<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 19, 1996
REGISTRATION NO. 33-53485
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
VIACOM INC. VIACOM INTERNATIONAL INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) (formerly known as Viacom International Services Inc.)
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
04-2949533 13-3844753
(IRS Employer Identification No.) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
1515 BROADWAY 1515 BROADWAY
NEW YORK, NY 10036 NEW YORK, NY 10036
(212) 258-6000 (212) 258-6000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant's principal executive including area code, of registrant's principal executive
offices) offices)
</TABLE>
------------------------
PHILIPPE P. DAUMAN, ESQ.
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT,
GENERAL COUNSEL, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER AND SECRETARY
VIACOM INC.
1515 BROADWAY
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
(212) 258-6000
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
------------------------------
WITH COPIES TO:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
STEPHEN T. GIOVE, ESQ. CANDACE K. BEINECKE, ESQ. JOEL S. HOFFMAN, ESQ.
SHEARMAN & STERLING STEPHEN LUGER, ESQ. SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT
599 LEXINGTON AVENUE HUGHES HUBBARD & REED 425 LEXINGTON AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022 ONE BATTERY PARK PLAZA NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017-3909
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
</TABLE>
------------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time
to time after the effective date of this registration statement.
If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. / /
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend
or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. /X/
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. / /
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. / /
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. / /
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, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
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<PAGE>
EXPLANATORY NOTE
On July 31, 1996 Viacom Inc. ("Viacom") completed the split-off of its cable
systems through the split-off (the "Cable Split-Off") of its wholly owned
subsidiary, Viacom International Inc., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter
referred to as "Old VII"), to the common shareholders of Viacom pursuant to an
exchange offer. Prior to the Cable Split-Off, Old VII transferred to Viacom
International Services Inc., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as
"New VII"), substantially all of the non-cable assets of Old VII and New VII
assumed substantially all of the liabilities of Old VII (other than certain
indebtedness incurred in connection with the Cable Split-Off). Old VII, which
was renamed TCI Pacific Communications, Inc. upon becoming a wholly owned
subsidiary of Tele-Communications Inc. immediately after the Cable Split-Off,
ceased to be and is no longer a subsidiary of Viacom. New VII, which was renamed
Viacom International Inc. in connection with the Cable Split-Off, continues to
be a wholly owned subsidiary of Viacom. Included in the liabilities of Old VII
so assumed by New VII were the guarantees given by Old VII with respect to the
$1.55 billion aggregate principal amount of debt securities of Viacom, which
debt securities (together with such guarantees) were registered, offered, sold
and distributed in connection with this Registration Statement.
In order for New VII to become the successor issuer to Old VII with respect
to the guarantees of debt securities of Viacom which have been registered under
this Registration Statement but which have not been offered, sold or
distributed, New VII filed Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is filing this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule
414(d) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). By
the filing of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and this Post-Effective Amendment
No. 2 to this Registration Statement, New VII hereby adopts this Registration
Statement as its own Registration Statement for all purposes of the Securities
Act. The Prospectus contained in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to this
Registration Statement sets forth the additional information necessary to
reflect any material changes made in connection with or resulting from the
Cable-Split Off, or necessary to keep the Registration Statement from being
misleading in any material respect.
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
$3,000,000,000
------------------
VIACOM INC.
SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
SENIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
PREFERRED STOCK
CONTINGENT VALUE RIGHTS
UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED AS TO PAYMENT OF
PRINCIPAL, PREMIUM, IF ANY, AND INTEREST ON
DEBT SECURITIES, TO THE EXTENT SET FORTH IN THE
APPLICABLE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, BY
VIACOM INTERNATIONAL INC.
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF VIACOM INC.)
------------------------
Viacom Inc. ("Viacom") may offer from time to time (i) its senior unsecured
debt securities (the "Senior Debt Securities"); (ii) its senior subordinated
unsecured debt securities (the "Senior Subordinated Debt Securities"); (iii) its
subordinated unsecured debt securities (the "Subordinated Debt Securities" and,
together with the Senior Debt Securities and Senior Subordinated Debt
Securities, the "Debt Securities"); (iv) shares of its preferred stock (the
"Preferred Stock"); and (v) its contingent value rights ("CVRs"), representing
the right to receive (under certain circumstances) cash or securities of Viacom
depending on market prices of Viacom's Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per
share ("Class B Common Stock"), during certain specified periods, in one or more
series, or any combination of the foregoing. The aggregate gross proceeds from
the offer, sale and distribution of Debt Securities, Preferred Stock and CVRs
hereunder will not exceed $3.0 billion. As of the date of this Prospectus, the
aggregate gross proceeds from Debt Securities which have been offered, sold and
distributed hereunder is $1.55 billion. See "Explanatory Note--Updated
Prospectus."
The Senior Subordinated Debt Securities will be subordinated in right of
payment to all existing and future Senior Obligations of Viacom, and the
Subordinated Debt Securities will be subordinated in right of payment to all
existing and future Senior and Senior Subordinated Obligations of Viacom. See
"Description of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities--Subordination",
"Description of Subordinated Debt Securities--Subordination" and "Description of
Debt Securities--Certain Definitions" for the definition of "Senior Obligations"
and "Senior and Senior Subordinated Obligations". The Senior Debt Securities,
the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities and the Subordinated Debt Securities
will be unconditionally guaranteed (the "Guarantees") as to the payment of
principal, premium, if any, and interest, to the extent set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement (as defined below), by Viacom International (as
defined below) on a senior basis, a senior subordinated basis and a subordinated
basis, respectively.
Specific terms of the securities in respect of which this Prospectus is
being delivered ("Offered Securities") will be set forth in one or more
supplements to this Prospectus (each a "Prospectus Supplement"), together with
the terms of the offering of the Offered Securities, the initial price thereof
and the net proceeds from the sale thereof. Debt Securities may be issued as
Original Issue Discount Debt Securities (as defined in "Description of Debt
Securities--General") to be sold at a substantial discount below their principal
amount and, if issued, certain terms thereof will be set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement related thereto.
------------------------
FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS, SEE "CERTAIN CONSIDERATIONS".
---------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
------------------------
Viacom may sell the Offered Securities to or through underwriters and may
also sell the Offered Securities directly to one or more other purchasers or
through dealers or agents. Viacom may also distribute the Offered Securities
directly to certain of its security holders in satisfaction of its obligations
in respect of the outstanding securities held by such security holders. See
"Plan of Distribution." The names of any underwriters, dealers or agents
involved in the sale of the Offered Securities and any applicable commission or
discount arrangements with them will be set forth in an accompanying Prospectus
Supplement.
<PAGE>
This Prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of Offered Securities
unless accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement.
------------------------
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS , 1996.
<PAGE>
NO DEALER, SALESMAN OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND, IF
GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY VIACOM OR VIACOM INTERNATIONAL, OR ANY UNDERWRITER,
DEALER OR AGENT. NEITHER THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT CONSTITUTES AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO BUY
ANY OF THE SECURITIES HEREBY OR THEREBY OFFERED IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY
PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN SUCH
JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY ACCOMPANYING
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN OR THEREIN IS
CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF OR THEREOF OR THAT THERE
HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF VIACOM OR VIACOM INTERNATIONAL SINCE SUCH
DATE OR, IN THE CASE OF INFORMATION INCORPORATED HEREIN OR THEREIN BY REFERENCE,
THE DATE OF FILING WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.
EXPLANATORY NOTE--UPDATED PROSPECTUS
On July 31, 1996 Viacom completed the split-off of its cable systems through
the split-off (the "Cable Split-Off") of its wholly owned subsidiary, Viacom
International Inc., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as "Old
VII"), to the common shareholders of Viacom pursuant to an exchange offer. Prior
to the Cable Split-Off, Old VII transferred to Viacom International Services
Inc., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as "New VII"),
substantially all of the non-cable assets of Old VII and New VII assumed
substantially all of the liabilities of Old VII (other than certain indebtedness
incurred in connection with the Cable Split-Off). Old VII, which was renamed TCI
Pacific Communications, Inc. upon becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of
Tele-Communications Inc. immediately after the Cable Split-Off, ceased to be and
is no longer a subsidiary of Viacom. New VII, which was renamed Viacom
International Inc. in connection with the Cable Split-Off, continues to be a
wholly owned subsidiary of Viacom. Included in the liabilities of Old VII so
assumed by New VII were the guarantees given by Old VII with respect to the
$1.55 billion aggregate principal amount of debt securites of Viacom, which debt
securities (together with such guarantees) were registered, offered, sold and
distributed in connection with the Prospectus dated May 10, 1995 of Viacom and
Old VII (the "1995 Prospectus") and the applicable Prospectus Supplements. This
Prospectus updates and replaces the 1995 Prospectus. In this Prospectus, unless
otherwise indicated or the context requires, otherwise, "Viacom International"
means (i) Old VII prior to July 31, 1996 and (ii) New VII on or after July 31,
1996.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Viacom is currently subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in
accordance therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). The reports, proxy
statements and other information filed by Viacom with the Commission can be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549 and should be available at the Commission's Regional Offices at Seven
World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and Citicorp Center,
500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of
such material also can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549, at
prescribed rates. In addition, the Commission maintains a Web site that contains
reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding
registrants that file electronically, such as Viacom. The address of the
Commission's Web site is http://www.sec.gov. Material filed by Viacom can also
be inspected at the offices of the American Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "AMEX"),
86 Trinity Place, New York, New York 10006. As of September 13, 1996, Viacom
International is not required to file reports, proxy statements or other
information with the Commission pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange
Act. Instead, information with respect to Viacom International is provided, to
the extent required, in filings made by Viacom.
2
<PAGE>
This Prospectus constitutes part of a registration statement (the
"Registration Statement") filed by Viacom and Viacom International with the
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
As permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission, this Prospectus
omits certain of the information contained in the Registration Statement. For
further information with respect to Viacom and Viacom International and the
Offered Securities, reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and
to the exhibits thereto. Copies of the Registration Statement and the exhibits
thereto 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 public reference facilities of the Commission described above.
Statements contained herein concerning the provisions of documents are
necessarily summaries of such documents, and each statement is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the copy of the applicable document filed with the
Commission, copies of which may be obtained as provided in the preceding
paragraph.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents filed with the Commission by Viacom (File No.
1-9553) and Viacom International (File No. 1-9554) pursuant to the Exchange Act
are incorporated by reference in this Prospectus:
1. Viacom's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1995;
2. Viacom's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March
31, 1996, June 30, 1996 and September 30, 1996;
3. Viacom's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed April 14, 1995; January
18, 1996; July 19, 1996; and August 1, 1996; and
4. Item 8 of Viacom International's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1993, as amended by Form 10-K/A Amendment No. 1
dated May 2, 1994.
All documents and reports filed by Viacom (or, to the extent applicable,
Viacom International), if any, 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 offering of the Offered Securities shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus and to be a part of this Prospectus from the dates
of filing of such documents or reports. Any statement contained herein or 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 accompanying Prospectus
Supplement) or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is
deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such
statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed,
except as so modified and superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
This Prospectus incorporates documents by reference which are not presented
herein or delivered herewith. Such documents (other than exhibits to such
documents unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference) are
available, without charge, to any person, including any beneficial owner, to
whom a copy of this Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request to
Viacom Inc., 1515 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, Attention: John H. Burke
(telephone number (212) 258-6000).
THE COMPANY
GENERAL
Viacom Inc. (together with its subsidiaries and divisions, unless the
context otherwise requires, the "Company") is a diversified entertainment and
publishing company with operations in four segments: (i) Networks and
Broadcasting, (ii) Entertainment, (iii) Video and Music/Theme Parks and (iv)
Publishing. Through the Networks and Broadcasting segment, the Company operates
MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION-Registered Trademark-, SHOWTIME-Registered Trademark-,
NICKELODEON-Registered Trademark-/NICK AT NITE-Registered Trademark- and VHI
MUSIC FIRST-TM-, among other program services, and 11 broadcast television and
10 radio stations. Through the Entertainment segment, which
3
<PAGE>
includes PARAMOUNT PICTURES-TM- and the Company's approximately 75%-owned
subsidiary SPELLING ENTERTAINMENT GROUP INC., the Company produces and
distributes theatrical motion pictures and television programming. Through the
Video and Music/Theme Parks segment, which includes the
BLOCKBUSTER-Registered Trademark- family of businesses and PARAMOUNT
PARKS-Registered Trademark-, the Company is the leading worldwide owner,
operator and franchisor of videocassette rental and sales stores and a leading
owner and operator of music stores in the U.S. In addition, PARAMOUNT PARKS owns
and operates five theme parks and one water park in the U.S. and Canada. Through
the Publishing segment, which includes SIMON & SCHUSTER-Registered Trademark-,
MACMILLAN PUBLISHING USA-TM- and PRENTICE HALL-Registered Trademark-, the
Company publishes and distributes educational, consumer, business, technical and
professional books, and audio-video software products. The Company's principal
offices are located at 1515 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 and its telephone
number is (212) 258-6000. See "--Recent Developments."
