<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON SEPTEMBER 12, 1997
REGISTRATION NO. 333-34319
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------------------------
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE
(STATE OF INCORPORATION)
3714
(PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)
13-3384636
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
38481 HURON RIVER DRIVE, ROMULUS, MICHIGAN 48174, (313) 941-2000
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
------------------------
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL -- CALIFORNIA, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE
(STATE OF INCORPORATION)
3714
(PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)
33-0042337
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
14500 FIRESTONE BLVD., LA MIRADA, CALIFORNIA, (714) 994-0150
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
------------------------
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL -- GEORGIA, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE
(STATE OF INCORPORATION)
3312
(PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)
58-2046122
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
1215 PALMOUR DRIVE, GAINESVILLE, GEORGIA 30501, (770) 535-6783
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
------------------------
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL -- INDIANA, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE
(STATE OF INCORPORATION)
3714
(PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)
62-1240825
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
1870 RIVERFORK DRIVE, HUNTINGTON, INDIANA 46750, (219) 356-7001
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
------------------------
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL -- MEXICO, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE
(STATE OF INCORPORATION)
3714
(PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)
38-3281831
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
38481 HURON RIVER DRIVE, ROMULUS, MICHIGAN 48174, (313) 941-2000
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
------------------------
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL -- MICHIGAN, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
MICHIGAN
(STATE OF INCORPORATION)
3714
(PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)
38-1799246
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
2440 HIGHLAND ROAD, HOWELL, MICHIGAN 48843, (517) 546-3441
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
------------------------
MOTOR WHEEL CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
OHIO
(STATE OF INCORPORATION)
3714
(PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)
38-1741793
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
38481 HURON RIVER DRIVE, ROMULUS, MICHIGAN 48174, (313) 941-2000
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
------------------------
MWC ACQUISITION SUB, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE
(STATE OF INCORPORATION)
3599
(PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)
38-3086380
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
38481 HURON RIVER DRIVE, ROMULUS, MICHIGAN 48174, (313) 941-2000
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
------------------------
DANIEL M. SANDBERG, ESQ.
VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
38481 HURON RIVER DRIVE, ROMULUS, MICHIGAN 48174, (313) 941-2000
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
------------------------
COPY TO:
ROBERT B. PINCUS, ESQ.
SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM LLP
ONE RODNEY SQUARE, WILMINGTON, DELAWARE 19801, (302) 651-3000
------------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the Registration Statement becomes effective.
If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. [ ]
------------------------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=================================================================================================================================
PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF AMOUNT TO OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED BE REGISTERED PER SECURITY(1) OFFERING PRICE(1) REGISTRATION FEE(1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
9 1/8% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes Due
2007........................................ $250,000,000 100% $250,000,000 $ 75,757.57
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 1/8% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes Due
2007........................................ $150,000,000 100% $150,000,000 $ 45,454.54
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guarantees of the 9 1/8% Series B
Subordinated Notes Due 2007(2).............. -- -- -- --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total..................................... $400,000,000 100% $400,000,000 $121,212.11
=================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) Determined in accordance with Rule 457(f) promulgated under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended.
(2) No separate consideration will be received for the Guarantees, and,
therefore, no additional registration fee is required.
------------------------
THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
================================================================================
<PAGE> 2
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
FORM S-4
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM NUMBER AND CAPTION HEADING IN PROSPECTUS
----------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
A. INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION
1. Forepart of Registration Statement and
Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus.... Registration Statement Cover; Outside Front Cover
Page of Prospectus
2. Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
Prospectus................................ Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
Prospectus; Incorporation of Certain Documents by
Reference; Available Information
3. Risk Factors, Combined Ratio of Earnings to
Fixed Charges and Other Information....... Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors
4. Terms of the Transaction.................... Prospectus Summary; The Exchange Offer; Description
of the Notes; Certain Federal Income Tax
Considerations
5. Pro Forma Financial Information............. Prospectus Summary
6. Material Contacts With the Company Being
Acquired.................................. *
7. Additional Information Required For
Reoffering by Persons and Parties Deemed
to be Underwriters........................ *
8. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel...... Legal Matters; Experts
9. Disclosure of Commission Position on
Indemnification For Securities Act
Liabilities............................... *
B. INFORMATION ABOUT THE REGISTRANT
10. Information with Respect to S-3
Registrants............................... Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference;
Prospectus Summary
11. Incorporation of Certain Information by
Reference................................. Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference;
Available Information
12. Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3
Registrants............................... *
13. Incorporation of Certain Information by
Reference................................. *
14. Information With Respect to Registrants
Other Than S-3 or S-2 Registrants......... *
C. INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY BEING ACQUIRED
15. Information With Respect to S-3 Companies... *
16. Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3
Companies................................. *
17. Information With Respect to Companies Other
Than S-2 or S-3 Companies................. *
D. VOTING AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
18. Information of Proxies, Consents or
Authorizations Are to be Solicited........ *
19. Information if Proxies, Consents or
Authorizations Are Not to be Solicited, or
in an Exchange Offer...................... Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference;
Available Information
</TABLE>
- ---------------------------
* Omitted as inapplicable.
<PAGE> 3
PROSPECTUS
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC. [LOGO]
OFFER FOR ALL OUTSTANDING
9 1/8% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007 IN EXCHANGE FOR
9 1/8% SERIES B SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007
OF
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M.
NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON OCTOBER 17, 1997, UNLESS EXTENDED
Hayes Wheels International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
hereby offers, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Prospectus and the accompanying Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute
the "Exchange Offer"), to exchange an aggregate principal amount of up to (i)
$250,000,000 of the Company's outstanding 9 1/8% Series B Senior Subordinated
Notes due 2007 (the "New June Notes") for a like principal amount of the issued
and outstanding 9 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 that were issued by
the Company in an offering under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), which closed June 30, 1997 (the "Old June
Notes"), and (ii) $150,000,000 of the Company's outstanding 9 1/8% Series B
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "New July Notes" and, collectively with
the New June Notes, the "New Notes") for a like principal amount of the issued
and outstanding 9 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 that were issued by
the Company in an offering under Rule 144A of the Securities Act which closed
July 22, 1997 (the "Old July Notes" and, collectively with the Old June Notes,
the "Old Notes"), from the respective holders thereof (the "Holders"). The terms
of the New Notes are identical in all material respects to the Old Notes, except
that the New Notes do not include transfer restrictions, registration rights and
Additional Interest (as defined herein) provisions included in the Old Notes. As
used in this Prospectus, unless the context requires otherwise, references to
the "Notes" refer to the Old Notes and the New Notes, references to the "June
Notes" refer to the Old June Notes and the New June Notes, and references to the
"July Notes" refer to the Old July Notes and the New July Notes.
The Old Notes are, and the New Notes will be, general unsecured obligations
of the Company, subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future
Senior Indebtedness (as defined herein) of the Company. The Old Notes are, and
the New Notes will be, unconditionally guaranteed, on an unsecured senior
subordinated basis, as to payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest,
jointly, and severally, by certain of the Company's material domestic
subsidiaries (the "Guarantors"). As of April 30, 1997, after giving effect to
the consummation of the Lemmerz Transactions (as defined herein), the Company
and the Guarantors would have had approximately $322.7 million of Senior
Indebtedness outstanding.
Interest on the New June Notes will accrue from (A) the later of (i) the
last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the Old June Notes
surrendered in exchange therefor or, (ii) if the Old June Notes are surrendered
for exchange on a date in a period which includes the record date for an
interest payment date to occur on or after the date of such exchange and as to
which interest will be paid, the date of such interest payment date or (B) if no
interest has been paid on the Old June Notes, from June 30, 1997.
Interest on the New July Notes will accrue from (A) the later of (i) the
last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the Old July Notes
surrendered in exchange therefor or, (ii) if the Old July Notes are surrendered
for exchange on a date in a period which includes the record date for an
interest payment date to occur on or after the date of such exchange and as to
which interest will be paid, the date of such interest payment date or (B) if no
interest has been paid on the Old July Notes, from July 22, 1997.
(continued on page 2)
SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 15 OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR A DESCRIPTION OF
CERTAIN RISKS TO BE CONSIDERED BY HOLDERS WHO TENDER THEIR OLD NOTES IN THE
EXCHANGE OFFER.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this Prospectus is September 12, 1997.
<PAGE> 4
(Continued from front cover page)
The New Notes are being offered hereunder in order to satisfy certain
obligations of the Company contained in the Registration Rights Agreement dated
as of June 30, 1997, by and among the Company, the Guarantors and CIBC Woody
Gundy Securities Corp. ("CIBC"), Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch"), Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co.
Inc. and Salomon Brothers Inc (collectively, the "Initial Purchasers of the Old
June Notes"), and the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 22, 1997,
by and among the Company, the Guarantors, CIBC and Merrill Lynch (the "Initial
Purchasers of the Old July Notes" and, together with the Initial Purchasers of
the Old June Notes, the "Initial Purchasers"). Based on interpretations by the
staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), as set forth
in no-action letters issued to third parties, the Company believes that the New
Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer in exchange for the Old Notes may be
offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by Holders thereof (other
than any such Holder which is an "affiliate" of the Company within the meaning
of Rule 405 under the Securities Act ), without compliance with the registration
and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such New
Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such Holders' business and such
Holders have no arrangement with any person to participate in the distribution
(within the meaning of the Securities Act) of such New Notes. The Company,
however, does not intend to request the Commission to consider, and the
Commission has not considered, the Exchange Offer in the context of a no-action
letter and there can be no assurance that the staff of the Commission would make
a similar determination with respect to the Exchange Offer as in such other
circumstances. Each Holder, other than a broker-dealer, must acknowledge that it
is not engaged in, does not intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or
understanding with any person to participate in, the distribution of New Notes.
If any Holder is an affiliate of the Company, is engaged in or intends to engage
in or has any arrangement with any person to participate in the distribution of
the New Notes to be acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer, such Holder (i)
could not rely on the applicable interpretations of the staff of the Commission
and (ii) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements
of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction. Each
broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant to the
Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection
with any resale of the New Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so
acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed
to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
This Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be
used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of New Notes received in
exchange for Old Notes where such Old Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer
as a result of market making activities or other trading activities. The Company
has agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date (as defined
herein), it will make this Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to
any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See "Plan of
Distribution."
The Company will not receive any proceeds from the Exchange Offer. The
Company will pay all of the expenses incident to the Exchange Offer. Tenders of
Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to
the Expiration Date. If the Company terminates the Exchange Offer and does not
accept for exchange any Old Notes, the Company will promptly return Old Notes to
the Holders thereof. See "The Exchange Offer."
The Old Notes are eligible for trading in the Private Offerings, Resales
and Trading through Automated Linkages ("PORTAL") market. Prior to the Exchange
Offer, there has been no public market for the Old Notes or New Notes. Although
the Initial Purchasers have informed the Company that they intend to make a
market in the New Notes, they are not obligated to do so and any such market
making may be discontinued at any time without notice. If a market for the New
Notes should develop, the New Notes could trade at a discount from their
principal value. The Company does not currently intend to list the New Notes on
any securities exchange or to seek approval for quotations through any automated
quotation systems. There can be no assurance that a market for the New Notes
will develop.
Until December 11, 1997 (90 days after the date of this Prospectus),
dealers affecting transactions in the New Notes, whether or not participating in
the Exchange Offer, may be required to deliver a Prospectus. This obligation is
in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus when acting as
underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
<PAGE> 5
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company incorporates by reference herein the following documents filed
with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act"):
I. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
January 31, 1997;
II. The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter
ended April 30, 1997;
III. The Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated June 6, 1997, June 20,
1997, June 30, 1997 and July 16, 1997;
IV. The Company's Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders; and
V. The Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-31669,
as amended.
All documents and reports filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and
prior to the termination of the Exchange Offer, shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the
dates of filing of such documents or reports. Any statement contained in a
document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be
deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the
extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes
such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be
deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Prospectus.
Each Guarantor is a wholly owned, direct or indirect, subsidiary of the
Company. The Guarantors have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Notes on a
joint and several basis. No separate financial statements of the Guarantors have
been included or incorporated by reference herein because management of the
Company and each Guarantor has determined that such information is not material
to investors.
THIS PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED
HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. THESE DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST, WHICH
SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC., 38481 HURON RIVER DRIVE,
ROMULUS, MICHIGAN 48174, ATTENTION: DIRECTOR OF INVESTOR RELATIONS, TELEPHONE
(313) 942-8716. IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE DOCUMENTS, ANY REQUEST
SHOULD BE MADE NO LESS THAN FIVE BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE
EXCHANGE OFFER.
------------------------
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Commission. The reports, proxy statements and other
information filed by the Company with the Commission can be inspected and copied
at the public reference facilities of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and are available at the Commission's Regional Offices
at Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048, and
Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661, and copies of such materials may be obtained from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549, at prescribed rates. The Commission also maintains a Web site at
http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and other
information. While any Notes remain outstanding, the Company will make
available, upon request, to any holder and any prospective purchaser of the
Notes the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act
during any period in which the Company is not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Exchange Act. Any such requests should be mailed to Hayes Wheels
International, Inc., 38481 Huron River Drive, Romulus, Michigan 48174,
Attention: Director of Investor Relations, telephone (313) 942-8716.
The Company and the Guarantors have filed with the Commission a
registration statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") (of which this
Prospectus is a part) under the Securities Act for registration of the New Notes
offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth
in the
2
<PAGE> 6
Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto, certain parts of which are
omitted in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Commission.
Reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and related exhibits for
further information with respect to the Company and the securities offered
hereby. For information with respect to the Company and the securities offered
by this Prospectus, reference is made to the Registration Statement and the
exhibits filed or incorporated as a part thereof, which are on file at the
offices of the Commission and may be obtained upon payment of the fee prescribed
by the Commission, or may be examined without charge at the offices of the
Commission. Statements contained in this Prospectus, or in any document
incorporated in this Prospectus by reference, as to the contents of any contract
or other document referred to herein or therein are not necessarily complete,
and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or such other
document, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
------------------------
THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS AND INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE CERTAIN FORWARD
LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION
REFORM ACT OF 1995 WITH RESPECT TO THE FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS AND BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY. THESE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS INVOLVE
CERTAIN RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. NO ASSURANCE CAN BE GIVEN THAT ANY OF SUCH
MATTERS WILL BE REALIZED. FACTORS THAT MAY CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER
MATERIALLY FROM THOSE CONTEMPLATED BY SUCH FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDE,
AMONG OTHERS, THE FOLLOWING POSSIBILITIES: (1) EXPECTED COST SAVINGS FROM THE
LEMMERZ ACQUISITION (AS DEFINED HEREIN) CANNOT BE FULLY REALIZED; (2)
COMPETITIVE PRESSURE IN THE COMPANY'S INDUSTRY INCREASES SIGNIFICANTLY; (3)
COSTS OR DIFFICULTIES RELATED TO THE INTEGRATION OF THE BUSINESSES OF THE
COMPANY ARE GREATER THAN EXPECTED; AND (4) GENERAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ARE LESS
FAVORABLE THAN EXPECTED. FURTHER INFORMATION ON OTHER FACTORS WHICH COULD AFFECT
THE FINANCIAL RESULTS OF THE COMPANY AND SUCH FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS IS
INCLUDED IN THE SECTION HEREIN ENTITLED "RISK FACTORS" AND IN THE ANNUAL REPORT
ON FORM 10-K, THE QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q AND THE CURRENT REPORTS ON FORM
8-K, OF THE COMPANY, INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.
------------------------
Unless otherwise indicated, financial information in this Prospectus with
respect to Lemmerz (as defined herein) is expressed in dollars or in Deutsche
Mark ("marks" or "DM"). Amounts stated in dollars, unless otherwise indicated,
have been translated from marks in accordance with GAAP (as defined herein) and
should not be construed as representations that the mark amounts actually
represent such dollar amounts or could have been converted into dollars at the
rate indicated. Assets and liabilities denominated in marks are translated at
the rate of exchange in effect on the balance sheet date and income and expenses
are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year.
3
<PAGE> 7
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere in
this Prospectus or in the documents incorporated herein by reference. Reference
is made to, and this summary is qualified in its entirety by, the more detailed
information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus or in the documents
incorporated herein by reference. All references to fiscal years of the Company
in this Prospectus or in the documents incorporated herein by reference refer to
years commencing on February 1 of such year and ending January 31 of the
following year. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term the "Company"
refers to Hayes Wheels International, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a combined
basis after giving effect to the Lemmerz Acquisition (as defined herein), the
term "Lemmerz" refers to Lemmerz Holding GmbH and its subsidiaries, which was
acquired by the Company on June 30, 1997, and the term "Hayes" refers to Hayes
Wheels International, Inc. and its subsidiaries before the Lemmerz Acquisition.
The term "Motor Wheel" refers to Motor Wheel Corporation, a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company, and the term "Motor Wheel Transactions" refers to the
series of related transactions which were consummated on July 2, 1996, pursuant
to which Motor Wheel became a subsidiary of Hayes.
THE COMPANY
The Company is the world's largest manufacturer of automotive wheels,
supplying approximately 30% and 23% of the automotive wheels in North America
and Europe, respectively, and also is the largest global supplier of wheels to
original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") of passenger cars, light trucks and
commercial highway vehicles. The Company's principal customers for wheel and
brake products consist of every major OEM in North America, Europe and Japan,
including General Motors, Ford, Chrysler (the three of which comprised
approximately 57% of the Company's pro forma combined 1996 net sales), BMW,
Renault, Fiat, Volkswagen, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Citroen, Toyota,
Mazda, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Isuzu. The Company also has over
300 commercial highway vehicle customers in North America and Europe, including
Trailmobile, Dana/Mack, Mercedes-Benz, Iveco, Strick, Great Dane Trailers,
Freightliner, PACCAR, Volvo/GM, Renault and Western Star. The Company also
produces a variety of non-wheel cast aluminum products for the automotive,
heating equipment and construction industries. Sales of automotive wheel and
brake products comprised approximately 76% of the Company's pro forma combined
net sales in fiscal 1996 (69% wheels and 7% brake components), with the
remaining 24% comprised of commercial highway wheel and brake products (18%) and
non-wheel aluminum castings (6%).
The Company is the #1 or #2 independent manufacturer of its primary
products in the following markets in which it competes. The following table sets
forth the Company's estimated pro forma combined market position in North
America and Europe in 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET
POSITION
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<S> <C>
NORTH AMERICA
Automotive Steel Wheels - Including Production by OEMs...... #1
Automotive Cast Aluminum Wheels............................. #2
Automotive Fabricated Aluminum Wheels....................... #1
Automotive Brake Rotors and Drums - Excluding Production by
OEMs...................................................... #2
Commercial Highway Wheels................................... #2
Commercial Highway Brake Hubs and Drums..................... #1
EUROPE
Automotive Steel Wheels - Including Production by OEMs...... #2
Automotive Cast Aluminum Wheels............................. #1
Commercial Highway Wheels................................... #2
</TABLE>
The Company has been active in developing strategic alliances around the
world. These include a 58% owned subsidiary in the Czech Republic and strategic
manufacturing joint ventures in Mexico, Brazil,
4
<PAGE> 8
Venezuela, Portugal, Canada, India, Turkey, Thailand and the United States. The
Company also maintains technical relationships in Thailand and South Africa and
a sales and engineering office in Japan.
As automotive suppliers continue to consolidate worldwide, the Company
intends to strengthen and expand its leadership position in meeting the global
sourcing, quality and engineering requirements of its customers. The Company's
acquisition of Lemmerz, which was consummated on June 30, 1997 (the "Lemmerz
Acquisition") has created significant growth opportunities for the Company,
resulting from the following: (i) the combination of Hayes' strengths in steel
and aluminum wheel manufacturing in North America and Europe with Lemmerz's
steel and cast aluminum wheel manufacturing expertise in Europe; (ii) the
complementary nature of Hayes' and Lemmerz's respective customer bases; (iii)
the combination of Hayes' commercial highway vehicle business in North America
with Lemmerz's in Europe; and (iv) the expansion of the Company's full product
line resulting from the ability to share innovative products and processes
across passenger cars, light trucks and commercial highway vehicles worldwide.
In addition to revenue enhancement, management believes that the Lemmerz
Acquisition will result in annual cost savings of at least $21 million,
primarily as a result of capacity optimization, raw material purchasing savings
and overhead savings. These anticipated Lemmerz Acquisition-related cost savings
are in addition to the $42 million savings related to the rationalization
efforts anticipated to be realized as part of the Motor Wheel Transactions, of
which $13 million have been realized through the end of the first quarter of
fiscal 1997.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
The Company believes that it is well-positioned to realize growth in sales
and net income. The Company will continue to build upon its position as a
leading full-line supplier of wheels and brake components to the global
transportation industry, and expects to enhance this position by integrating the
European operations of Lemmerz. In addition to creating significant anticipated
cost savings and other efficiencies, the Company believes that the Lemmerz
Acquisition provides it with the opportunity to materially extend its automotive
and commercial highway wheel and brake product offerings in Europe. The Company
expects to maintain its leadership position by continuing to offer innovative
new products to increase sales and enhance operating results. The Company
expects to continue its growth and enhance its market leadership by continuing
to implement a strategy based on the following elements:
- ENHANCING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH OEMS AND PURSUING NEW
CONTRACTS. The Company has developed and intends to continue to build upon
strong relationships with its OEM customers which enable it to identify
business opportunities in the early stages of vehicle design. The Company
has established a leadership position as an OEM supplier of automotive and
commercial highway wheels and brakes by maintaining an excellent reputation
for quality, service and innovation. The Company believes that its early
involvement in the design and engineering of new wheel and brake products
as a Tier I supplier has afforded it a competitive advantage in securing
new business and will continue to do so in the future. The Company has
obtained significant firm orders on a number of high-volume vehicle
platforms for periods 1997 through 2000 for incremental new business in
North America and Europe. The Company's enhanced global presence resulting
from the Lemmerz Acquisition should strengthen its ability to offer
worldwide sourcing options to its customers.
- CONTINUING FOCUS ON NEW PRODUCT INNOVATION. The Company believes
that it has an established reputation for developing product and
manufacturing process innovations. For example, the Company is the leading
producer of fabricated aluminum wheels, which are 20% lighter than cast
aluminum wheels. The Company has also recently introduced Full Face Cast
("FFC(TM)") wheels, which are lightweight, highly styled wheels that
combine a cast aluminum face with a fabricated aluminum rim. The Company is
also responsible for several steel wheel product and process innovations,
including the development and introduction of a lightweight steel wheel,
which is 10% to 15% lighter than a traditional steel wheel. The Company
intends to continue its efforts to develop innovative wheel and brake
products and manufacturing processes to better serve customers globally and
improve the Company's product mix with higher margin wheel and brake
products.
5
<PAGE> 9
- CAPITALIZING ON COMPLEMENTARY NATURE OF BUSINESSES. The Lemmerz
Acquisition provides the Company with the opportunity to expand sales and
increase market penetration due to the complementary nature of Hayes' and
Lemmerz's businesses. The Company intends to improve its future performance
by: (i) utilizing Lemmerz's complementary customer relationships to
increase the sales of Hayes' innovative products in Europe; (ii) utilizing
Lemmerz's expertise in lightweight steel wheels in North America; (iii)
drawing on Hayes' expertise in the design and manufacture of lightweight
aluminum wheels to bring greater efficiencies to Lemmerz's aluminum wheel
operations; (iv) capitalizing on Lemmerz's leadership position in the
design and manufacture of wheels for commercial highway vehicles in the
European market to increase Hayes' sales of such products in both Europe
and North America; (v) attaining additional automotive wheel and brake
component sales to OEMs worldwide by building on the Company's existing
relationships and enhanced global position; and (vi) reducing costs of
materials through further economies of scale.
- BENEFITTING FROM CONTINUED INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION. The worldwide
wheel manufacturing industry is fragmented, particularly in Europe, where
independent producers dominate. The Company believes that as OEMs continue
to outsource and reduce the number of suppliers, there will be
opportunities for further consolidation of this industry. The Company
believes that, through its established presence in these markets,
especially as a result of the Lemmerz Acquisition, it is in a favorable
position to take advantage of future industry consolidation. The Company
intends to pursue selected acquisition opportunities compatible with its
business strategy in North America, Europe, South America and Asia that
would further expand its product offerings or geographical reach.
- ENHANCING PRESENCE IN EMERGING MARKETS. Having established a
leadership position in North America and Europe, the Company plans to
enhance its market position in emerging markets. In October 1996, Hayes
increased its ownership in Hayes Wheels Autokola NH, a.s. ("Autokola"), a
strategic low-cost manufacturing joint venture in the Czech Republic, from
45% to 58%. The Company believes that its Autokola facility will increase
the Company's flexibility and improve its economies in serving its expanded
European steel wheel customers. The Company maintains additional strategic
manufacturing joint ventures in Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, the United
States, Thailand, India, Canada, Turkey and Portugal, as well as technical
relationships in Thailand and South Africa. The Company believes that its
expanded worldwide manufacturing and strategic joint venture presence
resulting from the Lemmerz Acquisition will enhance its ability to meet the
global sourcing needs of its customers.
- CAPITALIZING ON COST-SAVING OPPORTUNITIES. The Company has
aggressively pursued facility rationalization programs and other
cost-saving opportunities, including the closure of the Mendota, Illinois
and Ypsilanti, Michigan facilities, which were announced prior to the Motor
Wheel Transactions. Subsequent to the Motor Wheel Transactions, the Company
identified further cost rationalization programs, including the closing of
Motor Wheel's former headquarters in Okemos, Michigan and the Company's
Romulus, Michigan wheel plant. The savings related to the Motor Wheel
Transactions, including those initially targeted and subsequently
identified, total $42 million, approximately $13 million of which have been
realized through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 1997. Management
expects the remaining $29 million of such savings to be fully reflected in
the Company's fiscal 1998 financial results. In addition, management
expects actions undertaken in connection with the Lemmerz Acquisition to
result in annual cost savings of at least $21 million, which are
anticipated to be fully reflected in the Company's fiscal 1999 financial
results. The Company will continue to optimize the use of its manufacturing
capacity and seek further cost savings.
THE LEMMERZ ACQUISITION
On June 30, 1997, Hayes acquired Lemmerz, which, prior to its acquisition
by Hayes, was the leading full-line designer and manufacturer of steel and
aluminum wheels for passenger cars, light trucks and commercial highway vehicles
in Europe. Hayes acquired Lemmerz in exchange for the payment to the
shareholders of Lemmerz (the "Lemmerz Shareholders") of (i) $200 million in cash
(the "Cash Consideration") and (ii) a total of five million shares of the
Company's Series A Convertible Participating Preferred
6
<PAGE> 10
Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Series A Preferred Stock"), which, upon
receipt of stockholder approval at the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders
currently scheduled to be held on October 22, 1997 (the "1997 Annual Meeting"),
will automatically convert (the "Conversion") into five million shares of the
common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (the "Common Stock").
Stockholders who currently hold approximately 58% of the outstanding Common
Stock have delivered irrevocable proxies to Mr. Horst Kukwa-Lemmerz, one of the
Lemmerz Shareholders who has agreed to vote such shares in favor of the
Conversion at the 1997 Annual Meeting. Immediately after the Conversion, the
shares of Common Stock received by the Lemmerz Shareholders in the Conversion
will constitute approximately 16.6% of the then outstanding Common Stock. As
used herein, "Lemmerz Transactions" means (i) the Lemmerz Acquisition, (ii) the
financing thereof, including the execution of the Amended Credit Agreement (as
defined herein) and the issuance of the Old June Notes (the proceeds of which
were used to finance the Lemmerz Acquisition and refinance certain indebtedness
under the Amended Credit Agreement), (iii) the issuance of the Old July Notes
(the proceeds of which were used to refinance certain indebtedness under the
Amended Credit Agreement) and (iv) the public offering of an aggregate of
3,779,502 shares of Common Stock (excluding the over-allotment options granted
by the Company to the underwriters of such offering) by the Company and certain
selling stockholders, which was consummated on August 26, 1997 (the "Equity
Offering").
In connection with the Lemmerz Acquisition, the Company has proposed to
change its name to Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. This proposal will be
submitted to the Company's stockholders at the 1997 Annual Meeting.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On August 28, 1997, the Company purchased the assets of Bosch Braking
Systems Corporation's heavy-duty hub-and-drum and medium- and heavy-duty steel
wheel businesses. These two businesses had combined 1996 sales of approximately
$44 million. The Company believes that this acquisition will complement its
commercial highway vehicle wheel and brake business.
7
<PAGE> 11
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
Securities Offered......... Up to (i) $250,000,000 principal amount of New June
Notes and (ii) $150,000,000 principal amount of
New July Notes. The terms of the New Notes are
identical in all material respects with the terms
of the Old Notes, except that the terms of the
New Notes do not include certain transfer
restrictions, registration rights and Additional
Interest provisions, as summarized below under
"Description of the Notes -- Registration
Rights."
The Exchange Offer......... The New June Notes and New July Notes are being
offered in exchange for a like principal amount
of Old June Notes and Old July Notes,
respectively, that are properly tendered and
accepted. The issuance of the New Notes is
intended to satisfy obligations of the Company
contained in the Registration Rights Agreements
(as defined herein). For procedures for
tendering, see "The Exchange Offer."
Tenders, Expiration Date;
Withdrawal............... The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New
York City time, on October 17, 1997, or such
later date and time to which it is extended (the
"Expiration Date"). Each Holder tendering Old
Notes must acknowledge that it is not engaging
in, nor intends to engage in, a distribution of
the New Notes. The tender of Old Notes pursuant
to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any
time prior to the Expiration Date. Any Old Notes
not accepted for exchange for any reason will be
returned without expense to the tendering Holder
thereof as promptly as practicable after the
expiration or termination of the Exchange Offer.
Federal Income Tax
Consequences............. The exchange of Old Notes for New Notes pursuant to
the Exchange Offer will not result in any income,
gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. See
"Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations."
Use of Proceeds............ There will be no proceeds to the Company from the
exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The net
proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Old
Notes were used to partially fund the Lemmerz
Acquisition and to refinance certain Indebtedness
under the Amended Credit Agreement.
Exchange Agent............. The Bank of New York is serving as the Exchange
Agent in connection with the Exchange Offer (the
"Exchange Agent").
CONSEQUENCES OF EXCHANGING OLD NOTES PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER
Based on interpretations by the staff of the Commission in no-action
letters issued to third parties, generally Holders of Old Notes (other than any
Holder which is an "affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405
under the Securities Act) who exchange their Old Notes for New Notes pursuant to
the Exchange Offer may offer such New Notes for resale, resell such New Notes,
and otherwise transfer such New Notes without compliance with the registration
and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act; provided that such New
Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of the Holders' business and such
Holders, other than brokers-dealers, are not engaged in, do not intend to engage
in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in,
a distribution of such New Notes. The Company, however, does not intend to
request the Commission to consider, and the Commission has not considered, the
Exchange Offer in the context of a no-action letter and there can be no
assurance that the staff of the Commission would make a similar determination
with respect to the Exchange Offer as in such other circumstances.
8
<PAGE> 12
Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account in exchange
for Old Notes must acknowledge that such Old Notes were acquired by such
broker-dealer as a result of market making activities or other trading
activities and that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale
of such New Notes. See "Plan of Distribution."
To comply with the securities laws of certain jurisdictions, it may be
necessary to qualify for sale or register thereunder the New Notes prior to
offering or selling such New Notes. The Company and the Guarantors have agreed
to use their best efforts, pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreements and
subject to certain specified limitations therein, to register or qualify the New
Notes held by broker-dealers for offer or sale under the securities or blue sky
laws of such jurisdictions as any such holder of such New Notes reasonably
requests in writing. Unless the Company is so requested, the Company does not
intend to register or qualify the sale of the New Notes in any such
jurisdictions.
If a Holder of Old Notes does not exchange such Old Notes for New Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer, such Old Notes will continue to be subject to
provisions of the Indenture (as defined herein) governing such Old Notes
regarding transfer and exchange of the Old Notes and the restrictions on
transfer contained in the legend on the Old Notes. In general, Old Notes may not
be offered or sold unless registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant
to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and
applicable state securities laws. The Company does not currently anticipate that
it will take any action to register Old Notes under the Securities Act. See "The
Exchange Offer -- Consequences of Failure to Exchange" and "Description of the
Notes -- Registration Rights."
9
<PAGE> 13
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW NOTES
The terms of the New Notes and the Old Notes are identical in all material
respects, except that the New Notes do not include certain transfer
restrictions, registration rights and Additional Interest provisions included in
the Old Notes. See "Description of the Notes -- Registration Rights." Except as
described below, the New June Notes and the New July Notes are identical in all
material respects.
Securities Offered......... $250,000,000 principal amount of 9 1/8% Series B
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 and
$150,000,000 principal amount of 9 1/8% Series B
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007.
Maturity Date.............. July 15, 2007.
Interest Rate.............. The New Notes will bear interest at a rate of
9 1/8% per annum.
Interest Payment Dates..... Interest will be payable semiannually on each
January 15 and July 15, commencing on January 15,
1998.
