on any national securities exchange, the
last sale price (regular way), or the average of the closing bid and ask prices
if no sale occurred, of Common Stock on the principal securities exchange on
which the Common Stock is listed, or, if not listed or admitted to trading on
any national securities exchange, on the National Market System of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations System ("NASDAQ"),
(ii) if not listed or quoted as described in (i), the mean between the closing
high bid and low asked quotations of Common Stock reported by NASDAQ, or any
similar system or automated dissemination of quotations of securities prices
then in common use, if so quoted, or (iii) if not quoted as described in
clause (ii), the mean between the high bid and low asked quotations for Common
Stock as reported by the National Quotation Bureau Incorporated if at least two
securities dealers have inserted both bid and asked quotations for Common Stock
on at least 5 of the 10 preceding days. If none of the conditions set forth
above is met, the Closing Price of Common Stock on any day or the average of
such Closing Prices for any period shall be the fair market value of Common
Stock as determined by a member firm of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
selected by the Company.
(e)(i) Nothing contained herein shall be construed to require an
adjustment in the Conversion Price as a result of the issuance of Common Stock
pursuant to, or the granting or exercise of any rights under [list stock option
plans].
(e)(ii) No adjustment in the Conversion Price shall be required unless
such adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% in such
price; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any adjustments which by reason of this
subsection (e)(ii) are not required to be made shall be
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<PAGE>
carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment, FURTHER
PROVIDED, however, that any adjustments which by reason of this
subsection (e)(ii) are not otherwise required to be made shall be made no later
than 3 years after the date on which occurs an event that requires an adjustment
to be made or carried forward.
(e)(iii) All calculations under this Article Fourteen shall be made to
the nearest cent or to the nearest one-hundredth of a share, as the case may be.
Anything in this Section 1406 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall
be entitled to make such reductions in the Conversion Price, in addition to
those required by this Section 1406, as it in its discretion shall determine to
be advisable in order that any stock dividends, subdivision of shares,
distribution of rights to purchase stock or securities, or distribution of
securities convertible into or exchangeable for stock hereafter made by the
Company to its shareholders shall not be taxable.
(f) Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted, as herein provided, the
Company shall promptly file with the Trustee and any conversion agent other than
the Trustee an Officers' Certificate setting forth the Conversion Price after
such adjustment and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such
adjustment. Promptly after delivery of such certificate, the Company shall
prepare a notice of such adjustment of the Conversion Price setting forth the
adjusted Conversion Price and the date on which such adjustment becomes
effective and shall mail such notice of such adjustment of the Conversion Price
to the Holder of each Convertible Security at such Holder's last address
appearing on the Security Register provided for in Section 305 of this
Indenture.
(g) In any case in which this Section 1406 provides that an adjustment
shall become effective immediately after a record date for an event, the Company
may defer until the occurrence of such event (i) delivering to the Holder of any
Convertible Security converted after such record date and before the occurrence
of such event the additional shares of Common Stock deliverable upon such
conversion by reason of the adjustment required by such event over and above the
Common Stock deliverable upon such conversion before giving effect to such
adjustment and (ii) paying to such Holder any amount in cash in lieu of any
fraction pursuant to Section 1404, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company shall
deliver to such Holder a due bill or other appropriate instrument evidencing
such Holder's rights to receive such additional shares, and such cash, upon the
occurrence of the event requiring such adjustment. If such event does not
occur, no adjustments shall be made pursuant to this Section 1406.
SECTION 1407. Effect of Reclassification, Consolidation, Merger or Sale.
If any of the following events occur, namely (i) any reclassification or
change of outstanding shares of Common Stock deliverable upon conversion of the
Convertible Securities (other than a change in par value, or from par value to
no par value, or from no par value to par value, or as a result of a subdivision
or combination, but including any change in the shares of Common Stock into two
or more classes or series of securities), (ii) any consolidation or merger to
which the Company is a party (other than a consolidation or merger in which the
Company is the continuing corporation and which does not result in any
reclassification of, or change (other than a change in par value, or from par
value to no par value, or from no par value to par value,
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<PAGE>
or as a result of a subdivision or combination) in, outstanding shares of its
Common Stock) or (iii) any sale or conveyance of the properties and assets of
the Company as, or substantially as, an entirety to any other corporation; then
the Company, or such successor or purchasing corporation, as the case may be,
shall execute with the Trustee a supplemental indenture (which shall conform to
the Trust Indenture Act as in force at the date of execution of such
supplemental indenture and comply with the provisions of Article Nine) providing
that each Convertible Security shall be convertible into the kind and amount of
shares of stock and other securities or property, including cash, receivable
upon such reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance by
a holder of a number of shares of Common Stock deliverable upon conversion of
such Convertible Securities immediately prior to such reclassification, change,
consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance. Such supplemental indenture shall
provide for adjustments which shall be as nearly equivalent as may be
practicable to the adjustments provided for in this Article. The Company shall
cause notice of the execution of such supplemental indenture to be mailed to
each holder of Convertible Securities, at suc holder's address appearing on the
Security Register provided for in Section 305 of this Indenture.
The above provisions of this Section shall similarly apply to successive
reclassifications, changes, consolidations, mergers, sales and conveyances.
SECTION 1408. Taxes on Shares Issued.
The delivery of stock certificates on conversions of Convertible
Securities shall be made without charge to the Holder converting a Convertible
Security for any tax in respect of the issue thereof. The Company shall not,
however, be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any
transfer involved in the delivery of stock registered in any name other than of
the Holder of any Convertible Security converted, and the Company shall not be
required to deliver any such stock certificate unless and until the person or
persons requesting the delivery thereof shall have paid to the Company the
amount of such tax or shall have established to the satisfaction of the Company
that such tax has been paid.
SECTION 1409. Shares to be Fully Paid; Compliance with Governmental
Requirements; Listing of Common Stock.
The Company covenants that all shares of Common Stock which may be
delivered upon conversion of Convertible Securities will upon delivery be fully
paid and nonassessable by the Company and free from all taxes, liens and charges
with respect to the issue thereof.
The Company covenants that if any shares of Common Stock to be provided
for the purpose of conversion of Convertible Securities hereunder require
registration with or approval of any governmental authority under any Federal or
state law before such shares may be validly delivered upon conversion, the
Company will in good faith and as expeditiously as possible endeavor to secure
such registration or approval, as the case may be.
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<PAGE>
The Company further covenants that it will, if permitted by the rules of
the New York Stock Exchange, list and keep listed for so long as the Common
Stock shall be so listed on such exchange, upon official notice of issuance, all
Common Stock deliverable upon conversion of the Convertible Securities.
SECTION 1410. Responsibility of Trustee.
Neither Trustee nor any authenticating agent nor any conversion agent
shall at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holder of
Convertible Securities to determine whether any facts exist which may require
any adjustment of the Conversion Price, or with respect to the nature or extent
of any such adjustment when made, or with respect to the method employed, or
herein or in any supplemental indenture provided to be employed, in making the
same. Neither the Trustee nor any authenticating agent nor any conversion agent
shall be accountable with respect to the validity or value (or the kind or
amount) of any shares of Common Stock, or of any securities or property, which
may at any time be delivered upon the conversion of any Convertible Security,
and neither the Trustee nor any authenticating agent nor any conversion agent
makes any representation with respect thereto. Subject to the provisions of
Section 603(i), neither the Trustee nor any authenticating agent nor any
conversion agent shall be responsible for any failure of the Company to deliver
any shares of Common Stock or stock certificates or other securities or property
or cash upon the surrender of any Convertible Security for the purpose of
conversion or for any failure of the Company to comply with any of the covenants
of the Company contained in this Article.
SECTION 1411. Notice to Holders Prior to Certain Actions.
In case:
(a) the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other
distribution) on the Common Stock (other than in cash out of its current
or retained earnings); or
(b) the Company shall authorize the granting to the holders of
the Common Stock of rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any
shares of any class or any other rights or warrants; or
(c) of any reclassification or change of the Common Stock
(other than a subdivision or combination of its outstanding Common Stock,
or a change in par value, or from par value to no par value, or from no
par value to par value) or of any consolidation or merger to which the
Company is a party and for which approval of any stockholders of the
Company is required or of the sale or transfer of all or substantially
all of the assets of the Company; or
(d) of the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or
winding up of the Company;
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<PAGE>
the Company shall cause to be filed with the Trustee and the Company shall cause
to be mailed to each holder of Convertible Securities at such holder's address
appearing on the Security Register, provided for in Section 305 of this
Indenture, as promptly as possible but in any event no less than fifteen days
prior to the applicable date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x) the
date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend,
distribution, rights or warrants, or, if a record is not to be taken, the date
as of which the holders of Common Stock of record to be entitled to such
dividend, distribution, rights or warrants are to be determined, or (y) the date
on which such reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer,
dissolution, liquidation or winding up is expected to become effective, and the
date as of which it is expected that holders of Common Stock of record shall be
entitled to exchange their Common Stock for securities or other property
deliverable upon such reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, sale,
transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding up. Failure to give such notice,
or any defect therein, shall not affect the legality or validity of such
dividend, distribution, reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, sale,
transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding up or any adjustment in the
Conversion Price required by this Article Fourteen.
SECTION 1412. Covenant to Reserve Shares.
The Company covenants that it will at all times reserve and keep
available, free from pre-emptive rights, out of its authorized but unissued
Common Stock, such number of shares of Common Stock as shall then be deliverable
upon the conversion of all outstanding Convertible Securities.
-75-
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be
duly executed, and the respective corporate seals to be hereunto affixed and
attested, all as of the day and year first above written.
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By
---------------------------------
Its
-------------------------------
Attest:
By
---------------------------------
Its
-------------------------------
[SEAL]
-----------------------------------
By
---------------------------------
Its
-------------------------------
Attest:
By
---------------------------------
Its
---------------------------------
[SEAL]
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<PAGE>
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
) SS.
COUNTY OF _______ )
On the _______ day of _______ before me personally came _______ to me
known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is _______ and
_______ of Fingerhut Companies, Inc., one of the Corporations described in and
which executed the foregoing instrument; that he knows the seal of said
Corporation; that the seal affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal;
that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of Directors of said
Corporation, and that he signed his name thereto by like authority.
[SEAL] -----------------------------------
Notary Public
STATE OF ___________ )
) SS.
COUNTY OF _______ )
On the ______ day of _______ before me personally came _______ to me
known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is _______ of
________________, one of the Corporations described in and which executed the
foregoing instrument; that he knows the seal of said Corporation; that the seal
affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by
authority of the Board of Directors of said Corporation, and that he signed his
name thereto by like authority.
[SEAL] -----------------------------------
Notary Public
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<PAGE>
Exhibit 4.3
[Face of Debenture]
Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized representative of The
Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation ("DTC"), to the Issuer or its
agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any certificate
issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or in such other name as
requested by an authorized representative of DTC (and any payment is made to
Cede & Co. or such other entity as is requested by an authorized representative
of DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR
TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL inasmuch as the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co.,
has an interest herein.
CUSIP NO. ___________ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT: $___________
REGISTERED NO. __
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
____% DEBENTURES DUE ____
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC., a corporation duly organized and existing under
the laws of the State of Minnesota (hereinafter called the "Company", which term
includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred to),
for value received, hereby promises to pay to CEDE & Co., or registered assigns,
the principal sum of ___________________________ ($___________) on
______________ and to pay interest thereon from _____________ or from the most
recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided
for semi-annually on __________ and __________ of each year commencing
________________ at the rate of ____% per annum, until the principal hereof is
paid or made available for payment. The interest so payable, and punctually
paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the
Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more
Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular
Record Date for such interest, which shall be __________ or _____________
(whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such
Interest Payment Date.
Any interest not punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease
to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid
to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor
Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for
the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice
whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10
days prior
<PAGE>
to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner
not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the
Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required
by such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Indenture.
Payment of interest on this Security will be made in immediately available
funds at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in the
City of Minnetonka, Minnesota, or the City of _________________, or, at the
option of the Holder hereof, at the office or agency to be maintained for that
purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, in such coin or
currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal
tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that, at the
option of the Company, payment of interest may be paid by check mailed to the
Person entitled thereto at such Person's last address as it appears in the
Security Register or by wire transfer to such account as may have been
designated by such Person. Payment of principal of and interest on this
Security at Maturity will be made against presentation of this Security at the
office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in the City of
Minnetonka, Minnesota, or the City of _________________, or, at the option of
the Holder hereof, at the office or agency to be maintained for that purpose in
the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York.
Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set
forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes
have the same effect as if set forth at this place.
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the
Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security
shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or
obligatory for any purpose.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed under its corporate seal.
DATED: _____________
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By:
-----------------------------------------
Its
--------------------------------------
[SEAL]
Attest:
-------------------------------------
Its
--------------------------------------
TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF
AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the
series designated therein referred to
in the within-mentioned Indenture.
- ----------------------------------,
as Trustee
By:
-------------------------------
Authorized Signature
3
<PAGE>
[Reverse of Debenture]
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
____% DEBENTURES DUE ____
This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the
Company (herein called the "Securities"), issued and to be issued in one or more
series under an indenture dated as of _______________, as amended or
supplemented from time to time (herein called the "Indenture"), between the
Company and __________________________________, as Trustee (herein called the
"Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to
which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made
for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and
immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the
Securities, and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be,
authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on
the face hereof, limited in aggregate principal amount to $___________.
[**The Securities of this series are not subject to redemption prior to
______________.] [**The Securities of this series are subject to redemption
prior to _________________ as follows:
_________________________________________________] The Securities will not be
entitled to any sinking fund.
If an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, with respect to
Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the
Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with
the effect provided in the Indenture.
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the
amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the
Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be
affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the
consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at
the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains
provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount
of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the
Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company
with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the
Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of
this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all
future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration
of transfer hereof or in
4
<PAGE>
exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent
or waiver is made upon this Security.
The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of (a) the
entire indebtedness on this Security and (b) certain restrictive covenants and
certain Events of Default, upon compliance by the Company with certain
conditions set forth therein, which provisions apply to this Security.
Upon due presentment for registration of transfer of this Security at the
office or agency of the Company in the City of Minnetonka, Minnesota, or the
City of _________________, or, at the option of the Holder hereof, at the office
or agency to be maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The
City of New York, a new Security or Securities of this series in authorized
denominations for an equal aggregate principal amount will be issued to the
transferee in exchange herefor, as provided in the Indenture and subject to the
limitations provided therein and to the limitations described below, without
charge except for any tax or other governmental charge imposed in connection
therewith.
This Security is exchangeable for definitive Securities in registered form
only if (x) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable
to continue as Depositary for this Security or if at any time the Depositary
ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, (y) the Company in its sole discretion determines that this
Security shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities in registered form and
notifies the Trustee thereof or (z) an Event of Default with respect to the
Securities represented hereby has occurred and is continuing. If this Security
is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence, it shall be exchangeable for
definitive Securities in registered form, bearing interest at the same rate,
having the same date of issuance, redemption provisions, Stated Maturity and
other terms and of authorized denominations aggregating a like amount.
This Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary to
a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary
or another nominee of the Depositary or by the Depositary or any such nominee to
a successor of the Depositary or a nominee of such successor. Except as
provided above, owners of beneficial interests in this global Security will not
be entitled to receive physical delivery of Securities in definitive form and
will not be considered the Holders hereof for any purpose under the Indenture.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or
of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is
absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and interest on this
Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein
prescribed, except that in the event the Company deposits money or U.S.
Government Obligations as provided in Section 401 or 403 of the Indenture, such
payments will be made only from proceeds of such money or U.S. Government
Obligations.
5
<PAGE>
Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer, the
Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the
Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all
purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the
Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or the
interest on this Security, or for any claim based hereon, or otherwise in
respect hereof, or based on or in respect of the Indenture or any indenture
supplemental thereto, against any incorporator, stockholder, officer or
director, as such, past, present or future, of the Company or any successor
corporation, whether by virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or
by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise, all such liability
being, by the acceptance hereof and as part of the consideration for the
issuance hereof, expressly waived and released.
All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall
have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
6
<PAGE>
ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this
instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according
to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM -- as tenants in common
TEN ENT -- as tenants by the entireties
JT TEN -- as joint tenants with right
of survivorship and not
as tenants in common
UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -- _____________________ Custodian _________________________
(Cust) (Minor)
Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
- -----------------------------
(State)
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s) and transfer(s) unto
Please Insert Social Security or
Other Identifying Number of Assignee
- -----------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE)
the within Security of FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC. and does hereby irrevocably
constitute and appoint __________________ attorney to transfer the said Security
on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.
7
<PAGE>
Dated: -------------------------
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as
written upon the face of the within instrument in every particular, without
alteration or enlargement or any change whatever.
8
<PAGE>
Exhibit 4.4
[Face of Debenture]
Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized representative of The
Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation ("DTC"), to the Issuer or its
agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any certificate
issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or in such other name as
requested by an authorized representative of DTC (and any payment is made to
Cede & Co. or such other entity as is requested by an authorized representative
of DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR
TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL inasmuch as the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co.,
has an interest herein.
CUSIP NO. ___________ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT: $___________
REGISTERED NO. __
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
____% SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES DUE ____
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC., a corporation duly organized and existing under
the laws of the State of Minnesota (hereinafter called the "Company", which term
includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred to),
for value received, hereby promises to pay to CEDE & Co., or registered assigns,
the principal sum of ___________________________ ($___________) on
______________ and to pay interest thereon from _____________ or from the most
recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided
for semi-annually on __________ and __________ of each year commencing
________________ at the rate of ____% per annum, until the principal hereof is
paid or made available for payment. The interest so payable, and punctually
paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the
Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more
Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular
Record Date for such interest, which shall be __________ or _____________
(whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such
Interest Payment Date.
Any interest not punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease
to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid
to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor
Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for
the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice
whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10
days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other
lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange
on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as
may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Indenture.
<PAGE>
Payment of interest on this Security will be made in immediately available
funds at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in the
City of Minnetonka, Minnesota, or the City of _________________, or, at the
option of the Holder hereof, at the office or agency to be maintained for that
purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, in such coin or
currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal
tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that, at the
option of the Company, payment of interest may be paid by check mailed to the
Person entitled thereto at such Person's last address as it appears in the
Security Register or by wire transfer to such account as may have been
designated by such Person. Payment of principal of and interest on this
Security at Maturity will be made against presentation of this Security at the
office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in the City of
Minnetonka, Minnesota, or the City of _________________, or, at the option of
the Holder hereof, at the office or agency to be maintained for that purpose in
the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York.
Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set
forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes
have the same effect as if set forth at this place.
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the
Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security
shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or
obligatory for any purpose.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed under its corporate seal.
DATED: _____________
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By:
------------------------------------
Its
---------------------------------
[SEAL]
Attest:
--------------------------------
Its
---------------------------------
TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF
AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the
series designated therein referred to
in the within-mentioned Indenture.
- ----------------------------------,
as Trustee
By:
---------------------------------------------
Authorized Signature
<PAGE>
[Reverse of Debenture]
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
____% SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES DUE ____
This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of subordinated securities
of the Company (herein called the "Securities"), issued and to be issued in one
or more series under an indenture dated as of _______________, as amended or
supplemented from time to time (herein called the "Indenture"), between the
Company and __________________________________, as Trustee (herein called the
"Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to
which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made
for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and
immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the
Securities, and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be,
authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on
the face hereof, limited in aggregate principal amount to $___________.
[**The Securities of this series are not subject to redemption prior to
______________.] [**The Securities of this series are subject to redemption
prior to _________________ as follows:
_________________________________________________] [**The Securities will not
be entitled to any sinking fund.]
The indebtedness evidenced by the Securities is, to the extent and in the
manner set forth in the Indenture, subordinate and subject in right of payment
to the prior payment in full of the principal of and premium, if any, and
interest on all Senior Indebtedness of the Company, and each Holder of the
Securities, by accepting the same, agrees to and shall be bound by the
provisions of the Indenture with respect hereto.
If an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, with respect to
Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the
Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with
the effect provided in the Indenture.
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the
amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the
Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be
affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the
consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at
the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains
provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount
of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the
Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company
with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the
Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of
this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all
future Holders of this Security and of any Security
<PAGE>
issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in
lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon
this Security.
The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of (a) the
entire indebtedness on this Security and (b) certain restrictive covenants and
certain Events of Default, upon compliance by the Company with certain
conditions set forth therein, which provisions apply to this Security.
Upon due presentment for registration of transfer of this Security at the
office or agency of the Company in the City of Minnetonka, Minnesota, or the
City of _________________, or, at the option of the Holder hereof, at the office
or agency to be maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The
City of New York, a new Security or Securities of this series in authorized
denominations for an equal aggregate principal amount will be issued to the
transferee in exchange herefor, as provided in the Indenture and subject to the
limitations provided therein and to the limitations described below, without
charge except for any tax or other governmental charge imposed in connection
therewith.
This Security is exchangeable for definitive Securities in registered form
only if (x) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable
to continue as Depositary for this Security or if at any time the Depositary
ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, (y) the Company in its sole discretion determines that this
Security shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities in registered form and
notifies the Trustee thereof or (z) an Event of Default with respect to the
Securities represented hereby has occurred and is continuing. If this Security
is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence, it shall be exchangeable for
definitive Securities in registered form, bearing interest at the same rate,
having the same date of issuance, redemption provisions, Stated Maturity and
other terms and of authorized denominations aggregating a like amount.
This Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary to
a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary
or another nominee of the Depositary or by the Depositary or any such nominee to
a successor of the Depositary or a nominee of such successor. Except as
provided above, owners of beneficial interests in this global Security will not
be entitled to receive physical delivery of Securities in definitive form and
will not be considered the Holders hereof for any purpose under the Indenture.
Subject to the rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company set
forth in this Security and the Indenture referred to above, no reference herein
to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall
alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and
unconditional, to pay the principal of and interest on this Security at the
times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed, except
that in the event the Company deposits money or U.S. Government Obligations as
provided in Section 401 or 403 of the Indenture, such payments will be made only
from proceeds of such money or U.S. Government Obligations.
Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer, the
Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the
Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all
purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the
Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
<PAGE>
No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or the
interest on this Security, or for any claim based hereon, or otherwise in
respect hereof, or based on or in respect of the Indenture or any indenture
supplemental thereto, against any incorporator, shareholder, officer or
director, as such, past, present or future, of the Company or any successor
corporation, whether by virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or
by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise, all such liability
being, by the acceptance hereof and as part of the consideration for the
issuance hereof, expressly waived and released.
All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall
have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
<PAGE>
ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of
this instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM -- as tenants in common
TEN ENT -- as tenants by the entireties
JT TEN -- as joint tenants with right
of survivorship and not
as tenants in common
UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -- _____________________ Custodian _________________________
(Cust) (Minor)
Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
- -----------------------------
(State)
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s) and transfer(s) unto
Please Insert Social Security or
Other Identifying Number of Assignee
- -----------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE)
the within Security of FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC. and does hereby irrevocably
constitute and appoint __________________ attorney to transfer the said Security
on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.
<PAGE>
Dated: -------------------------
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as
written upon the face of the within instrument in every particular, without
alteration or enlargement or any change whatever.
<PAGE>
Exhibit 4.5
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
________________________________
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS
Pursuant to Section 302A.401 of the
Minnesota Business Corporation Act
________________________________
[CUMULATIVE] [NONCUMULATIVE] [CONVERTIBLE] PREFERRED STOCK,
SERIES __
(Par Value $.01 Per Share)
________________________________
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC., a corporation organized and existing
under the laws of the State of Minnesota (the "Corporation"), HEREBY
CERTIFIES that the following resolutions were duly adopted by the Board of
Directors of the Corporation (the "Board"), pursuant to authority conferred
upon the Board by the provisions of the Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation of the Corporation, which authorizes the issuance of up to
5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, (the
"Preferred Stock"):
"RESOLVED that the issuance of a series of Preferred Stock, par
value $.01 per share, of the Corporation is hereby authorized and the
designation, preferences and relative, participating, optional, and other
special rights, and qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, in
addition to those set forth in the Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation of the Corporation, are hereby fixed as follows:
[CUMULATIVE] [NONCUMULATIVE] [CONVERTIBLE] PREFERRED STOCK,
SERIES __
1. DESIGNATION AND NUMBER OF SHARES. (a) The designation of the
series of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, provided for herein
shall be "[Cumulative] [Noncumulative] [Convertible] Preferred Stock, Series
___" (hereinafter referred to as the "Series __ Preferred Stock") and the
number of authorized shares constituting the Series __ Preferred Stock is
_________. The number of authorized shares of Series __ Preferred Stock may
be reduced by further resolution duly adopted by the Board and by the filing
of a certificate pursuant to the provisions of the Minnesota Business
Corporation Act stating that such reduction has been so authorized, but the
number of authorized shares of Series __ Preferred Stock shall not be
increased.
<PAGE>
(b) All shares of Series __ Preferred Stock purchased, redeemed,
or converted by the Corporation shall be retired and cancelled and shall be
restored to the status of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock,
without designation as to series, and may thereafter be issued, but not as
shares of Series __ Preferred Stock.
2. DIVIDENDS. (a) [Holders of shares of Series __ Preferred
Stock will be entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board or a
duly authorized committee thereof, out of assets of the Corporation legally
available for payment, an annual cash dividend of $_____ per share, payable
quarterly on _____________, ______________, ______________ and _____________
of each year, commencing _____________, ____. Dividends on shares of the
Series __ Preferred Stock will be cumulative from the date of initial issuance
of such shares of Series __ Preferred Stock. Dividends will be payable, in
arrears, to holders of record as they appear on the stock books of the
Corporation on such record dates, not more than 30 days nor less than 15 days
preceding the payment dates thereof, as shall be fixed by the Board or a duly
authorized committee thereof. The amount of dividends payable per share for
each dividend period shall be computed by dividing by four the $______ annual
rate. The amount of dividends payable for the initial dividend period or any
period shorter than a full dividend period shall be calculated on the basis of
a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.] [The holders of shares of Series ___
Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive dividends out of any assets
legally available therefor. Such dividends shall be payable only when, as,
and if declared by the Board and shall be noncumulative.]
(b) [(i) No full dividends shall be declared or paid or set apart
for payment on any stock of the Corporation ranking, as to dividends, on a
parity with or junior to Series __ Preferred Stock for any period unless 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 shares of Series __ Preferred Stock for all dividend payment
periods terminating on or prior to the date of payment of such full cumulative
dividends. When dividends are not paid in full, as aforesaid, upon the shares
of Series __ Preferred Stock and any other series of preferred stock ranking
on a parity as to dividends with Series __ Preferred Stock, all dividends
declared upon shares of Series __ Preferred Stock and any other series of
preferred stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with Series __ Preferred
Stock shall be declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared per
share on Series __ Preferred Stock and such other series of preferred stock
shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends
per share on the shares of Series __ Preferred Stock and such other series of
preferred stock bear to each other. Holders of shares of Series __ Preferred
Stock shall not be entitled to any dividend, whether payable in cash, property,
or stock, in excess of the full cumulative dividends, as herein provided, on
Series __ Preferred Stock. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest,
shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on Series __
Preferred Stock which may be in arrears.]
-2-
<PAGE>
[(ii)] So long as any shares of Series __ Preferred Stock are
outstanding, no dividend (other than dividends or distributions paid in
shares of, or options, warrants, or rights to subscribe for or purchase
shares of, the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Corporation
(the "Common Stock") or any other stock ranking junior to Series __ Preferred
Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation [and other than as provided in
paragraph (b)(i) of this Section 2),] shall be declared or paid or set aside
for payment or other distribution declared or made upon the Common Stock or
any other capital stock of the Corporation ranking junior to or on a parity
with Series __ Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, nor shall
the Common Stock or any other capital stock of the Corporation ranking junior
to or on a parity with Series __ Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon
liquidation be redeemed, purchased, or otherwise acquired for any
consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund
for the redemption of any shares of any such stock) by the Corporation (except
by conversion into or exchange for stock of the Corporation ranking junior to
Series __ Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation), unless, in
each case, the [declared but unpaid] [full cumulative] dividends on all
outstanding shares of Series __ Preferred Stock shall have been paid or
declared and set aside for payment of the then-current dividend payment period
[and all past dividend payment periods].
3. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION. (a) The shares of Series __ Preferred
Stock may be redeemed at the option of the Corporation, as a whole, or from
time to time in part, at any time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60
days' prior notice mailed to the holders of the shares to be redeemed at
their addresses as shown on the stock books of the Corporation; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that shares of Series __ Preferred Stock shall not be redeemable
prior to ______________, ____. Subject to the foregoing, shares of Series __
Preferred Stock are redeemable at the following redemption prices per share
(expressed as a percentage of the liquidation preference thereof), if
redeemed during the 12-month period beginning ______________ in the year
indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Price Year Price
---- ----- ---- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
% %
</TABLE>
and 100% if redeemed on or after ________________, ____, in each case together
with an amount equal to all dividends [declared but unpaid] [(whether or not
earned or declared) accrued and accumulated and unpaid to, but excluding, the
date fixed for redemption].
(b) If fewer than all of the outstanding shares of Series __
Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, the number of shares to be redeemed shall
be determined by the Board and such shares shall be redeemed pro rata from
the holders of shares of Series __ Preferred Stock
-3-
<PAGE>
in proportion to the number of such shares held by such holders (with
adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional shares).
(c) If the Corporation shall redeem shares of Series __ Preferred
Stock, notice of such redemption shall be mailed or caused to be mailed by
the Corporation by first class mail, postage prepaid, to each holder of the
shares to be redeemed, at such holder's address as the same appears on the
stock books of the Corporation. Such notice shall be so mailed not less than
30 nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption. Each such
notice shall state (i) the redemption date, (ii) the number of shares of
Series __ Preferred Stock to be redeemed, (iii) the redemption price, (iv)
the place or places where certificates for such shares of Series __ Preferred
Stock are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price, [and] [(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 (as hereinafter defined) as to such shares terminate]. If fewer than
all shares held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to such
holder shall also specify the number of shares to be redeemed from such holder.
[(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of subsection (a) of
this Section 3, if any dividends on shares of Series __ Preferred Stock are in
arrears, no shares of Series __ Preferred Stock shall be redeemed unless all
outstanding shares of Series __ Preferred Stock are simultaneously redeemed, and
the Corporation shall not purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of Series __
Preferred Stock; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the foregoing shall not prevent the
purchase or acquisition of shares of Series __ Preferred Stock pursuant to a
purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding
shares of Series __ Preferred Stock.]
(e) If notice of redemption has been given under subsection (c) of
this Section 3, from and after the redemption date for the shares of Series
__ Preferred Stock called for redemption (unless default shall be made by the
Corporation in providing money for the payment of the redemption price of the
shares so called for redemption), [dividends on the shares of Series __
Preferred Stock so called for redemption 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 Corporation (except the right to
receive the redemption price) shall cease. Upon surrender in accordance with
such notice of the certificates for any shares so redeemed (properly endorsed
or assigned for transfer, if the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof
shall so require and the notice shall so state), such shares shall be
redeemed by the Corporation at the redemption price aforesaid. In case fewer
than all of 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.
-4-
<PAGE>
[4. CONVERSION. (a) Subject to and upon compliance with the
provisions of this Section 4, each holder of Series __ Preferred Stock shall
have the right, at each such holder's option, at any time, to convert any or all
of the shares of Series __ Preferred Stock held by each such holder into the
number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock (calculated as to
each conversion, for the purpose of determining the amount of any cash payments
provided for under subsection (c) of this Section 4, to the nearest 1/100 of a
share of Common Stock, with 1/200 of a share of Common Stock being rounded
upward) obtained by dividing the liquidation preference of a share of Series __
Preferred Stock by the Conversion Price (as defined below) and multiplying such
resulting number by the number of shares of Series __ Preferred Stock to be
converted, and by surrender of such shares of Series __ Preferred Stock so to be
converted, such surrender to be made in the manner provided in subsection (b) of
this Section 4; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the right to convert shares called for
redemption pursuant to Section 3 shall terminate at the close of business on the
date fixed for such redemption unless the Corporation shall default in making
payment of the amount payable upon such redemption.
[The term "Applicable Price" means (i) in the event of a Fundamental
Change (as hereinafter defined) in which the holders of the Common Stock receive
only cash, the amount of cash received by a holder of one share of Common Stock
and (ii) in the event of any other Fundamental Change, the average of the
reported last sale prices for one share of the Common Stock (determined as set
forth in paragraph (d)(v) of this Section 4) during the ten Trading Days (as
defined in paragraph (d)(v) of this Section 4) prior to the record date for the
determination of the holders of Common Stock entitled to receive cash,
securities, property, or other assets in connection with such Fundamental
Change, or, if there is no such record date, prior to the date upon which the
holders of Common Stock shall have the right to receive such cash, securities,
property, or other assets.]
For purposes of this Section 4, the term "Common Stock" shall mean the
Common Stock of the Corporation as the same exists at the date of this
Certificate of Designations or as such stock may be constituted from time to
time, except that for purposes of subsection (e) of this Section 4, the term
"Common Stock" shall also mean and include stock of the Corporation of any
class, whether now or hereafter authorized, which shall have the right to
participate in the distribution of either earnings or assets of the Corporation
without limit as to amount or percentage.
[The term "Common Stock Fundamental Change" means any Fundamental
Change in which more than 50% (by value as determined in good faith by the
Board) of the consideration received by holders of Common Stock consists of
common stock that, for the ten Trading Days (as defined in paragraph (d)(v) of
this Section 4) prior to such Fundamental Change, has been admitted for listing
on a national securities exchange or quoted on the
-5-
<PAGE>
National Market System of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. Automated Quotations System.]
The term "Conversion Price" shall mean $ , as adjusted in
accordance with the provisions of this Section 4.
[The term "Fundamental Change" means the occurrence of any transaction
or event in connection with which all or substantially all the Common Stock
shall be exchanged for, converted into, or acquired for, or shall constitute
solely the right to receive, cash, securities, property, or other assets
(whether by means of an exchange offer, liquidation, tender offer,
consolidation, merger, combination, reclassification, recapitalization, or
otherwise). In the case of a plan involving more than one such transaction or
event, for purposes of adjustment of the Conversion Price, such Fundamental
Change shall be deemed to have occurred when substantially all the Common Stock
shall have been exchanged for, converted into, or acquired for, or shall
constitute solely the right to receive, such cash, securities, property, or
other assets, but the adjustment shall be based upon the consideration that the
holders of Common Stock received in the transaction or event as a result of
which more than 50% of the Common Stock shall have been exchanged for, converted
into, or acquired for, or shall constitute solely the right to receive, such
cash, securities, property, or other assets.]
[The term "Non-Stock Fundamental Change" means any Fundamental Change
other than a Common Stock Fundamental Change.]
[The term "Purchaser Stock Price" means, with respect to any Common
Stock Fundamental Change, the average of the reported last sale prices for one
share of the common stock received by holders of Common Stock in such Common
Stock Fundamental Change (determined as set forth in paragraph (d)(v) of this
Section 4 as if such paragraph were applicable to such common stock) during the
ten Trading Days (as defined in paragraph (d)(v) of this Section 4) prior to the
record date for the determination of the holders of Common Stock entitled to
receive such common stock or, if there is no such record date, prior to the date
upon which the holders of Common Stock shall have the right to receive such
common stock.]
[The term "Reference Market Price" shall initially mean $__________,
and, in the event of any adjustment to the Conversion Price pursuant to
paragraphs (d)(i), (d)(ii), (d)(iii) or (d)(iv) of this Section 4, the Reference
Market Price shall also be adjusted so that the ratio of the Reference Market
Price to the Conversion Price after giving effect to any such adjustment shall
always be the same as the ratio of $_______ to the Conversion Price set forth in
this Certificate of Designations (without regard to any adjustment thereto).]
(b) In order to exercise the conversion privilege, the holder of each
share of Series __ Preferred Stock to be converted shall surrender the
certificate representing such share
-6-
<PAGE>
at the office of the conversion agent for the Series __ Preferred Stock in
[_________________________], appointed for such purpose by the Corporation,
with the Notice of Election to Convert on the back of such certificate
completed and signed. Unless the shares issuable on conversion are to be
issued in the same name as the name in which such share of Series __
Preferred Stock is registered, each share surrendered for conversion shall be
accompanied by instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the
Corporation, duly executed by the holder or the holder's duly authorized
attorney, and by an amount sufficient to pay any transfer or similar tax.
