<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 16, 1998
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
-------------------------
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
-------------------------
ATMEL CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
---------------------------------
CALIFORNIA 77-0051991
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
2325 ORCHARD PARKWAY
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 95131
(408) 441-0311
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA
CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
---------------------------------
GEORGE PERLEGOS
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
ATMEL CORPORATION
2325 ORCHARD PARKWAY
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 95131
(408) 441-0311
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
---------------------------------
Copies to:
MARK A. BERTELSEN, ESQ.
JOHN A. FORE, ESQ.
WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
650 PAGE MILL ROAD
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94301
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APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
From time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration 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 statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ] ________
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
TITLE OF EACH CLASS AMOUNT PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM
OF SECURITIES TO TO BE OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE OFFERING AMOUNT OF
BE REGISTERED REGISTERED(1)(2) PER SECURITY(3) PRICE(3) REGISTRATION FEE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated
Debentures due 2018 (the "Debentures")....... $340,400,000 27.625% $94,035,500 $27,741
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------
Common Stock, no par value................... 4,759,814 shares -- -- (4)
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</TABLE>
(1) Includes 4,759,814 shares of Common Stock initially issuable upon
conversion of the Debentures at the rate of 13.983 shares of Common Stock
per $1,000 principal amount at maturity of Debentures. Pursuant to Rule
416 under the Securities Act, such number of shares of Common Stock
registered hereby shall include an indeterminate number of shares of
Common Stock that may be issued in connection with a stock split, stock
dividend, recapitalization or similar event.
(2) The Debentures were issued at an original price of $337.85 per $1,000
principal at maturity, which represents an aggregate issue price of
$115,004,140, and a principal amount at maturity of $340,400,000.
(3) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
pursuant to Rule 457(c), based upon the average of the bid and asked
prices of the Company's Debentures on the Portal Market on July 13, 1998.
(4) Pursuant to Rule 457(i), there is no filing fee with respect to the shares
of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Debentures, because no
additional consideration will be received in connection with the exercise
of the conversion privilege.
-----------------------------
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall
file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.
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<PAGE> 2
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 16, 1998
PROSPECTUS
ATMEL CORPORATION
ZERO COUPON CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES DUE 2018
AND
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION THEREOF
This Prospectus relates to $340,400,000 aggregate principal amount at
maturity of Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2018 (the
"Debentures") of Atmel Corporation ("Atmel" or the "Company",) and the shares of
Common Stock, no par value (the "Common Stock"), of the Company issuable upon
the conversion of the Debentures (the "Conversion Shares"). The Debentures and
the Conversion Shares may be offered from time to time for the accounts of the
holders named herein (the "Selling Securityholders").
The Debentures are convertible at any time after 90 days following the
latest date of original issuance thereof and prior to maturity, unless
previously redeemed or otherwise purchased, into Common Stock at a conversion
rate of 13.983 shares per $1,000 principal amount at maturity. The conversion
rate will not be adjusted for accrued Original issuance Discount (as defined),
but will be subject to adjustment in certain events. See "Description of
Debentures--Conversion of Debentures." The reported last sale price of the
Company's Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market on July 14, 1998 was
$12.5625 per share.
The Debentures were issued at an original price of $337.85 per $1,000
principal amount at maturity (the "Issue Price"), which represented at issuance
an original issue discount of 66.215% from the principal amount thereof payable
at maturity (the "Original Issue Discount"). The Issue Price represents a yield
to maturity of 5.50% per annum (computed on a semi-annual bond equivalent
basis).
Prior to April 21, 2003, the Debentures are not redeemable at the
option of the Company. Thereafter, the Debentures are redeemable at the option
of the Company at Redemption Prices (as defined) equal to the Issue Price plus
accrued Original Issue Discount to the date of redemption. See "Description of
Debentures--Redemption of Debentures at the Option of the Company."
The Debentures may be purchased by the Company, at the option of the
holder, as of April 21, 2003, April 21, 2008 and April 21, 2013 for Purchase
Prices equal to the Issue Price plus accrued Original Issue Discount from and
including the Issue Date and to but excluding such dates. Subject to certain
conditions, the Company may elect to pay any such Purchase Price in cash or
Common Stock, or any combination thereof. See "Description of
Debentures--Purchase of Debentures at the Option of the Holder." The Debentures
may also be redeemed at the option of the holder if there is a Fundamental
Change (as defined) at Redemption Prices equal to the Issue Price plus accrued
Original Issue Discount to the date of redemption, subject to adjustment in
certain circumstances as described herein. See "Description of
Debentures--Redemption at Option of the Holder Upon a Fundamental Change." The
Debentures will be subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future
Senior Indebtedness (as defined) of the Company and effectively subordinated in
right of payment to all indebtedness and other liabilities of the Company's
subsidiaries.
The Debentures and the Conversion Shares may be offered by the Selling
Securityholders from time to time in transactions (which may include block
transactions in the case of the Conversion Shares) on any exchange or market on
which such securities are listed or quoted, as applicable, in negotiated
transactions, through a combination of such methods of sale, or otherwise, at
fixed prices that may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of
sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. The
Selling Securityholders may effect such transactions by selling the Debentures
or Conversion Shares directly or to or through broker-dealers, who may receive
compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the
Selling Securityholders and/or the purchasers of the Debentures or Conversion
Shares for whom such broker-dealers may act as agents or to whom they may sell
as principals, or both (which compensation as to a particular broker-dealer
might be in excess of customary commissions). The Company will not receive any
of the proceeds from the sale of the Debentures or Conversion Shares by the
Selling Securityholders. The Company has agreed to pay all expenses incident to
the offer and sale of the Debentures and Conversion Shares offered by the
Selling Securityholders hereby, except that the Selling Securityholders will pay
all underwriting discounts and selling commissions, if any. See "Plan of
Distribution."
The Debentures have been designated for trading on The Portal Market.
Debentures sold pursuant to this Prospectus will not remain eligible for trading
on The Portal Market. The Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market
under the symbol "ATML."
----------------------------
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 7 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE DEBENTURES AND
CONVERSION SHARES OFFERED HEREBY.
--------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
-------------------------
The date of this Prospectus is , 1998
<PAGE> 3
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in
accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements and other information filed with the Commission by the Company can be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the
Commission's regional offices located at 500 West Madison Street, Room 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661 and at 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New
York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from the Public Reference
Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, Washington, D.C. 20549, at
prescribed rates, or on the World Wide Web at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of
other materials concerning the Company can be inspected at the offices of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. at 1735 K Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20006.
The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (together with all amendments and exhibits thereto, the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
with respect to the Debentures and Conversion Shares offered hereby. This
Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration
Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto, certain parts of which are
omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. For
further information with respect to the Company, the Debentures and the
Conversion Shares, reference is made to the Registration Statement and the
exhibits and schedules thereto. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to
the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete and,
in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract or document
filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement being
qualified in all respects by such reference. Copies of the Registration
Statement, including all exhibits thereto, may be obtained from the Commission's
principal office in Washington, D.C. upon payment of the fees prescribed by the
Commission, or may be examined without charge at the offices of the Commission
described above.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The following documents previously filed with the Commission are hereby
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus: (i) the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, (ii) the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, (iii) the
Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on April 22, 1998 and April 16,
1998, and (iv) the Company's Form 8-A filed February 20, 1991, including any
amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description. All
documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the termination of the offering to
which this Prospectus relates shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference
into this Prospectus and to be part of this Prospectus from the date of filing
thereof.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus and
the Registration Statement of which it is a part to the extent that a statement
contained herein or in any subsequently filed document which also is
incorporated herein modifies or replaces such statement. Any statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, in its unmodified form, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus or such Registration Statement. Upon
written or oral request, the Company will provide without charge to each person
to whom a copy of this Prospectus is delivered a copy of any of the documents
incorporated by reference herein (other than exhibits to such documents unless
such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into such documents).
Requests for such documents should be submitted to Investor Relations, at the
principal executive offices of the Company in writing at Atmel Corporation, 2325
Orchard Parkway, San Jose, California 95131 or by telephone at (408) 441-0311.
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<PAGE> 4
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this Prospectus are forward-looking statements
that involve risks and uncertainties. The statements contained or incorporated
by reference in this Prospectus that are not purely historical are forward-
looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and
Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Words such as "expects," "anticipates,"
"intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," and variations of such
words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking
statements. These statements are based on current expectations and projections
about the semiconductor industry and assumptions made by the management and are
not guarantees of future performance. Therefore, actual events and results may
differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking
statements due to factors such as the effect of changing economic conditions,
material changes in currency exchange rates, conditions in the overall
semiconductor market (including the historic cyclicality of the industry),
continued financial turmoil in the Asian markets, risks associated with product
demand and market acceptance risks, the impact of competitive products and
pricing, delays in new product development, fab capacity utilization, product
mix and technological risks and other risk factors identified in "Risk Factors"
and elsewhere in this Prospectus. The Company undertakes no obligation to update
any forward-looking statements in this Prospectus.
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<PAGE> 5
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following information is qualified in its entirety by the more
detailed financial and other information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus
and in the documents incorporated by reference herein. Except as otherwise
indicated, all references to the "Company" or "Atmel" refer to Atmel Corporation
and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.
THE COMPANY
Atmel designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of high
performance non-volatile memory and logic integrated circuits using its
proprietary complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technologies. The
Company's non-volatile memory products consist primarily of Flash memories,
electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs) and erasable
programmable read-only memories (EPROMs). The Company's logic products consist
of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), Flash microcontrollers and
programmable logic devices (EPLDs and FPGAs). These products are used in a wide
array of applications in the telecommunications, consumer electronics,
computing, networking, industrial control and instrumentation, automotive and
avionics markets. In March 1998, the Company acquired the integrated circuit
business of Temic Telefunken Microelectronic ("Temic") of Heilbronn, Germany, a
wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler-Benz A.G., for approximately $108 million
cash. Temic designs, manufactures and sells analog, microcontroller and ASIC
products that service the automotive, telecommunications, consumer and
industrial markets.
Recent Developments
On June 30, 1998, the Company announced that in response to continued
weakness in the semiconductor market, particularly with respect to demand for
EPROMs and renewed pricing pressure on Flash products, the Company will
implement a number of restructuring programs to enhance its competitive position
and to improve its financial performance. The Company will take a pre-tax charge
of approximately $70 million against second quarter earnings to cover the costs
of the restructuring programs, which include a ten percent workforce reduction,
and a writedown of assets associated with older process technologies. After the
full implementation of these restructuring programs, which will take place over
the next two quarters, Atmel expects these programs to generate pre-tax savings
in excess of $30 million per quarter. Additionally, a $30 million charge for
in-process research and development related to the March 1998 acquisition of
Temic will be taken against first quarter 1998 earnings.
The primary elements of the restructuring program are: a ten percent
workforce reduction (approximately 650 employees) over the course of the next
two quarters through attrition, early retirement, and terminations; and, as
Atmel migrates to more advanced process technologies, writing down the value of
assets related to older process technologies.
The Company expects that industry conditions will remain difficult in
the near-term and believes that it is critical that the Company adjust to the
current business environment and reduce expenses. Because industry overcapacity
has not yet abated, the Company believes that it needs to reduce its current
inventory levels. Accordingly, the Company intends to scale back production in
its fab operations given current market conditions. Additionally, the Company
believes that development of 0.35 and 0.25 micron process technology will be
critical to the success of the Company and therefore intends to accelerate its
transition to these more advanced technologies.
Atmel expects second quarter 1998 revenue to be approximately ten
percent higher than first quarter 1998 revenues of $260 million. With its high
fixed cost base, the company expects this to negatively impact margins. As a
result, the Company estimates second quarter earnings per share to be
approximately break even for the quarter, excluding the restructuring charges.
Atmel was incorporated in California on December 5, 1984. Its principal
executive offices are located at 2325 Orchard Parkway, San Jose, California
95131, and its telephone number is (408) 441-0311.
THE OFFERING
Securities Offered............... $340,400,000 principal amount at maturity of
Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated
Debentures due 2018 (the "Debentures") and the
shares of Common Stock of the Company issuable
upon conversion of the Debentures (the
"Conversion Shares"). There will be no
periodic interest payments on the Debentures.
See "Description of Debentures -- General."
Issue Price...................... The Debentures were originally sold at an
issue price of 33.785% of the principal amount
at maturity (the "Issue Price").
Yield to Maturity of
Debentures.................... 5.50% per annum (computed on a semi-annual
bond equivalent basis) calculated from April
21, 1998.
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<PAGE> 6
Conversion....................... The Debentures are convertible, at the option
of the holder, at any time after 90 days
following the latest date of original issuance
thereof and prior to maturity, unless
previously redeemed or otherwise purchased by
the Company, into Common Stock at the rate of
13.983 shares per $ 1,000 principal amount at
maturity of the Debentures (the "Conversion
Rate"). The Conversion Rate will not be
adjusted for accrued Original Issue Discount
(as defined), but will be subject to
adjustment upon the occurrence of certain
events. Upon conversion, the holder will not
receive any cash payment representing accrued
Original Issue Discount; such accrued Original
Issue Discount will be deemed paid by the
Common Stock received upon conversion. See
"Description of Debentures -- Conversion of
Debentures."
Subordination.................... The Debentures are subordinated in right of
payment to all existing and future Senior
Indebtedness (as defined) of the Company and
effectively subordinated in right of payment
to all indebtedness and other liabilities of
the Company's subsidiaries. At June 30, 1998,
the Company had $521.9 million of
indebtedness outstanding that would have
constituted Senior Indebtedness, and the
Company's subsidiaries had approximately
$484.9 million of indebtedness and other
liabilities outstanding (excluding
intercompany liabilities and liabilities of a
type not required to be reflected on a balance
sheet in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles) to which the Debentures
would have been effectively subordinated. See
"Description of Debentures -- Subordination of
Debentures."
Original Issue Discount.......... The Debentures were issued at an Original
Issue Discount for Federal income tax purposes
equal to the excess of the principal amount at
maturity of the Debentures over their Issue
Price. Prospective purchasers of Debentures
should be aware that, although there will be
no periodic payments of interest on the
Debentures, accrued Original Issue Discount
will be included periodically in a holder's
gross income for Federal income tax purposes
prior to conversion, redemption, other
disposition or maturity of such holder's
Debentures, whether or not such Debentures are
ultimately converted, redeemed, sold (to the
Company or otherwise) or paid at maturity. See
"Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations."
Sinking Fund..................... None.
Redemption....................... The Debentures are not redeemable by the
Company prior to April 21, 2003. Thereafter,
the Debentures will be redeemable for cash, at
the option of the Company, in whole at any
time or in part from time to time, at
Redemption Prices equal to the Issue Price
plus accrued Original Issue Discount to the
date of redemption. See "Description of
Debentures -- Redemption of Debentures at the
Option of the Company."
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<PAGE> 7
Fundamental Change............... The Debentures may be redeemed at the option
of the holder if there is a Fundamental Change
(as defined) at a Fundamental Change
Redemption Price equal to the Issue Price plus
accrued Original Issue Discount to the date of
redemption, subject to adjustment in certain
circumstances. See "Description of Debentures
-- Redemption at Option of the Holder Upon a
Fundamental Change."
Purchase at the Option of the
Holder......................... The Debentures may be purchased by the
Company, at the option of the holder, as of
April 21, 2003, April 21, 2008 and April 21,
2013 for Purchase Prices equal to the Issue
Price plus accrued Original Issue Discount
from and including the Issue Date and to but
excluding such dates. The Company may, at its
option, elect to pay any such Purchase Price
in cash or Common Stock, or any combination
thereof. See "Description of Debentures --
Purchase of Debentures at the Option of the
Holder."
Use of Proceeds.................. The Company will not receive any of the
proceeds from the sale by Selling
Securityholders of the Debentures or the
Conversion Shares.
Registration Rights.............. The Company has agreed, for the benefit of the
holders of the Debentures, to file with the
Commission as soon as practicable, but in any
event within 90 days after the first date of
original issuance of the Debentures, a shelf
registration statement (the "Shelf
Registration Statement"), of which this
Prospectus forms a part, covering resales of
the Debentures and the Conversion Shares (the
"Registrable Securities"). The Company will
use its best efforts to cause the Shelf
Registration Statement to become effective as
promptly as is practicable, but in any event
within 180 days after such first date of
original issuance, and to keep the Shelf
Registration Statement effective until the
earlier of (i) the sale pursuant to the Shelf
Registration Statement of all the Registrable
Securities and (ii) the expiration of the
holding period applicable to the Registrable
Securities held by nonaffiliates of the
Company under Rule 144(k) of the Securities
Act, or any successor provision, subject to
certain permitted exceptions. See "Description
of Debentures -- Registration Rights."
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<PAGE> 8
RISK FACTORS
An investment in the Debentures and underlying Conversion Shares
offered hereby involves a high degree of risk. Prospective investors should
carefully consider the following risk factors, in addition to the other
information set forth or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, in
connection with an investment in the Debentures and underlying Conversion
Shares. This Prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference
herein, contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. The statements contained in this Prospectus or incorporated by
reference herein that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the
Exchange Act, including without limitation statements regarding the Company's
expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. All
forward-looking statements included in this document or incorporated by
reference herein are based on information available to the Company on the date
hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking
statements. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those
anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors,
including those set forth in "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this Prospectus.
Factors Affecting Revenue and Quarterly Operating Results. The Company
believes that its future operating results will be subject to quarterly
variations based upon a wide variety of factors, including fluctuations in
manufacturing yields, the timing of introduction of new products, changes in
product mix, the extent of utilization of manufacturing capacity, the cyclical
nature of both the semiconductor industry and the markets addressed by the
Company's products, product obsolescence, price erosion, competitive factors and
fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Many of these factors are outside the
control of the Company. The Company's net revenues and cost of sales vary
depending upon the mix of products sold. Any unfavorable changes in
manufacturing yields or product mix, delays in new product introductions,
under-utilization of manufacturing capacity, increased price competition,
strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the local currencies in the markets in
which the Company sells products or other factors could materially and adversely
affect the Company's operating results.
The Company believes future sales growth will depend substantially on
the success of new products. New products are generally incorporated into
customers' products or systems at the design stage. However, design wins may
precede volume sales generation by a year or more. No assurance can be given
that the Company will achieve design wins or that any design win will result in
future revenues, which depend in large part on the success of the customers' end
product or system. The Company expects the average selling price of each product
to decline as individual products mature, typically within two years, and
competitors enter the market. To offset average selling price decreases,
typically experienced over the life of any particular product, the Company
relies primarily on attaining cost reductions in the manufacturing of those
products and on introducing new, higher priced products, which incorporate
advanced features or integrated technologies to address new or emerging markets.
Manufacturing cost reductions may be achieved through using advanced process
technologies, reducing the line widths in circuit designs which would enable
more die to be etched onto a silicon wafer, increasing unit production volume to
lower the fixed costs allocated to each die and negotiating volume discounts on
assembly and packaging costs. To the extent that such cost reductions and new
product introductions do not occur in a timely manner, the Company's operating
results could be adversely affected. In addition, due in part to overcapacity in
the semiconductor industry, the Company's quarterly revenues and operating
results have become increasingly dependent upon orders booked and shipped within
a given quarter. To the extent this trend continues, the Company's quarterly
results will be less predictable and subject to greater variability.
The Company's continued success will depend in large part on the
continued growth of various electronics industries that use semiconductors,
including manufacturers of computers, telecommunications equipment, automotive
electronics, industrial controls, consumer electronics equipment, military
equipment and a better supply and demand balance within the industry. Although
the Company experienced rapid revenue and net income
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<PAGE> 9
growth from 1994 through 1996, there can be no assurance this growth will resume
in the future periods, as was evidenced in 1997 and the first half of 1998.
In March 1998, the Company acquired the integrated circuit business of
Temic Telefunken Microelectronic ("Temic") of Heilbronn, Germany, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Daimler-Benz A.G., for approximately $108 million cash.
Approximately $30 million of the purchase price has been charged to in-process
research and development. In order to improve such operating results, the
Company intends to reduce Temic's operating expenses, which will be achieved, in
part, through reductions in personnel and re-balancing its manufacturing
capacity. However, the Company's ability to reduce the number of employees will
be subject to government approvals in France and Germany, and there can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to achieve such expense reductions in
the near term. The success of the Temic acquisition is also dependent upon the
Company's ability to increase revenues, which will be based, in part, on the
Company's ability to develop new products based on Temic's RF and silicon
germanium technologies.
Risk of Excess Capacity; Fabrication of Wafers. The Company has made
substantial capital expenditures to increase its wafer fabrication capacity at
its facilities in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Rousset, France, and acquired
two wafer fabrication facilities in connection with its acquisition of Temic. In
1997 and the first half of 1998, the Company's gross margin declined
significantly as a result of the increase in fixed costs and operating expenses
related to this expansion of capacity, lower product margins in many of the
Company's non-volatile memory products and, in 1998, the inclusion of costs of
sales from Temic. The lower product margins were attributable to the rapid
erosion of average selling prices that were not matched with a corresponding
decrease in manufacturing cost. If the Company's revenues do not increase
substantially in the second half of 1998 and in future periods, the Company's
gross margin will continue to decline from the gross margin experienced in 1997.