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
As described more fully in the "Explanatory Note--Updated Prospectus" above,
on July 31, 1996 Viacom completed the Cable Split-Off. In connection with the
Cable Split-Off (i) substantially all of the non-cable assets of Old VII,
together with $1.7 billion of proceeds from borrowings under a credit agreement
entered into by Old VII in connection with the Cable Split-Off, were transferred
to New VII, (ii) New VII assumed substantially all of the liabilities of Old VII
(other than the liabilities under such credit agreement), (iii) Viacom reduced
its debt by $1.7 billion and (iv) the total number of outstanding common shares
of Viacom was reduced by approximately 4.1%.
CERTAIN CONSIDERATIONS
PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE OFFERED SECURITIES SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY
ALL OF THE INFORMATION SET FORTH OR INCORPORATED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND ANY
ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND, IN PARTICULAR, THE FOLLOWING:
TOTAL INDEBTEDNESS
As of September 30, 1996, Viacom had outstanding total indebtedness of
approximately $10.2 billion and 5% preferred stock with a liquidation preference
of $1.2 billion. As of September 30, 1996, the Company's scheduled maturities of
indebtedness through December 31, 2000 assuming full utilization of credit
agreements were $37 million (1996), $752 million (1997), $1.0 billion (1998),
$1.5 billion (1999) and $1.3 billion (2000). The Company's preferred stock
dividend requirement is $60 million per year.
FRAUDULENT CONVEYANCE CONSIDERATIONS
Viacom's obligations under the Debt Securities will be guaranteed to the
extent set forth herein and in the applicable Prospectus Supplement by Viacom
International. See "Description of Senior Debt Securities--Guarantees",
"Description of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities--Senior Subordinated
Guarantees" and "Description of Subordinated Debt Securities--Subordinated
Guarantees". Various federal and state fraudulent conveyance laws have been
enacted for the protection of creditors and may be utilized by a court of
competent jurisdiction to subordinate or avoid all or part of any Guarantee
issued by Viacom International.
To the extent that a court were to find that (x) a Guarantee was incurred by
Viacom International with intent to hinder, delay or defraud any present or
future creditor or (y) Viacom International did not receive fair consideration
or reasonably equivalent value for issuing its Guarantee and Viacom
International (i) was insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of the issuance
of the Guarantee, (ii) was engaged or about to engage in a business or
transaction for which the remaining assets of Viacom International constituted
unreasonably small capital to carry on its business or (iii) intended to incur,
or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as
they matured, the court could subordinate or avoid all or part of such Guarantee
in favor of Viacom International's other creditors. To the extent any Guarantee
issued by Viacom International was avoided as a fraudulent conveyance or held
unenforceable
4
<PAGE>
for any other reason, the holders of Debt Securities guaranteed by Viacom
International would cease to have any claim against Viacom International and
would be creditors solely of Viacom.
Viacom and Viacom International believe that the issuances of the Guarantees
by Viacom International are not fraudulent conveyances. There can be no
assurance, however, that a court passing on such questions would reach the same
conclusions. In rendering their opinions on the validity of the Offered
Securities and, if applicable, the related Guarantees, neither counsel for
Viacom and Viacom International nor counsel for the underwriters will express
any opinion as to federal or state laws relating to fraudulent transfers.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds from the sale of the Offered Securities may be used by
Viacom to repay, redeem, repurchase or satisfy its obligations in respect of its
outstanding indebtedness or other securities; to make loans to its subsidiaries;
for general corporate purposes; or for such other purposes as may be specified
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Viacom also may distribute the Offered
Securities directly to certain of its security holders in satisfaction of its
obligations in respect of the outstanding securities held by such security
holders. A description of any indebtedness to be refinanced or obligations, in
respect of securities, to be satisfied with Offered Securities or the proceeds
of the Offered Securities will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES
AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
The following table sets forth (i) the ratio of earnings to fixed charges
for the Company for the nine-month period ended September 30, 1996 and for each
year in the five-year period ended December 31, 1995 and (ii) the ratio of
earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for the Company
for the nine-month period ended September 30, 1996 and for each applicable year
in the five-year period ended December 31, 1995. For purposes of computing the
following ratios, earnings represent income from operations before fixed charges
and taxes, and fixed charges represent interest on indebtedness, amortization of
debt discount and such portion of rental expense which is deemed to be
representative of the interest factor. The ratios set forth below should be read
in conjunction with the financial statements of the Company incorporated in this
Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
NINE MONTHS ENDED ------------------------------------------
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
--------------------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges........................ 1.5x 1.7x 1.7x 2.8x 1.8x
Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred
Stock Dividends......................................... 1.3x 1.5x 1.1x 2.5x (a)
<CAPTION>
1991
---------
<S> <C>
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges........................ 1.0x
Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred
Stock Dividends......................................... (a)
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(a) The Company did not have any preferred stock outstanding from 1991 to
October 1993.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS RELATING TO THE DEBT SECURITIES AND THE INDENTURES
(AS DEFINED BELOW) ARE SUMMARIES AND DO NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE. SUCH
SUMMARIES MAY MAKE USE OF CERTAIN TERMS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURES AND ARE
QUALIFIED IN THEIR ENTIRETY BY EXPRESS REFERENCE TO SUCH INDENTURES. IN
ADDITION, CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS, INCLUDING "CREDIT AGREEMENT", USED IN THIS
SECTION AND UNDER "DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES", "DESCRIPTION OF
SENIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES" AND "DESCRIPTION OF SUBORDINATED DEBT
SECURITIES" ARE SET FORTH BELOW UNDER "--CERTAIN DEFINITIONS"; CERTAIN DEFINED
TERMS RELATING ONLY TO THE SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES ARE SET FORTH BELOW UNDER
"DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES--CERTAIN DEFINITIONS IN THE SENIOR
INDENTURE". CAPITALIZED TERMS NOT OTHERWISE DEFINED BELOW OR ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM IN THE APPLICABLE INDENTURE.
5
<PAGE>
EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE NOTED, THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY TO THE
SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES, THE SENIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES AND THE
SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES. FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE SOLELY TO
SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES, SEE "DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES". FOR TERMS
AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE SOLELY TO SENIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES, SEE
"DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES". FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS
APPLICABLE SOLELY TO SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES, SEE "DESCRIPTION OF
SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES".
GENERAL
The Debt Securities will represent unsecured general obligations of Viacom.
The Senior Debt Securities will rank PARI PASSU with other unsecured
unsubordinated obligations of Viacom. The Senior Subordinated Debt Securities
will be subordinated and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in
full of all Senior Obligations of Viacom. See "--Certain Definitions" below. The
Subordinated Debt Securities will be subordinated and subject in right of
payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior and Senior Subordinated
Obligations of Viacom. See "--Certain Definitions" below.
The Senior Debt Securities will be issued under an Indenture dated May 15,
1995, as supplemented and amended, among Viacom, Viacom International, as
guarantor, and Citibank, N.A, trustee (the "Senior Indenture"). The Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities will be issued under an Indenture to be executed by
Viacom, Viacom International, as guarantor, and Citibank, N.A., trustee (the
"Senior Subordinated Indenture"). The Subordinated Debt Securities will be
issued under an Indenture to be executed by Viacom, Viacom International, as
guarantor, and Citibank, N.A., trustee (the "Subordinated Indenture"). In this
Prospectus, the Senior Indenture, the Senior Subordinated Indenture and the
Subordinated Indenture are sometimes collectively referred to as the
"Indentures" and individually as an "Indenture", and the trustees under the
Senior Indenture, the Senior Subordinated Indenture and the Subordinated
Indenture are sometimes collectively referred to as the "Trustees" and
individually as a "Trustee". Copies of the Indentures have been filed as
exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
Section references used in this Prospectus refer to the sections of all
Indentures unless otherwise indicated.
The Indentures provide that Debt Securities may be issued in separate series
thereunder without limitation as to aggregate principal amount. The terms of
each series of Debt Securities will be established by or pursuant to a
resolution of the Board of Directors of Viacom and set forth or determined in
the manner provided in an Officer's Certificate or by a supplemental indenture.
(Section 301) The Prospectus Supplement applicable to any particular series of
Debt Securities will describe the particular terms of the Debt Securities of
such series.
Debt Securities may be issued as Original Issue Discount Debt Securities. An
"Original Issue Discount Debt Security" is a Debt Security, including any
zero-coupon Debt Security, which is issued at a price lower than the amount
payable upon the Stated Maturity thereof, and which provides that, upon
redemption or acceleration of the Maturity thereof, an amount less than the
amount payable upon the Stated Maturity thereof and determined in accordance
with the terms of such Debt Security shall become due and payable. Special
United States federal income tax considerations applicable to Original Issue
Discount Debt Securities will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating
thereto.
FORM, EXCHANGE, REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER
Debt Securities of a series may be issuable solely as Registered Securities,
solely as Bearer Securities or as both Registered Securities and Bearer
Securities. Registered Securities will be issuable in denominations of $1,000
and integral multiples of $1,000 and Bearer Securities will be issuable in the
denomination of $5,000 or, in each case, in such other denominations as may be
in the terms of the Debt Securities of any particular series. The Indentures
also provide that Debt Securities of a series may be issuable in global form.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, Bearer
Securities will have interest coupons attached. (Sections 201 and 301)
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Registered Securities of any series will be exchangeable for other
Registered Securities of the same series and of a like aggregate principal
amount and tenor of different authorized denominations. If (but only if)
provided in the relevant Prospectus Supplement, Bearer Securities (with all
unmatured coupons, except as provided below, and all matured coupons in default)
of any series may be exchanged for Registered Securities of the same series of
any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount and tenor.
In such event, Bearer Securities surrendered in a permitted exchange for
Registered Securities between a Regular Record Date or a Special Record Date and
the relevant date for payment of interest shall be surrendered without the
coupon relating to such date for payment of interest, and interest will not be
payable on such date for payment of interest in respect of the Registered
Security issued in exchange for such Bearer Security, but will be payable only
to the Holder of such coupon when due in accordance with the terms of the
Indentures. (Section 305)
The Debt Securities may be presented for exchange as described above, and
Registered Securities may be presented for registration of transfer (duly
endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer), at the office of
the Security Registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by
Viacom for such purpose with respect to any series of Debt Securities and
referred to in an applicable Prospectus Supplement. No service charge will be
made for any transfer or exchange of Debt Securities, but Viacom may require
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge
payable in connection therewith. Viacom has appointed the Trustees as Security
Registrars. (Section 305) If a Prospectus Supplement refers to any transfer
agent (in addition to the Security Registrars) initially designated by Viacom
with respect to any series of Debt Securities, Viacom may at any time rescind
the designation of any such transfer agent or approve a change in the location
through which any such transfer agent acts, except that, if Debt Securities of a
series are issuable solely as Registered Securities, Viacom will be required to
maintain a transfer agent in each Place of Payment for such series and, if Debt
Securities of a series may be issuable both as Registered Securities and as
Bearer Securities, Viacom will be required to maintain (in addition to the
Security Registrars) a transfer agent in a Place of Payment for such series
located outside the United States. Viacom may at any time designate additional
transfer agents with respect to any series of Debt Securities. (Section 1002)
In the event of any redemption in part, Viacom shall not be required to (i)
issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Debt Securities of any series
during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before any
selection of Debt Securities of that series to be redeemed and ending at the
close of business on (A) if Debt Securities of the series are issuable only as
Registered Securities, the day of mailing of the relevant notice of redemption
and (B) if Debt Securities of the series are issuable as Bearer Securities, the
day of the first publication of the relevant notice of redemption or, if Debt
Securities of the series are also issuable as Registered Securities and there is
no publication, the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption; (ii) register
the transfer of or exchange any Registered Security, or portion thereof, called
for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any Registered Security being
redeemed in part; (iii) exchange any Bearer Security selected for redemption,
except to exchange such Bearer Security for a Registered Security of that series
and like tenor which is simultaneously surrendered for redemption; or (iv)
issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Debt Security which has been
surrendered for repayment at the option of the Holder, except the portion, if
any, thereof not to be so repaid. (Section 305)
REGISTERED GLOBAL SECURITIES
If provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement for a series of Debt
Securities, then the Debt Securities of such series initially will be issued in
the form of one or more fully registered global certificates (a "Registered
Global Security") that will be deposited with a depository (referred to in this
section as the "Depository"), and registered in the name of a nominee for the
Depository identified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series. In
such cases, one or more Registered Global Securities will be issued in a
denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate
principal amount of outstanding registered Debt Securities of the series to be
represented by such Registered Global Security or Securities. Unless and until
it is exchanged in whole or in part for Debt Securities in definitive registered
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form, a Registered Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole by
the Depository for such Registered Global Security to another nominee of such
Depository or to a successor of the Depository or its nominee.
The specific terms of the depository arrangement with respect to any portion
of a series of Debt Securities to be represented by a Registered Global Security
will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series. Viacom
anticipates that the following provisions will apply to all depository
arrangements.