The holders of shares of Series __ Preferred Stock at the close of
business on a dividend payment record date shall be entitled to receive the
dividend payable on such shares (except that holders of shares called for
redemption on a redemption date between such record date and the dividend
payment date shall not be entitled to receive such dividend on such dividend
payment date) on the corresponding dividend payment date, notwithstanding the
conversion thereof or the Corporation's default in payment of the dividend
due on such dividend payment date. However, shares of Series __ Preferred
Stock surrendered for conversion during the period between the close of
business on any dividend payment record date and the opening of business on
the corresponding dividend payment date (except shares called for redemption
on a redemption date during such period) must be accompanied by payment of an
amount equal to the dividend payable on such shares on such dividend payment
date. A holder of shares of Series __ Preferred Stock on a dividend payment
record date who (or whose transferee) tenders any of such shares for
conversion into shares of Common Stock on a dividend payment date will
receive the dividend payable by the Corporation on such shares of Series __
Preferred Stock on such date, and the converting holder need not include
payment in the amount of such dividend upon surrender of shares of Series __
Preferred Stock for conversion. Except as provided above, the Corporation
shall make no payment or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not in
arrears, on converted shares or for dividends on the shares of Common Stock
issued upon such conversion.
As promptly as practicable after the surrender of the certificates
for shares of Series __ Preferred Stock as aforesaid, the Corporation shall
issue and shall deliver at the office of the conversion agent to such holder,
or on such holder's written order, a certificate or certificates for the
number of full shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of such
shares in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4, and any
fractional interest in respect of a share of Common Stock arising upon such
conversion shall be settled as provided in subsection (c) of this Section 4.
Each conversion shall be deemed to have been effected immediately
prior to the close of business on the date on which the certificates for
shares of Series __ Preferred Stock shall have been surrendered and such
notice (and, if applicable, payment of an amount equal to the dividend
payable on such shares) received by the Corporation as aforesaid, and the
person
-7-
<PAGE>
or persons in whose name or names any certificate or certificates for shares
of Common Stock shall be issuable upon such conversion shall be deemed to
have become the holder or holders of record of the shares represented thereby
at such time on such date, and such conversion shall be at the Conversion
Price in effect at such time on such date, unless the stock transfer books of
the Corporation shall be closed on such date, in which event such person or
persons shall be deemed to have become such holder or holders of record at
the close of business on the next succeeding day on which such stock transfer
books are open, but such conversion shall be at the Conversion Price in
effect on the date upon which such shares shall have been surrendered and
such notice (and, if applicable, payment) received by the Corporation. All
shares of Common Stock delivered upon conversion of the Series __ Preferred
Stock will upon delivery be duly and validly issued and fully paid and
nonassessable, free of all liens and charges and not subject to any
preemptive rights.
(c) In connection with the conversion of any shares of Series __
Preferred Stock, no fractional shares or scrip representing fractions of
shares of Common Stock shall be issued upon conversion of Series __ Preferred
Stock. Instead of any fractional interest in a share of Common Stock which
would otherwise be deliverable upon the conversion of a share of Series __
Preferred Stock or a fraction thereof, the Corporation shall pay to the
holder of such share of Series __ Preferred Stock or fraction thereof an
amount in cash (computed to the nearest cent, with one-half cent being
rounded upward) equal to the reported last sale price (as defined in
paragraph (d)(v) of this Section 4) of the Common Stock on the Trading Day
(as defined in paragraph (d)(v) of this Section 4) next preceding the day of
conversion multiplied by the fraction of a share of Common Stock represented
by such fractional interest. If more than one share of Series __ Preferred
Stock shall be surrendered for conversion at one time by the same holder, the
number of full shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof shall
be computed on the basis of the aggregate liquidation preference of the
shares of Series __ Preferred Stock so surrendered.
(d) The Conversion Price shall be adjusted from time to time as
follows:
(i) In case the Corporation shall (x) pay a dividend or make a
distribution on the Common Stock in shares of Common Stock, (y) subdivide
the outstanding Common Stock into a greater number of shares, or
(z) combine the outstanding Common Stock into a smaller number of shares,
the Conversion Price shall be adjusted so that the holder of any share of
Series __ Preferred Stock thereafter surrendered for conversion shall be
entitled to receive the number of shares of Common Stock of the Corporation
which such holder would have owned or have been entitled to receive after
the happening of any of the events described above had such share been
converted immediately prior to the record date in the case of a dividend or
the effective date in the case of subdivision or combination. An
adjustment made pursuant to this paragraph (i) shall become effective
immediately after the record date in the case of a
-8-
<PAGE>
dividend, except as provided in paragraph (ix) below, and shall become
effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a
subdivision or combination.
[(ii) [Except for [list exempted issuances], in] [In] case
the Corporation shall issue rights or warrants to all holders of the Common
Stock entitling them (for a period expiring within 45 days after the record
date mentioned below) to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock
at a price per share less than the current market price per share of Common
Stock (as defined for purposes of this paragraph (ii) in paragraph (v)
below), at the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled
to receive such rights or warrants, the Conversion Price in effect
immediately prior thereto shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal
the price determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in effect
immediately prior to the date of issuance of such rights or warrants by a
fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding on the date of issuance of such rights or warrants plus
the number of shares of Common Stock which the aggregate offering price of
the total number of shares of Common Stock so offered would purchase at
such current market price, and the denominator of which shall be the number
of shares of Common Stock outstanding on the date of issuance of such
rights or warrants plus the number of additional shares of Common Stock
receivable upon exercise of such rights or warrants. Such adjustment shall
be made successively whenever any such rights or warrants are issued, and
shall become effective immediately, except as provided in paragraph (viii)
below, after such record date. In determining whether any rights or
warrants entitle the holders of the Series __ Preferred Stock to subscribe
for or purchase shares of Common Stock at less than such current market
price, and in determining the aggregate offering price of such shares of
Common Stock, there shall be taken into account any consideration received
by the Corporation for such rights or warrants plus the exercise price
thereof, the value of such consideration or exercise price, as the case may
be, if other than cash, to be determined by the Board.]
[(iii) In case the Corporation shall distribute to all holders
of Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Corporation (other than
Common Stock) or evidences of its indebtedness or assets (excluding cash
dividends or distributions paid from retained earnings of the Corporation)
or rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any of its securities
(excluding those rights or warrants referred to in paragraph (ii) above)
(any of the foregoing being hereinafter in this paragraph (iii) called the
"Securities"), then, in each such case, unless the Corporation elects to
reserve such Securities for distribution to the holders of the Series __
Preferred Stock upon the conversion of the shares of Series __ Preferred
Stock so that any such holder converting shares of Series __ Preferred
Stock will receive upon such conversion, in addition to the shares of the
Common Stock to which such holder is entitled, the amount and kind of such
Securities which such holder would have received if such holder had,
immediately
-9-
<PAGE>
prior to the record date for the distribution of the Securities, converted
its shares of Series __ Preferred Stock into Common Stock, the
Conversion Price shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the
price determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in effect
immediately prior to the date of such distribution by a fraction, the
numerator of which shall be the current market price per share (as
defined for purposes of this paragraph (iii) in paragraph (v) below) of
the Common Stock on the record date mentioned above less the then fair
market value (as determined by the Board, whose determination shall, if
made in good faith, be conclusive) of the portion of the Securities so
distributed applicable to one share of Common Stock, and the denominator
of which shall be the current market price per share (as defined in
paragraph (v) below) of the Common Stock; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in the
event the then fair market value (as so determined) of the portion of
the Securities so distributed applicable to one share of Common Stock is
equal to or greater than the current market price per share (as defined
in paragraph (v) below) of the Common Stock on the record date mentioned
above, in lieu of the foregoing adjustment, adequate provision shall be
made so that each holder of shares of Series __ Preferred Stock shall
have the right to receive the amount and kind of Securities such holder
would have received had such holder converted each such share of Series
__ Preferred Stock immediately prior to the record date for the
distribution of the Securities. Such adjustment shall become effective
immediately, except as provided in paragraph (viii) below, after the
record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive
such distribution.]
[(iv) If, pursuant to paragraph (ii) or (iii) above, the
Conversion Price at which a share of Series __ Preferred Stock is
convertible shall have been adjusted because the Corporation has declared a
dividend or made a distribution on the outstanding shares of Common Stock
in the form of any right or warrant to purchase securities of the
Corporation, or the Corporation has issued any such right or warrant, then,
upon the expiration of any such unexercised right or unexercised warrant,
the Conversion Price shall forthwith be adjusted to equal the Conversion
Price that would have applied had such right or warrant never been
declared, distributed, or issued.]
[(v) For the purpose of any computation under paragraph (ii)
above, the current market price per share of Common Stock on any date shall
be deemed to be the average of the reported last sale prices for the 30
consecutive Trading Days (as defined below) commencing 45 Trading Days
before the date in question. For the purpose of any computation under
paragraph (iii) above, the current market price per share of Common Stock
on any date shall be deemed to be the average of the reported last sales
prices for the ten consecutive Trading Days before the date in question.
The reported last sale price for each day (whether for purposes of
paragraph (ii) or paragraph (iii)) shall be the reported last sale price,
regular way, or, in case no sale takes place on such day, the average of
the reported closing bid and asked prices, regular way,
-10-
<PAGE>
in either case as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape
or, if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on the New
York Stock Exchange, on the principal national securities exchange on
which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if not
listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, on
the National Market System of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations System ("NASDAQ") or, if the Common
Stock is not quoted on such National Market System, the average of the
closing bid and asked prices on such day in the over-the-counter market
as reported by NASDAQ or, if bid and asked prices for the Common Stock
on each such day shall not have been reported through NASDAQ, the
average of the bid and asked prices for such day as furnished by any New
York Stock Exchange member firm regularly making a market in the Common
Stock selected for such purpose by the Board or a committee thereof or,
if no such quotations are available, the fair market value of the Common
Stock as determined by a New York Stock Exchange member firm regularly
making a market in the Common Stock selected for such purpose by the
Board or a committee thereof. As used herein, the term "Trading Day"
with respect to Common Stock means (x) if the Common Stock is listed or
admitted for trading on the New York Stock Exchange or another national
securities exchange, a day on which the New York Stock Exchange or such
other national securities exchange is open for business or (y) if the
Common Stock is quoted on the National Market System of NASDAQ, a day on
which trades may be made on such National Market System or (z)
otherwise, any day other than a Saturday or Sunday or a day on which
banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or
obligated by law or executive order to close.]
(vi) No adjustment in the Conversion Price shall be required
unless such adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at least 1%
in such price; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any adjustments which by reason of
this paragraph (vi) are not required to be made shall be carried forward
and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment; and PROVIDED FURTHER
that adjustment shall be required and made in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 4 (other than this paragraph (vi)) not later
than such time as may be required in order to preserve the tax free nature
of a distribution to the holders of Common Stock. All calculations under
this Section 4 shall be made to the nearest cent or to the nearest 1/100 of
a share, as the case may be, with one-half cent and 1/200 of a share,
respectively, being rounded upward. Anything in this subsection (d) to the
contrary notwithstanding, the Corporation shall be entitled to make such
reductions in the Conversion Price, in addition to those required by this
subsection (d), as it in its discretion shall determine to be advisable in
order that any stock dividend, subdivision of shares, distribution of
rights or warrants to purchase stock or securities, or distribution of
other assets (other than cash dividends) hereafter made by the Corporation
to its shareholders shall not be taxable.
-11-
<PAGE>
(vii) Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted as herein
provided, the Corporation shall promptly file with any conversion agent an
officers' certificate, signed by the Chairman, the President or any Vice
President, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary, or
an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, setting forth the Conversion
Price after such adjustment and setting forth a brief statement of the
facts requiring such adjustment, which certificate shall be conclusive
evidence of the correctness of such adjustment. Promptly after delivery of
such certificate, the Corporation shall prepare a notice of such adjustment
of the Conversion Price setting forth the adjusted Conversion Price and the
date on which such adjustment becomes effective and shall mail such notice
of such adjustment of the Conversion Price to the holders of shares of
Series __ Preferred Stock at their addresses as shown on the stock books of
the Corporation.
(viii) In any case in which this subsection (d) provides that
an adjustment shall become effective immediately after a record date for an
event, the Corporation may defer until the occurrence of such event
(y) issuing to the holder of any share of Series __ Preferred Stock
converted after such record date and before the occurrence of such event
the additional shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion by
reason of the adjustment required by such event over and above the Common
Stock issuable upon such conversion before giving effect to such adjustment
and (z) paying to such holder any amount in cash in lieu of any fractional
share of Common Stock pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section 4.
(e) If:
(i) the Corporation shall declare a dividend (or any other
distribution) on the Common Stock (other than in cash out of retained
earnings); or
[(ii) [except for [list exempted issuances],] the Corporation
shall authorize the granting to the holders of Common Stock of rights or
warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of any class of capital
stock of the Corporation or any other rights or warrants; or]
(iii) there shall be any reclassification or change of the
Common Stock (other than a subdivision or combination of the outstanding
Common Stock and other than a change in the par value, or from par value to
no par value, or from no par value to par value), or any consolidation,
merger, or statutory share exchange to which the Corporation is a party and
for which approval of any shareholders of the Corporation is required, or
any sale or transfer of all or substantially all the assets of the
Corporation as an entirety or any Fundamental Change; or
-12-
<PAGE>
(iv) there shall be a voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
liquidation, or winding up of the Corporation,
then the Corporation shall cause to be filed with the conversion agent and
shall cause to be mailed to the holders of shares of the Series __ Preferred
Stock at their addresses as shown on the stock books of the Corporation, at
least 15 days prior to the applicable date hereinafter specified, a notice
stating (y) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such
dividend, distribution, or granting of rights or warrants, or, if a record is
not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of Common Stock of record
to be entitled to such dividend, distribution, or rights or warrants are to
be determined, or (z) the date on which such reclassification, change,
consolidation, merger, statutory share exchange, sale, transfer, Fundamental
Change, dissolution, liquidation, or winding up is expected to become
effective and the date as of which it is expected that holders of Common
Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of Common Stock
for securities or other property deliverable upon such reclassification,
change, consolidation, merger, statutory share exchange, sale, transfer,
Fundamental Change, dissolution, liquidation, or winding up. Failure to give
such notice or any defect therein shall not affect the legality or validity
of the proceedings described in subsection (h) of this Section 4 or in
paragraph (d)(i) [, (d)(ii) or (d)(iii)] of this Section 4.
(f) The Corporation covenants that it will at all times reserve
and keep available, free from preemptive rights, out of the aggregate of its
authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock, for the purpose of effecting
conversions of the Series __ Preferred Stock, the full number of shares of
Common Stock deliverable upon the conversion of all outstanding shares of
Series __ Preferred Stock not theretofore converted. For purposes of this
subsection (f), the number of shares of Common Stock which shall be
deliverable upon the conversion of all outstanding shares of Series __
Preferred Stock shall be computed as if at the time of computation all such
outstanding shares were held by a single holder.
Before taking any action which would cause any adjustment reducing
the Conversion Price below the then par value (if any) of the shares of
Common Stock deliverable upon conversion of the Series __ Preferred Stock,
the Corporation will take any corporate action which may, in the opinion of
its counsel, be necessary in order that the Corporation may validly and
legally issue fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock at such
adjusted Conversion Price.
The Corporation will endeavor to list the shares of Common Stock
required to be delivered upon conversion of the Series __ Preferred Stock
prior to such delivery upon each national securities exchange, if any, upon
which the outstanding Common Stock is listed at the time of such delivery.
-13-
<PAGE>
Prior to the delivery of any securities which the Corporation shall
be obligated to deliver upon conversion of the Series __ Preferred Stock, the
Corporation will endeavor to comply with all federal and state laws and
regulations thereunder requiring the registration of such securities with, or
any approval of or consent to the delivery thereof by, any governmental
authority.
(g) The Corporation will pay any and all documentary stamp or
similar issue or transfer taxes payable in respect of the issue or delivery
of shares of Common Stock on conversions of the Series __ Preferred Stock
pursuant hereto; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Corporation shall not be
required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer
involved in the issue or delivery of shares of Common Stock in a name other
than that of the holder of the Series __ Preferred Stock to be converted and
no such issue or delivery shall be made unless and until the person
requesting such issue or delivery has paid to the Corporation the amount of
any such tax or has established, to the satisfaction of the Corporation, that
such tax has been paid.
(h) Notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, if
any of the following events occur, namely (w) any reclassification or change of
outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than a change in par value, or from
par value to no par value, or from no par value to par value, or as a result of
a subdivision or combination of the Common Stock), (x) any consolidation,
merger, or combination of the Corporation with or into another corporation as a
result of which holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive stock,
securities, or other property or assets (including cash) with respect to or in
exchange for such Common Stock, [(y) any sale or conveyance of the properties
and assets of the Corporation as, or substantially as, an entirety to any other
entity as a result of which holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive
stock, securities, or other property or assets (including cash) with respect to
or in exchange for such Common Stock,] or (z) any Fundamental Change (including
any event referred to in the foregoing clauses [(w), (x), or (y)] that
constitutes a Fundamental Change), then appropriate provision shall be made so
that the holder of each share of Series __ Preferred Stock then outstanding
shall have the right to convert such share into the kind and amount of the
shares of stock and other securities or property or assets (including cash) that
would have been receivable upon such reclassification, change, consolidation,
merger, combination, sale, conveyance, or Fundamental Change by a holder of the
number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such share of
Series __ Preferred Stock immediately prior to such reclassification, change,
consolidation, merger, combination, sale, conveyance, or Fundamental Change [;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, if the event referred to in clauses [(w) through (z)]
above constitutes a Non-Stock Fundamental Change, each holder of Series __
Preferred Stock shall be entitled, upon conversion thereof, to receive such
amount of shares of stock, other securities, or property or assets (including
cash) as is determined by the number of shares of Common Stock receivable upon
conversion at the Conversion Price as adjusted in accordance with clause (i) of
the following paragraph of this subsection (h); and
-14-
<PAGE>
PROVIDED, FURTHER, that, if the event referred to in clauses [(w) through (z)]
above constitutes a Common Stock Fundamental Change, the foregoing
provisions of this subsection (h) shall not apply, but each holder of Series
__ Preferred Stock shall be entitled, upon conversion thereof at any time
following such Common Stock Fundamental Change, to receive such number of
shares of common stock of the successor or acquiring entity as is determined
by use of the Conversion Price as adjusted in accordance with clause (ii) of
the following paragraph of this subsection (h)]. The adjustments described
in this subsection (h) shall be subject to further adjustments as appropriate
that shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the relevant
adjustments provided for in this Section 4. If, in the case of any such
consolidation, merger, combination, sale, conveyance, or Fundamental Change,
the stock or other securities and property receivable thereupon by a holder
of shares of Common Stock include shares of stock, securities, or other
property or assets (including cash) of an entity other than the successor or
acquiring entity, as the case may be, in such consolidation, merger,
combination, sale, conveyance, or Fundamental Change, then the Corporation
shall enter into an agreement with such other entity for the benefit of the
holders of Series __ Preferred Stock that shall contain such provisions to
protect the interests of such holders as the Board shall reasonably consider
necessary by reason of the foregoing.
[For purposes of calculating any adjustment to be made in connection
with the occurrence of a Fundamental Change:]
[(i) in the case of a Non-Stock Fundamental Change, the
Conversion Price shall be deemed to be the lower of (1) the Conversion
Price in effect immediately prior to such Non-Stock Fundamental Change and
(2) the product of (a) the greater of the Applicable Price and the
Reference Market Price and (b) a fraction, the numerator of which is $_____
and the denominator of which is the amount at which one share of Series __
Preferred Stock would be redeemed by the Corporation if the redemption date
were the date of such Non-Stock Fundamental Change (such denominator being
the sum of (x) the product of the percentage (expressed as a decimal) set
forth in the table in Section 3 above or, for the period commencing
________________, ____, and ending ___________________, ____, the 12-month
period commencing _______________, ____, the 12-month period commencing
__________________, ____, and the 12-month period commencing ____________,
____, ____%, ____%, ____%, and ____%, respectively, and $_____, and (y) any
[then-accrued and then-accumulated and] [declared but] unpaid dividends on
the Series __ Preferred Stock); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if there were
[accrued or accumulated and] [declared but] unpaid dividends with respect
to the Series __ Preferred Stock at the time of such Non-Stock Fundamental
Change ("Passed Dividends") and if, thereafter, all (or any portion) of
such Passed Dividends are paid by the Corporation, then the Conversion
Price to be used in determining the amount of consideration to which
holders of Series __ Preferred Stock who have not converted their shares of
Series __ Preferred Stock shall be entitled upon
-15-
<PAGE>
conversion thereof shall be deemed to be the Conversion Price that would
have been used in making such determination if all (or such portion) of
such Passed Dividends had not been [accrued or accumulated and] [declared
but] unpaid at such time; and]
[(ii) in the case of a Common Stock Fundamental Change, the
Conversion Price of the shares of Series __ Preferred Stock immediately
following such Common Stock Fundamental Change shall be the Conversion
Price in effect immediately prior to such Common Stock Fundamental Change
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Purchaser Stock
Price and the denominator of which is the Applicable Price; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that in the event of a Common Stock Fundamental Change in which
(A) 100% by value of the consideration received by a holder of Common Stock
is common stock of the successor, acquiror, or other third party (and cash,
if any, is paid with respect to any fractional interests in such common
stock resulting from such Common Stock Fundamental Change) and (B) all of
the Common Stock of the Company shall have been exchanged for, converted
into, or acquired for [common stock of the successor, acquiror, or other
third party], the Conversion Price of the shares of Series __ Preferred
Stock immediately following such Common Stock Fundamental Change shall be
the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such Common Stock
Fundamental Change multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is one
(1) and the denominator of which is the number of shares of common stock of
the successor, acquiror, or other third party received by a holder of one
share of Common Stock as a result of such Common Stock Fundamental Change.]
5. LIQUIDATION RIGHTS. (a) Upon the dissolution, liquidation, or
winding up of the Corporation, the holders of the shares of Series __
Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive and to be paid out of the assets
of the Corporation available for distribution to its shareholders, before any
payment or distribution shall be made on the Common Stock or any other class
of stock ranking junior to Series __ Preferred Stock upon liquidation, the
amount of $_____ per share, plus a sum equal to all dividends
[(whether or not earned or declared) on such shares accrued and]
[declared but] unpaid thereon to the date of final distribution.
(b) Neither the sale of all or substantially all the property and
assets of the Corporation, nor the merger or consolidation of the Corporation
into or with any other corporation, nor the merger or consolidation of any
other corporation into or with the Corporation shall be deemed to be a
dissolution, liquidation, or winding up, voluntary or involuntary, for the
purposes of this Section 5.
(c) After the payment to the holders of the shares of Series __
Preferred Stock of the full preferential amounts provided for in this Section
5, the holders of Series __
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<PAGE>
Preferred Stock, as such, shall have no right or claim to any of the
remaining assets of the Corporation.
(d) In the event the assets of the Corporation available for
distribution to the holders of shares of Series __ Preferred Stock upon any
dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary
or involuntary, shall be insufficient to pay in full all amounts to which
such holders are entitled pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section 5, no
such distribution shall be made on account of any shares of any other series
of preferred stock or other capital stock of the Corporation ranking on a
parity with the shares of Series __ Preferred Stock upon such dissolution,
liquidation, or winding up unless proportionate distributive amounts shall be
paid on account of the shares of Series __ Preferred Stock, ratably, in
proportion to the full distributable amounts for which holders of all such
parity shares are respectively entitled upon such dissolution, liquidation,
or winding up.
(e) Subject to the rights of the holders of the shares of any
series or class or classes of stock ranking on a parity with or prior to the
shares of Series __ Preferred Stock upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding
up, upon any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Corporation,
after payment shall have been made in full to the holders of the shares of
Series __ Preferred Stock as provided in this Section 5, but not prior
thereto, any other series or class or classes of stock ranking junior to the
shares of Series __ Preferred Stock upon liquidation shall, subject to the
respective terms and provisions (if any) applying thereto, be entitled to
receive any and all assets remaining to be paid or distributed, and the
holders of the shares of Series __ Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to
share therein.
6. RANKING. For the purposes of this resolution, any stock of
any series or class or classes of the Corporation shall be deemed to rank:
(a) prior to the shares of Series __ Preferred Stock, either as to
dividends or upon liquidation, if the holders of such series or class or
classes shall be entitled to the receipt of dividends or of amounts
distributable upon dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of the
Corporation, as the case may be, in preference or priority to the holders of
shares of Series __ Preferred Stock;
(b) on a parity with shares of Series __ Preferred Stock, either
as to dividends or upon liquidation, whether or not the dividend rates,
dividend payment dates, or redemption or liquidation prices per share, or
sinking fund provisions, if any, be different from those of Series __
Preferred Stock, if the holders of such stock shall be entitled to the
receipt of dividends or of amounts distributable upon dissolution,
liquidation, or winding up of the Corporation, as the case may be, in
proportion to their respective dividend rates or liquidation prices, without
preference or priority, one over the other, as between the holders of such
stock and the holders of shares of Series __ Preferred Stock; and
-17-
<PAGE>
(c) junior to shares of Series __ Preferred Stock, either as to
dividends or upon liquidation, if such class shall be Common Stock or if the
holders of shares of Series __ Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receipt
of dividends or of amounts distributable upon dissolution, liquidation, or
winding up of the Corporation, as the case may be, in preference or priority
to the holders of shares of such series or class or classes.
7. PRIORITY OF SERIES PREFERRED STOCK. The shares of Series _
Preferred Stock will rank on a parity, both as to payment of dividends and the
distribution of assets upon liquidation, with the Corporation's
[______________________________________]. The Series _ Preferred Stock will
rank prior, both as to payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon
liquidation, to the Common Stock and the Corporation's [list senior preferred
stock].
8. VOTING RIGHTS. The shares of Series __ Preferred Stock,
except as hereinafter set forth or as otherwise from time to time required by
law, shall not have voting rights.
So long as any shares of Series ___ Preferred Stock remain
outstanding, the consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares
of Series __ Preferred Stock outstanding at the time (voting separately as a
class together with all other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity
with the Series __ Preferred Stock either as to dividends or the distribution
of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up and upon which like
voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) given in person or by
proxy, either in writing or at any special or annual meeting called for the
purpose, shall be necessary to permit, effect or validate any one or more of
the following:
(a) the authorization, creation or issuance, or any increase in the
authorized or issued amount, of any class or series of stock ranking prior
to the Series __ Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or
the distribution of assets on liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or
(b) the amendment, alteration or repeal, whether by merger,
consolidation or otherwise, of any of the provisions of the Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation or of the resolutions set forth in a
Certificate of Designation for the Series __ Preferred Stock and the
preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights
and qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof which would
materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting
power of the Series __ Preferred Stock or of the holders thereof; provided,
however, that any increase in the amount of authorized Preferred Stock or
the creation and issuance of other series of Preferred Stock, or any
increase in the amount of authorized shares of any series of
-18-
<PAGE>
Preferred Stock, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior to the
Series __ Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and the
distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, shall
not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences,
privileges or voting powers.
The foregoing voting provisions shall not apply if, at or prior to
the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be
required shall be effected, all outstanding shares of Series __ Preferred
Stock shall have been redeemed or sufficient funds shall have been deposited
in trust to effect such redemption."
-19-
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of
Designations to be signed by __________________, its ___________________, and
attested by ____________________, its _________________, whereby such
____________________ affirms, under penalties of perjury, that this Certificate
of Designations is the act and deed of the Corporation and that the facts stated
herein are true, this ____ day of ____________, ____.
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By
-------------------------------------
[Name and Office]
Attest:
- -------------------------------------
[Name and Office]
-20-
<PAGE>
Exhibit 4.6
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF MINNESOTA
NUMBER SHARES
SPECIMEN SPECIMEN
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
SERIES _ [CUMULATIVE] [NONCUMULATIVE] PREFERRED STOCK
$.01 PAR VALUE PER SHARE
THIS CERTIFIES THAT SPECIMEN is the owner and
---------------------------------------
REGISTERED HOLDER OF SPECIMEN Shares of
---------------------------------------------
Series _ [Cumulative] [Noncumulative] Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per
share, of Fingerhut Companies, Inc., subject to the terms and conditions
printed on the back of this certificate and made a part hereof transferable
only on the books of the corporation by the holder hereof in person or by
duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this certificate properly
endorsed. This certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer
Agent and registered by the Registrar.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said corporation has caused this certificate to be
signed by its duly authorized officers and to be sealed with the seal of the
corporation this _________ day of ________________, 19_______.
COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED: President
[**________________________
_________________]
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR Secretary
BY
SEAL
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
<PAGE>
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
THE CORPORATION WILL FURNISH TO ANY SHAREHOLDER UPON REQUEST AND WITHOUT
CHARGE, A FULL STATEMENT OF THE DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES, LIMITATIONS, AND
RELATIVE RIGHTS OF THE SHARES OF EACH CLASS OR SERIES AUTHORIZED TO BE
ISSUED, SO FAR AS THEY HAVE BEEN DETERMINED, AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS TO DETERMINE THE RELATIVE RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES OF SUBSEQUENT
CLASSES OR SERIES.
---------------------
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of
this Certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
TEN COM -as tenants in common UNIF GIFT MIN ACT - Custodian
-----------------------------------
(Cust) (Minor)
TEN ENT -as tenants by the entireties Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
JT TEN -as joint tenants with right -----------------------------------
of survivorship and not as (State)
tenants in common
</TABLE>
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
For value received, __________________________________ hereby sell(s),
assign(s) and transfer(s) unto
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
- -----------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and
appoint
Attorney
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
to transfer the said Shares on the books of the within-named Corporation with
full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated:
-------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must
correspond with the name as written upon the
face of this Certificate in every particular,
without alteration or enlargement or any
change whatever.
<PAGE>
Exhibit 4.7
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF MINNESOTA
NUMBER SHARES
SPECIMEN SPECIMEN
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
SERIES _ CONVERTIBLE [CUMULATIVE] [NONCUMULATIVE] PREFERRED STOCK
$.01 PAR VALUE PER SHARE
THIS CERTIFIES THAT SPECIMEN is the owner and
--------------------------------------
REGISTERED HOLDER OF SPECIMEN Shares of
--------------------------------------------
Series _ Convertible [Cumulative] [Noncumulative] Preferred Stock, $.01 par
value per share, of Fingerhut Companies, Inc., subject to the terms and
conditions printed on the back of this certificate and made a part hereof
transferable only on the books of the corporation by the holder hereof in
person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this certificate
properly endorsed. This certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the
Transfer Agent and registered by the Registrar.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said corporation has caused this certificate to be
signed by its duly authorized officers and to be sealed with the seal of the
corporation this _________ day of ________________, 19_______.
COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED: President
[_________________________
_________________________]
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR Secretary
BY
SEAL
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
<PAGE>
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
THE CORPORATION WILL FURNISH TO ANY SHAREHOLDER UPON REQUEST AND WITHOUT
CHARGE, A FULL STATEMENT OF THE DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES, LIMITATIONS, AND
RELATIVE RIGHTS OF THE SHARES OF EACH CLASS OR SERIES AUTHORIZED TO BE ISSUED,
SO FAR AS THEY HAVE BEEN DETERMINED, AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TO DETERMINE THE RELATIVE RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES OF SUBSEQUENT CLASSES OR
SERIES.
---------------------
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of
this Certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
TEN COM -as tenants in common UNIF GIFT MIN ACT - Custodian
---------------------------------
(Cust) (Minor)
TEN ENT -as tenants by the entireties Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
JT TEN -as joint tenants with right ---------------------------------
of survivorship and not as (State)
tenants in common
</TABLE>
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
For value received, _____________________________________________ hereby
sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
- -----------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and
appoint
Attorney
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
to transfer the said Shares on the books of the within-named Corporation with
full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated:
-------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must
correspond with the name as written upon the
face of this Certificate in every particular,
without alteration or enlargement or any
change whatever.
<PAGE>
Exhibit 4.8
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.,
[_______________________________], AS DEPOSITARY
AND
THE HOLDERS FROM TIME TO TIME OF
THE DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS DESCRIBED HEREIN
DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF ___________, ____
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
ARTICLE I
Definitions
<S> <C> <C>
Certificate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Deposit Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Depositary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Depositary Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Depositary's Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Depositary's Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Receipt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
record holder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Registrar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
ARTICLE II
Form of Receipts; Deposit of Stock; Execution and Delivery; Transfer, Surrender and
Redemption of Receipts
Section 2.01. Form and Transfer of Receipts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Section 2.02. Deposit of Stock; Execution and Delivery of Receipts in Respect
Thereof. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Section 2.03. Redemption of Stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Section 2.04. Registration of Transfer of Receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Section 2.05. Split-ups and Combinations of Receipts; Surrender of Receipts and
Withdrawal of Stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Section 2.06. Limitations on Execution and Delivery, Transfer, Surrender and
Exchange of Receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Section 2.07. Lost Receipts, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Section 2.08. Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts . . . . . . . . .7
Section 2.09. Conversion of Stock into Common Stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
ARTICLE III
Certain Obligations of Holders of Receipts and the Company
Section 3.01. Filing Proofs, Certificates and Other Information. . . . . . . . . . .8
Section 3.02. Payment of Taxes or Other Governmental Charges . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Section 3.03. Warranty as to Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
</TABLE>
-i-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ARTICLE IV
The Deposited Securities; Notices
<S> <C> <C>
Section 4.01. Cash Distributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Section 4.02. Distributions Other than Cash, Rights, Preferences or Privileges . . .9
Section 4.03. Subscription Rights, Preferences or Privileges . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Section 4.04. Notice of Dividends, etc.; Fixing of Record Date for Holders of
Receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Section 4.05. Voting Rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Section 4.06. Changes Affecting Deposited Securities and Reclassifications,
Recapitalizations, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Section 4.07. Inspection of Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section 4.08. Lists of Receipt Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
ARTICLE V
The Depositary, the Depositary's Agents, the Registrar and the Company
Section 5.01. Maintenance of Offices, Agencies and Transfer Books by the
Depositary; Registrar . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section 5.02. Prevention of or Delay in Performance by the Depositary, the
Depositary's Agents, the Registrar or the Company . . . . .. . . . . 14
Section 5.03. Obligations of the Depositary, the Depositary's Agents, the
Registrar and the Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Section 5.04. Resignation and Removal of the Depositary; Appointment of
Successor Depositary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Section 5.05. Corporate Notices and Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Section 5.06. Indemnification by the Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Section 5.07. Charges and Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
ARTICLE VI
Amendment and Termination
Section 6.01. Amendment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Section 6.02. Termination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
ARTICLE VII
Miscellaneous
Section 7.01. Counterparts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Section 7.02. Exclusive Benefit of Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Section 7.03. Invalidity of Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Section 7.04. Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Section 7.05. Depositary's Agents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Section 7.06. Holders of Receipts Are Parties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
</TABLE>
-ii-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Section 7.07. Governing Law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Section 7.08. Inspection of Deposit Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Section 7.09. Headings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
</TABLE>
-iii-
<PAGE>
DEPOSIT AGREEMENT dated as of
___________, ____, among FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.,
a Minnesota corporation,
[_____________________________________],
and the holders from time to time of the
Receipts described herein.
WHEREAS, it is desired to provide, as hereinafter set forth in this
Deposit Agreement, for the deposit of shares of [Cumulative] [Noncumulative]
[Convertible] Preferred Stock, Series ___, par value $.01 per share, of
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC. with the Depositary for the purposes set forth in
this Deposit Agreement and for the issuance hereunder of Receipts evidencing
Depositary Shares in respect of the Stock so deposited; and
WHEREAS, the Receipts are to be substantially in the form of
Exhibit A annexed hereto, with appropriate insertions, modifications and
omissions, as hereinafter provided in this Deposit Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the parties
hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall for all purposes, unless otherwise
indicated, apply to the respective terms used in this Deposit Agreement:
"Certificate" shall mean the certificate of designation,
preferences and rights filed with the Secretary of State of Minnesota
establishing the Stock as a series of preferred stock of the Company.