The Company has lowered its capital expenditure plan to below $200
million in 1998 and will focus on implementing chemical mechanical planarization
(CMP), 0.35-micron and 0.25-micron technologies in its wafer manufacturing
facilities. Successful implementation of these technologies will enable the
Company to achieve cost reductions through die shrinks. However, the fabrication
of integrated circuits, particularly non-volatile, erasable CMOS memory and
logic devices such as those manufactured by the Company, is a highly complex and
precise process, requiring production in a tightly controlled, clean
environment. Minute impurities, difficulties in the fabrication process, defects
in the masks used to print circuits on a wafer or other factors can cause a
substantial percentage of wafers to be rejected or numerous die on each wafer to
be nonfunctional. The Company may experience problems in achieving acceptable
yields in the manufacture of wafers, particularly in connection with the
expansion of its capacity and related transitions. The interruption of wafer
fabrication or the failure to achieve acceptable manufacturing yields at any of
the Company's facilities would have a material adverse effect on the Company's
operations.
There can be no assurance that market conditions will permit the
Company to fully utilize its wafer fabrication capacity or that the increases in
fixed costs and operating expenses related to manufacturing overcapacity will
not materially and adversely affect the Company's operating results, if net
revenues do not increase sufficiently from current levels. The Company
experienced production delays and yield difficulties in connection with earlier
expansions of its wafer fabrication capacity and experienced overcapacity at its
Colorado Springs facility in 1991. Production delays, difficulties in achieving
acceptable yields at any of its fabrication facilities or overcapacity could
materially and adversely affect the Company's operating results.
Cyclical Nature of Semiconductor Industry. The semiconductor industry
has historically been characterized by wide fluctuations in product supply and
demand. From time to time, and during the past twelve months, the industry has
also experienced significant downturns, often in connection with, or in
anticipation of, maturing product cycles and declines in general economic
conditions. These downturns have been characterized
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<PAGE> 10
by diminished product demand, production overcapacity and subsequent accelerated
erosion of average selling prices, and in some cases have lasted for more than a
year. The Company's business could be materially and adversely affected by
industry-wide fluctuations in the future. The commodity memory portion of the
semiconductor industry, from which the Company has historically derived more
than half its revenues, continued to suffer from excess capacity in 1997 and the
first half of 1998, which led to abnormal price erosion during these periods. If
these conditions extend through 1998, the Company's growth and operating results
would continue to be materially and adversely affected. In addition, in the
past, the Company's operating results were adversely affected by industry-wide
fluctuations in the demand for semiconductors, which resulted in
under-utilization of the Company's manufacturing capacity. The Company's
continued success will depend in large part on the continued growth of various
electronics industries that use semiconductors, including manufacturers of
computers, telecommunications equipment, automotive electronics, industrial
controls, consumer electronics equipment and military equipment. No assurance
can be given that the Company will not be materially and adversely affected in
the future by cyclical conditions in the semiconductor industry or by slower
growth in any of the markets served by the Company's products.
Competition. The semiconductor industry is intensely competitive and is
characterized by rapid technological change, rapid product obsolescence and
price erosion. Throughout its product line, the Company competes with a number
of semiconductor manufacturers, such as SGS-Thompson, Intel, AMD, Sharp and
Fujitsu, which are among the largest in the world. These competitors have
substantially greater financial, technical, marketing and management resources
than the Company. As the Company has introduced its new Flash products, it is
increasingly competing directly with SGS-Thompson, Intel, AMD, Sharp and
Fujitsu, and there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete
effectively. The Company also competes with emerging companies attempting to
sell products in specialized markets such as those addressed by the Company. The
Company competes principally on the basis of the technical innovation and
performance of its CMOS products, including their speed, density, power usage,
reliability and specialty packaging alternatives, as well as on price and
product availability. During the past 18 months, the Company has experienced
significant price competition in its non-volatile memory business and
especially for its EPROM products. The Company expects competitive pressures to
increase in its markets from existing companies and new entrants, which among
other things could further accelerate the trend of decreasing average selling
prices for its products.
In addition to the factors described above, the ability of the Company
to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including its success in
designing and manufacturing new products that implement new technologies, its
ability to offer integrated solutions using its advanced non-volatile memory
process with other technologies, the rate at which customers incorporate the
Company's products into their systems, product introductions by the Company's
competitors, the number and nature of its competitors in a given market, and
general market and economic conditions. Many of these factors are outside of the
Company's control. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
compete successfully in the future.
New Product Development and Technological Change. The average selling
prices of the Company's products historically have decreased over the products'
lives and are expected to continue to do so. To offset average selling price
decreases typically experienced over the life of any particular product, the
Company relies primarily on obtaining cost reductions in the manufacture of
those products, increased unit demand to absorb fixed costs and introducing new,
higher priced products which incorporate advanced features or address new or
emerging markets. To the extent that such cost reductions, increased unit demand
or new product introductions do not occur in a timely manner, the Company's
operating results will be adversely affected.
As a result, the Company's future success depends on its ability to
develop and introduce new products which compete effectively on the basis of
price and performance and which address customer requirements. The Company is
continually in the process of designing and commercializing new and improved
products to maintain
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<PAGE> 11
its competitive position. The success of new product introductions is dependent
upon several factors, including timely completion and introduction of new
product designs, achievement of acceptable fabrication yields and market
acceptance. The development of new products by the Company and their design-in
to customers' systems can take as long as three years, depending upon the
complexity of the device and the application. Accordingly, new product
development requires a long-term forecast of market trends and customer needs,
and the successful introduction of the Company's products may be adversely
affected by competing products or technologies serving markets addressed by the
Company's products. For example, the Company's operating results for the first
half of 1997 were adversely impacted in part by delays in the qualification of
the Company's new Flash products.
In addition, new product introductions frequently depend on the
Company's development and implementation of new process technologies. The
Company believes that its future growth will depend in part upon the development
and the market's acceptance of these products. In addition, as the Company
develops its integrated solution products, it will require more technically
sophisticated sales and marketing personnel to market these products
successfully to its customers. The Company is developing new products with
smaller feature sizes, the fabrication of which will be substantially more
complex than fabrication of the Company's current products. If the Company is
unable to design, develop, manufacture, market and sell new products
successfully, its operating results will be adversely affected. No assurance can
be given that the Company's product, process development, design, marketing and
sales efforts will be successful or that its new products will achieve market
acceptance.
International Sales and Operations. Foreign product sales to customers
accounted for approximately 60%, 64%, 61% and 68% of net revenues in 1995, 1996
and 1997, and the first six months of 1998, respectively. Atmel expects that
revenues derived from international sales will continue to represent a
significant portion of net revenues. In addition, in recent years, Atmel has
significantly expanded its international operations, most recently through its
acquisition of Temic. International sales and operations are subject to a
variety of risks, including those arising from currency fluctuations, tariffs,
trade barriers, taxes, export license requirements and foreign government
regulations. Because most of the Company's foreign sales are denominated in U.S.
dollars, the Company's products become less price competitive in countries with
currencies declining in value against the dollar. In particular, in 1997 and
during the first six months of 1998, the Company's operating results were
adversely impacted in part by a strengthening of the U.S. dollar against local
currencies in the markets in which the Company sells products. There can be no
assurance that the Company will not experience similar adverse effects in
current or future periods. In addition, in 1997 and during the first six months
of 1998, business conditions in Asia have been severely affected by banking and
currency issues which adversely affected the Company's operating results.
Furthermore, accounts receivable increased by $40.5 million due to the Company
extending longer payment terms to its customers and a more difficult collection
environment because of the financial turmoil in Asia. The continuance or
worsening of the adverse business and financial conditions in Asia, where more
than 40% of the Company's revenues are generated, would likely have a material
adverse effect on the Company's operating results in the future.
Customer Concentration. In 1995, 1996, 1997 and the first six months of
1998, 16.9%, 12%, 12.6% and 13.1%, respectively, of the Company's net revenues
were derived from sales to Motorola Corporation ("Motorola"). The ability of the
Company to maintain close, satisfactory relationships with Motorola and other
large customers is important to its business. The continued reduction, delay, or
cancellation of orders from Motorola could materially and adversely affect the
Company's business and results of operations.
The Company's customers may vary order levels significantly from period
to period. Due in part to overcapacity in the semiconductor industry, the
Company's quarterly revenues and operating results have become increasingly
dependent upon orders booked and shipped within a given quarter. In addition,
there can be no assurance that customers will continue to place orders with the
Company in the future at the same levels as in prior
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<PAGE> 12
periods. The loss of one or more of the Company's key customers, or reduced
orders by any of its key customers, could adversely affect the Company's
business and results of operations.
Risks Associated with Acquisitions. The Company has from time to time
acquired complementary businesses, products and technologies, including the
acquisition of Temic in March 1998. Achieving the anticipated benefits of an
acquisition depends, in part, upon whether the integration of the acquired
business, products or technology is accomplished in an efficient and effective
manner, and there can be no assurance that this will occur. Moreover, successful
acquisitions in the semiconductor industry may be more difficult to accomplish
than in other industries. Combining a merged or acquired company requires, among
other things, integration of product offerings, manufacturing operations and
coordination of sales and marketing and research and development efforts. There
can be no assurance that such an integration can be accomplished smoothly or
successfully. The difficulties of such integration may be increased by the
necessity of coordinating geographically separated organizations, the complexity
of the technologies being integrated, and the necessity of integrating personnel
with disparate business backgrounds and combining two different corporate
cultures. The integration of operations following an acquisition requires the
dedication of management resources that may distract attention from the
day-to-day business, and may disrupt key research and development, marketing or
sales efforts. The inability of management to successfully integrate the Temic
acquisition or any future acquisition could have a material adverse effect on
the business, operating results and financial condition of the Company.
Furthermore, there can be no assurance that any products acquired in connection
with any such acquisition will gain acceptance in the Company's markets or that
the Company will obtain the anticipated or desired benefits of such
transactions.
Intellectual Property Matters. The Company has from time to time
received, and may in the future receive, communications from third parties
asserting patent or other intellectual property rights covering the Company's
products or processes. During the past year, the Company has received specific
allegations from major companies alleging that certain of the Company's products
infringe patents owned by such companies. The Company is currently evaluating
these allegations and believes that a resolution, either as a result of a
determination that the patents are invalid or are not infringed by the Company's
products or, alternatively, by securing a license to the patents, will not have
a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition. No assurance can
be provided, however, that the Company would prevail in any litigation relating
to invalidity or noninfringement or that any such license can be obtained on
reasonable terms or at all. In addition, the semiconductor industry is
characterized by vigorous protection and pursuit of intellectual property rights
or positions, which have on occasion resulted in significant and often
protracted and expensive litigation. In the past, the Company has been involved
in such litigation, which adversely affected its operating results. On January
21, 1998, the Company was named as a defendant in a patent infringement suit
that was filed by Harris Corporation. The plaintiff contends that certain of the
Company's devices infringe eight patents it allegedly owns and is seeking a
judgment of infringement for each of these asserted patents and other costs. The
Company is reviewing the suit and believes that the allegations are without
merit. No assurance can be given, however, that this matter will be resolved in
the Company's favor. There can be no assurance that other intellectual property
claims will not be made against the Company in the future or that the Company
will not be prohibited from using the technologies subject to any such claims or
required to obtain licenses and make corresponding royalty payments. In
addition, the necessary management attention to and legal costs with litigation
can have a significant adverse effect on operating results.
Future Capital Needs. Semiconductor companies that maintain their own
fabrication facilities have substantial capital requirements. The Company made
capital expenditures of $312.1 million in 1997 and intends to continue to make
significant investments in capital equipment and expansion of facilities, as
well as in research and development. The Company's capital expenditures plan for
1998 is below $200 million of which approximately $95.9 million (excluding
Temic) was expended in the first half of 1998. The Company may seek additional
equity or debt financing to fund further expansion of its wafer fabrication
capacity or to fund other projects. The timing and amount of such capital
requirements cannot be precisely determined at this time and will depend on a
number of factors including demand for the Company's products, product mix,
changes in
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<PAGE> 13
semiconductor industry conditions and competitive factors. There can be no
assurance that such additional financing will be available when needed or, if
available, will be on satisfactory terms.
Dependence on Independent Assembly Contractors. The Company
manufactures wafers for its products at its fabrication facilities. The wafers
are then sorted and probed at the Company's facilities. After wafer probing, the
Company ships the wafers to one of the Company's independent assembly
contractors located in China, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan
and Thailand where the wafers are separated into die, packaged and, in some
cases, tested. The Company's reliance on independent contractors to assemble,
package and test its products involves significant risks, including reduced
control over quality and delivery schedules, the potential lack of adequate
capacity and discontinuance or phase-out of such contractors' assembly
processes. There can be no assurance that such contractors will continue to
assemble, package and test products for the Company. Moreover, because the
Company's assembly contractors are located in foreign countries, the Company is
subject to certain risks generally associated with contracting with foreign
suppliers, including currency exchange fluctuations, political and economic
instability, trade restrictions and changes in tariff and freight rates. There
can be no assurance that the Company will not experience problems in timelines,
adequacy or quality of product deliveries, any of which could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.
Environmental Regulations. The Company is subject to a variety of
federal, state and local governmental regulations related to the discharge or
disposal of toxic, volatile or otherwise hazardous chemicals used in its
manufacturing process. While the Company believes that it has all environmental
permits necessary to conduct its business and that its activities conform to
present environmental regulations, increasing public attention has been focused
on the environmental impact of semiconductor operations. Although the Company
has not experienced any material adverse effect on its operations from
environmental regulations, there can be no assurance that changes in such
regulations will not impose the need for additional capital equipment or other
requirements. Any failure by the Company to control the use of, or to restrict
adequately the discharge of, hazardous substances under present or future
regulations could subject the Company to substantial liability or cause its
manufacturing operations to be suspended.
Dependence on Key Personnel. The Company's future success depends in
large part on the continued service of its key technical and management
personnel and on its ability to continue to attract and retain qualified
employees, particularly those highly skilled design, process and test engineers
involved in the manufacture of existing products and the development of new
products and processes. The competition for such personnel is intense, and the
loss of key employees, none of whom is subject to an employment agreement for a
specified term or a post-employment non-competition agreement, could have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
Management of Growth. The Company has grown rapidly in recent years
through both internal expansion and acquisitions, and continued growth may
cause a significant strain on the Company's infrastructure and internal systems.
To manage its growth effectively, the Company must continue to improve and
expand its management information systems. The Company's success depends to a
significant extent on the management skills of its executive officers. If the
Company is unable to manage its growth effectively, the Company's results of
operations will be materially and adversely affected.
Year 2000 Risks. Many currently installed computer systems and software
products are coded to accept only two-digit entries in the date code field.
These date code fields will need to accept four digit entries to distinguish
21st century dates from 20th century dates. As a result, in less than two years
computer systems and/or software used by the Company with need to be upgraded to
comply with such Year 2000 requirements. The Company has initiated a program to
review its computer hardware and software systems to determine the impact of and
to provide solutions for Year 2000 requirements. However, it is unable, at this
time, to determine the financial impact of this program. If the Company were
unable to successfully upgrade its computer information systems to be Year 2000
compliant, its wafer production system and business and financial information
systems
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<PAGE> 14
could be materially and adversely affected, which in turn could result in a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and
financial condition.
Long-Term Debt; Leverage. The Company financed its 1997 capital
expenditures with long-term debt, which more than doubled during the year,
increasing from $278.6 million at December 31, 1996 to $571.4 million at
December 31, 1997. This resulted in an increase in the Company's ratio of
long-term debt, less current portion, to total capitalization from approximately
27.1% at March 31, 1997 to approximately 51.9% at June 30, 1998. The degree to
which the Company is leveraged could materially and adversely affect the
Company's ability to obtain additional financing for working capital,
acquisitions or other purposes and could make it more vulnerable to industry
downturns and competitive pressures. The Company's ability to meet its debt
obligations will be dependent upon the Company's future performance, which will
be subject to financial, business and other factors affecting the operations of
the Company, many of which are beyond its control.
Possible Volatility of Debentures and Share Price. The market price of
the Company's Common Stock has experienced significant fluctuations and may
continue to fluctuate significantly. The market price of the Debentures and the
Conversion Shares may be significantly affected by factors such as the
announcement of new products or product enhancements by the Company or its
competitors, technological innovation by the Company or its competitors,
quarterly variations in the Company's results of operations, changes in earnings
estimates by market analysts and general market conditions or market conditions
specific to particular industries. Statements or changes in opinions, ratings,
or earnings estimates made by brokerage firms or industry analysts relating to
the market in which the Company does business or relating to the Company
specifically could result in an immediately and adverse effect on the market
price of the Debentures and the Conversion Shares. In addition, in recent years
the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. These
fluctuations have had a substantial effect on the market prices for many high
technology companies, often unrelated to the operating performance of the
specific companies.
Subordination. The Debentures are unsecured and subordinated in right
of payment to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness (as defined) of the
Company. As a result of such subordination, in the event of bankruptcy,
liquidation or reorganization of the Company and in certain other events, the
assets of the Company will be available to pay its obligations with respect to
the Debentures only after all Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full in cash
or other payment satisfactory to the holders of Senior Indebtedness, and there
may not be sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts due on any or all of the
Debentures then outstanding.
Since a substantial portion of the operations of the Company are
conducted through its subsidiaries, the cash flow and the consequent ability to
service debt, including the Debentures, are partially dependent upon the
earnings of its subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings, or upon
loans or other payments of funds by those subsidiaries, to the Company. Such
subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation,
contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due pursuant to the Debentures or to
make any funds available therefor, whether by dividends, distributions, loans or
other payments. In addition, the payment of dividends or distributions and the
making of loans and advances to the Company by any such subsidiaries could be
subject to statutory or contractual restrictions, could be contingent upon the
earnings of those subsidiaries and could be subject to various business
considerations. Any right of the Company to receive any assets of any of its
subsidiaries upon its liquidation or reorganization will be effectively
subordinated to the claims of that subsidiary's creditors (including trade
creditors), except to the extent that the Company is itself recognized as a
creditor of such subsidiary, in which case the claims of the Company would still
be subordinate to any security interest in the assets of such subsidiary and any
indebtedness of such subsidiary senior to that held by the Company.
The Indenture does not prohibit or limit the incurrence of Senior
Indebtedness by the Company or the incurrence of other indebtedness and other
liabilities by the Company or its subsidiaries, and the incurrence of additional
indebtedness and other liabilities by the Company or its subsidiaries could
adversely affect the
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<PAGE> 15
Company's ability to pay its obligations with respect to the Debentures. As of
June 30, 1998, the Company had $521.9 million of indebtedness outstanding
that would have constituted Senior Indebtedness, and as of the same date the
Company's subsidiaries had approximately $484.9 million of indebtedness and
other liabilities outstanding (excluding intercompany liabilities and
liabilities of a type not required to be reflected on a balance sheet in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) to which the
Debentures would have been effectively subordinated. The Company anticipates
that from time to time it will incur indebtedness, including Senior
Indebtedness, and that it and its subsidiaries will from time to time incur
other additional indebtedness and liabilities. See "Description of
Debentures-Subordination of Debentures."
Limitations on Repurchases and Redemptions of Debentures. On April 21,
2003, April 21, 2008 and April 21, 2013 (each, a "Purchase Date"), the Company
will become obligated to purchase, at the option of the holder thereof, any
outstanding Debenture, subject to certain conditions. In addition, upon a
Fundamental Change (as defined), each holder of the Debentures will have certain
rights, at such holder's option, to require the Company to redeem all or a
portion of such holder's Debentures. There can be no assurance that the Company
will have sufficient funds to pay the repurchase price on any Purchase Date (in
which case, the Company could be required to issue shares of Common Stock to pay
the repurchase price at valuations based on then prevailing market prices) or,
in the event of a Fundamental Change, the redemption price for all the
Debentures tendered by the holders thereof. Any future credit agreements or
other agreements relating to other indebtedness (including Senior Indebtedness)
to which the Company becomes a party may contain restrictions or prohibitions on
the repurchase or redemption of the Debentures. In the event a Purchase Date or
a Fundamental Change occurs at a time when the Company is prohibited from
repurchasing or redeeming the Debentures, the Company could seek the consent of
its then existing lenders to repurchase or redeem the Debentures or could
attempt to refinance the borrowings that contain such prohibition. If the
Company does not obtain such a consent or repay such borrowings, the Company
would remain prohibited from repurchasing the Debentures or redeeming the
Debentures. In such case, the Company's failure to repurchase or redeem
Debentures required to be repurchased or redeemed under the terms of the
Indenture would constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture and would
likely constitute a default under the terms of any other indebtedness of the
Company outstanding at such time. In such circumstances, or if a Fundamental
Change would in and of itself constitute an event of default under Senior
Indebtedness then outstanding, the subordination provisions in the Indenture
would likely prohibit or restrict payments to the holders of Debentures. The
term "Fundamental Change" is limited to certain specified transactions and does
not include all events that could adversely affect the Company's financial
condition or operating results. The requirement that the Company offer to redeem
the Debentures upon a Fundamental Change will not necessarily protect holders of
the Debentures in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization,
merger or similar transaction involving the Company. See "Description of
Debentures -- Redemption at Option of the Holder Upon a Fundamental Change."
Absence of a Public Market. The Debentures issued in the April 1998
private placement are eligible for trading on The Portal Market. Debentures sold
pursuant to this Prospectus will not remain eligible for trading on The Portal
Market. The Company does not intend to list the Debentures on any national
securities exchange or on The Nasdaq Stock Market. There can be no assurance
that an active trading market for the Debentures will develop or, if one does
develop, that it will be maintained. If an active trading market for the
Debentures fails to develop or be sustained, the trading price of such
Debentures could be adversely affected, and holders of the Debentures may
experience difficulty in reselling the Debentures or may be unable to sell them
at all. If a public trading market develops for the Debentures, future trading
prices of the Debentures will depend upon many factors, including, among other
things, prevailing interest rates and the market price of the shares of Common
Stock.