Upon the issuance of a Registered Global Security by Viacom, the Depository
for such Registered Global Security will credit, on its book-entry registration
and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the Debt Securities
represented by such Registered Global Security to the accounts of persons that
have accounts with such Depository ("participants"). The accounts to be credited
shall be designated by any underwriters or agents participating in the
distribution of such Debt Securities or by Viacom if such Debt Securities are
offered and sold directly by Viacom. Ownership of beneficial interests in a
Registered Global Security will be limited to participants or persons that may
hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in such
Registered Global Security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership
will be effected only through, records maintained by the Depository for such
Registered Global Security (with respect to interests of participants) or by
participants or persons that hold through participants (with respect to
interests of persons other than participants). The laws of some states require
that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery in definitive form
of securities they own. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability to
transfer beneficial interests in a Registered Global Security.
So long as the Depository for a Registered Global Security, or its nominee,
is the registered owner of such Registered Global Security, such Depository or
such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of
the Debt Securities represented by such Registered Global Security for all
purposes under the respective Indenture. Except as set forth below, owners of
beneficial interests in a Registered Global Security will not be entitled to
have the Debt Securities represented by such Registered Global Security
registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical
delivery of such Debt Securities in definitive form and will not be considered
the owners or holders thereof under the respective Indenture.
None of Viacom, Viacom International, as guarantor, the Trustee under the
respective Indenture, any Paying Agent or any Security Registrar for such Debt
Securities will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership
interests in such Registered Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments on Debt Securities
represented by a Registered Global Security registered in the name of a
Depository or its nominee will be made by the Trustee to such Depository or its
nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of such Debt Securities.
Under the terms of the Indentures, Viacom, Viacom International, as guarantor,
and the Trustee will treat the persons in whose names Debt Securities are
registered as the owners of such Debt Securities for the purpose of receiving
payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on such Debt Securities and
for all other purposes whatsoever. Viacom expects that the Depository for any
Debt Securities represented by a Registered Global Security, upon receipt of any
payment of principal, premium or interest, will immediately credit participants'
accounts with such payments in amounts proportionate to their respective
beneficial interests in the principal amount of such Registered Global Security
as shown on the records of such Depository. Viacom also expects that payments by
participants and indirect participants to owners of beneficial interests in such
Registered Global Security or Securities will be governed by standing
instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities
held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street
name", and will be the responsibility of such participants or indirect
participants.
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If the Depository for any Debt Securities represented by a Registered Global
Security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as Depository and a
successor Depository is not appointed by Viacom within 90 days, then Viacom will
issue Debt Securities of such series in definitive form in exchange for the
Registered Global Security evidencing such series. In addition, Viacom may at
any time and in its sole discretion determine not to have the Debt Securities of
a series represented by a Registered Global Security and, in such event, will
issue Debt Securities of such series in definitive form in exchange for the
Registered Global Securities or Securities representing such Debt Securities. In
either instance, an owner of a beneficial interest in such a Registered Global
Security will be entitled to have Debt Securities of such series equal in
principal amount to such beneficial interest registered in its name and will be
entitled to physical delivery of Debt Securities of such series in definitive
form. Debt Securities so issued in definitive form will, except as set forth in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement, be issued in denominations of $1,000 and
integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof and will be issued in registered
form only, without coupons. Further, if Viacom so specifies in the Prospectus
Supplement with respect to the Debt Securities of a series, an owner of a
beneficial interest in a Registered Global Security representing such Debt
Securities may, on terms acceptable to Viacom and the Depository for such
Registered Global Securities, receive such Debt Securities in definitive form.
PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENTS
Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, principal
of, premium, if any, and interest on Registered Securities will be payable,
subject to any applicable laws and regulations, at the office of such Paying
Agent or Paying Agents as Viacom may designate from time to time, except that at
the option of Viacom payment of any interest may be made (i) in the case of
Senior Debt Securities, in immediately available funds by transfer to an account
maintained by the payee located in the United States and (ii) in the case of
Senior Subordinated Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities, by check
mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall
appear in the Security Register or by transfer to an account maintained by the
payee in the United States. (Sections 301, 307, 1002) Unless otherwise indicated
in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment of interest on a Registered
Security on any Interest Payment Date will be made to the Person in whose name
such Debt Security (or Predecessor Debt Security) is registered at the close of
business on the Regular Record Date for such interest. (Section 307)
Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment
of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on Bearer Securities
will be made, subject to any applicable laws and regulations, at such office
outside the United States as specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement
and as Viacom may designate from time to time or by transfer to an account
maintained by the payee with a bank located outside the United States. Unless
otherwise indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment of interest
on Bearer Securities will be made only against surrender of the coupon relating
to such Interest Payment Date. No payment with respect to any Bearer Security
will be made at any office or agency of Viacom in the United States or by check
mailed to any address in the United States or by transfer to an account
maintained with a bank located in the United States. (Sections 301, 307, 1001)
Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee will be designated as a Paying Agent for
Viacom for payments with respect to the Debt Securities of each series. Any
Paying Agents initially designated by Viacom for the Debt Securities of each
series will be named in an applicable Prospectus Supplement. Viacom may at any
time designate additional Paying Agents or rescind the designation of any Paying
Agent or approve a change in the office through which any Paying Agent acts,
except that Viacom will be required to maintain a Paying Agent in each Place of
Payment for such series.
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All moneys paid by Viacom or Viacom International, as guarantor, to a Paying
Agent for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any
Debt Security of any series that remain unclaimed at the end of two years after
such principal, premium or interest shall have become due and payable will be
repaid to Viacom or Viacom International, as guarantor, as the case may be, and
the Holder of such Debt Security will thereafter look only to Viacom and Viacom
International for payment thereof. (Section 1003)
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
The following are Events of Default with respect to a series of Debt
Securities under each Indenture, unless otherwise indicated in an applicable
Prospectus Supplement and except as noted below: (1) default in the payment of
any interest on any Debt Security of such series, or any related coupon, issued
under such Indenture when such interest or coupon becomes due and payable, and
continuance of such default for a period of 30 days whether or not, in the case
of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities and the Subordinated Debt Securities,
such payment shall be prohibited by the subordination provisions of Article
Thirteen (Subordination) or Article Fourteen (Subordinated Guarantees) of the
Senior Subordinated Indenture and Subordinated Indenture, respectively; (2)
default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Debt
Security of such series when due and payable, at its Maturity, upon
acceleration, redemption or otherwise, whether or not, in the case of the Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities, such payment
shall be prohibited by the subordination provisions of Article Thirteen
(Subordination) or Article Fourteen (Subordinated Guarantees) of the Senior
Subordinated Indenture and Subordinated Indenture, respectively; (3) default in
the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of Viacom in such
Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or
whose breach is elsewhere in the relevant Indenture specifically dealt with or
which has expressly been included in that Indenture solely for the benefit of a
series of Debt Securities other than that series) and continuance of such
default or breach for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by
registered or certified mail, to Viacom and all relevant Agent Banks by the
Trustee or to Viacom, the Trustee and all relevant Agent Banks by the holders of
at least, (i) in the case of Senior Debt Securities, 25%, and, (ii) in the case
of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities,
33 1/3%, in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series a
written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied
and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default" under the relevant
Indenture; (4) one or more defaults shall have occurred under any agreements,
indentures or instruments under which Viacom then has outstanding Indebtedness
in excess of $100 million in the aggregate and, if not already matured at its
final maturity in accordance with its terms, such Indebtedness shall have been
accelerated and remains unpaid; (5) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in
the premises of a money judgment in an amount in excess of, (i) in the case of
Senior Debt Securities, $100 million, and, (ii) in the case of Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities, $250 million,
against Viacom which has become final and not subject to appeal, and the
continuance of any such judgment unstayed, in effect and unpaid for a period of,
(i) in the case of Senior Debt Securities, 60 days, and, (ii) in the case of
Senior Subordinated Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities, 90 days;
and (6) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of Viacom or,
if a guarantor, Viacom International. (Section 501)
Unless otherwise specified in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, if an
Event of Default with respect to a series of Debt Securities (other than as
specified in (6) above) shall occur and be continuing under an Indenture, either
the applicable Trustee or the Holders of not less than, (i) in the case of
Senior Debt Securities, 25%, and, (ii) in the case of Senior Subordinated Debt
Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities, 33 1/3%, in aggregate principal
amount of such series of Debt Securities outstanding may declare immediately due
and payable the "Default Amount", which is defined as the unpaid principal (or,
if the Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Debt Securities,
such portion of the principal amount thereof as may be specified in the terms of
that series) of (and premium, if any) and any accrued interest in respect of
each such Debt Security outstanding; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, with respect to
the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities and the Subordinated Debt Securities, if
any Credit Agreement is then in
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effect, such declaration shall not become effective until the first to occur of
(i) an acceleration under any Credit Agreement or (ii) the fifth Business Day
after notice of such declaration is received by Viacom and each Agent Bank
(unless on or prior to such fifth Business Day Viacom shall have discharged or
caused to be discharged the Indebtedness, if any, that is the subject of the
Event of Default or otherwise cured the default relating to the Event of
Default); and PROVIDED FURTHER that no action on the part of such Trustee or any
Holder of such Debt Securities is required for such declaration if an Event of
Default specified in (6) above shall occur and be continuing; and PROVIDED
FURTHER that, after such declaration, but before a judgment or decree based on
such declaration has been obtained, the Holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of Outstanding Debt Securities of such series may, under
certain circumstances, rescind or annul such declaration if all Events of
Default, other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal, have been cured or
waived as provided in the Indenture. (Section 502) The Holders of not less than
a majority in principal amount of a series of Debt Securities Outstanding also
have the right to waive certain past defaults under their respective Indenture
on behalf of the Holders of all the Debt Securities of such series. (Section
513)
Unless otherwise specified in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, no Holder
of any Debt Security of any series issued under an Indenture has any right to
institute any proceeding with respect to such Indenture, or for any remedy
thereunder, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, unless (i) such
Holder has previously given to the Trustee with respect to such Indenture
written notice of a continuing Event of Default under such Indenture, (ii) the
Holders of not less than, (A) in the case of Senior Debt Securities, 25%, and,
(B) in the case of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt
Securities, 33 1/3%, in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of
such series issued under such Indenture have made written request, and offered
an indemnity reasonably satisfactory, to such Trustee to institute such
proceeding as Trustee under the Indenture and (iii) the Trustee has not received
from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt
Securities of such series a direction inconsistent with such request and the
Trustee has failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days after receipt of
such notice. (Section 507) Such limitations do not apply, however, to a suit
instituted by a Holder of a Debt Security of such series for the enforcement of
payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on such Debt
Security on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Debt Security.
(Section 508)
During the existence of an Event of Default, the Trustee is required to
exercise such rights and powers vested in it under the Indenture and use the
same degree of care and skill in its exercise thereof as a prudent person would
exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person's own affairs.
Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
Trustee, in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee
is not under any obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the
Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders
shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory
to the Trustee. (Section 602) Subject to such provisions for the indemnification
of the Trustee and to certain other limitations, the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of a series of Outstanding Debt Securities shall have the right
to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the
Trustee under the Indenture. (Section 512)
Viacom is required to furnish to each Trustee an annual statement as to the
performance by Viacom of its obligations under each Indenture and as to any
default in such performance. Viacom is also required to notify each Trustee of
any event that is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an
Event of Default. (Section 1008)
MEETINGS, MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Modifications and amendments of an Indenture may be made by Viacom, Viacom
International, as guarantor, and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of
not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt
Securities of each series affected by such modification or
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amendment; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no such modification or amendment may,
without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Debt Security affected
thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment
of principal of or interest on, any Debt Security or the terms of any sinking
fund or analogous payment with respect to any Debt Security, (b) reduce the
principal amount of, or premium or interest on, any Debt Security, (c) change
any obligation of Viacom to pay additional amounts, (d) reduce the amount of
principal of an Original Issue Discount Debt Security payable upon acceleration
of the Maturity thereof or provable in bankruptcy, (e) change the Place of
Payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any Debt Security or any
premium or interest thereon is payable, (f) impair the right to institute suit
for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any Debt Security, (g)
reduce the percentage in principal amount of Outstanding Debt Securities of any
series, the consent of whose Holders is required for modification or amendment
of such Indenture or for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of such
Indenture or for waiver of certain defaults, (h) reduce the requirements
contained in such Indenture for quorum or voting, (i) change any obligation of
Viacom to maintain an office or agency in the places and for the purposes
required by such Indenture, or (j) reduce the obligations of Viacom
International, if any, in respect of the due and punctual payment of any
principal of, premium or interest on any Debt Security or any additional amounts
in respect thereof. (Section 902)
The Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Outstanding Debt Securities of a series may, on behalf of the Holders of all the
Debt Securities of that series, waive, insofar as that series is concerned,
compliance by Viacom with certain provisions of an Indenture. (Section 1009) The
Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Outstanding Debt Securities of a series may, on behalf of all Holders of Debt
Securities of that series, waive any past default under the Indenture with
respect to Debt Securities of that series, except a default (a) in the payment
of principal of or any premium or interest on any Debt Security of such series
or (b) in respect of any other provision of the Indenture that cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Debt
Security of such series affected thereby. (Section 513)
Each Indenture provides that, in determining whether the Holders of the
requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities have given any
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver thereunder
or are present at a meeting of Holders of Debt Securities for quorum purposes,
the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Debt Security that shall be
deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount that would be due and payable as of
the date of such determination upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof.