"Company" shall mean Fingerhut Companies, Inc., a Minnesota
corporation, and its successors.
"Deposit Agreement" shall mean this Deposit Agreement, as amended
or supplemented from time to time.
"Depositary" shall mean [__________________________], and any
successor as Depositary hereunder.
<PAGE>
"Depositary Shares" shall mean Depositary Shares, each representing
[one quarter] of a share of Stock and evidenced by a Receipt.
"Depositary's Agent" shall mean an agent appointed by the
Depositary pursuant to Section 7.05.
"Depositary's Office" shall mean the office of the Depositary in
[________________________], at which at any particular time its depositary
receipt business shall be administered.
"Receipt" shall mean one of the Depositary Receipts issued
hereunder, whether in definitive or temporary form.
"record holder" as applied to a Receipt shall mean the person in
whose name a Receipt is registered on the books of the Depositary maintained
for such purpose.
"Registrar" shall mean any bank or trust company which shall be
appointed to register ownership and transfers of Receipts as herein provided.
"Stock" shall mean shares of the Company's [Cumulative]
[Noncumulative] [Convertible] Preferred Stock, Series ___, par value $.01 per
share.
ARTICLE II
FORM OF RECEIPTS; DEPOSIT OF STOCK;
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY; TRANSFER,
SURRENDER AND REDEMPTION OF RECEIPTS
Section 2.01. FORM AND TRANSFER OF RECEIPTS. Definitive Receipts
shall be engraved or printed or lithographed on steel-engraved borders and
shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A annexed to this
Deposit Agreement, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions,
as hereinafter provided. Pending the preparation of definitive Receipts, the
Depositary, upon the written order of the Company or any holder of Stock, as
the case may be, delivered in compliance with Section 2.02, shall execute and
deliver temporary Receipts which are printed, lithographed, typewritten,
mimeographed or otherwise substantially of the tenor of the definitive
Receipts in lieu of which they are issued and with such appropriate
insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the persons
executing such Receipts may determine, as evidenced by their execution of
such Receipts. If temporary Receipts are issued, the Company and the
Depositary will cause definitive Receipts to be prepared without unreasonable
delay. After the preparation of definitive Receipts, the temporary Receipts
shall be exchangeable for definitive Receipts upon surrender of the temporary
Receipts at an office described in the last paragraph of Section 2.02,
without charge to the holder. Upon surrender
-2-
<PAGE>
for cancellation of any one or more temporary Receipts, the Depositary shall
execute and deliver in exchange therefor definitive Receipts representing the
same number of Depositary Shares as represented by the surrendered temporary
Receipt or Receipts. Such exchange shall be made at the Company's expense
and without any charge therefor. Until so exchanged, the temporary Receipts
shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Deposit
Agreement, and with respect to the Stock, as definitive Receipts.
Receipts shall be executed by the Depositary by the manual
signature of a duly authorized officer of the Depositary; PROVIDED, that such
signature may be a facsimile if a Registrar for the Receipts (other than the
Depositary) shall have been appointed and such Receipts are countersigned by
manual signature of a duly authorized officer of the Registrar. No Receipt
shall be entitled to any benefits under this Deposit Agreement or be valid or
obligatory for any purpose unless it shall have been executed manually by a
duly authorized officer of the Depositary or, if a Registrar for the Receipts
(other than the Depositary) shall have been appointed, by manual or facsimile
signature of a duly authorized officer of the Depositary and countersigned
manually by a duly authorized officer of such Registrar. The Depositary
shall record on its books each Receipt so signed and delivered as hereinafter
provided.
Receipts shall be in denominations of any number of whole
Depositary Shares up to but not in excess of __________ Depositary Shares for
any particular Receipt.
Receipts may be endorsed with or have incorporated in the text
thereof such legends or recitals or changes not inconsistent with the
provisions of this Deposit Agreement as may be required by the Depositary or
required to comply with any applicable law or any regulation thereunder or
with the rules and regulations of any securities exchange upon which the
Stock, the Depositary Shares or the Receipts may be listed or to conform with
any usage with respect thereto, or to indicate any special limitations or
restrictions to which any particular Receipts are subject.
Title to Depositary Shares evidenced by a Receipt which is properly
endorsed, or accompanied by a properly executed instrument of transfer, shall
be transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of a
negotiable instrument; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that until transfer of a Receipt
shall be registered on the books of the Depositary as provided in Section
2.04, the Depositary may, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, treat
the record holder thereof at such time as the absolute owner thereof for the
purpose of determining the person entitled to distributions of dividends or
other distributions or to any notice provided for in this Deposit Agreement
and for all other purposes.
Section 2.02. DEPOSIT OF STOCK; EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF RECEIPTS
IN RESPECT THEREOF. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit
Agreement, the Company or any holder of Stock may from time to time deposit
shares of the Stock under this Deposit Agreement by delivery to the
Depositary of a certificate or certificates for the Stock to be
-3-
<PAGE>
deposited, properly endorsed or accompanied, if required by the Depositary,
by a duly executed instrument of transfer or endorsement, in form
satisfactory to the Depositary, together with all such certifications as may
be required by the Depositary in accordance with the provisions of this
Deposit Agreement, and together with a written order of the Company or such
holder, as the case may be, directing the Depositary to execute and deliver
to, or upon the written order of, the person or persons stated in such order
a Receipt or Receipts for the number of Depositary Shares representing such
deposited Stock.
Deposited Stock shall be held by the Depositary at the Depositary's
Office or at such other place or places as the Depositary shall determine.
Upon receipt by the Depositary of a certificate or certificates for
Stock deposited in accordance with the provisions of this Section, together
with the other documents required as above specified, and upon recordation of
the Stock on the books of the Company in the name of the Depositary or its
nominee, the Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit
Agreement, shall execute and deliver, to or upon the order of the person or
persons named in the written order delivered to the Depositary referred to in
the first paragraph of this Section, a Receipt or Receipts for the number of
Depositary Shares representing the Stock so deposited and registered in such
name or names as may be requested by such person or persons.
The Depositary shall execute and deliver such Receipt or Receipts
at the Depositary's Office or such other offices, if any, as the Depositary
may designate. Delivery at other offices shall be at the risk and expense of
the person requesting such delivery.
Other than in the case of splits, combinations or other
reclassifications affecting the Stock, or in the case of dividends or other
distributions of Stock, if any, there shall be deposited hereunder not more
than ____ shares of Stock.
Section 2.03. REDEMPTION OF STOCK. Whenever the Company shall
elect to redeem shares of Stock in accordance with the provisions of the
Certificate, if the Certificate provides for such redemption, it shall
(unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Depositary) give the Depositary
not less than 40 nor more than 70 days' notice of the date of such proposed
redemption of Stock, which notice shall be accompanied by a certificate from
the Company stating that such redemption of Stock is in accordance with the
provisions of the Certificate. Such notice, if given more than 50 days prior
to the redemption date, shall be in addition to the notice required to be
given for redemption pursuant to the Certificate. On the date of such
redemption, provided that the Company shall then have paid in full to the
Depositary the redemption price of the Stock to be redeemed,
[plus any accrued and] [declared but] unpaid dividends thereon, the
Depositary shall redeem the number of Depositary Shares representing such
Stock. The Depositary shall mail notice of such redemption and the proposed
simultaneous redemption of the number of Depositary Shares representing the
Stock to be redeemed, first-class postage prepaid, not less than 30 and not
more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption of such Stock and
Depositary Shares (the "Redemption Date"), to the
-4-
<PAGE>
record holders of the Receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares to be so
redeemed, at the addresses of such holders as they appear on the records of
the Depositary; but neither failure to mail any such notice to one or more
such holders nor any defect in any notice to one or more such holders shall
affect the sufficiency of the proceedings for redemption as to other holders.
Each such notice shall state: (i) the Redemption Date; (ii) the number of
Depositary Shares to be redeemed and, if less than all the Depositary Shares
held by any such holder are to be redeemed, the number of such Depositary
Shares held by such holder to be so redeemed; (iii) the redemption price;
[and] (iv) the place or places where Receipts evidencing Depositary Shares
are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price [; and (v) that
dividends in respect of the Stock represented by the Depositary Shares to be
redeemed will cease to accumulate on such Redemption Date]. In case less than
all the outstanding Depositary Shares are to be redeemed, the Depositary
Shares to be so redeemed shall be selected on a pro rata basis as determined
by the Company.
Notice having been mailed by the Depositary as aforesaid, from and
after the Redemption Date (unless the Company shall have failed to redeem the
shares of Stock to be redeemed by it as set forth in the Company's notice
provided for in the preceding paragraph) [all dividends in respect of the
shares of Stock so called for redemption shall cease to accumulate,] the
Depositary Shares being redeemed from such proceeds shall be deemed no
longer to be outstanding, all rights of the holders of Receipts evidencing
such Depositary Shares (except the right to receive the redemption price)
shall, to the extent of such Depositary Shares cease and terminate and, upon
surrender in accordance with such notice of the Receipts evidencing any such
Depositary Shares (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the
Depositary shall so require), such Depositary Shares shall be redeemed by the
Depositary at a redemption price per Depositary Share equal to [one quarter]
of the redemption price per share paid in respect of the shares of Stock plus
all money and other property, if any, represented by such Depositary Shares,
including all amounts paid by the Company in respect of dividends which on
the Redemption Date [have accumulated on the shares of Stock to be so redeemed
and] have not theretofore been paid.
If less than all the Depositary Shares evidenced by a Receipt are
called for redemption, the Depositary will deliver to the holder of such
Receipt upon its surrender to the Depositary, together with the redemption
payment, a new Receipt evidencing the Depositary Shares evidenced by such
prior Receipt and not called for redemption.
Section 2.04. REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER OF RECEIPTS. Subject to
the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall
register on its books from time to time transfers of Receipts upon any
surrender thereof by the holder in person or by duly authorized attorney,
properly endorsed or accompanied by a properly executed instrument of
transfer. Thereupon the Depositary shall execute a new Receipt or Receipts
evidencing the same aggregate number of Depositary Shares as those evidenced
by the Receipt or Receipts surrendered and deliver such new Receipt or
Receipts to or upon the order of the person entitled thereto.
-5-
<PAGE>
Section 2.05. SPLIT-UPS AND COMBINATIONS OF RECEIPTS; SURRENDER OF
RECEIPTS AND WITHDRAWAL OF STOCK. Upon surrender of a Receipt or Receipts at
the Depositary's Office or at such other offices as it may designate for the
purpose of effecting a split-up or combination of such Receipt or Receipts,
and subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, the
Depositary shall execute and deliver a new Receipt or Receipts in the
authorized denomination or denominations requested, evidencing the aggregate
number of Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipt or Receipts surrendered.
Any holder of a Receipt or Receipts representing any number of
whole shares of Stock may withdraw the Stock and all money and other
property, if any, represented thereby by surrendering such Receipt or
Receipts at the Depositary's Office or at such other offices as the
Depositary may designate for such withdrawals. Thereafter, without
unreasonable delay, the Depositary shall deliver to such holder, or to the
person or persons designated by such holder as hereinafter provided, the
number of whole shares of Stock and all money and other property, if any,
represented by the Receipt or Receipts so surrendered for withdrawal, but
holders of such whole shares of Stock will not thereafter be entitled to
deposit such Stock hereunder or to receive Depositary Shares therefor. If a
Receipt delivered by the holder to the Depositary in connection with such
withdrawal shall evidence a number of Depositary Shares in excess of the
number of Depositary Shares representing the number of whole shares of Stock
to be so withdrawn, the Depositary shall at the same time, in addition to
such number of whole shares of Stock and such money and other property, if
any, to be so withdrawn, deliver to such holder, or (subject to Section 2.03)
upon his order, a new Receipt evidencing such excess number of Depositary
Shares. Delivery of the Stock and money and other property being withdrawn
may be made by the delivery of such certificates, documents of title and
other instruments as the Depositary may deem appropriate.
If the Stock and the money and other property being withdrawn are
to be delivered to a person or persons other than the record holder of the
Receipt or Receipts being surrendered for withdrawal of Stock, such holder
shall execute and deliver to the Depositary a written order so directing the
Depositary and the Depositary may require that the Receipt or Receipts
surrendered by such holder for withdrawal of such shares of Stock be properly
endorsed in blank or accompanied by a properly executed instrument of
transfer in blank.
Delivery of the Stock and the money and other property, if any,
represented by Receipts surrendered for withdrawal shall be made by the
Depositary at the Depositary's Office, except that, at the request, risk and
expense of the holder surrendering such Receipt or Receipts and for the
account of the holder thereof, such delivery may be made at such other place
as may be designated by such holder.
Section 2.06. LIMITATIONS ON EXECUTION AND DELIVERY, TRANSFER,
SURRENDER AND EXCHANGE OF RECEIPTS. As a condition precedent to the
execution and delivery, registration of transfer, split-up, combination,
surrender or exchange of any Receipt, the Depositary, any of the
-6-
<PAGE>
Depositary's Agents or the Company may require payment to it of a sum
sufficient for the payment (or, in the event that the Depositary or the
Company shall have made such payment, the reimbursement to it) of any charges
or expenses payable by the holder of a Receipt pursuant to Section 5.07, may
require the production of evidence satisfactory to it as to the identity and
genuineness of any signature and may also require compliance with such
regulations, if any, as the Depositary or the Company may establish
consistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.
The deposit of Stock may be refused, the delivery of Receipts
against Stock may be suspended, the registration of transfer of Receipts may
be refused and the registration of transfer, surrender or exchange of
outstanding Receipts may be suspended (i) during any period when the register
of shareholders of the Company is closed, or (ii) if any such action is
deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary, any of the Depositary's
Agents or the Company at any time or from time to time because of any
requirement of law or of any government or governmental body or commission or
under any provision of this Deposit Agreement.
Section 2.07. LOST RECEIPTS, ETC. In case any Receipt shall be
mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen, the Depositary in its discretion may
execute and deliver a Receipt of like form and tenor in exchange and
substitution for such mutilated Receipt, or in lieu of and in substitution
for such destroyed, lost or stolen Receipt, upon (i) the filing by the holder
thereof with the Depositary of evidence satisfactory to the Depositary of
such destruction or loss or theft of such Receipt, of the authenticity
thereof and of his or her ownership thereof, and (ii) the furnishing of the
Depositary with an indemnity bond satisfactory to it.
Section 2.08. CANCELLATION AND DESTRUCTION OF SURRENDERED
RECEIPTS. All Receipts surrendered to the Depositary or any Depositary's
Agent shall be cancelled by the Depositary. Except as prohibited by
applicable law or regulation, the Depositary is authorized to destroy all
Receipts so cancelled.
[Section 2.09. CONVERSION OF STOCK INTO COMMON STOCK. It is understood
and agreed that the Depositary Shares are not convertible into the Common Stock,
par value $.01 per share, of the Company (the "Common Stock") or any other
securities or property of the Company. Nevertheless, as a matter of
convenience, the Company hereby agrees to accept (or to cause its conversion
agent to accept) the delivery of Receipts for the purpose of effecting
conversions of the Stock utilizing the same procedures as those provided for
delivery of Stock certificates to effect such conversions in accordance with
the terms and conditions of the Certificate; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that only
whole Depositary Shares may be so submitted for conversion. If fewer than all
of the Depositary Shares evidenced by a Receipt are to be converted, the
Company shall instruct the Depositary to issue a new Receipt or Receipts for
the Depositary Shares not to be converted. For this purpose, a holder of a
Receipt or Receipts may surrender such Receipt or Receipts to the Company at
the Depositary's Office or at such other office as the Company may from time
to time designate for such purpose, together with a duly completed and
executed Notice of Conversion in the form included in the Receipt. In all
cases,
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the foregoing shall be conditioned upon compliance in full by the holder of
such Receipt or Receipts with the terms and conditions of the Certificate and
of this Deposit Agreement. The Company shall instruct the Depositary to
cancel each Receipt surrendered for such conversion and to deliver to the
Company any certificates for related Stock so converted, and the Company will
cancel such Stock certificates.]
ARTICLE III
CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF HOLDERS
OF RECEIPTS AND THE COMPANY
Section 3.01. FILING PROOFS, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION.
Any holder of a Receipt may be required from time to time to file such proof
of residence, or other matters or other information, to execute such
certificates and to make such representations and warranties as the
Depositary or the Company may reasonably deem necessary or proper. The
Depositary or the Company may withhold the delivery, or delay the
registration of transfer, redemption or exchange, of any Receipt or the
withdrawal of the Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by any
Receipt or the distribution of any dividend or other distribution or the sale
of any rights or of the proceeds thereof until such proof or other
information is filed or such certificates are executed or such
representations and warranties are made.
Section 3.02. PAYMENT OF TAXES OR OTHER GOVERNMENTAL CHARGES.
Holders of Receipts shall be obligated to make payments to the Depositary of
certain charges and expenses, as provided in Section 5.07. Registration of
transfer of any Receipt or any withdrawal of Stock and all money or other
property, if any, represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such
Receipt may be refused until any such payment due is made, and any dividends,
interest payments or other distributions may be withheld or any part of or
all the Stock or other property represented by the Depositary Shares
evidenced by such Receipt and not theretofore sold may be sold for the
account of the holder thereof (after attempting by reasonable means to notify
such holder prior to such sale), and such dividends, interest payments or
other distributions or the proceeds of any such sale may be applied to any
payment of such charges or expenses, the holder of such Receipt remaining
liable for any deficiency.
Section 3.03. WARRANTY AS TO STOCK. The Company hereby represents
and warrants that the Stock, when issued, will be validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable. Such representation and warranty shall survive the
deposit of the Stock and the issuance of Receipts.
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ARTICLE IV
THE DEPOSITED SECURITIES; NOTICES
Section 4.01. CASH DISTRIBUTIONS. Whenever the Depositary shall
receive any cash dividend or other cash distribution on Stock, the Depositary
shall, subject to Sections 3.01 and 3.02, distribute to record holders of
Receipts on the record date fixed pursuant to Section 4.04 such amounts of
such dividend or distribution as are, as nearly as practicable, in proportion
to the respective numbers of Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipts held
by such holders; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in case the Company or the
Depositary shall be required to withhold and shall withhold from any cash
dividend or other cash distribution in respect of the Stock an amount on
account of taxes, the amount made available for distribution or distributed
in respect of Depositary Shares shall be reduced accordingly. The Depositary
shall distribute or make available for distribution, as the case may be, 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
distributable shall be held by the Depositary (without liability for interest
thereon) and shall be added to and be treated as part of the next sum
received by the Depositary for distribution to record holders of Receipts
then outstanding.
Section 4.02. DISTRIBUTIONS OTHER THAN CASH, RIGHTS, PREFERENCES
OR PRIVILEGES. Whenever the Depositary shall receive any distribution other
than cash, rights, preferences or privileges upon Stock, the Depositary
shall, subject to Sections 3.01 and 3.02, distribute to record holders of
Receipts on the record date fixed pursuant to Section 4.04 such amounts of
the securities or property received by it as are, as nearly as practicable,
in proportion to the respective numbers of Depositary Shares evidenced by the
Receipts held by such holders, in any manner that the Depositary may deem
equitable and practicable for accomplishing such distribution. If in the
opinion of the Depositary such distribution cannot be made proportionately
among such record holders, or if for any other reason (including any
requirement that the Company or the Depositary withhold an amount on account
of taxes) the Depositary deems, after consultation with the Company, such
distribution not to be feasible, the Depositary may, with the approval of the
Company, adopt such method as it deems equitable and practicable for the
purpose of effecting such distribution, including the sale (at public or
private sale) of the securities or property thus received, or any part
thereof, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper.
The net proceeds of any such sale shall, subject to Sections 3.01 and 3.02,
be distributed or made available for distribution, as the case may be, by the
Depositary to record holders of Receipts as provided by Section 4.01 in the
case of a distribution received in cash. The Company shall not make any
distribution of such securities unless the Company shall have provided an
opinion of counsel stating that such securities have been registered under
the Securities Act of 1933 or do not need to be registered.
Section 4.03. SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS, PREFERENCES OR PRIVILEGES. If
the Company shall at any time offer or cause to be offered to the persons in
whose names Stock is recorded on the books of the Company any rights,
preferences or privileges to subscribe for or to
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purchase any securities or any rights, preferences or privileges of any other
nature, such rights, preferences or privileges shall in each such instance be
made available by the Depositary to the record holders of Receipts in such
manner as the Depositary may determine, either by the issue to such record
holders of warrants representing such rights, preferences or privileges or by
such other method as may be approved by the Depositary in its discretion with
the approval of the Company; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i) if at the time of
issue or offer of any such rights, preferences or privileges the Depositary
determines that it is not lawful or (after consultation with the Company) not
feasible to make such rights, preferences or privileges available to holders
of Receipts by the issue of warrants or otherwise, or (ii) if and to the
extent so instructed by holders of Receipts who do not desire to exercise
such rights, preferences or privileges, then the Depositary, in its
discretion (with the approval of the Company, in any case where the
Depositary has determined that it is not feasible to make such rights,
preferences or privileges available), may, if applicable laws or the terms of
such rights, preferences or privileges permit such transfer, sell such
rights, preferences or privileges at public or private sale, at such place or
places and upon such terms as it may deem proper. The net proceeds of any
such sale shall, subject to Sections 3.01 and 3.02, be distributed by the
Depositary to the record holders of Receipts entitled thereto as provided by
Section 4.01 in the case of a distribution received in cash. The Company
shall not make any distribution of any such rights, preferences or privileges
unless the Company shall have provided an opinion of counsel stating that
such rights, preferences or privileges have been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933 or do not need to be registered.
If registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of the securities
to which any rights, preferences or privileges relate is required in order
for holders of Receipts to be offered or sold the securities to which such
rights, preferences or privileges relate, the Company agrees with the
Depositary that it will file promptly a registration statement pursuant to
such Act with respect to such rights, preferences or privileges and
securities and use its best efforts and take all steps available to it to
cause such registration statement to become effective sufficiently in advance
of the expiration of such rights, preferences or privileges to enable such
holders to exercise such rights, preferences or privileges. In no event
shall the Depositary make available to the holders of Receipts any right,
preference or privilege to subscribe for or to purchase any securities unless
and until such a registration statement shall have become effective, or
unless the offering and sale of such securities to such holders are exempt
from registration under the provisions of such Act.
If any other action under the laws of any jurisdiction or any
governmental or administrative authorization, consent or permit is required
in order for such rights, preferences or privileges to be made available to
holders of Receipts, the Company agrees with the Depositary that the Company
will use its best efforts to take such action or obtain such authorization,
consent or permit sufficiently in advance of the expiration of such rights,
preferences or privileges to enable such holders to exercise such rights,
preferences or privileges.
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Section 4.04. NOTICE OF DIVIDENDS, ETC.; FIXING OF RECORD DATE FOR
HOLDERS OF RECEIPTS. Whenever any cash dividend or other cash distribution
shall become payable or any distribution other than cash shall be made, or if
rights, preferences or privileges shall at any time be offered, with respect
to Stock, or whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of any meeting at
which holders of Stock are entitled to vote or of which holders of Stock are
entitled to notice, or whenever the Depositary and the Company shall decide
it is appropriate, the Depositary will in each such instance fix a record
date (which shall be the same date as the record date fixed by the Company
with respect to the Stock) for the determination of the holders of Receipts
who will be entitled to receive such dividend, distribution, rights,
preferences or privileges or the net proceeds of the sale thereof, or to give
instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting, or who
will be entitled to notice of such meeting or for any other appropriate
reasons.
Section 4.05. VOTING RIGHTS. Upon receipt of notice of any
meeting at which the holders of Stock are entitled to vote, the Depositary
will, as soon as practicable thereafter, mail to the record holders of
Receipts a notice which shall contain (i) such information as is contained in
such notice of meeting, and (ii) a statement that the holders may, subject to
any applicable restrictions, instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of
the voting rights pertaining to the amount of Stock represented by their
respective Depositary Shares (including an express indication that
instructions may be given to the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to
a person designated by the Company) and a brief statement as to the manner in
which such instructions may be given. Upon the written request of the holders
of Receipts on the relevant record date, the Depositary will endeavor insofar
as practicable to vote or cause to be voted, in accordance with the
instructions set forth in such requests, the maximum number of whole shares
of Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by all Receipts as to
which any particular voting instructions are received. The Company hereby
agrees to take all action which may be deemed necessary by the Depositary in
order to enable the Depositary to vote such Stock or cause such Stock to be
voted. In the absence of specific instructions from the holder of a Receipt,
the Depositary will abstain from voting (but, at its discretion, not from
appearing at any meeting with respect to such Stock unless directed to the
contrary by the holders of all the Receipts) to the extent of the Stock
represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt.
Section 4.06. CHANGES AFFECTING DEPOSITED SECURITIES AND
RECLASSIFICATIONS, RECAPITALIZATIONS, ETC. Upon any change in par or stated
value, split-up, combination or any other reclassification of the Stock, or
upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, amalgamation or
consolidation affecting the Company or to which it is a party, the Depositary
may in its discretion with the approval of, and will upon the instructions
of, the Company, and (in either case) in such manner as the Depositary may
deem equitable, (i) make such adjustments as are certified by the Company in
(x) the fraction of an interest represented by one Depositary Share in one
share of Stock, and (y) the ratio of the redemption price per Depositary
Share to the redemption price of a share of Stock, in each case as may be
necessary fully to reflect the effects of such changes in par or stated
value, split-up, combination or other
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reclassification of Stock, or of such recapitalization, reorganization,
merger, amalgamation or consolidation, and (ii) treat any securities which
shall be received by the Depositary in exchange for or upon conversion of or
in respect of the Stock as new deposited securities so received in exchange
for or upon conversion or in respect of such Stock. In any such case the
Depositary may in its discretion, with the approval of the Company, execute
and deliver additional Receipts, or may call for the surrender of all
outstanding Receipts to be exchanged for new Receipts specifically describing
such new deposited securities. Anything to the contrary herein
notwithstanding, holders of Receipts shall have the right from and after the
effective date of any such change in par or stated value, split-up,
combination or other reclassification of the Stock or any such
recapitalization, reorganization, merger, amalgamation or consolidation to
surrender such Receipts to the Depositary with instructions to convert,
exchange or surrender the Stock represented thereby only into or for, as the
case may be, the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and
property and cash into which the Stock represented by such Receipts might
have been converted or for which such Stock might have been exchanged or
surrendered immediately prior to the effective date of such transaction.
Section 4.07. INSPECTION OF REPORTS. The Depositary shall make
available for inspection by holders of Receipts at the Depositary's Office,
and at such other places as it may from time to time deem advisable, any
reports and communications received from the Company which are received by
the Depositary as the holder of Stock.
Section 4.08. LISTS OF RECEIPT HOLDERS. Promptly upon request
from time to time by the Company, the Depositary will furnish to it a list,
as of a recent date, of the names, addresses and holdings of Depositary
Shares of all persons in whose names Receipts are registered on the books of
the Depositary.
ARTICLE V
THE DEPOSITARY, THE DEPOSITARY'S AGENTS,
THE REGISTRAR AND THE COMPANY
Section 5.01. MAINTENANCE OF OFFICES, AGENCIES AND TRANSFER BOOKS
BY THE DEPOSITARY; REGISTRAR. Upon execution of this Deposit Agreement, the
Depositary will maintain at the Depositary's Office facilities for the
execution and delivery, registration and registration of transfer, surrender
and exchange of Receipts, and at the offices of the Depositary's Agents, if
any, facilities for the delivery, registration of transfer, surrender and
exchange of Receipts, all in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit
Agreement.
The Depositary will keep books at the Depositary's Office for the
registration and registration of transfer of Receipts, which books at all
reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the record holders of
Receipts; PROVIDED, that any such holder requesting to exercise such right
must certify to the Depositary that such inspection shall be for a proper
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purpose reasonably related to such person's interest as an owner of
Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipts.
The Depositary may close such books, at any time or from time to
time, when deemed expedient by it in connection with the performance of its
duties hereunder.
The Depositary may, with the approval of the Company, appoint a
Registrar for registration of the Receipts or the Depositary Shares evidenced
thereby. If the Receipts or the Depositary Shares evidenced thereby or the
Stock represented by such Depositary Shares are listed on the New York Stock
Exchange, the Depositary will appoint a Registrar (acceptable to the Company)
for registration of such Receipts or Depositary Shares in accordance with any
requirements of such Exchange. Such Registrar (which may be the Depositary
if so permitted by the requirements of such Exchange) may be removed and a
substituted registrar appointed by the Depositary upon the request or with
the approval of the Company. If the Receipts, such Depositary Shares or such
Stock are listed on one or more other stock exchanges, the Depositary will,
at the request of the Company, arrange such facilities for the delivery,
registration, registration of transfer, surrender and exchange of such
Receipts, such Depositary Shares or such Stock as may be required by law or
applicable stock exchange regulation.
Section 5.02. PREVENTION OF OR DELAY IN PERFORMANCE BY THE
DEPOSITARY, THE DEPOSITARY'S AGENTS, THE REGISTRAR OR THE COMPANY. Neither
the Depositary nor any Depositary's Agent nor any Registrar nor the Company
shall incur any liability to any holder of any Receipt if by reason of any
provision of any present or future law, or regulation thereunder, of the
United States of America or of any other governmental authority or, in the
case of the Depositary, the Depositary's Agent or the Registrar, by reason of
any provision, present or future, of the Company's Articles of Incorporation
(including the Certificate) or by reason of any act of God or war or other
circumstance beyond the control of the relevant party, the Depositary, the
Depositary's Agent, the Registrar or the Company shall be prevented or
forbidden from, or subjected to any penalty on account of, doing or
performing any act or thing which the terms of this Deposit Agreement provide
shall be done or performed; nor shall the Depositary, any Depositary's Agent,
any Registrar or the Company incur any liability to any holder of a Receipt
(i) by reason of any nonperformance or delay, caused as aforesaid, in the
performance of any act or thing which the terms of this Deposit Agreement
provide shall or may be done or performed, or (ii) by reason of any exercise
of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in this Deposit
Agreement except, in case of any such exercise or failure to exercise
discretion not caused as aforesaid, if caused by the negligence or willful
misconduct of the party charged with such exercise or failure to exercise.
Section 5.03. OBLIGATIONS OF THE DEPOSITARY, THE DEPOSITARY'S
AGENTS, THE REGISTRAR AND THE COMPANY. Neither the Depositary nor any
Depositary's Agent nor any Registrar nor the Company assumes any obligation
or shall be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement to holders
of Receipts other than for its negligence or willful misconduct.
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Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary's Agent nor any Registrar
nor the Company shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or
defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of the Stock, the
Depositary Shares or the Receipts which in its opinion may involve it in
expense or liability unless indemnity satisfactory to it against all expense
and liability be furnished as often as may be required.
Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary's Agent nor any Registrar
nor the Company shall be liable for any action or any failure to act by it in
reliance upon the written advice of legal counsel or accountants, or
information from any person presenting Stock for deposit, any holder of a
Receipt or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to
give such information. The Depositary, any Depositary's Agent, any Registrar
and the Company may each rely and shall each be protected in acting upon any
written notice, request, direction or other document believed by it to be
genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
The Depositary shall not be responsible for any failure to carry
out any instruction to vote any of the shares of Stock or for the manner or
effect of any such vote made, as long as any such action or non-action is in
good faith. The Depositary undertakes, and any Registrar shall be required
to undertake, to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically
set forth in this Deposit Agreement, and no implied covenants or obligations
shall be read into this Deposit Agreement against the Depositary or any
Registrar. The Depositary will indemnify the Company against any liability
which may arise out of acts performed or omitted by the Depositary or its
agents due to its or their negligence or bad faith. The Depositary, the
Depositary's Agents and any Registrar may own and deal in any class of
securities of the Company and its affiliates and Receipts. The Depositary
may also act as transfer agent or registrar of any of the securities of the
Company and its affiliates.
Section 5.04. RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF THE DEPOSITARY;
APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. The Depositary may at any time resign
as Depositary hereunder by notice of its election so to do delivered to the
Company, such resignation to take effect upon the appointment of a successor
Depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.
The Depositary may at any time be removed by the Company by notice
of such removal delivered to the Depositary, such removal to take effect upon
the appointment of a successor Depositary and its acceptance of such
appointment as hereinafter provided.
In case at any time the Depositary acting hereunder shall resign or
be removed, the Company shall, within 60 days after the delivery of the
notice of resignation or removal, as the case may be, appoint a successor
Depositary, which shall be a bank or trust company having its principal
office in the United States of America and having a combined capital and
surplus of at least $50,000,000. If no successor Depositary shall have been
so appointed and have accepted appointment within 60 days after delivery of
such notice, the resigning or removed
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Depositary may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the
appointment of a successor Depositary. Every successor Depositary shall
execute and deliver to its predecessor and to the Company an instrument in
writing accepting its appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor
Depositary, without any further act or deed, shall become fully vested with
all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its predecessor and for all
purposes shall be the Depositary under this Deposit Agreement, and such
predecessor, upon payment of all sums due it and on the written request of
the Company, shall execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such
successor all rights and powers of such predecessor hereunder, shall duly
assign, transfer and deliver all right, title and interest in the Stock and
any moneys or property held hereunder to such successor, and shall deliver to
such successor a list of the record holders of all outstanding Receipts. Any
successor Depositary shall promptly mail notice of its appointment to the
record holders of Receipts.
Any corporation into or with which the Depositary may be merged,
consolidated or converted shall be the successor of such Depositary without
the execution or filing of any document or any further act, and notice
thereof shall not be required hereunder. Such successor Depositary may
authenticate the Receipts in the name of the predecessor Depositary or in the
name of the successor Depositary.
Section 5.05. CORPORATE NOTICES AND REPORTS. The Company agrees
that it will transmit to the Despositary, and the Despositary agrees that it
will transmit to the record holders of Receipts, all notices and reports
(including without limitation financial statements) required by law, by the
rules of any national securities exchange upon which the Stock, the
Depositary Shares or the Receipts are listed or by the Company's Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation (including the Certificate) to be
furnished by the Company to holders of Stock. Such transmission will be at
the Company's expense.
Section 5.06. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE COMPANY. The Company shall
indemnify the Depositary, any Depositary's Agent and any Registrar against,
and hold each of them harmless from, any loss, liability or expense
(including the costs and expenses of defending itself) which may arise out of
(i) acts performed or omitted in connection with this Deposit Agreement and
the Receipts (a) by the Depositary, any Registrar or any of their respective
agents (including any Depositary's Agent), except for any liability arising
out of negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on the respective parts of
any such person or persons, or (b) by the Company or any of its agents, or
(ii) the offer, sale or registration of the Receipts or the Stock pursuant to
the provisions hereof. The obligations of the Company set forth in this
Section 5.06 shall survive any succession of any Depositary, Registrar or
Depositary's Agent.
Section 5.07. CHARGES AND EXPENSES. The Company shall pay all
transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the
existence of the depositary arrangements. The Company shall pay all agreed
upon charges of the Depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the
Stock and the initial issuance of the Depositary Shares, redemption of the
Stock at the option of the Company and all withdrawals of shares of the
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Stock by owners of Depositary Shares. All other transfer and other taxes and
governmental charges shall be at the expense of holders of Depositary Shares.
If, at the request of a holder of Receipts, the Depositary incurs charges or
expenses for which it is not otherwise liable hereunder, such holder will be
liable for such charges and expenses. All other charges and expenses of the
Depositary and any Depositary's Agent hereunder and of any Registrar
(including, in each case, fees and expenses of counsel) incident to the
performance of their respective obligations hereunder will be paid upon
consultation and agreement between the Depositary and the Company as to the
amount and nature of such charges and expenses. The Depositary shall present
its statement for charges and expenses to the Company once each month or at
such other intervals as the Company and the Depositary may agree.
ARTICLE VI
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
Section 6.01. AMENDMENT. The form of the Receipts and any
provisions of this Deposit Agreement may at any time and from time to time be
amended by agreement between the Company and the Depositary in any respect
which they may deem necessary or desirable; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no such
amendment (other than any change in the fees of any Depositary, Registrar or
transfer agent, which shall go into effect not sooner than three months after
notice thereof to the holders of the Receipts) which shall materially and
adversely alter the rights of the holders of Receipts shall be effective
unless such amendment shall have been approved by the holders of at least a
majority of the Depositary Shares then outstanding. Every holder of an
outstanding Receipt at the time any such amendment becomes effective shall be
deemed, by continuing to hold such Receipt, to consent and agree to such
amendment and to be bound by this Deposit Agreement as amended thereby.