Initial Ratings Risks. The Company believes it is likely that one or
more rating agencies may rate the Debentures. There can be no assurance that any
such agency or agencies will rate the Debentures or, if they do, what rating or
ratings they will assign to the Debentures. If one or more rating agencies
assign the Debentures a rating lower than generally expected by investors, or if
the rating on the 3.25% Convertible Subordinated
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<PAGE> 16
Guaranteed Step-Up Notes due 2002 issued by Atmel S.A., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company, is lowered, such event would likely have an adverse
effect on the market price of the Debentures and the Conversion Shares.
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<PAGE> 17
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale by the Selling
Securityholders of the Debentures or the Conversion Shares.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the Company's ratio of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods shown:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
FISCAL YEAR ----------------------
-------------------------------------------------------- MARCH 31, MARCH 31,
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
----- ----- ----- ----- ---- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges ...... 13.9x 14.6x 17.8x 15.9x 1.2x 8.9x 3.4x
</TABLE>
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is computed by dividing (a)
earnings before taxes plus fixed charges by (b) fixed charges. Fixed charges
consist of interest expense, capitalized interest and the estimated portion of
rental expense deemed by the Company to be representative of the interest factor
of rental payments under operating leases.
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<PAGE> 18
DESCRIPTION OF DEBENTURES
The Debentures were issued under an indenture dated as of April 21,
1998 (the "Indenture"), between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust
Company of California, N.A., as trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the
Indenture, the form of Debenture and the Registration Rights Agreement have been
filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a
part. The following summaries of certain provisions of the Indenture, the form
of Debenture and the Registration Rights Agreement do not purport to be complete
and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the
provisions of the Indenture, the form of Debenture and the Registration Rights
Agreement, including the definitions therein of certain terms that are not
otherwise defined in this Prospectus. Wherever particular provisions or defined
terms of the Indenture (or of the form of Debenture which is a part thereof) or
the Registration Rights Agreement are referred to, such provisions or defined
terms are incorporated herein by reference. As used in this "Description of
Debentures," the "Company" refers to Atmel Corporation and does not, unless the
context otherwise indicates, include its subsidiaries.
GENERAL
The Debentures are unsecured obligations of the Company limited to
$340,400,000 aggregate principal amount at maturity and will mature on April 21,
2018.
The Debentures were issued at a substantial discount from their
principal amount at maturity. See "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations."
There will be no periodic payments of interest on the Debentures. The
calculation of the accrual of Original Issue Discount (the difference between
the Issue Price of the Debentures and the principal amount at maturity of a
Debenture) in the period during which a Debenture remains outstanding will be on
a semi-annual bond equivalent basis using a year composed of twelve 30-day
months; such accrual will commence on the Issue Date of the Debentures.
Maturity, conversion, purchase by the Company at the option of a holder or
redemption of a Debenture will cause Original Issue Discount and interest, if
any, to cease to accrue on such Debenture, under the terms and subject to the
conditions of the Indenture. The Company may not reissue a Debenture that has
matured or been converted, purchased by the Company at the option of a holder,
redeemed or otherwise canceled (except for registration of transfer, exchange or
replacement thereof).
The principal amount at maturity of each Debenture will be payable at
the office or agency of the paying agent, initially the Trustee, in the Borough
of Manhattan, The City of New York, or any other office of the paying agent
maintained for such purpose. Debentures may be presented for conversion or
exchange into Common Stock at the office of the conversion agent, and Debentures
in definitive form may be presented for exchange for other Debentures or
registration of transfer at the office of the registrar, each such agent
initially being the Trustee. The Company will not charge a service charge for
any registration of transfer or exchange of Debentures; however, the Company may
require payment by a holder of a sum sufficient to cover any tax, assessment or
other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
FORM, DENOMINATION AND REGISTRATION
The Debentures are issuable in fully registered form, without coupons,
in denominations of $1,000 principal amount and multiples thereof.
Global Debenture; Book-Entry Form. Debentures sold by the Selling
Securityholders pursuant to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus
forms a part may be represented by a global Debenture (the "Global Debenture").
The Global Debenture will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository
Trust Company, New York, New York ("DTC") and registered in the name of Cede and
Co. ("Cede") as DTC's nominee. Except as set forth below, the Global Debenture
may be transferred, in whole or in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a
successor of DTC or its nominee.
-17-
<PAGE> 19
Purchasers of the Debentures may hold their interests in the Global
Debenture directly through DTC if such holder is a participant in DTC, or
indirectly through organizations which are participants in DTC (the
"Participants"). Transfers between Participants will be effected in the ordinary
way in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in clearing house funds.
The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery of
securities in definitive form. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial
interests into the Global Debenture to such persons may be limited.
Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own interests in the
Global Debenture held by DTC only though Participants, or certain banks,
brokers, dealers, trust companies and other parties that clear through or
maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or
indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). So long as Cede, as the nominee of DTC, is
the registered owner of the Global Debenture, Cede for all purposes will be
considered the sole holder of the Global Debenture. Except as provided below,
owners of beneficial interests in the Global Debenture will not be entitled to
have certificates registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to
receive physical delivery of certificates in definitive registered form, and
will not be considered the holders thereof.
Payment of Original Issue Discount and interest (if any) on and the
redemption price and the purchase price of the Global Debenture will be made to
Cede, the nominee for DTC, as the registered owner of the Global Debenture by
wire transfer of immediately available funds on the payment date therefor.
Neither the Company, the Trustee nor any paying agent will have any
responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or
payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the Global
Debenture or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to
such beneficial ownership interests.
The Company has been informed by DTC that, with respect to any payment
of interest (if any) on and the redemption price or the purchase price of, the
Global Debenture, DTC 's practice is to credit Participants' accounts on the
payment date therefor with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective
beneficial interests in the principal amount represented by the Global Debenture
as shown on the records of DTC, unless DTC has reason to believe that it will
not receive payment on such payment date. Payments by Participants to owners of
beneficial interests in the principal amount represented by the Global Debenture
held through such Participants will be the responsibility of such Participants,
as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered
in "street name."
Because DTC can only act on behalf of Participants, who in turn act on
behalf of Indirect Participants and certain banks, the ability of a person
having a beneficial interest in the principal amount represented by the Global
Debenture to pledge such interest to persons or entities that do not participate
in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interest, may be
affected by the lack of physical certificate evidencing such interest.
Neither the Company nor the Trustee (nor any registrar, paying agent
nor conversion agent under the Indenture) will have any responsibility for the
performance by DTC or its Participants or Indirect Participants of their
operations. DTC has advised the Company that it will take any action permitted
to be taken by a holder of Debentures (including, without limitation, the
presentation of Debentures for exchange as described below), only at the
direction of one or more Participants to whose account with DTC interests in the
Global Debenture are credited, and only in respect of the principal amount of
the Debentures represented by the Global Debenture as to which such Participant
or Participants has or have given such direction.
DTC has advised the Company as follows: DTC is a limited purpose trust
company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a member of the
Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the
Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the
provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold
securities for its Participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement
of securities transactions between Participants through electronic book-entry
changes to
-18-
<PAGE> 20
the accounts of its Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical
movement of certificates. Participants include securities brokers and dealers,
banks, trust companies and clearing corporations and may include certain other
organizations. Certain of such Participants (or their representatives), together
with other entities, own DTC. Indirect access to the DTC system is available to
others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through,
or maintain a custodial relationship with, a Participant, either directly or
indirectly.
Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to
facilitate transfers of interests in the Global Debenture among Participants, it
is under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures, and
such procedures may be discontinued at any time. If DTC is at any time unwilling
or unable to continue as depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed
by the Company within 90 days, the Company will cause the Debentures to be
issued in definitive registered form in exchange for the Global Debenture.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Participants,
by Participants to Indirect Participants and Indirect Participants to beneficial
owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or
regulatory requirements that may be in effect from time to time. Redemption
notices shall be sent to Cede, as nominee of DTC. If less than all of the
Debentures are being redeemed, DTC will reduce the amount of interest of each
Participant in such Debentures in accordance with its procedures.
Certificated Debentures. Holders of Debentures may request that
certificated Debentures be issued in exchange for Debentures represented by the
Global Debenture. Furthermore, certificated Debentures may be issued in exchange
for Debentures represented by the Global Debenture if no successor depositary is
appointed by the Company as set forth above under "Global Debenture, Book-Entry
Form."
CONVERSION OF DEBENTURES
A holder of a Debenture may convert it into Common Stock of the Company
at any time after 90 days following the latest date of original issuance of the
Debentures and prior to maturity, provided that if a Debenture is called for
redemption, the holder may convert it only until the close of business on the
last trading day prior to the Redemption Date unless the Company defaults in the
payment of the redemption price. A Debenture in respect of which a holder has
delivered a Purchase Notice exercising the option of such holder to require the
Company to purchase such Debenture may be converted only if such notice is
withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the Indenture. Similarly, a Debenture
in respect of which a holder is exercising its option to require redemption upon
a Fundamental Change may be converted only if such holder withdraws its election
to exercise its option in accordance with the terms of the Indenture. A holder
may convert such holder's Debentures in part so long as such part is $1,000
principal amount at maturity or a multiple thereof.
The initial Conversion Rate is 13.983 shares of Common Stock per $1,000
principal amount at maturity of Debentures, subject to adjustment upon the
occurrence of certain events, as described below. A holder entitled to a
fractional share of Common Stock shall receive cash equal to the then current
market value of such fractional share.
On conversion of a Debenture, a holder will not receive any cash
payment representing accrued Original Issue Discount. The Company's delivery to
the holder of the fixed number of shares of Common Stock into which the
Debenture is convertible (together with the cash payment, if any, in lieu of
fractional Common Stock) will be deemed to satisfy the Company's obligation to
pay the principal amount of the Debenture including the accrued Original Issue
Discount attributable to the period from the Issue Date to the Conversion Date.
Thus, the accrued Original Issue Discount is deemed to be paid in full rather
than canceled, extinguished or forfeited. The Conversion Rate will not be
adjusted at any time during the term of the Debentures for such accrued Original
Issue Discount.
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<PAGE> 21
To convert a certificated Debenture into Common Stock, a holder must
(i) complete and manually sign the conversion notice on the back of the
Debenture (or complete and manually sign a facsimile thereof) and deliver such
notice to the conversion agent, (ii) surrender the Debenture to the conversion
agent, (iii) if required, furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer
documents, and (iv) if required, pay all transfer or similar taxes. Pursuant to
the Indenture, the date on which all of the foregoing requirements have been
satisfied is the Conversion Date.
The Conversion Rate is subject to adjustment under formulae as set
forth in the Indenture in certain events, including: (i) the issuance of Common
Stock of the Company as a dividend or distribution on the Common Stock; (ii)
certain subdivisions and combinations of the Common Stock; (iii) the issuance to
all holders of Common Stock of certain rights or warrants to purchase Common
Stock; (iv) the distribution to all holders of Common Stock of capital stock
(other than Common Stock) or evidences of indebtedness of the Company or of
assets (including securities; but excluding those rights, warrants, dividends
and distributions referred to above or paid in cash); (v) distributions
consisting of cash, excluding any quarterly cash dividend on the Common Stock to
the extent that the aggregate cash dividend per share of Common Stock in any
quarter does not exceed the greater of (x) the amount per share of Common Stock
of the next preceding quarterly cash dividend on the Common Stock to the extent
that such preceding quarterly dividend did not require an adjustment of the
Conversion Rate pursuant to this clause (v) (as adjusted to reflect subdivisions
or combinations of the Common Stock), and (y) 3.75 percent of the average of the
last reported sales price of the Common Stock during the ten trading days
immediately prior to the date of declaration of such dividend, and excluding any
dividend or distribution in connection with the liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company; (vi) payment in respect of a tender offer or exchange
offer by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company for the Common Stock to
the extent that the cash and value of any other consideration included in such
payment per share of Common Stock exceeds the Current Market Price (as defined)
per share of Common Stock on the trading day next succeeding the last date on
which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange
offer; and (vii) payment in respect of a tender offer or exchange offer by a
person other than the Company or any Subsidiary (as defined) of the Company in
which, as of the closing date of the offer, the Board of Directors is not
recommending rejection of the offer. If an adjustment is required to be made as
set forth in clause (v) above as a result of a distribution that is a quarterly
dividend, such adjustment would be based upon the amount by which such
distribution exceeds the amount of the quarterly cash dividend permitted to be
excluded pursuant to clause (v) above. If an adjustment is required to be made
as set forth in clause (v) above as a result of a distribution that is not a
quarterly dividend, such adjustment would be based upon the full amount of the
distribution. The adjustment referred to in clause (vii) above will only be made
if the tender offer or exchange offer is for an amount that increases the
offerors ownership of Common Stock to more than 25% of the total shares of
Common Stock outstanding, and if the cash and value of any other consideration
included in such payment per share of Common Stock exceeds the Current Market
Price per share of Common Stock on the business day next succeeding the last
date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or
exchange offer. The adjustment referred to in clause (vii) above will generally
not be made, however, if as of the closing of such offer, the offering documents
with respect to such offer disclose a plan or an intention to cause the Company
to engage in a consolidation or merger of the Company or a sale of all or
substantially all of the Company's assets.
No adjustment in the Conversion Rate will be required unless such
adjustment would require a change of at least 1% in the rate then in effect;
provided that any adjustment that would otherwise be required to be made shall
be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment. Except
as stated above, the Conversion Rate will not be adjusted for the issuance of
Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock
or carrying the right to purchase any of the foregoing.
In the case of (i) any reclassification of the Common Stock, or (ii) a
consolidation or merger involving the Company or a sale or conveyance to another
corporation of the property and assets of the Company as an entirety or
substantially as an entirety, in each case as a result of which holders of
Common Stock shall be entitled to receive stock, securities, other property or
assets (including cash) with respect to or in exchange for such Common
-20-
<PAGE> 22
Stock, the holders of the Debentures then outstanding will be entitled
thereafter to convert such Debentures into the kind and amount of shares of
stock, securities or other property or assets (including cash) which they would
have owned or been entitled to receive upon such reclassification,
consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance had such Debentures been converted
immediately prior to such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale or
conveyance assuming that a holder of Debentures would not have exercised any
rights of election as to the stock, securities or other property or assets
(including cash) receivable in connection therewith.
In the event of a taxable distribution to holders of Common Stock or in
certain other circumstances requiring an adjustment to the Conversion Rate, the
holders of Debentures may, in certain circumstances, be deemed to have received
a distribution subject to United States income tax as a dividend; in certain
other circumstances, the absence of such an adjustment may result in a taxable
dividend to the holders of Common Stock. See "Certain Federal Income Tax
Considerations" below.
The Company from time to time may to the extent permitted by law
increase the Conversion Rate by any amount for any period of at least 20 days,
in which case the Company shall give at least 15 days' notice of such increase,
if the Board of Directors has made a determination that such increase would be
in the best interests of the Company, which determination shall be conclusive.
The Company may, at its option, make such increases in the Conversion Rate, in
addition to those set forth above, as the Board of Directors deems advisable to
avoid or diminish any income tax to holders of Common Stock resulting from any
dividend or distribution of stock (or rights to acquire stock) or from any event
treated as such for income tax purposes. See "Certain Federal Income Tax
Considerations."
REDEMPTION OF DEBENTURES AT THE OPTION OF THE COMPANY
No sinking fund is provided for the Debentures. Prior to April 21,
2003, the Debentures will not be redeemable at the option of the Company.
Beginning on April 21, 2003, the Company may redeem the Debentures for cash as a
whole at any time, or from time to time in part, upon not less than 30 days' nor
more than 60 days' notice of redemption given by mail to holders of Debentures.
The Debentures will be redeemable in multiples of $1,000 principal amount at
maturity.
The table below shows Redemption Prices of Debentures per $1,000
principal amount at maturity thereof at April 21, 2003 and at each April
thereafter prior to maturity and at maturity on April 21, 2018, which prices
reflect the accrued Original Issue Discount calculated to each such date. The
Redemption Price of a Debenture redeemed between such dates would include an
additional amount reflecting the additional Original Issue Discount accrued
since the next preceding date in the table to the actual Redemption Date.
-21-
<PAGE> 23
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(2)
Accrued
(1) Original Issue (3)
Debenture Discount at Redemption
Redemption Issue Price 5.50% Price (1) + (2)
- ------------------------------------------------ ------------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
April 21, 2003................................. $337.85 $105.30 $443.15
April 21, 2004................................. 337.85 130.00 467.85
April 21, 2005................................. 337.85 156.09 493.94
April 21, 2006................................. 337.85 183.63 521.48
April 21, 2007................................. 337.85 212.71 550.56
April 21, 2008................................. 337.85 243.40 581.25
April 21, 2009................................. 337.85 275.81 613.66
April 21, 2010................................. 337.85 310.02 647.87
April 21, 2011................................. 337.85 346.15 684.00
April 21, 2012................................. 337.85 384.28 722.13
April 21, 2013................................. 337.85 424.55 762.40
April 21, 2014................................. 337.85 467.06 804.91
April 21, 2015................................. 337.85 511.93 849.78
April 21, 2016................................. 337.85 559.32 897.17
April 21, 2017................................. 337.85 609.34 947.19
April 21, 2018................................. 337.85 662.15 1,000.00
</TABLE>
If less than all of the outstanding Debentures held in certificated
form are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select the Debentures held in such
form to be redeemed in principal amounts at maturity of $1,000 or multiples
thereof by lot, pro rata or by another method the Trustee considers fair and
appropriate (as long as such method is not prohibited by the rules of any stock
exchange on which the Debentures are then listed). If a portion of a holder's
certificated Debentures is selected for partial redemption and such holder
converts a portion of such certificated Debentures, such converted portion shall
be deemed to be the portion selected for redemption. Debentures registered in
the name of DTC or its nominee will be redeemed pro rata as described under "--
Form, Denomination and Registration -- Global Debenture; Book-Entry Form."
REDEMPTION AT OPTION OF THE HOLDER UPON A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE
If a Fundamental Change (as defined) occurs at any time prior to April
21, 2018, each holder of Debentures shall have the right, at the holder's
option, to require the Company to redeem any or all of such holder's Debentures
on the date (the "Repurchase Date") that is 45 days after the date of the
Company's notice of such Fundamental Change. The Debentures will be redeemable
in multiples of $1,000 principal amount at maturity.
The Company shall redeem such Debentures at a price (the "Fundamental
Change Redemption Price") equal to the Issue Price plus accrued Original Issue
Discount to the Repurchase Date; provided that if the Applicable Price (as
defined) in connection with the Fundamental Change is less than the Reference
Market Price (as defined), the Company shall redeem such Debentures at a price
equal to the foregoing Fundamental Change
-22-
<PAGE> 24
Redemption Price multiplied by the fraction obtained by dividing the Applicable
Price by the Reference Market Price.
The Company shall mail to all holders of record of the Debentures a
notice of the occurrence of a Fundamental Change and of the redemption right
arising as a result thereof on or before the tenth day after the occurrence of
such Fundamental Change. The Company shall deliver to the Trustee a copy of such
notice. To exercise the redemption right, holders of Debentures must deliver, on
or before the 30th day after the date of the Company's notice of a Fundamental
Change, the Debentures to be so redeemed, duly endorsed for transfer, together
with the form entitled "Option to Elect Redemption Upon a Fundamental Change" on
the reverse thereof duly completed, to the Company (or an agent designated by
the Company for such purpose).
The term "Fundamental Change" means the occurrence of any transaction
or event in connection with which all or substantially all Common Stock shall be
exchanged for, converted into, acquired for or constitute solely the right to
receive consideration (whether by means of an exchange offer, liquidation,
tender offer, consolidation, merger, combination, reclassification,
recapitalization or otherwise) which is not all or substantially all Common
Stock listed (or, upon consummation of or immediately following such transaction
or event, which will be listed) on a United States national securities exchange
or approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market or any similar United
States system of automated dissemination of quotations of securities prices. The
term "Applicable Price" means (i) in the event of a Fundamental Change in which
the holders of the Common Stock receive only cash, the amount of cash received
by the holder of one share of Common Stock and (ii) in the event of any other
Fundamental Change, the average of the reported last sale price for the Common
Stock during the ten trading days prior to the record date for the determination
of the holders of Common Stock entitled to receive cash, securities, property or
other assets in connection with such Fundamental Change, or, if there is no such
record date, the date upon which the holders of the Common Stock shall have the
right to receive such cash, securities, property or other assets in connection
with the Fundamental Change. The term "Reference Market Price" shall initially
mean $12.58 and in the event of any adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant
to the provisions of the Indenture, the Reference Market Price shall also be
adjusted so that the Reference Market Price shall be equal to the initial
Reference Market Price multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the
Conversion Rate specified on the cover of this Prospectus (without regard to any
adjustment thereto) and the denominator of which is the Conversion Rate
following such adjustment.
The Company will comply with the provisions of Rule 13e-4 and any other
tender offer rules under the Exchange Act which may then be applicable in
connection with the redemption rights of Debenture holders in the event of a
Fundamental Change.
The redemption rights of the holders of Debentures could discourage a
potential acquiror of the Company. The Fundamental Change redemption feature,
however, is not the result of management's knowledge of any specific effort to
obtain control of the Company by means of a merger, tender offer, solicitation
or otherwise, or part of a plan by management to adopt a series of anti-takeover
provisions.