Ranking.................... The New Notes will be general unsecured obligations
of the Company subordinate in right of payment to
all existing and future Senior Indebtedness (as
defined herein) of the Company, including
indebtedness under the Amended Credit Agreement
and senior in right of payment to all other
subordinated indebtedness of the Company. The New
Notes will rank pari passu with the Old Notes and
the $250 million principal amount of 11% Notes
(as defined herein). At April 30, 1997, after
giving pro forma effect to the Lemmerz
Transactions, the Company and the Guarantors
would have had approximately $322.7 million of
Senior Indebtedness outstanding.
Guarantees................. The New Notes will be unconditionally guaranteed,
on a senior subordinated basis, as to the payment
of principal, premium, if any, and interest,
jointly and severally (the "Guarantees"), by the
Guarantors which will consist of certain of the
Company's material domestic subsidiaries. The
Guarantees will be subordinate to all Senior
Indebtedness of the respective Guarantors.
Optional Redemption........ The New Notes will be redeemable at the option of
the Company, in whole or in part, at any time on
or after July 15, 2002 at the redemption prices
set forth herein, together with accrued and
unpaid interest thereon to the date of
redemption. In addition, the Company, at its
option, may redeem in the aggregate up to 35% of
the original principal amount of June Notes
and/or July Notes at any time prior to July 15,
2000, at a redemption price equal to 109.125% of
the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and
unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date,
with the Net Cash Proceeds (as defined herein) of
one or more Equity Offerings (as defined herein);
provided, however, that at least (i) $162.5
million aggregate principal amount of June Notes
and (ii) $97.5 million aggregate principal amount
of July Notes, as the case may be, remain
outstanding and that such redemption occurs
within 60 days following the closing of any such
Equity Offering.
Change of Control.......... In the event of a Change of Control (as defined
herein), the Company will be required to make an
offer to purchase all outstanding Notes at a
price equal to 101% of the principal amount
thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the
date of purchase. See "Description of the Notes
-- Change of Control Offer." There can be no
assurance that
10
<PAGE> 14
the Company will have sufficient funds or will be
contractually permitted by outstanding Senior
Indebtedness to pay the required purchase price
for all Notes tendered by holders upon a Change
of Control.
Certain Covenants.......... The Indentures contain covenants for the benefit of
the holders of the Notes that, among other
things, restrict the ability of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined herein)
to: (i) incur additional Indebtedness; (ii) pay
dividends and make distributions; (iii) issue
stock of subsidiaries; (iv) make certain
investments; (v) repurchase stock; (vi) create
liens; (vii) enter into transactions with
affiliates; (viii) merge or consolidate the
Company or the Guarantors; and (ix) transfer or
sell assets. These covenants are subject to a
number of important exceptions. See "Description
of the Notes -- Certain Covenants."
Use of Proceeds............ The Company will not receive any proceeds from the
Exchange Offer. The net proceeds from the sale of
the Old Notes were used to partially fund the
Lemmerz Acquisition and to repay outstanding
Indebtedness under the Amended Credit Agreement.
For more complete information regarding the New Notes, including the
definitions of certain capitalized terms used above, see "Description of the
Notes."
RISK FACTORS
Prospective purchasers of the New Notes should carefully consider the
information set forth under the caption "Risk Factors," and all other
information set forth in this Prospectus, in evaluating an investment in the New
Notes.
11
<PAGE> 15
SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following summary historical financial information is derived from the
consolidated historical financial statements of Hayes and Lemmerz and the
unaudited pro forma financial information is derived from the pro forma combined
condensed financial data of the Company incorporated by reference herein. The
historical consolidated financial statements of Hayes for each year in the
three-year period ended January 31, 1997 were audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
The historical consolidated financial statements of Lemmerz for each year in the
two-year period ended December 31, 1996 were audited by KPMG Deutsche
Treuhand-Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft Wirtschaftsprufungsgesellschaft. The
financial information of Hayes for the three-month periods ended April 30, 1997
and 1996, and the financial information of Lemmerz for the three-month period
ended March 31, 1997, is unaudited, but in the opinion of management, reflects
all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of such information. The
information provided below should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto of Hayes and Lemmerz, which are
incorporated by reference herein.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS
ENDED
YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, APRIL 30,
------------------------------------------- ------------------
PRO FORMA
HAYES 1995 1996 1997 1997 (A) 1996 1997
----- ---- ---- ---- --------- ---- ----
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales....................................... $537.6 $611.1 $ 778.2 $ 913.1 $156.2 $ 250.2
Cost of goods sold (b).......................... 441.4 513.4 675.2 795.9 133.6 212.2
Marketing, general and administration (c)....... 28.6 29.7 35.9 43.6 7.8 11.2
Engineering and product development (c)......... 5.1 4.7 7.2 8.1 1.8 2.3
Depreciation and amortization................... 29.6 32.7 44.4 50.9 8.8 14.8
Other income, net............................... (0.8) (1.5) (4.5) (5.3) (0.5) (0.7)
Interest expense, net (d)....................... 13.4 15.0 48.5 73.6 3.6 18.4
Net income (loss)............................... 29.9 28.4 (72.9) (88.2) 6.1 3.8
OTHER DATA:
EBITDA (e)(f)................................... $ 92.9 $ 97.5 $ 120.7 $ 133.6 $ 22.3 $ 40.0
Capital expenditures............................ 39.9 43.4 71.4 73.3 23.4 16.7
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (g).......... 4.2x 3.6x -- -- 3.3x 1.3x
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
Total assets.................................... $589.6 $633.9 $1,183.1 $1,183.1 $648.9 $1,153.4
Total debt...................................... 123.0 133.1 715.8 715.8 153.8 711.6
Stockholders' equity (deficit).................. 216.4 245.4 (41.1) (41.1) 251.1 (40.1)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED THREE MONTHS YEAR ENDED THREE MONTHS
DECEMBER 31, ENDED DECEMBER 31, ENDED
------------------ MARCH 31, ---------------------- MARCH 31,
LEMMERZ 1995 1996 1997 1995 1996 1997
------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
(U.S. GAAP AND DM IN MILLIONS) (U.S. GAAP AND DOLLARS (H) IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales................................. $671.2 $691.4 $179.5 $468.1 $459.8 $108.2
Cost of goods sold........................ 545.8 567.9 146.0 380.7 377.7 88.0
Marketing, general and administration..... 82.6 75.5 17.4 57.6 50.2 10.5
Engineering and product development....... 12.8 12.6 3.3 8.9 8.4 2.0
Depreciation and amortization............. 44.3 44.0 10.8 30.9 29.3 6.5
Interest expense, net..................... 11.2 8.0 1.8 7.8 5.3 1.1
Net income................................ 23.8 13.8 5.5 16.6 9.2 3.3
OTHER DATA:
EBITDA (e)................................ $ 91.9 $ 87.7 $ 26.0 $ 64.1 $ 58.3 $ 15.7
Capital expenditures...................... 70.4 44.2 10.6 42.8 25.0 6.4
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
Total assets.............................. $649.8 $641.8 $651.5 $453.3 $412.8 $392.8
Total debt................................ 120.3 130.8 124.7 83.9 84.1 75.2
Shareholders' equity...................... 163.1 170.4 173.2 113.8 109.6 104.4
</TABLE>
(see footnotes on the following page)
12
<PAGE> 16
- -------------------------
(a) Represents full year results assuming the Motor Wheel Transactions occurred
on February 1, 1996.
(b) Pro forma data includes a $4.6 million adjustment as a result of the
acquisition of Motor Wheel related to the effects of purchase accounting
adjustments and adjustments to reflect adoption of Hayes' accounting
policies and pension and post-retirement benefit cost assumptions.
(c) Pro forma data includes a $0.4 million adjustment related to savings from
personnel reductions at Motor Wheel's Okemos, Michigan corporate
headquarters announced and implemented prior to the consummation of the
Motor Wheel Transactions and the effects of purchase accounting adjustments.
(d) Pro forma data reflects the pro forma interest expense assuming the Motor
Wheel Transactions occurred on February 1, 1996.
(e) EBITDA should not be construed as a substitute for income from operations,
net income or cash flow from operating activities, for the purpose of
analyzing the Company's operating performance, financial position and cash
flows. The Company has presented EBITDA because it is commonly used by
investors to analyze and compare companies on the basis of operating
performance and to determine a company's ability to service debt. See
"Description of the Notes -- Certain Definitions."
(f) Pro forma data includes a $3.1 million adjustment related to savings from
personnel reductions at Motor Wheel's Okemos, Michigan corporate
headquarters announced and implemented prior to the consummation of the
Motor Wheel Transactions and the effects of purchase accounting adjustments.
(g) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the fiscal years ended January
31, 1993 and 1994 were 1.2x and 3.9x, respectively. For the fiscal year
ended January 31, 1997, earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by
$102.0 million. On a pro forma basis for the fiscal year ended January 31,
1997, earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $122.6 million.
(h) Statement of Operations and Other Data were translated using the average
DM/U.S. dollar exchange rate for the respective year or three-month period
(1.4338 for 1995; 1.5037 for 1996; 1.6586 for 1997). Balance Sheet Data were
translated using the ending DM/U.S. dollar exchange for the respective year
or three-month period (1.4335 for 1995; 1.5548 for 1996; 1.6779 for 1997).
13
<PAGE> 17
SUMMARY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth certain unaudited pro forma financial data
for the Company for the year ended January 31, 1997 and for the three-month
period ended April 30, 1997, which are presented to reflect the pro forma effect
of the Lemmerz Transactions and the Motor Wheel Transactions. The unaudited pro
forma statement of operations data give effect to the Lemmerz Transactions and
the Motor Wheel Transactions as if they had occurred on February 1, 1996. The
unaudited pro forma balance sheet data give effect to the Lemmerz Transactions
as if they had occurred on April 30, 1997. The unaudited pro forma combined
financial data do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations or
financial position of the Company that would have actually been obtained had the
Lemmerz Transactions and the Motor Wheel Transactions been completed as of
February 1, 1996, or which may be obtained in the future. The unaudited pro
forma combined financial data (i) have been derived from and should be read in
conjunction with the pro forma combined condensed financial data and the notes
thereto incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and (ii) should be read in
conjunction with the separate historical consolidated financial statements of
Hayes and Lemmerz and the notes thereto and Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations incorporated by reference
herein.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPANY PRO FORMA COMPANY PRO FORMA
YEAR ENDED THREE MONTHS ENDED
JANUARY 31, 1997 (A) APRIL 30, 1997(A)
-------------------- ------------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales................................................... $1,372.9 $ 358.4
Cost of goods sold.......................................... 1,158.7 297.3
Marketing, general and administration....................... 98.5 22.9
Engineering and product development......................... 16.5 4.3
Depreciation and amortization............................... 70.0 19.6
Interest expense, net....................................... 96.3 24.1
Net income (loss)........................................... (68.1) 6.3
OTHER DATA:
EBITDA (b).................................................. $ 191.9 $ 55.7
Cash interest expense, net.................................. 90.2 22.4
Capital expenditures........................................ 98.3 23.1
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
Total assets......................................................................... $1,783.1
Total debt........................................................................... 972.7
Stockholders' equity................................................................. 115.3
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(a) The pro forma financial data do not reflect (i) any cost savings related to
or synergies that are expected to result from the Lemmerz Acquisition, (ii)
future unrealized cost savings related to, or synergies that are expected to
result from, the Motor Wheel Transactions or (iii) any cost savings related
to the closing of Hayes' Romulus facility.
(b) EBITDA should not be construed as a substitute for income from operations,
net income or cash flow from operating activities, for the purpose of
analyzing the Company's operating performance, financial position and cash
flows. The Company has presented EBITDA because it is commonly used by
investors to analyze and compare companies on the basis of operating
performance and to determine a company's ability to service debt. See
"Description of the Notes -- Certain Definitions."
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RISK FACTORS
Holders of Old Notes should consider carefully all of the information set
forth and incorporated by reference herein. See "Available Information" and
"Incorporation of Documents By Reference." Holders should particularly evaluate
the following risks before tendering their Old Notes in the Exchange Offer,
although the risk factors set forth below (other than the first two risk
factors) are generally applicable to the New Notes as well as the Old Notes.
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE
Issuance of the New Notes in exchange for the Old Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer will be made following the prior satisfaction, or waiver, of the
conditions set forth in "The Exchange Offer -- Certain Conditions to the
Exchange Offer" and only after a timely receipt by the Exchange Agent of such
Old Notes and a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal in
respect of such Old Notes and all other required documents. Therefore, Holders
of Old Notes desiring to tender such Old Notes in exchange for New Notes should
allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery. Neither the Exchange Agent nor
the Company is under any duty to give notification of defects or irregularities
with respect to the tenders of Old Notes for exchange. Old Notes that are not
tendered or are tendered but not accepted will, following the consummation of
the Exchange Offer, continue to be subject to the provisions of the Indenture
regarding transfer and exchange of such Old Notes, the existing restrictions
upon transfer thereof set forth in the legend on the Old Notes and in the
Offering Memorandums dated June 19, 1997 and July 16, 1997, as the case may be,
relating to the Old June Notes and the Old July Notes (the "Offering
Memorandums"). Except in certain limited circumstances with respect to certain
types of Holders of Old Notes, the Company will have no further obligation to
provide for the registration under the Securities Act of such Old Notes. In
general, Old Notes, unless registered under the Securities Act, may not be
offered or sold except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not
subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Company
does not currently anticipate that it will take any action to register the Old
Notes under the Securities Act or blue sky laws.
REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSFER OF NEW NOTES
Based on interpretations by the staff of the Commission, as set forth in
no-action letters issued to third parties, the Company believes that the New
Notes issued in exchange for the Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be
offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by Holders thereof (other
than any such Holder which is an "affiliate" of the Issuer within the meaning of
Rule 405 under the Securities Act) without compliance with the registration and
prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such New
Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such Holders' business and such
Holders have no arrangement with any person to participate in the distribution
(within the meaning of the Securities Act) of such New Notes. Each Holder, other
than a broker-dealer, must acknowledge that it is not engaged in, and does not
intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate in, a distribution of New Notes. If any Holder is an affiliate of
the Company, is engaged in or intends to engage in or has any arrangement or
understanding with respect to the distribution of the New Notes to be acquired
pursuant to the Exchange Offer, such Holder (i) could not rely on the applicable
interpretations of the staff of the Commission and (ii) must comply with the
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in
connection with any resale transactions. Each broker-dealer that receives New
Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that
it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes.
The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a
prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. This Prospectus, as it
may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer
in connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes where
such Old Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market making
activities or other trading activities. The Company has agreed that starting on
the Expiration Date and ending on the close of business of the 180th day
following the Expiration Date, it will make this Prospectus available to any
broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See "Plan of
Distribution." However, to comply with the
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securities laws of certain jurisdictions, if applicable, the New Notes may not
be offered or sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in
such jurisdictions or an exemption from registration or qualification is
available and is complied with. The Company has agreed, pursuant to the
Registration Rights Agreements and subject to certain specified limitations
therein, to use its best efforts to register or qualify the New Notes for offer
or sale under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdiction as any holder
of the New Notes reasonably requests in writing. Unless the Company is so
requested, the Company does not intend to take any action to register or qualify
the sale of the New Notes in any such jurisdictions. See "The Exchange
Offer -- Consequences of Failure to Exchange."
SIGNIFICANT INDEBTEDNESS
At April 30, 1997, the Company's long-term debt was $972.7 million and its
total stockholders' equity was $115.3 million on a pro forma basis after giving
effect to the Lemmerz Transactions. The Company's high degree of leverage may
have important consequences for the Company, including that: (i) the ability of
the Company to obtain additional financing for acquisitions, working capital,
capital expenditures or other purposes, if necessary, may be impaired or such
financing may not be available on terms favorable to the Company; (ii) a
substantial portion of the Company's cash flow will be used to pay the Company's
interest expense and debt amortization, which will reduce the funds that would
otherwise be available to the Company for its operations and future business
opportunities; (iii) a substantial decrease in net operating cash flows or an
increase in expenses of the Company could make it difficult for the Company to
meet its debt service requirements and force it to modify its operations; (iv)
the Company may be more highly leveraged than its competitors, which may place
it at a competitive disadvantage; and (v) the Company's high degree of leverage
may make it more vulnerable to a downturn in its business or the economy
generally. Any inability of the Company to service its indebtedness or obtain
additional financing, as needed, would have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
RESTRICTIVE DEBT COVENANTS
The Company's Amended Credit Agreement, the Indentures and the indenture
governing the Company's 11% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2006 (the "11% Notes")
(collectively, the "Debt Instruments") contain a number of significant covenants
that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company to (i) declare
dividends or redeem or repurchase capital stock, (ii) prepay, redeem or purchase
debt, including the Notes, (iii) incur liens and engage in sale-leaseback
transactions, (iv) make loans and investments, (v) incur additional
indebtedness, (vi) amend or otherwise alter debt and other material agreements,
(vii) make capital expenditures, (viii) engage in mergers, acquisitions and
asset sales, (ix) enter into transactions with affiliates and (x) alter the
business it conducts. The indebtedness outstanding under the Amended Credit
Agreement is guaranteed by all of the Company's material domestic subsidiaries
and is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the properties
and assets of the Company and its respective domestic subsidiaries, now owned or
acquired later, including a pledge of all of the shares of the Company's
respective existing and future domestic subsidiaries and up to 65% of the shares
of the Company's existing and future foreign subsidiaries which are owned by the
Company or one of its domestic subsidiaries. In addition, under the Amended
Credit Agreement, the Company is also required to comply with financial
covenants with respect to (i) a maximum leverage ratio, (ii) a minimum interest
coverage ratio and (iii) a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. If the Company
were unable to borrow under its Amended Credit Agreement due to a default or
failure to meet certain specified borrowing base prerequisites for borrowing, it
could be left without sufficient liquidity.
SUBORDINATION
The New Notes will be unsecured and subordinated to the prior payment in
full of all Senior Indebtedness whether currently existing or hereafter
incurred. In addition, the New Notes will rank pari passu in right of payment
with the 11% Notes and the Old Notes. At April 30, 1997, on a pro forma basis
and after giving effect to the Lemmerz Transactions, the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of all Senior Indebtedness would have been approximately $322.7
million. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of the
Company, the assets of the Company will be available to pay obligations on the
New
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Notes only after all Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full, and there may
not be sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts due on any or all of the New
Notes. In addition, the Company may not pay principal or premium, if any, or
interest on the New Notes if any Senior Indebtedness is not paid when due or any
other default on any Senior Indebtedness occurs and the maturity of such Senior
Indebtedness is accelerated in accordance with its terms, unless, in either
case, such amount has been paid in full or the default has been cured or waived
and such acceleration has been rescinded. Further, if any default occurs with
respect to certain Senior Indebtedness and certain other conditions are
satisfied, the Company may not make any payments on the New Notes for a
designated period of time. Finally, if any judicial proceeding is pending with
respect to any such default in payment on any Senior Indebtedness, or other
default with respect to certain Senior Indebtedness, or if the maturity of the
New Notes is accelerated because of a default under the Indentures and such
default constitutes a default with respect to any Senior Indebtedness, the
Company may not make any payment on the New Notes.
INCREASE IN VARIABLE INTEREST RATES; CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS
A significant portion of the indebtedness of the Company bears interest at
variable rates. Although the Company has entered into interest rate protection
agreements to limit its exposure to increases in such interest rates, such
agreements do not eliminate such exposure to variable rates. Any increase in the
interest rates on the Company's indebtedness will reduce funds available to the
Company for its operations and future business opportunities and will exacerbate
the consequences of the Company's leveraged capital structure.
As a result of the Lemmerz Acquisition, the Company is likely to experience
increased foreign currency exchange gains and losses in the ordinary course of
its business due to the increase in its operations outside the United States. As
a result, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar, the DM and
the currencies of other countries, in which the Company conducts its business,
may have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of
operations. While the Company engages in foreign currency hedging transactions
which moderate the overall effect of such currency exchange rate fluctuations,
the Company expects that such fluctuations will continue, and there can be no
assurance that the Company will be successful in its hedging activities or that
such exchange rate fluctuations will not otherwise have a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations, or cause
significant fluctuations in quarterly results of operations.
DEPENDENCE ON MAJOR CUSTOMERS
The Company derived approximately 57% of its pro forma combined 1996 net
sales from General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. The Company has been a supplier to
these companies for many years, and continually engages in efforts to improve
and expand on its relations with each of such companies. There can be no
assurance, however, that the Company will maintain or improve these
relationships or that the Company will continue to supply these customers at
current levels. The loss of a significant portion of sales to General Motors,
Ford or Chrysler could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business.
Furthermore, General Motors and Ford manufacture a significant portion of their
own steel wheel requirements and Ford, to a limited extent, manufactures
aluminum wheels for its own use. Although General Motors and Ford have indicated
that they will continue to rely on outside suppliers, they may increase their
internal production of wheels, which could reduce the market for the Company's
products and have an adverse effect on the Company.
CYCLICAL NATURE OF INDUSTRY
The principal operations of the Company are directly related to domestic
and foreign automotive and commercial highway vehicle production. Industry sales
and production are cyclical and can be affected by the strength of the economy
generally, or in specific regions such as North America or Europe, by prevailing
interest rates and by other factors which may have an effect on the level of the
Company's sales.
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LABOR RELATIONS
At April 30, 1997, approximately 28% of the Company's employees in the
United States were represented by the United Auto Workers ("UAW") or United
Steel Workers ("USW"). Collective bargaining agreements with the UAW or USW
affecting these employees expire at various times through 1997 and 1998. As is
common in many European jurisdictions, substantially all of the Company's
employees in Europe are covered by country-wide collective bargaining
agreements, expiring at various times through 1998. Certain employees of the
Company's major customers are unionized. While the Company believes that its
relations with its employees are satisfactory, a dispute between the Company and
its employees, or between any of its major customers and such customers'
employees, could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
CHALLENGES OF BUSINESS INTEGRATION
The full benefits of the Lemmerz Acquisition will require the integration
of each company's administrative, finance, sales and marketing organizations,
the coordination of each company's sales efforts, and the implementation of
appropriate operations, financial and management systems and controls in order
to capture the efficiencies and the cost reductions that are expected to result
therefrom. This will require substantial attention from the Company's management
team. The diversion of management attention, as well as any other difficulties
which may be encountered in the transition and integration process, could have
an adverse impact on the revenue and operating results of the Company. There can
be no assurance that the Company will be able to integrate the operations of
Hayes and Lemmerz successfully.
On June 10, 1997, the Company filed a notification with the German Federal
Cartel Office regarding the Lemmerz Acquisition. On or about July 11, 1997, the
Federal Cartel Office notified the Company that it intended to conduct a more
detailed examination of the Lemmerz Acquisition. In connection therewith, the
Federal Cartel Office has requested from the Company additional information
regarding the Company's markets and sales, and has also requested related
information from certain of the Company's competitors and customers. All of the
information requested from the Company was submitted on August 15, 1997.
Thereafter, the Federal Cartel Office may elect to conduct additional inquiries
regarding this matter. In the event the Federal Cartel Office elects at that
time to proceed with this matter, there can be no assurances that any actions
taken or required to be taken by the Federal Cartel Office will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
LIMITED RECOURSE TO SELLERS
The Company's recourse to the Lemmerz Shareholders under the
indemnification provisions of the Lemmerz Acquisition agreement is extremely
limited. Accordingly, unanticipated events or liabilities related to the Lemmerz
business could materially and adversely affect the Company.
POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES
The Company's operations are subject to various foreign, federal, state and
local environmental laws, ordinances, and regulations, including those governing
discharges into the air and water, the storage, handling and disposal of solid
and hazardous wastes, the remediation of soil and groundwater contaminated by
petroleum products or hazardous substances or wastes, and the health and safety
of employees ("Environmental Laws"). Under certain Environmental Laws a current
or previous owner or operator of property may be liable for the costs of removal
or remediation of certain hazardous substances or petroleum products on, under
or in such property, without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or
caused, the presence of the contaminants, and regardless of whether the
practices that resulted in the contamination were legal at the time they
occurred. The presence of, or failure to remediate properly such substances may
adversely affect the ability to sell or rent such property or to borrow using
such property as collateral. Persons who generate, arrange for the disposal or
treatment of, or dispose of hazardous substances may be liable for the costs of
investigation, remediation or removal of such hazardous substances at or from
the disposal or treatment facility, regardless of whether the such facility is
owned or operated by such person. Additionally, the owner of a site may be
subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs
resulting from
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environmental contamination emanating from a site. Compliance with Environmental
Laws, stricter interpretations of or amendments to such laws, or more vigorous
enforcement policies by regulatory agencies with respect to them may require
material expenditures by the Company. The nature of the Company's current and
former operations and the history of industrial uses at some of its facilities
expose the Company to the risk of liabilities or claims with respect to
environmental and worker health and safety matters which could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
LACK OF A PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE NOTES; RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERABILITY
The New Notes will constitute a new issue of securities with no established
trading market. Although the Initial Purchasers have informed the Company that
they currently intend to make a market in the New Notes, they are not obligated
to do so and any such market making may be discontinued at any time without
notice. Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to the development or
liquidity of any market for the Notes. The New Notes are expected to be eligible
for trading by qualified buyers in the PORTAL market. The Company does not
intend to apply for listing of the New Notes on any securities exchange or for
quotation through the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated
Quotation System ("NASDAQ"). The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any
minimum or maximum aggregate principal amount of Notes being tendered for
exchange. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market
for the Notes, or, in the case of non-tendering holders of Old Notes, the
trading market for the Old Notes following the new exchange offer.
The liquidity of, and trading market for, the New Notes also may be
adversely affected by general declines in the market for similar securities.
Such a decline may adversely affect such liquidity and trading markets
independent of the financial performance of, and prospects for, the Company.
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THE EXCHANGE OFFER
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER; PERIOD FOR TENDERING OLD NOTES
The Old June Notes were sold by the Company to the Initial Purchasers of
the Old June Notes on June 30, 1997 (the "June Issue Date") pursuant to a
Purchase Agreement, dated June 19, 1997, and the Old July Notes were sold by the
Company to the Initial Purchasers of the Old July Notes on July 22, 1997 (the
"July Issue Date") pursuant to a Purchase Agreement, dated July 16, 1997. Upon
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Prospectus and in the
accompanying Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the Exchange
Offer), the Company will accept for exchange Old Notes which are properly
tendered on or prior to the Expiration Date and not withdrawn as permitted
below. As used herein, the term "Expiration Date" means 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on October 17, 1997; provided, however, that if the Company, in its sole
discretion, has extended the period of time for which the Exchange Offer is
open, the term "Expiration Date" means the latest time and date to which the
Exchange Offer is extended.
As of the date of this Prospectus, $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount
of the Old June Notes is outstanding and $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount
of the Old July Notes is outstanding. This Prospectus, together with the Letter
of Transmittal, is first being sent as soon as practicable after the date of
this Prospectus, to all Holders of Old Notes known to the Company. The Company's
obligation to accept Old Notes for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer is
subject to certain conditions as set forth under "--Certain Conditions to the
Exchange Offer."
The Company expressly reserves the right, at any time or from time to time
and subject to its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreements, to
extend the period of time during which the Exchange Offer is open, and thereby
delay acceptance for exchange of any Old Notes, by giving oral or written notice
of such extension to the Holders thereof. During any such extension, all Old
Notes previously tendered will remain subject to the Exchange Offer and may be
accepted for exchange by the Company. Any Old Notes not accepted for exchange
for any reason will be returned without expense to the tendering Holder thereof
as promptly as practicable after the expiration or termination of the Exchange
Offer.
Old Notes tendered in the Exchange Offer must be in denominations of
principal amount of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
The Company expressly reserves the right to amend or terminate the Exchange
Offer, and not to accept for exchange any Old Notes not theretofore accepted for
exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions of the Exchange Offer
specified below under "Certain Conditions to the Exchange Offer." The Company
will give oral or written notice of any extension, amendment, non-acceptance or
termination to the Holders of the Old Notes as promptly as practicable, such
notice in the case of any extension to be issued by means of a press release or
other public announcement no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the
next business day after the previously scheduled Expiration Date.
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING OLD NOTES
The tender to the Company of Old Notes by a Holder thereof as set forth
below and the acceptance thereof by the Company will constitute a binding
agreement between the tendering Holder and the Company upon the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth in this Prospectus and in the accompanying
Letter of Transmittal. Except as set forth below, a Holder (which term, for
purposes of the Exchange Offer, includes any participant in the Book-Entry
Transfer Facility (as defined herein) system whose name appears on a security
position listing as the Holder of such Old Notes) who wishes to tender Old Notes
for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer must transmit a Letter of
Transmittal, properly completed and duly executed, including all other documents
required by such Letter of Transmittal or (in the case of a book-entry transfer)
an Agent's Message (as defined herein) in lieu of such Letter of Transmittal to
the Exchange Agent at the address set forth below under "-- Exchange Agent" on
or prior to the Expiration Date. In addition, either (i) certificates for such
Old Notes must be received by the Exchange Agent along with the Letter of
Transmittal, (ii) a timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer (a "Book-Entry
Confirmation") of such Old Notes, if such procedure is available, into the
Exchange Agent's account at DTC (as defined herein) (the
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<PAGE> 24
"Book-Entry Transfer Facility") pursuant to the procedure for book-entry
transfer described below, must be received by the Exchange Agent prior to the
Expiration Date along with the Letter of Transmittal or an Agent's Message in
lieu of a Letter of Transmittal, or (iii) the Holder must comply with the
guaranteed delivery procedures described below. The term "Agent's Message" means
a message, transmitted by the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to and received by
the Exchange Agent and forming a part of a Book-Entry Confirmation, which states
that the Book-Entry Transfer Facility has received an express acknowledgment
from the tendering Participant (as defined herein), which acknowledgment states
that such Participant has received and agrees to be bound by, and make the
representations and warranties contained in, the Letter of Transmittal and that
the Company may enforce such Letter of Transmittal against such Participant.
THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF OLD NOTES, THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR AGENT'S
MESSAGE AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IS AT THE ELECTION AND RISK OF THE
HOLDERS. IF SUCH DELIVERY IS BY MAIL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT REGISTERED MAIL,
PROPERLY INSURED, WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, BE USED. IN ALL CASES,
SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ASSURE TIMELY DELIVERY. NO LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL OR OLD NOTES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE COMPANY.
Signatures on a Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the
case may be, must be guaranteed unless the Old Notes surrendered for exchange
pursuant thereto are tendered (i) by a Holder of the Old Notes who has not
completed the box entitled "Special Issuance Instructions" or "Special Delivery
Instructions" on the Letter of Transmittal or (ii) for the account of an
Eligible Institution (as defined herein). In the event that signatures on a
Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, are
required to be guaranteed, such guarantees must be by a firm which is a member
of a registered national securities exchange or a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or by a commercial bank or trust company
having an office or correspondent in the United States or by such other Eligible
Institution within the meaning of Rule 17(A)(d)-15 of the Exchange Act
(collectively, "Eligible Institutions"). If Old Notes are registered in the name
of a person other than a signer of the Letter of Transmittal, the Old Notes
surrendered for exchange must be endorsed by, or be accompanied by a written
instrument or instruments of transfer, or exchange, in satisfactory form as
determined by the Company in its sole discretion, duly executed by the
registered Holder with the signature thereon guaranteed by an Eligible
Institution.
All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt) and acceptance of Old Notes tendered for exchange will be determined by
the Company in its sole discretion, which determination shall be final and
binding. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any and all tenders
of any particular Old Note not properly tendered or to not accept any particular
Old Note which acceptance might, in the judgment of the Company or its counsel,
be unlawful. The Company also reserves the absolute right to waive any defects
or irregularities or conditions of the Exchange Offer as to any particular Old
Note either before or after the Expiration Date (including the right to waive
the ineligibility of any Holder who seeks to tender Old Notes in the Exchange
Offer). The interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer as
to any particular Old Note either before or after the Expiration Date (including
the Letter of Transmittal and the instructions thereto) by the Company shall be
final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities
in connection with tenders of Old Notes for exchange must be cured within such
reasonable period of time as the Company shall determine. Neither the Company,
the Exchange Agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give
notification of any defect or irregularity with respect to any tender of Old
Notes for exchange, nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to
give such notification.
If a Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person or persons other than the
registered Holder or Holders of Old Notes, such Old Notes must be endorsed or
accompanied by appropriate powers of attorney, in either case signed exactly as
the name or names of the registered Holder or Holders that appear on the Old
Notes.
If a Letter of Transmittal or any Old Notes or powers of attorney are
signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact,
officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative
capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and, unless waived by
the Company, proper evidence satisfactory to the Company of their authority to
so act must be submitted with the Letter of Transmittal.