Section 6.02. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated by
the Company or the Depositary only after (i) all outstanding Depositary
Shares shall have been redeemed pursuant to Section 2.03, or (ii) there shall
have been made a final distribution in respect of the Stock in connection
with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company and such
distribution shall have been distributed to the holders of Depositary Shares
pursuant to Section 4.01 or 4.02, as applicable.
Upon the termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Company shall
be discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement except for
its obligations to the Depositary, any Depositary's Agent and any Registrar
under Sections 5.06 and 5.07.
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ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 7.01. COUNTERPARTS. This Deposit Agreement may be
executed in any number of counterparts, and by each of the parties hereto on
separate counterparts, each of which counterparts, when so executed and
delivered, shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts taken
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Section 7.02. EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF PARTIES. This Deposit
Agreement is for the exclusive benefit of the parties hereto, and their
respective successors hereunder, and shall not be deemed to give any legal or
equitable right, remedy or claim to any other person whatsoever.
Section 7.03. INVALIDITY OF PROVISIONS. In case any one or more
of the provisions contained in this Deposit Agreement or in the Receipts
should be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the
validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained
herein or therein shall in no way be affected, prejudiced or disturbed
thereby.
Section 7.04. NOTICES. Any and all notices to be given to the
Company hereunder or under the Receipts shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by mail or by
telegram or telex confirmed by letter, addressed to the Company at 4400 Baker
Road, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343, to the attention of the Treasurer and the
General Counsel, or at any other address of which the Company shall have
notified the Depositary in writing.
Any and all notices to be given to the Depositary hereunder or
under the Receipts shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
given if personally delivered or sent by mail or by telegram or telex
confirmed by letter, addressed to the Depositary at the Depositary's Office,
at [___________________________________], or at any other address of which
the Depositary shall have notified the Company in writing.
Any and all notices to be given to any record holder of a Receipt
hereunder or under the Receipts shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by mail or by telegram
or telex confirmed by letter, addressed to such record holder at the address
of such record holder as it appears on the books of the Depositary, or if
such holder shall have filed with the Depositary a written request that
notices intended for such holder be mailed to some other address, at the
address designated in such request.
Delivery of a notice sent by mail or by telegram or telex shall be
deemed to be effected at the time when a duly addressed letter containing the
same (or a confirmation thereof in the case of a telegram or telex message)
is deposited, postage prepaid, in a post office letter box. The Depositary
or the Company may, however, act upon any telegram or telex message
-17-
<PAGE>
received by it from the other or from any holder of a Receipt,
notwithstanding that such telegram or telex message shall not subsequently be
confirmed by letter or as aforesaid.
Section 7.05. DEPOSITARY'S AGENTS. The Depositary may from time
to time appoint Depositary's Agents to act in any respect for the Depositary
for the purposes of this Deposit Agreement and may at any time appoint
additional Depositary's Agents and vary or terminate the appointment of such
Depositary's Agents. The Depositary will notify the Company of any such
action.
Section 7.06. HOLDERS OF RECEIPTS ARE PARTIES. The holders of
Receipts from time to time shall be parties to this Deposit Agreement and
shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions hereof and of the Receipts
by acceptance of delivery thereof.
Section 7.07. GOVERNING LAW. This Deposit Agreement and the
Receipts and all rights hereunder and thereunder and provisions hereof and
thereof shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of
the State of _____________.
Section 7.08. INSPECTION OF DEPOSIT AGREEMENT. Copies of this
Deposit Agreement shall be filed with the Depositary and the Depositary's
Agents and shall be open to inspection during business hours at the
Depositary's Office and the respective offices of the Depositary's Agents, if
any, by any holder of a Receipt.
Section 7.09. HEADINGS. The headings of articles and sections in
this Deposit Agreement and in the form of the Receipt set forth in Exhibit A
hereto have been inserted for convenience only and are not to be regarded as
a part of this Deposit Agreement or the Receipts or have any bearing upon the
meaning or interpretation of any provision contained herein or in the
Receipts.
-18-
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Depositary have
duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above set forth,
and all holders of Receipts shall become parties hereto by and upon
acceptance by them of delivery of Receipts issued in accordance with the
terms hereof.
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By ____________________________________
Its ________________________________
Attested by
_____________________________________
[____________________________]
as Depositary
By ____________________________________
Its ________________________________
Attested by
_____________________________________
-19-
<PAGE>
Exhibit A
CERTIFICATE FOR NOT MORE THAN _______ DEPOSITARY SHARES
NUMBER DEPOSITARY SHARES
- ------------------------- -------------------------
DR
- ------------------------- -------------------------
DEPOSITARY RECEIPT FOR DEPOSITARY SHARES,
REPRESENTING [CUMULATIVE] [NONCUMULATIVE] [CONVERTIBLE] PREFERRED STOCK,
SERIES __, OF
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
CUSIP
SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
____________________________________, (THE "DEPOSITARY"), HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT
Is the registered owner of DEPOSITARY SHARES
("Depositary Shares"), each Depositary Share representing [one quarter (1/4)]
of one share of [Cumulative] [Noncumulative] [Convertible] Preferred Stock,
Series ___, par value $.01 per share, of Fingerhut Companies, Inc., a
Minnesota corporation (the "Corporation"), on deposit with the Depositary,
subject to the terms and entitled to the benefits of the Deposit Agreement
dated as of , , (the "Deposit Agreement")
between the Corporation and the Depositary. By accepting this Depositary
Receipt the holder hereof becomes a party to and agrees to be bound by all
the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement. This Depositary Receipt
shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose or entitled to any benefits
under the Deposit Agreement unless it shall have been executed by the
Depositary by the manual signature of a duly authorized officer and shall
have been countersigned manually by a Registrar or by the Depositary as
Registrar in respect of the Depositary Receipts by the manual signature of a
duly authorized officer thereof.
Dated:
COUNTERSIGNED AND
REGISTERED:
______________________,
____________________
DEPOSITARY AND REGISTRAR
By
Authorized Officer [SEAL]
<PAGE>
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
THE CORPORATION WILL FURNISH TO ANY SHAREHOLDER UPON REQUEST AND WITHOUT
CHARGE, A FULL STATEMENT OF THE DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES, LIMITATIONS, AND
RELATIVE RIGHTS OF THE SHARES OF EACH CLASS OR SERIES AUTHORIZED TO BE ISSUED,
SO FAR AS THEY HAVE BEEN DETERMINED, AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TO DETERMINE THE RELATIVE RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES OF SUBSEQUENT CLASSES OR
SERIES.
-----------------------
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the
face of this Receipt, shall be construed as though they were written out in
full according to applicable laws or regulations:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
TEN COM -as tenants in common UNIF GIFT MIN ACT - Custodian
---------------------------------
(Cust) (Minor)
TEN ENT -as tenants by the entireties Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
JT TEN -as joint tenants with right ---------------------------------
of survivorship and not as (State)
tenants in common
</TABLE>
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
For value received, _____________________________________________ hereby
sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
- ---------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depositary Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------
represented by the within Receipt, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and
appoint
Attorney
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
to transfer the said Depositary Shares on the books of the within-named
Depositary with full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated:
---------------------- ----------------------------------------------
NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must
correspond with the name as written upon the
face of this Receipt in every particular,
without alteration or enlargement or any
change whatever.
<PAGE>
Exhibit 4.9
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
Form of Debt Warrant Agreement
THIS WARRANT AGREEMENT dated as of _____________, ____ between
Fingerhut Companies, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (hereinafter called the
"Company", which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture
hereinafter referred to), and __________________ as Warrant Agent (herein called
the "Warrant Agent").
WHEREAS, the Company has entered into an indenture (the "Indenture")
dated as of _____________ between the Company and _________________________, as
trustee (the "Trustee"), providing for the issuance from time to time of its
unsecured [senior] [subordinated] debentures, notes or other evidences of
indebtedness (the "Debt Securities"), to be issued in one or more series as
provided in the Indenture; and
WHEREAS, the Company proposes to sell [IF WARRANTS ARE SOLD WITH DEBT
SECURITIES, PREFERRED STOCK OR COMMON STOCK -- [title of Debt Securities or
Preferred Stock or Common Stock being offered] (the "Offered Securities") with]
warrant certificates evidencing one or more warrants (the "Warrants" or
individually a "Warrant") representing the right to purchase [title of Debt
Securities purchasable through exercise of Warrants] (the "Warrant Securities"),
such warrant certificates and other warrant certificates issued pursuant to this
Agreement being herein called the "Warrant Certificates"; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires the Warrant Agent to act on behalf of the
Company in connection with the issuance, exchange, exercise and replacement of
the Warrant Certificates, and in this Agreement wishes to set forth, among other
things, the form and provisions of the Warrant Certificates and the terms and
conditions on which they may be issued, exchanged, exercised and replaced;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
ISSUANCE OF WARRANTS AND EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES.
Section 1.01. ISSUANCE OF WARRANTS. [IF WARRANTS ALONE -- Upon
issuance, each Warrant Certificate shall evidence one or more Warrants.] [IF
OFFERED SECURITIES AND WARRANTS -- Warrants shall be [initially] issued in
connection with the issuance of the Offered Securities [but shall be separately
transferable on and after __________________ (the "Detachable Date")] [and shall
not be separately transferable] and each Warrant Certificate shall evidence one
or more Warrants.] Each Warrant evidenced thereby shall represent the right,
subject to the provisions contained herein and therein, to purchase a Warrant
Security in the principal amount
<PAGE>
of __________. [IF OFFERED SECURITIES AND WARRANTS -- Warrant Certificates
shall be initially issued in units with the Offered Securities and each Warrant
Certificate included in such a unit shall evidence _______ Warrants for each
[__________ principal amount] [________ shares] of Offered Securities included
in such unit.]
Section 1.02. EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES. Each
Warrant Certificate, whenever issued, shall be in registered form substantially
in the form set forth in Exhibit A hereto, shall be dated _________________ and
may have such letters, numbers, or other marks of identification or designation
and such legends or endorsements printed, lithographed or engraved thereon as
the officers of the Company executing the same may approve (execution thereof to
be conclusive evidence of such approval) and as are not inconsistent with the
provisions of this Agreement, or as may be required to comply with any law or
with any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation
of any stock exchange on which the Warrants may be listed, or to conform to
usage. The Warrant Certificates shall be signed on behalf of the Company by the
Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President of the Company and by
the Treasurer or one of the Assistant Treasurers or the Secretary or one of the
Assistant Secretaries of the Company under its corporate seal reproduced
thereon. Such signatures may be manual or facsimile signatures of such
authorized officers and may be imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Warrant
Certificates. The seal of the Company may be in the form of a facsimile thereof
and may be impressed, affixed, imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Warrant
Certificates.
No Warrant Certificates shall be valid for any purpose, and no Warrant
evidenced thereby shall be exercisable, until such Warrant Certificate has been
countersigned by the manual signature of the Warrant Agent. Such signature by
the Warrant Agent upon any Warrant Certificate executed by the Company shall be
conclusive evidence that the Warrant Certificate so countersigned has been duly
issued hereunder.
In case any officer of the Company who shall have signed any of the
Warrant Certificates either manually or by facsimile signature shall cease to be
such officer before the Warrant Certificates so signed shall have been
countersigned and delivered by the Warrant Agent, such Warrant Certificates may
be countersigned and delivered notwithstanding that the person who signed such
Warrant Certificates ceased to be such officer of the Company; and any Warrant
Certificate may be signed on behalf of the Company by such persons as, at the
actual date of the execution of such Warrant Certificate, shall be the proper
officers of the Company, although at the date of the execution of this Agreement
any such person was not such officer.
The term "holder" or "holder of a Warrant Certificate" as used herein
shall mean any person in whose name at the time any Warrant Certificate shall be
registered upon the books to be maintained by the Warrant Agent for that purpose
[IF OFFERED SECURITIES AND WARRANTS ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE -- or upon
the register of the Offered Securities prior to the Detachable Date. [Prior to
the Detachable Date, the Company will, or will cause the registrar of the
Offered Securities to, make available at all times to the Warrant Agent such
information as to holders of the Offered Securities with Warrants as may be
necessary to keep the Warrant Agent's records up to date].
-2-
<PAGE>
Section 1.03. ISSUANCE OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES. Warrant Certificates
evidencing the right to purchase an aggregate principal amount not exceeding
_________ aggregate principal amount of Warrant Securities (except as provided
in Sections 2.03(c), 3.02 and 4.01) may be executed by the Company and delivered
to the Warrant Agent upon the execution of this Warrant Agreement or from time
to time thereafter. The Warrant Agent shall, upon receipt of Warrant
Certificates duly executed on behalf of the Company, countersign Warrant
Certificates evidencing Warrants representing the right to purchase up to
_________ principal amount of Warrant Securities and shall deliver such Warrant
Certificates to or upon the order of the Company. Subsequent to such original
issuance of the Warrant Certificates, the Warrant Agent shall countersign a
Warrant Certificate only if the Warrant Certificate is issued in exchange or
substitution for one or more previously countersigned Warrant Certificates or in
connection with their transfer, as hereinafter provided or as provided in
Section 2.03(c).
Section 1.04. TEMPORARY WARRANT CERTIFICATES. Pending the
preparation of definitive Warrant Certificates, the Company may execute, and
upon the order of the Company, the Warrant Agent shall authenticate and deliver,
temporary Warrant Certificates which are printed, lithographed, typewritten,
mimeographed or otherwise produced substantially of the tenor of the definitive
Warrant Certificate in lieu of which they are issued and with such appropriate
insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers
executing such Warrant Certificates may determine, as evidenced by their
execution of such Warrant Certificates.
If temporary Warrant Certificates are issued, the Company will cause
definitive Warrant Certificates to be prepared without unreasonable delay.
After the preparation of definitive Warrant Certificates, the temporary Warrant
Certificates shall be exchangeable for definitive Warrant Certificates upon
surrender of the temporary Warrant Certificates at the corporate trust office of
the Warrant Agent [or _____________________], without charge to the holder.
Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Warrant
Certificates the Company shall execute and the Warrant Agent shall authenticate
and deliver in exchange therefor definitive Warrant Certificates representing
the same aggregate number of Warrants. Until so exchanged, the temporary
Warrant Certificates shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits
under this Agreement as definitive Warrant Certificates.
ARTICLE II.
WARRANT PRICE, DURATION AND
EXERCISE OF WARRANTS.
Section 2.01. WARRANT PRICE. During the period from
______________, through and including _________________, the exercise price
of each Warrant will be _________ plus [accrued amortization of the original
issue discount] [accrued interest] from __________________. During the
period from _________________, through and including _________________, the
exercise price of each Warrant will be _________ plus [accrued amortization
of the original issue discount] [accrued interest] from
-3-
<PAGE>
_________________. [In each case, the original issue discount will be
amortized at a ____% annual rate, computed on an annual basis using the
"interest" method and using a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months].
Such purchase price of Warrant Securities is referred to in this Agreement as
the "Warrant Price". [The original issue discount for each _________ principal
amount of Warrant Securities is _________.]
Section 2.02. DURATION OF WARRANTS. Each Warrant may be exercised in
whole at any time, as specified herein, on or after [the date thereof]
[________________] and at or before 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on
________________ [or such later date as the Company may designate, by notice to
the Warrant Agent and the holders of Warrant Certificates mailed to their
addresses as set forth in the record books of the Warrant Agent] (the
"Expiration Date"). Each Warrant not exercised at or before 3:30 p.m., New York
City time, on the Expiration Date shall become void, and all rights of the
holder of the Warrant Certificate evidencing such Warrant under this Agreement
shall cease.
Section 2.03. EXERCISE OF WARRANTS. (a) During the period specified
in Section 2.02 any whole number of Warrants may be exercised by providing
certain information as set forth on the reverse side of the Warrant Certificate
and by paying in full, in [lawful money of the United States of America]
[applicable currency,] [in cash or by certified check or official bank check or
by, in each case,] [by bank wire transfer] in immediately available funds the
Warrant Price for each Warrant exercised, to the Warrant Agent at its corporate
trust office [or at ______________________], provided that such exercise is
subject to receipt within five business days of such [payment] [wire transfer]
by the Warrant Agent of the Warrant Certificate with the form of election to
purchase Warrant Securities set forth on the reverse side of the Warrant
Certificate properly completed and duly executed. The date on which payment in
full of the Warrant Price is received by the Warrant Agent shall, subject to
receipt of the Warrant Certificates as aforesaid, be deemed to be the date on
which the Warrant is exercised. The Warrant Agent shall deposit all funds
received by it in payment of the Warrant Price in an account of the Company
maintained with it [IF NON-DOLLAR DENOMINATED FUNDS -- or in such other account
designated by the Company] and shall advise the Company by telephone at the end
of each day on which a [payment] [wire transfer] for the exercise of Warrants is
received of the amount so deposited to its account. The Warrant Agent shall
promptly confirm such telephone advice to the Company in writing.
(b) The Warrant Agent shall, from time to time, as promptly as
practicable, advise the Company and the Trustee of (i) the number of Warrants
exercised, (ii) the instructions of each holder of the Warrant Certificates
evidencing such Warrants with respect to delivery of the Warrant Securities to
which such holder is entitled upon such exercise, (iii) delivery of Warrant
Certificates evidencing the balance, if any, of the Warrants remaining after
such exercise, and (iv) such other information as the Company or such Trustee
shall reasonably require.
(c) As promptly as practicable after the exercise of any Warrant, the
Company shall issue, pursuant to the Indenture, in authorized denominations to
or upon the order of the holder of the Warrant Certificate evidencing such
Warrant, the Warrant Securities
-4-
<PAGE>
to which such holder is entitled, in fully registered form, registered in
such name or names as may be directed by such holder. If fewer than all of
the Warrants evidenced by such Warrant Certificate are exercised, the Company
shall execute, and an authorized officer of the Warrant Agent shall manually
countersign and deliver, a new Warrant Certificate evidencing the number of
such Warrants remaining unexercised.
(d) The Company shall not be required to pay any stamp or other tax
or other governmental charge required to be paid in connection with any transfer
involved in the issue of the Warrant Securities, and in the event that any such
transfer is involved, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any
Warrant Security until such tax or other charge shall have been paid or it has
been established to the Company's satisfaction that no such tax or other charge
is due.
ARTICLE III.
OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO RIGHTS
OF HOLDERS OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES.
Section 3.01. NO RIGHTS AS WARRANT SECURITYHOLDER CONFERRED BY
WARRANTS OR WARRANT CERTIFICATES. No Warrant Certificate or Warrant evidenced
thereby shall entitle the holder thereof to any of the rights of a holder of
Warrant Securities, including, without limitation, the right to receive the
payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on Warrant Securities or
to enforce any of the covenants in the Indenture.
Section 3.02. LOST, STOLEN, MUTILATED OR DESTROYED WARRANT
CERTIFICATES. Upon receipt by the Warrant Agent of evidence reasonably
satisfactory to it and the Company of the ownership of and the loss, theft,
destruction or mutilation of any Warrant Certificate and of indemnity reasonably
satisfactory to the Warrant Agent and the Company and, in the case of
mutilation, upon surrender thereof to the Warrant Agent for cancellation, then,
in the absence of notice to the Company or the Warrant Agent that such Warrant
Certificate has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall
execute, and an authorized officer of the Warrant Agent shall manually
countersign and deliver, in exchange for or in lieu of the lost, stolen,
destroyed or mutilated Warrant Certificate, a new Warrant Certificate of the
same tenor and evidencing a like number of Warrants. Upon the issuance of any
new Warrant Certificate under this Section, the Company may require the payment
of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be
imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and
expenses of the Warrant Agent) in connection therewith. Every substitute
Warrant Certificate executed and delivered pursuant to this Section in lieu of
any lost, stolen or destroyed Warrant Certificate shall represent an additional
contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the mutilated, lost,
stolen or destroyed Warrant Certificate shall be at any time enforceable by
anyone, and shall be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement equally and
proportionately with any and all other Warrant Certificates duly executed and
delivered hereunder. The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall
preclude (to the extent lawful)
-5-
<PAGE>
all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement of mutilated,
lost, stolen or destroyed Warrant Certificates.
Section 3.03. HOLDER OF WARRANT CERTIFICATE MAY ENFORCE RIGHTS.
Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Agreement, any holder of a Warrant
Certificate, without the consent of the Warrant Agent, the Trustee, the holder
of any Warrant Securities or the holder of any other Warrant Certificate, may,
in his own behalf and for his own benefit, enforce, and may institute and
maintain any suit, action or proceeding against the Company suitable to enforce,
or otherwise in respect of, his right to exercise the Warrants evidenced by his
Warrant Certificate in the manner provided in his Warrant Certificate and in
this Agreement.
Section 3.04. MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE.
If at any time there shall be a merger, consolidation, conveyance, transfer or
lease of assets subject to Section 801 of the Indenture, then in any such event
the successor or assuming corporation referred to therein shall succeed to and
be substituted for the Company, with the same effect, subject to such Indenture,
as if it had been named herein and in the Warrant as the Company; the Company
shall thereupon be relieved of any further obligation hereunder or under the
Warrants, and the Company as the predecessor corporation may thereupon or at any
time thereafter be dissolved, wound up or liquidated. Such successor or
assuming corporation thereupon may cause to be signed, and may issue either in
its own name or in the name of the Company, any or all of the Warrants issuable
hereunder which theretofore shall not have been signed by the Company, and may
execute and deliver Warrant Securities in its own name pursuant to such
Indenture, in fulfillment of its obligations to deliver Warrant Securities upon
exercise of the Warrants. All the Warrants so issued shall in all respects have
the same legal rank and benefit under this Agreement as the Warrants theretofore
or thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Agreement as though
all of such Warrants had been issued at the date of the execution hereof. In
any case of any such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease, such
changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the
Warrants thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.
The Warrant Agent may receive a written opinion of legal counsel as
conclusive evidence that any such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or
lease complies with the provisions of this Section 3.04 and such Indenture.
ARTICLE IV.
EXCHANGE AND TRANSFER
OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES.
Section 4.01. EXCHANGE AND TRANSFER OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES. [IF
OFFERED SECURITIES WITH WARRANTS WHICH ARE IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE -- Upon] [IF
OFFERED SECURITIES WITH WARRANTS WHICH ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE -- Prior
to the Detachable Date a Warrant Certificate may be exchanged or transferred
only together with the Offered Security to which the Warrant Certificate was
initially attached, and only for the purpose of effecting or in
-6-
<PAGE>
conjunction with an exchange or transfer of such Offered Security. Prior to
any Detachable Date, each transfer of the Offered Security
[on the register of the Offered Securities] shall operate also to transfer
the related Warrant Certificates. After the Detachable date upon] surrender
at the corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent [or _________________],
Warrant Certificates evidencing Warrants may be exchanged for Warrant
Certificates in other denominations evidencing such Warrants or the transfer
thereof may be registered in whole or in part; provided that such other
Warrant Certificates evidence the same aggregate number of Warrants as the
Warrant Certificates so surrendered. The Warrant Agent shall keep, at its
corporate trust office [and at _______________________], books in which,
subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, it shall register
Warrant Certificates and exchanges and transfers of outstanding Warrant
Certificates, upon surrender of the Warrant Certificates to the Warrant Agent
at its corporate trust office [or ________________] for exchange or
registration of transfer, properly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate
instruments of registration of transfer and written instructions for
transfer, all in form satisfactory to the Company and the Warrant Agent. No
service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of transfer of
Warrant Certificates, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient
to cover any stamp or other tax or other governmental charge that may be
imposed in connection with any such exchange or registration of transfer.
Whenever any Warrant Certificates are so surrendered for exchange or
registration of transfer, an authorized officer of the Warrant Agent shall
manually countersign and deliver to the person or persons entitled thereto a
Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates duly authorized and executed by
the Company, as so requested. The Warrant Agent shall not be required to
effect any exchange or registration of transfer which will result in the
issuance of a Warrant Certificate evidencing a fraction of a Warrant or a
number of full Warrants and a fraction of a Warrant. All Warrant
Certificates issued upon any exchange or registration of transfer of Warrant
Certificates shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the
same obligations, and entitled to the same benefits under this Agreement, as
the Warrant Certificate surrendered for such exchange or registration of
transfer.
Section 4.02. TREATMENT OF HOLDERS OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES. [IF
OFFERED SECURITIES AND WARRANTS ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE -- Prior to the
Detachable Date, the Company, the Warrant Agent and all other persons may treat
the owner of the Offered Security as the owner of the Warrant Certificates
initially attached thereto for any purpose or as the person entitled to exercise
the rights represented by the Warrants evidenced by such Warrant Certificates,
any notice to the contrary notwithstanding. After the Detachable Date, and
prior] [Prior] to due presentment of a Warrant Certificate for registration of
transfer, the Company, the Warrant Agent and all other persons may treat the
holder of a Warrant Certificate as the owner thereof for any purpose and as the
person entitled to exercise the rights represented by the Warrants evidenced
thereby, any notice to the contrary notwithstanding.
Section 4.03. CANCELLATION OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES. Any Warrant
Certificate surrendered for exchange, registration of transfer or exercise of
the Warrants evidenced thereby shall, if surrendered to the Company, be
delivered to the Warrant Agent and all Warrant Certificates surrendered or so
delivered to the Warrant Agent shall be promptly cancelled by the Warrant Agent
and shall not be reissued and, except as expressly permitted by this agreement,
no Warrant Certificate shall be issued hereunder in exchange or in lieu thereof.
The Warrant
-7-
<PAGE>
Agent shall deliver to the Company from time to time or otherwise dispose of
cancelled Warrant Certificates in a manner satisfactory to the Company.
ARTICLE V.
CONCERNING THE WARRANT AGENT.
Section 5.01. WARRANT AGENT. The Company hereby appoints
__________________________ as Warrant Agent of the Company in respect of the
Warrants and the Warrant Certificates upon the terms and subject to the
conditions herein set forth; and _____________________ hereby accepts such
appointment. The Warrant Agent shall have the powers and authority granted to
and conferred upon it in the Warrant Certificates and hereby and such further
powers and authority to act on behalf of the Company as the Company may
hereafter grant to or confer upon it. All of the terms and provisions with
respect to such powers and authority contained in the Warrant Certificates are
subject to and governed by the terms and provisions hereof.
Section 5.02. CONDITIONS OF WARRANT AGENT'S OBLIGATIONS. The Warrant
Agent accepts its obligations herein set forth upon the terms and conditions
hereof, including the following to all of which the Company agrees and to all of
which the rights hereunder of the holders from time to time of the Warrant
Certificates shall be subject:
(a) COMPENSATION AND INDEMNIFICATION. The Company agrees promptly to
pay the Warrant Agent the compensation to be agreed upon with the Company for
all services rendered by the Warrant Agent and to reimburse the Warrant Agent
for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including counsel fees) incurred without
negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct by the Warrant Agent in connection
with the services rendered hereunder by the Warrant Agent. The Company also
agrees to indemnify the Warrant Agent for, and to hold it harmless against, any
loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence, bad faith or willful
misconduct on the part of the Warrant Agent, arising out of or in connection
with its acting as Warrant Agent hereunder, as well as the reasonable costs and
expenses of defending against any claim of such liability.
(b) AGENT FOR THE COMPANY. In acting under this Warrant Agreement
and in connection with the Warrant Certificates, the Warrant Agent is acting
solely as agent of the Company and does not assume any obligations or
relationship of agency or trust for or with any of the holders of Warrant
Certificates or beneficial owners of Warrants.
(c) COUNSEL. The Warrant Agent may consult with counsel satisfactory
to it, and the written advice of such counsel shall be full and complete
authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted
by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the advice of such counsel.
(d) DOCUMENTS. The Warrant Agent shall be protected and shall incur
no liability for or in respect of any action taken or thing suffered by it in
reliance upon any Warrant
-8-
<PAGE>
Certificate, notice, direction, consent, certificate, affidavit, statement or
other paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have
been presented or signed by the proper parties.
(e) CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS. The Warrant Agent, and its officers,
directors and employees, may become the owner of, or acquire any interest in,
Warrants, with the same rights that it or they would have if it were not the
Warrant Agent hereunder, and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, it or
they may engage or be interested in any financial or other transaction with the
Company and may act on, or as depositary, trustee or agent for, any committee or
body of Holders of Warrant Securities or other obligations of the Company as
freely as if it were not the Warrant Agent hereunder. Nothing herein shall
preclude the Warrant Agent from acting in any other capacity for the Company or
for any other legal entity.
(f) NO LIABILITY FOR INTEREST. Unless otherwise agreed with the
Company, the Warrant Agent shall have no liability for interest on any monies at
any time received by it pursuant to any of the provisions of this Agreement or
of the Warrant Certificates.
(g) NO LIABILITY FOR INVALIDITY. The Warrant Agent shall have no
liability with respect to any invalidity of this Agreement or any of the Warrant
Certificates (except as to the Warrant Agent's countersignature thereon).
(h) NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPRESENTATIONS. The Warrant Agent shall
not be responsible for any of the recitals or representations herein or in the
Warrant Certificates (except as to the Warrant Agent's countersignature
thereon), all of which are made solely by the Company.
(i) NO IMPLIED OBLIGATIONS. The Warrant Agent shall be obligated to
perform only such duties as are herein and in the Warrant Certificates
specifically set forth and no implied duties or obligations shall be read into
this Agreement or the Warrant Certificates against the Warrant Agent. The
Warrant Agent shall not be under any obligation to take any action hereunder
which may tend to involve it in any expense or liability, the payment of which
within a reasonable time is not, in its reasonable opinion, assured to it. The
Warrant Agent shall not be accountable or under any duty or responsibility for
the use by the Company of any of the Warrant Certificates authenticated by the
Warrant Agent and delivered by it to the Company pursuant to this Agreement or
for the application by the Company of any of the Warrant Certificates or for the
application by the Company of the proceeds of the Warrant Certificates. The
Warrant Agent shall have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by the
Company in the performance of its covenants or agreements contained herein or in
the Warrant Certificates or in the case of the receipt of any written demand
from a holder of a Warrant Certificate with respect to such default, including,
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any duty or responsibility to
initiate or attempt to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise or, except
as provided in Section 6.02 hereof, to make any demand upon the Company.
-9-
<PAGE>
Section 5.03. RESIGNATION AND APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR. (a) The
Company agrees, for the benefit of the holders from time to time of the Warrant
Certificates, that there shall at all times be a Warrant Agent hereunder until
all the Warrants have been exercised or are no longer exercisable.
(b) The Warrant Agent may at any time resign as such agent by giving
written notice to the Company of such intention on its part, specifying the date
on which its desired resignation shall become effective; provided that such date
shall not be less than three months after the date on which such notice is given
unless the Company otherwise agrees. The Warrant Agent hereunder may be removed
at any time by the filing with it of an instrument in writing signed by or on
behalf of the Company and specifying such removal and the intended date when it
shall become effective. Such resignation or removal shall take effect upon the
appointment by the Company, as hereinafter provided, of a successor Warrant
Agent (which shall be a bank or trust company authorized under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its organization to exercise corporate trust powers) and the
acceptance of such appointment by such successor Warrant Agent. The obligation
of the Company under Section 5.02(a) shall continue to the extent set forth
therein notwithstanding the resignation or removal of the Warrant Agent.
(c) In case at any time the Warrant Agent shall resign, or shall be
removed, or shall become incapable of acting, or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or
insolvent, or shall commence a voluntary case under the Federal bankruptcy laws,
as now or hereafter constituted, or under any other applicable Federal or State
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law or shall consent to the appointment of or
taking possession by a receiver, custodian, liquidator, assignee, trustee,
sequestrator (or other similar official) of the Warrant Agent or its property or
affairs, or shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall
admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or
shall take corporate action in furtherance of any such action, or a decree or
order for relief by a court having jurisdiction in the premises shall have been
entered in respect of the Warrant Agent in an involuntary case under the Federal
bankruptcy laws, as now or hereafter constituted, or any other applicable
Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law; or a decree or order by
a court having jurisdiction in the premises shall have been entered for the
appointment of a receiver, custodian, liquidator, assignee, trustee,
sequestrator (or similar official) of the Warrant Agent or of its property or
affairs, or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Warrant Agent
or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation,
winding up or liquidation, a successor Warrant Agent, qualified as aforesaid,
shall be appointed by the Company by an instrument in writing, filed with the
successor Warrant Agent. Upon the appointment as aforesaid of a successor
Warrant Agent and acceptance by the successor Warrant Agent of such appointment,
the Warrant Agent shall cease to be Warrant Agent hereunder.
(d) Any successor Warrant Agent appointed hereunder shall execute,
acknowledge and deliver to its predecessor and to the Company an instrument
accepting such appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor Warrant
Agent, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all
the authority, rights, powers, trusts, immunities, duties and obligations of
such predecessor with like effect as if originally named as Warrant Agent
hereunder, and such predecessor, upon payment of its charges and
-10-
<PAGE>
disbursements then unpaid, shall thereupon become obligated to transfer,
deliver and pay over, and such successor Warrant Agent shall be entitled to
receive, all monies, securities and other property on deposit with or held by
such predecessor, as Warrant Agent hereunder.
(e) Any corporation into which the Warrant Agent hereunder may be
merged or converted or any corporation with which the Warrant Agent may be
consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or
consolidation to which the Warrant Agent shall be a party, or any corporation to
which the Warrant Agent shall sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially
all the assets and business of the Warrant Agent, provided that it shall be
qualified as aforesaid, shall be the successor Warrant Agent under this
Agreement without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the
part of any of the parties hereto.
ARTICLE VI.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Section 6.01. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended by the
parties hereto, without the consent of the holder of any Warrant Certificate,
for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, or of curing, correcting or
supplementing any defective provision contained herein, or making any other
provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Agreement as
the Company and the Warrant Agent may deem necessary or desirable; PROVIDED that
such action shall not materially adversely affect the interests of the holders
of the Warrant Certificates. The parties hereto may also modify or amend this
Agreement and the terms of the Warrant Certificates with the consent of the
holders of not less than a majority in number of the then outstanding
unexercised Warrant Certificates affected thereby; provided that no such
modification or amendment that accelerates the expiration date, increases the
exercise price, reduces the number of outstanding Warrant Certificates the
consent of the holders of which is required for any such modification or
amendment, or otherwise materially adversely affects the rights of the holders
of the Warrant Certificates, may be made without the consent of each holder
affected thereby.
Section 6.02. NOTICES AND DEMANDS TO THE COMPANY AND WARRANT AGENT.
If the Warrant Agent shall receive any notice or demand addressed to the Company
by the holder of a Warrant Certificate pursuant to the provisions of the Warrant
Certificates, the Warrant Agent shall promptly forward such notice or demand to
the Company.
Section 6.03. ADDRESSES. Any communication from the Company to the
Warrant Agent with respect to this Agreement shall be addressed to
__________________________________________________, Attention: ________________
and any communication from the Warrant Agent to the Company with respect to this
Agreement shall be addressed to Fingerhut Companies, Inc., 4400 Baker Road,
Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343, Attention: Treasurer and General Counsel (or such
other address as shall be specified in writing by the Warrant Agent or by the
Company).
-11-
<PAGE>
Section 6.04. APPLICABLE LAW. The validity, interpretation and
performance of this Agreement and each Warrant Certificate issued hereunder and
of the respective terms and provisions thereof shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of ________________.
Section 6.05. DELIVERY OF PROSPECTUS. The Company will furnish to
the Warrant Agent sufficient copies of a prospectus relating to the Warrant
Securities deliverable upon exercise of the Warrants (the "Prospectus"), and the
Warrant Agent agrees that upon the exercise of any Warrant, the Warrant Agent
will deliver to the holder of the Warrant Certificate evidencing such Warrant,
prior to or concurrently with the delivery of the Warrant Securities issued upon
such exercise, a Prospectus. The Warrant Agent shall not, by reason of any such
delivery, assume any responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of such
Prospectus.