The term "Fundamental Change" is limited to certain specified
transactions and may not include other events that might adversely affect the
financial condition of the Company, nor would the requirement that the Company
offer to repurchase the Debentures upon a Fundamental Change necessarily afford
the holders of the Debentures protection in the event of a highly leveraged
transaction, reorganization, merger or similar transaction involving the
Company.
No Debentures may be redeemed at the option of holders upon a
Fundamental Change if there has occurred and is continuing an Event of Default
described under " -- Events of Default; Notice and Waiver" below (other than a
default in the payment of the Fundamental Change Redemption Price with respect
to such Debentures). In the event of a Fundamental Change and exercise by
holders of the Debentures of their associated rights to require
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<PAGE> 25
the Company to redeem all or a portion of their Debentures, there can be no
assurance that the Company would have sufficient funds to pay the redemption
price for all the Debentures tendered by the holders thereof. Any future credit
agreements or other agreements relating to indebtedness (including Senior
Indebtedness) to which the Company becomes a party may provide that a
Fundamental Change would constitute an event of default thereunder and also
provide that the maturing of any obligation to redeem the Debentures would
constitute an event of default and cause the subordination provisions in the
Indenture to apply, preventing redemption of the Debentures until all Senior
Indebtedness is paid in full. Any such provisions could restrict or prohibit the
redemption of the Debentures. In the event a Fundamental Change occurs at a time
when the Company is prohibited from redeeming the Debentures, the Company could
seek the consent of its then existing lenders to redeem the Debentures or could
attempt to refinance the borrowings that contain such prohibition. If the
Company does not obtain such a consent or repay such borrowings, the Company
would remain prohibited from redeeming the Debentures. In such case, the
Company's failure to redeem Debentures required to be redeemed under the terms
of the Indenture would constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture and
would likely constitute a default under the terms of any other indebtedness of
the Company outstanding at such time. In such circumstances, or if a Fundamental
Change would in and of itself constitute an event of default under agreements
governing Senior Indebtedness then outstanding, the subordination provisions in
the Indenture would likely prohibit or restrict payments to the holders of
Debentures.
PURCHASE OF DEBENTURES AT THE OPTION OF THE HOLDER
On April 21, 2003, April 21, 2008 and April 21, 2013 (each, a "Purchase
Date"), the Company will become obligated to purchase, at the option of the
holder thereof, any outstanding Debenture for which a written Purchase Notice
has been delivered by the holder to the office of the paying agent (initially
the Trustee) at any time from the opening of business on the date that is 20
Business Days (as defined) prior to such Purchase Date until the close of
business on such Purchase Date and for which such Purchase Notice has not been
withdrawn, subject to certain additional conditions.
The Purchase Notice shall state (i) the certificate numbers of the
Debentures to be delivered by the holder thereof for purchase by the Company;
(ii) the portion of the principal amount at maturity of Debentures to be
purchased, which portion must be $1,000 or a multiple thereof; (iii) that such
Debentures are to be purchased by the Company pursuant to the applicable
provisions of the Debentures; and (iv) in the event the Company elects, pursuant
to the Company Notice (as defined), to pay the Purchase Price to be paid as of
such Purchase Date in Common Stock, in whole or in part, but such Purchase Price
is ultimately to be paid to such holder entirely in cash because any of the
conditions to payment of the Purchase Price (or portion thereof) in Common Stock
is not satisfied by the Purchase Date, as described below, whether such holder
elects (x) to withdraw such Purchase Notice as to some or all of the Debentures
to which it relates (stating the principal amount at maturity and certificate
numbers of the Debentures as to which such withdrawal shall relate), or (y) to
receive cash in respect of the entire Purchase Price for all Debentures subject
to such Purchase Notice. If the holder fails to indicate, in the Purchase Notice
and in any written notice of withdrawal relating to such Purchase Notice, such
holder's choice with respect to the election described in clause (iv) above,
such holder shall be deemed to have elected to receive cash in respect of the
entire Purchase Price for all Debentures subject to such Purchase Notice in such
circumstances. For a discussion of the tax treatment of a holder receiving cash
or Common Stock pursuant to its election to tender its Debentures to the Company
on a Purchase Date, see "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations."
Any Purchase Notice may be withdrawn by the holder by a written notice
of withdrawal delivered to the paying agent prior to the close of business on
the Purchase Date. The notice of withdrawal shall state the principal amount at
maturity and the certificate numbers of the Debentures as to which the
withdrawal notice relates and the principal amount at maturity, if any, which
remains subject to the Purchase Notice.
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<PAGE> 26
The Purchase Price payable in respect of a Debenture shall be equal to
the Issue Price plus accrued Original Issue Discount to the Purchase Date. The
table below shows the Purchase Prices of a Debenture as of the specified
Purchase Dates. The Company may elect to pay the Purchase Price payable as of
any Purchase Date in cash or Common Stock or any combination thereof.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Purchase Date Price
- ------------------------------------- --------
<S> <C>
April 21, 2003....................... $443.15
April 21, 2008....................... 581.25
April 21, 2013....................... 762.40
</TABLE>
If the Company elects to pay the Purchase Price, in whole or in part,
in Common Stock, the number of shares to be delivered in respect of the portion
of the Purchase Price to be paid in Common Stock shall be equal to such portion
of the Purchase Price divided by the Market Price (as defined) of the Common
Stock. However, no fractional Common Stock will be delivered upon any purchase
by the Company of Debentures through the delivery of Common Stock in payment, in
whole or in part, of the Purchase Price. Instead, the Company will pay cash
based on the Market Price for all fractional Common Stock.
The Company will give notice (the "Company Notice") not less than 20
Business Days prior to the Purchase Date (the "Company Notice Date") to all
holders at their addresses shown in the register of the registrar (and to
beneficial owners as required by applicable law) stating, among other things,
whether the Company will pay the Purchase Price of the Debentures in cash or
Common Stock, or any combination thereof (specifying the percentage of each)
and, if the Company elects to pay in Common Stock, in whole or in part, the
method of calculating the Market Price of the Common Stock.
The "Market Price" means the average of the Sale Prices (as defined) of
the Common Stock for the five trading day period ending on the third Business
Day prior to the applicable Purchase Date (if the third Business Day prior to
the applicable Purchase Date is a trading day or, if it is not a trading day,
then on the last trading day prior to such third Business Day), appropriately
adjusted to take into account the occurrence during the period commencing on the
first of such trading days during such five trading day period and ending on
such Purchase Date of certain events that would result in an adjustment of the
Conversion Rate under the Indenture with respect to the Common Stock. The "Sale
Price" of the Common Stock on any date means the closing per share sale price
(or if no closing sale price is reported, the average bid and ask prices or, if
more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask
prices) on such date as reported in the composite transactions for the principal
United States securities exchange on which the Common Stock is traded or, if the
Common Stock is not listed on a United States national or regional stock
exchange, as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers
Automated Quotation System. Because the Market Price of the Common Stock is
determined prior to the applicable Purchase Date, holders of Debentures bear the
market risk with respect to the value of the Common Stock to be received from
the date of determination of such Market Price to such Purchase Date. The
Company may elect to pay the Purchase Price in Common Stock only if the
information necessary to calculate the Market Price is reported in a daily
newspaper of national circulation.
Upon determination of the actual number of shares of Common Stock in
accordance with the foregoing provisions, the Company will publish such
determination in a daily newspaper of national circulation.
The Company's right to purchase Debentures with Common Stock is subject
to the satisfaction of various conditions, including: (i) the registration of
the Common Stock under the Securities Act, if required; and (ii) compliance with
other applicable federal and state securities laws, if any. If such conditions
are not satisfied by a Purchase Date, the Company will pay the Purchase Price of
the Debentures to be purchased on such Purchase
-25-
<PAGE> 27
Date entirely in cash. See "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations." The
Company will comply with the provisions of Rule 13e-4 and any other tender offer
rules under the Exchange Act which may then be applicable and will file a
Schedule 13E-4 or any other schedule required thereunder in connection with any
offer by the Company to purchase Debentures at the option of holders.
Payment of the Purchase Price for a Debenture for which a Purchase
Notice has been delivered and not withdrawn is conditioned upon book-entry
transfer or delivery of such Debenture (together with necessary endorsements) to
the paying agent at its office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New
York, or any other office of the paying agent maintained for such purpose, at
any time (whether prior to, on or after the Purchase Date) after delivery of
such Purchase Notice. Payment of the Purchase Price for such Debenture will be
made promptly following the later of the Purchase Date or the time of book-entry
transfer or delivery of such Debenture. If the paying agent holds, in accordance
with the terms of the Indenture, money or securities sufficient to pay the
Purchase Price of such Debenture on the Business Day following the Purchase
Date, then, on and after such date, such Debenture will cease to be outstanding
and Original Issue Discount on such Debenture will cease to accrue whether or
not book-entry transfer of such Debenture is made or such Debenture is delivered
to the paying agent, and all other rights of the holder shall terminate (other
than the right to receive the Purchase Price upon delivery of the Debenture).
No Debentures may be purchased at the option of the holder for cash if
there has occurred (prior to, on or after the giving by the holders of such
Debentures of the required Purchase Notice) and is continuing an Event of
Default described under "Events of Default; Notice and Waiver" below (other than
a default in the payment of the Purchase Price with respect to such Debentures).
If the Company becomes obligated to purchase any outstanding Debenture
on a Purchase Date, there can be no assurance that the Company would have
sufficient funds to pay the Purchase Price on that Purchase Date (in which case,
the Company could be required to issue shares of Common Stock to pay the
Purchase Price at valuations based on then prevailing market prices) for all the
Debentures tendered by the holders thereof. There can be no assurance that any
future credit agreements or other agreements relating to indebtedness (including
Senior Indebtedness) to which the Company becomes a party will not contain
prohibitions on or defaults with respect to the repurchase of the Debentures or
provide that prepayment or redemption would constitute an event of default. In
the event a Purchase Date occurs at a time when the Company is prohibited from
repurchasing the Debentures, the Company could seek the consent of its then
existing lenders to repurchase the Debentures or could attempt to refinance the
borrowings that contain such prohibition. If the Company does not obtain such a
consent or repay such borrowings, the Company would remain prohibited from
repurchasing the Debentures. The Company's failure to repurchase Debentures
required to be repurchased under the terms of the Indenture would constitute an
Event of Default under the Indenture and would likely constitute a default under
the terms of any other indebtedness of the Company outstanding at such time,
including Senior Indebtedness. In such circumstances, the subordination
provisions in the Indenture would likely prohibit or restrict payments to the
holders of Debentures.
SUBORDINATION OF DEBENTURES
The indebtedness evidenced by the Debentures is subordinated in right
of payment to the extent provided in the Indenture to the prior payment in full
of all Senior Indebtedness (as defined) of the Company. Upon any distribution of
assets of the Company upon any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or
reorganization (including any of the foregoing as a result of bankruptcy or
moratorium of payment), the payment of the principal amount at maturity, Issue
Price, accrued Original Issue Discount, Redemption Price, Purchase Price,
Fundamental Change Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any (including
liquidated damages, if any) on the Debentures is to be subordinated to the
extent provided in the Indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in
full in cash of all Senior Indebtedness. In the event of any acceleration of the
Debentures because of an Event of Default, the holders
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of any Senior Indebtedness then outstanding would be entitled to payment in full
in cash of all obligations in respect of such Senior Indebtedness before the
holders of the Debentures are entitled to receive any payment or distribution in
respect thereof. The Indenture will require that the Company promptly notify
holders of Senior Indebtedness if payment of the Debentures is accelerated
because of an Event of Default.
The Company also may not make any payment upon or in respect of the
Debentures if (i) a default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any,
interest, rent or other obligations in respect of Senior Indebtedness occurs and
is continuing beyond any applicable period of grace or (ii) any other default
occurs and is continuing with respect to Designated Senior Indebtedness (as
defined) that permits holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness as to which
such default relates to accelerate its maturity and the Trustee receives a
notice of such default (a "Payment Blockage Notice") from the Company or other
person permitted to give such notice under the Indenture. Payments on the
Debentures may and shall be resumed (a) in case of a payment default, upon the
date on which such default is cured or waived or ceases to exist and (b) in case
of a nonpayment default, the earlier of the date on which such nonpayment
default is cured or waived or ceases to exist or 179 days after the date on
which the applicable Payment Blockage Notice is received (unless the other
subordination provisions of the Indenture otherwise prohibit such payment
(including, without limitation, in the case of a nonpayment default referred to
in clause (b) above, as a result of a payment default with respect to the Senior
Indebtedness as a consequence of the acceleration of the maturity thereof or
otherwise)). No new period of payment blockage may be commenced unless and until
(i) 365 days have elapsed since the effectiveness of the immediately prior
Payment Blockage Notice and (ii) all scheduled payments of the principal amount
at maturity, Issue Price, accrued Original Issue Discount, Redemption Price,
Purchase Price, Fundamental Change Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any
(including liquidated damages, if any) on the Debentures that have come due have
been paid in full in cash. No nonpayment default that existed or was continuing
on the date of delivery of any Payment Blockage Notice shall be, or be made, the
basis for a subsequent Payment Blockage Notice.
The term "Senior Indebtedness" means the principal of, premium, if any,
interest (including all interest accruing subsequent to the commencement of any
bankruptcy or similar proceeding, whether or not a claim for post-petition
interest is allowable as a claim in any such proceeding) and rent payable on or
in connection with, and all fees, costs, expenses and other amounts accrued or
due on or in connection with, Indebtedness (as defined) of the Company, whether
outstanding on the date of the Indenture or thereafter created, incurred,
assumed, guaranteed or in effect guaranteed by the Company (including all
deferrals, renewals, extensions or refundings of, or amendments, modifications
or supplements to, the foregoing), unless in the case of any particular
Indebtedness the instrument creating or evidencing the same or the assumption or
guarantee thereof expressly provides that such Indebtedness shall not be senior
in right of payment to the Debentures, or expressly provides that such
Indebtedness is "pari passu" or "junior" to the Debentures. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Senior Indebtedness shall not include any Indebtedness of the Company
to any subsidiary of the Company, a majority of the voting stock of which is
owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or the Company's obligations under
its guarantee of the 3.25% Convertible Subordinated Guaranteed Step-Up Notes due
2002 issued by its subsidiary Atmel, S.A.
The term "Indebtedness" means, with respect to the Company, and without
duplication, (a) all indebtedness, obligations and other liabilities (contingent
or otherwise) of the Company for borrowed money (including obligations of the
Company in respect of overdrafts, foreign exchange contracts, currency exchange
agreements, interest rate protection agreements, and any loans or advances from
banks, whether or not evidenced by notes or similar instruments) or evidenced by
bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments (whether or not the recourse of
the lender is to the whole of the assets of the Company or to only a portion
thereof) (other than any account payable or other accrued current liability or
obligation incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the
obtaining of materials or services), (b) all reimbursement obligations and other
liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of the Company with respect to letters of
credit, bank guarantees or bankers' acceptances, (c) all obligations and
liabilities (contingent or otherwise) in respect of leases of the Company
required, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, to be
accounted for as capitalized lease obligations on
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the balance sheet of the Company and all obligations and other liabilities
(contingent or otherwise) under any lease or related document (including a
purchase agreement) in connection with the lease of real property which provides
that the Company is contractually obligated to purchase or cause a third party
to purchase the leased property and thereby guarantee a minimum residual value
of the leased property to the landlord and the obligations of the Company under
such lease or related document to purchase or to cause a third party to purchase
such leased property, (d) all obligations of the Company (contingent or
otherwise) with respect to an interest rate or other swap, cap or collar
agreement or other similar instrument or agreement or foreign currency hedge,
exchange, purchase or similar instrument or agreement, (e) all direct or
indirect guaranties or similar agreements by the Company in respect of, and
obligations or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of the Company to purchase
or otherwise acquire or otherwise assure a creditor against loss in respect of,
indebtedness, obligations or liabilities of another Person of the kind described
in clauses (a) through (d), (f) any indebtedness or other obligations described
in clauses (a) through (d) secured by any mortgage, pledge, lien or other
encumbrance existing on property which is owned or held by the Company,
regardless of whether the indebtedness or other obligation secured thereby shall
have been assumed by the Company and (g) any and all deferrals, renewals,
extensions and refundings of, or amendments, modifications or supplements to,
any indebtedness, obligation or liability of the kind described in clauses (a)
through (f).
The term "Designated Senior Indebtedness" means any particular Senior
Indebtedness in which the instrument creating or evidencing the same or the
assumption or guarantee thereof (or related agreements or documents to which the
Company is a party) expressly provides that such Senior Indebtedness shall be
"Designated Senior Indebtedness" for purposes of the Indenture (provided that
such instrument, agreement or other document may place limitations and
conditions on the right of such Senior Indebtedness to exercise the rights of
Designated Senior Indebtedness).
By reason of the subordination provisions described above, in the event
of the Company's bankruptcy, dissolution or reorganization, holders of Senior
Indebtedness may receive more, ratably, and holders of the Debentures may
receive less, ratably, than the other creditors of the Company. Such
subordination will not prevent the occurrence of any Event of Default under the
Indenture.
In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trustee or any
holder of Debentures receives any payment or distribution of assets of the
Company of any kind in contravention of any of the subordination provisions of
the Indenture, whether in cash, property or securities, including, without
limitation, by way of set-off or otherwise, in respect of the Debentures before
all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full in cash, then such payment or
distribution will be held by the recipient in trust for the benefit of holders
of Senior Indebtedness or their representative or representatives to the extent
necessary to make payment in full in cash or other payment satisfactory to
holders of Senior Indebtedness of all Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid,
after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution, or provision
therefor, to or for the holders of Senior Indebtedness.
Since a substantial portion of the operations of the Company are
conducted through its subsidiaries, the cash flow and the consequent ability to
service debt, including the Debentures, are partially dependent upon the
earnings of its subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings, or upon
loans or other payments of funds by those subsidiaries, to the Company. Such
subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation,
contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due pursuant to the Debentures or to
make any funds available therefor, whether by dividends, distributions, loans or
other payments. In addition, the payment of dividends or distributions and the
making of loans and advances to the Company by any such subsidiaries could be
subject to statutory or contractual restrictions, could be contingent upon the
earnings of those subsidiaries and are subject to various business
considerations. Any right of the Company to receive any assets of any of its
subsidiaries upon their liquidation or reorganization will be effectively
subordinated to the claims of that subsidiary's creditors (including trade
creditors), except to the extent that the Company is itself recognized as a
creditor of such
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subsidiary, in which case the claims of the Company would still be subordinate
to any security interest in the assets of such subsidiary and any indebtedness
of such subsidiary senior to that held by the Company.
As of June 30, 1998, the Company had approximately $521.9 million
of indebtedness outstanding that would have constituted Senior Indebtedness. As
of June 30, 1998, the Company's subsidiaries had approximately $484.9
million of indebtedness and other liabilities (excluding intercompany
liabilities and liabilities of a type not required to be reflected as a
liability on the balance sheet of such subsidiaries in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles) as to which the Company's obligations pursuant
to the Debentures would have been effectively subordinated. The Indenture does
not prohibit or limit the incurrence of Senior Indebtedness or the incurrence of
other indebtedness and other liabilities by the Company or its subsidiaries, and
the incurrence of any such additional indebtedness and other liabilities could
adversely affect the Company's ability to perform its obligations pursuant to
the Debentures. The Company expects from time to time to incur additional
indebtedness, including Senior Indebtedness, and that it and its subsidiaries
will from time to time incur additional indebtedness and other liabilities.
The Company is obligated to pay reasonable compensation to the Trustee
and to indemnify the Trustee against any losses, liabilities or expenses
incurred by it in connection with its duties relating to the Debentures. The
Trustee's claims for such payments will be senior to those of holders of the
Debentures in respect of all funds collected or held by the Trustee.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT; NOTICE AND WAIVER
The Indenture provides that, if an Event of Default specified therein
shall have happened and be continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of not
less than 25% in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Debentures then
outstanding may declare the Issue Price of the Debentures plus the Original
Issue Discount on the Debentures and any liquidated damages under the
Registration Rights Agreement accrued to the date of such declaration to be
immediately due and payable. In the case of certain events of bankruptcy or
insolvency, the Issue Price of the Debentures plus the Original Issue Discount
accrued thereon to the occurrence of such event shall automatically become and
be immediately due and payable. Under certain circumstances, the holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the outstanding Debentures
may rescind any such acceleration with respect to the Debentures and its
consequences. Interest shall accrue at the rate of 5.50% per annum and be
payable on demand upon a default in the payment of the Issue Price, accrued
Original Issue Discount, accrued liquidated damages, if any, or any Redemption
Price, Purchase Price or Fundamental Change Redemption Price to the extent that
payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable.
Under the Indenture, Events of Default are defined as: (i) default in
payment of the principal amount at maturity, Issue Price, accrued Original Issue
Discount, accrued liquidated damages, if any, Redemption Price, Purchase Price
or Fundamental Change Redemption Price with respect to any Debenture when such
becomes due and payable (whether or not payment is prohibited by the provisions
of the Indenture), provided that in the case of any failure to pay liquidated
damages, such failure continues for a period of 30 days; (ii) failure by the
Company to comply with any of its other agreements in the Debentures or the
Indenture upon the receipt by the Company of notice of such default by the
Trustee or by holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount at
maturity of the Debentures then outstanding and the Company's failure to cure
such default within 60 days after receipt by the Company of such notice; or
(iii) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency.
The Trustee shall give notice to holders of the Debentures of any
continuing Event of Default known to the Trustee within 90 days after the
occurrence thereof, provided that the Trustee may withhold such notice if it
determines in good faith that withholding the notice is in the interests of the
holders.