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By tendering, each Holder will represent to the Company that, among other
things, the New Notes acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer are being obtained
in the ordinary course of business of the person receiving such New Notes,
whether or not such person is the Holder, that neither the Holder nor any such
other person has an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate
in the distribution of such New Notes and that neither the Holder nor any such
other person is an "affiliate," as defined under Rule 405 of the Securities Act,
of the Company. If any Holder is an affiliate of the Company, is engaged in or
intends to engage in or has any arrangement with any person to participate in
the distribution of the New Notes to be acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer,
such Holders (i) could not rely on the applicable interpretations of the staff
of the Commission and (ii) must comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale
transaction. Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account
pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes. The Letter of
Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a
broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the
meaning of the Securities Act.
ACCEPTANCE OF OLD NOTES FOR EXCHANGE; DELIVERY OF NEW NOTES
Upon satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to the Exchange Offer,
the Company will accept, promptly after the Expiration Date, all Old
Notes properly tendered, issue the New Notes promptly after acceptance of the
Old Notes and cause the New Notes to be authenticated by the Trustee. See "--
Certain Conditions to the Exchange Offer" below. For purposes of the Exchange
Offer, the Company shall be deemed to have accepted properly tendered Old Notes
for exchange when, as and if the Company has given oral (promptly confirmed in
writing) or written notice thereof to the Exchange Agent.
For each Old June Note or Old July Note accepted for exchange, the Holder
of such Old Note will receive a New June Note or New July Note, as the case may
be, having a principal amount equal to that of the surrendered Old Note.
Interest on the New June Notes will accrue from (A) the later of (i) the
last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the Old June Notes
surrendered in exchange therefor or, (ii) if the Old June Notes are surrendered
for exchange on a date in a period which includes the record date for an
interest payment date to occur on or after the date of such exchange and as to
which interest will be paid, the date of such interest payment date or (B) if no
interest has been paid on the Old June Notes, from June 30, 1997.
Interest on the New July Notes will accrue from (A) the later of (i) the
last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the Old July Notes
surrendered in exchange therefor or, (ii) if the Old July Notes are surrendered
for exchange on a date in a period which includes the record date for an
interest payment date to occur on or after the date of such exchange and as to
which interest will be paid, the date of such interest payment date or (B) if no
interest has been paid on the Old July Notes, from July 22, 1997.
Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreements, if (i) a Registration
Statement or Shelf Registration Statement is not filed within 60 days after the
(A) June Issue Date with respect to the Old June Notes or (B) July Issue Date
with respect to the Old July Notes, (ii) a Registration Statement or Shelf
Registration Statement is not declared effective within 120 days after the (A)
June Issue Date with respect to the Old June Notes or (B) July Issue Date with
respect to the Old July Notes, or (iii) either (A) the Company has not exchanged
the (a) New June Notes for all Old June Notes or (b) New July Notes for all Old
July Notes, validly tendered in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer
on or prior to 150 days after the (A) June Issue Date with respect to the Old
June Notes or (B) July Issue Date with respect to the Old July Notes or (B) the
Registration Statement ceases to be effective at any time prior to the time that
the Exchange Offer is consummated or (C) if applicable, the Shelf Registration
Statement has been declared effective and such Shelf Registration Statement
ceases to be effective at any time prior to the termination of the Effectiveness
Period (subject to certain exceptions); (each of such events referred to in
clauses (i) through (iii) above is a "Registration Default"), the sole remedy
available to Holders of the Old June Notes or Old July Notes, as the case may
be, will be the assessment of Additional Interest as follows: the per annum
interest rate on such Old Notes will increase by 50 basis points, and the per
annum interest rate will increase by an
22
<PAGE> 26
additional 25 basis points for each subsequent 90-day period during which the
Registration Default remains uncured, up to a maximum additional interest rate
of 200 basis points per annum in excess of the 9 1/8% interest rate. All
Additional Interest will be payable to Holders of such Old Notes in cash on each
January 15 and July 15, commencing with the first such date occurring after any
such Additional Interest commences to accrue, until such Registration Default is
cured. After the date on which such Registration Default is cured, the interest
rate on such Old Notes will revert to the interest rate originally borne by such
Old Notes.
In all cases, issuance of New Notes for Old Notes that are accepted for
exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be made only after timely receipt
by the Exchange Agent of certificates for such Old Notes or a timely Book-Entry
Confirmation of such Old Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at the
Book-Entry Transfer Facility, the Letter of Transmittal properly completed and
duly executed or an Agent's Message in lieu thereof and all other required
documents. If any tendered Old Notes are not accepted for any reason set forth
in the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer or if Old Notes are submitted
for an amount or quantity greater than the Holder desires to exchange, such
unaccepted or non-exchanged Old Notes will be returned without expense to the
tendering Holder thereof (or, in the case of Old Notes tendered by book-entry
transfer into the Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility
pursuant to the book-entry procedures described below, such non-exchanged Old
Notes will be credited to an account maintained with such Book-Entry Transfer
Facility) as promptly as practicable after the expiration or termination of the
Exchange Offer.
BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER
The Exchange Agent will request the establishment of accounts with respect
to the Old Notes at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility for purposes of the
Exchange Offer within two business days after the date of this Prospectus unless
an Exchange Agent already has established an account with the Book-Entry
Transfer Facility suitable for the Exchange Offer, and any financial institution
that is a Participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility's system may make
book-entry delivery of Old Notes by causing the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to
transfer such Old Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry
Transfer Facility in accordance with such Book-Entry Transfer Facility's
procedures for transfer.
ALTHOUGH DELIVERY OF OLD NOTES MAY BE EFFECTED THROUGH BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER
AT THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY, THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL (OR A FACSIMILE
THEREOF), WITH ANY REQUIRED SIGNATURE GUARANTEES OR AN AGENT'S MESSAGE IN LIEU
THEREOF AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, MUST, IN ANY CASE, BE TRANSMITTED TO
AND RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT AT THE ADDRESS SET FORTH BELOW UNDER
"EXCHANGE AGENT" ON OR PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE OR THE GUARANTEED DELIVERY
PROCEDURES DESCRIBED BELOW MUST BE COMPLIED WITH.
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES
If a Holder of the Old Notes desires to tender such Old Notes and the Old
Notes are not immediately available, or time will not permit such Holder's Old
Notes or other required documents to reach the Exchange Agent before the
Expiration Date, or the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on
a timely basis, a tender may be effected if (i) the tender is made through an
Eligible Institution, (ii) prior to the Expiration Date, the Exchange Agent
received from such Eligible Institution the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery,
substantially in the form provided by the Company (by facsimile transmission,
mail or hand delivery), setting forth the name and address of the Holder of Old
Notes and the amount of Old Notes tendered, stating that the tender is being
made thereby and guaranteeing that within five New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE")
trading days after the date of execution of the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery,
the certificates for all physically tendered Old Notes, in proper form for
transfer, or a Book-Entry Confirmation, as the case may be, together with a
properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof
or Agent's Message in lieu thereof) with any required signature guarantees, and
any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal will be deposited by
the Eligible Institution with the Exchange Agent and (iii) the certificates for
all physically tendered Old Notes, in proper form for transfer, or a Book-Entry
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<PAGE> 27
Confirmation, as the case may be, together with a properly completed and duly
executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof or Agent's Message in lieu
thereof) with any required signature guarantees, and all other documents
required by the Letter of Transmittal, are received by the Exchange Agent within
five NYSE trading days after the date of execution of the Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery.
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS
Tenders of Old Notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to the Expiration
Date.
For a withdrawal to be effective, a written notice of withdrawal must be
received by the Exchange Agent at the address set forth below under "-- Exchange
Agent." Any such notice of withdrawal must specify the name of the person having
tendered the Old Notes to be withdrawn, identify the Old Notes to be withdrawn
(including the principal amount in the case of such Old Notes), and (where
certificates for Old Notes have been transmitted) specify the name in which such
Old Notes are registered, if different from that of the withdrawing Holder. If
certificates for Old Notes have been delivered or otherwise identified to the
Exchange Agent then, prior to the release of such certificates the withdrawing
Holder must also submit the serial numbers of the particular certificates to be
withdrawn and a signed notice of withdrawal with signatures guaranteed by an
Eligible Institution unless such Holder is an Eligible Institution. If Old Notes
have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described
above, the executed notice of withdrawal, guaranteed by an Eligible Institution,
unless such Holder is an Eligible Institution, must specify the name and number
of the account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to be credited with the
withdrawn Old Notes and otherwise comply with the procedures of such facility.
All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of
receipt) of such notices will be determined by the Company, whose determination
shall be final and binding on all parties. Any Old Notes so withdrawn will be
deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the
Exchange Offer. Any Old Notes which have been tendered for exchange but which
are not exchanged for any reason will be returned to the Holder thereof without
cost to such Holder (or, in the case of Old Notes tendered by book-entry
transfer into the Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility
pursuant to the book-entry transfer procedures described above, such Old Notes
will be credited to an account maintained with such Book-Entry Transfer Facility
for the Old Notes) as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender
or termination of the Exchange Offer. Properly withdrawn Old Notes may be
retendered by following one of the procedures described under "-- Procedures for
Tendering Old Notes" above at any time on or prior to the Expiration Date.
CERTAIN CONDITIONS TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Exchange Offer, the Company
shall not be required to accept for exchange, or to issue New Notes in exchange
for, the Old Notes and may terminate or amend the Exchange Offer, if at any time
before the acceptance of such Old Notes for exchange or the exchange of the New
Notes for such Old Notes, any of the following events shall occur:
(a) there shall be threatened, instituted or pending any action or
proceeding before, or any injunction, order or decree shall have been
issued by, any court or governmental agency or other governmental
regulatory or administrative agency or commission, (i) seeking to restrain
or prohibit the making or consummation of the Exchange Offer or any other
transaction contemplated by the Exchange Offer, or assessing or seeking any
damages as a result thereof, or (ii) resulting in a material delay in the
ability of the Company to accept for exchange or exchange some or all of
the Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer, or any statute, rule,
regulation, order or injunction shall be sought, proposed, introduced,
enacted, promulgated or deemed applicable to the Exchange Offer or any of
the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Offer by any government or
governmental authority, domestic or foreign, or any action shall have been
taken, proposed or threatened, by any government, governmental authority,
agency or court, domestic or foreign, that in the sole judgment of the
Company might directly or indirectly result in any of the consequences
referred to in clauses (i) or (ii) above or, in the sole judgment of the
Company, might result in the holders of New Notes having obligations with
respect to resales and transfers of New Notes which are greater than those
described in the interpretation of the Commission
24
<PAGE> 28
referred to on the cover page of this Prospectus, or would otherwise make
it inadvisable to proceed with the Exchange Offer;
(b) there shall have occurred (i) any general suspension of or general
limitation on prices for, or trading in, securities on any national
securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market, (ii) any limitation
by any governmental agency or authority which may adversely affect the
ability of the issuer to complete the transactions contemplated by the
Exchange Offer, (iii) a declaration of a banking moratorium or any
suspension of payments in respect of banks in the United States or any
limitation by any governmental agency or authority which adversely affects
the extension of credit or (iv) a commencement of a war, armed hostilities
or other similar international calamity directly or indirectly involving
the United States, or, in the case of any of the foregoing existing at the
time of the commencement of the Exchange Offer, a material acceleration or
worsening thereof; or
(c) any change (or any development involving a prospective change)
shall have occurred or be threatened in the business, properties, assets,
liabilities, financial condition, operations, results of operations or
prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole that, in the
reasonable judgment of the Company, is or may be adverse to the Company, or
the Company shall have become aware of facts that, in the reasonable
judgment of the Company, have or may have adverse significance with respect
to the value of the Old Notes or the New Notes;
which, in the reasonable judgment of the Company in any case, and regardless of
the circumstances (including any action by the Company) giving rise to any such
condition, makes it inadvisable to proceed with the Exchange Offer and/or with
such acceptance or exchange or with such exchange.
The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of the Company and may be
asserted by the Company regardless of the circumstances giving rise to any such
condition or may be waived by the Company in whole or in part at any time and
from time to time in its sole discretion. The failure by the Company at any time
to exercise any of the foregoing rights shall not be deemed a waiver of any such
right and each such right shall be deemed an ongoing right which may be asserted
at any time and from time to time.
In addition, the Company will not accept for exchange any Old Notes
tendered, and no New Notes will be issued in exchange for any such Old Notes, if
at such time any stop order shall be threatened or in effect with respect to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus constitutes a part or the
qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended
(the "TIA").
EXCHANGE AGENT
The Bank of New York has been appointed as the Exchange Agent in respect of
the Notes for the Exchange Offer. All executed Letters of Transmittal in respect
of the Notes should be directed to the Exchange Agent at the address set forth
below. Questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of
this Prospectus or of the Letter of Transmittal in respect of the Notes and
requests for Notices of Guaranteed Delivery should be directed to the Exchange
Agent addressed as follows:
Delivery To: The Bank of New York, as Exchange Agent
<TABLE>
<C> <C> <C>
By Hand and Overnight By Registered or Certified By Facsimile:
Courier: Mail: (Eligible Institutions Only)
101 Barclay Street 101 Barclay Street, 7E (212) 815-6339
Corporate Trust Services New York, New York 10286 Confirm by Telephone or for
Window Attention: Reorganization Information Call:
Ground Level Section (212) 815-2742
New York, New York 10286
Attention: Reorganization
Section
</TABLE>
DELIVERY TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION VIA
FACSIMILE OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY.
25
<PAGE> 29
FEES AND EXPENSES
The Company will not make any payment to brokers, dealers, or others
soliciting acceptances of the Exchange Offer except for reimbursement of mailing
expenses.
The estimated cash expenses to be incurred in connection with the Exchange
Offer will be paid by the Company and are estimated in the aggregate to be
$250,000.
TRANSFER TAXES
Holders who tender their Old Notes for exchange will not be obligated to
pay any transfer taxes in connection therewith, except that Holders who instruct
the Company to register New Notes in the name of, or request that Old Notes not
tendered or not accepted in the Exchange Offer be returned to, a person other
than the registered tendering Holder will be responsible for the payment of any
applicable transfer tax thereon.
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE
Holders of Old Notes who do not exchange their Old Notes for New Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer will continue to be subject to the provisions in
the Indenture governing such Old Notes regarding transfer and exchange of such
Old Notes and the restrictions on transfer of such Old Notes as set forth in the
legend on the Old Notes and as described in the Offering Memorandum pursuant to
which such Old Note was issued as a consequence of the issuance of such Old
Notes pursuant to exemptions from, or in transactions not subject to, the
registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities
laws. In general, the Old Notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered
under the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a
transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities
laws. The Company does not currently anticipate that it will take any action to
register the Old Notes under the Securities Act.
Based on interpretations by the staff of the Commission, as set forth in
no-action letters issued to third parties, the Company believes that New Notes
issued in exchange of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be offered
for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by Holders thereof (other than any
such Holder which is an "affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of Rule
405 under the Securities Act) without compliance with the registration and
prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such New
Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such Holders' business and such
Holders, other than brokers-dealers, are not engaged in, do not intend to engage
in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in,
the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of such New Notes.
The Company, however, does not intend to request the Commission to consider, and
the Commission has not considered, the Exchange Offer in the context of a
no-action letter and there can be no assurance that the staff of the Commission
would make a similar determination with respect to the Exchange Offer as in such
other circumstances. If any Holder has any arrangement or understanding with
respect to the distribution of the New Notes to be acquired pursuant to the
Exchange Offer, such Holder (i) could not rely on the applicable interpretations
of the staff of the Commission and (ii) must comply with the registration and
prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any
resale transaction. Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own
account in exchange for Old Notes must acknowledge that such Old Notes were
acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market making activities or other
trading activities and that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any
resale of such New Notes. See "Plan of Distribution."
To comply with the securities laws of certain jurisdictions, it may be
necessary to qualify for sale or register thereunder the New Notes prior to
offering or selling such New Notes. The Company has agreed, pursuant to the
Registration Rights Agreement and subject to certain specified limitations
therein, to use its best efforts to register or qualify the New Notes held by
broker-dealers for offer or sale under the securities or blue sky laws of such
jurisdictions as any such holder of such New Notes reasonably requests in
writing. Unless the Company is so requested, the Company does not intend to
register or qualify the sale of the New Notes in any such jurisdictions.
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<PAGE> 30
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
The Old June Notes were issued, and the New June Notes will be issued,
pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of June 30, 1997 (the "June Indenture"),
among the Company, the Guarantors and The Bank of New York, as trustee (the
"Trustee"). The Old July Notes were issued, and the New July Notes will be
issued, pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of July 22, 1997 (the "July
Indenture," and together with the June Indenture, the "Indentures"), among the
Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee. The terms of the Notes include those
stated in the Indenture governing such Notes and those made part of the
Indentures by reference to the TIA, as in effect on the date of the Indenture
governing such Notes. The Notes are subject to all such terms, and holders of
the Notes are referred to the Indenture governing such Notes and the Securities
Act for a statement of them. The following is a summary of the material terms
and provisions of the Notes. This summary does not purport to be a complete
description of the Notes and is subject to the detailed provisions of, and
qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Notes and the Indentures
(including the definitions contained therein). A copy of the Indentures may be
obtained from the Company by any holder or prospective investor upon request.
Definitions relating to certain capitalized terms are set forth under "--
Certain Definitions" and throughout this description. Capitalized terms that
are used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them
in the Indentures and such definitions are incorporated herein by reference.
GENERAL
The June Notes and the July Notes will be limited in aggregate principal
amount to $250,000,000 and $150,000,000, respectively. The Notes will be general
unsecured obligations of the Company, subordinated in right of payment to Senior
Indebtedness of the Company and senior in right of payment to any current or
future subordinated indebtedness of the Company.
The Notes will be unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior subordinated
basis, as to payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest, jointly and
severally, by the Guarantors (together with each other Restricted Subsidiary
which guarantees payment of the Notes pursuant to the covenant described under
"Limitation on Creation of Subsidiaries").
MATURITY, INTEREST AND PRINCIPAL
The Notes will mature on July 15, 2007. The Notes will bear interest at a
rate of 9 1/8% per annum from the date of original issuance until maturity.
Interest is payable semiannually in arrears on January 15 and July 15,
commencing January 15, 1998, to holders of record of the Notes at the close of
business on the immediately preceding January 1 and July 1, respectively.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
The Notes will be redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in
part, at any time on or after July 15, 2002 at the following redemption prices
(expressed as a percentage of principal amount), together, in each case, with
accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, if redeemed during the
twelve-month period beginning on July 15 of each year listed below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR PERCENTAGE
---- ----------
<S> <C>
2002........................................................ 104.563%
2003........................................................ 103.042
2004........................................................ 101.521
2005 and thereafter......................................... 100.000
</TABLE>
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may redeem in the aggregate up
to 35% of the original principal amount of the June Notes and/or July Notes at
any time and from time to time prior to July 15, 2000 at a redemption price
equal to 109.125% of the aggregate principal amount so redeemed, plus accrued
interest to the redemption date, out of the Net Cash Proceeds of one or more
Equity Offerings, where with respect to the June Notes, the proceeds to the
Company of any such Equity Offering are at least $35.0 million;
27
<PAGE> 31
provided, that at least (i) $162.5 million of the principal amount of the June
Notes originally issued and (ii) $97.5 million of the principal amount of the
July Notes originally issued, as the case may be, remains outstanding
immediately after the occurrence of any such redemption and that any such
redemption occurs within 60 days following the closing of any such Equity
Offering.
In the event of redemption of fewer than all of the June Notes and/or July
Notes, as the case may be, the Trustee shall select by lot or in such other
manner as it shall deem fair and equitable the Notes to be redeemed. The Notes
will be redeemable in whole or in part upon not less than 30 nor more than 60
days prior written notice, mailed by first class mail to a holder's last address
as it shall appear on the register maintained by the Registrar of the Notes. On
and after any redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or
portions thereof called for redemption unless the Company shall fail to redeem
any such Note.
SUBORDINATION
The indebtedness represented by the Notes is, to the extent and in the
manner provided in the Indenture, subordinate in right of payment to the prior
indefeasible payment and satisfaction in full in cash of all existing and future
Senior Indebtedness of the Company. At April 30, 1997, on a pro forma basis
after giving effect to the Lemmerz Transactions, the principal amount of
outstanding Senior Indebtedness of the Company, on a consolidated basis, would
have been approximately $322.7 million.
In the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any
receivership, liquidation, arrangement, reorganization or other similar case or
proceeding in connection therewith, relative to the Company or to its creditors,
as such, or to its assets, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any liquidation,
dissolution or other winding-up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary
and whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy, or any general assignment
for the benefit of creditors or other marshalling of assets or liabilities of
the Company (except in connection with the merger or consolidation of the
Company or its liquidation or dissolution following the transfer of
substantially all of its assets, upon the terms and conditions permitted under
the circumstances described under "-- Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets")
(all of the foregoing referred to herein individually as a "Bankruptcy
Proceeding" and collectively as "Bankruptcy Proceedings"), the holders of Senior
Indebtedness of the Company will be entitled to receive payment and satisfaction
in full in cash of all amounts due on or in respect of all Senior Indebtedness
of the Company before the holders of the Notes are entitled to receive or retain
any payment or distribution of any kind on account of the Notes. In the event
that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trustee or any holder of Notes receives
any payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind, whether in
cash, property or securities, including, without limitation, by way of set-off
or otherwise, in respect of the Notes before all Senior Indebtedness of the
Company is paid and satisfied in full in cash, then such payment or distribution
will be held by the recipient in trust for the benefit of holders of Senior
Indebtedness and will be immediately paid over or delivered to the holders of
Senior Indebtedness or their representative or representatives to the extent
necessary to make payment in full in cash of all Senior Indebtedness remaining
unpaid, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution, or
provision therefor, to or for the holders of Senior Indebtedness. By reason of
such subordination, in the event of liquidation or insolvency, creditors of the
Company who are holders of Senior Indebtedness may recover more, ratably, than
other creditors of the Company, and creditors of the Company who are not holders
of Senior Indebtedness or of the Notes may recover more, ratably, than the
holders of the Notes.
No payment or distribution of any assets or securities of the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary of any kind or character (including, without
limitation, cash, property and any payment or distribution which may be payable
or deliverable by reason of the payment of any other Indebtedness of the Company
being subordinated to the payment of the Notes by the Company) may be made by or
on behalf of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, including, without
limitation, by way of set-off or otherwise, for or on account of the Notes, or
for or on account of the purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition
of the Notes, and neither the Trustee nor any holder or owner of any Notes shall
take or receive from the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, directly or
indirectly in any manner, payment in respect of all or any portion of the Notes
following the delivery by the representative of the holders of Designated Senior
Indebtedness under or in respect of the Amended Credit Agreement, for so long as
there shall exist any Designated Senior Indebtedness under or in
28
<PAGE> 32
respect of the Amended Credit Agreement, and thereafter, the holders of
Designated Senior Indebtedness (in either such case, the "Representative") to
the Trustee of written notice of (i) the occurrence of a Payment Default on
Designated Senior Indebtedness or (ii) the occurrence of a Non-Payment Event of
Default on Designated Senior Indebtedness and the acceleration of the maturity
of Designated Senior Indebtedness in accordance with its terms and in any such
event, such prohibition shall continue until such Payment Default is cured,
waived in writing or ceases to exist or such acceleration has been rescinded or
otherwise cured. At such time as the prohibition set forth in the preceding
sentence shall no longer be in effect, subject to the provisions of the
following paragraph, the Company shall resume making any and all required
payments in respect of the Notes, including any missed payments.
Upon the occurrence of a Non-Payment Event of Default on Designated Senior
Indebtedness, no payment or distribution of any assets or securities of the
Company of any kind or character (including, without limitation, cash, property
and any payment or distribution which may be payable or deliverable by reason of
the payment of any other Indebtedness of the Company being subordinated to the
payment of the Notes by the Company) may be made by or on behalf of the Company,
including, without limitation, by way of set-off or otherwise, for or on account
of the Notes, or for or on account of the purchase, redemption, defeasance or
other acquisition of Notes, and neither the Trustee nor any holder or owner of
any Notes shall take or receive from the Company, directly or indirectly in any
manner, payment in respect of all or any portion of the Notes, for a period (a
"Payment Blockage Period") commencing on the date of receipt by the Trustee of
written notice from the Representative of such Non-Payment Event of Default
unless and until (subject to any blockage of payments that may then be in effect
under the preceding paragraph) the earliest of (x) more than 179 days shall have
elapsed since receipt of such written notice by the Trustee, (y) such
Non-Payment Event of Default shall have been cured or waived in writing or shall
have ceased to exist or such Designated Senior Indebtedness shall have been paid
in full or (z) such Payment Blockage Period shall have been terminated by
written notice to the Company or the Trustee from the Representative, after
which, in the case of clause (x), (y) or (z), the Company shall resume making
any and all required payments in respect of the Notes, including any missed
payments. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Indentures, in no event
shall a Payment Blockage Period commenced in accordance with the provisions of
the Indentures described in this paragraph extend beyond 179 days from the date
of the receipt by the Trustee of the notice referred to above (the "Initial
Blockage Period"). Any number of additional Payment Blockage Periods may be
commenced during the Initial Blockage Period; provided, however, that no such
additional Payment Blockage Period shall extend beyond the Initial Blockage
Period. After the expiration of the Initial Blockage Period, no Payment Blockage
Period may be commenced until at least 180 consecutive days have elapsed from
the last day of the Initial Blockage Period. Notwithstanding any other provision
of the Indentures, no event of default with respect to Designated Senior
Indebtedness (other than a Payment Default) which existed or was continuing on
the date of the commencement of any Payment Blockage Period initiated by the
Representative shall be, or be made, the basis for the commencement of a second
Payment Blockage Period initiated by the Representative, whether or not within
the Initial Blockage Period, unless such event of default shall have been cured
or waived for a period of not less than 90 consecutive days.
Each Guarantee will, to the extent set forth in the Indentures, be
subordinate in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior
Indebtedness of the respective Guarantor, including obligations of such
Guarantor with respect to the Amended Credit Agreement (including any guarantee
thereof), and will be subject to the rights of holders of Designated Senior
Indebtedness of such Guarantor to initiate blockage periods, upon terms
substantially comparable to the subordination of the Notes to all Senior
Indebtedness of the Company.
If the Company or any Guarantor fails to make any payment on the Notes or
any Guarantee, as the case may be, when due or within any applicable grace
period, whether or not on account of payment blockage provisions, such failure
would constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture governing such Notes
and would enable the holders of such Notes to accelerate the maturity thereof.
See "-- Events of Default."
A holder of Notes by his acceptance of Notes agrees to be bound by such
provisions and authorizes and expressly directs the Trustee, on his behalf, to
take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to
29
<PAGE> 33
effectuate the subordination provided for in the Indenture and appoints the
Trustee his attorney-in-fact for such purpose.
CERTAIN COVENANTS
The Indentures contain, among others, the following covenants. Except as
otherwise specified, all of the covenants described below appear in both
Indentures.
Limitation on Additional Indebtedness
The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company to, directly or indirectly, incur (as defined) any Indebtedness
(including Acquired Indebtedness) other than Permitted Indebtedness.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness), if (i) after giving
effect to the incurrence of such Indebtedness and the receipt and application of
the proceeds thereof, the Company's Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (determined on a
pro forma basis for the last four fiscal quarters of the Company for which
financial statements are available at the date of determination in accordance
with the further provisions of this paragraph) is greater than 2.0 to 1 if the
Indebtedness is incurred prior to July 15, 1999 and 2.25 to 1 if the
Indebtedness is incurred thereafter and (ii) no Default or Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing at the time or as a consequence of the
incurrence of such Indebtedness. For purposes of computing the Fixed Charge
Coverage Ratio, (A) if the Indebtedness which is the subject of a determination
under this provision is Acquired Indebtedness, or Indebtedness incurred in
connection with the simultaneous acquisition (by way of merger, consolidation or
otherwise) of any Person, business, property or assets (an "Acquisition"), then
such ratio shall be determined by giving effect to (on a pro forma basis, as if
the transaction had occurred at the beginning of the four-quarter period used to
make such calculation) to both the incurrence or assumption of such Acquired
Indebtedness or such other Indebtedness and the inclusion in the Company's
EBITDA of the EBITDA of the acquired Person, business, property or assets, (B)
if any Indebtedness outstanding or to be incurred (x) bears a floating rate of
interest, the interest expense on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if
the rate in effect on the date of determination had been the applicable rate for
the entire period (taking into account on a pro forma basis any Interest Rate
Agreement applicable to such Indebtedness if such Interest Rate Agreement has a
remaining term as at the date of determination in excess of 12 months), (y)
bears, at the option of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, a fixed or
floating rate of interest, the interest expense on such Indebtedness shall be
computed by applying, at the option of the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary, either a fixed or floating rate and (z) was incurred under a
revolving credit facility, the interest expense on such Indebtedness shall be
computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the
applicable period, (C) for any quarter prior to July 2, 1996 included in the
calculation of such ratio, such calculation shall be made on a pro forma basis,
giving effect to the acquisition by the Company of Motor Wheel, the issuance of
the Notes, the incurrence of Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement and the use
of the net proceeds therefrom as if the same had occurred at the beginning of
the four-quarter period used to make such calculation, (D) for any quarter
included in the calculation of such ratio prior to the date that any Asset Sale
was consummated, or that any Indebtedness was incurred, or that any Acquisition
was effected, by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, such calculation shall
be made on a pro forma basis, giving effect to each Asset Sale, incurrence of
Indebtedness or Acquisition, as the case may be, and the use of any proceeds
therefrom, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the four quarter
period used to make such calculation and (E) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
shall not take into account Permitted Indebtedness that is incurred at the same
time as Indebtedness under this paragraph.
Limitation on Foreign Indebtedness
The Company will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company which
is not a Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, incur any Indebtedness (including
Acquired Indebtedness) other than Permitted Indebtedness set forth in clauses
(i) through (x) and (xii) of the definition thereof unless (i) the Indebtedness
is incurred, denominated and payable in the local currencies of the
jurisdictions of the operations
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of the Restricted Subsidiary incurring such Indebtedness or of the business or
the location of assets being acquired with the proceeds of such Indebtedness;
provided, however, that any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred in a Western
European currency pursuant to this clause (i) may be incurred in any Western
European currency; provided, further, that any Restricted Subsidiary whose
operations are located in Mexico can also incur Indebtedness denominated and
payable in U.S. dollars, (ii) after giving effect to the incurrence of such
Indebtedness and the receipt of the application of the proceeds thereof, (A) if,
as a result of the incurrence of such Indebtedness such Restricted Subsidiary
will become subject to any restriction or limitation on the payment of dividends
or the making of other distributions, (I) the ratio of Foreign EBITDA to Foreign
Interest Expense (determined on a pro forma basis for the last four fiscal
quarters for which financial statements are available at the date of
determination) is greater than 3.0 to 1 and (II) the ratio of the Company's
Adjusted EBITDA to Consolidated Fixed Charges (determined on a pro forma basis
for the last four fiscal quarters of the Company for which financial statements
are available at the date of determination) is greater than 2.0 to 1 if the
Indebtedness is incurred prior to July 15, 1999 and 2.25 to 1 if the
Indebtedness is incurred thereafter and (B) in any other case, the Company's
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (determined on a pro forma basis for the last four
fiscal quarters of the Company for which financial statements are available at
the date of determination) is greater than 2.0 to 1 if the Indebtedness is
incurred prior to July 15, 1999 and 2.25 to 1 if the Indebtedness is incurred
thereafter, and (iii) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing at the time or as a consequence of the incurrence of such
Indebtedness.
In the event that any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clause (ii)(B) of
the foregoing paragraph is proposed to be amended, modified or otherwise
supplemented such that the payment of dividends or the making of other
distributions becomes subject in any manner to any restriction or limitation,
the Company will not permit the Restricted Subsidiary to so amend, modify or
supplement such Indebtedness unless such Indebtedness could be incurred pursuant
to the terms of clause (ii)(A) of the foregoing paragraph.
All calculations required under the prior two paragraphs hereof shall be
made in a manner consistent with the calculations required under the covenant
described under "Limitation on Additional Indebtedness."
Limitation on Restricted Payments
The Company will not make, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make, any Restricted Payment, unless:
(a) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing at the time of or immediately after giving effect to such
Restricted Payment;
(b) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such Restricted
Payment, the Company could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other
than Permitted Indebtedness) under the covenant set forth under "Limitation
on Additional Indebtedness"; and
(c) immediately after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, the
aggregate of all Restricted Payments declared or made after July 2, 1996
does not exceed the sum of (1) $5.0 million plus (2) 50% of the Company's
Consolidated Net Income (or in the event that such Consolidated Net Income
shall be a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit) after July 2, 1996, plus
(3) 100% of the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds from the issue or sale, after
July 2, 1996, of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Capital Stock or
Capital Stock of the Company issued to any Subsidiary of the Company) of
the Company or any Indebtedness or other securities of the Company
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Capital Stock (other
than Disqualified Capital Stock) of the Company which has been so converted
or exercised or exchanged, as the case may be. For purposes of determining
under this clause (c) the amount expended for Restricted Payments, cash
distributed shall be valued at the face amount thereof and property other
than cash shall be valued at its fair market value.