Section 6.06. OBTAINING OF GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS. The Company will
from time to time take all action which may be necessary to obtain and keep
effective any and all permits, consents and approvals of governmental agencies
and authorities and securities acts filings under United States Federal and
State laws (including without limitation a registration statement in respect of
the Warrants and Warrant Securities under the Securities Act of 1933), which may
be or become requisite in connection with the issuance, sale, transfer, and
delivery of the Warrant Securities issued upon exercise of the Warrant
Certificates, the exercise of the Warrants, the issuance, sale, transfer and
delivery of the Warrants or upon the expiration of the period during which the
Warrants are exercisable.
Section 6.07. PERSONS HAVING RIGHTS UNDER WARRANT AGREEMENT. Nothing
in this Agreement shall give to any person other than the Company, the Warrant
Agent and the holders of the Warrant Certificates any right, remedy or claim
under or by reason of this Agreement.
Section 6.08. HEADINGS. The descriptive headings of the several
Articles and Sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and
shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions
hereof.
Section 6.09. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts, each of which as so executed shall be deemed to be an
original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same
instrument.
Section 6.10. INSPECTION OF AGREEMENT. A copy of this Agreement
shall be available at all reasonable times at the principal corporate trust
office of the Warrant Agent for inspection by the holder of any Warrant
Certificate. The Warrant Agent may require such holder to submit his Warrant
Certificate for inspection by it.
-12-
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF Fingerhut Companies, Inc. and
___________________________ have caused this Agreement to be signed by their
respective duly authorized officers, and their respective corporate seals to
be affixed hereunto, and the same to be attested by their respective
Secretaries or one of their respective Assistant Secretaries, all as of the
day and year first above written.
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By
------------------------------------
Its
--------------------------------
Attest:
- ----------------------------------
[WARRANT AGENT]
By
------------------------------------
Its
--------------------------------
Attest:
- ----------------------------------
-13-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF WARRANT CERTIFICATE
[Face of Warrant Certificate]
[FORM OF LEGEND IF Prior to ___________________ this
OFFERED SECURITIES WITH Warrant Certificate cannot be
WARRANTS WHICH ARE NOT transferred or exchanged unless
IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE. attached to a [Title of Offered
Securities].]
[FORM OF LEGEND IF WARRANTS Prior to _______________, Warrants
ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY evidenced by this Warrant
EXERCISABLE. Certificate cannot be exercised.]
EXERCISABLE ONLY IF COUNTERSIGNED BY THE WARRANT
AGENT AS PROVIDED HEREIN
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
WARRANTS TO PURCHASE
[Title of Warrant Securities]
VOID AFTER 3:30 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON _______________
No. ____ __________ Warrants
This certifies that _________________________ or registered assigns is
the registered owner of the above indicated number of Warrants, each Warrant
entitling such owner [IF OFFERED SECURITIES WITH WARRANTS WHICH ARE NOT
IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE -- , subject to the registered owner qualifying as a
"holder" of this Warrant Certificate, as hereinafter defined] to purchase, at
any time [after 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on _____________ and] on or
before 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on _________________, _________ principal
amount of [Title of Warrant Securities] (the "Warrant Securities"), of Fingerhut
Companies, Inc. (the "Company"), issued and to be issued under the Indenture (as
hereinafter defined), on the following basis: during the period from
___________________, through and including __________________ the exercise price
of each Warrant will be _________ plus [accrued amortization of the original
issue discount] [accrued interest] from __________________; during the period
from __________________, through and including ___________________, the exercise
price of each Warrant will be _________ plus [accrued amortization of the
original issue discount] [accrued interest] from _________________; [in each
case, the original issue discount will be amortized at a ____% annual rate,
computed on an annual basis using the "interest" method and using a 360-day year
consisting of twelve 30-day months] (the "Warrant Price"). [The original issue
discount for each _________ principal amount of Warrant Securities is
__________________.] The holder may exercise the Warrants evidenced hereby by
providing certain information set forth on the back hereof, and by paying in
full [in lawful money of the United States of America] [applicable currency] [in
<PAGE>
cash or by certified check or official bank check or by bank wire transfer, in
each case,] [by bank wire transfer] in immediately available funds, the Warrant
Price for each Warrant exercised to the Warrant Agent (as hereinafter defined)
and by surrendering this Warrant Certificate, with the purchase form on the back
hereof duly executed, at the corporate trust office of [name of Warrant Agent],
or its successor as warrant agent (the "Warrant Agent"), [or _________________],
which is, on the date hereof, at the address on the reverse hereof, and upon
compliance with and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the
Warrant Agreement (as hereinafter defined).
The term "holder" as used herein shall mean [IF OFFERED SECURITIES
WITH WARRANTS WHICH ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE -- , prior to
____________________ (the "Detachable Date"), the registered owner of the
Company's [title of Offered Securities] to which this Warrant Certificate is
initially attached, and after such Detachable Date,] the person in whose name at
the time this Warrant Certificate shall be registered upon the books to be
maintained by the Warrant Agent for that purpose pursuant to Section 4.01 of the
Warrant Agreement.
Any whole number of Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate may
be exercised to purchase Warrant Securities in registered form in denominations
of __________ and any integral multiples thereof. Upon any exercise of fewer
than all of the Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate, there shall be
issued to the holder hereof a new Warrant Certificate evidencing the number of
Warrants remaining unexercised.
This Warrant Certificate is issued under and in accordance with the
Warrant Agreement dated as of _________________ (the "Warrant Agreement")
between the Company and the Warrant Agent and is subject to the terms and
provisions contained in the Warrant Agreement, to all of which terms and
provisions the holder of this Warrant Certificate consents by acceptance hereof.
Copies of the Warrant Agreement are on file at the above-mentioned office of the
Warrant Agent [and at ____________________].
The Warrant Securities to be issued and delivered upon the exercise of
the Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate will be issued under and in
accordance with an indenture, dated as of ___________ between the Company and
___________________, as trustee (the "Trustee"), and will be subject to the
terms and provisions contained in the Indenture. Copies of the Indenture and
the form of the Warrant Securities are on file at the corporate trust office of
the Trustee [and at ___________________].
[IF OFFERED SECURITIES WITH WARRANTS WHICH ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY
DETACHABLE -- Prior to _____________________, this Warrant Certificate may be
exchanged or transferred only together with the [Title of Offered Securities]
("Offered Securities") to which this Warrant Certificate was initially attached,
and only for the purpose of effecting, or in conjunction with, an exchange or
transfer of such Offered Security. After such date, transfer of this] [IF
OFFERED SECURITIES WITH WARRANTS WHICH ARE IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE -- Transfer of
this] Warrant Certificate may be registered when this Warrant Certificate is
surrendered at the corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent [or
__________________] by the registered owner or his assigns, in person or by an
A-2
<PAGE>
attorney duly authorized in writing, in the manner and subject to the
limitations provided in the Warrant Agreement.
[IF OFFERED SECURITIES WITH WARRANTS WHICH ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY
DETACHABLE -- Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, after]
[IF OFFERED SECURITIES WITH WARRANTS WHICH ARE IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE OR
WARRANTS ALONE -- After] countersignature by the Warrant Agent and prior to the
expiration of this Warrant Certificate, this Warrant Certificate may be
exchanged at the corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent [or _____________]
for Warrant Certificates representing the same aggregate number of Warrants.
This Warrant Certificate shall not entitle the holder hereof to any of
the rights of a holder of the Warrant Securities, including, without limitation,
the right to receive payments of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if
any, on the Warrant Securities or to enforce any of the covenants of the
Indenture.
This Warrant Certificate shall not be valid or obligatory for any
purpose until countersigned by the Warrant Agent.
Dated as of ____________________.
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By:
--------------------------------
Authorized Officer
Attest:
- ----------------------------------
Countersigned:
- ----------------------------------
As Warrant Agent
By:
-------------------------------
Authorized Signature
A-3
<PAGE>
[Reverse of Warrant Certificate]
Instructions for Exercise of Warrant
To exercise the Warrants evidenced hereby, the holder must pay in
[Dollars] [applicable currency] [in cash or by certified check or official bank
check or by bank wire transfer, in each case] [by bank wire transfer] in
immediately available funds the Warrant Price in full for Warrants exercised to
[insert name of Warrant Agent] [corporate trust department] [insert address of
Warrant Agent], Attn. ________________ [or ___________________], which [payment]
[wire transfer] must specify the name of the holder and the number of Warrants
exercised by such holder. In addition, the holder must complete the information
required below, including any applicable certifications if the Warrant
Securities are issuable in bearer form, and present this Warrant Certificate in
person or by mail (certified or registered mail is recommended) to the Warrant
Agent at the appropriate address set forth below. This Warrant Certificate,
completed and duly executed, must be received by the Warrant Agent within five
business days of the [payment] [wire transfer].
To Be Executed Upon Exercise of Warrant
The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise ______________
Warrants, evidenced by this Warrant Certificate, to purchase _________ principal
amount of the [Title of Warrant Securities] (the "Warrant Securities") of
Fingerhut Companies, Inc. and represents that he has tendered payment for such
Warrant Securities in [Dollars] [applicable currency] [in cash or by certified
check or official bank check or by bank wire transfer, in each case] [by bank
wire transfer] in immediately available funds to the order of Fingerhut
Companies, Inc., c/o [insert name and address of Warrant Agent], in the amount
of _________ in accordance with the terms hereof. The undersigned requests that
said principal amount of Warrant Securities be in fully registered form in the
authorized denominations, registered in such names and delivered all as
specified in accordance with the instructions set forth below.
If the number of Warrants exercised is less than all of the Warrants
evidenced hereby, the undersigned requests that a new Warrant Certificate
representing the remaining Warrants evidenced hereby be issued and delivered to
the undersigned unless otherwise specified in the instructions below.
Dated: Name
----------------------- -----------------------------------
Address
- ------------------------------ --------------------------------
(Insert Social Security or
Other Identifying Number
of Holder)
A-4
<PAGE>
Signature
------------------------------
Signature Guaranteed (Signature must conform in
all respects to name of holder
- ------------------------------ as specified on face of this
Warrant Certificate and must
bear a signature guarantee by a
bank, trust company or member
broker of the New York Stock
Exchange)]
The warrants evidenced hereby may be exercised at the following
address:
By hand at ---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
By mail at ---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
[Instructions as to form and delivery of Warrant Securities and, if
applicable, Warrant Certificate evidencing unexercised Warrants -- complete as
appropriate.]
A-5
<PAGE>
Assignment
Form of Assignment To Be Executed If Holder
Desires To Transfer Warrants Evidenced Hereby
FOR VALUE RECEIVED ______________________________________ hereby
sells, assigns and transfers unto
- ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------
(Please print name) (Please insert social security or
other identifying number)
- ----------------------------------
(Address)
- ----------------------------------
(City, including zip code)
the Warrants represented by the within Warrant Certificate and does hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint _________________________ Attorney, to
transfer said Warrant Certificate on the books of the Warrant Agent with full
power of substitution in the premises.
Dated:
----------------------------------------
Signature
(Signature
must conform in all respects to name
of holder as specified on the face of
this Warrant Certificate and must bear
a signature guarantee by a bank, trust
company or member broker of the New
York Stock Exchange)
Signature Guaranteed
- ----------------------------------
A-6
<PAGE>
Exhibit 4.10
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
Form of Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement
THIS WARRANT AGREEMENT dated as of __________ between Fingerhut
Companies, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (hereinafter called the "Company,")
and ____________________ as Warrant Agent (herein called the "Warrant Agent").
WHEREAS, the Company proposes to sell [IF WARRANTS ARE SOLD
WITH OTHER SECURITIES -- [title of such other securities being offered] (the
"Offered Securities") with] warrant certificates evidencing one or more
warrants (the "Warrants" or individually a "Warrant") representing the right
to purchase [title of Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares purchasable through
exercise of Warrants] (the "Warrant Securities"), such warrant certificates
and other warrant certificates issued pursuant to this Agreement being herein
called the "Warrant Certificates"; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires the Warrant Agent to act on
behalf of the Company in connection with the issuance, exchange, exercise and
replacement of the Warrant Certificates, and in this Agreement wishes to set
forth, among other things, the form and provisions of the Warrant
Certificates and the terms and conditions on which they may be issued,
exchanged, exercised and replaced;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the
mutual agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
ISSUANCE OF WARRANTS AND EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES.
Section 1.01. ISSUANCE OF WARRANTS. [IF WARRANTS ALONE --
Upon issuance, each Warrant Certificate shall evidence one or more Warrants.]
[IF OFFERED SECURITIES AND WARRANTS -- Warrants shall be [initially] issued
in connection with the issuance of the Offered Securities [but shall be
separately transferable on and after ________________ (the "Detachable Date")]
[and shall not be separately transferable] and each Warrant Certificate shall
evidence one or more Warrants.] Each Warrant evidenced thereby shall represent
the right, subject to the provisions contained herein and therein, to purchase
one Warrant Security. [IF OFFERED SECURITIES AND WARRANTS -- Warrant
Certificates shall be initially issued in units with the Offered Securities
and each Warrant Certificate included in such a unit shall evidence
Warrants for each [________ principal amount] [__________ shares] of Offered
Securities included in such unit.]
Section 1.02. EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES.
Each Warrant Certificate, whenever issued, shall be in registered form
substantially in the form set forth in
<PAGE>
Exhibit A hereto, shall be dated _______________________ and may have such
letters, numbers, or other marks of identification or designation and such
legends or endorsements printed, lithographed or engraved thereon as the
officers of the Company executing the same may approve (execution thereof to
be conclusive evidence of such approval) and as are not inconsistent with the
provisions of this Agreement, or as may be required to comply with any law or
with any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto or with any rule or
regulation of any stock exchange on which the Warrants may be listed, or to
conform to usage. The Warrant Certificates shall be signed on behalf of the
Company by the Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President of
the Company and by the Treasurer or one of the Assistant Treasurers or the
Secretary or one of the Assistant Secretaries of the Company under its
corporate seal reproduced thereon. Such signatures may be manual or
facsimile signatures of such authorized officers and may be imprinted or
otherwise reproduced on the Warrant Certificates. The seal of the Company
may be in the form of a facsimile thereof and may be impressed, affixed,
imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Warrant Certificates.
No Warrant Certificate shall be valid for any purpose, and no
Warrant evidenced thereby shall be exercisable, until such Warrant
Certificate has been countersigned by the manual signature of the Warrant
Agent. Such signature by the Warrant Agent upon any Warrant Certificate
executed by the Company shall be conclusive evidence that the Warrant
Certificate so countersigned has been duly issued hereunder.
In case any officer of the Company who shall have signed any
of the Warrant Certificates either manually or by facsimile signature shall
cease to be such officer before the Warrant Certificates so signed shall have
been countersigned and delivered by the Warrant Agent, such Warrant
Certificates may be countersigned and delivered notwithstanding that the
person who signed such Warrant Certificates ceased to be such officer of the
Company; and any Warrant Certificate may be signed on behalf of the Company
by such persons as, at the actual date of the execution of such Warrant
Certificate, shall be the proper officers of the Company, although at the
date of the execution of this Agreement any such person was not such officer.
The term "holder" or "holder of a Warrant Certificate" as used
herein shall mean any person in whose name at the time any Warrant
Certificate shall be registered upon the books to be maintained by the
Warrant Agent for that purpose [IF OFFERED SECURITIES AND WARRANTS ARE NOT
IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE -- or upon the register of the Offered Securities prior
to the Detachable Date. Prior to the Detachable Date, the Company will, or
will cause the Registrar of the Offered Securities to, make available at all
times to the Warrant Agent such information as to holders of the Offered
Securities with Warrants as may be necessary to keep the Warrant Agent's
records up to date].
Section 1.03. ISSUANCE OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES. Warrant
Certificates evidencing the right to purchase an aggregate not exceeding
_________ Warrant Securities (except as provided in Sections 2.03(c), 3.02 and
4.01) may be executed by the Company and delivered to the Warrant
-2-
<PAGE>
Agent upon the execution of this Warrant Agreement or from time to time
thereafter. The Warrant Agent shall, upon receipt of Warrant Certificates
duly executed on behalf of the Company, countersign Warrant Certificates
evidencing Warrants representing the right to purchase up to _________
Warrant Securities and shall deliver such Warrant Certificates to or upon the
order of the Company. Subsequent to such original issuance of the Warrant
Certificates, the Warrant Agent shall countersign a Warrant Certificate only
if the Warrant Certificate is issued in exchange or substitution for one or
more previously countersigned Warrant Certificates or in connection with
their transfer, as hereinafter provided.
ARTICLE II.
WARRANT PRICE, DURATION AND
EXERCISE OF WARRANTS.
Section 2.01. WARRANT PRICE. During the period from
__________________, through and including ________________, the exercise price
of each Warrant will be . During the period from ____________________,
through and including _______________, the exercise price of each Warrant will
be _________. Such purchase price of Warrant Securities is referred to in this
Agreement as the "Warrant Price". No adjustment shall be made for any dividends
on any Warrant Securities issuable upon exercise of any Warrant.
Section 2.02. DURATION OF WARRANTS. Each Warrant may be
exercised in whole at any time, as specified herein, on or after [the date
thereof] [___________________] and at or before 3:30 p.m., New York City time,
on ________________ or such later date as the Company may designate, by notice
to the Warrant Agent and the holders of Warrant Certificates mailed to their
addresses as set forth in the record books of the Warrant Agent (the
"Expiration Date"). Each Warrant not exercised at or before 3:30 p.m., New
York City time, on the Expiration Date shall become void, and all rights of
the holder of the Warrant Certificate evidencing such Warrant under this
Agreement shall cease.
Section 2.03. EXERCISE OF WARRANTS. (a) During the period
specified in Section 2.02 any whole number of Warrants may be exercised by
providing certain information as set forth on the reverse side of the Warrant
Certificate and by paying in full, in [lawful money of the United States of
America] [in cash or by certified check or official bank check or by bank wire
transfer, in each case,] [by bank wire transfer] [in immediately available
funds] the Warrant Price for each Warrant exercised to the Warrant Agent at
its corporate trust office [or at _____________], provided that such exercise
is subject to receipt within five business days of such [payment] [wire
transfer] by the Warrant Agent of the Warrant Certificate with the form of
election to purchase Warrant Securities set forth on the reverse side of the
Warrant Certificate properly completed and duly executed. The date on which
payment in full of the Warrant Price is received by the Warrant Agent shall,
subject to receipt of the Warrant Certificate as aforesaid, be deemed to be
the date on which the Warrant is exercised. The
-3-
<PAGE>
Warrant Agent shall deposit all funds received by it in payment of the
Warrant Price in an account of the Company maintained with it and shall
advise the Company by telephone at the end of each day on which a [payment]
[wire transfer] for the exercise of Warrants is received of the amount so
deposited to its account. The Warrant Agent shall promptly confirm such
telephone advice to the Company in writing.
(b) The Warrant Agent shall, from time to time, as promptly
as practicable, advise the Company of (i) the number of Warrants exercised,
(ii) the instructions of each holder of the Warrant Certificates evidencing
such Warrants with respect to delivery of the Warrant Securities to which
such holder is entitled upon such exercise, (iii) delivery of Warrant
Certificates evidencing the balance, if any, of the Warrants remaining after
such exercise, and (iv) such other information as the Company shall
reasonably require.
(c) As soon as practicable after the exercise of any Warrant,
the Company shall issue to or upon the order of the holder of the Warrant
Certificate evidencing such Warrant the Warrant Securities to which such
holder is entitled, in fully registered form, registered in such name or
names as may be directed by such holder. If fewer than all of the Warrants
evidenced by such Warrant Certificate are exercised, the Company shall
execute, and an authorized officer of the Warrant Agent shall manually
countersign and deliver, a new Warrant Certificate evidencing the number of
such Warrants remaining unexercised.
(d) The Company shall not be required to pay any stamp or
other tax or other governmental charge required to be paid in connection with
any transfer involved in the issue of the Warrant Securities, and in the
event that any such transfer is involved, the Company shall not be required
to issue or deliver any Warrant Security until such tax or other charge shall
have been paid or it has been established to the Company's satisfaction that
no such tax or other charge is due.
(e) Prior to the issuance of any Warrants there shall have
been reserved, and the Company shall at all times keep reserved, out of its
authorized but unissued Warrant Securities, a number of shares sufficient to
provide for the exercise of the Warrant Certificates.
ARTICLE III.
OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO RIGHTS
OF HOLDERS OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES.
Section 3.01. NO RIGHTS AS WARRANT SECURITYHOLDER CONFERRED
BY WARRANTS OR WARRANT CERTIFICATES. No Warrant Certificates or Warrant
evidenced thereby shall entitle the holder thereof to any of the rights of a
holder of Warrant Securities, including, without limitation, the right to
receive the payment of dividends or distributions, if any, on the Warrant
Securities or to exercise any voting rights.
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<PAGE>
Section 3.02. LOST, STOLEN, MUTILATED OR DESTROYED WARRANT
CERTIFICATES. Upon receipt by the Warrant Agent of evidence reasonably
satisfactory to it and the Company of the ownership of and the loss, theft,
destruction or mutilation of any Warrant Certificate and or indemnity
reasonably satisfactory to the Warrant Agent and the Company and, in the case
of mutilation, upon surrender thereof to the Warrant Agent for cancellation,
then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Warrant Agent that such
Warrant certificate has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company
shall execute, and an authorized officer of the Warrant Agent shall manually
countersign and deliver, in exchange for or in lieu of the lost, stolen,
destroyed or mutilated Warrant Certificate, a new Warrant Certificate of the
same tenor and evidencing a like number of Warrants. Upon the issuance of
any new Warrant Certificate under this Section, the Company may require the
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge
that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the
fees and expenses of the Warrant Agent) in connection therewith. Every
substitute Warrant Certificate executed and delivered pursuant to this
Section in lieu of any lost, stolen or destroyed Warrant Certificate shall
represent an additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not
the lost, stolen or destroyed Warrant Certificate shall be at any time
enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to the benefits of this
Agreement equally and proportionately with any and all other Warrant
Certificates duly executed and delivered hereunder. The provisions of this
Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other
rights and remedies with respect to the replacement of mutilated, lost,
stolen or destroyed Warrant Certificates.
Section 3.03. HOLDER OF WARRANT CERTIFICATE MAY ENFORCE
RIGHTS. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Agreement, any holder
of a Warrant Certificate, without the consent of the Warrant Agent, the
holder of any Warrant Securities or the holder of any other Warrant
Certificate, may, in such holder's own behalf and for such holder's own
benefit, enforce, and may institute and maintain any suit, action or
proceeding against the Company suitable to enforce, or otherwise in respect
of, such holder's right to exercise the Warrants evidenced by such holder's
Warrant Certificate in the manner provided in such holder's Warrant
Certificate and in this Agreement.
Section 3.04. RECLASSIFICATION, CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE,
CONVEYANCE OR LEASE. In case any of the following shall occur while any
Warrants are outstanding: (a) any reclassification or change of the
outstanding shares of Warrant Securities; or (b) any consolidation or merger
to which the Company is party (other than a consolidation or a merger in
which the Company is the continuing corporation and which does not result in
any reclassification of, or change in, the outstanding shares of Warrant
Securities issuable upon exercise of the Warrants); or (c) any sale,
conveyance or lease to another corporation of the property of the Company as
an entirety or substantially as an entirety; then the Company, or such
successor or purchasing corporation, as the case may be, shall make
appropriate provision by amendment of this Agreement or otherwise so that the
holders of the Warrants then outstanding shall have the right at any time
thereafter, upon exercise of such Warrants, to
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<PAGE>
purchase the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and
property receivable upon such a reclassification, change, consolidation,
merger, sale, conveyance or lease as would be received by a holder of the
number of shares of Warrant Securities issuable upon exercise of such Warrant
immediately prior to such reclassification, change, consolidation, merger,
sale, conveyance or lease, and, in the case of a consolidation, merger, sale,
conveyance or lease, the Company shall thereupon be relieved of any further
obligation hereunder or under the Warrants, and the Company as the
predecessor corporation may thereupon or at any time thereafter be dissolved,
wound up or liquidated. Such successor or assuming corporation thereupon may
cause to be signed, and may issue either in its own name or in the name of
the Company, any or all of the Warrants issuable hereunder which heretofore
shall not have been signed by the Company, and may execute and deliver
Warrant Securities in its own name, in fulfillment of its obligations to
deliver Warrant Securities upon exercise of the Warrants. All the Warrants
so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under
this Agreement as the Warrants theretofore or thereafter issued in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement as though all of such Warrants had been
issued at the date of the execution hereof. In any case of any such
reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or
lease, such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be
made in the Warrants thereafter to be issued as may be approriate.
The Warrant Agent may receive a written opinion of legal
counsel as conclusive evidence that any such reclassification, change,
consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease complies with the
provisions of this Section 3.04.
ARTICLE IV.
EXCHANGE AND TRANSFER
OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES.
Section 4.01. EXCHANGE AND TRANSFER OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES.
[IF OFFERED SECURITIES WITH WARRANTS WHICH ARE IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE -- Upon]
[IF OFFERED SECURITIES WITH WARRANTS WHICH ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE --
Prior to the Detachable Date a Warrant Certificate may be exchanged or
transferred only together with the Offered Security to which the Warrant
Certificate was initially attached, and only for the purpose of effecting or
in conjunction with an exchange or transfer of such Offered Security. Prior
to any Detachable Date, each transfer of the Offered Security
[on the register of the Offered Securities] shall operate also to transfer
the related Warrant Certificates. After the Detachable Date upon] surrender
at the corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent [or __________________],
Warrant Certificates evidencing Warrants may be exchanged for Warrant
Certificates in other denominations evidencing such Warrants or the transfer
thereof may be registered in whole or in part; provided that such other
Warrant Certificates evidence the same aggregate number of Warrants as the
Warrant Certificates so surrendered. The Warrant Agent shall keep, at its
corporate trust office [and at __________________________], books in which,
subject to such reasonable
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<PAGE>
regulations as it may prescribe, it shall register Warrant Certificates and
exchanges and transfers of outstanding Warrant Certificates, upon surrender
of the Warrant Certificates to the Warrant Agent at its corporate trust
office [or __________________________] for exchange or registration of
transfer, properly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate instruments of
registration of transfer and written instructions for transfer, all in form
satisfactory to the Company and the Warrant Agent. No service charge shall be
made for any exchange or registration of transfer of Warrant Certificates,
but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any stamp or
other tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with
any such exchange or registration of transfer. Whenever any Warrant
Certificates are so surrendered for exchange or registration of transfer, an
authorized officer of the Warrant Agent shall manually countersign and
deliver to the person or persons entitled thereto a Warrant Certificate or
Warrant Certificates duly authorized and executed by the Company, as so
requested. The Warrant Agent shall not be required to effect any exchange or
registration of transfer which will result in the issuance of a Warrant
Certificate evidencing a fraction of a Warrant or a number of full Warrants
and a fraction of a Warrant. All Warrant Certificates issued upon any
exchange or registration of transfer of Warrant Certificates shall be the
valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same obligations and
entitled to the same benefits under this Agreement as the Warrant Certificate
surrendered for such exchange or registration of transfer.
Section 4.02 TREATMENT OF HOLDERS OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES. [IF
OFFERED SECURITIES AND WARRANTS ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE -- Prior to
the Detachable Date, the Company, the Warrant Agent and all other persons may
treat the owner of the Offered Security as the owner of the Warrant
Certificates initially attached thereto for any purpose and as the person
entitled to exercise the rights represented by the Warrants evidenced by such
Warrant Certificates, any notice to the contrary notwithstanding. After the
Detachable Date and prior to due presentment of a Warrant Certificate for
registration of transfer,] [T]he Company and the Warrant Agent may treat the
registered holder of a Warrant Certificate as the absolute owner thereof for
any purpose and as the person entitled to exercise the rights represented by
the Warrants evidenced thereby, any notice to the contrary notwithstanding.
Section 4.03. CANCELLATION OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES. Any
Warrant Certificate surrendered for exchange, registration of transfer or
exercise of the Warrants evidenced thereby shall, if surrendered to the
Company, be delivered to the Warrant Agent and all Warrant Certificates
surrendered or so delivered to the Warrant Agent shall be promptly cancelled
by the Warrant Agent and shall not be reissued and, except as expressly
permitted by this Agreement, no Warrant Certificate shall be issued hereunder
in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof. The Warrant Agent shall deliver to
the Company from time to time or otherwise dispose of cancelled Warrant
Certificates in a manner satisfactory to the Company.
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<PAGE>
ARTICLE V
CONCERNING THE WARRANT AGENT.
Section 5.01. WARRANT AGENT. The Company hereby appoints
_____________________________ as Warrant Agent of the Company in respect of the
Warrants and the Warrant Certificates upon the terms and subject to the
conditions herein set forth; and ________________________ hereby accepts such
appointment. The Warrant Agent shall have the powers and authority granted to
and conferred upon it in the Warrant Certificates and hereby and such further
powers and authority to act on behalf of the Company as the Company may
hereafter grant to or confer upon it. All of the terms and provisions with
respect to such powers and authority contained in the Warrant Certificates are
subject to and governed by the terms and provisions hereof.
Section 5.02 CONDITIONS OF WARRANT AGENT'S OBLIGATIONS. The
Warrant Agent accepts its obligations herein set forth upon the terms and
conditions hereof, including the following to all of which the Company agrees
and to all of which the rights hereunder of the holders from time to time of
the Warrant Certificates shall be subject:
(a) COMPENSATION AND INDEMNIFICATION. The Company agrees
promptly to pay the Warrant Agent the compensation to be agreed upon with the
Company for all services rendered by the Warrant Agent and to reimburse the
Warrant Agent for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including counsel fees)
incurred other than as a result of the Warrant Agent's negligence, bad faith
or willful misconduct in connection with the services rendered hereunder by
the Warrant Agent. The Company also agrees to indemnify the Warrant Agent
for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred
other than as a result of the Warrant Agent's negligence, bad faith or
willful misconduct, arising out of or in connection with its acting as
Warrant Agent hereunder, as well as the reasonable costs and expenses of
defending against any claim of such liability.
(b) AGENT FOR THE COMPANY. In acting under this Warrant
Agreement and in connection with the Warrant Certificates, the Warrant Agent
is acting solely as agent of the Company and does not assume any obligations
or relationship of agency or trust for or with any of the holders of Warrant
Certificates or beneficial owners of Warrants.
(c) COUNSEL. The Warrant Agent may consult with counsel
satisfactory to it, and the written advice of such counsel shall be full and
complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken,
suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the
advice of such counsel.
(d) DOCUMENTS. The Warrant Agent shall be protected and shall
incur no liability for or in respect of any action taken or thing suffered by
it in reliance upon any Warrant Certificate, notice, direction, consent,
certificate, affidavit, statement or other paper or
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<PAGE>
document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been presented
or signed by the proper parties.
(e) CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS. The Warrant Agent, and its
shareholders, officers, directors and employees, may become the owner of, or
acquire any interest in, Warrants, with the same rights that it or they would
have if it were not the Warrant Agent hereunder, and, to the extent permitted
by applicable law, it or they may engage or be interested in any financial or
other transaction with the Company and may act on, or as depositary, trustee
or agent for, any committee or body of holders of Warrant Securities or other
obligations of the Company as freely as if it were not the Warrant Agent
hereunder. Nothing herein shall preclude the Warrant Agent from acting in any
other capacity for the Company or for any other legal entity
(f) NO LIABILITY FOR INTEREST. Unless otherwise agreed with
the Company, the Warrant Agent shall have no liability for interest on any
monies at any time received by it pursuant to any of the provisions of this
Agreement or of the Warrant Certificates.
(g) NO LIABILITY FOR INVALIDITY. The Warrant Agent shall have
no liability with respect to any invalidity of this Agreement or any of the
Warrant Certificates (except as to the Warrant Agent's countersignature
thereon).
(h) NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPRESENTATIONS. The Warrant Agent
shall not be responsible for any of the recitals or representations herein or
in the Warrant Certificates (except as to the Warrant Agent's
countersignature thereon), all of which are made solely by the Company.
(i) NO IMPLIED OBLIGATIONS. The Warrant Agent shall be
obligated to perform only such duties as are herein and in the Warrant
Certificates specifically set forth and no implied duties or obligations
shall be read into this Agreement or the Warrant Certificates against the
Warrant Agent. The Warrant Agent shall not be under any obligation to take
any action hereunder which may tend to involve it in any expense or
liability, the payment of which within a reasonable time is not, in its
reasonable opinion, assured to it. The Warrant Agent shall not be accountable
or under any duty or responsibility for the use by the Company of any of the
Warrant Certificates authenticated by the Warrant Agent and delivered by it
to the Company pursuant to this Agreement or for the application by the
Company of the proceeds of the Warrant Certificates. The Warrant Agent shall
have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by the Company in the
performance of its covenants or agreements contained herein or in the Warrant
Certificates or in the case of the receipt of any written demand from a
holder of a Warrant Certificate with respect to such default, including,
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any duty or responsibility
to initiate or attempt to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise or,
except as provided in Section 6.02 hereof, to make any demand upon the
Company.
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<PAGE>
Section 5.03. RESIGNATION AND APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR.
(a) The Company agrees, for the benefit of the holders from time to time of the
Warrant Certificates, that there shall it all times be a Warrant Agent
hereunder until all the Warrants have been exercised or are no longer
exercisable.
(b) The Warrant Agent may at any time resign as such agent by
giving written notice to the Company of such intention on its part,
specifying the date on which its desired resignation shall become effective;
provided that such date shall not be less than three months after the date on
which such notice is given unless the Company otherwise agrees. The Warrant
Agent hereunder may be removed at any time by the filing with it of an
instrument in writing signed by or on behalf of the Company and specifying
such removal and the intended date when it shall become effective. Such
resignation or removal shall take effect upon the appointment by the Company,
as hereinafter provided, of a successor Warrant Agent (which shall be a bank
or trust company authorized under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
organization to exercise corporate trust powers) and the acceptance of such
appointment by such successor Warrant Agent. The obligation of the Company
under Section 5.02(a) shall continue to the extent set forth therein
notwithstanding the resignation or removal of the Warrant Agent.
(c) In case at any time the Warrant Agent shall resign, or
shall be removed, or shall become incapable of acting, or shall be adjudged a
bankrupt or insolvent, or shall commence a voluntary case under the Federal
bankruptcy laws, as now or hereafter constituted, or under any other
applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law or shall
consent to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, custodian,
liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or other similar official) of
the Warrant Agent or its property or affairs, or shall make an assignment for
the benefit of creditors, or shall admit in writing its inability to pay its
debts generally as they become due, or shall take corporate action in
furtherance of any such action, or a decree or order for relief by a court
having jurisdiction in the premises shall have been entered in respect of the
Warrant Agent in an involuntary case under the Federal bankruptcy laws, as
now or hereafter constituted, or any other applicable Federal or State
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law, or a decree or order by a court having
jurisdiction in the premises shall have been entered for the appointment of a
receiver, custodian, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or similar
official) of the Warrant Agent or of its property or affairs, or any public
officer shall take charge or control of the Warrant Agent or of its property
or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation, winding up or
liquidation, a successor Warrant Agent, qualified as aforesaid, shall be
appointed by the Company by an instrument in writing, filed with the
successor Warrant Agent. Upon the appointment as aforesaid of a successor
Warrant Agent and acceptance by the successor Warrant Agent of such
appointment, the Warrant Agent shall cease to be Warrant Agent hereunder.
(d) Any successor Warrant Agent appointed hereunder shall
execute, acknowledge and deliver to its predecessor and to the Company an
instrument accepting such appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor
Warrant Agent, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become
vested with all the authority, rights, powers, trusts,
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<PAGE>
immunities, duties and obligations of such predecessor with like effect as if
originally named as Warrant Agent hereunder, and such predecessor, upon
payment of its charges and disbursements then unpaid, shall thereupon become
obligated to transfer, deliver and pay over, and such successor Warrant Agent
shall be entitled to receive, all monies, securities and other property on
deposit with or held by such predecessor, as Warrant Agent hereunder.
(e) Any corporation into which the Warrant Agent hereunder
may be merged or converted or any corporation with which the Warrant Agent
may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion
or consolidation to which the Warrant Agent shall be a party, or any
corporation to which the Warrant Agent shall sell or otherwise transfer all
or substantially all the assets and business of the Warrant Agent, provided
that it shall be qualified as aforesaid, shall be the successor Warrant Agent
under this Agreement without the execution or filing of any paper or any
further act on the part of any of the parties hereto.