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The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of
the outstanding Debentures may 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; provided that such direction shall not be in
conflict with any law or the Indenture and subject to certain other limitations.
Before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the Indenture at the
direction of such holders, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive from such
holders reasonable security or indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs,
expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in complying with any
such direction. No holder of any Debenture will have any right to pursue any
remedy with respect to the Indenture or the Debentures, unless (i) such holder
shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of
Default; (ii) the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount at
maturity of the outstanding Debentures shall have made a written request to the
Trustee to pursue such remedy; (iii) such holder or holders have offered to the
Trustee reasonable indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee; (iv) the holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the outstanding Debentures
have not given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within 60
days after receipt of such request; and (v) the Trustee shall have failed to
comply with the request within such 60-day period.
However, the right of any holder (x) to receive payment of the
principal amount at maturity, Issue Price, accrued Original Issue Discount,
Redemption Price, Purchase Price, Fundamental Change Redemption Price and any
interest in respect of a default in the payment of any such amounts on a
Debenture, on or after the due date expressed in such Debenture, (y) to
institute suit for the enforcement of any such payments or conversion or (z) to
convert Debentures shall not be impaired or adversely affected without such
holder's consent. The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal
amount at maturity of the outstanding Debentures may waive an existing Event of
Default and its consequences, other than (i) any default in any payment on the
Debentures, (ii) any default with respect to the conversion rights of the
Debentures or (iii) any default in respect of certain covenants or provisions in
the Indenture which may not be modified without the consent of the holder of
each Debenture as described in "Modification" below. The Company will be
required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as to any default by the
Company in the performance and observance of its obligations under the
Indenture.
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
The Company entered into a registration rights agreement, dated April
21, 1998, with the initial purchaser in the initial private placement (the
"Registration Rights Agreement") pursuant to which the Company, at its expense,
will, for the benefit of the holders, file with the Commission the Shelf
Registration Statement covering resale of the Registrable Securities as soon as
practicable, but in any event within 90 days after the first date of original
issuance of the Debentures. The Company will use its best efforts to cause the
Shelf Registration Statement to become effective as promptly as is practicable,
but in any event within 180 days of such first date of original issuance and to
keep the Shelf Registration Statement effective until the earlier of (i) the
sale pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement of all the securities
registered thereunder and (ii) the expiration of the holding period applicable
to such securities held by persons that are not affiliates of the Company under
Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act, or any successor provision, subject to
certain permitted exceptions. The Company will be permitted to suspend the use
of the prospectus that is a part of the Shelf Registration Statement under
certain circumstances relating to pending corporate developments, public filings
with the Commission and similar events for a period not to exceed 30 days in any
three-month period or not to exceed an aggregate of 90 days in any 12-month
period; provided, however, that the Company will be permitted to suspend the use
of the prospectus for a period not to exceed 60 days in any 3-month period or 90
days in any 12-month period under certain circumstances relating to probable
acquisitions, acquisitions, financings or similar transactions. The Company has
agreed to pay predetermined liquidated damages as described herein ("Liquidated
Damages") to holders of Debentures and holders of Conversion Shares if the Shelf
Registration Statement is not timely filed or made effective or if the
prospectus is unavailable for periods in excess of those permitted above. Such
Liquidated Damages shall accrue until such failure to file or become effective
or unavailability is cured, (i) in respect of any Debenture, at a rate per annum
equal to 0.25% for the first 90 day period after the occurrence of such event
and 0.5% thereafter of the
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Applicable Principal Amount (as defined) at maturity thereof and, (ii) in
respect of any shares of Common Stock, at a rate per annum equal to 0.25% for
the first 90 day period and 0.5% thereafter of the then Applicable Conversion
Price (as defined). A holder who sells Debentures and Conversion Shares pursuant
to the Shelf Registration Statement generally will be required to be named as a
selling stockholder in the related prospectus, deliver a prospectus to
purchasers of such Debentures and/or Conversion Shares and be bound by certain
provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement that are applicable to such
holder (including certain indemnification provisions). The Company will pay all
expenses of the Shelf Registration Statement, provide to each registered holder
copies of such prospectus, notify each registered holder when the Shelf
Registration Statement has become effective and take certain other actions as
are required to permit, subject to the foregoing, unrestricted resales of the
Debentures and the Conversion Shares. The plan of distribution of the Shelf
Registration Statement will permit resales of Registrable Securities by selling
security holders through brokers and dealers. The term "Applicable Principal
Amount" means, as of any date of determination, with respect to each $1,000
principal amount at maturity of Debentures, the sum of the initial issue price
of such Debenture ($337.85) plus accrued Original Issue Discount with respect to
such Debenture through such date of determination or, if no Debentures are then
outstanding, such sum calculated as if such Debentures were then outstanding.
The term "Applicable Conversion Price" means, as of any date of determination,
the Applicable Principal Amount per $1,000 principal amount at maturity of
Debentures as of such date of determination divided by the Conversion Rate in
effect as of such date of determination or, if no Debentures are then
outstanding, the Conversion Rate that would be in effect were Debentures then
outstanding.
The summary herein of certain provisions of the Registration Rights
Agreement is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all
the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement, a copy of which has been
filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms
a part.
MERGERS AND SALES OF ASSETS BY THE COMPANY
The Company may not consolidate with or merge into any other person or
convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety
to another person, unless, among other items, (i) the resulting, surviving or
transferee person (if other than the Company) is organized and existing under
the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia,
(ii) such successor person assumes all obligations of the Company under the
Debentures and the Indenture and (iii) the Company or such successor person
shall not immediately thereafter be in default under the Indenture. Upon the
assumption of the Company's obligations by such person in such circumstances,
subject to certain exceptions, the Company shall be discharged from all
obligations under the Debentures and the Indenture. Certain such transactions
which would constitute a Fundamental Change would permit each holder to require
the Company to redeem the Debentures of such holder as described under
"Redemption at Option of the Holder Upon a Fundamental Change."
MODIFICATION
Modification and amendment of the Indenture or the Debentures may be
effected by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the holders of not
less than a majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Debentures
then outstanding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such amendment may, without
the consent of each holder affected thereby: (i) reduce the principal amount at
maturity, Issue Price, Purchase Price, Fundamental Change Redemption Price or
Redemption Price, or extend the stated maturity of any Debenture or alter the
manner or rate of accrual of Original Issue Discount or interest, or make any
Debenture payable in money or securities other than that stated in the
Debenture; (ii) make any change to the principal amount at maturity of
Debentures whose holders must consent to an amendment or any waiver under the
Indenture or modify the Indenture provisions relating to such amendments or
waivers; (iii) make any change that adversely affects the right to convert any
Debenture or the right to require the Company to purchase a Debenture or the
right to require the Company to redeem a Debenture upon a Fundamental Change;
(iv) modify the provisions of the Indenture relating to the
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subordination of the Debentures in a manner adverse to the holders of the
Debentures in any material respect; or (v) impair the right to institute suit
for the enforcement of any payment with respect to, or conversion of, the
Debentures. The Indenture also provides for certain modifications of its terms
without the consent of the holders. No amendment may be made to the
subordination provisions of the Indenture that adversely affects the rights of
any holder of Senior Indebtedness then outstanding, unless the holders of such
Senior Indebtedness (as required pursuant to the terms of such Senior
Indebtedness) consent to such change.
TAXATION OF DEBENTURES
See "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations" for a discussion of
certain tax considerations relevant to a holder of Debentures.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A., as Trustee
under the Indenture, has been appointed by the Company as paying agent,
conversion agent, registrar and custodian with regard to the Debentures.
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CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a general discussion of certain material U.S. federal
income tax considerations relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of
the Debentures and Common Stock to U.S. Holders (as defined below), and certain
material U.S. federal income and estate tax consequences relating to the
purchase, ownership and disposition of the Debentures and Common Stock to
Non-U.S. Holders (as defined below), but does not purport to be a complete
analysis of all the potential tax considerations relating thereto. This
discussion is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), existing and proposed Treasury Regulations, and judicial decisions and
administrative interpretations thereunder, as of the date hereof, all of which
are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, or different
interpretations. There can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service
(the "IRS") will not challenge one or more of the tax results described herein,
and the Company has not obtained, nor does it intend to obtain, a ruling from
the IRS or an opinion of counsel with respect to the U.S. federal tax
consequences of acquiring or holding Debentures or Common Stock.
This discussion does not purport to address all tax considerations that
may be important to a particular holder in light of the holder's circumstances
(such as the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code), or to certain
categories of investors (such as certain financial institutions, insurance
companies, tax-exempt organizations, dealers in securities, or persons who hold
Debentures or Common Stock as part of a hedge, conversion or constructive sale
transaction, or straddle or other risk reduction transaction) that may be
subject to special rules. This discussion is limited to holders of Debentures
who hold the Debentures and any Common Stock into which the Debentures are
converted as capital assets. This discussion also does not address the tax
consequences arising under the laws of any foreign, state or local jurisdiction.
PERSONS CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE OF A DEBENTURE SHOULD CONSULT THEIR
OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF ACQUIRING,
HOLDING, CONVERTING OR OTHERWISE DISPOSING OF THE DEBENTURES AND COMMON STOCK,
INCLUDING THE EFFECT AND APPLICABILITY OF STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS.
U.S. HOLDERS
As used herein, the term "U.S. Holder" means a holder of a Debenture or
Common Stock that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) a citizen or
resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, partnership or other entity
created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any
political subdivision thereof, (iii) an estate, the income of which is subject
to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a
trust, the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a
court within the United States and which has one or more United States persons
with authority to control all substantial decisions. As used herein, the term
Non-U.S. Holder means a holder of a Debenture or Common Stock that is not a U.S.
Holder.
Original Issue Discount on the Debentures. The Debentures were issued
at a substantial discount from their stated redemption price at maturity. For
federal income tax purposes, the excess of the stated redemption price at
maturity of each Debenture over its issue price constitutes original issue
discount ("Original Issue Discount"). The issue price of the Debentures is equal
to the initial price at which a substantial amount of the Debentures were sold
(not including sales to underwriters or placement agents, including the Initial
Purchasers). U.S. Holders of the Debentures will be required to include Original
Issue Discount in income as it accrues, in accordance with the constant yield
method described below, before receipt of the cash attributable to such income,
regardless of such U.S. Holder's regular method of accounting for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. A U.S. Holder of a Debenture must include in gross income
for U.S. federal income tax purposes the sum of the daily portions of Original
Issue Discount with respect to the Debenture for each day during the taxable
year or portion of a taxable year on which such U.S. Holder holds the Debenture.
The daily portion is determined by allocating to each day of each accrual period
a pro rata portion of an amount equal to the adjusted issue price of the
Debenture
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<PAGE> 35
at the beginning of the accrual period multiplied by the yield to maturity of
the Debenture (determined by compounding at the close of each accrual period and
adjusted for the length of the accrual period). The adjusted issue price of a
Debenture at the start of any accrual period will be the issue price of the
Debenture increased by the accrued Original Issue Discount for each prior
accrual period. Under these rules, U.S. Holders will have to include in gross
income increasingly greater amounts of Original Issue Discount in each
successive accrual period. A U.S. Holder's original tax basis for determining
gain or loss on the sale or other disposition of a Debenture will be increased
by any accrued Original Issue Discount includible in such U.S. Holder's gross
income.
There are several circumstances under which the Company could make a
payment on a Debenture which would affect the yield to maturity of a Debenture,
including (as described under "Description of Debentures") the payment of
Liquidated Damages due to the failure to effect the shelf Registration
Statement, or certain redemptions or repurchases of Debentures. According to
Treasury Regulations, the possibility of a change in the yield will not be
treated as affecting the amount of Original Issue Discount required to be
realized by a holder (or the timing of such recognition) if the likelihood of
the change, as of the date the debt obligations are issued, is remote. The
Company intends to report on the basis that the likelihood of any change in the
yield on the Notes is remote. The Company also intends to report on the basis
that there is no alternative payment schedule that would minimize the yield on
the Debentures to the Company.
Market Discount. Any principal payment or gain realized by a U.S.
Holder on disposition or retirement of a Debenture will be treated as ordinary
income to the extent that there is accrued market discount on the Debenture. The
amount of market discount on a Debenture for a holder will equal the excess of
the adjusted issue price of such Debenture over the initial tax basis of such
Debentures in the hands of such holder. To the extent a holder exchanges or
converts a Debenture into Common Stock in a transaction that is otherwise tax
free, any accrued market discount will carry over and generally be recognized
upon a disposition of the Common Stock. Unless a U.S. Holder irrevocably elects
to accrue market discount under a constant-interest method, accrued market
discount is the total market discount multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of
which is the number of days the U.S. Holder has held the obligation and the
denominator of which is the number of days from the date the holder acquired the
obligation until its maturity. A U.S. Holder may be required to defer a portion
of its interest deductions for the taxable year attributable to any indebtedness
incurred or continued to purchase or carry a Debenture purchased with market
discount. Any such deferred interest expense would not exceed the market
discount that accrues during such taxable year and is, in general, allowed as a
deduction not later than the year in which such market discount is includable in
income. If the holder elects to include market discount in income currently as
it accrues on all market discount instruments acquired by the U.S. Holder in
that taxable year or thereafter, (i) the interest deferral described above will
not apply and (ii) market discount will not carry over into Common Stock as
described above. Any such election is terminable only with the consent of the
IRS and applies to all market discount bonds acquired during or after the year
for which it is made.
Acquisition Premium. A U.S. Holder will be considered to have
"acquisition premium" to the extent the U.S. Holder's initial tax basis in a
Debenture is greater than (x) the adjusted issue price of such Debenture but
less than (y) the stated redemption price at maturity of such Debenture.
Acquisition premium may offset the amount of Original Issue Discount received on
such Debenture that the U.S. Holder is required to include in income.
Amortizable Bond Premium. If a U.S. Holder's initial tax basis in a
Debenture (less an amount attributable to the conversion feature of the
Debenture) is greater than the stated redemption price at maturity, such U.S.
Holder generally will not be required to include Original Issue Discount in
income.
Sale, Exchange or Retirement of the Debentures. Upon the sale, exchange
or retirement of a Debenture, including as a result of a tender upon the
occurrence of a Fundamental Change, and, except as discussed in the next
paragraph on a Purchase Date, a holder will recognize gain or loss equal to the
difference between the sale or redemption proceeds and the U.S. Holder's
adjusted tax basis in the Debenture.
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<PAGE> 36
If a U.S. Holder elects to exercise its option to tender the Debentures
to the Company on a Purchase Date and the Company issues Common Stock in
satisfaction of all or part of the Purchase Price, the exchange of the
Debentures for Common Stock should qualify as a reorganization for federal
income tax purposes. Thus, if the Purchase Price is paid solely in Common Stock,
except to the extent the Common Stock is considered attributable to Original
Issue Discount not previously included in income (which is taxable as ordinary
income), or in the case of a fractional share described below, a U.S. Holder
should not be required to recognize any gain and would not be permitted to
recognize any loss. If the Purchase Price is paid in a combination of Common
Stock and cash (other than cash received in lieu of a fractional share), gain
(but not loss) realized by the U.S. Holder would be recognized, but only to the
extent of the cash received. A U.S. Holder's initial tax basis in the Common
Stock received would be equal to such U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the
Debenture tendered (except for any portion allocable to a fractional share of
Common Stock), increased by the amount of gain recognized (other than with
respect to a fractional share) and decreased by the amount of any cash received
(except cash received in lieu of a fractional share). The holding period for
Common Stock received in the exchange would include the holding period of the
Debenture tendered to the Company in exchange therefor. The receipt of cash in
lieu of a fractional share of Common Stock should generally result in capital
gain or loss, measured by the difference between the amount of cash received for
the fractional share and the U.S. Holder's tax basis in the fractional share
interest.
A holder's adjusted tax basis in a Debenture will generally equal the
holder's cost of the Debenture increased by any original issue discount and
accrued market discount previously included in income by such holder with
respect to such Debenture and decreased by any payments received thereon. Except
to the extent of any accrued market discount, gain or loss realized on the sale,
exchange or retirement of a Debenture will generally be capital gain or loss and
will be long-term capital gain or loss if the Debenture is held for more than
one year. For individual U.S. Holders, the maximum rate of United States federal
income tax generally is 28% if the Debenture disposed of is held for more than
one year but not more than 18 months, and the maximum rate is 20% if the
Debenture disposed of is held more than 18 months.
Conversion of Debentures. A U.S. Holder's conversion of a Debenture
into Common Stock will generally not be a taxable event (except to the extent
the Common Stock is considered attributable to Original Issue Discount not
previously included in income (which is taxable as ordinary income), or with
respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share). A U.S. Holder's basis
in the Common Stock received on conversion of a Debenture will be the same as
the U.S. Holder's basis in the Debenture at the time of conversion (exclusive of
any tax basis allocable to a fractional share), and the holding period for the
Common Stock received on conversion will include the holding period of the
Debenture converted. The receipt of cash in lieu of fractional Common Stock
should generally result in capital gain or loss (measured by the difference
between the cash received for the fractional share interest and the U.S.
Holder's tax basis in the fractional share interest).
Dividends; Adjustment of Conversion Price. Dividends, if any, paid on
the Common Stock generally will be includable in the income of a U.S. Holder as
ordinary income to the extent of the U.S. Holder's ratable share of the
Company's current or accumulated earnings and profits.
If at any time the Company makes a distribution of property to
shareholders that would be taxable to such shareholders as a dividend for
federal income tax purposes (for example, distributions of evidences of
indebtedness or assets of the Company, but generally not stock dividends or
rights to subscribe for Common Stock) and, pursuant to the anti-dilution
provisions of the Indenture, the Conversion Rate of the Debentures is increased,
such increase may be deemed to be the payment of a taxable dividend to U.S.
Holders of Debentures. If the Conversion Rate is increased at the discretion of
the Company or in certain other circumstances, such increase also may be deemed
to be the payment of a taxable dividend to U.S. Holders of Debentures.
Sale of Common Stock. Upon the sale or exchange of Common Stock, U.S.
Holders generally will recognize capital gain or capital loss (except to the
extent of any accrued market discount not previously included
-35-
<PAGE> 37
in income) equal to the difference between the amount realized on such sale or
exchange and the holder's adjusted tax basis in such shares. For individual U.S.
Holders, the maximum rate of United States federal income tax generally is 28%
if the Common Stock disposed of is held for more than one year but not more than
18 months, and the maximum rate is 20% if the Common Stock disposed of is held
more than 18 months.
NON-U.S. HOLDERS
The following discussion is a summary of the principal United States
federal income and estate tax consequences resulting from the ownership of the
Debentures or Common Stock by Non-U.S. Holders.
Withholding Tax on Payments of Principal and Original Issue Discount on
Debentures. The payment of principal (including any Original Issue Discount
included therein) of a Debenture by the Company or any paying agent of the
Company to any Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to United States federal
withholding tax, provided that in the case of the payment of cash in respect of
Original Issue Discount (i) the Non-U.S. Holder does not actually or
constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes
of stock of the Company, (ii) the Non-U.S. Holder is not a controlled foreign
corporation that is related to the Company within the meaning of the Code and,
(iii) either (A) the beneficial owner of the Debenture certifies to the
applicable payor or its agent, under penalties of perjury, that it is not a U.S.
Holder and provides its name and address on United States Treasury Form W-8 (or
a suitable substitute form), or (B) a securities clearing organization, bank or
other financial institution, that holds customers' securities in the ordinary
course of its trade or business (a "financial institution") and holds the
Debenture, certifies under penalties of perjury that such a Form W-8 (or
suitable substitute form) has been received from the beneficial owner by it or
by a financial institution between it and the beneficial owner and furnishes the
payor with a copy thereof. Except to the extent otherwise provided under an
applicable tax treaty, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will be taxed in the same
manner as a U.S. Holder with respect to Original Issue Discount on a Debenture
if such Original Issue Discount is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or
business of the Non-U.S. Holder. Effectively connected Original Issue Discount
received by a corporate Non- U.S. Holder may also, under certain circumstances,
be subject to an additional "branch profits tax" at a 30% rate (or, if
applicable, a lower treaty rate). Such effectively connected Original Issue
Discount will not be subject to withholding tax if the holder delivers an IRS
Form 4224 (and, beginning January 1, 2000, a Form W-8) to the payor.
Dividends. Dividends, if any, paid on the Common Stock to a Non-U.S.
Holder generally will be subject to a 30% United States federal withholding tax,
subject to reduction for Non-U.S. Holders eligible for the benefits of certain
income tax treaties. Currently, for purposes of determining whether tax is to be
withheld at the 30% rate or at a reduced treaty rate, the Company will
ordinarily presume that dividends paid to an address in a foreign country are
paid to a resident of such country absent knowledge that such presumption is not
warranted. Under Treasury Regulations effective for payments after December 31,
1999, holders will be required to satisfy certain applicable certification
requirements to claim treaty benefits. Except to the extent otherwise provided
under an applicable tax treaty, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will be taxed in the
same manner as a U.S. Holder on dividends paid (or deemed paid) that are
effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the U.S. by the
Non- U.S. Holder. If such Non-U.S. Holder is a foreign corporation, it may also
be subject to a United States branch profits tax on such effectively connected
income at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable
income tax treaty.
Gain on Disposition of the Debentures and Common Stock. A Non-U.S.