The provisions of this covenant shall not prohibit (i) the payment of any
distribution within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at such
date of declaration such payment would comply with the provisions of the
Indenture, (ii) the retirement of any shares of Capital Stock of the Company or
Indebtedness which is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes by
conversion into, or by or in exchange for, shares of Capital
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<PAGE> 35
Stock (other than Disqualified Capital Stock), or out of, the Net Cash Proceeds
of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company)
of other shares of Capital Stock of the Company (other than Disqualified Capital
Stock), (iii) the redemption, repayment or retirement of Indebtedness of the
Company subordinated in right of payment to the Notes in exchange for, by
conversion into, or out of the Net Cash Proceeds of, a substantially concurrent
sale or incurrence of Indebtedness (other than any Indebtedness owed to a
Subsidiary) of the Company that is contractually subordinated in right of
payment to the Notes to at least the same extent as the Indebtedness being
redeemed, repaid or retired, (iv) the retirement of any shares of Disqualified
Capital Stock by conversion into, or by exchange for, shares of Disqualified
Capital Stock, or out of the Net Cash Proceeds of the substantially concurrent
issuance or sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) of other shares of
Disqualified Capital Stock, or (v) the making of Investments in Unrestricted
Subsidiaries and joint ventures, provided that the Net Investment therein made
since July 2, 1996 shall not exceed an aggregate of $25 million and (vi) the
making of Investments funded with the transfer of excess fixed assets no longer
necessary in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries in
an aggregate amount not to exceed $15 million; provided, however, that in
calculating the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made subsequent to July
2, 1996, the amount of Net Investments made pursuant to clauses (v) and (vi)
shall be included in the calculation.
Not later than the date of making any Restricted Payment, the Company shall
deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that such Restricted
Payment is permitted and setting forth the basis upon which the calculations
required by the covenant "Limitation on Restricted Payments" were computed,
which calculations may be based upon the Company's latest available financial
statements, and that no Default or Event of Default exists and is continuing and
no Default or Event of Default will occur immediately after giving effect to any
Restricted Payments.
Limitation on Other Senior Subordinated Debt
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, incur, contingently or otherwise, any
Indebtedness (other than the Notes and the Guarantees, as the case may be) that
is both (i) subordinate in right of payment to any Senior Indebtedness of the
Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, and (ii) senior in
right of payment to the Notes and the Guarantees, as the case may be. For
purposes of this covenant, Indebtedness is deemed to be senior in right of
payment to the Notes and the Guarantees, as the case may be, if it is not
explicitly subordinate in right of payment to Senior Indebtedness at least to
the same extent as the Notes and the Guarantees, as the case may be, are
subordinate to Senior Indebtedness.
Limitations on Liens
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, create, incur or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become
effective any Liens of any kind upon any Property of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary, now owned or hereafter acquired, which secures
Indebtedness pari passu with or subordinated to the Notes unless (i) if such
Lien secures Indebtedness which is pari passu with the Notes, then the Notes are
secured on an equal and ratable basis with the obligations so secured until such
time as such obligation is no longer secured by a Lien or (ii) if such Lien
secures Indebtedness which is subordinated to the Notes, any such Lien shall be
subordinated to the Lien granted to the Holders of the Notes in the same
collateral as that securing such Lien to the same extent as such subordinated
Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes.
Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into or suffer to exist any
transaction or series of related transactions (including, without limitation,
the sale, purchase, exchange or lease of assets, property or services) with any
Affiliate (including entities in which the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries own a minority interest) or holder of 10% or more of the Company's
Common Stock (an "Affiliate Transaction") or extend, renew, waive or otherwise
modify the terms of any Affiliate Transaction entered into prior to the date the
respective Notes were originally issued
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unless (i) such Affiliate Transaction is between or among the Company and its
Wholly Owned Subsidiaries; or (ii) the terms of such Affiliate Transaction are
fair and reasonable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case
may be, and the terms of such Affiliate Transaction are at least as favorable as
the terms which could be obtained by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary,
as the case may be, in a comparable transaction made on an arm's-length basis
between unaffiliated parties. In any Affiliate Transaction involving an amount
or having a value in excess of $2 million which is not permitted under clause
(i) above, the Company must obtain a resolution of the board of directors
certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (ii) above. In
transactions with a value in excess of $10 million which are not permitted under
clause (i) above, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary must obtain a
written opinion as to the fairness of such a transaction from an independent
investment banking firm.
The foregoing provisions will not apply to (i) any Restricted Payment that
is not prohibited by the provisions described under "Limitations on Restricted
Payments" contained herein, (ii) reasonable and customary fees paid by the
Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries to their respective directors or (iii)
customary investment banking, underwriting, placement agent or financial advisor
fees paid in connection with services rendered to the Company or its
Subsidiaries.
Limitation on Creation of Subsidiaries
The Company shall not create or acquire, nor permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to create or acquire, any Subsidiary other than (i) a Restricted
Subsidiary existing as of the date of the Indenture, (ii) a Restricted
Subsidiary conducting a business similar or reasonably related to the business
of the Company and its Subsidiaries as conducted on the date the respective
Notes were originally issued, or (iii) an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided,
however, that each Restricted Subsidiary which is a Domestic Subsidiary acquired
or created pursuant to clause (ii) shall have executed a guarantee, satisfactory
in form and substance to the Trustee (and with such documentation relating
thereto as the Trustee shall require, including, without limitation, a
supplement or amendment to the Indentures and opinions of counsel as to the
enforceability of such guarantee), pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary
shall become a Guarantor. Neither the Company nor any of the Guarantors will
transfer any assets to a Domestic Restricted Subsidiary which is not a Guarantor
unless such Restricted Subsidiary simultaneously with such transfer executes a
guarantee satisfactory in form and substance to the Trustee (together with the
documentation referred to in the preceding sentence) pursuant to which such
Restricted Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor. See "-- General."
Limitation on Certain Asset Sales
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless (i) the Company or its
Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time
of such sale or other disposition at least equal to the fair market value
thereof (as determined in good faith by the Company's board of directors, and
evidenced by a board resolution); (ii) not less than 75% of the consideration
received by the Company or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, is in the form
of cash or Temporary Cash Investments other than in the case where the Company
or a Restricted Subsidiary is exchanging assets held by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary for assets held by another Person, provided that any
Investment received in such exchange would be permitted under clause (b) below;
and (iii) the Asset Sale Proceeds received by the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary are applied (a) first, to the extent the Company elects, or is
required, to prepay, repay or purchase any then existing Senior Indebtedness of
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary within 180 days following the receipt
of the Asset Sale Proceeds from any Asset Sale, provided that any such repayment
shall result in a permanent reduction of the commitments, if any, thereunder in
an amount equal to the principal amount so repaid; (b) second, to repurchase 11%
Notes within 270 days following the receipt of the Asset Sale Proceeds from any
Asset Sale, tendered pursuant to the offer to repurchase required under the
terms of the 11% Notes Indenture; (c) third, with respect to the July Notes, to
repurchase the June Notes within 270 days following the receipt of the Asset
Sale Proceeds from any Asset Sale, tendered pursuant to the offer to repurchase
required under the terms of the June Indentures; (d) fourth, to the extent of
the balance of Asset Sale Proceeds after application as described in clauses
(a), (b) and, with respect to the July Notes, (c) above, to the extent the
Company elects,
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to an investment in assets used or useful in businesses similar or reasonably
related to the business of the Company or Restricted Subsidiary as conducted on
the date the respective Notes were originally issued (either directly or
indirectly through the purchase of Capital Stock or other securities of a Person
holding such assets), provided that such investment occurs or the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary enters into contractual commitments to make such
investment, subject only to customary conditions (other than the obtaining of
financing), on or prior to the 181st day following receipt of such Asset Sale
Proceeds (the "Reinvestment Date") and Asset Sale Proceeds contractually
committed are so applied within 270 days following the receipt of such Asset
Sale Proceeds; and (e) fifth, if on the Reinvestment Date with respect to any
Asset Sale, the Available Asset Sale Proceeds exceed $10 million, the Company
shall apply an amount equal to such Available Asset Sale Proceeds to an offer to
repurchase the Notes, at a purchase price in cash equal to 100% of the principal
amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of
repurchase (an "Excess Proceeds Offer"). If an Excess Proceeds Offer is not
fully subscribed, the Company may retain the portion of the Available Asset Sale
Proceeds not required to repurchase Notes.
If the Company is required to make an Excess Proceeds Offer, the Company
shall mail, within 30 days following the Reinvestment Date, a notice to the
Holders stating, among other things: (1) that such Holders have the right to
require the Company to apply the Available Asset Sale Proceeds to repurchase
such Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount
thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase; (2)
the purchase date, which shall be no earlier than 30 days and not later than 60
days from the date such notice is mailed; and (3) the instructions, determined
by the Company, that each Holder must follow in order to have such Notes
repurchased.
Limitation on Common Stock of Subsidiaries
The Company will not (i) sell, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise convey or
dispose of any Common Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than under or in
respect of the Amended Credit Agreement or under the terms of any Designated
Senior Indebtedness and other than pledges of the Capital Stock of Restricted
Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors securing Indebtedness of such Restricted
Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors) or (ii) permit any of its Subsidiaries to
issue any Common Stock, other than to the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary
of the Company. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to an Asset Sale made
in compliance with "Limitation on Certain Asset Sales."
Payments for Consent
Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall, directly or
indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of
interest, fee or otherwise, to any holder of any Notes for or as an inducement
to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of the
Indentures or the Notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid or
agreed to be paid to all holders of the June Notes or July Notes, as the case
may be, which so consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in
solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.
CHANGE OF CONTROL OFFER
Within 20 days of the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company shall
notify the Trustee in writing of such occurrence and shall make an offer to
purchase (the "Change of Control Offer") the outstanding Notes at a purchase
price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus any accrued and unpaid
interest thereon to the Change of Control Payment Date (as hereinafter defined)
(such purchase price being hereinafter referred to as the "Change of Control
Purchase Price") in accordance with the procedures set forth in this covenant.
Within 20 days of the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company also
shall (i) cause a notice of the Change of Control Offer to be sent at least once
to the Dow Jones News Service or similar business news service in the United
States and (ii) send by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the Trustee and to
each
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holder of the Notes, at the address appearing in the register maintained by the
Registrar of the Notes, a notice stating:
(1) that the Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this
covenant and that all Notes tendered will be accepted for payment, and
otherwise subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein;
(2) the Change of Control Purchase Price and the purchase date (which
shall be a Business Day no earlier than 20 business days from the date such
notice is mailed (the "Change of Control Payment Date"));
(3) that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue interest;
(4) that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Change of
Control Purchase Price, any Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the
Change of Control Offer shall cease to accrue interest after the Change of
Control Payment Date;
(5) that holders accepting the offer to have their Notes purchased
pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender the
Notes to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice prior to
the close of business on the Business Day preceding the Change of Control
Payment Date;
(6) that holders will be entitled to withdraw their acceptance if the
Paying Agent receives, not later than the close of business on the third
Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date, a telegram,
telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the
holder, the principal amount of the Notes delivered for purchase, and a
statement that such holder is withdrawing his election to have such Notes
purchased;
(7) that holders whose Notes are being purchased only in part will be
issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of
the Notes surrendered, provided that each Note purchased and each such new
Note issued shall be in an original principal amount in denominations of
$1,000 and integral multiples thereof;
(8) any other procedures that a holder must follow to accept a Change
of Control Offer or effect withdrawal of such acceptance; and
(9) the name and address of the Paying Agent.
On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company shall, to the extent
lawful, (i) accept for payment Notes or portions thereof tendered pursuant to
the Change of Control Offer, (ii) deposit with the Paying Agent money sufficient
to pay the purchase price of all Notes or portions thereof so tendered and (iii)
deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee Notes so accepted together with
an Officers' Certificate stating the Notes or portions thereof tendered to the
Company. The Paying Agent shall promptly mail to each holder of Notes so
accepted payment in an amount equal to the purchase price for such Notes, and
the Company shall execute and issue, and the Trustee shall promptly authenticate
and mail to such holder, a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased
portion of the Notes surrendered; provided that each such new Note shall be
issued in an original principal amount in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples thereof.
The Indentures require that if the Amended Credit Agreement is in effect,
or any amounts are owing thereunder or in respect thereof, at the time of the
occurrence of a Change of Control, prior to the mailing of the notice to holders
described in the preceding paragraph, but in any event within 30 days following
any Change of Control, the Company covenants to (i) repay in full all
obligations under or in respect of the Amended Credit Agreement or offer to
repay in full all obligations under or in respect of the Amended Credit
Agreement and repay the obligations under or in respect of the Amended Credit
Agreement of each lender who has accepted such offer or (ii) obtain the
requisite consent under the Amended Credit Agreement to permit the repurchase of
the Notes as described above. The Company must first comply with the covenant
described in the preceding sentence before it shall be required to purchase
Notes in the event of a Change of Control; provided that the Company's failure
to comply with the covenant described in the preceding sentence
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constitutes an Event of Default described in clause (iii) under "Events of
Default" below if not cured within 60 days after the notice required by such
clause. As a result of the foregoing, a holder of the Notes may not be able to
compel the Company to purchase the Notes unless the Company is able at the time
to refinance all of the obligations under or in respect of the Amended Credit
Agreement or obtain requisite consents under the Amended Credit Agreement.
Failure by the Company to make a Change of Control Offer when required by the
Indentures constitutes a default under the Indentures and, if not cured within
60 days after notice, constitutes an Event of Default.
The Indentures provide that, (A) if the Company or any Subsidiary thereof
has issued any outstanding (i) Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of
payment to the Notes or (ii) Preferred Stock, and the Company or such Subsidiary
is required to make a Change of Control Offer or to make a distribution with
respect to such subordinated Indebtedness or Preferred Stock in the event of a
change of control, the Company shall not consummate any such offer or
distribution with respect to such subordinated Indebtedness or Preferred Stock
until such time as the Company shall have paid the Change of Control Purchase
Price in full to the holders of Notes that have accepted the Company's Change of
Control Offer and shall otherwise have consummated the Change of Control Offer
made to holders of the Notes and (B) the Company will not issue Indebtedness
that is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or Preferred Stock with
change of control provisions requiring the payment of such Indebtedness or
Preferred Stock prior to the payment of the Notes in the event of a Change in
Control under the Indentures.
In the event that a Change of Control occurs and the holders of Notes
exercise their right to require the Company to purchase Notes, if such purchase
constitutes a "tender offer" for purposes of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act
at that time, the Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 as
then in effect with respect to such repurchase.
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR SALE OF ASSETS
The Company will not and will not permit any Guarantor to consolidate with,
merge with or into, or transfer all or substantially all of its assets (as an
entirety or substantially as an entirety in one transaction or a series of
related transactions), to any Person unless: (i) the Company or the Guarantor,
as the case may be, shall be the continuing Person, or the Person (if other than
the Company or the Guarantor) formed by such consolidation or into which the
Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, is merged or to which the
properties and assets of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, are
transferred shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the
United States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall
expressly assume, by a supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the
Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all of the obligations of the
Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, under the Notes and the
Indentures, and the obligations under the Indentures shall remain in full force
and effect; (ii) immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such
transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing; and (iii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a
pro forma basis the Company or such Person could incur at least $1.00 additional
Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness) under the covenant set forth
under "Limitation on Additional Indebtedness," provided that a Person that is a
Guarantor may merge into the Company or another Person that is a Guarantor
without complying with this clause (iii).
In connection with any consolidation, merger or transfer of assets
contemplated by this provision, the Company shall deliver, or cause to be
delivered, to the Trustee, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Trustee, an Officers' Certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that
such consolidation, merger or transfer and the supplemental indenture in respect
thereto comply with this provision and that all conditions precedent herein
provided for relating to such transaction or transactions have been complied
with.
GUARANTEES
The Notes will be guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by the
Guarantors. All payments pursuant to the Guarantees by the Guarantors are
subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior
Indebtedness of the Guarantor, to the same extent and in the same manner that
all payments pursuant
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to the Notes are subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full
of all Senior Indebtedness of the Company.
The obligations of each Guarantor are limited to the maximum amount as
will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such
Guarantor (including, without limitation, any guarantees of Senior Indebtedness)
and after giving effect to any collections from or payments made by or on behalf
of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor
under its Guarantee or pursuant to its contribution obligations under the
Indentures, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under the Guarantee not
constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal or
state law. Each Guarantor that makes a payment or distribution under a Guarantee
shall be entitled to a contribution from each other Guarantor in a pro rata
amount based on the Adjusted Net Assets of each Subsidiary Guarantor.
A Guarantor shall be released from all of its obligations under its
Guarantee if all or substantially all of its assets are directly or indirectly
sold or all of its Capital Stock is directly or indirectly sold, in all such
cases in a transaction in compliance with the covenant described under
"Limitation on Certain Asset Sales," or the Guarantor merges with or into or
consolidates with, or transfers all or substantially all of its assets to, the
Company or another Guarantor in a transaction in compliance with "Merger,
Consolidation or Sale of Assets," and such Guarantor has delivered to the
Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that
all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have
been complied with.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The following events are defined in the Indentures as "Events of Default":
(i) default in payment of any principal of, or premium, if any, on the
June Notes or July Notes, as the case may be;
(ii) default for 30 days in payment of any interest on the June Notes
or July Notes, as the case may be;
(iii) default by the Company or any Guarantor in the observance or
performance of any other covenant (i) in the June Notes or the June
Indenture (ii) or the July Notes or the July Indenture, as the case may be,
for 60 days after written notice from the Trustee or the holders of not
less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of such Notes then outstanding;
(iv) default in the payment at final maturity of principal in an
aggregate amount of $10,000,000 or more with respect to any Indebtedness of
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof which default shall not be
cured, waived or postponed pursuant to an agreement with the holders of
such Indebtedness within 60 days after written notice, or the acceleration
of any such Indebtedness aggregating $10,000,000 or more which acceleration
shall not be rescinded or annulled within 20 days after written notice as
provided in the Indenture;
(v) any final judgment or judgments which can no longer be appealed
for the payment of money in excess of $10,000,000 shall be rendered against
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof, and shall not be
discharged for any period of 60 consecutive days during which a stay of
enforcement shall not be in effect; and
(vi) certain events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization
of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof.
The Indenture provides that the Trustee may withhold notice to the holders
of the Notes of any default (except in payment of principal or premium, if any,
or interest on the Notes) if the Trustee considers it to be in the best interest
of the holders of the Notes to do so.
The Indentures provide that if an Event of Default (other than an Event of
Default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization of the Company) shall have occurred and be continuing, then the
Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
June Notes or the
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July Notes, as the case may be, then outstanding may declare to be immediately
due and payable the entire principal amount of all such Notes then outstanding
plus accrued interest to the date of acceleration and (i) such amounts shall
become immediately due and payable or (ii) if there are any amounts outstanding
under or in respect of the Amended Credit Agreement, such amounts shall become
due and payable upon the first to occur of an acceleration of amounts
outstanding under or in respect of the Amended Credit Agreement or five business
days after receipt by the Company and the Representative of the holders of
Senior Indebtedness under or in respect of the Amended Credit Agreement of
notice of the acceleration of the Notes; provided, however, that after such
acceleration but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration is obtained
by the Trustee, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of such
outstanding Notes may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such
acceleration if all Events of Default, other than nonpayment of accelerated
principal, premium or interest, have been cured or waived as provided in the
Indenture governing such Notes. In case an Event of Default resulting from
certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company shall
occur, the principal, premium and interest amount with respect to all of the
Notes shall be due and payable immediately without any declaration or other act
on the part of the Trustee or the holders of the Notes.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the June Notes or the July
Notes, as the case may be, then outstanding shall have the right to waive any
existing default or compliance with any provision of such Notes or the Indenture
governing such Notes and to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to certain
limitations specified in such Indenture.
No holder of any Note will have any right to institute any proceeding with
respect to the Indentures or for any remedy thereunder, unless such holder shall
have previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of
Default and unless also the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal
amount of the outstanding June Notes or July Notes, as the case may be, shall
have made a written request and offered reasonable indemnity to the Trustee to
institute such proceeding as a trustee, and unless the Trustee shall not have
received from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of such
outstanding Notes a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have
failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days. However, such limitations do
not apply to a suit instituted on such Note on or after the respective due dates
expressed in such Note.
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
The Indentures provide the Company may elect either (a) to defease and be
discharged from any and all obligations with respect to the Notes (except for
the obligations to register the transfer or exchange of such Notes, to replace
temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes, to maintain an office
or agency in respect of the Notes and to hold monies for payment in trust)
("defeasance") or (b) to be released from their obligations with respect to the
Notes under certain covenants contained in the Indentures and described above
under "-- Certain Covenants" ("covenant defeasance"), upon the deposit with the
Trustee (or other qualifying trustee), in trust for such purpose, of money
and/or U.S. Government Obligations which through the payment of principal and
interest in accordance with their terms will provide money, in an amount
sufficient to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes,
on the scheduled due dates therefor or on a selected date of redemption in
accordance with the terms of the Indentures. Such a trust may only be
established if, among other things, the Company has delivered to the Trustee an
Opinion of Counsel (as specified in the Indentures) (i) to the effect that
neither the trust nor the Trustee will be required to register as an investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and (ii) to the
effect that holders of the Notes or persons in their positions will not
recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of
such deposit, 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 which
in the case of discharge only, must be based upon a private ruling concerning
the Notes, a published ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in
applicable federal tax law.
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MODIFICATION OF INDENTURE
From time to time, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee may, without
the consent of holders of the Notes, amend the Indentures or the Notes or
supplement the Indentures for certain specified purposes, including providing
for uncertificated Notes in addition to certificated Notes, and curing any
ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, or making any other change that does not
materially and adversely affect the rights of any holder. The Indentures contain
provisions permitting the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee, with the
consent of holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
Notes governed by such Indenture, to modify or supplement such Indenture or such
Notes, except that no such modification shall, without the consent of each
holder affected thereby, (i) reduce the amount of such Notes whose holders must
consent to an amendment, supplement, or waiver to such Indenture or such Notes,
(ii) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any such
Note, (iii) reduce the principal of or premium on or change the stated maturity
of any such Note, (iv) make any such Note payable in money other than that
stated in such Note or change the place of payment from New York, New York, (v)
change the amount or time of any payment required by such Notes or reduce the
premium payable upon any redemption of such Notes, or change the time before
which no such redemption may be made, (vi) waive a default on the payment of the
principal of, interest on, or redemption payment with respect to any such Note,
or (vii) take any other action otherwise prohibited by such Indenture to be
taken without the consent of each holder affected thereby.
REPORTS TO HOLDERS
So long as the Company is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of
the Exchange Act, it will continue to furnish the information required thereby
to the Commission and to the holders of the Notes. The Indentures provide that
even if the Company is entitled under the Exchange Act not to furnish such
information to the Commission or to the holders of the Notes, they will
nonetheless continue to furnish such information to the Commission and holders
of the Notes.
COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
The Company will deliver to the Trustee on or before 100 days after the end
of the Company's fiscal year and on or before 50 days after the end of each of
the first, second and third fiscal quarters in each year an Officers'
Certificate stating whether or not the signers know of any Default or Event of
Default that has occurred. If they do, the certificate will describe the Default
or Event of Default and its status.
THE TRUSTEE
The Trustee under the Indentures will be the Registrar and Paying Agent
with regard to the Notes. The Indentures provide that, except during the
continuance of an Event of Default, the Trustee will perform only such duties as
are specifically set forth in the Indentures. During the existence of an Event
of Default, the Trustee will exercise such rights and powers vested in it under
the Indentures and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a
prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such
person's own affairs.
TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE
Holders of the Notes may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the
Indenture governing such Notes. The Registrar under such Indenture may require a
holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer
documents, and to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by such
Indenture. The Registrar is not required to transfer or exchange any Note
selected for redemption. Also, the Registrar is not required to transfer or
exchange any Note for a period of 15 days before selection of the Notes to be
redeemed.
The registered holder of a Note may be treated as the owner of it for all
purposes.
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REGISTRATION RIGHTS
Holders of New Notes are not generally entitled to any registration rights
with respect to such New Notes. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement,
dated as of June 30, 1997, by and among the Company, the Guarantors and the
Initial Purchasers of the Old June Notes and the Registration Rights Agreement,
dated as of July 22, 1997, by and among the Company, the Guarantors and the
Initial Purchasers of the Old July Notes (collectively, the "Registration Rights
Agreements"). Holders of Old Notes are entitled to certain registration rights.
Under the Registration Rights Agreements, the Company agreed, for the benefit of
the Holders of the Old Notes, that it will, at its cost, (i) within 60 days
after the date such Notes were first issued, file a Registration Statement with
the Commission with respect to the Exchange Offer, and (ii) within 120 days
after the date such Notes were first issued, use its best efforts to cause the
Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act. The
registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part constitutes the
Registration Statement.
In the event that applicable interpretations of the staff of the Commission
do not permit the Company to effect an Exchange Offer, or if for any other
reason the Exchange Offer is not consummated within 150 days of the date such
Notes were first issued, the Company will, at its own expense, (a) as promptly
as practicable, file a Shelf Registration Statement, (b) use its best efforts to
cause the Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective under the
Securities Act and (c) use its best efforts to keep effective the Shelf
Registration Statement until two years after its effective date (subject to
extension in certain circumstances), or such shorter period ending when all Old
Notes covered by the Shelf Registration Statement have been sold thereunder (the
"Effectiveness Period"). The Company will, in the event of the Shelf
Registration Statement, provide to each Holder of the Old Notes copies of the
prospectus which is a part of the Shelf Registration Statement, notify each such
Holder when the Shelf Registration Statement for the Old Notes has become
effective and take certain other actions as are required to permit unrestricted
resales of the Old Notes.
A Holder of the Old Notes that sells such Old Notes pursuant to the Shelf
Registration Statement generally would be required to be named as a selling
securityholder in the related prospectus and to deliver a prospectus to
purchasers, will be subject to certain of the civil liability provisions under
the Securities Act in connection with such sales and will be bound by the
provisions of the Registration Rights Agreements which are applicable to such a
holder (including certain indemnification rights and obligations).
In the event of a Registration Default under and as defined in the
Registration Rights Agreements, the sole remedy available to Holders of the Old
Notes will be the assessment of additional interest as follows: the per annum
interest rate on the Old Notes will increase by 50 basis points; and the per
annum interest rate will increase by an additional 25 basis points for each
subsequent 90-day period during which the Registration Default remains uncured,
up to a maximum additional interest rate of 200 basis points per annum in excess
of 9 1/8% ("Additional Interest"). All Additional Interest will be payable to
Holders of the Old Notes in cash on each January 15 and July 15, commencing with
the first such date occurring after any such Additional Interest commences to
accrue, until such Registration Default is cured. After the date on which such
Registration Default is cured, the interest rate on the Old Notes will refer to
the interest rate originally borne by the Old Notes.
The summary herein of certain provisions of the Registration Rights
Agreements does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Registration Rights
Agreement, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement
of which this Prospectus is a part.
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise provided, set forth below is a summary of certain of the
defined terms used in the covenants contained in both Indentures. Reference is
made to the June Indenture and the July Indenture, respectively, for the full
definition of all such terms as well as any other capitalized terms used herein
for which no definition is provided.
"9 1/8% Notes" under the July Indenture means the June Notes.
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"9 1/8% Notes Indenture" under the July Indenture means the June Indenture,
as such indenture may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.
"11% Notes" under the July Indenture means the 11% Notes.
"11% Notes Indenture" under the July Indenture means the Indenture, dated
as of July 2, 1996, among the Company, the Guarantors and Comerica Bank, as
Trustee, as such indenture may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to
time.
"Acquired Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of a Person (including an
Unrestricted Subsidiary) existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary or is merged or consolidated with or into the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary or assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such
Person.
"Adjusted EBITDA" means, for any Person, for any period, the EBITDA of such
Person, plus any amounts excluded from the calculation of the Consolidated Net
Income of such Person pursuant to clause (b) of the definition thereof.
"Adjusted Net Assets" of a Guarantor at any date shall mean the lesser of
the amount by which (x) the fair value of the property of such Guarantor exceeds
the total amount of liabilities, including, without limitation, contingent
liabilities (after giving effect to all other fixed and contingent liabilities
(including, without limitation, any guarantees of Senior Indebtedness)), but
excluding liabilities under the Guarantee, of such Guarantor at such date and
(y) the present fair salable value of the assets of such Guarantor at such date
exceeds the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such
Guarantor on its debts (after giving effect to all other fixed and contingent
liabilities (including, without limitation, any guarantees of Senior
Indebtedness) and after giving effect to any collection from any Subsidiary of
such Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such Subsidiary under the
Guarantee), excluding Indebtedness in respect of the Guarantee, as they become
absolute and matured.
"Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person which directly
or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by,
or is under common control with, such specified Person. For the purposes of this
definition, "control" (including, with correlative meanings, the terms
"controlling," "controlled by," and "under common control with"), as used with
respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the
power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such
Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or
otherwise.
"Amended Credit Agreement" means the Amended Credit Agreement, dated as of
June 30, 1997, among the Company, CIBC, as administrative agent, Merrill
Capital, as documentation agent, and the lenders from time to time parties
thereto, as such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to
time or deferred, renewed, extended, refunded, refinanced, restructured or
replaced from time to time in whole or in part (whether with the original
administrative agent and lenders or other agents and lenders or otherwise, and
whether provided under the Amended Credit Agreement or other credit agreements
or otherwise).
"Argosy" means CIBC WG Argosy Merchant Fund 2, L.L.C.
"Asset Sale" means the sale, transfer or other disposition in any single
transaction or series of related transactions of (a) any Capital Stock of or
other equity interest in any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, (b) all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company or of any Restricted Subsidiary
thereof, (c) real property or (d) all or substantially all of the assets of any
business owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof, or a
division, line of business or comparable business segment of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary thereof; provided that Asset Sales shall not include (i)
sales, leases, conveyances, transfers or other dispositions to the Company or to
a Restricted Subsidiary or to any other Person if after giving effect to such
sale, lease, conveyance, transfer or other disposition such other Person becomes
a Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) leases, conveyances or other transfers by the
Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of Property to any Person as an Investment in
such Person provided that the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary receives
consideration at the time of such lease, conveyance or other transfer at least
equal to the fair market value of such Property and such Investment is included
in clause (v) of the second paragraph of "Limitation on Restricted Payments"
contained herein.
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"Asset Sale Proceeds" means, with respect to any Asset Sale, (i) cash
received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from such Asset Sale
(including cash received as consideration for the assumption of liabilities
incurred in connection with or in anticipation of such Asset Sale), after (a)
provision for all income or other taxes measured by or resulting from such Asset
Sale, (b) payment of all brokerage commissions, underwriting and other fees and
expenses related to such Asset Sale, (c) provision for minority interest holders
in any Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such Asset Sale and (d) deduction of
appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary as
a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with the
assets sold or disposed of in such Asset Sale and retained by the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary after such Asset Sale, including, without limitation,
pension and other post employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to
environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with
the assets sold or disposed of in such Asset Sale, and (ii) promissory notes and
other non-cash consideration received by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary from such Asset Sale or other disposition upon the liquidation or
conversion of such notes or non-cash consideration into cash.
"Attributable Indebtedness" in respect of a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction
means, as at the time of determination, the present value of the notes
(discounted according to GAAP at the cost of indebtedness implied in the lease)
of the total obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the remaining
term of the lease included in such Sale and Lease Back Transaction (including
any period for which such lease has been extended).
"Available Asset Sale Proceeds" means, with respect to any Asset Sale, the
aggregate Asset Sale Proceeds from such Asset Sale that have not been applied in
accordance with clause (iii)(a), (iii)(b), (iii)(c) (with respect to the July
Notes) or (iii)(d), and that have not been the basis for an Excess Proceeds
Offer in accordance with clause (iii)(e), of the first paragraph of "Certain
Covenants -- Limitation on Certain Asset Sales."
"Capital Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares or
other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock, partnership interests
or any other participation, right or other interest in the nature of an equity
interest in such Person or any option, warrant or other security convertible
into any of the foregoing.
"Capitalized Lease Obligations" means indebtedness represented by
obligations under a lease that is required to be capitalized for financial
reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP, and the amount of such indebtedness
shall be the capitalized amount of such obligations determined in accordance
with GAAP.
A "Change of Control" of the Company will be deemed to have occurred at
such time as (i) any Person (including a Person's Affiliates and associates),
other than a Permitted Holder, becomes the beneficial owner (as defined under
Rule 13d-3 or any successor rule or regulation promulgated under the Exchange
Act) of 50% or more of the total voting power of the Company's Common Stock,
(ii) any Person (including a Person's Affiliates and associates), other than a
Permitted Holder, becomes the beneficial owner of more than 30% of the total
voting power of the Company's Common Stock, and either (A) the Permitted Holders
beneficially own, in the aggregate, a lesser percentage of the total voting
power of the Common Stock of the Company than such other Person and do not have
the right or ability by voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or
designate for election a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company or
(B) JLL is the beneficial owner of less than 20% of the total voting power of
the Company's Common Stock, (iii) there shall be consummated any consolidation
or merger of the Company in which the Company is not the continuing or surviving
corporation or pursuant to which the Common Stock of the Company would be
converted into cash, securities or other property, other than a merger or
consolidation of the Company in which the holders of the Common Stock of the
Company outstanding immediately prior to the consolidation or merger hold,
directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the Common Stock of the surviving
corporation immediately after such consolidation or merger, or (iv) during any
period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period
constituted the Board of Directors of the Company (together with any new
directors whose election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for
election by the shareholders of the Company has been approved by 66 2/3% of the
directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of
such
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period or whose election or recommendation for election was previously so
approved) cease to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the
Company.