ARTICLE VI.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Section 6.01. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended by the
parties hereto, without the consent of the holder of any Warrant Certificate,
for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, or of curing, correcting or
supplementing any defective provision contained herein, or making any other
provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Agreement
as the Company and the Warrant Agent may deem necessary or desirable;
PROVIDED that such action shall not materially adversely affect the interests
of the holders of the Warrant Certificates. The parties hereto may also
modify or amend this Agreement and the terms of the Warrant Certificates with
the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in number of the then
outstanding unexercised Warrant Certificates affected thereby; provided that
no such modification or amendment that accelerates the expiration date,
increases the exercise price, reduces the number of outstanding Warrant
Certificates the consent of the holders of which is required for any such
modification or amendment, or otherwise materially adversely affects the
rights of the holders of the Warrant Certificates, may be made without the
consent of each holder affected thereby.
Section 6.02. NOTICES AND DEMANDS TO THE COMPANY AND WARRANT
AGENT. If the Warrant Agent shall receive any notice or demand addressed to
the Company by the holder of a Warrant Certificate pursuant to the provisions
of the Warrant Certificates, the Warrant Agent shall promptly forward such
notice or demand to the Company.
Section 6.03. ADDRESSES. Any communication from the Company to
the Warrant Agent with respect to this Agreement shall be addressed to
_________________________________________________, Attention: ________________
and any communication from the Warrant Agent to the Company with respect to
this Agreement shall be addressed to Fingerhut
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<PAGE>
Companies, Inc., 4400 Baker Road, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343, Attention:
Treasurer and General Counsel (or such other address as shall be specified in
writing by the Warrant Agent or by the Company).
Section 6.04. APPLICABLE LAW. The validity, interpretation
and performance of this Agreement and each Warrant Certificate issued
hereunder and of the respective terms and provisions thereof shall be
governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of
__________________.
Section 6.05. DELIVERY OF PROSPECTUS. The Company shall
furnish to the Warrant Agent sufficient copies of a prospectus relating to
the Warrant Securities deliverable upon exercise of the Warrants (the
"Prospectus"), and the Warrant Agent agrees that upon the exercise of any
Warrant, the Warrant Agent will deliver to the holder of the Warrant
Certificate evidencing such Warrant, prior to or concurrently with the
delivery of the Warrant Securities issued upon such exercise, a Prospectus.
The Warrant Agent shall not, by reason of any such delivery, assume any
responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of such Prospectus.
Section 6.06. OBTAINING OF GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS. The
Company will from time to time take all action which may be necessary to
obtain and keep effective any and all permits, consents and approvals of
governmental agencies and authorities and securities act filings under United
States Federal and State laws (including without limitation a registration
statement in respect of the Warrants and Warrant Securities under the
Securities Act of 1933), which may be or become requisite in connection with
the issuance, sale, transfer, and delivery of the Warrant Securities issued
upon exercise of the Warrant Certificates, the exercise of the Warrants, the
issuance, sale, transfer and delivery of the Warrants or upon the expiration
of the period during which the Warrants are exercisable.
Section 6.07. PERSONS HAVING RIGHTS UNDER WARRANT AGREEMENT.
Nothing in this Agreement shall give to any person other than the Company,
the Warrant Agent and the holders of the Warrant Certificates any right,
remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
Section 6.08. HEADINGS. The descriptive headings of the
several Articles and Sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience
only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of
the provisions hereof.
Section 6.09. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in
any number of counterparts, each of which as so executed shall be deemed to
be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and
the same instrument.
Section 6.10. INSPECTION OF AGREEMENT. A copy of this
Agreement shall be available at all reasonable times at the principal
corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent for inspection by the holder of
any Warrant Certificate. The Warrant Agent may require such holder to submit
his Warrant Certificate for inspection by it.
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF Fingerhut Companies, Inc. and _____________
have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective duly authorized
officers, and their respective corporate seals to be affixed hereunto, and
the same to be attested by their respective Secretaries or one of their
respective Assistant Secretaries, all as of the day and year first above
written.
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By _______________________________
Its ___________________________
Attest:
_______________________________________
[WARRANT AGENT]
By _______________________________
Its ___________________________
Attest:
_______________________________________
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EXHIBIT A
FORM OF WARRANT CERTIFICATE
[Face of Warrant Certificate]
[FORM OF LEGEND IF OFFERED Prior to _______________ this
SECURITIES WITH WARRANTS WHICH ARE Warrant Certificate cannot be
NOT IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE. transferred or exchanged unless
attached to a [Title of Offered
Securities].]
[FORM OF LEGEND IF WARRANTS ARE NOT Prior to __________________,
IMMEDIATELY EXERCISABLE. Warrants evidenced by this Warrant
Certificate cannot be exercised.]
EXERCISABLE ONLY IF COUNTERSIGNED BY THE WARRANT
AGENT AS PROVIDED HEREIN
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
WARRANTS TO PURCHASE
[Title of Warrant Securities]
VOID AFTER 3:30 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON __________________
No. ____ ___________________ Warrants
This certifies that ______________________ or registered
assigns is the registered owner of the above indicated number of Warrants,
each Warrant entitling such owner [IF OFFERED SECURITIES WITH WARRANTS WHICH
ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE --, subject to the registered owner qualifying
as a "holder" of this Warrant Certificate, as hereinafter defined] to
purchase, at any time [after 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on
___________________ and] on or before 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on
_________________, __________ shares of [Title of Warrant Securities]
(the "Warrant Securities"), of Fingerhut Companies, Inc. (the "Company") on
the following basis: during the period from _____________, through and
including ______________, the exercise price of each Warrant will be
________; during the period from ____________, through and including
____________, the exercise price of each Warrant will be __________ (the
"Warrant Price"). No adjustment shall be made for any dividends on any
Warrant Securities issuable upon exercise of any Warrant. The holder may
exercise the Warrants evidenced hereby by providing certain information set
forth on the back hereof and by paying in full [in lawful money of the United
States of America] [in cash or by certified check or official bank check or
by bank wire transfer, in each case,] [by bank wire transfer] in immediately
available funds, the Warrant Price for each Warrant exercised to the Warrant
Agent (as hereinafter defined) and by surrendering this Warrant
<PAGE>
Certificate, with the purchase form on the back hereof duly executed, at the
corporate trust office of [name of Warrant Agent], or its successor as
warrant agent (the "Warrant Agent"), [or ______________], which is, on the
date hereof, at the address specified on the reverse hereof, and upon
compliance with and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the
Warrant Agreement (as hereinafter defined).
The term "holder" as used herein shall mean [IF OFFERED
SECURITIES WITH WARRANTS WHICH ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE --, prior
to ______________ (the "Detachable Date"), the registered owner of the
Company's [title of Offered Securities] to which this Warrant Certificate is
initially attached, and after such Detachable Date,] the person in whose name
at the time this Warrant Certificate shall be registered upon the books to be
maintained by the Warrant Agent for that purpose pursuant to Section 4.01 of
the Warrant Agreement.
Any whole number of Warrants evidenced by this Warrant
Certificate may be exercised to purchase Warrant Securities in registered
form. Upon any exercise of fewer than all of the Warrants evidenced by this
Warrant Certificate, there shall be issued to the holder hereof a new Warrant
Certificate evidencing the number of Warrants remaining unexercised.
This Warrant Certificate is issued under and in accordance with
the Warrant Agreement dated as of _______________ (the "Warrant Agreement")
between the Company and the Warrant Agent and is subject to the terms and
provisions contained in the Warrant Agreement, to all of which terms and
provisions the holder of this Warrant Certificate consents by acceptance
hereof. Copies of the Warrant Agreement are on file at the above-mentioned
office of the Warrant Agent [and at _____________________].
[IF OFFERED SECURITIES WITH REGISTERED WARRANTS WHICH ARE NOT
IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE -- Prior to ________________, this Warrant Certificate
may be exchanged or transferred only together with the [Title of Offered
Securities] ("Offered Securities") to which this Warrant Certificate was
initially attached, and only for the purpose of effecting, or in conjunction
with, an exchange or transfer of such Offered Security. After such date,
transfer of this] [IF OFFERED SECURITIES WITH REGISTERED WARRANTS WHICH ARE
IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE -- Transfer of this] Warrant Certificate may be
registered when this Warrant Certificate is surrendered at the corporate trust
office of the Warrant Agent [or ________________] by the registered owner or
such owner's assigns, in person or by an attorney duly authorized in writing,
in the manner and subject to the limitations provided in the Warrant Agreement.
[IF OFFERED SECURITIES WITH WARRANTS WHICH ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY
DETACHABLE -- Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, after]
[IF OFFERED SECURITIES WITH WARRANTS WHICH ARE IMMEDIATELY DETACHABLE OR WARRANT
ALONE -- After] countersignature by the Warrant Agent and prior to the
expiration of this Warrant Certificate, this Warrant Certificate may be
exchanged at the corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent [or
________________] for Warrant Certificates representing the same aggregate
number of Warrants.
A-2
<PAGE>
This Warrant Certificate shall not entitle the holder hereof
to any of the rights of a holder of the Warrant Securities, including,
without limitation, the right to receive payments of dividends or
distributions, if any, on the Warrant Securities or to exercise any voting
rights.
This Warrant Certificate shall not be valid or obligatory for any
purpose until countersigned by the Warrant Agent.
Dated as of ____________
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By ________________________________
Its ____________________________
Attest:
_______________________________________
Countersigned:
_______________________________________
As Warrant Agent
By ____________________________________
Authorized Signature
A-3
<PAGE>
[Reverse of Warrant Certificate]
Instructions for Exercise of Warrant
To exercise the Warrants evidenced hereby, the holder must pay
[in United States dollars] [in cash or by certified check or official bank
check or by bank wire transfer, in each case] [by bank wire transfer] in
immediately available funds the Warrant Price in full for Warrants exercised to
[insert name of Warrant Agent] [corporate trust department] [insert address of
Warrant Agent], Attn. ___________________ [or ___________________], which
[payment] [wire transfer] must specify the name of the holder and the number
of Warrants exercised by such holder. In addition, the holder must complete
the information required below and present this Warrant Certificate in person
or by mail (certified or registered mail is recommended) to the Warrant Agent
at the appropriate address set forth below. This Warrant Certificate,
completed and duly executed, must be received by the Warrant Agent within five
business days of the [payment] [wire transfer].
To Be Executed Upon Exercise of Warrant
The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise _________
Warrants, evidenced by this Warrant Certificate, to purchase _________ shares of
the [Title of Warrant Securities] (the "Warrant Securities") of Fingerhut
Companies, Inc. and represents that he has tendered payment for such Warrant
Securities [in Dollars] [in cash or by certified check or official bank check or
by bank wire transfer, in each case] [by bank wire transfer] in immediately
available funds to the order of Fingerhut Companies, Inc., c/o [insert name and
address of Warrant Agent], in the amount of _________ in accordance with the
terms hereof. The undersigned requests that said principal amount of Warrant
Securities be in fully registered form in the authorized denominations,
registered in such names and delivered all as specified in accordance with the
instructions set forth below.
If the number of Warrants exercised is less than all of the
Warrants evidenced hereby, the undersigned requests that a new Warrant
Certificate representing the remaining Warrants evidenced hereby be issued
and delivered to the undersigned unless otherwise specified in the
instructions below.
A-4
<PAGE>
Dated: ___________________________ Name __________________________________
__________________________________ Address _______________________________
(Insert Social Security or Other
Identifying Number of Holder) _______________________________
Signature Guaranteed
_________________________ Signature ____________________________
(Signature must conform in all
respects to name of holder as
specified on the face of this
Warrant Certificate and must bear
a signature guarantee by a bank,
trust company or member broker of
the New York Stock Exchange)
The Warrants evidenced hereby may be exercised at the following addresses:
By hand at ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
By mail at ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
[Instructions as to form and delivery of Warrant Securities and,
if applicable, Warrant Certificates evidencing unexercised Warrants -- complete
as appropriate.]
A-5
<PAGE>
Exhibit 4.11
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement
COMMON STOCK WARRANT AGREEMENT dated as of _________________, ____,
between Fingerhut Companies, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (hereinafter called
the "Company"), and ___________________________ having a corporate trust office
in _______________________________, as warrant agent (hereinafter called the
"Warrant Agent").
WHEREAS, the Company proposes to issue [Class __] Purchase Warrants
(hereinafter called the "Warrants") entitling the holders thereof to purchase an
aggregate of _________ shares of Common Stock of the Company (par value $.01 per
share) (hereinafter called the "Shares") at an initial cash purchase price of
$______ per Share at any time [after _________________ and] prior to 3:30 p.m.,
New York City time, on __________________, ____ (hereinafter called the
"expiration date") (unless extended as provided in Section 9A hereof); and
[IF WARRANTS ARE ATTACHED TO OTHER SECURITIES, INSERT --
WHEREAS, the Warrants will be offered in Units, each of which consists
of _______________________ and Warrants to purchase _________ Shares; and]
WHEREAS, the Company desires the Warrant Agent to act on behalf of the
Company, and the Warrant Agent is willing so to act, in connection with the
issuance, registration, transfer, exchange and exercise of Warrants to be issued
from time to time by the Company,
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
agreements herein set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT OF WARRANT AGENT. The Company hereby
appoints the Warrant Agent to act as agent for the Company in accordance with
the instructions hereinafter in this Agreement set forth, and the Warrant Agent
hereby accepts such appointment.
SECTION 2. FORM OF WARRANT. The text of the Warrants and the form
of election to purchase Shares to be set forth on the reverse thereof shall be
substantially as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto. Each Warrant shall,
subject to the terms of this Warrant Agreement, entitle the registered holder
thereof to initially purchase the number of Shares specified therein at an
initial exercise price of $______ per Share; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the warrant
exercise price and the number of Shares issuable upon exercise of Warrants are
subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, all as hereinafter
provided. The Warrants
<PAGE>
shall be executed on behalf of the Company by the manual or facsimile
signature of the present or any future Chairman of the Board, President or
Vice President of the Company, under its seal, affixed or in facsimile, and
by the manual or facsimile signature of the present or any future Secretary
or Assistant Secretary of the Company.
The Company shall promptly notify the Warrant Agent from time to time
in writing of the number of Warrants to be issued and furnish written
instructions in connection therewith signed by an executive officer of the
Company; such notification and instructions may, but need not be, in the form of
a general or continuing authorization to the Warrant Agent.
The Warrants shall be dated by the Warrant Agent as of the date of
each initial issuance, and as of the date of issuance thereof upon any transfer
or exchange thereof.
SECTION 3. COUNTERSIGNATURE AND REGISTRATION. The Warrant Agent
shall maintain books for the transfer and registration of the Warrants. Upon
the initial issuance of the Warrants, the Warrant Agent shall issue and register
the Warrants in the names of the respective registered holders thereof. The
Warrants shall be countersigned by the Warrant Agent (or by any successor to the
Warrant Agent then acting as warrant agent under this Agreement) and shall not
be valid for any purpose unless so countersigned. Such Warrants may be so
countersigned, however, by the Warrant Agent (or by its successor as warrant
agent) and be delivered by the Warrant Agent, notwithstanding that the persons
whose manual or facsimile signatures appear thereon as proper officers of the
Company shall have ceased to be such officers at the time of such
countersignature or delivery. Upon issuance of any Warrant, the Company will
present the same, or cause the same to be presented, to the Warrant Agent for
countersignature of such Warrant.
SECTION 4. TRANSFERS AND EXCHANGES. The Warrant Agent shall
transfer, from time to time, any outstanding Warrants upon the books to be
maintained by the Warrant Agent for that purpose, upon the surrender thereof for
transfer properly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate instructions for
transfer. Upon any such transfer, a new Warrant of like tenor shall be issued
to the transferee and the surrendered Warrant shall be cancelled by the Warrant
Agent. All such Warrants so cancelled shall be delivered by the Warrant Agent
to the Company from time to time. The Warrants may be exchanged at the option
of the holder thereof, when surrendered at the office in _____________________
_________________ of the Warrant Agent, for another Warrant, or other Warrants
of different denominations, of like tenor and representing in the aggregate
the right to purchase a like number of Shares. The Warrant Agent is hereby
irrevocably authorized to countersign and deliver, in accordance with the
provisions of this Section and Section 3 of this Agreement, such new Warrants
required pursuant to the provisions of this Section, and the Company,
whenever required by the Warrant Agent, will supply the Warrant Agent with
Warrants duly executed on behalf of the Company for such purpose.
-2-
<PAGE>
[IF THE WARRANTS ARE ATTACHED TO OTHER SECURITIES, INSERT --
Notwithstanding the foregoing, until __________________, the Warrants
shall not be transferable apart from the _____________ to which they are
attached, any transfer of the _____________ shall be deemed a transfer of the
Warrants attached thereto, and any attempt to transfer the Warrants apart from
the ___________________ shall be void and of no effect. Each Warrant shall
contain a legend to the foregoing effect.]
SECTION 5. EXERCISE OF WARRANTS. The registered holder of each
Warrant shall have the right, which may be exercised as in such Warrant
expressed, to purchase from the Company (and the Company shall issue and sell to
such registered holder) the number of Shares specified in such Warrants, upon
surrender to the Company, at the office in _____________________________ of the
Warrant Agent of such Warrant, with the form of election to purchase on the
reverse thereof duly filled in and signed, and upon payment to the Warrant Agent
for the account of the Company of the warrant exercise price, determined in
accordance with the provisions of Section 9 of this Agreement, for the number of
Shares in respect of which such Warrant is then exercised. Payment of such
warrant exercise price may be made in cash, or by certified check or bank draft
or postal or express money order, payable in United States dollars, to the order
of the Warrant Agent. No adjustment shall be made for any dividends on any
Shares issuable upon exercise of any Warrant. Subject to Section 6, upon such
surrender of Warrants, and payment of the warrant exercise price as aforesaid,
the Company shall issue and cause to be delivered with all reasonable dispatch
to or upon the written order of the registered holder of such Warrants, and in
such name or names as such registered holder may designate, a certificate or
certificates for the number of full Shares so purchased upon the exercise of
such Warrants, together with cash, as provided in Section 9 of this Agreement,
in respect of any fraction of a Share otherwise issuable upon such surrender.
Such certificate or certificates shall be deemed to have been issued and any
person so designated to be named therein shall be deemed to have become a holder
of record of such Shares as of the date of the surrender of such Warrants and
payment of the warrant exercise price as aforesaid; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if,
at the date of surrender of such Warrants and payment of such warrant exercise
price, the transfer books for the Shares purchasable upon the exercise of such
Warrants shall be closed, no such surrender of such Warrants and no such payment
of such warrant exercise price shall be effective to constitute the person so
designated to be named therein as the holder of record of such Shares on such
date, but shall be effective to constitute such person as the holder of record
of such Shares for all purposes at the opening of business on the next
succeeding day on which the transfer books for the Shares purchasable upon the
exercise of such Warrants shall be opened, and the certificates for the Shares
in respect of which such Warrants are then exercised shall be issuable as of the
date on which such books shall next be opened, and until such date the Company
shall be under no duty to deliver any certificate for such Shares. The rights
of purchase represented by the Warrants shall be exercisable, at the election of
the registered holders thereof, either as an entirety or from time to time for
part only of the Shares specified therein and, in the event that any Warrant is
exercised in respect of less than all of the Shares specified therein at any
time prior to the date of
-3-
<PAGE>
expiration of the Warrants, a new Warrant or Warrants of like tenor will be
issued for the remaining number of Shares specified in the Warrant so
surrendered, and the Warrant Agent is hereby irrevocably authorized to
countersign and to deliver the required new Warrants pursuant to the
provisions of this Section and of Section 3 of this Agreement, and the
Company, whenever required by the Warrant Agent, will supply the Warrant
Agent with Warrants duly executed on behalf of the Company for such purpose.
SECTION 6. PAYMENT OF TAXES. The Company will pay any documentary
stamp taxes attributable to the initial issuance of Shares issuable upon the
exercise of Warrants; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company shall not be required
to pay any tax or taxes which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved
in the issue or delivery of any certificates for Shares in a name other than
that of the registered holder of Warrants in respect of which such Shares are
issued and the Company shall not be required to issue and deliver the
certificates for such Shares unless and until the holder has paid to the Company
the amount of any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved
in such issuance or shall establish to the satisfaction of the Company that such
tax has been paid.
SECTION 7. MUTILATED OR MISSING WARRANTS. In case any of the
Warrants shall be mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed, the Company will issue
and the Warrant Agent will countersign and deliver in exchange and substitution
for and upon cancellation of the mutilated Warrant, or in lieu of and
substitution for the Warrant lost, stolen or destroyed, a new Warrant of like
tenor and representing an equivalent right or interest, but only upon receipt of
evidence satisfactory to the Company and the Warrant Agent of such loss, theft
or destruction of such Warrants and indemnity, if requested, also satisfactory
to them. Applicants for such substitute Warrants shall also comply with such
other reasonable regulations and pay such other reasonable charges as the
Company or the Warrant Agent may prescribe. Any such new Warrant shall
constitute an original contractual obligation of the Company whether or not the
allegedly lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed Warrant shall be at any time
enforceable by anyone.
SECTION 8. RESERVATION OF SHARES, ETC. Prior to the issuance of
any Warrants there shall have been reserved, and the Company shall at all times
through the expiration date keep reserved, out of its authorized and unissued
Common Stock, a number of Shares sufficient to provide for the exercise of the
rights of purchase represented by the Warrants, and the Transfer Agent for the
Shares and every subsequent Transfer Agent for the Shares issuable upon the
exercise of any of the rights of purchase aforesaid are hereby irrevocably
authorized and directed at all times to reserve such number of authorized and
unissued Shares as shall be requisite for such purpose. The Company will keep a
copy of this Agreement on file with the Transfer Agent for the Shares and with
every subsequent Transfer Agent for the Shares issuable upon the exercise of the
rights of purchase represented by the Warrants. The Warrant Agent is hereby
irrevocably authorized to requisition from time to time from such Transfer Agent
certificates required to honor outstanding Warrants that have been exercised.
The Company will supply such Transfer Agent with duly executed certificates for
such purpose and will itself
-4-
<PAGE>
provide or otherwise make available any cash which may be issuable as
provided in Section 9 of this Agreement. All Warrants surrendered in the
exercise of the rights thereby evidenced or surrendered for transfer,
exchange or partial exercise shall be cancelled by the Warrant Agent and
shall thereafter be delivered to the Company.
SECTION 9. WARRANT PRICE; ADJUSTMENTS.
A. The warrant price per share at which Shares shall be purchasable
upon exercise of Warrants (herein called the "warrant exercise price") to and
including the expiration date (unless the expiration date is extended as
provided below in this Section 9A) shall be $______ per share, or, if adjusted
as provided in this Section, shall be such price as so adjusted. The Warrants
will not be exercisable prior to [the close of business on the date of any
initial issuance thereof] [_____________________] and will expire at 3:30 p.m.,
New York City time, on the expiration date; PROVIDED THAT the Company reserves
the right to, and may, in its sole discretion, at any time and from time to
time, at such time or times as the Company so determines, extend the expiration
date of the Warrants for such periods of time as it chooses; FURTHER PROVIDED
that in no case may the expiration date of the Warrants (as extended) be
extended beyond five years from the expiration date set forth above. Whenever
the expiration date of the Warrants is so extended, the Company shall at least
20 days prior to the then expiration date cause to be mailed to the Warrant
Agent and the registered holders of the Warrants in accordance with the
provisions of Section 17 hereof a notice stating that the expiration date has
been extended and setting forth the new expiration date.
B. The above provision is, however, subject to the following:
(1) The warrant purchase price, the number of Shares purchasable
upon exercise of each Warrant and the number of Warrants outstanding shall
be subject to adjustment as follows:
(a) In case the Company shall at any time after the date of
this Agreement (i) pay a dividend, or make a distribution, on the
Common Stock which is payable in shares of its capital stock (whether
shares of Common Stock or of capital stock of any other class),
(ii) subdivide or reclassify its outstanding shares of Common Stock
into a greater number of securities (including shares of Common
Stock), or (iii) combine or reclassify its outstanding shares of
Common Stock into a smaller number of shares (including shares of
Common Stock), the number of shares purchasable upon exercise of each
Warrant immediately prior to the occurrence of such event shall be
adjusted so that the holder of each Warrant shall be entitled to
receive upon payment of the warrant purchase price the aggregate
number of shares of the Company which, if such Warrant had been
exercised immediately prior to the occurrence of such event, such
holder would have owned or have been entitled to receive immediately
after the occurrence of such event. An adjustment made pursuant to
this subparagraph (a) shall become
-5-
<PAGE>
effective immediately after the record date in the case of a
dividend and shall become effective immediately after the effective
date in the case of a subdivision or combination. If, as a result
of an adjustment made pursuant to this subparagraph (a), the holder
of any Warrant thereafter exercised shall become entitled to receive
shares of two or more classes of capital stock of the Company, the
Board of Directors of the Company (whose determination shall be
conclusive) shall determine the allocation between or among shares
of such classes of capital stock.
In the event that at any time, as a result of an adjustment
made pursuant to this subparagraph (a), the holder of any Warrant
thereafter exercised shall become entitled to receive any shares or
other securities of the Company other than shares of Common Stock,
thereafter the number of such other shares so received upon exercise
of any Warrant shall be subject to adjustment from time to time in a
manner and on terms as nearly equivalent as practicable to the
provisions with respect to the shares of Common Stock contained in
this paragraph, and other provisions of this paragraph 9B(1) with
respect to the shares of Common Stock shall apply on like terms to any
such other shares or other securities.
[(b) In case the Company shall fix a record date for the
issuance of rights or warrants to all holders of its Common Stock
entitling them (for a period expiring within 45 days after such record
date) to subscribe for or purchase Common Stock at a price per share
less than the current market price per share of Common Stock (as
defined in subparagraph (e) below) at such record date, the warrant
purchase price shall be determined by multiplying the warrant purchase
price in effect immediately prior to such record date by a fraction,
the numerator of which shall be the number of Shares of Common Stock
outstanding on such record date plus the number of Shares of Common
Stock which the aggregate offering price of the total number of Shares
so offered would purchase at such current market price, and the
denominator of which shall be the number of Shares of Common Stock
outstanding on such record date plus the number of additional Shares
of Common Stock offered for subscription or purchase. Such adjustment
shall be made successively whenever such a record date is fixed, and
shall become effective immediately after such record date. In
determining whether any rights or warrants entitle the holders to
subscribe for or purchase Shares of Common Stock at less than such
current market price, and in determining the aggregate offering price
of such shares, there shall be taken into account any consideration
received by the Company for such rights or warrants, the value of such
consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by the Board of
Directors of the Company. Common Stock owned by or held for the
account of the Company or any majority owned subsidiary shall not be
deemed
-6-
<PAGE>
outstanding for the purpose of any adjustment required under this
subparagraph (b).]
[(c) In case the Company shall fix a record date for making
a distribution to all holders of its Common Stock of evidences of its
indebtedness or assets (excluding regular quarterly or other periodic
or recurring cash dividends or distributions and cash dividends or
distributions paid from retained earnings or referred to in
subparagraph (a) above) or rights or warrants to subscribe or warrants
to purchase (excluding those referred to in subparagraph (b) above),
then in each such case the warrant purchase price shall be determined
by multiplying the warrant purchase price in effect immediately prior
to such record date by a fraction (x) the numerator of which shall be
such current market price (as defined in subparagraph (e) below) per
Share of Common Stock on such record date, less the then fair market
value (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors, whose
determination shall be conclusive) of the portion of the assets or
evidences of indebtedness so distributed or of such subscription
rights or warrants applicable to one share of the Common Stock and
(y) the denominator of which shall be the current market price per
share of the Common Stock on such record date. Such adjustment shall
be made successively whenever such a record date is fixed and shall
become effective immediately after such record date. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in the event that the Company shall distribute any
rights or warrants to acquire capital stock ("Rights") pursuant to
this subparagraph (c), the distribution of separate certificates
representing such Rights subsequent to their initial distribution
(whether or not such distribution shall have occurred prior to the
date of the issuance of such Warrants) shall be deemed to be the
distribution of such Rights for purposes of this subparagraph (c),
provided that the Company may, in lieu of making any adjustment
pursuant to this subparagraph (c) upon a distribution of separate
certificates representing such Rights, make proper provision so that
each holder of such Warrants who exercises such Warrants (or any
portion thereof) (A) before the record date for such distribution of
separate certificates shall be entitled to receive upon such exercise
shares of Common Stock issued with Rights and (B) after such record
date and prior to the expiration, redemption or termination of such
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 Rights as would a holder of the number of shares of
Common Stock that such Warrants so exercised would have entitled the
holder thereof to purchase in accordance with the terms and provisions
of and applicable to the Rights if such Warrants 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 required under this subparagraph (c).]
-7-
<PAGE>
(d) After each adjustment of the number of shares
purchasable upon exercise of each Warrant pursuant to
subparagraph 9B(1)(a), the warrant exercise price shall be adjusted by
multiplying such warrant exercise price immediately prior to such
adjustment by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of
Shares purchasable upon exercise of each Warrant immediately prior to
such adjustment, and the denominator of which shall be the number of
Shares so purchasable immediately thereafter. [After each adjustment
of the warrant exercise price pursuant to subparagraph 9B(1)(b) or
(c), the total number of Shares or fractional part thereof purchasable
upon the exercise of each Warrant shall be proportionately adjusted to
such number of shares or fractional parts thereof as the aggregate
warrant exercise price of the number of shares or fractional part
thereof purchasable immediately prior to such adjustment will buy at
the adjusted warrant exercise price.]
[(e) For the purpose of any computation under
subparagraphs 9B(1)(b) and (c) above, the current market price per
Share of Common Stock at any date shall be deemed to be the average of
the daily closing prices for the 30 consecutive business days
commencing 45 business days before the day in question. The closing
price for each day shall be (i) if the Common Stock is listed or
admitted for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the last sale
price (regular way), or the average of the closing bid and ask prices
(regular way), if no sale occurred, of Common Stock, in either case as
reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape or, if the
Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on the New York
Stock Exchange, on the principal national securities exchange on which
the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if not listed or
admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, on the
National Market System of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations System ("NASDAQ") or, (ii) if not
listed or quoted as described in (i), the mean between the closing
high bid and low asked quotations of Common Stock reported by NASDAQ,
or any similar system for automated dissemination of quotations of
securities prices then in common use, if so quoted, or (iii) if not
quoted as described in clause (ii), the mean between the high bid and
low asked quotations for Common Stock as reported by the National
Quotation Bureau Incorporated if at least two securities dealers have
inserted both bid and asked quotations for Common Stock on at least 5
of the 10 preceding days. If none of the conditions set forth above
is met, the closing price of Common Stock on any day or the average of
such closing prices for any period shall be the fair market value of
Common Stock as determined by a member firm of the New York Stock
Exchange selected by the Company.]
-8-
<PAGE>
(f) (A) Nothing contained herein shall be construed to
require an adjustment as a result of the issuance of Common Stock
pursuant to, or the granting or exercise of any rights under, the
Company's [LIST EMPLOYEE AND SHAREHOLDER PLANS, IF ANY, THAT
MIGHT OTHERWISE RESULT IN ADJUSTMENTS].
(B) In addition, no adjustment in the warrant exercise
price shall be required unless and until the earlier of the
following shall have occurred: (x) such adjustment would require
an increase or decrease of at least 1% in the warrant exercise
price or (y) a period of 3 years shall have elapsed from the date
of the occurrence of any event requiring any such adjustment
pursuant to subparagraphs 9B(1)(a)[, (b) or (c)] above. All
adjustments shall be made to the nearest one hundredth of a Share
and the nearest cent, and any adjustments which by reason of this
subparagraph (f) are not required to be made shall be carried
forward cumulatively and taken into account in any subsequent
adjustment which (including such carry-forward) is required to be
made under this subparagraph (f).
(g) In any case in which this subparagraph 9B(1) shall
require that an adjustment be made retroactively immediately following
a record date, the Company may elect to defer (but only until five
business days following the mailing of the notice described in
subparagraph 9B(5) below) issuing to the holder of any Warrant
exercised after such record date the Shares of the Company issuable
upon such exercise over and above the Shares issuable upon such
exercise only on the basis of the warrant exercise price prior to
adjustment.
(h) The Company may, at its option, at any time until the
expiration date, reduce the then current warrant exercise price to any
amount deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors of the Company for
any period not exceeding twenty (20) consecutive days (as evidenced in
a resolution adopted by such Board of Directors), but only upon giving
the notices required by subparagraph 9(B)(5) twenty (20) days prior to
taking such action.
(i) Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, no
adjustment in the warrant exercise price shall be made by reason of
the issuance of Shares, or securities convertible into or exchangeable
for Shares, or securities carrying the right to purchase any of the
foregoing or for any other reason whatsoever.
(j) Irrespective of any of the adjustments in the warrant
exercise price or the number of Shares, Warrant Certificates
theretofore issued may continue to express the same prices and number
of shares as are stated in a similar Warrant Certificate issuable
initially, or at some subsequent time,
-9-
<PAGE>
pursuant to this Agreement and such number of Shares specified
therein shall be deemed to have been so adjusted.
(2) No fractional Shares of Common Stock shall be issued upon
the exercise of Warrants. If more than one Warrant shall be exercised at
one time by the same holder, the number of full Shares which shall be
issuable upon such exercise shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate
number of Shares purchased pursuant to the Warrants so exercised. Instead
of any fractional Share of Common Stock which would otherwise be issuable
upon exercise of any Warrant, the Company shall pay a cash adjustment in
respect of such fraction in an amount equal to the same fraction of the
last sales price (or bid price if there were no sales) per Share of Common
Stock, in either case as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite
Tape on the business day which next precedes the day of exercise or, if the
Common Stock is not then listed or admitted to trading on the New York
Stock Exchange, an amount equal to the same fraction of the market price
per share of Common Stock (as determined in a manner described by the Board
of Directors of the Company) at the close of business on the business day
which next precedes the day of exercise.
(3) In case any of the following shall occur while any Warrants
are outstanding: (a) any reclassification or change of the outstanding
Shares of Common Stock (other than a change in par value, or from par value
to no par value, or from no par value to par value); or (b) any
consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party (other than a
consolidation or a merger in which the Company is the continuing
corporation and which does not result in any reclassification of, or change
in, the outstanding shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the
Warrants); or (c) any sale or conveyance to another corporation of the
property of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety;
then the Company, or such successor or purchasing corporation, as the case
may be, shall make appropriate provision by amendment of this Agreement or
otherwise so that the holders of the Warrants then outstanding shall have
the right at any time thereafter, upon exercise of such Warrants, to
purchase the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and
property receivable upon such reclassification, change, consolidation,
merger, sale or conveyance as would be received by a holder of the number
of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such Warrant
immediately prior to such reclassification, change, consolidation, merger,
sale or conveyance. Such provision shall provide for adjustments which
shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments
provided for in this Section 9. The above provisions of this
subparagraph 9B(3) shall similarly apply to successive reclassifications,
changes, consolidations, mergers, sales or conveyances.
(4) Before taking any action which would cause an adjustment
decreasing the warrant exercise price so that the warrant exercise price is
below the then par value of the shares of Common Stock, the Company will
take any corporate action
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<PAGE>
which may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary in order that the
Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable Shares
of Common Stock at the warrant exercise price as so adjusted.
(5) Whenever the warrant exercise price then in effect is
adjusted as herein provided, the Company shall mail to each holder of the
Warrants at such holder's address as it shall appear on the books of the
Company a statement setting forth the adjusted warrant exercise price then
and thereafter effective under the provisions hereof, together with the
facts, in reasonable detail, upon which such adjustment is based.