Holder generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax on gain
realized on the sale, exchange or redemption of a Debenture, including the
exchange of a Debenture for Common Stock, or the sale or exchange of Common
Stock unless (i) in the case of an individual Non-U.S. Holder, such holder is
present in the United States for 183 days or more in the year of such sale,
exchange or redemption and either (A) has a "tax home" in the United States and
certain other requirements are met, or (B) the gain from the disposition is
attributable to an office or other fixed place of
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<PAGE> 38
business in the United States, (ii) the Non-U.S. Holder is subject to tax
pursuant to the provisions of U.S. tax law applicable to certain U.S.
expatriates, (iii) the gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a
United States trade or business of the Non-U.S. Holder, or (iv) in the case of
the disposition of Common Stock, the Company is a U.S. real property holding
corporation. The Company does not believe that it is currently a "United States
real property holding corporation" or that it will become one in the future.
U.S. Federal Estate Tax. A Debenture held by an individual who at the
time of death is not a citizen or resident of the United States (as specially
defined for United States federal estate tax purposes) will not be subject to
United States federal estate tax if the individual did not actually or
constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes
of stock of the Company and, at the time of the individual's death, payments
with respect to such Debenture would not have been effectively connected with
the conduct by such individual of a trade or business in the United States.
Common Stock held by an individual who at the time of death is not a citizen or
resident of the United States (as specially defined for United States federal
estate tax purposes) will be included in such individual's estate for U.S.
federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty otherwise
applies.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND INFORMATION REPORTING
U.S. Holders. Information reporting will apply to payments of interest
or dividends on or the proceeds of the sale or other disposition of the
Debentures or shares of Common Stock made by the Company with respect to certain
noncorporate U.S. Holders, and backup withholding at a rate of 31% may apply
unless the recipient of such payment supplies a taxpayer identification number,
certified under penalties of perjury, as well as certain other information or
otherwise establishes an exemption from backup withholding. Any amount withheld
under the backup withholding rules is allowable as a credit against the U.S.
Holder's federal income tax, provided that the required information is provided
to the IRS.
Non-U.S. Holders. The Company must report annually to the IRS and to
each Non-U.S. Holder the amount of any dividends paid to, and the tax withheld
with respect to, such holder, regardless of whether any tax was actually
withheld. Copies of these information returns may also be made available under
the provisions of a specific treaty or agreement to the tax authorities of the
country in which the Non-U.S. Holder resides.
Under current Treasury Regulations, backup withholding and information
reporting will not apply to payments of principal, including cash payments in
respect of Original Issue Discount, on the Debentures by the Company or any
agent thereof to a Non-U.S. Holder if the Non-U.S. Holder certifies as to its
Non-U.S. Holder status under penalties of perjury or otherwise establishes an
exemption (provided that neither the Company nor its agent has actual knowledge
that the holder is a U.S. person or that the conditions of any other exemptions
are not in fact satisfied). The payment of the proceeds on the disposition of
Debentures or shares of Common Stock to or through the United States office of a
United States or foreign broker will be subject to information reporting and
backup withholding unless the owner provides the certification described above
or otherwise establishes an exemption. The proceeds of the disposition by a
Non-U.S. Holder of Debentures or shares of Common Stock to or through a foreign
office of a broker will not be subject to backup withholding or information
reporting. However, if such broker is a U.S. person, a controlled foreign
corporation for United States tax purposes, or a foreign person, 50% or more of
whose gross income from all sources for certain periods is from activities that
are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, information reporting
requirements will apply unless such broker has documentary evidence in its files
of the holder's Non-U.S. status and has no actual knowledge to the contrary or
unless the holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Any amount withheld under
the backup withholding rules is allowable as a credit against the Non-U.S.
Holder's federal income tax, provided that the required information is provided
to the IRS. Recently finalized Treasury Regulations would modify the application
of information reporting requirements and the back-up withholding tax to
Non-U.S. Holders effective January 1, 2000.
-37-
<PAGE> 39
SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS
The Debentures were originally issued by the Company in a private
placement and were resold by the initial purchasers thereof to qualified
institutional buyers (within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act).
The Debentures and the Conversion Shares that may be offered pursuant to this
Prospectus will be offered by the Selling Securityholders. The following table
sets forth certain information concerning the principal amount at maturity of
Debentures beneficially owned by each Selling Securityholder and the number of
Conversion Shares that may be offered from time to time pursuant to this
Prospectus.
From time to time, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. or its affiliates,
have provided, and may continue to provide, investment banking services to the
Company, for which they received or will receive customary fees. None of the
Selling Securityholders has had any position, office or other material
relationship with the Company or its affiliates within the past three years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT AT
MATURITY OF NUMBER OF
DEBENTURES CONVERSION
BENEFICIALLY PERCENTAGE OF SHARES THAT
OWNED THAT DEBENTURES MAY BE
NAME OF SELLING SECURITYHOLDER MAY BE SOLD OUTSTANDING SOLD(1)(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Argent Classic Convertible Arbitrage Fund L.P................... $ 20,000,000 5.9 279,660
BancAmerica Robertson Stephens................................... 500,000 * 6,991
Black Diamond, Ltd............................................... 2,367,000 * 33,097
Black Diamond Partners, L.P...................................... 2,107,000 * 29,462
CFW-C, L.P....................................................... 10,000,000 2.9 139,830
Chrysler Corporation Master Retirement Trust..................... 3,850,000 1.1 53,834
Delta Air Lines Master Trust..................................... 2,225,000 * 31,112
Deutsche Bank A.G................................................ 51,500,000 15.1 720,124
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc..................................... 8,500,000 2.5 118,855
Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation............... 9,000,000 2.6 125,847
Double Black Diamond Offshore LDC................................ 998,000 * 13,955
GPZ Trading LLC.................................................. 10,000,000 2.9 139,830
Highbridge Capital Corp.......................................... 15,160,000 4.4 209,745
Inland Foundation Inc............................................ 30,000 * 419
Lehman Brothers, Inc............................................. 4,000,000 1.1 55,932
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc.......................... 5,000,000 1.4 69,915
Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company.......................... 2,270,000 * 31,741
NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC........................... 10,000,000 2.9 139,830
OCM Convertible Trust............................................ 8,180,000 2.4 114,381
Paloma Securities L.L.C.......................................... 4,500,000 1.3 62,923
Partner Reinsurance Company, Ltd................................. 675,000 * 9,438
Raytheon Company Master Pension Trust............................ 3,145,000 * 43,976
Silverton International Fund Limited............................. 4,500,000 1.3 62,923
SoundShore Partners L.P.......................................... 1,500,000 * 20,974
State Employees' Retirement Fund of the State of Delaware........ 2,170,000 * 30,343
State of Connecticut Combined Investment Funds................... 7,690,000 2.3 107,529
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 40
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT AT
MATURITY OF NUMBER OF
DEBENTURES CONVERSION
BENEFICIALLY PERCENTAGE OF SHARES THAT
OWNED THAT DEBENTURES MAY BE
NAME OF SELLING SECURITYHOLDER MAY BE SOLD OUTSTANDING SOLD(1)(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- --------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
TQA Leverage Fund, L.P..................................................... 2,000,000 * 27,966
TQA Vantage Fund, Ltd...................................................... 3,000,000 * 41,949
TQA Vantage Plus Fund, Ltd................................................. 1,000,000 * 13,983
Vanguard Convertible Securities Fund, Inc.................................. 5,565,000 1.6 77,815
Worldwide Transactions, Ltd................................................ 368,000 * 5,145
Any other holders of Debentures or future transferees, pledgees, donees
of or from any such holder (3)(4).......................................... 138,600,000 40.7 1,938,043
</TABLE>
- ----------
* Less than 1%.
(1) Assumes conversion of the full amount of Debentures held by such holder at
the initial conversion rate of 13.983 shares per $1,000 principal amount
at maturity of Debentures; such conversion rate is subject to adjustment
as described under "Description of Debentures--Conversion of Debentures."
Accordingly, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion
of the Debentures may increase or decrease from time to time. Under the
terms of the Indenture, cash will be paid in lieu of issuing fractional
shares, if any, upon conversion of the Debentures.
(2) The number of Conversion Shares held by each holder named herein is less
than 1% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock as of March 31, 1998.
(3) Information concerning other Selling Securityholders will be set forth in
supplements to this Prospectus from time to time, if required.
(4) Assumes that any other holders of Debentures, or any future transferees,
pledgees, donees or successors of or from any such other holders of
Debentures, do not beneficially own any Common Stock other than the
Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Debentures at the
initial conversion rate.
The preceding table has been prepared based upon the information
furnished to the Company by the Selling Securityholders named therein. Unless
otherwise indicated, none of the Selling Securityholders has, or within the past
three years has had, any position, office of other material relationship with
the Company or any of its affiliates.
Generally, only Selling Securityholders identified in the foregoing
table who beneficially own the Debentures set forth opposite their respective
names may sell such Debentures pursuant to the shelf registration statement, of
which this Prospectus forms a part. The Company may from time to time include
additional Selling Securityholders in supplements or amendments to this
Prospectus.
The Selling Securityholders identified above may have sold, transferred
or otherwise disposed of, in transactions exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act, all or a portion of their Debentures since
the date on which the information in the preceding table is presented.
Information concerning the Selling Securityholders may change from time to time
and any such changed information will be set forth in supplements to this
Prospectus if and when necessary. Because the Selling Securityholders may offer
all or some of the Debentures that they hold and/or Conversion Shares pursuant
to the offering contemplated by this Prospectus, no estimate can be given as to
the amount of the Debentures or Conversion Shares that will be held by the
Selling Securityholders upon the termination of this offering. See "Plan of
Distribution."
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<PAGE> 41
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Company will not receive any of the proceeds of the sale of the
Debentures and the Conversion Shares (the "Securities") offered hereby. The
Securities may be sold from time to time to purchasers directly by the Selling
Securityholders. Alternatively, the Selling Securityholders may from time to
time offer the Securities through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents who may
receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from
the Selling Securityholders and/or the purchasers of the Securities for whom
they may act as agent. The Selling Securityholders and any such broker-dealers
or agents who participate in the distribution of the Securities may be deemed to
be "underwriters," and any profits on the sale of the Securities by them and any
discounts, commissions or concessions received by any such broker-dealers or
agents might be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the
Securities Act. To the extent the Selling Securityholders may be deemed to be
underwriters, the Selling Securityholders may be subject to certain statutory
liabilities of, including, but not limited to, Sections 11, 12 and 17 of the
Securities Act and Rule 10b-5 under the Exchange Act.
The Registrable Securities offered hereby may be sold from time to time
directly by the Selling Securityholders or, alternatively, through underwriters,
broker-dealers or agents. If the Securities are sold through underwriters or
broker-dealers, the Selling Securityholder will be responsible for underwriting
discounts or commissions or agent's commissions. Such Securities may be sold in
one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the
time of sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated
prices. Such sales may be effected in transactions (which may involve crosses or
block transactions) (i) on any national securities exchange or quotation service
on which the Securities may be listed or quoted at the time of the sale
(including the Nasdaq National Market in the case of the Common Stock), (ii) in
the over-the-counter market, (iii) in transactions otherwise than on such
exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market, or (iv) through the
writing of options. In connection with sales of the Securities or otherwise, the
undersigned may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may
in turn engage in short sales of the Securities in the course of hedging in
positions they assume. The undersigned may also sell Securities short and
deliver Securities to close out short positions, or loan or pledge Securities to
broker-dealers that in turn may sell such securities.
To the best knowledge of the Company, there are currently no plans,
arrangement or understandings between any Selling Securityholders and any
underwriter, broker-dealer or agent regarding the sale of the Securities by the
Selling Securityholders. There is no assurance that any Selling Securityholder
will sell any or all of the Securities offered by it hereunder or that any such
Selling Securityholder will not transfer, devise or gift such Securities by
other means not described herein.
The outstanding Common Stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq
National Market under the symbol "ATML". The Company does not intend to apply
for listing of the Debentures on any securities exchange or for quotation
through Nasdaq. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the development of
liquidity or any trading market for the Debentures. See "Risk Factors--Absence
of Public Market."
There can be no assurance that any Selling Securityholder will sell any
or all of the Debentures or Conversion Shares registered pursuant to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part. In addition, any
securities covered by the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus that
qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A of the Securities Act may be
sold under Rule 144 or Rule 144A rather tan pursuant to this Prospectus.
The Selling Securityholders and any other person participating in such
distribution will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and
the rules and regulations thereunder, including, without limitation, Regulation
M which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the Securities by
the Selling Securityholders and any other such person. Furthermore, Regulation M
of the Exchange Act may restrict the ability of any person engaged in the
distribution of the Securities to engage in market-making activities with
respect to
-40-
<PAGE> 42
the particular Securities being distributed for a period of up to five business
days prior to the commencement of such distribution. All of the foregoing may
affect the marketability of the Securities and the ability of any person or
entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to the Securities.
Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement entered into in
connection with the offer and sale of the Debentures by the Company, each of the
Company and the Selling Securityholders will be indemnified by the other against
certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act, or
will be entitled to contribution in connection therewith.
The Company has agreed to pay substantially all of the expenses
incidental to the registration, offering and sale of the Securities to the
public other than commissions, fees and discounts of underwriters, brokers,
dealers and agents.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the Debentures
and the Conversion Shares offered hereby will be passed upon for the Company by
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, Palo Alto,
California.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31,
1997 and 1996, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1997, included in this Prospectus, have been audited by Price Waterhouse Coopers
LLP, independent accountants, as set forth in their report thereon incorporated
herein by reference.
-41-
<PAGE> 43
================================================================================
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Prospectus, and, if given or
made, such information and representations must not be relied upon as having
been authorized by the Company or the Selling Stockholders. This Prospectus does
not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy the
securities described herein by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or
solicitation is not authorized, or in and which the person making the offer or
solicitation is not qualified to do so, or to any person to whom it is unlawful
to make such offer or solicitation. Under no circumstances shall the delivery of
this Prospectus or any sale made pursuant to this Prospectus create any
implication that the information contained in this Prospectus is correct as of
any time subsequent to the date of this Prospectus.
-------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Available Information ................................................ 2
Documents Incorporated by Reference .................................. 2
Forward-Looking Statements ........................................... 3
Prospectus Summary ................................................... 4
Risk Factors ......................................................... 7
Use of Proceeds ...................................................... 16
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges ................................... 16
Description of Debentures ............................................ 17
Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations ............................ 33
Selling Securityholders .............................................. 38
Plan of Distribution ................................................. 40
Legal Matters ........................................................ 41
Experts .............................................................. 41
</TABLE>
================================================================================
================================================================================
ATMEL CORPORATION
$340,400,000
ZERO COUPON CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED
DEBENTURES DUE 2018
AND
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION THEREOF
-----------------------
PROSPECTUS
-----------------------
, 1998
================================================================================
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<PAGE> 44
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The following table sets forth the various expenses payable by the
Registrant in connection with the sale and distribution of the securities being
registered hereby. Normal commission expenses and brokerage fees are payable
individually by the Selling Securityholders. All amounts are estimated except
the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT
-------
<S> <C>
SEC registration fee .................................... $27,741
Accounting fees and expenses ............................ $10,000
Legal fees and expenses ................................. $15,000
Miscellaneous fees and expenses ......................... $ 7,259
-------
Total ................................................... $60,000
</TABLE>
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Section 317 of the California Corporations Code authorizes a court to
award, or a corporation's board of directors to grant, indemnity to directors
and officers in terms sufficiently broad to permit such indemnification under
certain circumstances for liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses
incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"). Article IV of the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation and
Article VI of the Company's Bylaws provide for indemnification of its directors,
officers, employees and other agents to the maximum extent permitted by the
California Corporations Code. In addition, the Company has entered into
Indemnification Agreements with its officers and directors which, among other
things, (i) require the indemnification of such individuals in circumstances
where indemnification would otherwise be permissive, (ii) require the Company to
maintain in effect directors' and officers' liability insurance covering such
individuals, unless such insurance is not available on reasonable terms, (iii)
require the Company to advance expenses incurred by such individuals in
connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of any
proceeding, provided that such individuals undertake to repay any amounts for
which such individual is ultimately determined not to be entitled to
indemnification, (iv) establish the presumption that the indemnified party has
met the applicable standard of conduct required for indemnification and (v) set
forth certain notice procedures in the event of a threat or the commencement of
a proceeding. The Company has obtained insurance on behalf of its officers and
directors against losses arising from any claim asserted against or incurred by
such individuals in any such capacity, subject to certain exclusions.
The Company understands that the staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission is of the opinion that statutory, charter and contractual provisions
as are described above have no effect on claims arising under the federal
securities laws.
II-1
<PAGE> 45
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
- ---------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
4.1 Indenture, dated as of April 21, 1998, between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust
Company of California, N.A., as Trustee, including the form of Debenture.
4.2 Form of Debenture (included in Exhibit 4.1).
4.3 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 21, 1998, between the Company and Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated.
5.1 Opinion of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation.
12.1 Statement re computation of ratios.
23.1 Consent of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation (included in
Exhibit 5.1).
23.2 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
24.1 Power of Attorney (see page II-4).
25.1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification Under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of a
Corporation Designated to Act as Trustee on Form T-1.
</TABLE>
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
1. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of
the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act");
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration
statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of
securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not
exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of
the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus
filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum
aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee"
table in the effective registration statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the
plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
any material change to such information in the registration statement;
II-2
<PAGE> 46
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
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.
2. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Act, each filing of the registrant's annual
report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
3. Insofar as indemnification of liabilities arising under the Act may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to the provisions described under Item 15 above, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
4. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(a) For purposes of determining any liability under the Act, the
information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of
the time it was declared effective.
(b) For the purpose of determining any liability under the 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.
II-3
<PAGE> 47
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of San Jose, State of California, on July 16, 1998.
ATMEL CORPORATION
By /s/ George Perlegos
------------------------------------
George Perlegos
President and Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each of the officers and directors of Atmel Corporation whose signature
appears below hereby constitutes and appoints George Perlegos and Donald Colvin,
and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full
power of substitutions, each with the power to act alone, to sign and execute on
behalf of the undersigned any amendment or amendments to this registration
statement, and to perform any acts necessary to be done in order to file such
amendment, and each of the undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm all that
said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their or his substitutes, shall do or
cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME TITLE DATE
- ---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ George Perlegos
- ---------------------------------------- President, Chief Executive Officer July 16, 1998
George Perlegos and Chairman of the Board of Directors
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Donald Colvin
- ---------------------------------------- Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial July 16, 1998
Donald Colvin Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ Norm Hall
- ---------------------------------------- Director July 16, 1998
Norm Hall
- ---------------------------------------- Director July __, 1998
Gust Perlegos
/s/ T. Peter Thomas
- ---------------------------------------- Director July 16, 1998
T. Peter Thomas
/s/ Tsung-Ching Wu
- ---------------------------------------- Director July 16, 1998
Tsung-Ching Wu
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE> 48
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
- ---------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
4.1 Indenture, dated as of April 21, 1998, between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust
Company of California, N.A., as Trustee, including the form of Debenture.
4.2 Form of Debenture (included in Exhibit 4.1).
4.3 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 21, 1998, between the Company and Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated.
5.1 Opinion of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation.
12.1 Statement re computation of ratios.
23.1 Consent of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation (included in
Exhibit 5.1).
23.2 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
24.1 Power of Attorney (see page II-4).
25.1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification Under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of a
Corporation Designated to Act as Trustee on Form T-1.
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 4.1
================================================================================
Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2018
Atmel Corporation
Issuer
------------------
INDENTURE
Dated as of April 21, 1998
------------------
State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A.,
Trustee
================================================================================
<PAGE> 2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CROSS REFERENCE TABLE*
TIA Indenture
Section Section
- ------- -------
<S> <C>
3.10(a)(1).............................................................................................................. 7.10
(a)(2).............................................................................................................. 7.10
(a)(3).............................................................................................................. N.A.**
(a)(4).............................................................................................................. N.A.
(b).............................................................................................................7.08;7.10
(c)................................................................................................................. N.A.
3.11(a)................................................................................................................. 7.11
(b)................................................................................................................. 7.11
(c)................................................................................................................. N.A.
3.12(a)................................................................................................................. 2.05
(b).................................................................................................................12.03
(c).................................................................................................................12.03
(d)................................................................................................................. 7.06
3.13(a)................................................................................................................. 7.06
(b)(1).............................................................................................................. N.A.
(b)(2).............................................................................................................. 7.06
(c).................................................................................................................12.02
(d)................................................................................................................. 7.06
3.14(a)............................................................................................................4.02;12.02
(b)................................................................................................................. N.A.
(c)(1)..............................................................................................................12.04
(c)(2)..............................................................................................................12.04
(c)(3).............................................................................................................. N.A.
(d)................................................................................................................. N.A.
(e).................................................................................................................12.05
(f)................................................................................................................. 4.03
3.15(a)................................................................................................................. 7.01
(b)............................................................................................................7.05;12.02
(c)................................................................................................................. 7.01
(d)................................................................................................................. 7.01
(e)................................................................................................................. 6.11
3.16(a) (last sentence)................................................................................................. 2.08
(a)(1)(A)........................................................................................................... 6.05
(a)(1)(B)........................................................................................................... 6.04
(a)(2).............................................................................................................. N.A.