(Section 101)
Unless otherwise specified in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, each
Indenture contains provisions for convening meetings of the Holders of Debt
Securities of any or all series. (Section 1601) A meeting may be called at any
time by the Trustee, and also, upon request, by Viacom or the Holders of at
least 33 1/3% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities
of such series, in any such case upon notice given in accordance with
"--Notices" below. (Section 1602) Except for any consent that must be given by
the Holder of each Outstanding Debt Security affected thereby, as described
above, any resolution presented at a meeting or adjourned meeting at which a
quorum is present may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, except for any consent that must be given by the Holder
of each Outstanding Debt Security affected thereby, as described above, any
resolution with respect to any consent, waiver, request, demand, notice,
authorization, direction or other action that may be made, given or taken by the
Holders of not less than a specified percentage in principal amount of the
Outstanding Debt Securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or an
adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present only by the affirmative vote of
the Holders of not less than such specified percentage in principal amount of
the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series. Any resolution passed or
decision taken at any meeting of Holders of Debt Securities of any series duly
held in accordance with an Indenture will be binding on all Holders of Debt
Securities of that series. The quorum at any meeting called to adopt a
resolution, and at any adjourned meeting, will be Persons holding or
representing a majority in principal
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amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of a series; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that,
if any action is to be taken at such meeting with respect to a consent, waiver,
request, demand, notice, authorization, direction or other action that may be
given by the Holders of not less than a specified percentage in principal amount
of the Outstanding Debt Securities of a series, the Persons holding or
representing such specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding
Debt Securities of such series will constitute a quorum. (Section 1604)
NOTICES
Notices to Holders of Debt Securities will be given by mail to the addresses
of such Holders as they appear in the Security Register. (Sections 101, 106)
TITLE
Viacom, Viacom International, as guarantor, the Trustee and any agent of
Viacom, Viacom International, as guarantor, or the Trustee may treat the
registered owner of any registered Debt Security as the absolute owner thereof
(whether or not such Debt Security shall be overdue and notwithstanding any
notice to the contrary) for the purpose of making payment and for all other
purposes. (Section 309)
REPLACEMENT OF DEBT SECURITIES
Any mutilated Debt Security will be replaced by Viacom at the expense of the
Holder upon surrender of such Debt Security to the Trustee. Debt Securities that
become destroyed, lost or stolen will be replaced by Viacom at the expense of
the Holder upon delivery to the Trustee of evidence of the destruction, loss or
theft thereof satisfactory to Viacom and the Trustee. In the case of a
destroyed, lost or stolen Debt Security, an indemnity satisfactory to the
Trustee and Viacom may be required at the expense of the Holder of such Debt
Security before a replacement Debt Security will be issued. (Section 306)
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement for a
series of Debt Securities, Viacom may elect either (i) to defease and be
discharged (and, if applicable, to have Viacom International defeased and
discharged) from any and all obligations with respect to such Outstanding Debt
Securities (except as otherwise provided in the Indenture) ("defeasance") or
(ii) to be released from its obligations with respect to certain covenants that
are described in the Indenture ("covenant defeasance"), upon the deposit with
the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee), in trust for such purpose, of money
and/or Government Obligations that through the payment of principal and interest
in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient,
without reinvestment, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on
the Debt Securities of such series to Maturity or redemption, as the case may
be, and any mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments thereon. As a condition
to defeasance or covenant defeasance, Viacom must deliver to the Trustee an
Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of the Debt Securities of such
series will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income
tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be
subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same
manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance or
covenant defeasance had not occurred. Such Opinion of Counsel, in the case of
defeasance under clause (i) above, must refer to and be based upon a ruling of
the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable United States federal
income tax law occurring after the date of the Indenture. (Senior Indenture
Article Fifteen, Senior Subordinated Indenture Article Seventeen and
Subordinated Indenture Article Seventeen)
Viacom may exercise its defeasance option with respect to Debt Securities of
any series notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option.
If Viacom exercises its defeasance option, payment of the Debt Securities of
such series may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default and the
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Guarantees relating to such Debt Securities will cease to exist. If Viacom
exercises its covenant defeasance option, payment of the Debt Securities of such
series may not be accelerated by reference to any covenant from which Viacom is
released as described under clause (ii) above. However, if acceleration were to
occur for other reasons, the realizable value at the acceleration date of the
money and Government Obligations in the defeasance trust could be less than the
principal and interest then due on the Debt Securities of such series, in that
the required deposit in the defeasance trust is based upon scheduled cash flows
rather than market value, which will vary depending upon interest rates and
other factors.
GOVERNING LAW
The Indentures, the Debt Securities and, if applicable, the Guarantees, will
be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New
York. (Section 113)
REGARDING THE TRUSTEE
Viacom and Viacom International maintain deposit accounts and banking and
borrowing relations with Citibank, N.A., the trustee under the Senior Indenture,
the Senior Subordinated Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture, and such
trustee is currently a lender to Viacom and Viacom International. The trustee
may be removed by Viacom at any time with respect to the Debt Securities of any
series, PROVIDED
that Viacom immediately appoints a successor trustee meeting the requirements
for trustees specified in the Indentures and PROVIDED FURTHER that no Default
with respect to such Debt Securities has occurred and is continuing. (Section
608)
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise specified in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
following definitions are applicable to one or all of the Indentures relating to
the Debt Securities:
"Capitalized Lease" means any obligation of a Person to pay rent or
other amounts incurred with respect to real property or equipment acquired
or leased by such Person and used in its business that is required to be
recorded as a capital lease in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied as in effect from time to time.
"Credit Agreement" means any credit agreement under which Viacom or any
successor thereto is a borrower, in the principal amount of at least $100
million.
"Currency Agreement" means any foreign exchange contract, currency swap
agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement relating to fluctuations
in currency values.
"Indebtedness" of any Person means, without duplication (i) any
obligation of such Person for money borrowed, (ii) any obligation of such
Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments,
(iii) any reimbursement obligation of such Person in respect of letters of
credit or other similar instruments which support financial obligations
which would otherwise become Indebtedness, (iv) any obligation of such
Person under Capitalized Leases (other than in respect of (x)
telecommunications equipment including, without limitation, satellite
transponders, and (y) theme park equipment and attractions), and (v) any
obligation of any third party to the extent secured by a Lien on the assets
of such Person; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that "Indebtedness" of such Person shall
not include any obligation of such Person (i) to any Subsidiary of such
Person or to any Person with respect to which such Person is a Subsidiary or
(ii) specifically with respect to the production, distribution or
acquisition of motion pictures or other programming rights, talent or
publishing rights. When used with respect to Viacom, the term "Indebtedness"
also includes any obligation of Viacom International specified in clauses
(i) through (v) above to the extent that said Indebtedness is guaranteed by
Viacom.
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"Interest Rate Agreement" means any interest rate swap agreement,
interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement or other similar
agreement relating to fluctuations in interest rates.
"Lien" means any pledge, mortgage, lien, encumbrance or other security
interest.
"Officer's Certificate" means a certificate signed by any Officer of
Viacom or Viacom International, as the case may be, in his or her capacity
as such Officer and delivered to the Trustee.
"Outstanding Senior Subordinated Securities" means the 7% Senior
Subordinated Debentures due 2003, Series A and B; the 10 1/4% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2001; the 9 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 1999;
and the 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Reset Notes due 2001; in each case, of
Viacom International.
"Restricted Subsidiary" means a corporation all of the outstanding
voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by Viacom or by one
or more of its Subsidiaries, or by Viacom and one or more of its
Subsidiaries, which is incorporated under the laws of a State of the United
States, and which owns a Principal Property.
"Senior and Senior Subordinated Obligations" of any Person means (i) the
Senior Obligations of such Person, (ii) any obligation of such Person under,
or any guarantee by such Person of, as the case may be, the Outstanding
Senior Subordinated Securities, (iii) any obligation of such Person under,
or any guarantee by such Person of, as the case may be, any Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities, (iv) any obligation of such Person to a third
party or any guarantee by such Person of any obligation to a third party
(including, without limitation, any Affiliate of such Person), in each case,
whether now existing or hereafter created, incurred or assumed, where such
obligation or guarantee, as the case may be, ranks PARI PASSU with (A) the
obligation of such Person under, or the guarantee by such Person of, as the
case may be, the Outstanding Senior Subordinated Securities or the Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities or (B) any other obligation of such Person to a
third party or any other guarantee by such Person of any obligation to a
third party, whether now existing or hereafter created, incurred or assumed
which ranks PARI PASSU with the Outstanding Senior Subordinated Securities
or the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities and (v) any obligation of such
Person to a third party or any guarantee by such Person of any obligation to
a third party specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement as being
Senior and Senior Subordinated Obligations; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the
obligations (but not the guarantees) of such Person described in any of
clauses (ii) through (v) above shall not include any obligation of such
Person to any Subsidiary of such Person or to any Person with respect to
which such Person is a Subsidiary; PROVIDED FURTHER, HOWEVER, that the
obligations and guarantees of such Person described in clauses (ii) through
(v) above (and not excluded therefrom pursuant to the immediately preceding
proviso) shall include the principal, premium, if any, and interest on, such
obligations or guarantees, as the case may be.
"Senior Obligations" of any Person means (i) any obligation of such
Person for money borrowed, (ii) any obligation of such Person evidenced by
bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (iii) any obligation,
contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of letters of credit or
bankers' acceptances or other similar instruments (including any
reimbursement obligation of such Person with respect thereto), (iv) any
obligation of such Person under Capitalized Leases, (v) any obligation of
such Person under any Interest Rate Agreements or any Currency Agreements
and (vi) any guarantee by such Person of obligations of any third party
(including, without limitation, any Affiliate of such Person) of the type
set forth in any of clauses (i) through (v) above; and in the case of each
of clauses (i) through (vi) above, whether such obligation and/or instrument
is outstanding on the date of execution of the Senior Subordinated Indenture
or the Subordinated Indenture, as the case may be, or thereafter created,
incurred or assumed; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (I) "Senior Obligations" of
such Person shall not include (1) any obligation of such Person of the type
set forth in any of clauses (i) through (v) above to any Subsidiary of such
Person or to any Person with respect to which such Person is a Subsidiary,
(2) any obligation of such Person of the type set forth in any of clauses
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(i) through (vi) above which is by its terms subordinate or junior in any
respect to any other obligation of such Person of any such type or (3) any
obligation of such Person where the instrument creating or evidencing such
obligation or pursuant to which the same is outstanding expressly provides
that such obligation shall not be senior in right of payment to Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities or Subordinated Debt Securities, as the case
may be, and (II) "Senior Obligations" of such Person shall include the
principal, premium, if any, and interest on, any obligations of the type set
forth in any of clauses (i) through (vi) above (and not excluded from the
scope of "Senior Obligations" pursuant to clause (I) above). (Senior
Subordinated Indenture Section 101 and Subordinated Indenture Section 101)
"Subsidiary" of any Person means (i) a corporation a majority of the
outstanding voting stock of which is at the time, directly or indirectly,
owned by such Person by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or by such
Person and one or more Subsidiaries thereof or (ii) any other Person (other
than a corporation), including, without limitation, a partnership or joint
venture, in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries thereof or such
Person and one or more Subsidiaries thereof, directly or indirectly, at the
date of determination thereof, has at least majority ownership interest
entitled to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof
(or other Person performing similar functions). (Section 101)
DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY SOLELY TO SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES.
SEE "DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES" FOR OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS THAT ARE
ALSO APPLICABLE TO SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES.
RANKING
The payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and any interest on the
Senior Debt Securities will rank PARI PASSU with all other unsecured
unsubordinated obligations of Viacom.