(6) In case (i) the Company shall declare a dividend (or any
other distribution) on its Common Stock payable otherwise than in cash out
of its current or retained earnings, or (ii) the Company shall authorize
the granting to the holders of its Common Stock of rights to subscribe for
or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any other
rights, or (iii) there is to be any reclassification of the Common Stock of
the Company (other than a subdivision or combination of its outstanding
shares of Common Stock), or any consolidation or merger to which the
Company is a party and for which approval of any shareholders of the
Company is required, or (iv) any distribution is to be made on or in
respect of the Common Stock in connection with the dissolution, liquidation
or winding up of the Company, then the Company shall mail to each holder of
Warrants at such holder's address as it shall appear on the books of the
Company, at least twenty days (or ten days in any case specified in
clause (i) or (ii) above) prior to the applicable record date hereinafter
specified, a notice stating (x) the record date for such dividend,
distribution or rights, or, if a record is not to be taken, the date as of
which the holders of Common Stock of record to be entitled to such
dividend, distribution or rights are to be determined, or (y) the date on
which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, dissolution,
liquidation or winding up is expected to become effective, and the date as
of which it is expected that holders of Common Stock of record shall be
entitled to exchange their shares of Common Stock for securities or other
property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger,
dissolution, liquidation or winding up. No failure to mail such notice nor
any defect therein or in the mailing thereof shall affect any such
transaction or any adjustment in the warrant exercise price required by
this Section 9.
SECTION 10. NOTICE TO WARRANTHOLDERS. Nothing contained in this
Agreement or in any of the Warrants shall be construed as conferring upon the
holders thereof the right to vote or to consent or to receive notice as
shareholders in respect of the meetings of shareholders or the election of
directors of the Company or any other matter, or any rights whatsoever as
shareholders of the Company.
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<PAGE>
SECTION 11. CERTAIN COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.
A. So long as any unexpired Warrants remain outstanding and if
required in order to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Act"), the Company covenants and agrees that it will file such post-effective
amendments to the registration statement filed pursuant to the Act with respect
to the Warrants (File No. 333-_____) (or such other registration statements or
post-effective amendments or supplements) as may be necessary to permit the
Company to deliver to each person exercising a Warrant a prospectus meeting the
requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Act and otherwise complying therewith,
and will deliver such a prospectus to each such person. The Company further
covenants and agrees that it will obtain and keep effective all permits,
consents and approvals of governmental agencies and authorities, and will use
its best efforts to take all action which may be necessary to qualify the Shares
for sale under the securities laws of such of the United States, as may be
necessary to permit the free exercise of the Warrants, and the issuance, sale,
transfer and delivery of the Shares issued upon exercise of the Warrants, and to
maintain such qualifications during the entire period in which the Warrants are
exercisable.
B. The Company covenants and agrees that it shall take all such
action as may be necessary to ensure that all Shares will at the time of
delivery of certificates for such Shares (subject to payment of the warrant
exercise price) be duly and validly authorized and issued and fully paid and
nonassessable Shares, free from any preemptive rights and taxes, liens, charges
and security interests created by or imposed upon the Company.
C. The Company covenants and agrees that it will take all action
which may be necessary to cause the Shares to be duly listed on the New York
Stock Exchange or any securities exchange on which the other shares of Common
Stock of the Company are listed or on the National Market System of NASDAQ at
the dates of exercise of the Warrants.
SECTION 12. DISPOSITION OF PROCEEDS, ETC.
A. The Warrant Agent shall account promptly to the Company with
respect to Warrants exercised and concurrently pay to the Company all moneys
received by the Warrant Agent for the purchase of Shares through the exercise of
such Warrants.
B. The Warrant Agent shall keep copies of this Agreement available
for inspection by holders of Warrants during normal business hours at its
principal office in the City of __________, __________.
SECTION 13. MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION OR CHANGE OF NAME OF WARRANT
AGENT. Any corporation into which the Warrant Agent may be merged or with which
it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger or
consolidation to which the Warrant Agent shall be a party, or any corporation
succeeding to the corporate trust business of the Warrant Agent, shall be the
successor to the Warrant Agent hereunder without the
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<PAGE>
execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the
parties hereto, PROVIDED that such corporation would be eligible for
appointment as a successor Warrant Agent under the provisions of Section 15
of this Agreement. In case at the time such successor to the Warrant Agent
shall succeed to the agency created by this Agreement, and if any of the
Warrants shall have been countersigned but not delivered, any such successor
to the Warrant Agent may adopt the countersignature of the original Warrant
Agent and deliver such Warrants so countersigned; and in case at that time
any of the Warrants shall not have been countersigned, any successor to the
Warrant Agent may countersign such Warrants either in the name of the
predecessor Warrant Agent or in the name of the successor Warrant Agent; and
in all such cases such Warrant shall have the full force provided in the
Warrants and in this Agreement.
In case at any time the name of the Warrant Agent shall be changed and
at such time any of the Warrants shall have been countersigned but not
delivered, the Warrant Agent may adopt the countersignature under its prior name
and deliver Warrants so countersigned; and in case at that time any of the
Warrants shall not have been countersigned, the Warrant Agent may countersign
such Warrants either in its prior name or in its changed name; and in all such
cases such Warrants shall have the full force provided in the Warrants and in
this Agreement.
SECTION 14. DUTIES OF WARRANT AGENT. The Warrant Agent undertakes
the duties and obligations imposed by this Agreement upon the following terms
and conditions, by all of which the Company and the holders of Warrants, by
their acceptance thereof, shall be bound:
A. The statements contained herein and in the Warrants shall be
taken as statements of the Company, and the Warrant Agent assumes no
responsibility for the correctness of any of the same except such as describe
the Warrant Agent or action taken or to be taken by it. The Warrant Agent
assumes no responsibility with respect to the distribution of the Warrants
except as herein otherwise provided.
B. The Warrant Agent shall not be responsible for any failure of the
Company to comply with any of the covenants contained in this Agreement or in
the Warrants to be complied with by the Company.
C. The Warrant Agent may execute and exercise any of the rights or
powers hereby vested in it or perform any duty hereunder either itself or by or
through its attorneys, agents or employees, and the Warrant Agent shall not be
answerable or accountable for any act, default, neglect or misconduct of any
such attorneys, agents or employees or for any loss to the Company resulting
from such neglect or misconduct, provided reasonable care shall have been
exercised in the selection and continued employment thereof.
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<PAGE>
D. The Warrant Agent may consult at any time with counsel
satisfactory to it (who may be counsel for the Company), and the Warrant
Agent shall incur no liability or responsibility to the Company or to any
holder of any Warrant in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by
it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the opinion or the advice
of such counsel.
E. The Warrant Agent shall incur no liability or responsibility
to the Company or to any holder of any Warrant for any action taken in
reliance on any notice, resolution, waiver, consent, order, certificate, or
other paper, document or instrument believed by it to be genuine and to have
been signed, sent or presented by the proper party or parties.
F. The Company agrees to pay to the Warrant Agent agreed upon
compensation for all services rendered by the Warrant Agent in the execution
of this Agreement, to reimburse the Warrant Agent for all expenses, taxes and
governmental charges and other charges of any kind and nature incurred by the
Warrant Agent in the execution of this Agreement and to indemnify the Warrant
Agent and save it harmless against any and all liabilities, including
judgments, costs and reasonable counsel fees, for anything done or omitted by
the Warrant Agent in the execution of this Agreement except as a result of
the Warrant Agent's negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.
G. The Warrant Agent shall be under no obligation to institute
any action, suit or legal proceeding or to take any other action likely to
involve expense unless the Company or one or more registered holders of
Warrants shall furnish the Warrant Agent with reasonable security and
indemnity for any costs and expenses which may be incurred, but this
provision shall not affect the power of the Warrant Agent to take such action
as the Warrant Agent may consider proper, whether with or without any such
security or indemnity. All rights of action under this Agreement or under
any of the Warrants may be enforced by the Warrant Agent without the
possession of any of the Warrants or the production thereof at any trial or
other proceeding relative thereto, and any such action, suit or proceeding
instituted by the Warrant Agent shall be brought in its name as Warrant
Agent, and any recovery of judgment shall be for the ratable benefit of the
registered holders of the Warrants, as their respective rights or interests
may appear.
H. The Warrant Agent and any shareholder, director, officer or
employee of the Warrant Agent may buy, sell or deal in any of the Warrants or
other securities of the Company or become pecuniarily interested in any
transaction in which the Company may be interested, or contract with or lend
money to or otherwise act as fully and freely as though it were not Warrant
Agent under this Agreement. Nothing herein shall preclude the Warrant Agent
from acting in any other capacity for the Company or for any other legal
entity.
I. The Warrant Agent shall act hereunder solely as agent and not in
a ministerial capacity, and its duties shall be determined solely by the
provisions hereof. The
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<PAGE>
Warrant Agent shall not be liable for anything which it may do or refrain
from doing in connection with this Agreement except for its own gross
negligence or bad faith.
SECTION 15. CHANGE OF WARRANT AGENT. The Warrant Agent may
resign and be discharged from its duties under this Agreement by giving to
the Company notice in writing, and to the holders of the Warrants notice by
publication, of such resignation, specifying a date when such resignation
shall take effect, which notice shall be published at the expense of the
Company at least once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of
general circulation in the City of New York prior to the date so specified.
The Warrant Agent may be removed by the Company by like notice from the
Company to the Warrant Agent and the holders of Warrants at the expense of
the Company. If the Warrant Agent shall resign or be removed or shall
otherwise become incapable of acting, the Company shall appoint a successor
to the Warrant Agent. If the Company shall fail to make such appointment
within a period of 30 days after such removal or after it has been notified
in writing of such resignation or incapacity by the resigning or
incapacitated Warrant Agent or by the registered holder of a Warrant (who
shall, with such notice, submit his Warrant for inspection by the Company),
then, at the expense of the Company, the Warrant Agent or the registered
holder of any Warrant may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for
the appointment of a successor to the Warrant Agent. Any successor Warrant
Agent, whether appointed by the Company or by such a court, shall be a bank
or trust company, in good standing, incorporated under the laws of any State
or of the United States of America, having at the time of its appointment as
Warrant Agent a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. After
appointment the successor Warrant Agent shall be vested with the same powers,
rights, duties and responsibilities as if it had been originally named as
Warrant Agent without further act or deed; but the former Warrant Agent shall
deliver and transfer to the successor Warrant Agent any property at the time
held by it hereunder, and execute and deliver any further assurance,
conveyanc, act or deed necessary for the purpose. Failure to file or publish
any notice provided for in this Section, however, or any defect therein,
shall not affect the legality or validity of the resignation or removal of
the Warrant Agent or the appointment of the successor Warrant Agent, as the
case may be.
SECTION 16. IDENTITY OF TRANSFER AGENT. Forthwith upon the
appointment of any Transfer Agent for the Shares or of any subsequent
Transfer Agent for Shares issuable upon the exercise of the rights of
purchase represented by the Warrants, the Company will file with the Warrant
Agent a statement setting forth the name and address of such Transfer Agent.
SECTION 17. NOTICES. Any notice pursuant to this Agreement to
be given or made by the Warrant Agent or by the registered holder of any
Warrant to or on the Company shall be sufficiently given or made if sent by
first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed
in writing by the Company with the Warrant Agent) as follows:
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<PAGE>
Fingerhut Companies, Inc.
4400 Baker Road
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Attn: Secretary
Any notice pursuant to this Agreement to be given or made by the Company or
by the registered holder of any Warrant to or on the Warrant Agent shall be
sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid,
addressed (until another address is filed in writing by the Warrant Agent
with the Company) as follows:
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
Any notice pursuant to this Agreement to be given or made by the
Company or the Warrant Agent to the registered holder of any Warrant shall be
sufficiently given or made (unless otherwise specifically provided for
herein) if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to said
registered holder at his address appearing on the Warrant register.
SECTION 18. SUPPLEMENTS AND AMENDMENTS. The parties hereto may
from time to time supplement or amend this Agreement without the approval of
any holders of Warrants in order to cure any ambiguity or to correct or
supplement any provision contained herein which may be defective or
inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions
in regard to matters or questions arising hereunder which the Company and the
Warrant Agent may deem necessary or desirable and which will not materially
adversely affect the interest of the registered holders of the Warrants. The
parties hereto may also modify or amend this Agreement and the terms of the
Warrants with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in
number of the then outstanding unexercised Warrants affected thereby;
provided that no such modification or amendment that accelerates the
expiration date, increases the exercise price, reduces the number of
outstanding Warrants the consent of the holders of which is required for any
such modification or amendment, or otherwise materially adversely affects the
rights of the holders of the Warrants, may be made without the consent of
each holder affected thereby.
SECTION 19. SUCCESSORS. All the covenants and provisions of
this Agreement by or for the benefit of the Company or the Warrant Agent
shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and
assigns hereunder.
SECTION 20. LAW GOVERNING CONTRACT. This Agreement and each
Warrant issued hereunder shall be deemed to be a contract made under the laws of
the State of
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<PAGE>
_____________ and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the
laws of said State.
SECTION 21. BENEFITS OF THIS AGREEMENT. Nothing in this
Agreement shall be construed to give to any person or entity other than the
Company and the Warrant Agent and the holders of Warrants any legal or
equitable right, remedy or claim under this Agreement, but this Agreement
shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Company and the Warrant
Agent and the holders of Warrants.
SECTION 22. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts, and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes
be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together
constitute but one and the same instrument.
[IF THE WARRANTS ARE SUBJECT TO ACCELERATION BY THE COMPANY, INSERT --
SECTION 23. ACCELERATION OF WARRANTS BY THE COMPANY.
A. At any time on or after __________________, the Company shall
have the right to accelerate any or all Warrants at any time by causing them
to expire at the close of business on the day next preceding a specified date
(the "Acceleration Date"), if the Market Price (as hereinafter defined) of
the Common Stock equals or exceeds ______ percent (___%) of the then
effective warrant exercise price, adjusted as if no changes in such warrant
exercise price had been made pursuant to subsection 9B, on any 20 Trading
Days (as hereinafter defined) within a period of 30 consecutive Trading Days
ending no more than five Trading Days prior to the date on which the Company
gives notice to the Warrant Agent of its election to accelerate the Warrants.
B. "Market Price" for each Trading Day shall be, if the Common
Stock is listed or admitted for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the
last reported sale price, regular way (or, if no such price is reported, the
average of the reported closing bid and asked prices, regular way) of Common
Stock, in either case as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite
Tape or, if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on the New
York Stock Exchange, on the principal national securities exchange on which
the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if not listed or
admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, on the National
Market System of NASDAQ or, if not listed or admitted to trading on any
national securities exchange or quoted on the National Market System of
NASDAQ, the average of the closing high bid and low asked prices in the
over-the-counter market, as reported by NASDAQ, or such other system then in
use, or if on any such date the Shares of Common Stock are not quoted by any
such organization, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as
furnished by any New York Stock Exchange firm selected from time to time by
the Company for the purpose. "Trading Day" shall be each Monday through
Friday, other than any day on which securities are not traded in the system
or
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<PAGE>
on the exchange that is the principal market for the Common Stock, as
determined by the Board of Directors of the Company.
C. In the event of an acceleration of less than all of the
Warrants, the Warrant Agent shall select the Warrants to be accelerated by
lot, pro rata or in such other manner as it deems, in its discretion, to be
fair and appropriate.
D. Notice of an acceleration specifying the Acceleration Date
shall be sent by mailing first class, postage prepaid, to each registered
holder of a Warrant Certificate representing a Warrant accelerated at such
holder's address appearing on the Warrant register not more than 60 days nor
less than 30 days before the Acceleration Date. Such notice of an
acceleration also shall be given no more than 20 days, and no less than 10
days, prior to the mailing of notice to registered holders of Warrants
pursuant to this Section, by publication at least once in a newspaper of
general circulation in the City of New York.
E. Any Warrant accelerated may be exercised until the 3:30 p.m.,
New York City time, on the business day next preceding the Acceleration Date.
The warrant exercise price shall be payable as provided in Section 5.]
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement
to be duly executed, all as of the day and year first above written.
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By ____________________________________
Its ________________________________
Attest:
______________________________________
_______________________________________
Warrant Agent
By ____________________________________
Its ________________________________
Attest:
______________________________________
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<PAGE>
[Form of Warrant]
Unless extended, Void After 3:30 P.M.,
New York City time, _______* _______, ____
[IF THE WARRANTS ARE ATTACHED TO OTHER SECURITIES, INSERT THE FOLLOWING --
[UNTIL ______________,] THE WARRANTS REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE SHALL
NOT BE TRANSFERABLE APART FROM THE _____________ TO WHICH THEY ARE
ATTACHED, ANY TRANSFER OF THE _____________ SHALL BE DEEMED A TRANSFER OF
THE WARRANTS ATTACHED THERETO, AND ANY ATTEMPT OF TRANSFER THE WARRANTS
APART FROM THE _____________ SHALL BE VOID AND OF NO EFFECT.]
No. ___ Warrant to Purchase
____ Shares of Common Stock
CLASS __ WARRANT
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Fingerhut Companies, Inc. (the "Company"), upon
the surrender [after _______________] and prior to 3:30 P.M., New York City
time, ________* _______, ____ (unless extended) of this Warrant for exercise,
with the exercise form on the reverse side hereof duly executed, at the office
of ______________________, will sell and deliver or cause to be sold and
delivered to __________________ or assigns (the "Warrant Holder") a certificate
or certificates for the number of whole shares purchasable, as indicated above,
of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock ($.01 par value) of the
Company (the "Shares"), for which this Warrant is exercised, at a price of
$_____ per Share (the "Warrant Price"), subject to all the terms, provisions and
conditions of a Common Stock Warrant Agreement dated as of ____________, ____
(the "Warrant Agreement"), executed by the Company and _______________________
__________________________ (the "Warrant Agent"), which Warrant Agreement is
hereby incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.
1. The Warrant Price shall be payable [in cash, certified check,
bank draft, postal or express money order or by bank wire transfer, in each
case,] [by bank wire transfer] in immediately available funds, payable in United
States dollars, to the order of the Warrant Agent. In certain events the
Warrant Price and the number of Shares deliverable on exercise of this Warrant
are subject to adjustments, as provided in the Warrant Agreement. No
certificates for a fractional Share will be issued. As to any fraction of a
Share which would otherwise be
________________________
* The expiration date; see page 1 of the Warrant Agreement.
<PAGE>
purchasable on the exercise of a Warrant, the Company shall pay the cash
value thereof determined as provided in the Warrant Agreement.
2. This Warrant is issued in accordance with the Warrant
Agreement in which the rights of the Warrant Holders and the terms,
provisions and conditions upon which this Warrant has been executed and
delivered and may be exercised are more fully set forth. Every Warrant
Holder, by acceptance hereof, assents to all the terms, provisions and
conditions of the Warrant Agreement. A counterpart of the Warrant Agreement
is on file at the office of the Company in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and at the
office of the Warrant Agent in __________, __________.
3. In the event this Warrant shall not be exercised on or before
________* _______, ____, unless said date is extended as provided for in
Section 9 of the Warrant Agreement, this Warrant shall become void and all
rights hereunder shall cease.
Reference is made to the further provisions of this Warrant set
forth on the reverse hereof. Such further provisions shall for all purposes
have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.
This Warrant shall not be valid for any purpose until it shall have
been countersigned by the Warrant Agent.
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be
executed in its name and on its behalf by the facsimile signatures of its
duly authorized officers and a facsimile of its seal.
Dated: ______________________
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By ___________________________
Its ______________________
Attest:
____________________________
____________________________
Countersigned:
____________________________
____________________________
Warrant Agent
By ____________________________
Authorized Signature
[REVERSE OF WARRANT]
4. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 3 contained on the face
of this Warrant, (a) this Warrant, with or without other Warrants, upon
surrender at the office of the Warrant Agent, may be exchanged for another
Warrant or Warrants of like tenor in denominations entitling the Warrant
Holder to purchase a like aggregate number of Shares, but only to the extent
provided in the Warrant Agreement, or (b) this Warrant may be transferred at
the office of the Warrant Agent by the Warrant Holder or his assigns, in
person or by attorney duly authorized in writing, but only in the manner
provided in the Warrant Agreement and
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<PAGE>
upon surrender of this Warrant. If this Warrant shall be exercised in part,
the Warrant Holder shall be entitled to receive, upon surrender hereof,
another Warrant or Warrants of like tenor for the number of whole Shares not
purchased upon such exercise.
5. No Warrant Holder shall be entitled to vote or receive
dividends or be deemed the holder of Shares of the Company for any purpose,
nor shall anything contained in the Warrant Agreement or herein be construed
to confer upon the Warrant Holder, as such, any of the rights of a
shareholder of the Company or any right to vote for the election of directors
of the Company, or upon any matter submitted to shareholders at any meeting
thereof, or to give or withhold consent to any action (whether upon any
recapitalization, issue of securities, reclassification of securities,
consolidation, merger, conveyance or otherwise) or to receive notice of
meetings or other action affecting shareholders (except for notices as
provided for in the Warrant Agreement), or to receive dividends or
subscription rights or otherwise, until this Warrant shall have been
exercised and the Shares purchasable on the exercise hereof shall have become
deliverable as provided in the Warrant Agreement.
6. Every holder of a Warrant, by accepting this Warrant, consents
and agrees with the Company, the Warrant Agent and with every subsequent
holder of this Warrant that until this Warrant is transferred on the books of
the Warrant Agent, the Company and the Warrant Agent may treat the registered
holder hereof as the absolute owner hereof for all purposes notwithstanding
any notice to the contrary.
7. The Company represents and warrants that the Shares to be
issued by it as provided in the Warrant Agreement have been duly authorized
and, when so issued in accordance with the Warrant Agreement, will be validly
issued, fully-paid and non-assessable. The Company represents and warrants
that it has authority to execute and deliver the Warrant Agreement and the
Warrants thereunder, but the Warrant Agent makes no representation with
respect thereto, or with respect to the validity or sufficiency of the
Warrants, the Warrant Agreement or the Shares.
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<PAGE>
FORM OF EXERCISE
(Form of exercise to be executed by the Warrant Holder
at the time of exercise)
To _____________________________
_______________________, Warrant
Agent:
The undersigned, holder of the within Warrant, (1) exercises his
right to purchase _________ of the Shares of Common Stock ($.01 par value) of
Fingerhut Companies, Inc., which the undersigned is entitled to purchase
under the terms of the within Warrant, and (2) makes payment in full for the
number of Shares of Common Stock so purchased by payment of $_________ in
cash.
Please issue the certificate for Shares of Common Stock (and any
new Warrants in the case of a partial exercise) as follows:
____________________________________________________________________________
Print or Type Name
____________________________________________________________________________
Social Security or other Identifying Number
____________________________________________________________________________
Street Address
____________________________________________________________________________
City State Zip Code
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<PAGE>
and deliver it (together with any new Warrants in the case of a partial
exercise) to the above address unless a different address is indicated below.
Dated: __________________
______________________________________________
Signature
(Signature must conform in all respects to name of
holder as specified on the face of the Warrant)
To be used only for special instructions for delivery.
Deliver to:
____________________________________________________________________________
Print or Type Name
____________________________________________________________________________
Street Address
____________________________________________________________________________
City State Zip Code
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<PAGE>
ASSIGNMENT
(Form of assignment to be executed if
Warrant Holder desires to transfer Warrant)
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, _______________________ hereby sells, assigns
and transfers unto
____________________________________________________________________________
Print or Type Name
____________________________________________________________________________
Street Address
____________________________________________________________________________
City State Zip Code
____________________________________________________________________________
Social Security or other Identifying Number
the right represented by the within Warrant to purchase _________ Shares of
Common Stock ($.01 par value) of Fingerhut Companies, Inc. to which the
within Warrant relates and appoints _____________________ attorney to
transfer such right on the books of the Warrant Agent with full power of
substitution in the Premises.
Dated: ___________________
______________________________________________
Signature
(Signature must conform in all respects to name of
holder as specified on the face of the Warrant)
__________________________
Signature Guaranteed
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<PAGE>
Exhibit 4.12
[Face of Note]
CUSIP NO. PRINCIPAL AMOUNT:
REGISTERED NO.
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
MEDIUM-TERM NOTE, SERIES __
DUE 9 MONTHS OR MORE FROM DATE OF ISSUE
If the registered owner of this Note (as indicated below) is Cede &
Co. and The Depository Trust Company is named below as Depositary, this Note
is a "Global Security", and unless this certificate is presented by an
authorized representative of The Depository Trust Company (55 Water Street,
New York, New York) to the issuer or its agent for registration of transfer,
exchange or payment, and any certificate issued is registered in the name of
Cede & Co. or such other name as requested by an authorized representative of
The Depository Trust Company and any payment is made to Cede & Co., ANY
TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY
PERSON IS WRONGFUL since the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an
interest herein.
If applicable, the following will be completed solely for purposes
of the U.S. Federal Income Tax "Original Issue Discount" rules, as that term
is defined in Section 1273 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
This information is provided solely for the purposes of applying the U.S.
Federal Income Tax Original Issue Discount ("OID") rules to the certificate
and is based on an interpretation of proposed Treasury regulations. The
Issue Date of this certificate is ____________. This certificate has been
issued with ______ of OID per $1,000 of initial principal amount. The annual
yield to maturity is __% based on semiannual compounding. The amount of OID
attributable to the initial accrual period is ___________ per $1,000 of
initial principal amount, computed under the _______________ method as
defined in proposed Treasury regulations.
The following summary of terms is subject to the information set
forth on the reverse hereof.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <S>
ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE: ISSUE PRICE (As a MATURITY DATE:
percentage of principal
amount): %
INTEREST RATE PER INTEREST PAYMENT DATES: DEFAULT RATE (Only
ANNUM: applicable if Note issued at
original issue discount):
OID DEFAULT AMOUNT REDEEMABLE ON OR AFTER REDEEMABLE ON OR AFTER (At
(only applicable if (At option of the option of the Company):
Note issued at original Holder):
issue discount):
INITIAL REDEMPTION ANNUAL REDEMPTION SINKING FUND:
PERCENTAGE: PERCENTAGE REDUCTION:
DEPOSITARY (Only
applicable if Note is a
Global Security):
</TABLE>
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC., a corporation duly organized and
existing under the laws of the State of Minnesota (herein called the
"Company", which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture
hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to
____________________________________________ or registered assigns, the
principal sum of _________________________ at the office or agency of the
Company in the City of Minnetonka, Minnesota, the City of __________________
or in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, on the maturity date
shown above, or if such date is not a Business Day (as defined below), the
next succeeding Business Day ("Stated Maturity"), in such coin or currency as
at the time of payment shall be legal tender for the payment of public and
private debts in the United States of America, and to pay interest on said
principal sum at the rate per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year
of twelve 30-day months) shown above, in like coin or currency, semi-annually
on each Interest Payment Date set forth above from and after the date of this
Note and at Maturity until payment of said principal sum has been made or
duly provided for. Unless this Note is a Note which has been issued upon
transfer of, in exchange for, or in
2
<PAGE>
replacement of a predecessor Note, interest on this Note shall accrue from
the Original Issue Date indicated above. If this Note has been issued upon
transfer of, in exchange for, or in replacement of a predecessor Note,
interest on this Note shall accrue from the last Interest Payment Date to
which interest was paid on such predecessor Note, or if no interest was paid
on such predecessor Note, from the Original Issue Date indicated above. The
first payment of interest on a Note originally issued and dated between a
Regular Record Date (as defined below) and an Interest Payment Date will be
due and payable on the Interest Payment Date following the next succeeding
Regular Record Date to the registered owner on such next succeeding Regular
Record Date. Subject to certain exceptions provided in the Indenture referred
to on the reverse hereof, the interest so payable on any Interest Payment
Date will be paid to the Person in whose name this Note is registered at the
close of business on the fourteenth calendar day next preceding such Interest
Payment Date (each such date a "Regular Record Date"), and interest payable
at Maturity (other than a Maturity date which is an Interest Payment Date)
will be paid to the Person to whom said principal sum is payable. Payment of
interest on this Note with respect to any Interest Payment Date will include
interest accrued to but excluding such Interest Payment Date. If the Company
shall default in the payment of interest due on any Interest Payment Date,
then interest on this Note shall accrue from the next preceding Interest
Payment Date to which interest has been paid, or if no interest has been paid
on this Note, from the Original Issue Date indicated above.
Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and any interest
due on this Note to the Holder hereof at Maturity will be paid, in
immediately available funds, upon presentation of this Note at the office or
agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in the City of Minnetonka,
Minnesota, or the City of ____________________, or, at the option of the
Holder hereof, at the office or agency to be maintained for that purpose in
the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York. Payment of interest on this
Note due on any Interest Payment Date (other than interest on this Note due
to the Holder hereof at Maturity) will be payable at such office or agency of
the Company, provided, however, that, at the option of the Company, payment
of interest may be paid by check mailed to the Person entitled thereto at
such Person's last address as it appears in the Security Register or by wire
transfer to such account as may have been designated by such Holder as set
forth herein.
Any such designation for wire transfer purposes shall be made by
filing the appropriate information with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust
Office in the City of ____________________ or its agency in The City of New
York and, unless revoked by written notice to the Trustee received by the
Trustee on or prior to the Regular Record Date immediately preceding the
applicable Interest Payment Date or the fifteenth calendar day preceding the
date of Maturity, as the case may be, shall remain in effect with respect to
any further payments with respect to this Note payable to such Holder.
If a payment with respect to this Note cannot be made by wire
transfer because the required designation has not been received by the
Trustee on or before the requisite date or for any other reason, a notice
will be mailed to the Holder at its registered address requesting a
designation pursuant to which such wire transfer can be made and, upon the
3
<PAGE>
Trustee's receipt of such a designation, such payment will be made within
five Business Days of such receipt. The Company will pay any administrative
costs imposed by banks in connection with making payments by wire transfer,
but any tax, assessment or governmental charge imposed upon payments will be
borne by the Holders of the Notes in respect of which payments are made.
Any payment on this Note due on any day which is not a Business Day
in The City of New York or which is not a Business Day in the City of
Minnetonka, Minnesota, or the City of ____________________, need not be made
on such day, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day, with the
same force and effect as if made on the due date, and no interest shall
accrue for the period from and after such date.
IF THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL SECURITY AS SPECIFIED ON THE FACE HEREOF,
THE FOLLOWING LEGEND IS APPLICABLE: "EXCEPT UNDER THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES
DESCRIBED ON THE REVERSE HEREOF, THIS GLOBAL SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED
EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE
DEPOSITARY, ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY, A SUCCESSOR OF THE DEPOSITARY
OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR".
"Business Day" shall mean, as used herein with respect to any
particular location, each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday
which is not a day on which banking institutions in such location are
generally authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.
Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Note set
forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes
have the same effect as if set forth at this place.
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed
by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof, directly or through an
Authenticating Agent, by manual signature, this Note shall not be entitled to
any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.
4
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be
duly executed under its corporate seal.
Dated: FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By:
---------------------------------
(Title)
[SEAL] Attest:
------------------------------
(Title)
TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF
AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the
series designated therein referred to
in the within-mentioned Indenture.
, as Trustee
- --------------------------
By:
----------------------------
Authorized Signature
or
, as Trustee
- --------------------------
By: ,
----------------------------
Authenticating Agent
By:
----------------------------
Authorized Signature
5
<PAGE>
[Reverse of Note]
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
MEDIUM-TERM NOTE, SERIES __
DUE 9 MONTHS OR MORE FROM DATE OF ISSUE
This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the
Company (hereinafter called the "Securities"), issued and to be issued in one
or more series under an indenture dated as of ____________________
(hereinafter called the "Indenture"), between the Company and
____________________________, as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee", which
term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture
and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a
statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and
immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the
Securities, and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be,
authenticated and delivered. This Note is one of a series of the Securities
designated as the Medium-Term Notes, Series __ of the Company (the "Notes"),
due 9 months or more from date of issue. The Notes are limited to
$____________ in aggregate principal amount. The Notes may mature at
different times, bear interest, if any, at different rates, be redeemable by
the Company at different times or not at all, be repayable at the option of
the Holder at different times or not at all and issued at an original issue
discount.
In case an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, with
respect to the Notes shall have occurred and be continuing, the principal
hereof may be declared, and upon such declaration shall become, due and
payable in the manner, with the effect and subject to the conditions provided
in the Indenture.
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided,
the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of
the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to
be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee
with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The
Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on
behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance
by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past
defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or
waiver by the Holder of this Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such
Holder and upon all future Holders of this Note and of any Note issued upon
the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof,
whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Note.
<PAGE>
If so provided on the face of this Note, this Note may be redeemed
by the Company on and after the date so indicated on the face hereof. On and
after the date, if any, from which this Note may be redeemed, this Note may
be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company at a
redemption price equal to the product of the principal amount of this Note to
be redeemed multiplied by the Redemption Percentage, plus accrued interest,
if any, to the date of redemption. The Redemption Percentage shall initially
equal the Initial Redemption Percentage specified on the face of this Note,
and shall decline at each anniversary of the initial date that this Note is
redeemable by the amount of the Annual Redemption Percentage Reduction
specified on the face of this Note, until the Redemption Percentage is equal
to 100%.
If so provided on the face of this Note, this Note will be
repayable in whole or in part in increments of $1,000, provided that the
remaining principal amount of any Note surrendered for partial repayment
shall be at least $100,000, on any Business Day on or after the date so
indicated on the face hereof under "Redeemable On or After (At Option of the
Holder)", at the option of the Holder, at 100% of the principal amount to be
repaid, plus accrued interest, if any, to the repayment date. In order for
the exercise of the option to be effective and the Notes to be repaid, the
Company must receive at the applicable address of the Trustee set forth below
or at such other place or places of which the Company shall from time to time
notify the Holder of the Note, on or before the fifteenth, but not earlier
than the twenty-fifth, calendar day or, if such day is not a Business Day,
the next succeeding Business Day, prior to the repayment date, either (i)
this Note, with the form below entitled "Option to Elect Repayment" duly
completed, or (ii) a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter from a
member of a national securities exchange or the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial bank or a trust company in the
United States of America setting forth (a) the name, address and telephone
number of the Holder of this Note, (b) the principal amount of this Note and
the principal amount of this Note to be repaid, (c) a statement that the
option to elect repayment is being exercised thereby, and (d) a guarantee
stating that the Company will receive this Note, with the form below entitled
"Option to Elect Repayment" duly completed, not later than five Business Days
after the date of such telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter (and
this Note and form duly completed are received by the Company by such fifth
Business Day). Any such election shall be irrevocable. Deliveries shall be
made by hand, courier service, regular or registered mail, telegram or
facsimile transmission to __________________________, Attention: ____________,
__________________________________________, (or, at such other places as the
Company shall notify the Holders of the Notes). All questions as to the
validity, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance of any Note
for repayment will be determined by the Company, whose determination will be
final and binding.
The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of (a)
the entire indebtedness of the Company on this Note and (b) certain
restrictive covenants and the related Events of Default, upon compliance by
the Company with certain conditions set forth therein, which provisions apply
to this Note.
2
<PAGE>
If this Note is issued with an original issue discount, (i) if an
Event of Default with respect to the Notes shall have occurred and be
continuing, the amount of principal of this Note which may be declared due
and payable, in the manner, with the effect and subject to the conditions
provided in the Indenture, shall be determined in the manner set forth under
"OID Default Amount" on the face hereof, and (ii) in the case of a default of
payment in principal upon acceleration, redemption, repayment at the option
of the Holder or at the Stated Maturity hereof, in lieu of any interest
otherwise payable, the overdue principal of this Note shall bear interest at
a rate of interest per annum equal to the Default Rate stated on the face
hereof (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally
enforceable), which shall accrue from the date of such acceleration,
redemption, repayment at the option of the Holder or Stated Maturity, as the
case may be, to the date payment has been made or duly provided for or such
default has been waived in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.
The Notes are issuable in global or definitive form without coupons
in denominations of $100,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess
thereof. Upon due presentment for registration of transfer of this Note at
the office or agency of the Company in the City of Minnetonka, Minnesota, or
the City of ____________________, or, at the option of the Holder hereof, at
the office or agency to be maintained for that purpose in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York, a new Note or Notes in authorized
denominations for an equal aggregate principal amount and like interest rate
and Stated Maturity will be issued to the transferee in exchange herefor,
subject to the limitations provided in the Indenture and to the limitations
described below if applicable, without charge except for any tax or other
governmental charge imposed in connection therewith.
If this Note is a Global Security (as specified on the face
hereof), this Note is exchangeable for definitive Notes in registered form
only if (x) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or
unable to continue as Depositary for this Global Security or if at any time
the Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (y) the Company in its sole discretion
determines that this Note shall be exchangeable for definitive Notes in
registered form and notifies the Trustee thereof or (z) an Event of Default
with respect to the Notes represented hereby has occurred and is continuing.