"Chase" means Chase Equity Associates, L.P.
"Common Stock" of any Person means all Capital Stock of such Person that is
generally entitled to (i) vote in the election of directors of such Person or
(ii) if such Person is not a corporation, vote or otherwise participate in the
selection of the governing body, partners, managers or others that will control
the management and policies of such Person.
"Consolidated Fixed Charges" means, with respect to any Person, the sum of
a Person's (i) Consolidated Interest Expense, plus (ii) the product of (x) the
aggregate amount of all dividends paid on Disqualified Capital Stock of the
Company or on each series of preferred stock of each Subsidiary of such Person
(other than dividends paid or payable in additional shares of preferred stock or
to the Company or any of its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries) times (y) a fraction,
the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then
current effective combined federal, state and local tax rate of such Person
(expressed as a decimal), in each case, for such four-quarter period.
"Consolidated Interest Expense" means, with respect to any Person, for any
period and without duplication, the aggregate amount of interest which, in
conformity with GAAP, would be set forth opposite the caption "interest expense"
or any like caption on an income statement for such Person and its Subsidiaries
on a consolidated basis (including, but not limited to, (i) imputed interest
included in Capitalized Lease Obligations, (ii) all commissions, discounts and
other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers'
acceptance financing, (iii) net payments made in connection with Interest Rate
Agreements, (iv) the interest portion of any deferred payment obligation, (v)
amortization of discount or premium, if any, and (vi) all other non-cash
interest expense (other than interest amortized to cost of sales)) plus all net
capitalized interest for such period and all interest paid under any guarantee
of Indebtedness (including a guarantee of principal, interest or any combination
thereof) of any Person, and minus (i) net payments received in connection with
Interest Rate Agreements and (ii) amortization of deferred financing costs and
expenses.
"Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any Person, for any
period, the aggregate of the net income (before preferred stock dividends, if
any) of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated
basis, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that there shall
be excluded from Consolidated Net Income (a) the net income of any Person which
under GAAP is not consolidated with the Person in question other than the amount
of dividends or distributions paid to the Person in question or the Subsidiary,
(b) the net income of any Subsidiary of the Person in question, other than a
Domestic Subsidiary, that is subject to any restriction or limitation on the
payment of dividends or the making of other distributions (other than pursuant
to the Notes or the Indenture) to the extent of such restriction or limitation
(provided that if any such restriction or limitation by its terms takes effect
upon the occurrence of a default or an event of default, such exclusion shall
become effective only upon the occurrence and during the continuance of such
default or event of default), (c) the net income of any Person acquired in a
pooling of interests transaction for any period prior to the date of such
acquisition, (d) any net gain or loss resulting from a sale of Property by the
Person in question or any of its Subsidiaries other than in the ordinary course
of business, (e) extraordinary gains and losses, (f) non-recurring gains,
non-cash non-recurring losses and charges (including restructuring charges and
costs) and, in the case of the Company, cash restructuring charges for any
period prior to July 31, 1998, (g) any amounts received by the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary which are used to offset Investments pursuant to the terms
of clause (ii) of the definition of "Net Investments" and (h) in the case of
clauses (d), (e) and (f), the associated tax effects during such period.
"Designated Senior Indebtedness," as to the Company or any Guarantor, as
the case may be, means any Senior Indebtedness (a) under or in respect of the
Amended Credit Agreement, or (b) which at the time of determination exceeds $25
million in aggregate principal amount (or accreted value in the case of
Indebtedness issued at a discount) outstanding or available under a committed
facility, and (i) which is specifically designated in the instrument evidencing
such Senior Indebtedness as "Designated Senior
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Indebtedness" by such Person and (ii) as to which the Trustee has been given
written notice of such designation.
"Disqualified Capital Stock" means any Capital Stock of the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary thereof which, by its terms (or by the terms of any
security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable at the
option of the holder), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is
mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or
is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or
prior to the maturity date of the Notes, for cash or securities constituting
Indebtedness. Without limitation of the foregoing, Disqualified Capital Stock
shall be deemed to include any Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company or the Company, under which, by agreement or otherwise, such Restricted
Subsidiary or the Company is obligated to pay current dividends or distributions
in cash during the period prior to the maturity date of the Notes; provided,
however, that Preferred Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
thereof that is issued with the benefit of provisions requiring a change of
control offer to be made for such Preferred Stock in the event of a change of
control of the Company or Restricted Subsidiary, which provisions have
substantially the same effect as the provisions of the Indenture described under
"Change of Control," shall not be deemed to be Disqualified Capital Stock solely
by virtue of such provisions and, provided, further, that Capital Stock owned by
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary shall not constitute Disqualified
Capital Stock.
"Domestic" with respect to any Person shall mean a Person whose
jurisdiction of incorporation or formation is the United States, any state
thereof or the District of Columbia.
"EBITDA" means, for any Person, for any period, an amount equal to (a) the
sum of (i) Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus (ii) the provision for
taxes for such period based on income or profits to the extent such income or
profits were included in computing Consolidated Net Income and any provision for
taxes utilized in computing net loss under clause (i) hereof, plus (iii)
Consolidated Interest Expense for such period, plus (iv) depreciation for such
period, plus (v) amortization for such period (including the amortization of
deferred financing costs and expenses), plus (vi) any other non-cash items
(including minority interests) reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period,
plus (vii) non-recurring losses and charges (including restructuring charges and
costs) whether cash or non-cash for such period to the extent not included in
the calculation of Consolidated Net Income, minus (viii) all non-cash items
increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period, all for such Person and its
Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, except
that with respect to the Company each of the foregoing items shall be determined
on a consolidated basis with respect to the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries only.
"Equity Offering" means an offering by the Company of shares of its common
stock (however designated and whether voting or non-voting) and any and all
rights, warrants or options to acquire such common stock.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"Existing Indenture" under the June Indenture means the Indenture, dated as
of July 2, 1996, among the Company, the Guarantors and Comerica Bank, as
Trustee, as such indenture may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to
time.
"Existing Notes" under the June Indenture means the 11% Notes.
"Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" of any Person means, with respect to any
determination date, the ratio of (i) EBITDA for such Person's prior four full
fiscal quarters for which financial results have been reported immediately
preceding the determination date, to (ii) Consolidated Fixed Charges of such
Person.
"Foreign EBITDA" means, for any period, the aggregate of the EBITDA of each
of the Company's Restricted Subsidiaries which are not Guarantors.
"Foreign Interest Expense" means, for any period, the aggregate of the
Consolidated Interest Expense of each of the Company's Restricted Subsidiaries
which are not Guarantors.
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"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied
as in effect in the United States from time to time.
"incur" means, with respect to any Indebtedness or other obligation of any
Person, to create, issue, incur (by conversion, exchange or otherwise), assume,
guarantee or otherwise become liable in respect of such Indebtedness or other
obligation or the recording, as required pursuant to GAAP or otherwise, of any
such Indebtedness or other obligation on the balance sheet of such person (and
"incurrence," "incurred," "incurrable," and "incurring" shall have meanings
correlative to the foregoing); provided that a change in GAAP that results in an
obligation of such Person that exists at such time becoming Indebtedness shall
not be deemed an incurrence of such Indebtedness.
"Indebtedness" means (without duplication), with respect to any Person, any
indebtedness at any time outstanding, secured or unsecured, contingent or
otherwise, which is for borrowed money (whether or not the recourse of the
lender is to the whole of the assets of such Person or only to a portion
thereof), or evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or
representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any
property (excluding, without limitation, any balances that constitute accounts
payable or trade payables, and other accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary
course of business) if and to the extent any of the foregoing indebtedness would
appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance
with GAAP, and shall also include, to the extent not otherwise included, (i) any
Capitalized Lease Obligations, (ii) obligations of others secured by a lien to
which the property or assets owned or held by such Person is subject, whether or
not the obligation or obligations secured thereby shall have been assumed, (iii)
guarantees of obligations of other Persons which would be included within this
definition for such other Persons (whether or not such items would appear upon
the balance sheet of the guarantor), (iv) all obligations for the reimbursement
of any obligor on any letter of credit, banker's acceptance or similar credit
transaction, (v) in the case of the Company, Disqualified Capital Stock and, in
the case of any Restricted Subsidiary, Preferred Stock, (vi) obligations of any
such Person under any Interest Rate Agreement (if and to the extent such
Interest Rate Agreement obligations would appear as a liability upon a balance
sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP) and (vii) Attributable
Indebtedness. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the
outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described
above and, with respect to contingent obligations, the maximum liability upon
the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the obligation, provided (i)
that the amount outstanding at any time of any Indebtedness issued with original
issue discount is the principal amount of such Indebtedness less the remaining
unamortized portion of the original issue discount of such Indebtedness at such
time as determined in conformity with GAAP and (ii) that Indebtedness shall not
include any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes. Notwithstanding
any other provision of the foregoing definition, any trade payable arising from
the purchase of goods or materials or for services obtained in the ordinary
course of business shall not be deemed to be "Indebtedness" of the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiaries for purposes of this definition. Furthermore,
guarantees of (or obligations with respect to letters of credit supporting)
Indebtedness and Liens securing Indebtedness otherwise included in the
determination of such amount shall not also be included.
"Interest Rate Agreement" means, for any Person, any interest rate swap
agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement or other
similar agreement designed to protect the party indicated therein against
fluctuations in interest rates.
"Investments" means, directly or indirectly, any advance, account
receivable, loan or capital contribution to (by means of transfers of property
to others, payments for property or services for the account or use of others or
otherwise), the purchase of any stock, bonds, notes, debentures, partnership or
joint venture interests or other securities of, the acquisition, by purchase or
otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business or assets or stock or
other evidence of beneficial ownership of, any Person. Investments shall exclude
extensions of trade credit on commercially reasonable terms in accordance with
normal trade practices.
"Issue Date" means the date the Notes governed by such Indenture are first
issued by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee under such Indenture.
"JLL" means Joseph, Littlejohn & Levy Fund II, L.P.
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"Lien" means with respect to any Property of any Person, any mortgage or
deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, deposit arrangement, security interest,
lien, charge, encumbrance, preference, priority, or other security agreement or
preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever on or with respect to
such property or assets (including without limitation, any Capitalized Lease
Obligation, conditional sales, or other title retention agreement having
substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).
"Net Cash Proceeds" means (a) in the case of any sale of Capital Stock by
the Company, the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Company, after
payment of expenses, commissions, underwriting discounts and the like incurred
in connection therewith, (b) in the case of any exchange, exercise, conversion
or surrender of outstanding securities of any kind for or into shares of Capital
Stock of the Company which is not Disqualified Capital Stock, the net cash
proceeds received from the sale of such outstanding securities so exchanged,
exercised, converted or surrendered (plus any additional amount required to be
paid in cash by the holder to the Company upon such exchange, exercise,
conversion or surrender, less any and all payments made to the holders, e.g., on
account of fractional shares and less all expenses incurred by the Company in
connection therewith) and (c) in the case of any issuance of any Indebtedness by
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, the aggregate net cash proceeds
received by such Person after payment of expenses, commissions, underwriting
discounts and the like incurred in connection therewith.
"Net Investment" means the excess of (i) the aggregate amount of all
Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries or joint ventures made by the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary on or after the Original Issue Date (in the case of
an Investment made other than in cash, the amount shall be the fair market value
of such Investment as determined in good faith by the board of directors of the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary) over (ii) the sum of (A) the aggregate
amount returned in cash on or with respect to such Investments whether through
interest payments, principal payments, dividends or other distributions or
payments and (B) the Net Cash Proceeds received by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary or joint venture from the disposition of all or any portion of such
Investments (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company); provided, however, that
with respect to all Investments made in any Unrestricted Subsidiary or joint
venture the sum of clauses (A) and (B) above with respect to such Investments
shall not exceed the aggregate amount of all such Investments made in such
Unrestricted Subsidiary.
"Nomura" means Nomura Holding America, Inc.
"Non-Payment Event of Default" means any event (other than a Payment
Default) the occurrence of which entitles one or more Persons to accelerate the
maturity of any Designated Senior Indebtedness.
"Officers' Certificate" means, with respect to any Person, a certificate
signed by the Chief Executive Officer, the President or any Vice President, and
the Chief Financial Officer or any Treasurer of such Person that shall comply
with applicable provisions of such Indenture.
"Original Issue Date" means (i) July 2, 1997, under the June Indenture and
(ii) July 16, 1997, under the July Indenture.
"Payment Default" means any default, whether or not any requirement for the
giving of notice, the lapse of time or both, or any other condition to such
default becoming an Event of Default has occurred, in the payment of principal
of (or premium, if any) or interest on or any other amount payable in connection
with Designated Senior Indebtedness.
"Permitted Holders" means (i) JLL or any other fund controlled by Joseph
Littlejohn & Levy, (ii) TSG, (iii) Argosy, (iv) Nomura and (v) Chase.
"Permitted Indebtedness" means:
(i) Indebtedness of the Company or any Domestic Restricted Subsidiary
arising under or in respect of the Amended Credit Agreement in an aggregate
amount (the "Permitted Credit Agreement Amount") not to exceed (A)
$740,500,000, under the June Indenture and $590,500,000, under the July
Indenture (which gives effect to the concurrent repayment of amounts
outstanding under the Credit Agreement on the date the relevent Notes were
first issued), less (B) any mandatory prepayments actually made thereunder
(to the extent, in the case of payments of revolving credit Indebtedness,
that
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the corresponding commitments have been permanently reduced) or scheduled
payments actually made thereunder, in each case, after consummation of the
Lemmerz Acquisition;
(ii) Indebtedness under the Notes and the Guarantees;
(iii) Indebtedness not covered by any other clause of this definition
which is outstanding on the Issue Date;
(iv) Indebtedness incurred to finance the working capital requirements
of the Western European operations of the Company's Restricted Subsidiaries
pursuant to commitments outstanding on the Issue Date in an aggregate
amount not to exceed $10 million (or, to the extent non-U.S. dollar
denominated, the U.S. dollar equivalent thereof);
(v) Indebtedness of Autokola not to exceed $35 million in principal
amount in the aggregate which is incurred after the date the relevent Notes
were first issued as a result of it becoming a Subsidiary of the Company;
(vi) Indebtedness of the Company to any Domestic Restricted Subsidiary
which is a Wholly Owned Subsidiary and Indebtedness of any Restricted
Subsidiary to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary provided that in
the case of Indebtedness of a Domestic Restricted Subsidiary such
Indebtedness is owed to another Domestic Restricted Subsidiary;
(vii) Purchase Money Indebtedness and Capitalized Lease Obligations
incurred to acquire property in the ordinary course of business which
Indebtedness and Capitalized Lease Obligations do not in the aggregate
exceed 5% of the Company's consolidated total assets as of the Company's
most recent quarterly balance sheet;
(viii) Interest Rate Agreements;
(ix) additional Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries not to exceed $50 million in aggregate principal amount
outstanding at any time;
(x) Refinancing Indebtedness;
(xi) Indebtedness incurred in accordance with the covenant described
under "Limitation on Foreign Indebtedness"; and
(xii) Indebtedness of the Company or its Subsidiaries which is
denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars, provided that (a) the
U.S. dollar equivalent thereof on the date of incurrence (together with the
U.S. dollar equivalent on such date of all other Indebtedness incurred
under this clause (xii)) shall not exceed $80 million, and (b) on the last
Business Day of each month, the sum of (1) the U.S. dollar equivalent of
all Indebtedness outstanding under this clause (xii), and (2) the
outstanding principal amount of Indebtedness under the Amended Credit
Agreement, including reimbursement obligations in respect of letters of
credit (in each case after giving effect to any currency hedging
arrangements applicable thereto to which the Company or a Subsidiary of the
Company is a party), shall not exceed the Permitted Credit Agreement
Amount.
"Permitted Investments" means, for any Person, Investments made on or after
the date of the Indenture consisting of:
(i) Investments by the Company, or by a Restricted Subsidiary thereof,
in the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary;
(ii) Temporary Cash Investments;
(iii) Investments by the Company, or by a Restricted Subsidiary
thereof, in a Person, if as a result of such Investment (a) such Person
becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or (b) such Person is
merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys
substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary;
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(iv) reasonable and customary loans made to employees not to exceed $1
million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;
(v) an Investment that is made by the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary thereof in the form of any stock, bonds, notes, debentures,
partnership or joint venture interests or other securities that are issued
by a third party to the Company or Restricted Subsidiary solely as partial
consideration for the consummation of an Asset Sale;
(vi) Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries and joint ventures
permitted under subclause (v) under the covenant described under
"Limitation on Restricted Payments";
(vii) Investments received in connection with the bankruptcy or
reorganization of Persons having obligations in favor of the Company or its
Subsidiaries (which obligations were incurred in the ordinary course), in
settlement of such obligations; and
(viii) Investment paid for in Common Stock of the Company.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or
government (including any agency or political subdivision thereof).
"Preferred Stock" means any Capital Stock of a Person, however designated,
which entitles the holder thereof to a preference with respect to dividends,
distributions or liquidation proceeds of such Person over the holders of other
Capital Stock issued by such Person.
"Property" of any Person means all types of real, personal, tangible,
intangible or mixed property owned by such Person whether or not included in the
most recent consolidated balance sheet of such Person and its Subsidiaries under
GAAP.
"Purchase Money Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness incurred in the
ordinary course of business by a Person to finance the cost (including the cost
of construction) of an item of property, the principal amount of which
Indebtedness does not exceed the sum of (i) 100% of such cost and (ii)
reasonable fees and expenses of such Person incurred in connection therewith.
"Refinancing Indebtedness" means Indebtedness that refunds, refinances or
extends any Indebtedness of the Company or its Subsidiaries outstanding on the
Issue Date or other Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by the Company or its
Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, but only to the
extent that (i) the Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes to at
least the same extent as the Indebtedness being refunded, refinanced or
extended, if at all, (ii) the Refinancing Indebtedness is scheduled to mature
either (a) no earlier than the Indebtedness being refunded, refinanced or
extended, or (b) after the maturity date of the Notes, (iii) the portion, if
any, of the Refinancing Indebtedness that is scheduled to mature on or prior to
the maturity date of the Notes has a weighted average life to maturity at the
time such Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred that is equal to or greater than
the weighted average life to maturity of the portion of the Indebtedness being
refunded, refinanced or extended that is scheduled to mature on or prior to the
maturity date of the Notes, (iv) such Refinancing Indebtedness is in an
aggregate principal amount that is equal to or less than the sum of (a) the
aggregate principal amount then outstanding under the Indebtedness being
refunded, refinanced or extended, (b) the amount of accrued and unpaid interest,
if any, and any necessary premiums (including the amount of any premium
reasonably determined by the Company or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary as
necessary to accomplish such refunding, refinancing or extension) on such
Indebtedness being refunded, refinanced or extended and (c) the amount of
customary fees, expenses and costs related to the incurrence of such Refinancing
Indebtedness, (v) such Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred by the same Person
that initially incurred the Indebtedness being refunded, refinanced or extended,
except that the Company may incur Refinancing Indebtedness to refund, refinance
or extend Indebtedness of any Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company; provided,
however, that any non-Domestic Restricted Subsidiary may incur Refinancing
Indebtedness to refund, refinance or extend Indebtedness of the Company arising
under or in respect of the Amended Credit Agreement in an aggregate amount not
to exceed $20 million outstanding at any time; and, provided, further, that with
respect to such Refinancing Indebtedness referred to in the previous provision,
clauses (ii) and (iii) shall not apply and (vi) if such Indebtedness
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was incurred pursuant to the covenant described under "Limitation on Foreign
Indebtedness" and does not contain any restriction or limitation on the payment
of dividends or the making of other distributions then the Refinancing
Indebtedness shall not contain any such limitation or restriction.
"Restricted Payment" means any of the following: (i) the declaration or
payment of any dividend or any other distribution or payment on Capital Stock of
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or any payment made to
the direct or indirect holders (in their capacities as such) of Capital Stock of
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (other than (x)
dividends or distributions payable solely in Capital Stock (other than
Disqualified Stock) or in options, warrants or other rights to purchase Capital
Stock (other than Disqualified Capital Stock), and (y) in the case of Restricted
Subsidiaries of the Company, dividends or distributions payable to the Company
or to a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Company), (ii) the purchase, redemption
or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Capital Stock of the Company
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than Capital Stock owned by the
Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company, excluding Disqualified
Capital Stock), (iii) the purchase, defeasance, repurchase, redemption or other
acquisition or retirement for value, prior to any scheduled maturity, scheduled
repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment of, or the making of any principal
payment on, any Indebtedness which is subordinated in right of payment to the
Notes other than subordinated Indebtedness acquired in anticipation of
satisfying a scheduled sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final
maturity (in each case due within one year of the date of acquisition), (iv) the
making of any Investment or guarantee of any Investment in any Person other than
a Permitted Investment, (v) any designation of a Restricted Subsidiary as an
Unrestricted Subsidiary on the basis of the Net Investment by the Company
therein and (vi) forgiveness of any Indebtedness of an Affiliate of the Company
to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary. For purposes of determining the
amount expended for Restricted Payments, cash distributed or invested shall be
valued at the face amount thereof and property other than cash shall be valued
at its fair market value determined in good faith by the board of directors of
the Company.
"Restricted Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary of the Company other than an
Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of the Company may designate any
Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Person that is to become a Subsidiary as a
Restricted Subsidiary if immediately after giving effect to such action (and
treating any Acquired Indebtedness as having been incurred at the time of such
action), the Company could have incurred at least $1.00 of additional
Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness) pursuant to the "Limitation on
Additional Indebtedness" covenant.
"Sale and Lease-Back Transaction" means any arrangement with any Person
providing for the leasing by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company of any real or tangible personal Property, which property has been or is
to be sold or transferred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to such
Person in contemplation of such leasing.
"Senior Indebtedness" means the principal of and premium, if any, and
interest (including, without limitation, interest accruing or that would have
accrued but for the filing of a bankruptcy, reorganization or other insolvency
proceeding whether or not such interest constitutes an allowable claim in such
proceeding) on, and any and all other fees, charges, expense reimbursement
obligations, indemnities and other amounts due pursuant to the terms of all
agreements, documents and instruments providing for, creating, securing,
guaranteeing or evidencing or otherwise entered into in connection with (a) all
obligations, whether outstanding on the date the relevent Notes were first
issued or thereafter incurred, of the Company owed to lenders under or in
respect of the Amended Credit Agreement, (b) all obligations of the Company with
respect to any Interest Rate Agreement, (c) all obligations of the Company to
reimburse any bank or other person in respect of amounts paid under letters of
credit, acceptances or other similar instruments, (d) all other Indebtedness of
the Company which does not provide that it is to rank pari passu with or
subordinate to the Notes and (e) all deferrals, renewals, extensions,
refundings, refinancings and restructurings of, and amendments, modifications
and supplements to, any of the Senior Indebtedness described above.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Senior Indebtedness
will not include (i) Indebtedness of the Company to any of its Subsidiaries,
(ii) (A) Indebtedness represented by the Notes, and the guarantees thereof under
the June Indenture and (B) Indebtedness represented by the Notes, the 11% Notes
and, in each case, the guarantees thereof, under the July Indenture, (iii) any
Indebtedness which by the express terms of
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<PAGE> 53
the agreement or instrument creating, evidencing or governing the same is junior
or subordinate in right of payment to any item of Senior Indebtedness, (iv) any
trade payable arising from the purchase of goods or materials or for services
obtained in the ordinary course of business, or (v) Indebtedness incurred in
violation of the Indenture.
"Subsidiary" of any specified Person means any corporation, partnership,
joint venture, association or other business entity, whether now existing or
hereafter organized or acquired, (i) in the case of a corporation, of which more
than 50% of the total voting power of the Capital Stock entitled (without regard
to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors,
officers or trustees thereof is held by such first-named Person or any of its
Subsidiaries; or (ii) in the case of a partnership, joint venture, association
or other business entity, with respect to which such first-named Person or any
of its Subsidiaries has the power to direct or cause the direction of the
management and policies of such entity by contract or otherwise or if in
accordance with GAAP such entity is consolidated with the first-named Person for
financial statement purposes.
"Temporary Cash Investments" means (i) Investments in marketable, direct
obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States of America, or of any
governmental agency or political subdivision thereof, maturing within 365 days
of the date of purchase; (ii) Investments in demand deposits or certificates of
deposit issued by a bank organized under the laws of the United States of
America or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, in each case having
capital, surplus and undivided profits totaling more than $500,000,000 and rated
at least A by Standard & Poor's Corporation and A-2 by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc., maturing within 365 days of purchase; (iii) Investments in
commercial paper, maturing not more than 180 days after the date of acquisition,
issued by a corporation (other than an Affiliate of the Company) organized and
in existence under the laws of the United States of America or any foreign
country recognized by the United States of America with a rating at the time as
of which any Investment therein is made of P-1 (or higher) according to Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. or A-1 (or higher) according to Standard & Poor's
Corporation; (iv) in the case of any non-Domestic Restricted Subsidiary,
Investments: (a) in direct obligations of the sovereign nation (or any agency
thereof) in which such non-Domestic Restricted Subsidiary is organized and is
conducting business or in obligations fully and unconditionally guaranteed by
such sovereign nation (or any agency thereof) or (b) of the type and maturity
described in clauses (i) through (iii) above of foreign obligors, which
Investments or obligors (of the parents of such obligors) have ratings described
in such clauses or equivalent ratings from comparable foreign rating agencies;
or (v) Investments not exceeding 365 days in duration in money market funds that
invest substantially all of such funds' assets in the Investments described in
the preceding clauses (i) and (iv).
"TSG" means TSG Capital Fund II, L.P.
"Unrestricted Subsidiary" means (a) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted
Subsidiary and (b) any Subsidiary of the Company which is classified after the
Issue Date as an Unrestricted Subsidiary by a resolution adopted by the Board of
Directors of the Company; provided that a Subsidiary organized or acquired after
the Issue Date may be so classified as an Unrestricted Subsidiary only if such
classification is in compliance with the covenant set forth under "Limitation on
Restricted Payments." The Trustee shall be given prompt notice by the Company of
each resolution adopted by the board of directors of the Company under this
provision, together with a copy of each such resolution adopted.
"Western Europe" means, with respect to any jurisdictional matter, any of
the twelve current member states of the European Community and Switzerland,
Norway, Sweden, Finland, Austria and the Czech Republic (and "Western European"
shall have a meaning correlative to the foregoing).
"Wholly Owned Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary all of the
outstanding voting securities (other than directors' qualifying shares or
similar requirements of law in respect of non-Domestic Subsidiaries and other
than shares of Lemmerz representing not more than .01% of the voting securities
thereof) of which are owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company.
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BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM
The Old Notes were offered and sold to Qualified Institutional Buyers in
reliance on Rule 144A ("Rule 144A Notes"). Old Notes also were offered and sold
in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S ("Regulation S Notes").
Rule 144A Notes were initially issued in the form of two global notes in
registered, global form without interest coupons (collectively, the "Restricted
Global Note"). The Restricted Global Note was deposited upon issuance with the
Trustee as custodian for the Depositary Trust Company ("DTC"), in New York, New
York, and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, in each case for credit
to an account of a direct or indirect participant as described below. Regulation
S Notes were initially issued in the form of one global note in registered,
global form without interest coupons (the "Regulation S Global Note," and,
together with the Restricted Global Note, the "Global Notes"). The Regulation S
Global Note was registered in the name of a nominee of DTC for credit to the
accounts of Euroclear System ("Euroclear") and Cedel Bank, S.A. ("CEDEL") and
deposited with the Trustee as custodian for DTC.
New Notes exchanged for Old Notes through the Book-Entry Transfer Facility
may be represented by one or more Global Notes (the "New Global Notes"). One New
Global Note will be issued with respect to each $200 million aggregate principal
amount of the New Notes. The New Global Notes will be deposited on the date of
the closing of the Exchange Offer (the "Closing Date") with the Trustee, as
custodian of DTC and pursuant to a FAST Balance Certificate Agreement between
the Trustee and DTC and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC
(such nominee being referred to herein as the "Global Note Holder").
New Notes exchanged for Old Notes which are in the form of registered
definitive certificates (the "Certificated Notes") will be issued in the form of
Certificated Notes. Such Certificated Notes may, unless the New Global Notes
have previously been exchanged for Certificated Notes, be exchanged for an
interest in the New Global Notes representing the principal amount of New Notes
being transferred.
Except as set forth below, the New Global Notes may be transferred, in
whole and not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC
or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the New Global Notes may not be
exchanged for New Notes in certificated form except in the limited circumstances
described below. See "-- Exchange of Book-Entry Notes for Certificated Notes."
DEPOSITORY PROCEDURES
DTC has advised the Company that DTC is a limited purpose trust company
created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively,
the "Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of
transactions in those securities between Participants through electronic
book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. The Participants include
securities brokers and dealers (including the Initial Purchasers), banks, trust
companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to
DTC's system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers
and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with
a Participant, either directly or indirectly (collectively, the "Indirect
Participants"). Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities
held by or on behalf of DTC only through the Participants or the Indirect
Participants. The ownership interest and transfer of ownership interest of each
actual purchaser of each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on
the records of the Participants and Indirect Participants.
The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery
in definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to
transfer beneficial interests in a New Global Note to such persons may be
limited to that extent. Because DTC can act only on behalf of Participants,
which in turn act on behalf of Indirect Participants and certain banks, the
ability of a person having beneficial interests in a New Global Note to pledge
such interests to persons or entities that do not participate in the DTC system,
or otherwise take actions in respect of such interests, may be affected by the
lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interests.
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EXCEPT AS DESCRIBED BELOW, OWNERS OF INTERESTS IN THE NEW GLOBAL NOTES WILL
NOT HAVE NEW NOTES REGISTERED IN THEIR NAMES, WILL NOT RECEIVE PHYSICAL DELIVERY
OF NEW NOTES IN CERTIFICATED FORM AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED THE REGISTERED
OWNERS OR HOLDERS THEREOF UNDER THE INDENTURE FOR ANY PURPOSE.
Payments in respect of the principal of (and premium, if any), and interest
on, a New Global Note registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be
payable to DTC or its nominee in its capacity as the registered holder under the
Indenture. Under the terms of the Indenture, the Company and the Trustee will
treat the persons in whose names the New Notes, including the New Global Notes,
are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments
and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. Consequently, neither the
Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee has or will
have any responsibility or liability for (i) any aspect or accuracy of DTC's
records or any Participant's or Indirect Participant's records relating to or
payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the New Global
Notes, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of DTC's records or any
Participant's or Indirect Participant's records relating to the beneficial
ownership interests in the New Global Notes, or (ii) any other matter relating
to the actions and practices of DTC or any of its Participants or Indirect
Participants.
DTC has advised the Company that its current practice, upon receipt of any
payment in respect of securities such as the New Notes (including principal and
interest), is to credit the accounts of the relevant Participants with the
payment on the payment date, in amounts proportionate to their respective
holdings in principal amount of beneficial interests in the relevant security
such as the New Global Notes as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by the
Participants and the Indirect Participants to the beneficial owners of New Notes
will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will not
be the responsibility of DTC, the Trustee or the Company. Neither the Company
nor the Trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC or any of its Participants
in identifying the beneficial owners of the New Notes, and the Company and the
Trustee may conclusively rely on and will be protected in relying on
instructions from DTC or its nominee as the registered owner of the New Notes
for all purposes.
Except for trades in the New Notes involving only Euroclear and CEDEL
participants, interests in the New Global Notes will trade in DTC's Same-Day
Funds Settlement System and secondary market trading activity in such interests
will therefore settle in immediately available funds, subject in all cases to
the rules and procedures of DTC and its Participants.
Transfers between Participants in DTC will be effected in accordance with
DTC's procedures, and will be settled in same-day funds. Transfers between
accountholders in Euroclear and CEDEL will be effected in the ordinary way in
accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.
Subject to compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the New
Notes described herein, cross-market transfers between the accountholders in
DTC, on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through Euroclear or CEDEL
accountholders, on the other hand, will be effected through DTC in accordance
with DTC's rules on behalf of Euroclear or CEDEL, as the case may be, by its
respective depositary; however, such cross-market transactions will require
delivery of instructions to Euroclear or CEDEL, as the case may be, by the
counterpart in such system in accordance with the rules and procedures and
within the established deadlines (Brussels time) of such system. Euroclear or
CEDEL, as the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement
requirements, deliver instructions to its respective depositary to take action
to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving interests in
the relevant New Global Note in DTC, and making or receiving payment in
accordance with normal procedures for same-day fund settlement applicable to
DTC. Euroclear accountholders and CEDEL accountholders may not deliver
instructions directly to the depositories for Euroclear or CEDEL.
Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or
CEDEL accountholders purchasing an interest in a New Global Note from
accountholders in DTC will be credited, and any such crediting will be reported
to the relevant Euroclear or CEDEL participant, during the securities settlement
processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear or CEDEL) immediately
following the settlement date of DTC. Cash received in Euroclear or CEDEL as a
result of sales of interests in a New Global Note by or through an Euroclear or
CEDEL accountholder to a Participant in DTC will be received
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<PAGE> 56
with value on the settlement date of DTC but will be available in the relevant
Euroclear or CEDEL cash account only as of the business day for Euroclear or
CEDEL following DTC's settlement date.
DTC has advised the Company that it will take any action permitted to be
taken by a holder of New Notes only at the direction of one or more Participants
to whose account with DTC interests in the New Global Notes are credited and
only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the New
Notes as to which such Participant or Participants has or have given such
direction. However, if any of the events described under "-- Exchange of Book
Entry Notes for Certificated Notes" occur, DTC reserves the right to exchange
the New Global Notes for New Notes in certificated form, and to distribute such
New Notes to its Participants.
The information in this section concerning DTC, Euroclear and CEDEL and
their book-entry systems has been obtained from sources that the Company
believes to be reliable, but the Company takes no responsibility for the
accuracy thereof.
Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers
of interests in the New Global Notes among accountholders in DTC, it is under no
obligation to perform or to continue to perform such procedures, and such
procedures may be discontinued at any time. None of the Company, the Initial
Purchasers or the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or Trustee will have any
responsibility for the performance by DTC or their respective accountholders,
Indirect Participants or accountholders of their respective obligations under
the rules and procedures governing their operations.
Exchange of Book-Entry Notes for Certificated Notes
A New Global Note is exchangeable for definitive New Notes in registered
certificated form if (i) DTC (x) notifies the Company that it is unwilling or
unable to continue as depositary for the New Global Note and the Company
thereupon fails to appoint a successor depositary or (y) has ceased to be a
clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, (ii) the Company, at its
option, notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of
the New Notes in certificated form or (iii) there shall have occurred and be
continuing a Default or an Event of Default with respect to the New Notes. In
all cases, certificated New Notes delivered in exchange for any New Global Note
or beneficial interests therein will be registered in the names, and issued in
any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the depositary (in
accordance with its customary procedures).
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<PAGE> 57
DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS
The following summary description of certain indebtedness of the Company
(other than the Notes) does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the 11%
Indenture and the Amended Credit Agreement, copies of which are filed as
exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
AMENDED CREDIT AGREEMENT
Pursuant to the Amended Credit Agreement (the "Amended Credit Agreement"),
among the Company and the Managing Agents (as defined therein), the Managing
Agents and a syndicate of lenders (the "Lenders") have agreed to lend to the
Company up to $590.5 million in the form of a senior secured loan facility, such
aggregate amount to be allocated among (i) a Tranche A-1 Term Loan Facility in
an aggregate principal amount of $103.0 million (the "Tranche A-1 Facility"),
(ii) a Tranche A-2 Term Loan Facility in an aggregate principal amount of $100
million (the "Tranche A-2 Facility"), (iii) a Tranche B Term Loan Facility in an
aggregate principal amount of $64.9 million (the "Tranche B Facility"), (iv) a
Tranche C Term Loan Facility in an aggregate principal amount of $52.6 million
(the "Tranche C Facility") (collectively, the "Term Loan Facilities"), and (v)
up to $270 million in the form of a senior secured revolving credit facility
(the "Revolving Credit Facility," and, together with the Term Loan Facilities,
the "Loans").
The following terms and descriptions of the Loans are based upon the terms
set forth in the Amended Credit Agreement and related documents.
Use of Proceeds; Maturity. The Tranche A-2 Facility was made available to
the Company and its subsidiaries at the time of the Lemmerz Acquisition. The
entire Tranche A-2 Facility was drawn in a single borrowing on July 1, 1997.
Upon the consummation of the Lemmerz Acquisition (such date is referred to
herein as the "Effective Time"), the Tranche A-1, B and C Term Loan Facilities
were deemed to constitute continuations of the term loan facilities provided for
in the existing Credit Agreement. The Revolving Credit Facility is available
(including through the making of revolving loans and the issuance of letters of
credit) for general corporate purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries. The
Term Loan Facilities have maturity schedules as follows: (i) the Tranche A-1 and
A-2 Facilities will mature on the sixth anniversary of the Effective Time, and
will amortize in quarterly installments; (ii) the Tranche B Facility will mature
on the seventh anniversary of the Effective Time, and will amortize in quarterly
installments; and (iii) the Tranche C Facility will mature on the eighth
anniversary of the Effective Time, and will amortize in quarterly installments.
The Revolving Credit Facility will mature on the sixth anniversary of the
Effective Time. The Amended Credit Agreement requires the Company to reduce the
amount outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility to $150 million during
any consecutive thirty day period during each fiscal year.
Prepayments; Reduction of Commitments. Loans under the Term Loan Facilities
are required to be prepaid with (i) 75% of excess cash flow, (ii) 100% of the
net cash proceeds of all non-ordinary-course asset sales or other dispositions
of the property by the Company and its subsidiaries (including insurance and
condemnation proceeds), subject to limited exceptions, and (iii) 100% of the net
proceeds of issuances of debt obligations of the Company and its subsidiaries,
subject to limited exceptions. Such mandatory prepayments and commitment
reductions are first allocated pro rata among the Term Loan Facilities and
second to commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility. Within the Term Loan
Facilities such prepayments will be applied, with certain exceptions, pro rata
to the remaining amortization payments under each such facility.
Voluntary prepayments are permitted, in whole or in part, at the option of
the Company, in minimum principal amounts to be agreed upon, without premium or
penalty, subject to reimbursement of the Lenders' redeployment costs in the case
of prepayment of eurocurrency borrowings ("Eurocurrency Loans") other than on
the last day of the relevant interest period. All Term Loan voluntary
prepayments under the Term Loan Facilities are allocated pro rata among the Term
Loan Facilities and, within each such Term Loan Facility, applied, with certain
exceptions, pro rata to the remaining amortization payment under such Term Loan
Facility.
Interest. The interest rates under the Loans will, at the option of the
Company, be based upon either an adjusted eurocurrency rate (the "Eurocurrency
Rate") or the rate which is equal to the highest of CIBC's prime rate, the
federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1% and the base certificate of deposit rate plus
1% ("ABR") in
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<PAGE> 58
each case plus an applicable margin based on the leverage ratio from time to
time in effect. The applicable margin for ABR Loans ranges from 0% to 1.25%. For
Revolving Credit and Tranche A-1 and A-2 Eurocurrency Loans the applicable
margin ranges from 0.75% to 2.25%. For Tranche B Eurocurrency Loans the
applicable margin ranges from 2.25% to 2.75% and for Tranche C Loans from 2.50%
to 3.00%. Following the first anniversary of the Effective Time, the spreads
above the Adjusted LIBOR and ABR set forth above will decrease in increments to
be agreed upon if the Company satisfies performance tests to be agreed upon and
no event of default under the Amended Credit Agreement exists.
The Company may elect interest periods of 1, 2, 3 or 6 months for
Eurocurrency Loans. Calculation of interest is calculated on the basis of actual
number of days elapsed in a year of 360 days (or 365 or 366 days, as the case
may be, in the case of ABR loans based on the Prime Rate) and interest is
payable at the end of each interest period and, in any event, at least every 3
months.
Collateral and Guarantees. The Loans are guaranteed by the Company and
certain of its existing and future domestic subsidiaries. The Loans are secured
by a first priority lien in substantially all of the properties and assets of
the Company and such respective domestic subsidiaries, now owned or acquired
later, including a pledge of all of the shares of the Company's existing and
future domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the shares of certain of the Company's
existing and future foreign subsidiaries.
Covenants. The Amended Credit Agreement contains covenants restricting the
ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to, among others, (i) declare
dividends or redeem or repurchase capital stock, (ii) prepay, redeem or purchase
debt, (iii) incur liens and engage in sale-leaseback transactions, (iv) make
loans and investments, (v) issue more debt, (vi) amend or otherwise alter debt
and other material agreements, (vii) make capital expenditures, (viii) engage in
mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, (ix) engage in transactions with
affiliates and (x) alter the business it conducts. The Company must also make
certain customary indemnifications of the Managing Agents and their respective
agents and is required to comply with financial covenants with respect to (i) a
maximum leverage ratio, (ii) a minimum interest coverage ratio and (iii) a
minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The Company is also required to make
certain customary affirmative covenants.
Events of Default. Events of default under the Amended Credit Agreement
include but are not limited to (i) the Company's failure to pay principal or
interest when due, (ii) the Company's material breach of any covenant,
representation or warranty contained in the loan documents, (iii) customary
cross-default provisions, (iv) events of bankruptcy, insolvency or dissolution
of the Company or its subsidiaries, (v) the levy of certain judgments against
the Company, its subsidiaries, or their assets, (vi) certain adverse events
under ERISA plans of the Company or its subsidiaries, (vii) the actual or
asserted invalidity of security documents or guarantees of the Company or its
subsidiaries and (viii) a change of control of the Company.
The preceding discussion of certain of the provisions of the Amended Credit
Agreement is not intended to be exhaustive and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the provisions of the Amended Credit Agreement.
11% NOTES
In July 1996, Hayes issued the 11% Notes, comprising $250.0 million
aggregate principal amount of 11% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2006, in a
public offering as part of the Motor Wheel Transactions. The 11% Notes are
general unsecured obligations of the Company, are subordinated in right of
payment to Senior Indebtedness of the Company and senior in right of payment to
any current or future subordinated indebtedness of the Company. The 11% Notes
are unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior subordinated basis, as to the
payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest, jointly and severally by
the Company's material Domestic Subsidiaries. Interest on the 11% Notes is
payable in arrears on January 15 and July 15.
The indenture governing the 11% Notes (the "11% Notes Indenture") limits,
among other things: (i) the incurrence of additional domestic and foreign
indebtedness, with certain exceptions; (ii) the making of any Restricted Payment
(as defined in the 11% Notes Indenture); (iii) the incurrence of other senior
subordinated debt; (iv) the create of certain liens; (v) entering into
transactions with affiliates; (vi) the creation of subsidiaries; (vii) the sale
of assets; (viii) the issuance of common stock of subsidiaries; and (ix) the
merger, consolidation or sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company.
The 11% Notes Indenture also provides
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<PAGE> 59
that a holder of the 11% Notes may, under certain circumstances, have the right
to require that the Company repurchase such holder's 11% Notes upon a change of
control.
The 11% Notes mature on July 15, 2006 and may not be redeemed prior to July
15, 2001, provided, however, that the Company may, at any time and from time to
time prior to July 15, 1999, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount
of the 11% Notes at a price equal to 110% of the aggregate principal amount so
redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption, with the
Net Cash Proceeds (as defined in the 11% Notes Indenture) of one or more Equity
Offerings (as defined in the 11% Notes Indenture) where the proceeds to the
Company of any such Equity Offering at least $35.0 million. On or after July 15,
2001, the Company may, at its option, redeem the 11% Notes, in whole or in part,
on at least 30 days' notice but not more than 60 days' notice to each holder of
the 11% Notes to be redeemed at the prices set forth below, together with
accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, if redeemed during the
twelve-month period beginning on July 15 of each year listed below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Percentage
---- ----------
<S> <C>
2001.............................. 105.500%
2002.............................. 103.667
2003.............................. 101.833
2004 and thereafter............... 100.000
</TABLE>
The preceding discussion of the provisions of the 11% Notes and the 11%
Notes Indenture is not intended to be exhaustive and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the 11% Notes and the 11% Notes Indenture.
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax
considerations associated with the exchange of Old Notes for New Notes and the
ownership and disposition of the New Notes by holders who acquire the New Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer and who will hold the New Notes as "capital
assets" (generally, property held for investment). The summary is based upon
current laws, regulations, rulings and judicial decisions all of which are
subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The discussion below does
not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to
particular holders in the context of their specific investment circumstances or
certain types of holders subject to special treatment under such laws (for
example, financial institutions and tax-exempt organizations). In addition, the
discussion does not address any aspect of state, local or foreign taxation.
For purposes of this discussion, a "U.S. Holder" is an individual who is a
citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation, a partnership or other
entity created under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision
thereof, an estate that is subject to U.S. federal income taxation without
regard to the source of income, or a trust whose administration is subject to
the primary supervision of a United States court and which has one or more
United States fiduciaries who have the authority to control all substantial
decisions of the trust. The term "non-U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of
the New Notes who is not a U.S. Holder.
PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS OF THE NEW NOTES ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX
ADVISORS CONCERNING THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE
EXCHANGE OF OLD NOTES FOR NEW NOTES AND THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE NEW
NOTES AS WELL AS THE APPLICATION OF STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER
TAX LAW.
EXCHANGE OF NOTES
The exchange of Old Notes for New Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer will
not be treated as an exchange or other taxable event for U.S. federal income tax
purposes because, under United States Treasury regulations, the New Notes will
not be considered to differ materially in kind or extent from the Old Notes.
Rather, the New Notes received by a holder will be treated as a continuation of
the Old Notes in the hands of such holder. As a result, there will be no U.S.
federal income tax consequences to holders who exchange Old
56
<PAGE> 60
Notes for New Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer and any such holder will have
the same tax basis and holding period in the New Notes as it had in the Old
Notes immediately before the exchange.
U.S. HOLDERS
Interest payable on the New Notes will be includible in the income of a
U.S. Holder in accordance with such holder's regular method of accounting. If a
New Note is redeemed, sold or otherwise disposed of, a U.S. Holder generally
will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized
on the sale or other disposition of such New Note (to the extent such amount
does not represent accrued but unpaid interest) and such holder's tax basis in
the New Note. Subject to the market discount rules discussed below, such gain or
loss will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term if the holder has a
holding period for the New Note (which would include the holding period of the
Old Notes) of more than one year at the time of the disposition. In certain
circumstances, U.S. Holders that are individuals may be entitled to preferential
treatment for net long-term capital gains, including, as a result of recently
enacted legislation, in the case of a capital asset that has been held for more
than 18 months at the time of the disposition.
Under the market discount rules of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), a holder (other than a holder who made the election
described below) who purchased an Old Note with "market discount" (generally
defined as the amount by which the stated redemption price at maturity of the
Old Note exceeds the holder's purchase price) will be required to treat any gain
recognized on the redemption, sale or other disposition of the New Note received
in the exchange as ordinary income to the extent of the market discount that
accrued during the holding period of such New Note (which would include the
holding period of the Old Note). A holder who has elected under applicable Code
provisions to include market discount in income as such discount accrues will
not, however, be required to treat any gain recognized as ordinary income under
these rules. Holders should consult their tax advisors as to the portion of any
gain that would be taxable as ordinary income under these provisions.
NON-U.S. HOLDERS
An investment in the New Notes by a non-U.S. Holder generally will not give
rise to any U.S. federal income tax consequences, unless the interest received
or any gain recognized on the sale, redemption or other disposition of the New
Notes by such holder is treated as effectively connected with the conduct by
such holder of a trade or business in the United States, or, in the case of
gains derived by an individual such individual is present in the United States
for 183 days or more and certain other requirements are met, and certain
identification requirements are met.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Each broker-dealer who holds Old Notes for its own account as a result of
market making activities or other trading activities and who receives New Notes
in exchange for Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be a statutory
underwriter and must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection
with any resale of such New Notes. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemental from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection
with resales of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes where such Old
Notes were acquired as a result of market making activities or other trading
activities. The Company acknowledges and each Holder, other than a
broker-dealer, must acknowledge that it is not engaged in, does not intend to
engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate in a distribution of New Notes. The Company has agreed that, for a
period of 180 days after the Expiration Date, it will make this Prospectus, as
amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection
with any such resale. In addition, until December 11, 1997, all dealers
effecting transactions in the New Notes may be required to deliver a prospectus.
The Company will not receive any proceeds from any sale of New Notes by
broker-dealers. New Notes received by broker-dealers for their own account
pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time in one or more
transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through
the writing of options on the New Notes or a combination of such methods of
resale, at market prices prevailing at
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<PAGE> 61
the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or
negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or
through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of
commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of
any such New Notes. Any broker-dealer that resells New Notes that were received
by it for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer and any broker or
dealer that participates in a distribution of such New Notes may be deemed to be
an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any
such resale of New Notes and any commissions or concessions received by any such
persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act.
The Letter of Transmittal states that by acknowledging that it will deliver and
by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it
is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
For a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date, the Company will
promptly send additional copies of this Prospectus and any amendment or
supplement to this Prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents
in the Letter of Transmittal.
The Company has agreed to pay all expenses incident to the Exchange Offer
other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or dealers and will
indemnify the holders of the Notes (including any broker-dealers) against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the issuance of the New Notes will be passed upon for the
Company by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Hayes Wheels International, Inc.
and subsidiaries as of January 31, 1997 and 1996 and for each of the years in
the three-year period ended January 31, 1997 have been incorporated by reference
herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent
certified public accountants, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Lemmerz Holding GmbH and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the years in the
two-year period ended December 31, 1996 have been incorporated by reference
herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft
Aktiengesellschaft Wirtschaftsprufungsgesellschaft, independent certified public
accountants, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of such
firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of MWC Holdings, Inc. at December 31,
1995 and 1994, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1995 have been incorporated by reference herein and have been audited by Ernst &
Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report and are included
in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
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<PAGE> 62
======================================================
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE
MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE
HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE AS OF WHICH
INFORMATION IS GIVEN IN THIS PROSPECTUS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN
OFFER OR SOLICITATION BY ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED OR IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL
TO MAKE SUCH SOLICITATION.
------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Incorporation of Certain Documents by
Reference........................... 2
Available Information................. 2
Prospectus Summary.................... 4
Risk Factors.......................... 15
The Exchange Offer.................... 20
Description of the Notes.............. 27
Description of Other Indebtedness..... 54
Certain Federal Income Tax
Considerations...................... 56
Plan of Distribution.................. 57
Legal Matters......................... 58
Experts............................... 58
</TABLE>
UNTIL DECEMBER 11, 1997 (90 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS) DEALERS
AFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE NEW NOTES, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING IN THE
EXCHANGE OFFER, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS. THIS OBLIGATION IS IN
ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS
UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
======================================================
======================================================
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC. LOGO
$250,000,000
9 1/8% SERIES B SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES
DUE 2007
$150,000,000
9 1/8% SERIES B SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES
DUE 2007
------------------------
PROSPECTUS
------------------------
September 12, 1997
======================================================
<PAGE> 63
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Each of the Registrants has by-law or code of regulation provisions
providing that the Registrants shall indemnify their directors, officers,
employees or agents to the fullest extent permitted by law. Set forth below are
descriptions of the laws of the applicable states of incorporation of the
Registrants. These descriptions are intended only as summaries and are qualified
in their entirety by reference to the applicable laws.
(a) State of Delaware for Hayes Wheels International, Inc., Hayes
Wheels International -- California, Inc., Hayes Wheels International --
Georgia, Inc., Hayes Wheels International -- Indiana, Inc., Hayes Wheels
International -- Mexico, Inc., and MWC Acquisition Sub, Inc.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL")
empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or
witness or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending
or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right
of the corporation) by reasons of the fact that he or she is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was
serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. Depending on the
character of the proceeding, a corporation may indemnify against
expenses, costs and fees (including attorneys' fees) judgments, fines
and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in
connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person
indemnified acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had
no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. If the
person indemnified is not wholly successful in such action, suit or
proceeding, but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in one or
more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such proceeding, he
or she may be indemnified against expenses actually and reasonably
incurred in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or
matter. In the case of an action or suit by or in the right of the
corporation, no indemnification may be made in respect to any claim,
issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be
liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court
of Chancery, or the court in which such action or suit was brought,
shall determine that, despite the adjudication of liability, such person
is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which
the court shall deem proper. Section 145 provides that, to the extent a
director, officer, employee or agent of a corporation has been
successful in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to
above or in the defense of any claim, issue or manner therein, he or she
shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees)
actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith.
The Company's By-Laws provide for indemnification by the Company of its
directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. The Company
has purchased insurance on behalf of the present and former directors and
officers of the Company and its subsidiaries against liabilities asserted
against or incurred by them in such capacity or arising out of their status as
such.
The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its
directors pursuant to which the Company has agreed to indemnify such individuals
to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law.
(b) State of Michigan for Hayes Wheels International -- Michigan, Inc.
The Michigan Business Corporation Act, as amended (the "MBCA"),
provides that a Michigan corporation, such as Hayes Wheels International
-- Michigan, Inc., may indemnify a director, officer, employee or agent
of the corporation against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid
in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (other than
an action by or in the right of the corporation) involving the person
indemnified by reason of the fact that the person indemnified is or
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<PAGE> 64
was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, if he or
she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to
be in or not opposed to the best interest of the corporation and, with
respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to
believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The MBCA also provides that in
derivative actions, a corporation may indemnify a director, officer,
employee or agent of the corporation against expenses actually and
reasonably incurred by the person indemnified to the extent that the
person indemnified is successful on the merits or otherwise in any such
action, suit or proceeding or in the defense of any claim, issue or
matter therein. Under the MBCA, no indemnification shall be made with
respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which the person indemnified
shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only
to the extent that the court shall determine upon application that,
despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the
circumstances of the case, the person indemnified is fairly and
reasonably entitled to indemnify for such expenses which the court shall
deem proper. The MBCA also generally permits the advancement of
reasonable expenses and empowers the corporation to purchase and
maintain directors' and officers' insurance.
(c) State of Ohio for Motor Wheel Corporation
The Ohio Revised Code provides that a Company shall indemnify any
person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact
that he is or was a director, officer, employee of the company or agent
of such company, or is or was serving at the request of the company as a
director, trustee, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
domestic or foreign, nonprofit or for profit, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise.
II-2
<PAGE> 65
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS.
The following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
- ----------- -----------
<C> <S>
</TABLE>
**1.1 Purchase Agreement, dated June 19, 1997, by and among the
Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and CIBC Wood Gundy
Securities Corp., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co.
Inc. and Salomon Brothers Inc.
**1.2 Purchase Agreement, dated July 16, 1997 by and among the
Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, CIBC Wood Gundy
Securities Corp. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated.
**2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 28, 1996, by
and between the Company and MWC Holdings, Inc. (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 2 of the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K, dated March 28, 1996).
**2.2 Purchase Agreement among the Company, Cromodora Wheels
S.p.A., Lemmerz Holding GmbH and the Shareholders of Lemmerz
Holding Gmbh, dated as of June 6, 1997 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2 of the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K, dated June 6, 1997).
**4.1 Indenture between the Company, the Guarantors and The Bank
of New York, as Trustee, relating to the June Notes
including the form of Note therein (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K, dated June 30, 1997).
**4.2 Indenture between the Company, the Guarantors and The Bank
of New York, as Trustee, relating to the July Notes
including the form of Note therein.
**4.3 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1997, by
and among the Company, the Guarantors and the Initial
Purchasers.
**4.4 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1997, by
and among the Company, the Guarantors and the Initial
Purchasers.
**4.5 Form of June Notes (included in Exhibit 4.1).
**4.6 Form of July Notes (included in Exhibit 4.2).
**4.7 Indenture between the Company and Comerica Bank, as Trustee,
relating to the 11% Notes (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Form S-3, File No. 333-03813).
5.1 Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP as to
the legality of certain of the securities being registered
hereby.
5.2 Opinion of Patrick B. Carey, Esquire, Assistant General
Counsel of the Company, as to the legality of certain of the
securities being registered hereby.
**10.1 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among the Company and
the Lenders thereunder, dated as of June 30, 1997
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 30, 1997).
**12.1 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
23.1 Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
23.2 Consent of KPMG Deutsche Treuhand -- Gesellschaft
Aktiengesellschaft Wirtschaftsprufungsgesellschaft.
23.3 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.4 Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
(included in Exhibit 5.1).
**24 Powers of Attorney (included in the signature pages to the
Registration Statement).
**25.1 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee with respect to
the June Notes.
**25.2 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee with respect to
the July Notes.
99.1 Form of Letter of Transmittal.
99.2 Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
99.3 Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust
Companies and Other Nominees.
99.4 Form of Letter to Clients.
- -------------------------
** Previously filed.
II-3
<PAGE> 66
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
The undersigned registrants hereby undertake 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 15(d) of the Exchange
Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual
report pursuant to 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.
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 registrants
have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange 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 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 Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned registrants hereby undertake to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Item 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of such
request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other
equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed
subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date
of responding to the request.
The undersigned registrants hereby undertake to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
The undersigned registrants hereby undertake to file an application for the
purposes of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection
(a) of Section 310 of the TIA in accordance with the rules and regulation
prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the TIA.
II-4
<PAGE> 67
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in The City of
Romulus, State of Michigan, on the date of September 12, 1997.
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
By: /s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
------------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg
Vice President and General
Counsel
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Daniel M.
Sandberg and William D. Shovers, and each of them, as attorney-in-fact and
agents, with full powers of substitution, to sign on his or her behalf,
individually and in the capacities stated below, and to file any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to said attorney-in-fact
and agents full power and authority to perform any other act on behalf of the
undersigned required to be done in the premises.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<C> <S> <C>
* Chairman of the Board,
- --------------------------------------------------- President and Chief
Ranko Cucuz Executive Officer September 12, 1997
* Vice President, Chief
- --------------------------------------------------- Financial Officer and
William D. Shovers Principal Accounting Officer September 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
Cleveland A. Christophe Director September 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
Timothy J. Clark Director September 12, 1997
*
- ---------------------------------------------------
Andrew R. Heyer Director September 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
Peter A. Joseph Director September 12, 1997
</TABLE>
II-5
<PAGE> 68
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
*
- ---------------------------------------------------
Horst Kukwa-Lemmerz Director September 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
Paul S. Levy Director September 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
Wienand Meilicke Director September 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
John S. Rodewig Director September 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
David Y. Ying Director September 12, 1997
*By: /s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
----------------------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg
Attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>
II-6
<PAGE> 69
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in The City of
Romulus, State of Michigan, on the date of September 12, 1997.
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL --
CALIFORNIA, INC.
By: /s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
-----------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg
Vice President
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Daniel M.
Sandberg and William D. Shovers, and each of them, as attorney-in-fact and
agents, with full powers of substitution, to sign on his or her behalf,
individually and in the capacities stated below, and to file any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to said attorney-in-fact
and agents full power and authority to perform any other act on behalf of the
undersigned required to be done in the premises.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------
Ranko Cucuz Director September 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
William D. Shovers Director September 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
Ronald L. Kolakowski Director September 12, 1997
</TABLE>
*By: /s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg
Attorney-in-fact
II-7
<PAGE> 70
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in The City of
Romulus, State of Michigan, on the date of September 12, 1997.
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL --
GEORGIA, INC.
By: /s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
-----------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg
Vice President
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Daniel M.
Sandberg and William D. Shovers, and each of them, as attorney-in-fact and
agents, with full powers of substitution, to sign on his or her behalf,
individually and in the capacities stated below, and to file any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to said attorney-in-fact
and agents full power and authority to perform any other act on behalf of the
undersigned required to be done in the premises.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------
Ranko Cucuz Director September 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
William D. Shovers Director September 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
Ronald L. Kolakowski Director September 12, 1997
*By: /s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
----------------------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg
Attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>
II-8
<PAGE> 71
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in The City of
Romulus, State of Michigan, on the date of September 12, 1997.
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL --
INDIANA, INC.
By: /s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
-----------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg
Vice President
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Daniel M.
Sandberg and William D. Shovers, and each of them, as attorney-in-fact and
agents, with full powers of substitution, to sign on his or her behalf,
individually and in the capacities stated below, and to file any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to said attorney-in-fact
and agents full power and authority to perform any other act on behalf of the
undersigned required to be done in the premises.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------
Ranko Cucuz Director September 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
William D. Shovers Director September 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
Ronald L. Kolakowski Director September 12, 1997
*By: /s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
-----------------------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg
Attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>
II-9
<PAGE> 72
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in The City of
Romulus, State of Michigan, on the date of September 12, 1997.
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL --
MEXICO, INC.
By: /s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
-----------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg
Vice President
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Daniel M.
Sandberg and William D. Shovers, and each of them, as attorney-in-fact and
agents, with full powers of substitution, to sign on his or her behalf,
individually and in the capacities stated below, and to file any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to said attorney-in-fact
and agents full power and authority to perform any other act on behalf of the
undersigned required to be done in the premises.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------
Ranko Cucuz Director September 12, 1997
*
- ---------------------------------------------------
William D. Shovers Director September 12, 1997
/s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
- ---------------------------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg Director September 12, 1997
</TABLE>
*By: /s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg
Attorney-in-fact
II-10
<PAGE> 73
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in The City of
Romulus, State of Michigan, on the date of September 12, 1997.
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL --
MICHIGAN, INC.
By: /s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
-----------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg
Vice President
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Daniel M.
Sandberg and William D. Shovers, and each of them, as attorney-in-fact and
agents, with full powers of substitution, to sign on his or her behalf,
individually and in the capacities stated below, and to file any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to said attorney-in-fact
and agents full power and authority to perform any other act on behalf of the
undersigned required to be done in the premises.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------
Ranko Cucuz Director September 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
William D. Shovers Director September 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
Ronald L. Kolakowski Director September 12, 1997
*By: /s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
----------------------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg
Attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>
II-11
<PAGE> 74
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in The City of
Romulus, State of Michigan, on the date of September 12, 1997.
MOTOR WHEEL CORPORATION
By: /s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
-----------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg
Vice President
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Daniel M.
Sandberg and William D. Shovers, and each of them, as attorney-in-fact and
agents, with full powers of substitution, to sign on his or her behalf,
individually and in the capacities stated below, and to file any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to said attorney-in-fact
and agents full power and authority to perform any other act on behalf of the
undersigned required to be done in the premises.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------
Ranko Cucuz Director September 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
William D. Shovers Director September 12, 1997
/s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
- ---------------------------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg Director September 12, 1997
</TABLE>
*By: /s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg
Attorney-in-fact
II-12
<PAGE> 75
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in The City of
Romulus, State of Michigan, on the date of September 12, 1997.
MWC ACQUISITION SUB, INC.
By: /s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
-----------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg
Vice President
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Daniel M.
Sandberg and William D. Shovers, and each of them, as attorney-in-fact and
agents, with full powers of substitution, to sign on his or her behalf,
individually and in the capacities stated below, and to file any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to said attorney-in-fact
and agents full power and authority to perform any other act on behalf of the
undersigned required to be done in the premises.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------
Ranko Cucuz Director September 12, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------
William D. Shovers Director September 12, 1997
/s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
- ---------------------------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg Director September 12, 1997
*By: /s/ DANIEL M. SANDBERG
-----------------------------------------------
Daniel M. Sandberg
Attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>
II-13
<PAGE> 76
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
- ----------- -----------
<S> <C>
</TABLE>
**1.1 Purchase Agreement, dated June 19, 1997, by and among the
Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and CIBC Wood Gundy
Securities Corp., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co.
Inc. and Salomon Brothers Inc.
**1.2 Purchase Agreement, dated July 16, 1997 by and among the
Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, CIBC Wood Gundy
Securities Corp. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated.
**2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 28, 1996, by
and between the Company and MWC Holdings, Inc. (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 2 of the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K, dated March 28, 1996).
**2.2 Purchase Agreement among the Company, Cromodora Wheels
S.p.A., Lemmerz Holding GmbH and the Shareholders of Lemmerz
Holding Gmbh, dated as of June 6, 1997 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2 of the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K, dated June 6, 1997).
**4.1 Indenture between the Company, the Guarantors and The Bank
of New York, as Trustee, relating to the June Notes
including the form of Note therein (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K, dated June 30, 1997).
**4.2 Indenture between the Company, the Guarantors and The Bank
of New York, as Trustee, relating to the July Notes
including the form of Note therein.
**4.3 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1997, by
and among the Company, the Guarantors and the Initial
Purchasers.
**4.4 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1997, by
and among the Company, the Guarantors and the Initial
Purchasers.
**4.5 Form of June Notes (included in Exhibit 4.1).
**4.6 Form of July Notes (included in Exhibit 4.2).
**4.7 Indenture between the Company and Comerica Bank, as Trustee,
relating to the 11% Notes (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Form S-3, File No. 333-03813).
5.1 Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP as to
the legality of certain of the securities being registered
hereby.
5.2 Opinion of Patrick B. Carey, Esquire, Assistant General
Counsel of the Company, as to the legality of certain of the
securities being registered hereby.
**10.1 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among the Company and
the Lenders thereunder, dated as of June 30, 1997
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 30, 1997).