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE
Unless otherwise specified in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, under the
Senior Indenture, neither Viacom nor Viacom International may consolidate or
merge with or into another corporation, or sell or convey all or substantially
all of their respective property and assets to another Person unless: (i)
immediately after such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance no Event of
Default or event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an
Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; (ii) the Person (if
other than Viacom or Viacom International, as the case may be) is a corporation
organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof; (iii) the
Person (if other than Viacom or Viacom International, as the case may be)
through a supplemental indenture assumes payment of the principal of (premium,
if any, on) and interest on the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each
applicable series and the performance and observance of all the covenants and
conditions of the Senior Indenture with respect to Viacom or Viacom
International, as the case may be; (iv) Viacom or Viacom International, as the
case may be, shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate and an
Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, sale or
conveyance and such supplemental indenture comply with the applicable provisions
of the Senior Indenture and that all conditions precedent therein provided for
relating to such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance have been complied
with. Viacom and/or Viacom International may consolidate or merge with or into,
or sell or convey all or substantially all of their respective property and
assets to, each other or any Subsidiary of either of them. For purposes of this
paragraph, "sell or convey all or substantially all of their respective property
and assets" shall mean property and assets contributing in the aggregate at
least 80% of Viacom's or Viacom International's, as the case may be, total
consolidated revenues which, in the case of Viacom, shall be as reported in
Viacom's last available periodic financial report (quarterly or annual, as the
case may be) filed with the Commission. (Senior Indenture Section 801)
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LIMITATIONS ON LIENS
Unless otherwise specified in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
Senior Indenture provides that Viacom shall not create, assume or suffer to
exist any Lien on any of its property or assets without securing the Senior Debt
Securities of any applicable series equally and ratably with (or prior to) such
secured Indebtedness; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the foregoing shall apply only to
Liens which in the aggregate exceed 15% of Viacom's total consolidated assets as
of the end of Viacom's most recent accounting period preceding the creation or
assumption of any such Lien (reduced by any Attributable Debt with respect to
any Sale and Leaseback Transaction permitted under clause (c) of, but not
otherwise permitted under, the "Limitations on Sale and Leaseback Transactions"
covenant described below). This restriction will not, with respect to a
particular series of Senior Debt Securities, apply to Capitalized Leases or to
Indebtedness secured by (a) Liens existing on the date of issuance of the
applicable series of Senior Debt Securities and Liens on property of, or
Indebtedness of, any Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary
(whether by acquisition or otherwise, including through merger or
consolidation), (b) Liens in favor of Viacom or a Subsidiary of Viacom, (c)
Liens existing at the time of acquisition of the assets secured thereby
(including acquisition through merger or consolidation) and purchase money
Liens, and (d) any extension, renewal or refunding of any Lien referred to in
the foregoing clauses (a) through (c), inclusive. (Senior Indenture Section
1010)
LIMITATIONS ON SALE AND LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS
Unless otherwise specified in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, under the
Senior Indenture, Viacom shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to, enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction with respect to any
Principal Property unless (a) such Sale and Leaseback Transaction involves a
lease for a term of not more than three years; (b) such Sale and Leaseback
Transaction is between Viacom and a Subsidiary of Viacom or between Subsidiaries
of Viacom; (c) Viacom or such Restricted Subsidiary would be entitled to incur
indebtedness secured by a Lien on such Principal Property involved in such Sale
and Leaseback Transaction at least equal in amount to the Attributable Debt with
respect to such Sale and Leaseback Transaction pursuant to the first sentence of
the "Limitations on Liens" covenant described above without equally and ratably
securing the Senior Debt Securities of any applicable series pursuant to such
covenant; (d) the proceeds of such Sale and Leaseback Transaction are at least
equal to the fair market value thereof (as determined in good faith by the Board
of Directors of Viacom) and Viacom applies an amount equal to the greater of the
net proceeds of such sale and the Attributable Debt with respect to such Sale
and Leaseback Transaction within 180 days of such sale to either (or a
combination) of (i) the retirement (other than the mandatory retirement,
mandatory prepayment or sinking fund payment or by payment at maturity) of debt
for borrowed money of Viacom or a Subsidiary of Viacom that matures more than 12
months after its creation (other than debt that is subordinated to the Senior
Debt Securities of each applicable series or debt to Viacom or a Subsidiary of
Viacom) or (ii) the purchase, construction or development of other comparable
property; or (e) such Sale and Leaseback Transaction is entered into within 180
days after the initial acquisition by Viacom or such Restricted Subsidiary, as
the case may be, of the Principal Property subject to such Sale and Leaseback
Transaction. (Senior Indenture Section 1011)
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS IN THE SENIOR INDENTURE
Unless otherwise specified in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
following definitions are applicable to the Senior Indenture relating to the
Senior Debt Securities:
"Attributable Debt" means, with regard to a Sale and Leaseback Transaction
with respect to any Principal Property, the lesser of (a) the fair market value
of such property (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of
Viacom) and (b) the present value of the total net amount of rent required to be
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paid under such lease during the remaining term thereof (including any period
for which such lease has been extended and excluding any unexercised renewal or
other extension options exercisable by the lessee, and excluding amounts on
account of maintenance and repairs, services, taxes and similar charges and
contingent rents), discounted at the rate of interest set forth or implicit in
the terms of such lease (or, if not practicable to determine such rate, the
weighted average interest rate per annum borne by the Senior Debt Securities of
the applicable series then Outstanding) compounded semi-annually. In the case of
any lease which is terminable by the lessee upon the payment of a penalty, such
net amount shall be the lesser of the net amount determined assuming termination
upon the first date such lease may be terminated (in which case the net amount
shall also include the amount of the penalty, but no rent shall be considered as
required to be paid under such lease subsequent to the first date upon which it
may be so terminated) or the net amount determined assuming no such termination.
(Senior Indenture Section 101)
"Principal Property" means any parcel of real property and related fixtures
or improvements (other than telecommunications equipment, including, without
limitation, satellite transponders) owned by Viacom or any Restricted Subsidiary
and located in the United States, the aggregate book value of which on the date
of determination exceeds $500 million, other than any such real property and
related fixtures or improvements which, as determined in good faith by the Board
of Directors of Viacom, is not of material importance to the total business
conducted by Viacom and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. (Senior Indenture
Section 101)
"Sale and Leaseback Transaction" means any arrangement with any Person
providing for the leasing by Viacom or any Restricted Subsidiary of any
Principal Property which has been or is to be sold or transferred by Viacom or
such Restricted Subsidiary to such Person, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that "Sale and
Leaseback Transaction" shall not, with respect to a particular series of Senior
Debt Securities, include such arrangements that were existing on the date of
issuance of such series of Senior Debt Securities or at the time any Person
owning a Principal Property becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (whether by
acquisition or otherwise, including through merger or consolidation). (Senior
Indenture Section 101)
GUARANTEES
Viacom International will unconditionally guarantee the due and punctual
payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and any interest on the Senior
Debt Securities, to the extent set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at
maturity, upon redemption, upon acceleration or otherwise. The guarantees of the
Senior Debt Securities (the "Senior Guarantees"), if issued, will be endorsed on
the Senior Debt Securities.
The Senior Indenture provides that in the event that the Senior Guarantees
would constitute or result in a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes
of, or result in a violation of, any United States federal or applicable United
States state, fraudulent transfer or conveyance or similar law, then the
liability of Viacom International under the Senior Guarantees shall be reduced
to the extent necessary to eliminate such fraudulent transfer or conveyance or
violation under the applicable fraudulent transfer or conveyance or similar law.
(Senior Indenture Section 1303) Application of this clause could limit the
amount which Holders of Senior Debt Securities may be entitled to collect under
the Senior Guarantees. Holders, by their acceptance of the Senior Debt
Securities, will have agreed to such limitations. See "Certain
Considerations--Fraudulent Conveyance Considerations".
The Senior Guarantees represent unsecured general obligations of Viacom
International and will rank PARI PASSU with the other unsecured unsubordinated
obligations of Viacom International and will be senior to the Senior
Subordinated Guarantees and the Subordinated Guarantees (each as defined below).
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DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY SOLELY TO SENIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT
SECURITIES. SEE "DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES" FOR OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS
THAT ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO SENIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES.
SUBORDINATION
The payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and any interest on the
Senior Subordinated Debt Securities will, to the extent set forth in the Senior
Subordinated Indenture, be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment
in full of all Senior Obligations of Viacom. (Senior Subordinated Indenture
Section 1301) Subject to any exceptions provided for in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, upon any payment or distribution of assets to creditors
upon any liquidation, dissolution, winding up, reorganization, assignment for
the benefit of creditors, marshalling of assets or any bankruptcy, insolvency or
similar proceedings of Viacom, the holders of all Senior Obligations of Viacom
will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to
become due thereon before the Holders of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities
will be entitled to receive any payment or distribution in respect of the
principal of, premium, if any, or any interest on the Senior Subordinated Debt
Securities, and, in the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trustee
under the Senior Subordinated Indenture or the Holder of any Senior Subordinated
Debt Security receives any payment or distribution of assets of any kind or
character before all Senior Obligations of Viacom are paid in full, then such
payment or distribution will be required to be paid over or delivered forthwith
to the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, liquidating trustee, custodian,
assignee, agent or other Person making payment or distribution of assets of
Viacom for application to the payment of all Senior Obligations of Viacom
remaining unpaid, to the extent necessary to pay all Senior Obligations of
Viacom in full. (Senior Subordinated Indenture Section 1302) No payments on
account of principal, premium, if any, or any interest in respect of the Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities may be made if there shall have occurred and be
continuing (i) a default in any payment with respect to any Senior Obligations
of Viacom beyond any applicable grace period (a "payment event of default"),
(ii) an event of default (other than a payment event of default) with respect to
any Senior Obligations of Viacom resulting in the acceleration of the maturity
thereof, (iii) any event of default (other than a payment event of default) with
respect to any Senior Obligations of Viacom permitting the holders thereof to
accelerate the maturity thereof after Viacom or the Trustee under the Senior
Subordinated Indenture is notified of such event by a representative of a holder
of Senior Obligations of Viacom (until the earlier of (A) 180 days thereafter
and (B) the date, if any, on which such event is cured or waived or the related
indebtedness is discharged) or (iv) the pendency of any judicial proceeding with
respect to any such default, and, in the event that Viacom makes any payment to
the Trustee under the Senior Subordinated Indenture or the Holder of any Senior
Subordinated Debt Security prohibited by the foregoing, then such payment will
be required to be paid over and delivered forthwith to the appropriate Agent
Bank. (Senior Subordinated Indenture Section 1303)
Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Obligations of Viacom, the
Holders of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities shall be subrogated to the
rights of the holders of Senior Obligations of Viacom to receive payments or
distributions of assets of Viacom applicable to Senior Obligations of Viacom
until the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities are paid in full. (Senior
Subordinated Indenture Section 1305)
By reason of such subordination, in the event of insolvency, the holders of
Senior Obligations of Viacom may recover more, ratably, than the Holders of the
Senior Subordinated Debt Securities.
At September 30, 1996, Viacom had outstanding approximately $8.2 billion of
Senior Obligations.
SENIOR SUBORDINATED GUARANTEES
Viacom International will unconditionally guarantee the due and punctual
payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and any interest on the Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities, to the extent set
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forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, when and as the same shall become
due and payable, whether at maturity, upon redemption, upon acceleration or
otherwise. The guarantees of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities (the
"Senior Subordinated Guarantees"), if issued, will be endorsed on the Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities.
The Senior Subordinated Guarantees will be subordinate in right of payment
(to the same extent as described with respect to Viacom under "--Subordination"
above) to the prior payment in full of all Senior Obligations of Viacom
International, including the Senior Guarantees.
The Senior Subordinated Indenture provides that, in the event that the
Senior Subordinated Guarantees would constitute or result in a fraudulent
transfer or conveyance for purposes of, or result in a violation of, any United
States federal or applicable United States state, fraudulent transfer or
conveyance or similar law, then the liability of Viacom International under the
Senior Subordinated Guarantees shall be reduced to the extent necessary to
eliminate such fraudulent transfer or conveyance or violation under the
applicable fraudulent transfer or conveyance or similar law. (Senior
Subordinated Indenture Section 1422) Application of this clause could limit the
amount which Holders of Senior Subordinated Debt Securities may be entitled to
collect under the Senior Subordinated Guarantees. Holders, by their acceptance
of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities, will have agreed to such
limitations. See "Certain Considerations--Fraudulent Conveyance Considerations".
At September 30, 1996, Viacom International had outstanding approximately
$8.5 billion of Senior Obligations (substantially all of which is included in
the $8.2 billion of Senior Obligations of Viacom referred to above).
DESCRIPTION OF SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY SOLELY TO SUBORDINATED DEBT
SECURITIES. SEE "DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES" FOR OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS
THAT ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES.
SUBORDINATION
The payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and any interest on the
Subordinated Debt Securities will, to the extent set forth in the Subordinated
Indenture, be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of
all Senior and Senior Subordinated Obligations of Viacom. (Subordinated
Indenture Section 1301) The applicable Prospectus Supplement will set forth any
additional indebtedness to which the Subordinated Debt Securities are
subordinate. Subject to any exceptions provided for in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, upon any payment or distribution of assets to creditors upon any
liquidation, dissolution, winding up, reorganization, assignment for the benefit
of creditors, marshalling of assets or any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar
proceedings of Viacom, the holders of all Senior and Senior Subordinated
Obligations of Viacom will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all
amounts due or to become due thereon before the Holders of the Subordinated Debt
Securities will be entitled to receive any payment or distribution in respect of
the principal of, premium, if any, or any interest on the Subordinated Debt
Securities, and, in the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trustee
under the Subordinated Indenture or the Holder of any Subordinated Debt Security
receives any payment or distribution of assets of any kind or character before
all Senior and Senior Subordinated Obligations of Viacom are paid in full, then
such payment or distribution will be required to be paid over or delivered
forthwith to the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, liquidating trustee,
custodian, assignee, agent or other Person making payment or distribution of
assets of Viacom for application to the payment of all Senior and Senior
Subordinated Obligations of Viacom remaining unpaid, to the extent necessary to
pay all Senior and Senior Subordinated Obligations of Viacom in full.