If this Note is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence, it shall be
exchangeable for definitive Notes in registered form, bearing interest (if
any) at the same rate or pursuant to the same formula, having the same date
of issuance, redemption provisions, if any, Stated Maturity and other terms
and of differing denominations aggregating a like amount.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note
or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company,
which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of (and premium, if
any) and interest on this Note at the times, place and rate, and in the coin
or currency, herein prescribed.
3
<PAGE>
Prior to due presentment of this Note for registration of transfer,
the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may
treat the Person in whose name this Note is registered as the owner hereof
for all purposes, whether or not this Note be overdue, and neither the
Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the
contrary.
All terms used in this Note which are defined in the Indenture
shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
4
<PAGE>
OPTION TO ELECT REPAYMENT
TO BE COMPLETED ONLY IF THIS NOTE IS REPAYABLE
AT THE OPTION OF THE HOLDER AND THE HOLDER
ELECTS TO EXERCISE SUCH RIGHTS
The undersigned hereby irrevocably requests and instructs the
Company to repay the within Note (or portion thereof specified below)
pursuant to its terms at a price equal to the principal amount thereof,
together with interest to the repayment date, to the undersigned, at
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------.
(Please print or typewrite name and address of the undersigned)
For this Note to be repaid the Company must receive at the
applicable address of the Trustee set forth above or at such other place or
places of which the Company shall from time to time notify the holder of the
within Note, on or before the fifteenth, but not earlier than the
twenty-fifth, calendar day or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next
succeeding Business Day, prior to the repayment date (i) this Note, with this
"Option to Elect Repayment" form duly completed, or (ii) a telegram, telex,
facsimile transmission or letter from a member of a national securities
exchange, or the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or a
commercial bank or a trust company in the United States of America setting
forth (a) the name, address and telephone number of the holder of the Note,
(b) the principal amount of the Note and the principal amount of the Note to
be repaid, (c) a statement that the option to elect repayment is being
exercised thereby, and (d) a guarantee stating that the Note to be repaid
with the form entitled "Option to Elect Prepayment" on the reverse of the
Note duly completed will be received by the Company not later than five
Business Days after the date of such telegram, telex, facsimile transmission
or letter (and such Note and form duly completed are received by the Company
by such fifth Business Day).
If less than the entire principal amount of the within Note is to
be repaid, specify the portion thereof (which shall be an integral multiple
of $1,000, which the Holder elects to have repaid: ______________________;
and specify the denomination or denominations (which shall be $100,000 or an
integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of the Note or Notes to be
issued to the Holder for the portion of the within Note not being
5
<PAGE>
repaid (in the absence of any specification, one such Note will be issued for
the portion not being repaid): _____________________
Dated:
-------------------- ---------------------------------------
Notice: The signature to this Option to Elect
Repayment must correspond with the name as
written upon the face of the Note in every
particular without alteration or enlargement
or any other change whatsoever.
---------------------------
6
<PAGE>
ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the
face of this instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out
in full according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM: as tenants in common
TEN ENT: as tenants by the entireties
JT TEN: as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in
common
UNIF GIFT ACT: Custodian
----- -------
(Cust) (Minor)
Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
-----------------------------------------
(State)
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above
list.
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s) and transfer(s)
unto:
Please Insert Social Security or
Other Identifying Number of Assignee
---------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF
ASSIGNEE)
7
<PAGE>
the within Note of FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC. and does hereby irrevocably
constitute and appoint _______________ attorney to transfer the said Note on
the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated:
---------------------- ------------------------------------
------------------------------------
NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as
written upon the face of the within instrument in every particular, without
alteration or enlargement or any change whatever.
8
<PAGE>
Exhibit 4.12
[Face of Note]
CUSIP NO. PRINCIPAL AMOUNT:
REGISTERED NO.
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
MEDIUM-TERM NOTE, SERIES __
DUE 9 MONTHS OR MORE FROM DATE OF ISSUE
If the registered owner of this Note (as indicated below) is Cede &
Co. and The Depository Trust Company is named below as Depositary, this Note is
a "Global Security", and unless this certificate is presented by an authorized
representative of The Depositary Trust Company (55 Water Street, New York, New
York) to the issuer or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or
payment, and any certificate issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or
such other name as requested by an authorized representative of The Depository
Trust Company and any payment is made to Cede & Co., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR
OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL since
the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.
The following summary of terms is subject to the information set forth
on the reverse hereof.
ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE: ISSUE PRICE (As a MATURITY DATE:
percentage of principal
amount): %
INDEX MATURITY: INTEREST RATE BASIS: INITIAL INTEREST RATE:
INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD: INTEREST RATE RESET MINIMUM INTEREST RATE:
PERIOD:
MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE: INTEREST PAYMENT DATES: INTEREST CALCULATION
DATES:
<PAGE>
INITIAL INTEREST RESET INTEREST DETERMINATION SPREAD MULTIPLIER:
DATE: DATES:
SPREAD: + REDEEMABLE ON OR AFTER REDEEMABLE ON OR AFTER
- (At option of the (At option of the
Holder): Company):
INITIAL REDEMPTION ANNUAL REDEMPTION SINKING FUND:
PERCENTAGE: PERCENTAGE REDUCTION:
DEPOSITARY (Only
applicable if Note is a
Global Security):
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC., a corporation duly organized and existing
under the laws of the State of Minnesota (herein called the "Company", which
term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred
to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to ________________ or
registered assigns, the principal sum of ____________ at the office or agency of
the Company in the City of Minnetonka, Minnesota, the City of
_____________________ or in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, on
the maturity date shown above, or if such date is not a Business Day (as defined
below), the next succeeding Business Day ("Stated Maturity"), in such coin or
currency as at the time of payment shall be legal tender for the payment of
public and private debts in the United States of America, and to pay interest
monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually as specified above under "Interest
Payment Period", on the Interest Payment Dates specified above, commencing with
the first Interest Payment Date specified above following the original Issue
Date specified above, and at Maturity, on said principal sum at said offices or
agencies, in like coin or currency, at a rate per annum equal to the Initial
Interest Rate specified above until the first Interest Reset Date specified
above following the Original Issue Date specified above and thereafter at a rate
per annum determined in accordance with the provisions on the reverse hereof
under the heading "Determination of Interest Rate Per Annum for Commercial Paper
Rate Notes", "Determination of Interest Rate Per Annum for Prime Rate Notes",
"Determination of Interest Rate Per Annum for LIBOR Notes", "Determination of
Interest Rate Per Annum for Treasury Rate Notes", "Determination of Interest
Rate Per Annum for CD Rate Notes" or "Determination of Interest Rate Per Annum
for Federal Funds Rate Notes", depending upon whether the Interest Rate Basis is
Commercial Paper Rate, Prime Rate, LIBOR, Treasury Rate, CD Rate
2
<PAGE>
or Federal Funds Rate, as specified above; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if any
Interest Payment Date specified above would otherwise fall on a day that it not
a Business Day, such Interest Payment Date will be the following day that is a
Business Day, except that in the event that the Interest Rate Basis for this
Note is LIBOR, if such day falls in the next calendar month, such Interest
Payment Date will be the next preceding day that is a Business Day. Interest on
this Note shall accrue (a) if the rate at which interest on this Note is payable
shall be adjusted monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually, as specified
above under "Interest Rate Reset Period" and as determined in accordance with
the provisions on the reverse hereof, from the Interest Payment Date next
preceding the date of this Note to which interest has been paid, unless the date
hereof is an Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid, in which
case from the date of this Note, or unless no interest has been paid on this
Note, in which case from the Original Issue Date specified above, until payment
of said principal sum has been made or duly provided for or (b) if the rate at
which interest on this Note is payable shall be adjusted weekly, as specified
above under "Interest Rate Reset Period" and as determined in accordance with
the provisions on the reverse hereof, from the Regular Record Date (as defined
herein) next preceding the date of this Note through which interest has been
paid, unless the date hereof is a Regular Record Date through which interest has
been paid, in which case from the day after the date of this Note, or unless no
interest has been paid on this Note, in which case from the Original Issue Date
specified above, until payment of said principal sum has been made or duly
provided for; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the Original Issue Date is after any
Regular Record Date preceding any Interest Payment Date and before such Interest
Payment Date, interest on this Note shall accrue from such Interest Payment Date
unless the rate at which interest on this Note is payable shall be adjusted
weekly, as provided above under "Interest Rate Reset Period" and as determined
in accordance with the provisions on the reverse hereof, in which case interest
on this Note shall accrue from such Regular Record Date, or, in either case, if
no interest has been paid on this Note, from the Original Issue Date specified
above; PROVIDED FURTHER, that if the Company shall default in the payment of
interest due on any Interest Payment Date, then interest on this Note shall
accrue from and including the next preceding Interest Payment Date or from the
Regular Record Date, as the case may be, to which interest has been paid, or if
no interest has been paid on this Note, from the Original Issue Date specified
above. Subject to certain exceptions provided in the Indenture referred to on
the reverse hereof, the interest so payable on any Interest Payment Date will be
paid to the Person in whose name this Note is registered at the close of
business on the Regular Record Date next preceding such Interest Payment Date,
and interest payable at Maturity (other than a Maturity date which is an
Interest Payment Date) will be paid to the Person to whom said principal sum is
payable; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the first payment of interest on a Note
originally issued between a Regular Record Date and an Interest Payment Date
will be due and payable on the Interest Payment Date following the next
succeeding Regular Record Date to the registered owner on such next succeeding
Regular Record Date. "Regular Record Date" shall mean the fifteenth calendar
day prior to any Interest Payment Date, whether or not such date shall be a
Business Day. "Business Day" shall mean, as used herein with respect to any
particular location, each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday which
is (a) not a day on which banking institutions in such location are generally
authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close and (b) in the event
that the Interest Rate Basis for this Note is LIBOR, a London
3
<PAGE>
Business Day. "London Business Day" shall mean any Business Day on which
dealings in deposits in U.S. dollars are transacted in the London interbank
market.
Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and any interest due
on this Note to the Holder hereof at Maturity will be made, in immediately
available funds, upon presentation of this Note at the office or agency of the
Company maintained for that purpose in the City of Minnetonka, Minnesota, or the
City of __________________, or, at the option of the Holder hereof, at the
office or agency to be maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan,
The City of New York. Payment of interest on this Note due on any Interest
Payment Date (other than interest on this Note due to the Holder hereof at
Maturity) will be payable at such office or agency of the Company, PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that, at the option of the Company, payment of interest may be made by
check mailed to the Person entitled thereto at such Person's last address as it
appears in the Security Register or by wire transfer to such account as may have
been designated by such Holder as set forth herein.
Any such designation for wire transfer purposes shall be made by
filing the appropriate information with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust
Office in the City of ____________________ or its agency in The City of New York
and, unless revoked by written notice to the Trustee received by the Trustee on
or prior to the Regular Record Date immediately preceding the applicable
Interest Payment Date or the fifteenth calendar day preceding the date of
Maturity, as the case may be, shall remain in effect with respect to any further
payments with respect to this Note payable to such Holder.
If a payment with respect to this Note cannot be made by wire transfer
because the required designation has not been received by the Trustee on or
before the requisite date or for any other reason, a notice will be mailed to
the Holder at its registered address requesting a designation pursuant to which
such wire transfer can be made and, upon the Trustee's receipt of such a
designation, such payment will be made within five Business Days of such
receipt. The Company will pay any administrative costs imposed by banks in
connection with making payments by wire transfer, but any tax, assessment or
governmental charge imposed upon payments will be borne by the Holders of the
Notes in respect of which payments are made.
Any payment on this Note due on any day which is not a Business Day in
The City of New York or which is not a Business Day in the City of Minnetonka,
Minnesota, or the City of ____________________, need not be made on such day,
but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and
effect as if made on the due date, and no interest shall accrue for the period
from and after such date.
IF THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL SECURITY AS SPECIFIED ON THE FACE HEREOF, THE
FOLLOWING LEGEND IS APPLICABLE: "EXCEPT UNDER THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES
DESCRIBED ON THE REVERSE HEREOF, THIS GLOBAL SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED
EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY, TO THE
DEPOSITARY, ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY, A SUCCESSOR OF THE DEPOSITARY OR
A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR".
4
<PAGE>
Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Note set
forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes
have the same effect as if set forth at this place.
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by
the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof, directly or through an
Authenticating Agent, by manual signature, this Note shall not be entitled to
any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed under its corporate seal.
Dated: FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
By:
-------------------------------
(Title)
[SEAL] Attest:
---------------------------
(Title)
TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the
series designated therein referred to in
the within-mentioned Indenture.
, as Trustee
--------------------------
By:
---------------------------
Authorized Signature
or
, as Trustee
--------------------------
By: ,
---------------------------
Authenticating Agent
By:
---------------------------
Authorized Signature
5
<PAGE>
[Reverse of Note]
FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC.
MEDIUM-TERM NOTE, SERIES __
DUE 9 MONTHS OR MORE FROM DATE OF ISSUE
This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the
Company, (hereinafter called the "Securities") , issued and to be issued in one
or more series under an indenture dated as of ____________________ (hereinafter
called the "Indenture"), between the Company and ____________________________,
as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee", which term includes any successor
trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental
thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights,
limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the
Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the
Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Note is one of
a series of the Securities designated as the Medium-Term Notes, Series __ of the
Company (the "Notes"), due 9 months or more from date of issue. The Notes are
limited to $______________ in aggregate principal amount. The Notes may mature
at different times, bear interest, if any, at different rates, be redeemable by
the Company at different times or not at all and be repayable at the option of
the Holder at different times or not at all.
The interest rate in effect from the date of issue to the Initial
Interest Reset Date specified on the face hereof shall be the Initial Interest
Rate specified on the face hereof. Commencing with the Initial Interest Reset
Date following the Original Issue Date specified on the face hereof, the rate at
which interest on this Note is payable shall be adjusted weekly, monthly,
quarterly, semi-annually or annually as specified on the face hereof under
"Interest Rate Reset Period"; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the interest rate in
effect hereon for the 10 calendar days immediately prior to the Maturity hereof
will be that in effect on the tenth day next preceding the Maturity. Each such
adjusted rate shall be applicable from and including the Interest Reset Date to
which it relates to but not including the next succeeding Interest Reset Date or
until Maturity, as the case may be. Subject to applicable provisions of law and
except as specified herein, on each Interest Reset Date, the rate of interest on
this Note shall be the rate determined with respect to the Interest
Determination Date next preceding such Interest Reset Date in accordance with
the provisions of the applicable heading below.
DETERMINATION OF INTEREST RATE PER ANNUM FOR PRIME RATE NOTES. If the
Interest Rate Basis specified on the face hereof is Prime Rate, the interest
rate per annum determined with respect to any Interest Determination Date
specified on the face hereof shall equal the rate, adjusted by the addition or
subtraction of the Spread, if any, specified on the face
<PAGE>
hereof, or by multiplication by the Spread Multiplier, if any, specified on the
face hereof, and calculated to one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point,
rounded up, set forth for the relevant Prime Rate Interest Determination Date in
"Statistical Release H.15(519), Selected Interest Rates", published by the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System under the heading "Bank Prime Loan",
or any successor publication ("Release H.15(519)"). In the event that such rate
is not published prior to 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the relevant
Calculation Date, then the Prime Rate with respect to such Interest Reset Date
will be the arithmetic mean (adjusted or multiplied and calculated as described
above) of the rates of interest publicly announced by each bank that appears on
the display designated as page "NYMF" on the Reuter Monitor Money Rates Service
(or such other page as may replace the NYMF page on that service for the purpose
of displaying prime rates or base lending rates of major United States banks)
("Reuters Screen NYMF Page") as such bank's prime rate or base lending rate as
in effect for such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date as quoted on the
Reuters Screen NYMF Page on such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date. If
fewer than four such rates appear on the Reuters Screen NYMF Page on such Prime
Rate Interest Determination Date, the Prime Rate with respect to such Interest
Reset Date will be the arithmetic mean (adjusted or multiplied and calculated as
described above) of the prime rates or base lending rates (quoted on the basis
of the actual number of days in the year divided by a 360-day year) as of the
close of business on such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date by three major
banks in The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that if fewer than three banks selected as aforesaid by the Calculation
Agent are quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the Prime Rate with respect to
such Interest Reset Date will be the Prime Rate in effect on such Prime Rate
Interest Determination Date.
DETERMINATION OF INTEREST RATE PER ANNUM FOR LIBOR NOTES. If the
Interest Rate Basis specified on the face hereof is LIBOR, the interest rate per
annum determined with respect to any Interest Determination Date specified on
the face hereof shall equal the arithmetic mean (as calculated by the
Calculation Agent specified on the face hereof to one hundred-thousandth of a
percentage point, rounded up) of offered rates for deposits of not less than
U.S. $1,000,000 having the Index Maturity specified on the face hereof,
commencing on the second Business Day immediately following such LIBOR Interest
Determination Date, which appear on the Reuters Screen LIBO Page (as defined
herein) as of 11:00 A.M., London time, on such Interest Determination Date,
adjusted by the addition or subtraction of the Spread, if any, specified on the
face hereof, or by multiplication by the Spread Multiplier, if any, specified on
the face hereof; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if fewer than two such offered rates so
appear on the Reuters Screen LIBO Page, the Calculation Agent shall request the
principal London office of each of four major banks in the London interbank
market selected by the Calculation Agent to provide a quotation of the rate at
which such bank offered to prime banks in the London interbank market at
approximately 11:00 A.M., London time, on such Interest Determination Date,
deposits in U.S. dollars having the Index Maturity specified on the face hereof
commencing on the second Business Day immediately following such LIBOR Interest
Determination Date and in a principal amount not less than U.S. $1,000,000 and
equal to an amount that in the Calculation Agent's judgment is representative
for a single transaction in such market at such time, and the interest rate per
annum hereon shall equal the arithmetic mean (adjusted or multiplied and
calculated as described above) of (a) such quotations, if at least two
quotations are provided,
2
<PAGE>
or (b) if fewer than two such quotations are provided, the rates quoted at
approximately 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on such Interest Determination
Date by three major banks in The City of New York, selected by the Calculation
Agent, for loans in U.S. dollars to leading European banks having the Index
Maturity specified on the face hereof commencing on the Interest Reset Date and
in a principal amount that is not less than U.S. $1,000,000 and in the
Calculation Agent's judgment is representative for a single transaction in such
market at such time; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if not all of the three banks
selected by the Calculation Agent pursuant to clause (b) above are quoting as
described above, the interest rate per annum hereon with respect to such
Interest Determination Date shall be the LIBOR in effect thereon on such
Interest Determination Date. "Reuters Screen LIBO Page" shall mean the display
designated as page "LIBO" on the Reuters Monitor Money Rates Service (or such
other page as may replace the LIBO page on that service for the purpose of
displaying London interbank offered rates of major banks).
DETERMINATION OF INTEREST RATE PER ANNUM FOR TREASURY RATE NOTES. If
the Interest Rate Basis specified on the face hereof is Treasury Rate, the
interest rate per annum determined with respect to any Interest Determination
Date specified on the face hereof shall equal the rate for the most recent
auction of direct obligations of the United States ("Treasury bills") having the
Index Maturity specified on the face hereof as published in Release H.15(519),
under the heading "U.S. Government Securities/Treasury Bills/Auction Average
(Investment)" on such Interest Determination Date or, if not so published by
9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the Interest Calculation Date (as specified on
the face hereof) pertaining to such Interest Determination Date, the auction
average rate (expressed as a bond equivalent, calculated to one
hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, rounded up, on the basis of a year of
365 or 366 days, as applicable, and applied on a daily basis) for such auction
as otherwise announced by the United States Department of the Treasury, in
either case adjusted by the addition or subtraction of the Spread, if any,
specified on the face hereof, or by multiplication by the Spread Multiplier, if
any, specified on the face hereof. In the event that the results of such
auction of Treasury bills are not published or reported as provided above by
3:00 P.M., New York City time, on such Interest Calculation Date or if no such
auction is held by the applicable Interest Determination Date, then the interest
rate per annum with respect to such Interest Calculation Date shall be the rate
set forth in Release H.15(519) for the specified Index Maturity under the
heading "U.S. Government Securities/Treasury Bills/Secondary Markets". In the
event such rate is not so published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the
relevant Interest Calculation Date, then the interest rate per annum hereon
shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and shall be the yield to maturity
(expressed as a bond equivalent, calculated to one hundred-thousandth of a
percentage point, rounded up, on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as
applicable, and applied on a daily basis) of the arithmetic mean (adjusted or
multiplied and calculated as described above) of the secondary market bid rates,
as of approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time, on such Interest
Determination Date, of three leading primary United States government securities
dealers selected by the Calculation Agent for the issue of Treasury bills with a
remaining maturity closest to the Index Maturity specified on the face hereof;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the dealers selected as aforesaid by the Calculation
Agent are not quoting as described in this sentence, the interest rate per annum
hereon with respect to such
3
<PAGE>
Interest Determination Date shall be the Treasury Rate in effect hereon on such
Interest Determination Date.
DETERMINATION OF INTEREST RATE PER ANNUM FOR COMMERCIAL PAPER RATE
NOTES. If the Interest Rate Basis specified on the face hereof is Commercial
Paper Rate, the interest rate per annum determined with respect to any Interest
Determination Date specified on the face hereof shall equal (a) the Money Market
Yield (as defined herein) of the per annum rate (quoted on a bank discount
basis) on such Interest Determination Date for commercial paper having the Index
Maturity specified on the face hereof, (i) as such rate is published in Release
H.15(519) under the heading "Commercial Paper", or (ii) if such rate is not
published at or prior to 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the Interest
Calculation Date (as specified on the face hereof) pertaining to such Interest
Determination Date, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in its
daily statistical release, "Composite 3:30 P.M. Quotations for U.S. Government
Securities" or any successor publication of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
("Composite Quotations") under the heading "Commercial Paper", or (b) if by 3:00
P.M., New York City time, on such Interest Calculation Date, such rate is not
published in either of such publications, the Money Market Yield of the
arithmetic mean (calculated to one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point,
rounded up) of the offered per annum rates (quoted on a bank discount basis), as
of 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on such Interest Determination Date, of three
leading dealers of commercial paper in The City of New York selected by the
Calculation Agent for commercial paper having the Index Maturity specified on
the face hereof placed for industrial issuers whose bond rating is "AA", or the
equivalent, from a nationally recognized rating agency, in each of the above
cases adjusted by the addition or subtraction of the Spread, if any, specified
on the face hereof, or by multiplication by the Spread Multiplier, if any,
specified on the face hereof; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if fewer than three such
dealers are quoting as described above, the interest rate per annum hereon with
respect to such Interest Determination Date shall be the Commercial Paper Rate
in effect hereon on such Interest Determination Date.
"Money Market Yield" shall be a yield (expressed as a percentage)
calculated in accordance with the following formula:
Money Market Yield = 100 x 360 X D
-------------
360 - (D x M)
where "D" refers to the per annum rate for commercial paper, quoted on a bank
discount basis and expressed as at decimal calculated to seven decimal places,
without rounding; and "M" refers to the actual number of days in the period
corresponding to the specified Index Maturity.
DETERMINATION OF INTEREST RATE PER ANNUM FOR CD RATE NOTES. If the
Interest Rate basis specified on the face hereof is CD Rate, the interest rate
per annum determined with respect to any Interest Determination Date specified
on the face hereof shall equal the rate, adjusted by the addition or subtraction
of the Spread, if any, specified on the face hereof, or by multiplication by the
Spread Multiplier, if any, specified on the face hereof and
4
<PAGE>
calculated to one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, rounded up, for the
relevant CD Interest Determination Date for negotiable certificates of deposit
having the specified Index Maturity as published in Release H.15(519) under the
heading "CDs (Secondary Market)". In the event that such rate is not published
prior to 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the relevant Calculation Date, then
the CD Rate with respect to such Interest Reset Date shall be the rate (adjusted
or multiplied and calculated as described above) on such CD Rate Interest
Determination Date for negotiable certificates of deposit having the specified
Index Maturity as published in Composite Quotations under the heading
"Certificates of Deposit". If by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on such
Calculation Date such rate is not published in either Release H.15(519) or
Composite Quotations, the CD Rate with respect to such Interest Reset Date shall
be calculated by the Calculation Agent and shall be the arithmetic mean
(adjusted or multiplied and calculated as described above) of the secondary
market offered rates, as of 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on such CD Rate
Interest Determination Date, of three primary nonbank dealers of negotiable U.S.
dollar certificates of deposit in The City of New York selected by the
Calculation Agent for negotiable certificates of deposit of major United States
money market banks with a remaining maturity closest to the specified Index
Maturity in a denomination of U.S. $5,000,000; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, if fewer
than three dealers selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are quoting as
mentioned in this sentence, the CD Rate with respect to such Interest Reset Date
will be the CD Rate in effect on such CD Rate Interest Determination Date.
DETERMINATION OF INTEREST RATE PER ANNUM FOR FEDERAL FUNDS RATES
NOTES. If the Interest Rate Basis specified on the face hereof is Federal Funds
Rate, the interest rate per annum determined with respect to any Interest
Determination Date specified on the face hereof shall equal the rate, adjusted
by the addition or subtraction of the Spread, if any, specified on the face
hereof, or by multiplication by the Spread Multiplier, if any, specified on the
face hereof and calculated to one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point,
rounded up, on the relevant Federal Funds Interest Determination Date for
Federal Funds as published in Release H.15(519) under the heading "Federal Funds
(Effective)". In the event that such rate is not published prior to 9:00 A.M.,
New York City time, on the relevant Calculation Date, then the Federal Funds
Rate with respect to such Interest Reset Rate will be the rate (adjusted or
multiplied and calculated as described above) on such Federal Funds Interest
Determination Date as published in Composite Quotations under the heading
"Federal Funds/Effective Rate". If by 3: 00 P.M., New York City time, on such
Calculation Date such rate is not published in either Release H.15(519) or
Composite Quotations, the Federal Funds Rate with respect to such Interest Reset
Date shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and shall be the arithmetic
mean (adjusted or multiplied and calculated as described above) of the rates, as
of 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on such Federal Funds Interest Determination
Date, for the last transaction in overnight Federal Funds arranged by three
leading brokers of Federal Funds transactions in The City of New York selected
by the Calculation Agent; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if fewer than three brokers
selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are quoting as mentioned in this
sentence, the Federal Funds Rate with respect to such Interest Reset Date will
be the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such Federal Funds Interest Determination
Date.
5
<PAGE>
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the interest rate per annum hereon
shall not be greater than the Maximum Interest Rate, if any, or less than the
Minimum Interest Rate, if any, specified on the face hereof. The Calculation
Agent shall calculate the interest rate hereon in accordance with the foregoing
on or before each Interest Calculation Date.
The interest rate on this Note will in no event be higher than the
maximum rate permitted by New York law as the same may be modified by United
States law of general application.
At the request of the Holder hereof, the Calculation Agent will
provide to the Holder hereof the interest rate hereon then in effect and, if
determined, the interest rate which will become effective as a result of a
determination made on the most recent Interest Determination Date with respect
to this Note. The Calculation Agent's determination of any interest rate will
be final and binding in the absence of manifest error.
Interest payments hereon will include interest accrued to but
excluding the applicable Interest Payment Date; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the
rate at which interest on this Note is payable shall be adjusted weekly as
specified on the face hereof under "Interest Rate Reset Period" and as
determined in accordance with the provisions hereof, interest payable on any
Interest Payment Date, other than interest payable on any date on which
principal hereof is payable, will include interest accrued to but excluding the
day following the Regular Record Date next preceding such Interest Payment Date.
Accrued interest hereon from the Original Issue Date or from the last date to
which interest hereon has been paid, as the case may be, shall be an amount
calculated by multiplying the face amount hereof by an accrued interest factor.
Such accrued interest factor shall be computed by adding the interest factors
calculated for each day from the Original Issue Date or from the last date to
which interest shall have been paid or duly provided for, as the case may be, up
to but not including the date for which accrued interest is being calculated.
The interest factor (expressed as a decimal calculated to seven decimal places,
rounding up) for each such day shall be computed by dividing the interest rate
per annum (expressed as a decimal calculated to seven decimal places, rounding
up) applicable to such day by 360 if the Interest Rate Basis specified on the
face hereof is Prime Rate, LIBOR, Commercial Paper Rate, CD Rate or Federal
Funds Rate or by the actual number of days in the year if the Interest Rate
Basis specified on the face hereof is Treasury Rate.
In case an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, with respect
to the Notes shall have occurred and be continuing, the principal hereof may be
declared, and upon such declaration shall become, due and payable in the manner,
with the effect and subject to the conditions provided in the Indenture.
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided,
the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the
Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be
affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the
consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at
the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains
provisions permitting the Holders of a majority in principal amount
6
<PAGE>
of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the
Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company
with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the
Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent by the Holder of this Note
shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of
this Note and of any Note issued upon the registration or transfer hereof or in
exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or
waiver is made upon this Note.
If so provided on the face of this Note, this Note may be redeemed by
the Company on and after the date so indicated on the face hereof. On and after
the date, if any, from which this Note may be redeemed, this Note may be
redeemed in whole or in part at the option of the Company at a redemption price
equal to the product of the principal amount of this Note to be redeemed
multiplied by the Redemption Percentage, plus accrued interest, if any, to the
date of redemption. The Redemption Percentage shall initially equal the Initial
Redemption Percentage specified on the face of this Note, and shall decline at
each anniversary of the initial date that this Note is redeemable by the amount
of the Annual Redemption Percentage Reduction specified on the face of this
Note, until the Redemption Percentage is equal to 100%.
If so provided on the face of this Note, this Note will be repayable
in whole or in part in increments of $1,000, provided that the remaining
principal amount of any Note surrendered for partial repayment shall be at least
$100,000, on any Business Day on or after the date so indicated on the face
hereof under "Redeemable On or After (At Option of the Holder)", at the option
of the Holder, at 100% of the principal amount to be repaid, plus accrued
interest, if any, to the repayment date. In order for the exercise of the
option to be effective and the Notes to be repaid, the Company must receive at
the applicable address of the Trustee set forth below or at such other place or
places of which the Company shall from time to time notify the Holder of the
Note, on or before the fifteenth, but not earlier than the twenty-fifth,
calendar day or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business
Day, prior to the repayment date, either (i) this Note, with the form below
entitled "Option to Elect Repayment" duly completed, or (ii) a telegram, telex,
facsimile transmission or letter from a member of a national securities exchange
or the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial bank or
a trust company in the United States of America setting forth (a) the name,
address and telephone number of the Holder of this Note, (b) the principal
amount of this Note and the principal amount of this Note to be repaid, (c) a
statement that the option to elect repayment is being exercised thereby, and (d)
a guarantee stating that the Company will receive this Note, with the form below
entitled "Option to Elect Repayment" duly completed, not later than five
Business Days after the date of such telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or
letter (and this Note and form duly completed are received by the Company by
such fifth Business Day). Any such election shall be irrevocable. Deliveries
shall be made by hand, courier service, regular or registered mail, telegram or
facsimile transmission to ___________________________, Attention: Corporate
Trust Office, _____________________________________ (or at such other places as
the Company shall notify the Holders of the Notes). All questions as to the
validity, eligibility
7
<PAGE>
(including time of receipt) and acceptance of any Note for repayment will be
determined by the Company, whose determination will be final and binding.
The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of (a)
the entire indebtedness of the Company on this Note and (b) certain restrictive
covenants and the related Events of Default, upon compliance by the Company with
certain conditions set forth therein, which provisions apply to this Note.
The Notes are issuable in global or definitive form without coupons in
denominations of $100,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
Upon due presentment for registration of transfer of this Note at the office or
agency of the Company in the City of Minnetonka, Minnesota, or the City of
__________________, or, at the option of the Holder hereof, at the office or
agency to be maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City
of New York, a new Note or Notes in authorized denominations for an equal
aggregate principal amount and like interest rate and Stated Maturity will be
issued to the transferee in exchange herefor, subject to the limitations
provided in the Indenture and to the limitations described below if applicable,
without charge except for any tax or other governmental charge imposed in
connection therewith.
If this Note is a Global Security (as specified on the face hereof),
this Note is exchangeable for definitive Notes in registered form only if (x)
the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue
as Depositary for this Global Security or if at any time the Depositary ceases
to be a clearing agency registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, (y) the Company in its sole discretion determines that this Note shall
be exchangeable for definitive Notes in registered form and notifies the Trustee
thereof or (z) an Event of Default with respect to the Notes represented hereby
has occurred and is continuing. If this Note is exchangeable pursuant to the
preceding sentence, it shall be exchangeable for definitive Notes in registered
form, bearing interest (if any) at the same rate or pursuant to the same
formula, having the same date of issuance, redemption provisions, if any, Stated
Maturity and other terms and of differing denominations aggregating a like
amount.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or
of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is
absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and
interest on this Note at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency,
herein prescribed.
Prior to due presentment of this Note for registration of transfer,
the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat
the Person in whose name this Note is registered as the owner hereof for all
purposes, whether or not this Note be overdue, and neither the Company, the
Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
All terms used in this Note which are defined in the Indenture shall
have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
8
<PAGE>
OPTION TO ELECT REPAYMENT
TO BE COMPLETED ONLY IF THIS NOTE IS REPAYABLE
AT THE OPTION OF THE HOLDER AND THE HOLDER
ELECTS TO EXERCISE SUCH RIGHTS
The undersigned hereby irrevocably requests and instructs the Company
to repay the within Note (or portion thereof specified below) pursuant to its
terms at a price equal to the principal amount thereof, together with interest
to the repayment date, to the undersigned, at
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________.
(Please print or typewrite name and address of the undersigned)
For this Note to be repaid the Company must receive at the applicable
address of the Trustee set forth above or at such other place or places of which
the Company shall from time to time notify the holder of the within Note, on or
before the fifteenth, but not earlier than the twenty-fifth, calendar day or, if
such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day, prior to the
repayment date (i) this Note, with this "Option to Elect Repayment" form duly
completed, or (ii) a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter from a
member of a national securities exchange or the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial bank or a trust company in the United
States of America setting forth (a) the name, address and telephone number of
the holder of the Note, (b) the principal amount of the Note and the principal
amount of the Note to be repaid, (c) a statement that the option to elect
repayment is being exercised thereby, and (d) a guarantee stating that the Note
to be repaid with the form entitled "Option to Elect Prepayment" on the reverse
of the Note duly completed will be received by the Company not later than five
Business Days after the date of such telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or
letter (and such Note and form duly completed are received by the Company by
such fifth Business Day).
If less than the entire principal amount of the within Note is to be
repaid, specify the portion thereof (which shall be an integral multiple of
$1,000 which the holder elects to have repaid: ____________; and specify the
denomination or denominations (which shall be $100,000 or an integral multiple
of $1,000 in excess thereof) of the Note or Notes to
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<PAGE>
be issued to the holder for the portion of the within Note not being repaid (in
the absence of any such specification, one such Note will be issued for the
portion not being repaid): ____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________.
Dated:
------------------------ ----------------------------------------
Notice: The signature to this Option
to Elect Repayment must correspond with
the name as written upon the face of
the Note in every particular without
alteration or enlargement or any other
change whatsoever.
-----------------------------
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<PAGE>
ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of
this instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM: as tenants in common
TEN ENT: as tenants by the entireties
JT TEN: as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in
common
UNIF GIFT ACT: ______ Custodian ______
(Cust) (Minor)
Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
-------------------------------------------
(State)
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above
list.
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s) and transfer(s)
unto:
Please Insert Social Security or
Other Identifying Number of Assignee
---------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF
ASSIGNEE)
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the within Note of FINGERHUT COMPANIES, INC. and does hereby irrevocably
constitute and appoint _______________ attorney to transfer the said Note on the
books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated:
--------------------- --------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as
written upon the face of the within instrument in every particular, without
alteration or enlargement or any change whatever.
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Exhibit 23.2
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
The Board of Directors
Fingerhut Companies, Inc.
We consent to the use of our report dated January 21, 1998 incorporated herein
by reference and to the reference to our firm under the heading "EXPERTS" in the
prospectus.
KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
December 3, 1998