**12.1 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
23.1 Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
23.2 Consent of KPMG Deutsche Treuhand -- Gesellschaft
Aktiengesellschaft Wirtschaftsprufungsgesellschaft.
23.3 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.4 Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
(included in Exhibit 5.1).
**24 Powers of Attorney (included in the signature pages to the
Registration Statement).
**25.1 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee with respect to
the June Notes.
**25.2 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee with respect to
the July Notes.
99.1 Form of Letter of Transmittal.
<PAGE> 77
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
- ----------- -----------
<S> <C>
99.2 Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
99.3 Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust
Companies and Other Nominees.
99.4 Form of Letter to Clients.
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
** Previously filed.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 5.1
[Skadden Arps Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Letterhead]
September 12, 1997
Hayes Wheels International, Inc.
38481 Huron River Drive
Romulus, Michigan 48174
Re: Offer for All Outstanding
9 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes Due
2007 in Exchange for 9 1/8% Series B
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2007 of
Hayes Wheels International, Inc. --
Registration Statement on Form S-4
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special counsel to Hayes Wheels International, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the public offering of
up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 9 1/8% Series B Senior
Subordinated Notes Due 2007 (the "New Notes") of the Company which are to be
guaranteed on an unsecured senior subordinated basis pursuant to guarantees
(the "Guarantees" and, together with the New Notes, the "Securities") by each
of Hayes Wheels International-California, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Hayes
California"), Hayes Wheels International-Georgia, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("Hayes Georgia"), Hayes Wheels International-Indiana, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Hayes Indiana"), Hayes Wheels International-Mexico, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("Hayes Mexico"), MWC Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("MWC Acquisition" and, collectively with Hayes California, Hayes
Georgia, Hayes Indiana and Hayes Mexico, the "Delaware Subsidiaries"), Motor
Wheel Corporation, an Ohio
<PAGE> 2
Hayes Wheels International, Inc.
September 12, 1997
Page 2
corporation ("Motor Wheel") and Hayes Wheels International-Michigan, Inc., a
Michigan corporation ("Hayes Michigan" and, collectively with the Delaware
Subsidiaries and Motor Wheel, the "Guarantors"). The New Notes are to be
issued pursuant to an exchange offer (the "Exchange Offer") in which an
aggregate principal amount of up to (i) $250,000,000 of the New Notes (the "New
June Notes") will be exchanged for a like principal amount of the issued and
outstanding 9 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 that were issued by the
Company in an offering pursuant to Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), which closed on June 30, 1997 (the "Old June
Notes"), and (ii) $150,000,000 of the New Notes (the "New July Notes") will be
exchanged for a like principal amount of the issued and outstanding 9 1/8%
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 that were issued by the Company in an
offering pursuant to Rule 144A of the Securities Act which closed on July 22,
1997 (the "Old July Notes" and, collectively with the Old June Notes, the "Old
Notes" and, together with the New Notes, the "Notes"). The New June Notes are
to be governed by an indenture, dated as of June 30, 1997 (the "June
Indenture"), by and among the Company, the Guarantors, and The Bank of New
York, as trustee (the "Trustee"), and the New July Notes are to be governed by
an indenture, dated as of July 22, 1997 (the "July Indenture" and, together
with the June Indenture, the "Indentures"), by and among the Company, the
Guarantors and the Trustee.
This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item
601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.
In connection with this opinion, we have examined originals or copies,
certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of (i) the Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-34319) relating to the Exchange Offer as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on August
25, 1997 under the Securities Act and Amendment No. 1 thereto to be filed with
the Commission on the date hereof (such Registration Statement, as so amended,
being hereinafter referred to as the "Registration Statement"); (ii) an
executed copy of the registration rights agreement dated as of June 30, 1997,
by and among the Company, the Guar-
<PAGE> 3
Hayes Wheels International, Inc.
September 12, 1997
Page 3
antors and the initial purchasers of the Old June Notes, and the registration
rights agreement dated as of July 22, 1997, by and among the Company, the
Guarantors and the initial purchasers of the Old July Notes (collectively, the
"Registration Rights Agreements"); (iii) executed copies of the Indentures;
(iv) the Certificates of Incorporation of the Company and each of the Delaware
Subsidiaries, as amended to date; (v) the By-Laws of the Company and each of
the Delaware Subsidiaries, as amended to date; (vi) certain resolutions adopted
by the Board of Directors of the Company, relating to, among other things, the
Exchange Offer, the issuance of the Notes and the Securities, the Indentures
and related matters; (vii) certain resolutions adopted by the Boards of
Directors of each of the Delaware Subsidiaries relating to, among other things,
the issuance of the Guarantees by the Delaware Subsidiaries; and (viii) the
Form T-1 of the Trustee filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
We have also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified
to our satisfaction, of such records of the Company and the Guarantors
and such agreements, certificates of public officials, certificates of officers
or other representatives of the Company, the Guarantors and others, and such
other documents, certificates and records as we have deemed necessary or
appropriate as a basis for the opinions set forth herein.
In our examination, we have assumed the legal capacity of all natural
persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents
submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all
documents submitted to us as certified, facsimile, conformed or photostatic
copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. In
making our examination of documents executed or to be executed by parties other
than the Company and the Delaware Subsidiaries, we have assumed that such
parties had or will have the power, corporate or other, to enter into and
perform all obligations thereunder and have also assumed the due authorization
by all requisite action, corporate or other, and execution and delivery by such
parties of such documents and the validity and binding effect of such documents
on such parties. As to any facts material to the opinion expressed herein
which we did not independently establish or verify, we have relied upon the
oral or written statements and representations of offi-
<PAGE> 4
Hayes Wheels International, Inc.
September 12, 1997
Page 4
cers and other representatives of the Company and the Delaware Subsidiaries.
We have also assumed that the execution and delivery by the Company and the
Guarantors of the Securities, the Registration Rights Agreements and the
Indentures and the performance by the Company and the Guarantors of their
respective obligations thereunder do not and will not violate or constitute a
default under (i) any agreement or instrument to which the Company, the
Guarantors or any of their properties is subject, (ii) any law, rule
or regulation to which the Company and the Guarantors are subject, (iii) any
judicial or regulatory order or decree of any governmental authority or (iv)
any consent, approval, license, authorization or validation of, or filing,
recording or registration with any governmental authority.
Our opinions are also subject to the qualification that certain of the
remedial provisions and waivers with respect to the Guarantees contained in the
Indentures may be unenforceable in whole or in part, but the inclusion of such
provisions should not affect the validity of the Guarantees, each taken as a
whole, and each of the Guarantees, each taken as a whole, together with
applicable law, contains adequate provisions for the practical realization of
the benefits of the guarantee created thereby.
<PAGE> 5
Hayes Wheels International, Inc.
September 12, 1997
Page 5
Members of this firm are admitted to the Bar in the State of New York, and we
do not express any opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction other than
the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing and the limitations, qualifications,
exceptions and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that when
(i) the Registration Statement becomes effective and the Indentures have been
qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and (ii) the New
Notes have been duly executed by the Company and the Guarantors and
authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions of the
respective Indentures and have been delivered upon consummation of the Exchange
Offer against receipt of Old Notes surrendered in exchange therefor in
accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer, the Registration Rights
Agreements and the respective Indentures, the New Notes will be valid and
binding obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits of the respective
Indentures and enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms,
and the Guarantees will constitute valid and binding obligations of the
Delaware Subsidiaries entitled to the benefits of the respective Indentures
governing such New Notes, enforceable against the Delaware Subsidiaries in
accordance with their terms in each case, except to the extent that the
enforcement thereof may be limited by (1) bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or similar laws now or
hereafter in effect relating to creditors' rights generally and (2) general
principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a
proceeding at law or in equity).
<PAGE> 6
Hayes Wheels International, Inc.
September 12, 1997
Page 6
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to
this firm under the caption "Legal Matters" in the Registration Statement. In
giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are included in the
category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities
Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission.
Very truly yours,
SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM LLP
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 5.2
[HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC. LETTERHEAD]
September 12, 1997
Hayes Wheels International, Inc.
38481 Huron River Drive
Romulus, Michigan 48174
Re: Offer for All Outstanding
9 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes Due
2007 in Exchange for 9 1/8% Series B Senior
Subordinated Notes Due 2007 of Hayes Wheels
International, Inc. -- Registration Statement
on Form S-4
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am Assistant General Counsel of Hayes Wheels International, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and in such capacity, have
represented the Company in connection with the public offering of up to
$400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 9 1/8% Series B Senior Subordinated
Notes Due 2007 (the "New Notes") of the Company which are to be guaranteed on
an unsecured senior subordinated basis pursuant to guarantees (the "Guarantees"
and, together with the New Notes, the "Securities") by each of Hayes Wheels
International- California, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Hayes California"),
Hayes Wheels International-Georgia, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Hayes
Georgia"), Hayes Wheels International-Indiana, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("Hayes Indiana"), Hayes Wheels International-Mexico, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Hayes Mexico"), MWC Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("MWC Acquisition" and, collectively with Hayes California, Hayes Georgia,
Hayes Indiana and Hayes Mexico, the "Delaware Subsidiaries"),
<PAGE> 2
Hayes Wheels International, Inc.
September 12, 1997
Page 2
Motor Wheel Corporation, an Ohio corporation ("Motor Wheel") and Hayes
Wheels International-Michigan, Inc., a Michigan corporation ("Hayes Michigan"
and, collectively with the Delaware Subsidiaries and Motor Wheel, the
"Guarantors"). The New Notes are to be issued pursuant to an exchange offer
(the "Exchange Offer") in which an aggregate principal amount of up to (i)
$250,000,000 of the New Notes (the "New June Notes") will be exchanged for a
like principal amount of the issued and outstanding 9 1/8% Senior Subordinated
Notes due 2007 that were issued by the Company in an offering pursuant to Rule
144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), to which
closed on June 30, 1997 (the "Old June Notes"), and (ii) $150,000,000 of the
New Notes (the "New July Notes") will be exchanged for a like principal amount
of the issued and outstanding 9 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 that
were issued by the Company in an offering pursuant to Rule 144A of the
Securities Act which closed on July 22, 1997 (the "Old July Notes" and,
collectively with the Old June Notes, the "Old Notes" and together with the
New Notes, the "Notes"). The New June Notes are to be governed by an
indenture, dated as of June 30, 1997 (the "June Indenture"), by and among the
Company, the Guarantors, and The Bank of New York, as trustee (the "Trustee"),
and the New July Notes are to be governed by an indenture, dated as of
July 22, 1997 (the "July Indenture" and, together with the June Indenture, the
"Indentures"), by and among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee.
This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of
Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.
In rendering the opinion set forth herein, I have examined such
corporate records and documents as I have deemed necessary or appropriate as a
basis for the opinion set forth below. In my examination, I have assumed the
genuineness of all signatures (other than those of the Company and the
Guarantors and their respective officers), the legal capacity of natural
persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to me as originals, the
conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to me as certified,
facsimile or photostatic copies, and the authenticity of the originals
<PAGE> 3
Hayes Wheels International, Inc.
September 12, 1997
Page 3
of such copies. As to any fact material to this opinion which I did not
independently establish or verify, I have relied upon statements and
representations of the Company and the Guarantors and their respective officers
and other representatives and of public officials.
In rendering the opinion expressed below, I have assumed, without any
independent investigation or verification of any kind, that:
(a) each of the Indentures, Notes and an executed copy of the
registration rights agreement dated as of June 30, 1997, by and among the
Company, the Guarantors and the initial purchasers of the Old June Notes, and
the registration rights agreement dated as of July 22, 1997, by and among the
Company, the Guarantors and the initial purchasers of the Old July Notes
(collectively, the "Registration Rights Agreements") have been duly authorized,
executed and delivered by each party thereto (other than the Company and the
Guarantors); and
(b) each of the Indentures, Notes and Registration Rights Agreements
constitutes the valid and binding obligation of each party thereto (other than
the Company and the Guarantors), enforceable against such party (other than the
Company and the Guarantors) in accordance with its terms.
My opinion is also subject to the qualification that certain of the
remedial provisions and waivers with respect to the Guarantees contained in the
Indentures may be unenforceable in whole or in part, but the inclusion of such
provisions does not affect the validity of the Guarantees, each taken as a
whole, and each of the Guarantees, each taken as a whole, together with
applicable law, contains adequate provisions for the practical realization of
the benefits of the guarantee created thereby.
I am admitted to the Bar of the State of Michigan and I express no
opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction other than (i) the laws of the
State of Michigan and (ii) the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware.
<PAGE> 4
Hayes Wheels International, Inc.
September 12, 1997
Page 4
Based upon and subject to the foregoing and the limitations,
qualifications, exceptions and assumptions set forth herein, I am of
the opinion that when (i) the Registration Statement becomes effective and the
Indentures have been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, and (ii) the New Notes have been duly executed by the Company and the
Guarantors and authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions
of the respective Indentures and have been delivered upon consummation of the
Exchange Offer against receipt of Old Notes surrendered in exchange therefor in
accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer, the Registration Rights
Agreements and the respective Indentures, the Guarantees will constitute valid
and binding obligations of Motor Wheel and Hayes Michigan entitled to the
benefits of the respective Indentures governing such New Notes, enforceable
against Motor Wheel and Hayes Michigan in accordance with their terms, in each
case, except to the extent that the enforcement thereof may be limited by (1)
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or
similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to creditors' rights generally
and (2) general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is
considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).
Very truly yours,
Patrick B. Carey
<PAGE> 1
[KPMG PEAT MARWICK LETTERHEAD]
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
The Boards of Directors
Hayes Wheels International, Inc.:
We consent to the use of our report dated February 25, 1997, related to
the consolidated balance sheets of Hayes Wheels International, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of January 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity (deficit), and cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended January 31, 1997,
incorporated by reference herein, and to the references to our firm under the
headings "Summary Historical Financial Information", and "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4) dated September 12, 1997.
KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
Detroit, Michigan
September 12, 1997
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.2
[KPMG DEUTSCHE TREUHAND-GESELLSCHAFT LETTERHEAD]
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.:
We consent to the use of our report dated May 21, 1997, related to the
consolidated balance sheets of Lemmerz Holding GmbH and subsidiaries as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of
earnings, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years then
ended, incorporated by reference herein, and to the references to our firm
under the headings "Summary Historical Financial Information", and "Experts"
in the Registration Statement (Form S-4) dated September 12, 1997.
KPMG Deutsche Treuhand - Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft
Wirtschaftsprufungsgesellschaft.
Cologne, Germany
September 12, 1997
<PAGE> 1
[ERNST & YOUNG LLP LETTERHEAD]
EXHIBIT 23.3
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and
to the use of our report dated February 23, 1996, except for Note O, as to
which the date is March 28, 1996, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of MWC Holdings, Inc. incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-34319) and the related
Prospectus of Hayes Wheels International, Inc. and subsidiaries for the
registration of $400,000,000 Senior Subordinated Notes.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Detroit, Michigan
September 12, 1997
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.1
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
OFFER FOR ALL OUTSTANDING
9 1/8% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007
IN EXCHANGE FOR
9 1/8% SERIES B SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007
WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED,
PURSUANT TO THE PROSPECTUS, DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON
OCTOBER 17, 1997, UNLESS THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS EXTENDED. TENDERS MAY BE
WITHDRAWN PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON THE EXPIRATION DATE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE EXCHANGE AGENT FOR THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
By Hand and Overnight Courier:
101 Barclay Street
Corporate Trust Services Window
Ground Level
New York, New York 10286
Attention: Reorganization Section
By Registered or Certified Mail:
101 Barclay Street, 7E
New York, New York 10286
Attention: Reorganization Section
By Facsimile
(Eligible Institutions only):
(212) 815-6339
To Confirm by Telephone or for
Information Call:
(212) 815-2742
Delivery of this instrument to an address other than as set forth above, or
transmission of instructions via facsimile other than as set forth above, will
not constitute a valid delivery.
THE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE THIS
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS COMPLETED.
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meanings
given them in the Prospectus (as defined below).
The undersigned acknowledges that he or she has received and reviewed the
prospectus, dated September 12, 1997 (as the same may be amended or supplemented
from time to time, the "Prospectus"), of Hayes Wheels International, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and this Letter of Transmittal (the
"Letter"), which together constitute the Company's offer (the "Exchange Offer")
to exchange an aggregate principal amount of up to (i) $250,000,000 of the
Company's outstanding 9 1/8% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the
"New June Notes"), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act"), for a like principal amount of the issued and
outstanding 9 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 that were issued by the
Company in an offering under Rule 144A of the Securities Act which closed June
30, 1997 (the "Old June Notes"), and (ii) $150,000,000 of the Company's
outstanding 9 1/8% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "New July
Notes" and, collectively with the New June Notes, the "New Notes"), which have
been registered under the Securities Act, for a like principal amount of the
issued and outstanding 9 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 that were
issued by
<PAGE> 2
the Company in an offering under Rule 144A of the Securities Act which closed
July 22, 1997 (the "Old July Notes" and, collectively with the Old June Notes,
the "Old Notes"), from the respective holders thereof.
This Letter of Transmittal is to be completed by holders (which term, for
purposes of the Exchange Offer, includes any participant in the Book-Entry
Transfer Facility (as defined herein)) of Old Notes either if (a) certificates
("Certificates") of Old Notes are to be forwarded herewith or (b) if tenders are
to be made by book-entry transfer to the account maintained by the Exchange
Agent at The Depository Trust Company (the "Book-Entry Transfer Facility" or
"DTC") pursuant to the procedures set forth in "The Exchange Offer -- Procedures
for Tendering Old Notes" section of the Prospectus and an Agent's Message (as
defined below) is not delivered. Certificates, or book-entry confirmation of a
book-entry transfer of such Old Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC,
as well as this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof or delivery of an
Agent's Message in lieu thereof), properly completed and duly executed, with any
required signature guarantees, and any other documents required by this Letter
of Transmittal, must be received by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth
herein on or prior to the Expiration Date. Tenders by book-entry transfer may
also be made by delivering an Agent's Message in lieu of this Letter of
Transmittal. The term "book-entry confirmation" means a confirmation of a
book-entry transfer of Old Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC. The
term "Agent's Message" means a message, transmitted by DTC to and received by
the Exchange Agent and forming part of a book-entry confirmation, which states
that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from the tendering Participant,
which acknowledgment states that such Participant has received and agrees to be
bound by, and make the representations and warranties contained in, this Letter
of Transmittal and that the Company may enforce this Letter of Transmittal
against such Participant.
Holders of Old Notes whose Certificates for such Old Notes are not
immediately available, or who are unable to deliver their certificates and all
other required documents to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration
Date, or who cannot complete the procedures for book-entry transfer on a timely
basis, must tender their Old Notes according to the guaranteed delivery
procedures set forth in "The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for Tendering Old
Notes" section of the Prospectus.
DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW
PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
The undersigned has completed the appropriate boxes below and signed this
Letter of Transmittal to indicate the action the undersigned desires to take
with respect to the Exchange Offer.
<PAGE> 3
ALL TENDERING HOLDERS OF OLD JUNE NOTES COMPLETE THIS BOX:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF OLD JUNE NOTES 1 2 3
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) OF REGISTERED HOLDER(S) CERTIFICATE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
PRINCIPAL
(PLEASE FILL IN, IF BLANK) NUMBER(S)* AMOUNT OF OLD JUNE TENDERED**
NOTE(S)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
============================================================================================================
============================================================================================================
Total
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Need not be completed by book-entry holders.
** Old June Notes tendered hereby must be in denominations of principal amount of $1,000 and any
integral multiple thereof. See Instruction 4. Unless otherwise indicated in this column, a holder
will be deemed to have tendered ALL of the Old June Notes represented by the Old June Notes
indicated in column 2. See Instruction 4.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
ALL TENDERING HOLDERS OF OLD JULY NOTES COMPLETE THIS BOX:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF OLD JULY NOTES 1 2 3
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) OF REGISTERED HOLDER(S) CERTIFICATE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
PRINCIPAL
(PLEASE FILL IN, IF BLANK) NUMBER(S)* AMOUNT OF OLD JULY TENDERED**
NOTE(S)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
============================================================================================================
============================================================================================================
Total
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Need not be completed by book-entry holders.
** Old July Notes tendered hereby must be in denominations of principal amount of $1,000 and any
integral multiple thereof. See Instruction 4. Unless otherwise indicated in this column, a holder
will be deemed to have tendered ALL of the Old July Notes represented by the Old July Notes
indicated in column 2. See Instruction 4.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(BOXES BELOW TO BE CHECKED BY ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS ONLY)
[ ] CHECK HERE IF TENDERED OLD NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER
MADE TO THE ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT WITH THE BOOK-ENTRY
TRANSFER FACILITY AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
Name of Tendering Institution
Account Number
Transaction Code Number
[ ] CHECK HERE AND ENCLOSE A PHOTOCOPY OF THE NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY IF
TENDERED OLD NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED
DELIVERY PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
Name(s) of Registered Holder(s)
<PAGE> 4
Window Ticket Number (if any)
Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
Name of Institution Which Guaranteed Delivery
If Delivered by Book-Entry Transfer, Complete the Following:
Name of Tendering Institution
Account Number
Transaction Code Number
[ ] CHECK HERE IF TENDERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER AND NON-EXCHANGED OLD NOTES
ARE TO BE RETURNED BY CREDITING THE DTC ACCOUNT NUMBER SET FORTH ABOVE.
[ ] CHECK HERE IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10 ADDITIONAL
COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS
THERETO.
Name
Address
<PAGE> 5
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, the
undersigned hereby tenders to the Company the above described aggregate
principal of (i) Old June Notes in exchange for a like principal amount of New
June Notes which have been registered under the Securities Act and (ii) Old July
Notes in exchange for a like principal amount of New July Notes which have been
registered under the Securities Act.
Subject to and effective upon the acceptance for exchange of all or any
portion of the Old Notes tendered herewith in accordance with the terms and
conditions of the Exchange Offer (including, if the Exchange Offer is extended
or amended, the terms and conditions of any such extension or amendment), the
undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers to or upon the order of the
Company all right, title and interest in and to such Old Notes as are being
tendered herewith. The undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints
the Exchange Agent as its agent and attorney-in-fact (with full knowledge that
the Exchange Agent is also acting as agent of the Company in connection with the
Exchange Offer) with respect to the tendered Old Notes, with full power of
substitution (such power of attorney being deemed to be an irrevocable power
coupled with an interest), subject only to the right of withdrawal described in
the Prospectus, to (i) deliver Certificates for Old Notes to the Company
together with all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity to, or
upon the order of, the Company, upon receipt by the Exchange Agent, as the
undersigned's agent, of the New Notes to be issued in exchange for such Old
Notes, (ii) present Certificates for such Old Notes for transfer, and to
transfer the Old Notes on the books of the Company, and (iii) receive for the
account of the Company all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of
beneficial ownership of such Old Notes, all in accordance with the terms and
conditions of the Exchange Offer.
THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT THE UNDERSIGNED HAS
FULL POWER AND AUTHORITY TO TENDER, EXCHANGE, SELL, ASSIGN AND TRANSFER THE OLD
NOTES TENDERED HEREBY AND THAT, WHEN THE SAME ARE ACCEPTED FOR EXCHANGE, THE
COMPANY WILL ACQUIRE GOOD, MARKETABLE AND UNENCUMBERED TITLE THERETO, FREE AND
CLEAR OF ALL LIENS, RESTRICTIONS, CHARGES AND ENCUMBRANCES, AND THAT THE OLD
NOTES TENDERED HEREBY ARE NOT SUBJECT TO ANY ADVERSE CLAIMS OR PROXIES. THE
UNDERSIGNED WILL, UPON REQUEST, EXECUTE AND DELIVER ANY ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS
DEEMED BY THE COMPANY OR THE EXCHANGE AGENT TO BE NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE TO
COMPLETE THE EXCHANGE, ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER OF THE OLD NOTES TENDERED HEREBY,
AND THE UNDERSIGNED WILL COMPLY WITH ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE REGISTRATION
RIGHTS AGREEMENTS. THE UNDERSIGNED HAS READ AND AGREES TO ALL OF THE TERMS OF
THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
The name(s) and address(es) of the registered holder(s) (which term, for
purposes of this document, shall include any participant in DTC) of the Old
Notes tendered hereby should be printed above, if they are not already set forth
above, as they appear on the Certificates representing such Old Notes. The
Certificate number(s) and the Old Notes that the undersigned wishes to tender
should be indicated in the appropriate boxes above.
If any tendered Old Notes are not exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offer
for any reason, or if Certificates are submitted for more Old Notes than are
tendered or accepted for exchange, Certificates for such nonexchanged or
nontendered Old Notes will be returned (or, in the case of Old Notes tendered by
book-entry transfer, such Old Notes will be credited to an account maintained at
DTC), without expense to the tendering holder, promptly following the expiration
or termination of the Exchange Offer.
The undersigned understands that tenders of Old Notes pursuant to any one
of the procedures described in "The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for Tendering
Old Notes" section of the Prospectus and in the instructions attached hereto
will, upon the Company's acceptance for exchange of such tendered Old Notes,
constitute a binding agreement between the undersigned and the Company upon the
terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer.
<PAGE> 6
The undersigned recognizes that, under certain circumstances set forth in
the Prospectus, the Company may not be required to accept for exchange any of
the Old Notes tendered hereby.
Unless otherwise indicated herein in the box entitled "Special Issuance
Instructions" below, the undersigned hereby directs that the New Notes be issued
in the name(s) of the undersigned or, in the case of a book-entry transfer of
Old Notes, that such New Notes be credited to the account indicated above
maintained at DTC. If applicable, substitute Certificates representing Old Notes
not exchanged or not accepted for exchange will be issued to the undersigned or,
in the case of a book-entry transfer of Old Notes, will be credited to the
account indicated above maintained at DTC. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated
under "Special Delivery Instructions," please deliver New Notes to the
undersigned at the address shown below the undersigned's signature.
BY TENDERING OLD NOTES AND EXECUTING THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, OR
EFFECTING DELIVERY OF AN AGENT'S MESSAGE IN LIEU THEREOF, THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY
REPRESENTS AND AGREES THAT (I) THE UNDERSIGNED IS NOT AN "AFFILIATE" OF THE
COMPANY, (II) ANY NEW NOTES TO BE RECEIVED BY THE UNDERSIGNED ARE BEING ACQUIRED
IN THE ORDINARY COURSE OF ITS BUSINESS, (III) THE UNDERSIGNED HAS NO ARRANGEMENT
OR UNDERSTANDING WITH ANY PERSON TO PARTICIPATE IN A DISTRIBUTION (WITHIN THE
MEANING OF THE SECURITIES ACT) OF NEW NOTES TO BE RECEIVED IN THE EXCHANGE
OFFER, AND (IV) IF THE UNDERSIGNED IS NOT A BROKER-DEALER, THE UNDERSIGNED IS
NOT ENGAGED IN, AND DOES NOT INTEND TO ENGAGE IN, A DISTRIBUTION (WITHIN THE
MEANING OF THE SECURITIES ACT) OF SUCH NEW NOTES. BY TENDERING OLD NOTES
PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND EXECUTING THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, OR
EFFECTING DELIVERY OF AN AGENT'S MESSAGE IN LIEU THEREOF, A HOLDER OF OLD NOTES
WHICH IS A BROKER-DEALER REPRESENTS AND AGREES, CONSISTENT WITH CERTAIN
INTERPRETIVE LETTERS ISSUED BY THE STAFF OF THE DIVISION OF CORPORATION FINANCE
OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION TO THIRD PARTIES, THAT (A) SUCH OLD
NOTES HELD BY THE BROKER-DEALER ARE HELD ONLY AS A NOMINEE, OR (B) SUCH OLD
NOTES WERE ACQUIRED BY SUCH BROKER-DEALER FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT AS A RESULT OF
MARKET-MAKING ACTIVITIES OR OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES AND IT WILL DELIVER THE
PROSPECTUS (AS AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME) MEETING THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IN CONNECTION WITH ANY RESALE OF SUCH NEW
NOTES (PROVIDED THAT, BY SO ACKNOWLEDGING AND BY DELIVERING A PROSPECTUS (AS
AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME), SUCH BROKER-DEALER WILL NOT BE
DEEMED TO ADMIT THAT IT IS AN "UNDERWRITER" WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE SECURITIES
ACT).
THE COMPANY HAS AGREED THAT, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE REGISTRATION
RIGHTS AGREEMENTS, THE PROSPECTUS, AS IT MAY BE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM
TIME TO TIME, MAY BE USED BY A PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER (AS DEFINED BELOW) IN
CONNECTION WITH RESALES OF NEW NOTES RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE FOR OLD NOTES, WHERE
SUCH OLD NOTES WERE ACQUIRED BY SUCH PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER FOR ITS OWN
ACCOUNT AS A RESULT OF MARKET-MAKING ACTIVITIES OR OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES, FOR
A PERIOD ENDING 90 DAYS AFTER THE EXPIRATION DATE (SUBJECT TO EXTENSION UNDER
CERTAIN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE PROSPECTUS) OR, IF EARLIER, WHEN
ALL SUCH NEW NOTES HAVE BEEN DISPOSED OF BY SUCH PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER. IN
THAT REGARD, EACH BROKER-DEALER WHO ACQUIRED OLD NOTES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT AS A
RESULT OF MARKET-MAKING OR OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES (A "PARTICIPATING
BROKER-DEALER"), BY TENDERING SUCH OLD NOTES AND EXECUTING THIS LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL, OR EFFECTING DELIVERY OF AN AGENT'S MESSAGE IN LIEU THEREOF, AGREES
THAT, UPON RECEIPT OF NOTICE FROM THE COMPANY OF THE OCCURRENCE OF ANY EVENT OR
THE DISCOVERY OF ANY FACT
<PAGE> 7
WHICH MAKES ANY STATEMENT CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THE
PROSPECTUS UNTRUE IN ANY MATERIAL RESPECT OR WHICH CAUSES THE PROSPECTUS TO OMIT
TO STATE A MATERIAL FACT NECESSARY IN ORDER TO MAKE THE STATEMENTS CONTAINED OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN, IN LIGHT OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH
THEY WERE MADE, NOT MISLEADING OR OF THE OCCURRENCE OF CERTAIN OTHER EVENTS
SPECIFIED IN THE REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENTS, SUCH PARTICIPATING
BROKER-DEALER WILL SUSPEND THE SALE OF NEW NOTES PURSUANT TO THE PROSPECTUS
UNTIL THE COMPANY HAS AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED THE PROSPECTUS TO CORRECT SUCH
MISSTATEMENT OR OMISSION AND HAS FURNISHED COPIES OF THE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED
PROSPECTUS TO THE PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER OR THE COMPANY HAS GIVEN NOTICE
THAT THE SALE OF THE NEW NOTES MAY BE RESUMED, AS THE CASE MAY BE. IF THE
COMPANY GIVES SUCH NOTICE TO SUSPEND THE SALE OF THE NEW NOTES, IT SHALL EXTEND
THE 90-DAY PERIOD REFERRED TO ABOVE DURING WHICH PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALERS
ARE ENTITLED TO USE THE PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE RESALE OF NEW NOTES BY
THE NUMBER OF DAYS DURING THE PERIOD FROM AND INCLUDING THE DATE OF THE GIVING
OF SUCH NOTICE TO AND INCLUDING THE DATE WHEN PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALERS SHALL
HAVE RECEIVED COPIES OF THE SUPPLEMENTED OR AMENDED PROSPECTUS NECESSARY TO
PERMIT RESALES OF THE NEW NOTES OR TO AND INCLUDING THE DATE ON WHICH THE
COMPANY HAS GIVEN NOTICE THAT THE SALE OF NEW NOTES MAY BE RESUMED, AS THE CASE
MAY BE.
AS A RESULT, A PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER WHO INTENDS TO USE THE
PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH RESALES OF NEW NOTES RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE FOR OLD
NOTES PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER MUST NOTIFY THE COMPANY, OR CAUSE THE
COMPANY TO BE NOTIFIED, ON OR PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE, THAT IT IS A
PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER. SUCH NOTICE MAY BE GIVEN IN THE SPACE PROVIDED
ABOVE OR MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT AT THE ADDRESS SET FORTH IN THE
PROSPECTUS UNDER "THE EXCHANGE OFFER -- EXCHANGE AGENT."
Interest on the New June Notes will accrue from (A) the later of (i) the
last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the Old June Notes
surrendered in exchange therefor or, (ii) if the Old June Notes are surrendered
for exchange on a date in a period which includes the record date for an
interest payment date to occur on or after the date of such exchange and as to
which interest will be paid, the date of such interest payment date or (B) if no
interest has been paid on the Old June Notes, from June 30, 1997 (the later of
(A) or (B) being referred to herein as the "June Interest Payment Date").
Accordingly, holders of Old June Notes whose Old June Notes are accepted for
exchange will not receive accrued interest on such Old June Notes for any period
from and after the June Interest Payment Date and the undersigned waives the
right to receive any interest on such Old June Notes accrued from and after the
June Interest Payment Date.