(Subordinated Indenture Section 1302) No payments on account of principal,
premium, if any, or any interest in respect of the Subordinated Debt Securities
may be made if there shall have occurred and be continuing (i) a default in any
payment with respect to any Senior and Senior Subordinated Obligations of Viacom
beyond any applicable grace period (a "payment event of default"), (ii) an event
of default (other than a payment event of default) with
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respect to any Senior and Senior Subordinated Obligations of Viacom resulting in
the acceleration of the maturity thereof, (iii) any event of default (other than
a payment event of default) with respect to any Senior and Senior Subordinated
Obligations of Viacom permitting the holders thereof to accelerate the maturity
thereof after Viacom or the Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture is notified
of such event by a representative of a holder of Senior and Senior Subordinated
Obligations of Viacom (until the earlier of (A) 180 days thereafter and (B) the
date, if any, on which such event is cured or waived or the related indebtedness
is discharged) or (iv) the pendency of any judicial proceeding with respect to
any such default, and, in the event that Viacom makes any payment to the Trustee
under the Subordinated Indenture or the Holder of any Subordinated Debt Security
prohibited by the foregoing, then such payment will be required to be paid over
and delivered forthwith to the appropriate Agent Bank. (Subordinated Indenture
Section 1303)
Subject to the payment in full of all Senior and Senior Subordinated
Obligations of Viacom, the Holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities shall be
subrogated to the rights of the holders of Senior and Senior Subordinated
Obligations of Viacom to receive payments or distributions of assets of Viacom
applicable to Senior and Senior Subordinated Obligations of Viacom until the
Subordinated Debt Securities are paid in full. (Subordinated Indenture Section
1305)
By reason of such subordination, in the event of insolvency, the holders of
Senior and Senior Subordinated Obligations of Viacom may recover more, ratably,
than the Holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities.
At September 30, 1996, Viacom had outstanding approximately $8.9 billion of
Senior and Senior Subordinated Obligations.
SUBORDINATED GUARANTEES
Viacom International will unconditionally guarantee the due and punctual
payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and any interest on the
Subordinated Debt Securities, to the extent set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, when and as the same shall become due and payable,
whether at maturity, upon redemption, upon acceleration or otherwise. The
guarantees of the Subordinated Debt Securities (the "Subordinated Guarantees"),
if issued, will be endorsed on the Subordinated Debt Securities.
The Subordinated Guarantees will be subordinate in right of payment (to the
same extent as described with respect to Viacom under "--Subordination" above)
to the prior payment in full of all Senior and Senior Subordinated Obligations
of Viacom International, including the Senior Guarantees and the Senior
Subordinated Guarantees.
The Subordinated Indenture provides that, in the event that the Subordinated
Guarantees would constitute or result in a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for
purposes of, or result in a violation of, any United States federal or
applicable United States state, fraudulent transfer or conveyance or similar
law, then the liability of Viacom International under the Subordinated
Guarantees shall be reduced to the extent necessary to eliminate such fraudulent
transfer or conveyance or violation under the applicable fraudulent transfer or
conveyance or similar law. (Subordinated Indenture Section 1422) Application of
this clause could limit the amount which Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities
may be entitled to collect under the Subordinated Guarantees. Holders, by their
acceptance of the Subordinated Debt Securities, will have agreed to such
limitations. See "Certain Considerations--Fraudulent Conveyance Considerations".
At September 30, 1996, Viacom International had outstanding approximately
$9.2 billion of Senior and Senior Subordinated Obligations (substantially all of
which is included in the $8.9 billion of Senior and Senior Subordinated
Obligations of Viacom referred to above).
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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
UNDER ITS RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, AS AMENDED (THE "VIACOM
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION"), VIACOM IS AUTHORIZED TO ADOPT RESOLUTIONS
PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE, IN ONE OR MORE SERIES, OF UP TO 200,000,000 SHARES
OF ITS PREFERRED STOCK, WITH SUCH POWERS, PREFERENCES AND RELATIVE,
PARTICIPATING, OPTIONAL OR OTHER SPECIAL RIGHTS AND QUALIFICATIONS, LIMITATIONS
OR RESTRICTIONS THEREOF AS SHALL BE ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VIACOM
OR A DULY AUTHORIZED COMMITTEE THEREOF.
THE DESCRIPTION BELOW SETS FORTH CERTAIN GENERAL TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF
VIACOM'S PREFERRED STOCK COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. THE SPECIFIC TERMS OF ANY
SERIES OF THE PREFERRED STOCK WILL BE DESCRIBED IN THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
RELATING TO SUCH OFFERED SECURITIES. THE FOLLOWING SUMMARIES OF CERTAIN
PROVISIONS OF THE PREFERRED STOCK OFFERED HEREBY DO NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE
AND ARE SUBJECT TO, AND ARE QUALIFIED IN THEIR ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO, THE
VIACOM CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND THE CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS RELATING
TO THE PARTICULAR SERIES OF PREFERRED STOCK.
IF SO INDICATED IN THE APPLICABLE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE TERMS OF THE
OFFERED SECURITIES MAY DIFFER FROM THE TERMS SET FORTH BELOW, EXCEPT THOSE TERMS
REQUIRED BY THE VIACOM CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION.
GENERAL
The Preferred Stock of any series offered hereby will, when issued, be fully
paid and nonassessable, and holders thereof will have no preemptive rights. The
Prospectus Supplement applicable to any particular series of Preferred Stock
will describe the particular terms of the Preferred Stock of such series.
Subject to the Viacom Certificate of Incorporation and to any limitations
contained in then outstanding Preferred Stock, Viacom may issue additional
series of Preferred Stock, at any time or from time to time, with such powers,
preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof as the Board of Directors of
Viacom or any duly authorized committee thereof shall determine, all without
further action of the stockholders, including holders of then outstanding
Preferred Stock, of Viacom. The Preferred Stock offered hereby may rank senior
to Viacom's common stock with respect to dividends and distribution of assets
upon liquidation or winding up. Issuance of a new series of Preferred Stock
could contain terms that adversely affect the voting power and other rights of
holders of other series of Preferred Stock.
The Viacom Certificate of Incorporation provides that, so long as Viacom or
any of its subsidiaries holds any authorization from the Federal Communications
Commission, Viacom may prohibit the ownership or voting of a percentage of its
equity securities in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and regulations thereunder.
DIVIDENDS
Holders of the Preferred Stock offered hereby will be entitled to receive
cash dividends, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors of Viacom out
of assets of Viacom legally available for payment, at such rate and on such
dates as will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Each
dividend will be payable to holders of record as they appear on the stock books
of Viacom on the record date fixed by its Board of Directors. Dividends, if
cumulative, will be cumulative from and after the date set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement.
All dividends declared on any particular series of Preferred Stock offered
hereby for any dividend period and on any class or series of stock of Viacom
ranking on a parity with such particular series of Preferred Stock as to
dividends shall be declared PRO RATA so that the amounts of dividends per share
declared for such period on such particular series of Preferred Stock and on any
other class or series of stock ranking on a parity with such particular series
of Preferred Stock as to dividends that were outstanding during such period
shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that the accrued dividends
per share on the shares of such particular series of Preferred Stock and such
other stock bear to each other. As of the date of this Prospectus, Viacom has
issued 24 million shares of Series B Preferred Stock, which will rank equally
with or senior to any particular series of Preferred Stock offered hereby as to
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dividends. Holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive
cumulative cash dividends at the rate per annum of $2.50 per share. The terms of
the Series B Preferred Stock contain restrictions on dividend declarations on
parity stock comparable to those described above in this paragraph.
So long as any shares of any particular series of Preferred Stock offered
hereby are outstanding, Viacom may not (i) declare or pay any dividend or
distribution on any class or series of stock of Viacom ranking junior to such
particular series of Preferred Stock as to dividends or (ii) redeem or set apart
funds for the purchase or redemption of any such junior stock through a sinking
fund or otherwise, unless all accrued and unpaid dividends with respect to such
particular series of Preferred Stock have been paid or funds have been set apart
for payment through the current dividend period.
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of Viacom, the holders of any particular series of Preferred Stock
offered hereby will be entitled to receive out of assets of Viacom available for
distribution to stockholders, before any distribution of assets is made to
holders of any stock ranking junior to such particular series of Preferred Stock
on liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Viacom, liquidating distributions
in the amount set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement plus all accrued
and unpaid dividends. If, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
Viacom, the assets of Viacom, or proceeds thereof, distributable among the
holders of such particular series of Preferred Stock shall be insufficient to
pay in full the preferential amount set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement and the liquidation preference with respect to any other shares of
stock ranking, as to liquidation, dissolution or winding up, on a parity with
such particular series of Preferred Stock, then such assets, or the proceeds
thereof, shall be distributed among the holders of shares of such particular
series of Preferred Stock and any such other stock ratably in accordance with
the respective amounts which would be payable on such particular series of
Preferred Stock and any such other stock if all amounts payable thereon were
paid in full. The Series B Preferred Stock will rank equally with or senior to
any particular series of Preferred Stock offered hereby as to distribution of
assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. In the event of any
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Viacom, whether voluntary or
involuntary, holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall receive $50.00
per share plus an amount per share equal to all dividends accrued and unpaid
thereon to the date of final distribution to such holders. The terms of the
Series B Preferred Stock contain restrictions on distributions on parity stock
in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Viacom comparable
to those described above in this paragraph. After payment of the full amount of
the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of the
Preferred Stock offered hereby will not be entitled to any further participation
in any distribution of assets by Viacom. A consolidation or merger of Viacom
with or into any other corporation or corporations or a sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of Viacom shall not be deemed to be a
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Viacom.
REDEMPTION
A series of the Preferred Stock offered hereby may be redeemable, in whole
or in part, at the option of Viacom, at the times and at the redemption prices
set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
VOTING RIGHTS
Except as indicated below or in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, or
except as expressly required by applicable law, the holders of the Preferred
Stock offered hereby will not be entitled to vote. Except as indicated in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, when and if any series is entitled to vote,
each share in such series will be entitled to one vote.
Changes to the Viacom Certificate of Incorporation which adversely affect
the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock offered hereby will
require two-thirds approval of the outstanding shares of such series.
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DESCRIPTION OF CONTINGENT VALUE RIGHTS
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS RELATING TO THE CVRS AND THE CVR AGREEMENT (AS
DEFINED BELOW) ARE SUMMARIES AND DO NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE. SUCH SUMMARIES
MAY MAKE USE OF CERTAIN TERMS DEFINED IN THE CVR AGREEMENT AND ARE QUALIFIED IN
THEIR ENTIRETY BY EXPRESS REFERENCE TO THE CVR AGREEMENT. THE CVRS WILL BE
ISSUED UNDER A CONTINGENT VALUE RIGHTS AGREEMENT (THE "CVR AGREEMENT") TO BE
ENTERED INTO BETWEEN VIACOM AND HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK, TRUSTEE (THE "CVR
TRUSTEE"), A FORM OF WHICH IS FILED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
OF WHICH THIS PROSPECTUS IS A PART. THE FOLLOWING SUMMARIES OF CERTAIN
PROVISIONS OF THE CVR AGREEMENT DO NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE, AND, WHERE
REFERENCE IS MADE TO PARTICULAR PROVISIONS OF THE CVR AGREEMENT, SUCH
PROVISIONS, INCLUDING THE DEFINITIONS OF CERTAIN TERMS, ARE INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE AS A PART OF SUCH SUMMARIES OR TERMS, WHICH ARE QUALIFIED IN THEIR
ENTIRETY BY SUCH REFERENCE. REFERENCES TO SECTIONS IN THE FOLLOWING SUMMARIES
ARE REFERENCES TO SECTIONS OF THE CVR AGREEMENT. THE DEFINITIONS OF CERTAIN
CAPITALIZED TERMS USED IN THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY ARE SET FORTH BELOW UNDER
"--CERTAIN DEFINITIONS."
GENERAL
The CVRs represent the right to receive (under certain circumstances) cash
or securities of Viacom depending on market prices of the Class B Common Stock
during certain specified periods. The CVR Agreement will provide that CVRs may
be issued in separate series thereunder without limitation as to the aggregate
number of CVRs. The terms of each series of CVRs will be established by or
pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors of Viacom and set forth or
determined in the manner provided in an Officer's Certificate or by a
supplemental CVR Agreement. (Section 301(a)) The Prospectus Supplement
applicable to any particular series of CVRs will describe the particular terms
of the CVRs of such series.
Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular
issuance of CVRs which will describe the following terms of a particular series
of CVRs, as may be applicable: (a) the title of the CVRs; (b) the Maturity Date
and any Extended Maturity Dates; (c) the Target Price; (d) the Minimum Price, if
any; (e) the Discount Rate, if any; (f) the Default Interest Rate, if any; (g)
the rate at which CVRs will bear interest, if any; (h) redemption provisions, if
any; (i) any deletions from, changes in or additions to Events of Default or
covenants of Viacom in the CVR Agreement; (j) the Valuation Period and the
method of determining the Current Market Value; (k) subordination provisions, if
any; (l) whether and under what circumstances a determination may be made that
no amount is payable with respect to the CVRs; and (m) any other terms,
conditions, rights and preferences (or limitations on such rights and
preferences) relating to the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with
the requirements of the TIA or the provisions of the CVR Agreement), including,
without limitation, any modifications of the definitions set forth in the CVR
Agreement.
PAYMENT
The CVR Agreement provides that, subject to adjustment as described under
"Antidilution" below, Viacom shall pay to each holder of the CVRs of a
particular series (each such person, a "CVR Holder") on a Maturity Date for such
series, unless Viacom shall, if applicable, in its sole discretion, extend a
Maturity Date to one or more Extended Maturity Dates for such series, then on
the final Extended Maturity Date for such series, such CVR held by such CVR
Holder, if applicable, an amount, if any, as determined by Viacom, by which the
Target Price for such series (as defined), if applicable, exceeds the greater of
the Current Market Value for such series and the Minimum Price for such series
(each as defined). Such determination by Viacom absent manifest error shall be
final and binding on Viacom and the CVR Holders. (Section 301(b))
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, any
amount payable by Viacom in respect of the CVRs shall be paid, at Viacom's sole
discretion, either (i) in such coin or currency of the United States of America
as at the time is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts,
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PROVIDED, HOWEVER, Viacom may pay such amounts by its check payable in such
money or (ii) by delivering the equivalent fair market value (as determined by
an Independent Financial Expert) of securities of Viacom, including, without
limitation, common stock or preferred stock, options or warrants therefor, other
securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock or preferred stock,
notes, debentures, derivative securities or any other security of Viacom now
existing or hereafter created or any combination of the foregoing. There can be
no assurance, however, that such securities, if issued, would ultimately trade
in the market at a price at or above the value determined by the Independent
Financial Expert. Such securities, if issued, would be registered under the
Securities Act prior to the issuance thereof, and a prospectus in connection
with such issuance would be delivered to holders of record of CVRs at that time.
Harris Trust Company of New York has initially been appointed as paying agent in
the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York. (Section 307)
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, Viacom
may at its option with respect to any series of CVRs, extend a Maturity Date to
an Extended Maturity Date and may extend an Extended Maturity Date to a further
Extended Maturity Date. Such options shall be exercised by (i) publishing notice
of an extension in the Authorized Newspaper and (ii) furnishing notice to the
Trustee and the CVR Holders of such series of such extension, in each case not
less than one Business Day preceding the Maturity Date or the Extended Maturity
Date, as the case may be, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no defect in any such notice
shall affect the validity of the extension to any Extended Maturity Date and
that any notice when published and mailed to the Trustee and a CVR Holder in the
aforesaid manner shall be conclusively deemed to have been received by such CVR
Holder whether or not actually received by such CVR Holder. (Section 301(c))
PAYMENT UPON THE OCCURRENCE OF A DISPOSITION
If applicable, upon the consummation of a Disposition, Viacom shall pay (in
cash or securities of Viacom) to each CVR Holder of each applicable series for
each CVR of such series held by such CVR Holder an amount, if any, as determined
by Viacom, by which the Discounted Target Price for such series exceeds the
greater of (i) the fair market value, as determined by an Independent Financial
Expert, of the consideration, if any, received for each share of Class B Common
Stock by the holder thereof as a result of such Disposition and assuming that
such holder did not exercise any right of appraisal granted under law with
respect to such Disposition and (ii) the Minimum Price with respect to such
series. Such determinations by Viacom and such Independent Financial Expert,
absent manifest error, shall be final and binding on Viacom and the CVR Holders.
Such payment, if any, shall be made on the Disposition Payment Date for such
series established by Viacom, which in no event shall be more than 30 days after
the date on which the Disposition was consummated. (Section 301(d)) As soon as
practicable, Viacom shall give CVR Holders for such series notice of such
Disposition and the Disposition Payment Date for such series. (Section 301(e))
NO INTEREST
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement with
respect to a particular series of CVRs, other than in the case of interest on
the Default Amount, no interest shall accrue on any amounts payable on the CVRs
to the CVR Holders. (Section 301(h))
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
If an Event of Default with respect to a series of CVRs occurs and is
continuing, either the CVR Trustee or CVR Holders of not less than 33 1/3% of
the outstanding CVRs of that series, by notice in writing to Viacom (and to the
CVR Trustee if given by CVR Holders), may declare the CVRs of that series to be
due and payable immediately, and, upon any such declaration, Viacom shall pay to
the CVR Holders of that series (in cash or securities of Viacom, at Viacom's
option) for each CVR of that series held by the
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CVR Holders the applicable Default Amount with interest at the applicable
Default Interest Rate, from the Default Payment Date through the date payment is
made to the CVR Trustee. (Section 801)
If, at any time after the CVRs of a series shall have been so declared due
and payable and before any judgment or decree for the payment of the amounts due
shall have been obtained or entered, Viacom shall pay or shall deposit with the
CVR Trustee a sum sufficient to pay all amounts which shall have become due
otherwise than by acceleration (with interest upon such overdue amount at the
Default Interest Rate to the date of such payment or deposit) and such amount as
shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the CVR Trustee, its
agents, attorneys and counsel, and all other expenses and liabilities incurred
and all advances made by the CVR Trustee, except as a result of negligence or
bad faith, and if any and all Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of
the amounts which shall have become due by acceleration, shall have been cured,
waived or otherwise remedied, then the CVR Holders holding a majority of the
CVRs of that series then Outstanding, by written notice to Viacom and to the CVR
Trustee, may waive all defaults with respect to the CVRs of that series and
rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences, but no such waiver or
rescission and annulment shall extend to or shall affect any subsequent default
or shall impair any right consequent thereof. (Section 801)
CERTAIN PURCHASES AND SALES
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, Viacom
will not, and Viacom will not permit any of its subsidiaries or controlled
Affiliates to, purchase any shares of Class B Common Stock in open market
transactions, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, on any day
during the period commencing 10 trading days before the Valuation Period with
respect to any series of CVRs and ending on the last day of such Valuation
Period, except with respect to employee benefit plans and other incentive
compensation arrangements. (Section 704)
ANTIDILUTION
In the event Viacom shall in any manner subdivide (by stock split, stock
dividend or otherwise) or combine (by reverse stock split or otherwise) the
number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, Viacom shall similarly
subdivide or combine the CVRs of each series Outstanding and shall appropriately
adjust the Discounted Target Price, if any, the Target Price and the Minimum
Price, if any. Whenever such an adjustment is made, Viacom shall (i) promptly
prepare a certificate setting forth such adjustment and a brief statement of the
facts accounting for such adjustment, (ii) promptly file with the CVR Trustee a
copy of such certificate and (iii) mail a brief summary thereof to each CVR
Holder of each series Outstanding. The CVR Trustee shall be fully protected in
relying on any such certificate and on any adjustment therein contained. Such
adjustment, absent manifest error, shall be final and binding on Viacom and the
CVR Holders. Each Outstanding CVR of each series Outstanding shall thenceforth
represent that number of adjusted CVRs of that series necessary to reflect such
subdivision or combinations and reflect the adjusted applicable Discounted
Target Price, Target Price and Minimum Price, if applicable. (Section 301(j))
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS
The CVR Agreement provides that Viacom may, without the consent of the CVR
Holders of any of the Outstanding CVRs, consolidate with or merge into any other
Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as
an entirety to any corporation, partnership or trust organized under the laws of
the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia,
PROVIDED that (i) the Surviving Person assumes Viacom's obligations under the
Outstanding CVRs and the CVR Agreement, (ii) immediately after giving pro forma
effect to the transaction, there exists no Event of Default and (iii) Viacom
delivers to the Trustee an officer's certificate regarding compliance with the
foregoing. For purposes of this paragraph, "convey, transfer or lease its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety" shall mean properties and
assets contributing in the aggregate at least 80% of Viacom's
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total revenues as reported in Viacom's last available periodic financial report
(quarterly or annual, as the case may be) filed with the Commission. (Section
901)
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement applicable to a
particular series of CVRs, the following terms have the following definitions:
"Authorized Newspaper" means THE WALL STREET JOURNAL (Eastern Edition) or,
if THE WALL STREET JOURNAL (Eastern Edition) shall cease to be published or if
the publication or general circulation of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL (Eastern
Edition) shall be suspended for whatever reason, such other English language
newspaper as is selected by Viacom with general circulation in the City of New
York, New York.
"Disposition" means (i) a merger, consolidation or other business
combination involving Viacom as a result of which no shares of Class B Common
Stock shall remain outstanding, (ii) a sale, transfer or other disposition, in
one or a series of transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of
Viacom or (iii) a reclassification of Class B Common Stock as any other capital
stock of Viacom or any other Person, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that neither clause (i)
nor clause (ii) shall mean a merger, consolidation or other business combination
of Viacom and any subsidiary of Viacom, or a sale, transfer or other disposition
by Viacom to any Subsidiary of Viacom. For purposes of this definition, "all or
substantially all of the assets of Viacom" shall mean properties and assets
contributing in the aggregate at least 80% of Viacom's total revenues as
reported in Viacom's last available periodic financial report (quarterly or
annual, as the case may be) filed with the Commission.
"Disposition Payment Date" means the date established by Viacom, which in no
event shall be more than 30 days after the date on which the Disposition was
consummated, upon which Viacom shall pay in the manner provided in Section 307
of the CVR Agreement to each CVR Holder for each CVR of a particular series held
by such CVR Holder the applicable amount, if any, as determined by Viacom
pursuant to Section 301(d) of the Agreement.
"Event of Default," with respect to the CVRs of any series, means each of
the following which shall have occurred and be continuing: (a) default in the
payment of all or any part of the amounts payable in respect of any of the CVRs
of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable either at the
Maturity Date, an Extended Maturity Date, the Disposition Payment Date, if
applicable, or otherwise; (b) default in the performance or breach of any
covenant or warranty of Viacom in respect of that series, and continuance of
such default or breach for a period of 90 days after written notice has been
given to Viacom by the CVR Trustee or to Viacom and the CVR Trustee by CVR
Holders holding at least 33 1/3% of the CVRs of that series; or (c) certain
events of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar events in
respect of Viacom.
"Independent Financial Expert" means an independent nationally recognized
investment banking firm.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Viacom may sell the Offered Securities to or through underwriters and also
may sell the Offered Securities directly to one or more other purchasers or
through dealers or agents. Viacom also may distribute the Offered Securities
directly to certain of its security holders in satisfaction of its obligations
in respect of the outstanding securities held by such security holders. The
Prospectus Supplement with respect to such Offered Securities will set forth the
terms of the offering of such Offered Securities, including the name or names of
any underwriters, dealers or agents with whom Viacom has entered into
arrangements with respect to the sale of such Offered Securities, the initial
public offering or purchase price of such Offered Securities, the net proceeds
to Viacom from such sale, any underwriting discounts, commissions and other
items constituting underwriters' compensation from Viacom and any other
discounts, concessions or commissions allowed or reallowed or paid by any
underwriters to other dealers, any commissions paid to any agents, and the
securities exchanges, if any, on which such Offered Securities may be listed.
If underwriters are used in any offering of Offered Securities, the Offered
Securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own accounts and may
be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated
transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined
at the time of sale. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or
concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to
time. It is anticipated that any underwriting agreement pertaining to any
Offered Securities will (i) entitle the underwriters to indemnification by
Viacom against certain civil liabilities under the Securities Act, or to
contribution with respect to payments which the underwriters may be required to
make in respect thereof, (ii) provide that the obligations of the underwriters
will be subject to certain conditions precedent and (iii) provide that the
underwriters will be obligated to purchase all Offered Securities in a
particular offering if any such Offered Securities are purchased.
The Offered Securities also may be sold to dealers, as principals. Each such
dealer may then resell such Offered Securities to the public at varying prices
to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale.
The Offered Securities may be offered and sold by Viacom directly or through
agents designated by Viacom from time to time. Unless otherwise indicated in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, any such agent or agents will be acting on a
best efforts basis for the period of its or their appointment.
Dealers and agents named in a Prospectus Supplement may be deemed to be
underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Offered
Securities described therein and, under agreements which may be entered into
with Viacom, may be entitled to indemnification by Viacom against certain civil
liabilities under the Securities Act. Underwriters, dealers and agents may be
customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for, Viacom or
Viacom International in the ordinary course of business.
The anticipated date of delivery of Offered Securities will be set forth in
the Prospectus Supplement relating to each offering.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Offered Securities and, if applicable, the related
Guarantees will be passed upon for Viacom and Viacom International by Shearman &
Sterling, New York, New York, counsel for such companies, and for any
underwriters by Hughes Hubbard & Reed and/or Simpson Thacher & Bartlett (a
partnership which includes professional corporations), New York, New York, or
such other counsel as may be named in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Hughes Hubbard & Reed and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett have each from time to time
performed legal services for Viacom and Viacom International.