(b)................................................................................................................. 6.07
3.17(a)(1).............................................................................................................. 6.08
(a)(2).............................................................................................................. 6.09
(b)................................................................................................................. 2.04
3.18(a).................................................................................................................12.01
- ------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Note: This Cross Reference Table shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be
part of the Indenture
** Note: N.A. means Not Applicable
<PAGE> 3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS(1)
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE...........................................................................1
Section 1.01. Definitions......................................................................................1
Section 1.02. Other Definitions................................................................................8
Section 1.03. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act................................................9
Section 1.04. Rules of Construction............................................................................9
ARTICLE 2 THE SECURITIES.......................................................................................................9
Section 2.01. Form and Dating..................................................................................9
Section 2.02. Execution and Authentication....................................................................10
Section 2.03. Registrar, Paying Agent and Conversion Agent....................................................10
Section 2.04. Paying Agent to Hold Money and Securities in Trust..............................................11
Section 2.05. Securityholder Lists............................................................................11
Section 2.06. Exchange and Registration of Transfer of Securities; Restrictions on
Transfers; Depositary...........................................................................11
Section 2.07. Replacement Securities..........................................................................18
Section 2.08. Outstanding Securities; Determinations of Holders' Action.......................................18
Section 2.09. Temporary Securities............................................................................19
Section 2.10. Cancellation....................................................................................19
Section 2.11. Persons Deemed Owners...........................................................................20
ARTICLE 3 REDEMPTION AND PURCHASES............................................................................................20
Section 3.01. Right to Redeem; Notices to Trustee.............................................................20
Section 3.02. Selection of Securities to be Redeemed..........................................................20
Section 3.03. Notice of Redemption............................................................................21
Section 3.04. Effect of Notice of Redemption..................................................................22
Section 3.05. Deposit of Redemption Price.....................................................................22
Section 3.06. Securities Redeemed in Part.....................................................................22
Section 3.07. Conversion Arrangement on Call for Redemption...................................................22
Section 3.08. Purchase of Securities at Option of the Holder..................................................23
Section 3.09. Redemption at Option of the Holder upon a Fundamental Change....................................29
Section 3.10. Effect of Purchase Notice or Fundamental Change Redemption Notice...............................30
Section 3.11. Deposit of Purchase Price or Fundamental Change Redemption Price................................31
Section 3.12. Securities Purchased in Part....................................................................31
Section 3.13. Covenant to Comply with Securities Laws upon Purchase of Securities.............................31
</TABLE>
- --------
1 This Table of Contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be part of the
Indenture.
-i-
<PAGE> 4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Section 3.14. Repayment to the Company..........................................................................31
ARTICLE 4 COVENANTS.............................................................................................................32
Section 4.01. Payment of Securities.............................................................................32
Section 4.02. Financial Information; SEC Reports................................................................32
Section 4.03. Compliance Certificate............................................................................33
Section 4.04. Further Instruments and Acts......................................................................33
Section 4.05. Maintenance of Office or Agency...................................................................33
Section 4.06. Existence.........................................................................................34
Section 4.07. Maintenance of Properties.........................................................................34
Section 4.08. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.................................................................34
Section 4.09. Restrictions on Transfers of Material Operating Assets to Atmel S.A...............................34
ARTICLE 5 SUCCESSOR CORPORATION.................................................................................................35
Section 5.01. When the Company May Merge or Transfer Assets.....................................................35
ARTICLE 6 DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES.................................................................................................36
Section 6.01. Events of Default.................................................................................36
Section 6.02. Acceleration......................................................................................37
Section 6.03. Other Remedies....................................................................................37
Section 6.04. Waiver of Past Defaults...........................................................................37
Section 6.05. Control by Majority...............................................................................37
Section 6.06. Limitation on Suits...............................................................................38
Section 6.07. Rights of Holders to Receive Payment..............................................................38
Section 6.08. Collection Suit by Trustee........................................................................38
Section 6.09. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim..................................................................38
Section 6.10. Priorities........................................................................................39
Section 6.11. Undertaking for Costs.............................................................................40
Section 6.12. Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws...........................................................40
ARTICLE 7 TRUSTEE...............................................................................................................40
Section 7.01. Duties of Trustee.................................................................................40
Section 7.02. Rights of Trustee.................................................................................42
Section 7.03. Individual Rights of Trustee......................................................................42
Section 7.04. Trustee's Disclaimer..............................................................................42
Section 7.05. Notice of Defaults................................................................................42
Section 7.06. Reports...........................................................................................43
Section 7.07. Compensation and Indemnity........................................................................43
</TABLE>
-ii-
<PAGE> 5
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Section 7.08. Replacement of Trustee.............................................................................43
Section 7.09. Successor Trustee by Merger........................................................................44
Section 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification......................................................................44
Section 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company..................................................45
ARTICLE 8 DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE.................................................................................................45
Section 8.01. Discharge of Liability on Securities...............................................................45
Section 8.02. Repayment to the Company...........................................................................45
ARTICLE 9 AMENDMENTS.............................................................................................................46
Section 9.01. Without Consent of Holders.........................................................................46
Section 9.02. With Consent of Holders............................................................................46
Section 9.03. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act................................................................47
Section 9.04. Revocation and Effect of Consents, Waivers and Actions.............................................47
Section 9.05. Notation on or Exchange of Securities..............................................................47
Section 9.06. Trustee to Sign Supplemental Indentures............................................................48
Section 9.07. Effect of Supplemental Indentures..................................................................48
ARTICLE 10 SUBORDINATION.........................................................................................................48
Section 10.01. Agreement of Subordination.........................................................................48
Section 10.02. Payments to Noteholders............................................................................48
Section 10.03. Subrogation of Securities..........................................................................51
Section 10.04. Authorization to Effect Subordination..............................................................52
Section 10.05. Notice to Trustee..................................................................................52
Section 10.06. Trustee's Relation to Senior Indebtedness..........................................................53
Section 10.07. No Impairment of Subordination.....................................................................54
Section 10.08. Certain Conversions Deemed Payment.................................................................54
Section 10.09. Article Applicable to Paying Agents................................................................54
Section 10.10. Senior Indebtedness Entitled to Rely...............................................................54
ARTICLE 11 CONVERSION............................................................................................................55
Section 11.01. Conversion Privilege...............................................................................55
Section 11.02. Conversion Procedure...............................................................................55
Section 11.03. Fractional Shares..................................................................................56
Section 11.04. Taxes on Conversion................................................................................56
Section 11.05. Company to Provide Stock...........................................................................56
Section 11.06. Adjustment for Change in Capital Stock.............................................................56
Section 11.07. Adjustment for Rights Issue........................................................................57
</TABLE>
-iii-
<PAGE> 6
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Section 11.08. Adjustment for Other Distributions.................................................................58
Section 11.09. When Adjustment May be Deferred....................................................................61
Section 11.10. When No Adjustment Required........................................................................61
Section 11.11. Notice of Adjustment...............................................................................61
Section 11.12. Voluntary Increase.................................................................................61
Section 11.13. Notice of Certain Transactions.....................................................................62
Section 11.14. Effect of Reclassification, Consolidation, Merger or Sale..........................................62
Section 11.15. Company Determination Final........................................................................63
Section 11.16. Trustee's Adjustment Disclaimer....................................................................63
Section 11.17. Simultaneous Adjustments...........................................................................63
Section 11.18. Successive Adjustments.............................................................................63
Section 11.19. Rights Issued in Respect of Common Stock Issued Upon Conversion....................................63
Section 11.20. General Considerations.............................................................................64
ARTICLE 12 MISCELLANEOUS.........................................................................................................64
Section 12.01. Trust Indenture Act................................................................................64
Section 12.02. Notices............................................................................................64
Section 12.03. Communication by Holders with other Holders........................................................65
Section 12.04. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.................................................65
Section 12.05. Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion......................................................66
Section 12.06. Separability Clause................................................................................66
Section 12.07. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent, Conversion Agent and Registrar.....................................66
Section 12.08. Governing Law......................................................................................66
Section 12.09. No Recourse Against Others.........................................................................66
Section 12.10. Successors.........................................................................................67
Section 12.11. Multiple Originals.................................................................................67
</TABLE>
-iv-
<PAGE> 7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
-v-
<PAGE> 8
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
EXHIBIT A--Form of Security
-vi-
<PAGE> 9
INDENTURE, dated as of April 21, 1998, between Atmel Corporation, a
California corporation (the "Company"), and State Street Bank and Trust Company
of California, N.A., a national banking association organized and existing under
the laws of the United States of America (the "Trustee").
Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other parties and for
the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Company's Zero Coupon
Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2018:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
SECTION 1.01. DEFINITIONS.
"Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition,
"control," when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to
direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person,
directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by
contract or otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have
meanings correlative to the foregoing.
"Applicable Price" means (i) in the event of a Fundamental Change in
which the holders of the Common Stock receive only Cash, the amount of Cash
received by the holder of one share of Common Stock and (ii) in the event of any
other Fundamental Change, the average of the last reported sales price for the
Common Stock (determined as set forth in the definition of Current Market Price)
during the ten Trading Days prior to the record date for the determination of
the holders of Common Stock entitled to receive Cash, securities, property or
other assets in connection with such Fundamental Change, or, if there is no such
record date, the date upon which the holders of Common Stock shall have the
right to receive such Cash, securities, property or other assets in connection
with a Fundamental Change.
"Board of Directors" means either the board of directors of the Company
or any duly authorized committee of such board.
"Business Day" means each day of the year on which banking institutions
are not required or authorized to close in The City of New York or the city in
which the Corporate Trust Office is located.
"Common Stock" means any stock of any class of the Company which has no
preference in respect of dividends or of amounts payable in the event of any
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company
and which is not subject to redemption by the Company.
<PAGE> 10
Subject to the provisions of Section 11.14, however, shares issuable upon
conversion of the Securities shall include only shares of Common Stock, no par
value, of the Company as it exists on the date of this Indenture or shares of
any class or classes resulting from any reclassification or reclassifications
thereof and which have no preference in respect of dividends or of amounts
payable in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company and which are not subject to redemption by the
Company; provided that if at any time there shall be more than one such
resulting class, the shares of each such class then so issuable shall be
substantially in the proportion which the total number of shares of such class
resulting from all such reclassifications bears to the total number of shares of
all such classes resulting from all such reclassifications.
"Company" means the party named as the "Company" in the first paragraph
of this Indenture until a successor replaces it pursuant to the applicable
provisions of this Indenture and, thereafter, shall mean such successor. The
foregoing sentence shall likewise apply to any subsequent such successor or
successors.
"Company Request" or "Company Order" means a written request or order
signed in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman,
its President or a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer,
its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee.
"Conversion Rate" shall have the meaning specified in Section 11.01.
"Corporate Trust Office" or other similar term, shall mean the principal
office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust
business shall be principally administered, which office is, at the date as of
which this Indenture is dated, located at 633 West 5th Street, 12th Floor, Los
Angeles, California 90071, Attention: Corporate Trust Department (Atmel
Corporation, Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2018).
"Current Market Price" per share of the Common Stock on any date of
determination means the average of the daily closing prices of the Common Stock
on the Nasdaq National Market for the 5 consecutive trading days ending on and
including such date of determination. The last reported sale price for each day
shall be (i) if the Common Stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market, the
last reported sale price of Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market, or any
similar system of automated dissemination of quotations of securities prices
then in common use, if so quoted, (ii) if the Common Stock is not listed or
admitted for trading as described in clause (i), the last reported sale price of
the Common Stock on the NYSE or if the Common Stock is listed or admitted for
trading on any other national securities exchange, the last sale price, or the
closing bid price if no sale occurred, of the Common Stock on the principal
securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed, or (iii) if not quoted
or listed as described in clauses (i) or (ii), the mean between the high bid and
low asked quotations for Common Stock as reported by the National Quotation
Bureau Incorporated if at least two securities dealers have inserted both bid
and asked quotations for the
-2-
<PAGE> 11
Common Stock on at least 5 of the 10 preceding Trading Days. If none of the
conditions set forth above is met, the last reported sale price of Common Stock
on any day or the average of such last reported sale prices for any period shall
be the fair market value of the Common Stock as determined by a member firm of
the NYSE selected by the Company.
"Custodian" shall mean State Street Bank and Trust Company of
California, N.A., as custodian with respect to the Securities in global form, or
any successor entity thereto.
"Default" means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or
both would be, an Event of Default.
"Depositary" means, with respect to the Securities issuable or issued in
whole or in part in global form, the Person specified in Section 2.06 as the
Depositary with respect to the Securities, until a successor shall have been
appointed and become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this
Indenture, and thereafter, "Depositary" shall mean or include such successor.
"Designated Senior Indebtedness" means the Company's obligations under
any particular Senior Indebtedness in which the instrument creating or
evidencing the same or the assumption or guarantee thereof (or related
agreements or documents to which the Company is a party) expressly provides that
such Senior Indebtedness shall be "Designated Senior Indebtedness" for purposes
of this Indenture (provided that such instrument, agreement or other document
may place limitations and conditions on the right of such Senior Indebtedness to
exercise the rights of Designated Senior Indebtedness).
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
"Fundamental Change" means the occurrence of any transaction or event in
connection with which all or substantially all the Common Stock shall be
exchanged for, converted into, acquired for or constitute solely the right to
receive (whether by means of an exchange offer, liquidation, tender offer,
consolidation, merger, combination, reclassification, recapitalization or
otherwise) consideration which is not all or substantially all common stock
listed (or, upon consummation of such transaction or event, will be listed) on a
United States national securities exchange or approved for quotation in the
Nasdaq National Market or any similar system of automated dissemination of
quotations of securities prices.
"Guarantee" shall have the meaning set forth in the Step-up Indenture.
"Holder" or "Securityholder" means a Person in whose name a Security is
registered on the Registrar's books.
"Indebtedness" means, with respect to the Company and without
duplication, (a) all indebtedness, obligations and other liabilities (contingent
or otherwise) of the Company for
-3-
<PAGE> 12
borrowed money (including obligations of the Company in respect of overdrafts,
foreign exchange contracts, currency exchange agreements, interest rate
protection agreements, and any loans or advances from banks, whether or not
evidenced by notes or similar instruments) or evidenced by bonds, debentures,
notes or similar instruments (whether or not the recourse of the lender is to
the whole of the assets of the Company or to only a portion thereof) (other than
any account payable or other accrued current liability or obligation incurred in
the ordinary course of business in connection with the obtaining of materials or
services), (b) all reimbursement obligations and other liabilities (contingent
or otherwise) of the Company with respect to letters of credit, bank guarantees
or bankers' acceptances, (c) all obligations and liabilities (contingent or
otherwise) in respect of leases of the Company required, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles, to be accounted for as capitalized
lease obligations on the balance sheet of the Company and all obligations and
other liabilities (contingent or otherwise) under any lease or related document
(including a purchase agreement) in connection with the lease of real property
which provides that the Company is contractually obligated to purchase or cause
a third party to purchase the leased property and thereby guarantee a minimum
residual value of the leased property to the landlord and the obligations of the
Company under such lease or related document to purchase or to cause a third
party to purchase such leased property, (d) all obligations of the Company
(contingent or otherwise) with respect to an interest rate or other swap, cap or
collar agreement or other similar instrument or agreement or foreign currency
hedge, exchange, purchase or similar instrument or agreement, (e) all direct or
indirect guaranties or similar agreements by the Company in respect of, and
obligations or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of the Company to purchase
or otherwise acquire or otherwise assure a creditor against loss in respect of,
indebtedness, obligations or liabilities of another Person of the kind described
in clauses (a) through (d), (f) any indebtedness or other obligations described
in clauses (a) through (d) secured by any mortgage, pledge, lien or other
encumbrance existing on property which is owned or held by the Company,
regardless of whether the indebtedness or other obligation secured thereby shall
have been assumed by the Company and (g) any and all deferrals, renewals,
extensions and refundings of, or amendments, modifications or supplements to,
any indebtedness, obligation or liability of the kind described in clauses (a)
through (f).
"Indenture" means this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to
time in accordance with the terms hereof.
"Initial Purchaser" means Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.
"Issue Date" of any Security means the date on which the Security was
originally issued or deemed issued as set forth on the face of the Security.
"Issue Price" of any Security means, in connection with the original
issuance of such Security, the initial issue price at which the Security is
issued as set forth on the face of the Security.
"Keepwell Agreement" shall mean that certain Keepwell Agreement, dated
May 28, 1997, between Atmel ES2 S.A., a societe anonyme organized under the laws
of France and a wholly-
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<PAGE> 13
owned subsidiary of the Company, and Atmel S.A., a societe anonyme organized
under the laws of France and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
"Legal Holiday" is any day other than a Business Day. If any specified
date (including a date for giving notice) is a Legal Holiday, the action shall
be taken on the next succeeding date that is not a Legal Holiday, and to the
extent applicable no Original Issue Discount or interest, if any, shall accrue
for the intervening period.
"Liquidated Damages" shall have the meaning specified in the
Registration Rights Agreement.
"Nasdaq National Market" means the electronic inter-dealer quotation
system operated by NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc., a subsidiary of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
"NYSE" means The New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
"Offshore Transaction" shall have the meaning set forth in Regulation S.
"Officer" means the Chairman of the Board, any Vice Chairman, the
President, any Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary or any Assistant
Treasurer or Assistant Secretary of the Company.
"Officers' Certificate" means a written certificate containing the
information specified in Sections 12.04 and 12.05, signed in the name of the
Company by its Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman, its President or a Vice
President, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee.
"Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion containing the information
specified in Sections 12.04 and 12.05, from legal counsel who is acceptable to
the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of, or counsel to, the Company or
the Trustee.
"Original Issue Discount" of any Security means the difference between
the Issue Price and the Principal Amount of the Security as set forth on the
face of the Security. For purposes of this Indenture and the Securities, accrual
of Original Issue Discount shall be calculated on the basis of a 360 day year of
twelve 30 day months.
"Payment Blockage Notice" has the meaning specified in Section 10.02.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited
liability company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust,
unincorporated organization, or government or any agency or political
subdivision thereof.
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<PAGE> 14
"Portal Market" means The Portal Market operated by the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or any successor thereto.
"Principal" or "Principal Amount" of a Security means the Principal
Amount as set forth on the face of the Security.
"QIB" means a "qualified institutional buyer" as defined in Rule 144A.
"Redemption Date" shall mean a date specified for redemption of the
Securities (other than redemption upon a Fundamental Change at the option of the
Securityholder) in accordance with the terms of the Securities and Section 3.01
of this Indenture.
"Redemption Price" shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph 5 of the
Securities.
"Reference Market Price" shall initially mean $12.58 and in the event of
any adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Article 11, the Reference
Market Price shall be adjusted to equal the initial Reference Market Price
multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the Conversion Rate specified
in the form of Security attached hereto as Exhibit A (without regard to any
adjustment thereto), and the denominator of which is the Conversion Rate
following such adjustment.
"Registration Rights Agreement" means that certain Registration Rights
Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between the Company and the Initial
Purchaser.
"Regulation S" means Regulation S as promulgated under the Securities
Act, or any successor rule.
"Representative" means (a) the indenture trustee or other trustee, agent
or representative for any Senior Indebtedness or (b) with respect to any Senior
Indebtedness that does not have any such trustee, agent or other representative,
(i) in the case of such Senior Indebtedness issued pursuant to an agreement
providing for voting arrangements as among the holders or owners of such Senior
Indebtedness, any holder or owner of such Senior Indebtedness acting with the
consent of the required Persons necessary to bind such holders or owners of such
Senior Indebtedness and (ii) in the case of all other such Senior Indebtedness,
the holder or owner of such Senior Indebtedness.
"Rule 144A" means Rule 144A as promulgated under the Securities Act, or
any successor rule.
"Rule 144(k)" means Rule 144(k) as promulgated under the Securities Act,
or any successor rule.
"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Securities" means the Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Debentures
due 2018.
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<PAGE> 15
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the
rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
"Securityholder" or "Holder" means a Person in whose name a Security is
registered on the Registrar's books.
"Senior Indebtedness" means the principal of, premium, if any, interest
(including all interest accruing subsequent to the commencement of any
bankruptcy or similar proceeding, whether or not a claim for post-petition
interest is allowable as a claim in such proceeding) and rent payable on or in
connection with, and all fees, costs, expenses and other amounts accrued or due
on or in connection with, Indebtedness of the Company, whether outstanding on
the date of this Indenture or thereafter created, incurred, assumed, guaranteed
or in effect guaranteed by the Company (including all deferrals, renewals,
extensions or refundings of, or amendments, modifications or supplements to,
the foregoing), unless in the case of any particular Indebtedness the instrument
creating or evidencing the same or the assumption or guarantee thereof expressly
provides that such Indebtedness shall not be senior in right of payment to the
Securities or expressly provides that such Indebtedness is "pari passu" or
"junior" to the Securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Senior
Indebtedness shall not include (i) any Indebtedness of the Company to any
Subsidiary of the Company a majority of the voting stock of which is owned,
directly or indirectly, by the Company or (ii) the Company's obligations under
the Guarantee.
"Significant Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, a Subsidiary
of such Person organized under the laws of the United States of America, any
state thereof, or the District of Columbia that would constitute a "significant
subsidiary" as such term is defined under Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X of the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Stated Maturity", when used with respect to any Security, means the date
specified in such Security as the fixed date on which an amount equal to the
Principal of such Security is due and payable.
"Step-up Indenture" shall mean that certain Indenture, dated as of May
15, 1997, among the Company, as Guarantor, Atmel S.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary
of the Company, as Issuer, and State Street Bank and Trust Company of
California, N.A.
"Step-up Notes" shall mean the 3.25% Convertible Subordinated Guaranteed
Step-up Notes issued by Atmel S.A. pursuant to the Step-up Indenture.
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, (i) any corporation,
association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting
power of shares of capital stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of
any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees
thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such
Person or one or more of the other subsidiaries of that Person (or a combination
thereof) and (ii) any partnership
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<PAGE> 16
(a) the sole general partner or managing general partner of which is such Person
or a subsidiary of such Person or (b) the only general partners of which are
such Person or of one or more subsidiaries of such Person (or any combination
thereof).