Interest on the New July Notes will accrue from (A) the later of (i) the
last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the Old July Notes
surrendered in exchange therefor or, (ii) if the Old July Notes are surrendered
for exchange on a date in a period which includes the record date for an
interest payment date to occur on or after the date of such exchange and as to
which interest will be paid, the date of such interest payment date or (B) if no
interest has been paid on the Old July Notes, from July 22, 1997 (the later of
(A) or (B) being referred to herein as the "July Interest Payment Date").
Accordingly, holders of Old July Notes whose Old July Notes are accepted for
exchange will not receive accrued interest on such Old July Notes for any period
from and after the July Interest Payment Date and the undersigned waives the
right to receive any interest on such Old July Notes accrued from and after the
July Interest Payment Date.
The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional
documents deemed by the Company to be necessary or desirable to complete the
sale, assignment and transfer of the Old Notes tendered hereby. All authority
herein conferred or agreed to be conferred in this Letter of Transmittal shall
survive the
<PAGE> 8
death or incapacity of the undersigned and any obligation of the undersigned
hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, personal
representatives, trustees in bankruptcy, legal representatives, successors and
assigns of the undersigned. Except as stated in the Prospectus, this tender is
irrevocable.
THE UNDERSIGNED, BY COMPLETING THE BOX ENTITLED "DESCRIPTION OF OLD JUNE
NOTES" AND/OR "DESCRIPTION OF OLD JULY NOTES" ABOVE AND SIGNING THIS LETTER,
WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE TENDERED THE OLD NOTES AS SET FORTH IN SUCH BOXES.
<PAGE> 9
HOLDER(S) SIGN HERE
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 2, 5 AND 6)
(PLEASE COMPLETE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9)
(NOTE: SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED IF REQUIRED BY INSTRUCTION 2)
Must be signed by registered holder(s) (which term, for purposes of this
document, shall include any participant in DTC) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on
Certificate(s) for the Old Notes hereby tendered or on the register of holders
maintained by the Company, or by any person(s) authorized to become the
registered holder(s) by endorsements and documents transmitted herewith
(including such opinions of counsel, certifications and other information as may
be required by the Company for the Old Notes to comply with the restrictions on
transfer applicable to the Old Notes). If signature is by an attorney-in-fact,
executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, officer of a corporation or another
acting in a fiduciary capacity or representative capacity, please set forth the
signer's full title. See Instruction 5.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(SIGNATURE(S) OF HOLDER(S))
Date:
- ------------------------------ , 1997
Name(s)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(PLEASE PRINT)
Capacity (full title)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(INCLUDE ZIP CODE)
Area Code and Telephone Number
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(TAX IDENTIFICATION OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER(S))
GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURE(S)
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 2 AND 5)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE)
Date:
- ------------------------------ , 1997
Name of Firm
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity (full title)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(PLEASE PRINT)
Address
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(INCLUDE ZIP CODE)
Area Code and Telephone Number
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 10
SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1, 5 AND 6)
To be completed ONLY if New Notes or Old Notes not tendered are to be issued in
the name of someone other than the registered holder of the Old Notes whose
name(s) appear(s) above.
Issue
[ ] Old Notes not tendered to:
[ ] New Notes to:
Name(s)
- ---------------------------------------
Address
- -----------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------
(INCLUDE ZIP CODE)
Area Code and
Telephone Number
- -----------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------
(TAX IDENTIFICATION OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER(S))
SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1, 5 AND 6)
To be completed ONLY if New Notes or Old Notes not tendered are to be sent to
someone other than the registered holder of the Old Notes whose name(s)
appear(s) above, or such registered holder(s) at anaddress other than that shown
above.
Mail
[ ] Old Notes not tendered to:
[ ] New Notes to:
Name(s)
- ---------------------------------------
Address
- -----------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------
(INCLUDE ZIP CODE)
Area Code and
Telephone Number
- -----------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------
(TAX IDENTIFICATION OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER(S))
<PAGE> 11
INSTRUCTIONS
Forming Part of the Terms and Conditions of the Exchange Offer
1. DELIVERY OF LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTIFICATES; GUARANTEED DELIVERY
PROCEDURES. This Letter of Transmittal is to be completed either if (a)
Certificates are to be forwarded herewith or (b) tenders are to be made pursuant
to the procedures for tender by book-entry transfer set forth in "The Exchange
Offer -- Procedures for Tendering Old Notes" section of the Prospectus.
Certificates, or timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer of such Old Notes
into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC, as well as this Letter of Transmittal
(or facsimile thereof), properly completed and duly executed, with any required
signature guarantees, or an Agent's Message in lieu thereof, and any other
documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the
Exchange Agent at its address set forth herein on or prior to the Expiration
Date. Old Notes tendered in the Exchange Offer must be in denominations of a
principal amount of $1,000 and an integral multiple thereof.
Holders who wish to tender their Old Notes and (i) whose Old Notes are not
immediately available or (ii) who cannot deliver their Old Notes, this Letter of
Transmittal and all other required documents to the Exchange Agent on or prior
to the Expiration Date or (iii) who cannot complete the procedures for delivery
by book-entry transfer on a timely basis, may tender their Old Notes by properly
completing and duly executing a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery pursuant to the
guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in "The Exchange Offer -- Procedures
for Tendering Old Notes" in the Prospectus. Pursuant to such procedures: (i)
such tender must be made by or through an Eligible Institution (as defined
below); (ii) a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery, substantially in the form made available by the Company, must be
received by the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date; and (iii) the
Certificates (or a book-entry confirmation (as defined in this Prospectus))
representing all tendered Old Notes, in proper form for transfer, together with
a Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), properly completed and duly
executed, with any required signature guarantees, or an Agent's Message in lieu
thereof, and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be
received by the Exchange Agent within five New York Stock Exchange, Inc. trading
days after the date of execution of such Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, all as
provided in "The Exchange Offer" section of the Prospectus.
The Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered by hand or transmitted
by facsimile or mailed to the Exchange Agent, and must include a guarantee by an
Eligible Institution in the form set forth in such Notice. For Old Notes to be
properly tendered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure, the Exchange
Agent must receive a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery on or prior to the Expiration
Date. As used herein and in the Prospectus, "Eligible Institution" means a firm
or other entity identified in Rule 17A(d)-15 under the Exchange Act as "an
eligible guarantor institution," including (as such terms are defined therein)
(i) a bank; (ii) a broker, dealer, municipal securities broker or dealer or
government securities broker or dealer; (iii) a credit union; (iv) a national
securities exchange, registered securities association or clearing agency; or
(v) a savings association, with membership in an approved signature medallion
guarantee program, that is a participant in a Securities Transfer Association.
THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES, THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ALL
OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IS AT THE OPTION AND SOLE RISK OF THE TENDERING HOLDER
AND THE DELIVERY WILL BE DEEMED MADE ONLY WHEN ACTUALLY RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE
AGENT. IF DELIVERY IS BY MAIL, REGISTERED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED,
PROPERLY INSURED, OR OVERNIGHT DELIVERY SERVICE IS RECOMMENDED. IN ALL CASES,
SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY.
The Company will not accept any alternative, conditional or contingent
tenders. Each tendering holder, by execution of a Letter of Transmittal (or
facsimile thereof), or delivery of an Agent's Message in lieu thereof, waives
any right to receive any notice of the acceptance of such tender.
<PAGE> 12
2. GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURES. No signature guarantee on this Letter of
Transmittal is required if:
(i) this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder
(which term, for purposes of this document, shall include any
participant in DTC whose name appears on a security position
listing as the owner of the Old Notes) of Old Notes tendered
herewith, unless such holder(s) has completed either the box
entitled "Special Issuance Instructions" or the box entitled
"Special Delivery Instructions" above, or
(ii) such Old Notes are tendered for the account of a firm that is an
Eligible Institution.
In all other cases, an Eligible Institution must guarantee the signature(s)
on this Letter of Transmittal. See Instruction 5.
3. INADEQUATE SPACE. If the space provided in the box captioned
"Description of Old Notes" is inadequate, the Certificate number(s) and/or the
principal amount of Old Notes and any other required information should be
listed on a separate signed schedule which is attached to this Letter of
Transmittal.
4. PARTIAL TENDERS AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS. Tenders of Old Notes will be
accepted only in the principal amount of $1,000 or integral multiples thereof.
If less than all the Old Notes evidenced by any Certificate submitted are to be
tendered, fill in the principal amount of Old Notes which are to be tendered in
the box entitled "Principal Amount of Old Notes Tendered." In such case, new
Certificate(s) for the remainder of the Old Notes that were evidenced by your
old Certificate(s) will only be sent to the holder of the Old Notes, promptly
after the Expiration Date. All Old Notes represented by Certificates delivered
to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise
indicated.
Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Old Notes may be withdrawn
at any time on or prior to the Expiration Date. In order for a withdrawal to be
effective on or prior to that time, a written or facsimile transmission of such
notice of withdrawal must be timely received by the Exchange Agent at one of its
addresses set forth above or in the Prospectus on or prior to the Expiration
Date. Any such notice of withdrawal must specify the name of the person who
tendered the Old Notes to be withdrawn, the aggregate principal amount of Old
Notes to be withdrawn, and (if Certificates for Old Notes have been tendered)
the name of the registered holder of the Old Notes as set forth on the
Certificate for the Old Notes, if different from that of the person who tendered
such Old Notes. If Certificates for the Old Notes have been delivered or
otherwise identified to the Exchange Agent, then prior to the physical release
of such Certificates for the Old Notes, the tendering holder must submit the
serial numbers shown on the particular Certificates for the Old Notes to be
withdrawn and the signature on the notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed by an
Eligible Institution, except in the case of Old Notes tendered for the account
of an Eligible Institution. If Old Notes have been tendered pursuant to the
procedures for book-entry transfer set forth in the Prospectus under "The
Exchange Offer -- Procedures for Tendering Old Notes," the notice of withdrawal
must specify the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited with the
withdrawal of Old Notes, in which case a notice of withdrawal will be effective
if delivered to the Exchange Agent by written or facsimile transmission.
Withdrawals of tenders of Old Notes may not be rescinded. Old Notes properly
withdrawn will not be deemed validly tendered for purposes of the Exchange
Offer, but may be retendered at any subsequent time on or prior to the
Expiration Date by following any of the procedures described in the Prospectus
under "The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for Tendering Old Notes."
All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of
receipt) of such withdrawal notices will be determined by the Company, in its
sole discretion, whose determination shall be final and binding on all parties.
Neither the Company, any affiliates or assigns of the Company, the Exchange
Agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give any notification of
any irregularities in any notice of withdrawal or incur any liability for
failure to give any such notification. Any Old Notes which have been tendered
but which are withdrawn will be returned to the holder thereof without cost to
such holder promptly after withdrawal.
5. SIGNATURES ON LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, ASSIGNMENTS AND ENDORSEMENTS. If
this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Old
Notes tendered hereby,
<PAGE> 13
the signature(s) must correspond exactly with the name(s) as written on the face
of the Certificate(s) without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever.
If any of the Old Notes tendered hereby are owned of record by two or more
joint owners, all such owners must sign this Letter of Transmittal.
If any tendered Old Notes are registered in different name(s) on several
Certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate
Letters of Transmittal (or facsimiles thereof) as there are different
registrations of Certificates.
If this Letter of Transmittal or any Certificates or bond powers are signed
by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers
of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such
persons should so indicate when signing and must submit proper evidence
satisfactory to the Company, in its sole discretion, of each such person's
authority so to act.
When this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered owner(s) of the
Old Notes listed and transmitted hereby, no endorsement(s) of Certificate(s) or
separate bond power(s) are required unless New Notes are to be issued in the
name of a person other than the registered holder(s). Signature(s) on such
Certificate(s) or bond power(s) must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the
registered owner(s) of the Old Notes listed, the Certificates must be endorsed
or accompanied by appropriate bond powers, signed exactly as the name or names
of the registered owner(s) appear(s) on the Certificates, and also must be
accompanied by such opinions of counsel, certifications and other information as
the Company may require in accordance with the restrictions on transfer
applicable to the Old Notes. Signatures on such Certificates or bond powers must
be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
6. SPECIAL ISSUANCE AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS. If New Notes are to be
issued in the name of a person other than the signer of this Letter of
Transmittal, or if New Notes are to be sent to someone other than the signer of
this Letter of Transmittal or to an address other than that shown above, the
appropriate boxes on this Letter of Transmittal should be completed.
Certificates for Old Notes not exchanged will be returned by mail or, if
tendered by book-entry transfer, by crediting the account indicated above
maintained at DTC. See Instruction 4.
7. IRREGULARITIES. The Company will determine, in its sole discretion, all
questions as to the form of documents, validity, eligibility (including time of
receipt) and acceptance for exchange of any tender of Old Notes, which
determination shall be final and binding on all parties. The Company reserves
the absolute right to reject any and all tenders determined by either of them
not to be in proper form or the acceptance of which, or exchange for which, may,
in the view of counsel to the Company, be unlawful. The Company also reserves
the absolute right, subject to applicable law, to waive any of the conditions of
the Exchange Offer set forth in the Prospectus under "The Exchange Offer --
Conditions to the Exchange Offer" or any conditions or irregularity in any
tender of Old Notes of any particular holder whether or not similar conditions
or irregularities are waived in the case of other holders. The Company's
interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer (including this
Letter of Transmittal and the instructions hereto) will be final and binding. No
tender of Old Notes will be deemed to have been validly made until all
irregularities with respect to such tender have been cured or waived. The
Company, any affiliates or assigns of the Company, the Exchange Agent, or any
other person shall not be under any duty to give notification of any
irregularities in tenders or incur any liability for failure to give such
notification.
8. QUESTIONS, REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE AND ADDITIONAL COPIES. Questions and
requests for assistance may be directed to the Exchange Agent at its address and
telephone number set forth on the front of this Letter of Transmittal.
Additional copies of the Prospectus, the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and this
Letter of Transmittal may be obtained from the Exchange Agent or from your
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee.
9. 31% BACKUP WITHHOLDING; SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9. Under U.S. Federal income
tax law, a holder whose tendered Old Notes are accepted for exchange is required
to provide the Exchange Agent
<PAGE> 14
with such holder's correct taxpayer identification number ("TIN") on Substitute
Form W-9 below. If the Exchange Agent is not provided with the correct TIN, the
Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") may subject the holder or other payee to a
$50 penalty. In addition, payments to such holders or other payees with respect
to Old Notes exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be subject to 31%
backup withholding.
The box in Part 2 of the Substitute Form W-9 may be checked if the
tendering holder has not been issued a TIN and has applied for a TIN or intends
to apply for a TIN in the near future. If the box in Part 2 is checked, the
holder or other payee must also complete the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer
Identification Number below in order to avoid backup withholding.
Notwithstanding that the box in Part 2 is checked and the Certificate of
Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number is completed, the Exchange Agent will
withhold 31% of all payments made prior to the time a properly certified TIN is
provided to the Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent will retain such amounts
withheld during the 60-day period following the date of the Substitute Form W-9.
If the holder furnishes the Exchange Agent with its TIN within 60 days after the
date of the Substitute Form W-9, the amounts retained during the 60-day period
will be remitted to the holder and no further amounts shall be retained or
withheld from payments made to the holder thereafter. If, however, the holder
has not provided the Exchange Agent with its TIN within such 60-day period,
amounts withheld will be remitted to the IRS as backup withholding. In addition,
31% of all payments made thereafter will be withheld and remitted to the IRS
until a correct TIN is provided.
The holder is required to give the Exchange Agent the TIN (e.g., social
security number or employer identification number) of the registered owner of
the Old Notes or of the last transferee appearing on the transfers attached to,
or endorsed on, the Old Notes. If the Old Notes are registered in more than one
name or are not in the name of the actual owner, consult the enclosed
"Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute
Form W-9" for additional guidance on which number to report.
Certain holders (including, among others, corporations, financial
institutions and certain foreign persons) may not be subject to these backup
withholding and reporting requirements. Such holders should nevertheless
complete the attached Substitute Form W-9 below, and write "exempt" on the face
thereof, to avoid possible erroneous backup withholding. A foreign person may
qualify as an exempt recipient by submitting a properly completed IRS Form W-8,
signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that holder's exempt status.
Please consult the enclosed "Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer
Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9" for additional guidance on which
holders are exempt from backup withholding.
Backup withholding is not an additional U.S. Federal income tax. Rather,
the U.S. Federal income tax liability of a person subject to backup withholding
will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an
overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained.
10. WAIVER OF CONDITIONS. The Company reserves the absolute right to waive
satisfaction of any or all conditions enumerated in the Prospectus.
11. NO CONDITIONAL TENDERS. No alternative, conditional or contingent
tenders will be accepted. All tendering holders of Old Notes, by execution of
this Letter of Transmittal, shall waive any right to receive notice of the
acceptance of Old Notes for exchange.
Neither the Company, the Exchange Agent nor any other person is obligated
to give notice of any defect or irregularity with respect to any tender of Old
Notes nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give any such
notice.
12. LOST, DESTROYED OR STOLEN CERTIFICATES. If any Certificate(s)
representing Old Notes have been lost, destroyed or stolen, the holder should
promptly notify the Exchange Agent. The holder will then be instructed as to the
steps that must be taken in order to replace the Certificate(s). This Letter of
Transmittal and related documents cannot be processed until the procedures for
replacing lost, destroyed or stolen Certificate(s) have been followed.
13. SECURITY TRANSFER TAXES. Holders who tender their Old Notes for
exchange will not be obligated to pay any transfer taxes in connection
therewith. If, however, New Notes are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in
the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the Old Notes
tendered, or if a
<PAGE> 15
transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of Old Notes in
connection with the Exchange Offer, then the amount of any such transfer tax
(whether imposed on the registered holder or any other persons) will be payable
by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or
exemption therefrom is not submitted with the Letter of Transmittal, the amount
of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder.
IMPORTANT: THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL (OR FACSIMILE THEREOF) AND ALL OTHER
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT ON OR PRIOR TO THE
EXPIRATION DATE.
<PAGE> 16
TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL TENDERING HOLDERS
(SEE INSTRUCTION 9)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAYOR'S NAME: THE BANK OF NEW YORK
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART 1 -- PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR TIN IN THE BOX
SUBSTITUTE AT RIGHT AND CERTIFY BY SIGNING AND DATING TIN:
FORM W-9 BELOW Social Security Number or
Employer Identification Number
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY PART II -- TIN Applied for [ ]
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CERTIFICATION -- UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY, I CERTIFY THAT:
Payor's Request for (1) The number shown on this form is my correct Taxpayer Identification Number (or I am
Taxpayer Identification waiting for a number to be issued to me);
Number ("TIN") (2) I am not subject to backup withholding either because: (a) I am exempt from backup
and Certification withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS")
that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of failure to report all
interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to
backup withholding; and
(3) any other information provided on this form is true and correct.
Signature: Date:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You must cross out Part (2) above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding
because of under reporting of interest or dividends on your tax return and you have not been notified by the IRS that
you are no longer subject to backup withholding.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU CHECKED
THE BOX IN PART II OF SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES
RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 31% OF ANY AMOUNTS PAID TO YOU PURSUANT TO
THE EXCHANGE OFFER. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED GUIDELINES FOR
CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 FOR
ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
I certify under penalties of perjury that a taxpayer identification number
has not been issued to me, and either (a) I have mailed or delivered an
application to receive a taxpayer identification number to the appropriate
Internal Revenue Service Center or Social Security Administration Office
or (b) I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I
understand that if I do not provide a taxpayer identification number by
the time of the exchange, 31 percent of all reportable payments made to me
thereafter will be withheld until I provide a number.
________________________
Signature Date
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.2
NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
FOR TENDER OF
9 1/8% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007
OF
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, or one substantially equivalent to this
form, must be used to accept the Exchange Offer (as defined below) if (i)
certificates for the Company's (as defined below) 9 1/8% Senior Subordinated
Notes Due 2007 (the "Old Notes") are not immediately available, (ii) Old Notes,
the Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents cannot be delivered
to The Bank of New York (the "Exchange Agent") on or prior to the Expiration
Date (as defined in the Prospectus referred to below) or (iii) the procedures
for delivery by book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis. This
Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered by hand, overnight courier or
mail, or transmitted by facsimile transmission, to the Exchange Agent. See "The
Exchange Offer" in the Prospectus. In addition, in order to utilize the
guaranteed delivery procedure to tender Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange
Offer, a completed, signed and dated Letter of Transmittal relating to the Old
Notes (or facsimile thereof) must also be received by the Exchange Agent on or
prior to the Expiration Date. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the
meanings assigned to them in the Prospectus.
THE EXCHANGE AGENT FOR THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
By Hand and Overnight Courier:
101 Barclay Street
Corporate Trust Services Window
Ground Level
New York, New York 10286
Attention: Reorganization Section
By Registered or Certified Mail:
101 Barclay Street, 7E
New York, New York 10286
Attention: Reorganization Section
By Facsimile
(Eligible Institutions only):
(212) 815-6339
To Confirm by Telephone or for
Information Call:
(212) 815-2742
DELIVERY OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS
SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY VIA
FACSIMILE TO A NUMBER OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID
DELIVERY.
This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery is not to be used to guarantee
signatures. If a signature on a Letter of Transmittal is required to be
guaranteed by an "Eligible Institution" under the instructions thereto, such
signature guarantee must appear in the applicable space provided in the
signature box on the Letter of Transmittal.
<PAGE> 2
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby tenders to Hayes Wheels International, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in the Prospectus dated September 12, 1997 (as the same may
be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Prospectus"), and the related
Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the "Exchange Offer"), receipt
of which is hereby acknowledged, the aggregate principal amount of Old Notes set
forth below pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in the
Prospectus under the caption "The Exchange Offer."
- ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
Principal Amount of Old Notes
Tendered:
-------------------------------------
Name(s) of Registered Holder(s):
=====================================
Amount Tendered: $
--------------------------------------------------------------------------*
Certificate No(s). (if available):
=====================================
(Total Principal Amount Represented
by Old Notes Certificate(s))
$
-------------------------------------
If Old Notes will be tendered by
book-entry transfer, provide the
following information:
DTC Account Number:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date:
-------------------------------------
* Must be in denominations of $1,000
and any integral multiple thereof.
All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall survive the
death or incapacity of the
undersigned and every obligation of
the undersigned hereunder shall be
binding upon the heirs, personal
representatives, successors and
assigns of the undersigned.
PLEASE SIGN HERE
X
-------------------------------------
X
-------------------------------------
Signature(s) of Owner(s) or
Authorized Signatory Date
-------------------------------------
Area Code and Telephone Number
Must be signed by the holder(s) of the Old Notes as their name(s) appear(s) on
certificates for Old Notes or on a
security position listing, or by
person(s) authorized to become
registered holder(s) by endorsement
and documents transmitted with this
Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. If
signature is by a trustee, executor,
administrator, guardian, attorney-
in-fact, officer or other person
acting in a fiduciary or
representative capacity, such person
must set forth his or her full title
below. Please print name(s) and
address(es).
Name(s):
-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------
Capacity:
-------------------------------------
Address(es):
-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
2
<PAGE> 3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEE
(NOT TO BE USED FOR SIGNATURE GUARANTEE)
The undersigned, a firm or other entity identified in Rule 17Ad-15
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as an "eligible
guarantor institution," including (as such terms are defined therein): (i)
a bank; (ii) a broker, dealer, municipal securities broker, municipal
securities dealer, government securities broker or government securities
dealer; (iii) a credit union; (iv) a national securities exchange,
registered securities association or clearing agency; or (v) a savings
association that is a participant in a Securities Transfer Association
recognized program (each of the foregoing being referred to as an
"Eligible Institution"), hereby guarantees to deliver to the Exchange
Agent, at one of its addresses set forth above, either the Old Notes
tendered hereby in proper form for transfer, or confirmation of the
book-entry transfer of such Old Notes to the Exchange Agent's account at
The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), pursuant to the procedures for
book-entry transfer set forth in the Prospectus, in either case together
with one or more properly completed and duly executed Letter(s) of
Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) and any other required documents within
five business days after the date of execution of this Notice of
Guaranteed Delivery.
The undersigned acknowledges that it must deliver the Letter(s) of
Transmittal and the Old Notes tendered hereby to the Exchange Agent within
the time period set forth above and that failure to do so could result in
a financial loss to the undersigned.
(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Name of Firm:
---------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
Address: Authorized Signature
----------------------------------------- Title:
----------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
Zip Code
----------------------------------------- Dated:
Area Code and Telephone No. -----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: DO NOT SEND CERTIFICATES FOR OLD NOTES WITH THIS FORM. CERTIFICATES FOR
OLD NOTES SHOULD ONLY BE SENT WITH YOUR LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
3
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.3
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
OFFER FOR ALL OUTSTANDING
9 1/8% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007 IN EXCHANGE FOR
9 1/8% SERIES B SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007
OF
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
To: Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks,
Trust Companies and Other Nominees:
Hayes Wheels International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
is offering, upon and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in a
prospectus dated September 12, 1997 (the "Prospectus"), and the enclosed letter
of transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal"), to exchange (the "Exchange Offer")
an aggregate principal amount of up to (i) $250,000,000 of the Company's
outstanding 9 1/8% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "New June
Notes") for a like principal amount of the issued and outstanding 9 1/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2007 that were issued by the Company in an offering under
Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
which closed June 30, 1997 (the "Old June Notes"), and (ii) $150,000,000 of the
Company's outstanding 9 1/8% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the
"New July Notes" and, collectively with the New June Notes, the "New Notes") for
a like principal amount of the issued and outstanding 9 1/8% Senior Subordinated
Notes due 2007 that were issued by the Company in an offering under Rule 144A of
the Securities Act which closed July 22, 1997 (the "Old July Notes" and,
collectively with the Old June Notes, the "Old Notes"). The Exchange Offer is
being made in order to satisfy certain obligations of the Company and the
Subsidiary guarantors contained in the Registration Rights Agreements (as
defined in the Prospectus).
We are requesting that you contact your clients for whom you hold the Old
Notes regarding the Exchange Offer. For your information and for forwarding to
your clients for whom you hold the Old Notes registered in your name or in the
name of your nominee, or who hold the Old Notes registered in their own names,
we are enclosing the following documents:
1. Prospectus dated September 12, 1997;
2. The Letter of Transmittal for your use and for the information (or
the use, where relevant) of your clients;
3. A Notice of Guaranteed Delivery to be used to accept the Exchange
Offer if certificates for Old Notes are not immediately available
or time will not permit all required documents to reach the
Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date (as defined below) or
if the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a
timely basis;
4. A form of letter which may be sent to your clients for whose
account you hold Old Notes registered in your name or the name of
your nominee, with space provided for obtaining such clients'
instructions with regard to the Exchange Offer;
5. Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on
Substitute Form W-9; and
6. Return envelopes addressed to The Bank of New York, the Exchange
Agent for Old Notes.
YOUR PROMPT ACTION IS REQUESTED. THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00
P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON OCTOBER 17, 1997, UNLESS EXTENDED BY THE COMPANY
(THE "EXPIRATION DATE"). THE OLD NOTES TENDERED PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER
MAY BE WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE.
To participate in the Exchange Offer, a duly executed and properly
completed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof or an Agent's Message (as
defined in the Prospectus) in lieu thereof), with any required
<PAGE> 2
signature guarantees and any other required documents, should be sent to the
Exchange Agent and certificates representing the Old Notes should be delivered
to the Exchange Agent, all in accordance with the instructions set forth in the
Letter of Transmittal and the Prospectus.
If holders of the Old Notes wish to tender, but it is impracticable for
them to forward their certificates for the Old Notes prior to the expiration of
the Exchange Offer or to comply with the book-entry transfer procedures on a
timely basis, a tender may be effected by following the guaranteed delivery
procedures described in the Prospectus under "The Exchange Offer -- Guaranteed
Delivery Procedures."
The Company will, upon request, reimburse brokers, dealers, commercial
banks and trust companies for reasonable and necessary costs and expenses
incurred by them in forwarding the Prospectus and the related documents to the
beneficial owners of the Old Notes held by them as nominee or in a fiduciary
capacity. The Company will pay or cause to be paid all transfer taxes applicable
to the exchange of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer, except as set forth
in Instruction 6 of the Letter of Transmittal.
Any inquiries you may have with respect to the Exchange Offer, or requests
for additional copies of the enclosed materials, should be directed to The Bank
of New York, the Exchange Agent for the Old Notes, at its address and telephone
number set forth on the front of the Letter of Transmittal.
Very truly yours,
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTHING HEREIN OR IN THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE YOU OR ANY PERSON
AS AN AGENT OF THE COMPANY OR THE EXCHANGE AGENT, OR AUTHORIZE YOU OR ANY OTHER
PERSON TO USE ANY DOCUMENT OR MAKE ANY STATEMENTS ON BEHALF OF EITHER OF THEM
WITH RESPECT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER, EXCEPT FOR STATEMENTS EXPRESSLY MADE IN THE
PROSPECTUS OR THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
Enclosures
2
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.4
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
OFFER FOR ALL OUTSTANDING
9 1/8% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007 IN EXCHANGE FOR
9 1/8% SERIES B SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007
OF
HAYES WHEELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
To Our Clients:
Enclosed for your consideration is a prospectus dated September 12, 1997
(the "Prospectus"), and the related letter of transmittal (the "Letter of
Transmittal"), relating to the offer (the "Exchange Offer") of Hayes Wheels
International, Inc. (the "Company") to exchange an aggregate principal amount of
up to (i) $250,000,000 of the Company's outstanding 9 1/8% Series B Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "New June Notes") for a like principal amount
of the issued and outstanding 9 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 that
were issued by the Company in an offering under Rule 144A of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), which closed June 30, 1997 (the "Old
June Notes"), and (ii) $150,000,000 of the Company's outstanding 9 1/8% Series B
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "New July Notes" and, collectively with
the New June Notes, the "New Notes") for a like principal amount of the issued
and outstanding 9 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 that were issued by
the Company in an offering under Rule 144A of the Securities Act which closed
July 22, 1997 (the "Old July Notes" and, collectively with the Old June Notes,
the "Old Notes"). The Exchange Offer is being made in order to satisfy certain
obligations of the Company and the Subsidiary guarantors contained in the
Registration Rights Agreements (as defined in the Prospectus).
This material is being forwarded to you as the beneficial owner of the Old
Notes carried by us in your account but not registered in your name. A TENDER OF
SUCH OLD NOTES MAY ONLY BE MADE BY US AS THE HOLDER OF RECORD AND PURSUANT TO
YOUR INSTRUCTIONS.
Accordingly, we request instructions as to whether you wish us to tender on
your behalf the Old Notes held by us for your account, pursuant to the terms and
conditions set forth in the enclosed Prospectus and Letter of Transmittal.
YOUR INSTRUCTIONS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO US AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE IN
ORDER TO PERMIT US TO TENDER THE OLD NOTES ON YOUR BEHALF IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
PROVISIONS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER. THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M.,
NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON OCTOBER 17, 1997, UNLESS EXTENDED BY THE COMPANY. ANY OLD
NOTES TENDERED PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER MAY BE WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME
BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE.
Your attention is directed to the following:
1. The Exchange Offer is for any and all Old Notes.
2. The Exchange Offer is subject to certain conditions set forth in
the Prospectus in the section captioned "The Exchange Offer --
Certain Conditions to the Exchange Offer."
3. Any transfer taxes incident to the transfer of Old Notes from the
holder to the Company will be paid by the Company, except as
otherwise provided in the Instructions in the Letter of
Transmittal.
4. The Exchange Offer expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
October 17, 1997, unless extended by the Company.
If you wish to have us tender your Old Notes, please so instruct us by
completing, executing and returning to us the instruction form on the back of
this letter. THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS FURNISHED TO YOU FOR INFORMATION ONLY
AND MAY NOT BE USED DIRECTLY BY YOU TO TENDER OLD NOTES.
<PAGE> 2
INSTRUCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
The undersigned acknowledge(s) receipt of your letter and the enclosed
material referred to therein relating to the Exchange Offer made by Hayes Wheels
International, Inc. with respect to its Old Notes.
This will instruct you to tender the Old June Notes and/or Old July Notes
held by you for the account of the undersigned, upon and subject to the terms
and conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the related Letter of
Transmittal.
Please tender the Old Notes held by you for my account as indicated below:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Old June Notes
Aggregate Principal Amount of Old Notes Tendered
[ ] Please do not tender any Old June Notes held by you for
my account.
[ ] Old July Notes
Aggregate Principal Amount of Old Notes Tendered
[ ] Please do not tender any Old July Notes held by you for
my account.
Dated:, 1997
Signature(s)
Please Print name(s) here
Address(es)
Area Code and Telephone Number(s)
Tax Identification or Social Security Number(s)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
None of the Old Notes held by us for your account will be tendered unless
we receive written instructions from you to do so. Unless a specific contrary
instruction is given in the space provided, your signature(s) hereon shall
constitute an instruction to us to tender all the Old Notes held by us for your
account.
2