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EXPERTS
The (i) consolidated financial statements of Viacom as of December 31, 1995
and December 31, 1994 and for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1995 incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual
Report on Form 10-K of Viacom for the year ended December 31, 1995, (ii)
consolidated financial statements of Viacom International for the year ended
December 31, 1993 incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual
Report on Form 10-K of Viacom International for the year ended December 31,
1993, as amended by Form 10-K/A Amendment No. 1 dated May 2, 1994, and (iii) the
consolidated financial statements of Paramount Communications Inc. ("Paramount")
as of March 31, 1994 and for the eleven months ended March 31, 1994 incorporated
in this Prospectus by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Viacom
dated April 13, 1995 (the "Viacom Form 8-K") have been so incorporated in
reliance on the reports of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given
on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
The consolidated financial statements of Paramount at April 30, 1993 and for
the six-month period ended April 30, 1993 and for the year ended October 31,
1992 incorporated by reference in this Prospectus from the Viacom Form 8-K have
been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their
reports thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such
consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in
reliance upon such reports given upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements and schedules of Blockbuster
Entertainment Corporation and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 1993
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus from the Viacom Form 8-K have been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent certified public accountants, as
indicated in their report with respect thereto, are incorporated by reference
herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing in giving said report.
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") empowers a
Delaware corporation to indemnify any person who was or is, 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 such corporation) by reason of the fact that
such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement
actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action,
suit or proceeding, provided that such person acted in good faith and in a
manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, such person had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was
unlawful. A Delaware corporation may indemnify such persons against expenses
(including attorneys' fees) in actions brought by or in the right of the
corporation to procure a judgment in its favor under the same conditions, except
that no indemnification is permitted in respect of any claim, issue or matter as
to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation
unless and to the extent the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or the
court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application
that, in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and
reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the Court of Chancery or
other such court shall deem proper. To the extent such person has been
successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action referred to
above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, the corporation must
indemnify such person against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and
reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith. The indemnification
and advancement of expenses provided for in, or granted pursuant to, Section 145
is not exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or
advancement of expenses may be entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of
stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. Section 145 also provides
that a corporation may maintain insurance against liabilities for which
indemnification is not expressly provided by the statute.
Article VI of Viacom's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended,
and Article V of Viacom International's By-laws each provide for indemnification
of the directors, officers, employees and agents of Viacom and Viacom
International, respectively, to the full extent currently permitted by the DGCL.
In addition, Viacom's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended as
permitted by Section 102(b) of the DGCL, limits directors' liability to Viacom
and its stockholders by eliminating liability in damages for breach of fiduciary
duty. Article VII of Viacom's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended,
provides that neither Viacom nor its stockholders may recover damages from its
directors for breach of their fiduciary duties in the performance of their
duties as directors of Viacom. As limited by Section 102(b), this provision
cannot, however, have the effect of indemnifying any director of Viacom in the
case of liability (i) for a breach of the director's duty of loyalty, (ii) for
acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law, (iii) for unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful
stock repurchases or redemptions as provided in Section 174 of the DGCL, or (iv)
for any transactions for which the director derived an improper personal
benefit.
Each of Viacom and Viacom International has in effect liability insurance
policies covering certain claims against any of their respective officers or
directors by reason of certain breaches of duty, neglect, error, misstatement,
omission or other act committed by such person in his capacity as officer or
director.
II-1
<PAGE>
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
<TABLE>
<C> <C> <S>
1.1 -- Form of Underwriting Agreement.*
4.11 -- Indenture relating to the Senior Debt Securities dated as of May 15, 1996 among
Viacom Inc., Viacom International Inc., as guarantor, and The First National
Bank of Boston, trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed by Viacom Inc. on May 24, 1995).
4.12 -- First Supplemental Indenture relating to the Senior Debt Securities dated as of
May 24, 1995 among Viacom Inc., Viacom International Inc., as guarantor, and The
First National Bank of Boston, trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2
to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed by Viacom Inc. on May 24, 1995).
4.13 -- Form of Second Supplemental Indenture and Amendment No. 1 relating to the Senior
Debt Securities dated as of December 15, 1995 among Viacom Inc., Viacom
International Inc., as guarantor, and State Street Bank and Trust Company,
trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Registration Statement on
Form 8-A filed by Viacom Inc. on December 14, 1995).
4.14 -- Third Supplemental Indenture and Amendment No. 2 relating to the Senior Debt
Securities dated as of July 22, 1996 to be effective as of July 31, 1996 among
Viacom Inc., Viacom International Inc., Viacom International Services Inc., and
State Street Bank and Trust Company, trustee (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 99.2 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-K filed by Viacom Inc. on
August 1, 1996).
4.2 -- Form of Indenture relating to the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities.*
4.3 -- Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Viacom Inc. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3(a) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Viacom Inc. for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1992, as amended by Form 10-K/A Amendment No. 1 dated
November 29, 1993 and as further amended by Form 10-K/A Amendment No. 2 dated
December 9, 1993) (File No. 1-9553).
4.4 -- Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Viacom Inc.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-4
filed by Viacom Inc.) (File No. 33-55271).
4.5 -- By-Laws of Viacom Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Registration
Statement on Form S-4 filed by Viacom Inc.) (File No. 33-13812).
4.6 -- Form of Indenture relating to the Subordinated Debt Securities.*
4.7 -- Form of Contingent Value Rights Agreement between Viacom Inc. and Harris Trust
and Savings Bank, trustee.*
5 -- Opinion of Shearman & Sterling as to the validity of the Offered Securities.*
12 -- Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to
Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends.
23.1 -- Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP as to financial statements of Viacom Inc. and
Viacom International Inc.
23.2 -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP as to financial statements of Paramount
Communications Inc.
23.3 -- Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP as to financial statements of Blockbuster
Entertainment Corporation.
23.4 -- Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP as to financial statements of Paramount
Communications Inc.
23.5 -- Consent of Shearman & Sterling (included in their opinion filed as Exhibit 5).
24 -- Powers of Attorney.*
25.1 -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of The First National Bank of Boston,
Trustee.*
</TABLE>
II-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <C> <S>
25.2 -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Harris Trust and Savings Bank, CVR
Trustee.*
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Previously Filed.
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
(a) The undersigned registrants hereby undertake:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
registration statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any
material change to such information in the registration statement;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply
if the registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8, and the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the registrants
pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are
incorporated by reference in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(b) The undersigned registrants hereby undertake that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
registrants' annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrants 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 registrants of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrants
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 registrants will, unless in the opinion of their counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by them is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by
the final adjudication of such issue.
II-3
<PAGE>
(d) The undersigned registrants hereby undertake that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
prospectus filed by the registrants pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or
497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(e) The undersigned Registrant herewith undertakes to register under the
Securities Act, prior to the issuance thereof, all securities, if any, issued in
exchange for the CVRs and to deliver a prospectus in connection therewith to
holders of record of the CVRs at that time.
II-4
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Viacom Inc.
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this post-effective
amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New
York, on November 19, 1996.
VIACOM INC.
BY *
-----------------------------------------
Sumner M. Redstone
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by
the following persons in the capacities indicated on November 19, 1996:
NAME AND SIGNATURE TITLE
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------
* Chairman of the Board of
- ------------------------------ Directors, Chief
(Sumner M. Redstone) Executive Officer
/s/ GEORGE S. SMITH,
JR. Senior Vice President,
- ------------------------------ Chief Financial Officer
(George S. Smith, Jr.)
/s/ SUSAN C. GORDON
- ------------------------------ Vice President, Controller,
(Susan C. Gordon) Chief Accounting Officer
*
- ------------------------------ Director
(George S. Abrams)
/s/ PHILIPPE P. DAUMAN
- ------------------------------ Director
(Philippe P. Dauman)
*
- ------------------------------ Director
(Thomas E. Dooley)
*
- ------------------------------ Director
(Ken Miller)
*
- ------------------------------ Director
(Brent D. Redstone)
*
- ------------------------------ Director
(Shari Redstone)
II-5
<PAGE>
NAME AND SIGNATURE TITLE
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------
*
- ------------------------------ Director
(Frederic V. Salerno)
*
- ------------------------------ Director
(William Schwartz)
*
- ------------------------------ Director
(Ivan Seidenberg)
/s/ PHILIPPE P. DAUMAN
----------------------------------------
Philippe P. Dauman,
Attorney-in-Fact
*By for the Directors
II-6
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Viacom
International Inc. certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it
meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this
post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York,
State of New York, on November 19, 1996.
VIACOM INTERNATIONAL INC.
BY /S/ SUMNER M. REDSTONE
-----------------------------------------
Sumner M. Redstone
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by
the following persons in the capacities indicated on November 19, 1996:
NAME AND SIGNATURE TITLE
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------
/s/ SUMNER M. REDSTONE
- ------------------------------ President and Chief
(Sumner M. Redstone) Executive Officer
/s/ GEORGE S. SMITH, JR. Senior Vice President,
- ------------------------------ Chief Financial Officer,
(George S. Smith, Jr.) Director
/s/ SUSAN C. GORDON
- ------------------------------ Vice President, Controller,
(Susan C. Gordon) Chief Accounting Officer
/s/ PHILIPPE P. DAUMAN
- ------------------------------ Director
(Philippe P. Dauman)
/s/ MICHAEL D. FRICKLAS
- ------------------------------ Director
(Michael D. Fricklas)
II-7
<PAGE>
Exhibit 12
VIACOM INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK
DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
(In millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
September 30 Year Ended December 31,
---------------- -----------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Earnings (loss) before income taxes $399.7 $689.2 $376.7 $301.8 $155.6 $8.2
Add:
Share in income of fifty-percent-owned affiliates and
distributed income of affiliated companies 21.7 30.3 30.0 13.4 9.5 5.6
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest 637.4 867.0 526.7 154.1 195.2 298.1
Capitalized interest amortized 4.7 11.2 6.9 2.1 2.4 2.4
1/3 of rental expense 133.5 171.1 83.9 24.8 22.6 21.5
Preferred stock dividends-Majority owned Subs 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
-------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings $1,197.0 $1,769.1 $1,024.2 $496.2 $385.3 $335.8
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
Fixed charges:
Interest costs on all indebtedness $ 643.4 $889.3 $536.3 $154.5 $195.7 $298.6
1/3 of rental expense 133.5 171.1 83.9 24.8 22.6 21.5
Preferred stock dividend-maj. owned subs 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
-------------------------------------------------------------
Total fixed charges $776.9 $1,060.7 $620.2 $179.3 $218.3 $320.1
Preferred Stock dividend requirements 123.3 151.9 288.5 22.4 -- --
-------------------------------------------------------------
Total fixed charges and Preferred Stock dividend
requirements $900.2 $1,212.6 $908.7 $201.7 $218.3 $320.1
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 1.5x 1.7x 1.7x 2.8x 1.8x 1.0x
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and
Preferred Stock dividend requirements 1.3x 1.5x 1.1x 2.5x (a) (a)
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) The Company did not have any Preferred stock outstanding from 1991
to October 1993.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus
constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of Viacom Inc.
and Viacom International Inc. of our report dated February 14, 1996 included
in Item 8 of the Viacom Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1995. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading
"Experts" in such Prospectus.
Price Waterhouse
New York, New York
November 14, 1996
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus
constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of Viacom Inc.
and Viacom International Inc. of our reports dated February 4, 1994, except
as to Note 2, which is as of March 11, 1994, included in Item 8 and Item 9 of
the Viacom International Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1993, as amended by Form 10-K/A Amendment No. 1 dated May 2,
1994. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in
such Prospectus.
Price Waterhouse
New York, New York
November 14, 1996
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No.
33-53485) and related Prospectus of Viacom Inc. and Viacom International Inc.
related to the registration of $3,000,000,000 of senior debt securities,
senior subordinated debt securities, subordinated debt securities, contingent
value rights and preferred stock and to the incorporation by reference therein
of our report dated August 27, 1993, except for Notes A and J, as to which
the date is September 10, 1993, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Paramount Communications Inc. included in the Viacom Inc.
Current Report (Form 8-K) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on April 14, 1995.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
November 14, 1996
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.3
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent certified public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this registration statement of our report dated
March 23, 1994 on Blockbuster Entertainment Corporation's 1993, 1992 and 1991
financial statements, included in Viacom Inc.'s Form 8-K dated April 13,
1995, and to all references to our Firm included in this registration
statement.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
November 14, 1996.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.4
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus
constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of Viacom Inc.
and Viacom International Inc. of our reports dated June 3, 1994, included in
Item 7(a)(1) and Item 14(a) in the Paramount Communications Inc. Transition
Report on Form 10-K for the eleven month period ended March 31, 1994, as
amended by Form 10-K/A Amendment No. 1 dated July 29, 1994 and as further
amended by Form 10-K/A Amendment No. 2 dated August 12, 1994 included in the
Viacom Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April 14, 1995. We also consent to the reference to us under
the heading "Experts" in such Prospectus.
Price Waterhouse
New York, New York
November 14, 1996