"TIA" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, as in effect on
the date of this Indenture, except as provided in Section 9.03.
"Trading Day" means a day during which trading in securities generally
occurs on the Nasdaq National Market or, if the applicable security is not
quoted on the Nasdaq National Market, on the NYSE, or if the applicable security
is not listed on the NYSE, on the principal other national or regional
securities exchange on which the applicable security is then listed or, if the
applicable security is not listed on a national or regional securities exchange,
on the principal other market on which the applicable security is then traded.
"Trust Officer" means any officer of the Trustee assigned by the Trustee
to administer its corporate trust matters.
"Trustee" means the party named as the "Trustee" in the first paragraph
of this Indenture until a successor replaces it pursuant to the applicable
provisions of this Indenture and, thereafter, shall mean such successor. The
foregoing sentence shall likewise apply to any subsequent such successor or
successors.
"U.S. Person" shall have the meaning set forth in Regulation S.
"Voting Stock" shall mean stock of any class or classes, however
designated, having ordinary voting power for the election of a majority of the
board of directors of a corporation, other than stock having such power only by
reason of the happening of a contingency.
SECTION 1.02. OTHER DEFINITIONS.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Term Defined in Section
<S> <C>
"Bankruptcy Law"............................................................................. 6.01
"Cash"....................................................................................... 3.08(b)
"Company Notice"............................................................................. 3.08(e)
"Company Notice Date"........................................................................ 3.08(c)
"Conversion Agent"........................................................................... 2.03
"Expiration Time"............................................................................ 11.08(c)
"Event of Default"........................................................................... 6.01
"Fundamental Change Redemption Date"......................................................... 3.09(a)
"Fundamental Change Redemption Notice"....................................................... 3.09(a)
"Fundamental Change Redemption Price"........................................................ 3.09(a)
"Market Price"............................................................................... 3.08(d)
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 17
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Term Defined in Section
<S> <C>
"Notice of Default".......................................................................... 6.01
"Over-allotment Option"...................................................................... 2.02
"Paying Agent"............................................................................... 2.03
"Purchase Date".............................................................................. 3.08(a)
"Purchase Notice"............................................................................ 3.08(a)
"Purchase Price"............................................................................. 3.08(a)
"Purchased Shares"........................................................................... 11.08(c)
"Registrar".................................................................................. 2.03
"Sale Price"................................................................................. 3.08(d)
"Tender Expiration Time"..................................................................... 11.08(d)
"Tender Purchased Shares".................................................................... 11.08(d)
</TABLE>
SECTION 1.03. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF TRUST INDENTURE ACT. Whenever
this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated
by reference in and made a part of this Indenture. The following TIA terms used
in this Indenture have the following meanings:
"Commission" means the SEC.
"Indenture Securities" means the Securities.
"Indenture Security Holder" means a Securityholder.
"Indenture to be Qualified" means this Indenture.
"Indenture Trustee" or "Institutional Trustee" means the Trustee.
All other TIA terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA,
defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by SEC rules have the
meanings assigned to them by such definitions.
SECTION 1.04. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. Unless the context otherwise
requires:
(1) a term has the meaning assigned to it;
(2) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning
assigned to it in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as in
effect from time to time;
(3) "or" is not exclusive;
(4) "including" means including, without limitation; and
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<PAGE> 18
(5) words in the singular include the plural, and words in the
plural include the singular.
ARTICLE 2
THE SECURITIES
SECTION 2.01. FORM AND DATING. The Securities and the Trustee's
certificate of authentication for the Securities shall be substantially in the
form of Exhibit A, which is a part of this Indenture. The Securities may have
notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage
(provided that any such notation, legend or endorsement required by usage is in
a form acceptable to the Company). The Company shall provide any such notations,
legends or endorsements to the Trustee in writing. Each Security shall be dated
the date of its authentication.
Any Security in global form shall represent such of the outstanding
Securities as shall be specified therein and shall provide that it shall
represent the aggregate amount of outstanding Securities from time to time
endorsed thereon and that the aggregate amount of outstanding Securities
represented thereby may from time to time be increased or reduced to reflect
transfers or exchanges permitted hereby. Any endorsement of a Security in global
form to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the amount of
outstanding Security represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee or the
Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in such manner and upon instructions
given by the Holder of such Security in accordance with this Indenture. Payment
of Principal Amount, Issue Price, accrued Original Issue Discount, accrued
Liquidated Damages, if any, Redemption Price, Purchase Price, Fundamental Change
Redemption Price or interest, if any, on any Security in global form shall be
made to the Holder of such Security.
SECTION 2.02. EXECUTION AND AUTHENTICATION. The Securities shall be
executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, one of its Vice
Chairmen, its President or one of its Vice Presidents, under its corporate seal
reproduced thereon and attested by its Treasurer or Secretary or one of its
Assistant Treasurers or one of its Assistant Secretaries. The signature of any
of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile.
Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who
were at any time the proper Officers of the Company shall bind the Company,
notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such
offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not
hold such offices at the date of authentication of such Securities.
No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be
valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a
certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein duly
executed by the Trustee by manual signature of an authorized officer, and
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<PAGE> 19
such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only
evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered
hereunder.
The Trustee shall authenticate and deliver Securities for original issue
in an aggregate Principal Amount not to exceed $296,000,000 upon a Company Order
without any further action by the Company (or an aggregate Principal Amount not
to exceed $340,400,000 if the over-allotment option set forth in Section 2 of
the Purchase Agreement dated April 16, 1998 (as amended from time to time by the
parties thereto) by and between the Company and the Initial Purchasers is
exercised in full). The aggregate Principal Amount of Securities outstanding at
any time may not exceed the amount set forth in the foregoing sentence, subject
to the proviso set forth therein, except as provided in Section 2.07.
SECTION 2.03. REGISTRAR, PAYING AGENT AND CONVERSION AGENT. The Company
shall maintain an office or agency where Securities may be presented for
registration of transfer or for exchange ("Registrar"), an office or agency
where Securities may be presented for purchase or payment ("Paying Agent") and
an office or agency where Securities may be presented for conversion into Common
Stock ("Conversion Agent"). The Registrar shall keep a register of the
Securities and of their transfer and exchange. The Company may have one or more
co-registrars, one or more additional paying agents and one or more additional
conversion agents. The term Paying Agent includes any additional paying agent.
The term Conversion Agent includes any additional conversion agent, including
any named pursuant to Section 4.05.
The Company shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any
Registrar, Paying Agent, Conversion Agent or co-registrar (if not the Trustee or
an Affiliate of the Trustee). The agreement shall implement the provisions of
this Indenture that relate to such agent and the Security. The Company shall
notify the Trustee of the name and address of any such agent. If the Company
fails to maintain a Registrar, Paying Agent or Conversion Agent, the Trustee
shall act as such and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation therefor
pursuant to Section 7.07. The Company or an Affiliate of the Company may act as
Paying Agent, Registrar, Conversion Agent or co-registrar.
The Company initially appoints the Trustee as Registrar, Conversion Agent
and Paying Agent in connection with the Securities.
SECTION 2.04. PAYING AGENT TO HOLD MONEY AND SECURITIES IN TRUST. Except
as otherwise provided herein, prior to or on each due date of payments in
respect of any Security, the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent a sum
of money or securities sufficient to make such payments when such payments are
due. The Company shall require the Paying Agent (other than the Trustee) to
agree in writing that the Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of
Holders or the Trustee all money and securities held by the Paying Agent for the
making of payments in respect of the Securities and shall notify the Trustee of
any default by the Company in making any such payment. At any time during the
continuance of any such default, the Paying Agent shall, upon the written
request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all money and securities so
held in trust. If the
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<PAGE> 20
Company or an Affiliate of the Company acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate
the money and securities held by it as Paying Agent and hold it as a separate
trust fund. The Company at any time may require the Paying Agent to pay all
money and securities held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds and
securities disbursed by it. Upon doing so, the Paying Agent shall have no
further liability for the money or securities.
SECTION 2.05. SECURITYHOLDER LISTS. The Trustee shall preserve in as
current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it
of the names and addresses of Holders. If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the
Company shall cause to be furnished to the Trustee at least semiannually on
April 21 and October 21 a listing of Holders dated within 15 days of the date on
which the list is furnished and at such other times as the Trustee may request
in writing a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably
require of the names and addresses of Holders.
SECTION 2.06. EXCHANGE AND REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER OF SECURITIES;
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERS; DEPOSITARY.
(a) Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security at any
office or agency of the Company designated as Registrar or co-registrar pursuant
to Section 2.03 and satisfaction of the requirements for such transfer set forth
in this Section 2.06, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or
transferees, one or more new Securities of any authorized denominations and of a
like aggregate principal amount and bearing such restrictive legends as may be
required by this Indenture.
Securities may be exchanged for a like aggregate principal amount of
Securities of other authorized denominations. Securities to be exchanged shall
be surrendered at any office or agency to be maintained by the Company
designated as Registrar or co-registrar pursuant to Section 2.03 and the Company
shall execute and register and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in
exchange therefor the Security or Securities which the Securityholder making the
exchange shall be entitled to receive, bearing registration numbers not
contemporaneously outstanding.
All Securities presented for registration of transfer or for exchange
into like Securities, purchase, redemption or conversion into Common Stock or
payment shall (if so required by the Company, the Trustee, the Registrar or any
co-registrar) be duly endorsed by, or be accompanied by a written instrument or
instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee,
duly executed by the Holder or such Holder's attorney duly authorized in
writing.
No service charge shall be charged to the Securityholder for any exchange
for like Securities or registration of transfer of Securities, but the Company
may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax, assessments or other
governmental charges that may be imposed in connection therewith.
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<PAGE> 21
None of the Company, the Trustee, the Registrar or any co-registrar shall
be required to exchange for like Securities or register a transfer of (a) any
Securities for a period of 15 days next preceding any selection of Securities to
be redeemed, or (b) any Securities or portions thereof selected or called for
redemption, or (c) any Securities or portion thereof surrendered for conversion
into Common Stock, or (d) any Securities or portion thereof surrendered for
purchase or redemption (and not withdrawn) pursuant to Sections 3.08 or 3.09,
respectively.
All Securities issued upon any transfer or exchange for like Securities
shall be valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and
entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Securities surrendered
upon such exchange or transfer.
(b) So long as the Securities are eligible for book-entry settlement with
the Depositary (as defined below), or unless otherwise required by law, all
Securities that are so eligible may be represented by a Security in global form
registered in the name of the Depositary or the nominee of the Depositary,
except as otherwise specified below. The transfer and exchange of beneficial
interests in such Security in global form shall be effected through the
Depositary in accordance with this Indenture and the procedures of the
Depositary therefor.
Securities that upon initial issuance are beneficially owned by QIBs or
Persons that are not U.S. Persons that acquired such Securities in an Offshore
Transaction will be represented by one or more Securities in global form.
Transfers of interests in a Security in global form will be made in accordance
with the standing instructions and procedures of the Depository and its
participants. The Trustee shall make appropriate endorsements to reflect
increases or decreases in the Principal Amounts of such Securities in global
form as set forth on the face of the Security to reflect any such transfers.
Except as provided below, beneficial owners of a Security in global form
shall not be entitled to have certificates registered in their names, will not
receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificates in
definitive form and will not be considered Holders of such Securities in global
form.
(c) So long as the Securities are eligible for book-entry settlement, or
unless otherwise required by law, upon any transfer of a definitive Security to
a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A or to a Person that is not a U.S. Person in
an Offshore Transaction, and upon receipt of the definitive Security or
Securities being so transferred, together with a certification, substantially in
the form of the reverse of the Security, from the transferor that the transfer
is being made in compliance with Rule 144A or to a Person that is not a U.S.
Person in an Offshore Transaction, as the case may be (or other evidence
satisfactory to the Trustee), the Trustee shall make an endorsement on the
Security in global form to reflect an increase in the aggregate Principal Amount
of the Securities represented by the Security in global form, the Trustee shall
cancel such Security or Securities in certificated form in accordance with the
standing instructions and procedures of the Depositary and the aggregate
principal amount of Securities represented by the Security in global form to be
increased
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<PAGE> 22
accordingly; provided that no definitive Security, or portion thereof, in
respect of which the Company or an Affiliate of the Company held any beneficial
interest shall be included in such Security in global form until such definitive
Security is freely tradable in accordance with Rule 144(k); provided further
that the Trustee shall issue Securities in definitive form upon any transfer of
a beneficial interest in any Security in global form to the Company or any
Affiliate of the Company.
Any Security in global form may be endorsed with or have incorporated in
the text thereof such legends or recitals or changes not inconsistent with the
provisions of this Indenture as may be required by the Custodian, the
Depositary, by the NYSE or by the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. in order for the Securities to be tradeable on The Portal Market or as may
be required for the Securities to be tradeable on any other market developed for
trading of securities pursuant to Rule 144A or required to comply with any
applicable law or any regulation thereunder or with the rules and regulations of
any securities exchange upon which the Securities may be listed or traded or to
conform with any usage with respect thereto, or to indicate any special
limitations or restrictions to which any particular Securities are subject.
(d) Every Security that bears or is required under this Section 2.06(d)
to bear the legend set forth in this Section 2.06(d) (together with any Common
Stock issued upon conversion of the Securities and required to bear the legend
set forth in Section 2.06(e), collectively, the "Restricted Securities") shall
be subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Section 2.06(d)
(including those set forth in the legend set forth below) unless such
restrictions on transfer shall be waived by written consent of the Company, and
the holder of each such Restricted Security, by such Securityholder's acceptance
thereof, agrees to be bound by all such restrictions on transfer. As used in
Sections 2.06(d) and 2.06(e), the term "transfer" encompasses any sale, pledge,
transfer or other disposition whatsoever of any Restricted Security.
Until the expiration of the holding period applicable to sales thereof
under Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act (or any successor provision), any
certificate evidencing such Security (and all securities issued in exchange
therefor or substitution thereof, other than Common Stock, if any, issued upon
conversion therefor, which shall bear the legend set forth in Section 2.06(e),
if applicable) shall bear a legend in substantially the following form, unless
such Security has been sold pursuant to a registration statement that has been
declared effective under the Securities Act (and which continues to be effective
at the time of such transfer), or unless otherwise agreed by the Company in
writing, with written notice thereof to the Trustee:
THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE
UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES
ACT"), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE
OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT
OR BENEFIT OF, U.S. PERSONS EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THE FOLLOWING
SENTENCE. BY ITS
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<PAGE> 23
ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER (1) REPRESENTS THAT (A) IT IS A
"QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER" (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT) OR (B) IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING THE
SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION; (2) AGREES
THAT IT WILL NOT, PRIOR TO EXPIRATION OF THE HOLDING PERIOD
APPLICABLE TO SALES OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY UNDER RULE
144(K) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION),
RESELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY OR THE
COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION OF SUCH SECURITY WITHIN THE
UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, U.S. PERSONS
EXCEPT (A) TO ATMEL CORPORATION OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) TO A
QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) PURSUANT TO THE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION
PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (IF AVAILABLE) OR (D)
PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED
EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (AND WHICH CONTINUES TO BE
EFFECTIVE AT THE TIME OF SUCH TRANSFER); (3) PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER
(OTHER THAN A TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 2(D) ABOVE), IT WILL
FURNISH TO STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.,
AS TRUSTEE (OR A SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE, AS APPLICABLE), SUCH
CERTIFICATIONS, LEGAL OPINIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION AS THE TRUSTEE
MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS BEING MADE
PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO,
THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND (4) AGREES
THAT IT WILL DELIVER TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THE SECURITY EVIDENCED
HEREBY IS TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS
LEGEND. IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED
HEREBY PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE HOLDING PERIOD APPLICABLE TO
SALES OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY UNDER RULE 144(K) UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT (OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION), THE HOLDER MUST CHECK
THE APPROPRIATE BOX SET FORTH ON THE REVERSE HEREOF RELATING TO THE
MANNER OF SUCH TRANSFER AND SUBMIT THIS CERTIFICATE TO STATE STREET
BANK AND TRUST COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA, N.A., AS TRUSTEE (OR A
SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE, AS APPLICABLE). IF THE PROPOSED TRANSFEREE IS A
PURCHASER WHO IS NOT A U.S. PERSON, THE HOLDER MUST, PRIOR TO SUCH
TRANSFER, FURNISH TO STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY OF
CALIFORNIA, N.A., AS TRUSTEE (OR A SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE, AS
APPLICABLE), SUCH CERTIFICATIONS, LEGAL OPINIONS OR OTHER
INFORMATION AS IT MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM
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THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR
IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF
THE SECURITIES ACT. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE EARLIER OF
THE TRANSFER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY PURSUANT TO CLAUSE
2(D) ABOVE OR UPON ANY TRANSFER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY
UNDER RULE 144(K) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (OR ANY SUCCESSOR
PROVISION). AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS "OFFSHORE TRANSACTION,"
"UNITED STATES" AND "U.S. PERSON" HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM
BY REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.
Any Security (or security issued in exchange or substitution therefor) as
to which such restrictions on transfer shall have expired in accordance with
their terms or as to the conditions for removal of the foregoing legend set
forth therein have been satisfied may, upon surrender of such Securities for
exchange to the Registrar in accordance with the provisions of this Section
2.06, be exchanged for a new Security or Securities, of like tenor and aggregate
principal amount, which shall not bear the restrictive legend required by this
Section 2.06(d).
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture (other than the
provisions set forth in this Section 2.06(d)), a Security in global form may not
be transferred as a whole except by the Depositary to a nominee of the
Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another
nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary.
The Depositary shall be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange
Act. The Company initially appoints The Depository Trust Company to act as
Depositary with respect to the Securities in global form. Initially, a Security
in global form shall be issued to the Depositary, registered in the name of Cede
& Co., as the nominee of the Depositary, and deposited with the Custodian for
Cede & Co.
If at any time the Depositary for the Security in global form notifies
the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such
Security, the Company may appoint a successor Depositary with respect to such
Security. If a successor Depositary for the Security is not appointed by the
Company within 90 days after the Company receives such notice, the Company will
execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Officers' Certificate for
authentication and delivery of Securities, will authenticate and deliver,
Securities in certificated form, in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
principal amount of the Security in global form, in exchange for such Security
in global form.
Securities in certificated form issued in exchange for all or a part of a
Security in global form pursuant to this Section 2.06 shall be registered in
such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary, pursuant to
instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall
instruct the Trustee. Upon execution and authentication, the Trustee shall
deliver such Securities in certificated form to the Persons in whose names such
Securities in certificated form are so registered.
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At such time as all interests in a Security in global form have been
redeemed, converted, exchanged, repurchased or canceled for Securities in
certificated form, or transferred to a transferee who receives Securities in
certificated form, such Security in global form shall be, upon receipt thereof,
canceled by the Trustee in accordance with standing procedures and instructions
existing between the Custodian and Depositary. At any time prior to such
cancellation, if any interest in a Security in global form is exchanged for
Securities in certificated form, redeemed, converted, exchanged, repurchased by
the Company pursuant to Article 3 or canceled, or transferred for part of a
Security in global form, the principal amount of such Security in global form
shall, in accordance with the standing procedures and instructions existing
between the Custodian and the Depositary, be reduced or increased, as the case
may be, and an endorsement shall be made on such Security in global form, by the
Trustee or the Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, to reflect such
reduction or increase.
(e) Until the expiration of the holding period applicable to sales
thereof under Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act (or any successor provision),
any stock certificate representing Common Stock issued upon conversion of a
Security shall bear a legend in substantially the following form, unless such
Common Stock has been sold pursuant to a registration statement that has been
declared effective under the Securities Act (and which continues to be effective
at the time of such transfer) or such Common Stock has been issued upon
conversion of Securities that have been transferred pursuant to a registration
statement that has been declared effective under the Securities Act, or unless
otherwise agreed by the Company in writing with written notice thereof to the
transfer agent for the Common Stock:
THE COMMON STOCK EVIDENCED HEREBY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED
UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE
"SECURITIES ACT") OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND,
ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT AS SET FORTH
IN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE. THE HOLDER HEREOF AGREES THAT
UNTIL THE EXPIRATION OF THE HOLDING PERIOD APPLICABLE TO SALES
OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY UNDER RULE 144(K) UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT (OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION), (1) IT WILL NOT RESELL
OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THE COMMON STOCK EVIDENCED HEREBY WITHIN THE
UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, U.S. PERSONS
EXCEPT (A) TO ATMEL CORPORATION OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) TO A
"QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER" (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT) IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A, (C) PURSUANT TO THE
EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT (IF AVAILABLE), OR (D) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION
STATEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT (AND WHICH CONTINUES TO BE EFFECTIVE AT THE TIME OF SUCH
TRANSFER);
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<PAGE> 26
(2) PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER PURSUANT TO
CLAUSE 1(D) ABOVE), IT WILL FURNISH TO BOSTON EQUISERVE L.P., AS
TRANSFER AGENT (OR A SUCCESSOR TRANSFER AGENT, AS APPLICABLE), SUCH
CERTIFICATIONS, LEGAL OPINIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION AS THE TRANSFER
AGENT MAY REASONABLE REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS BEING
MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT
TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND (3) IT
WILL DELIVER TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY
IS TRANSFERRED (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 1(D)
ABOVE) A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND. THIS
LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE EARLIER OF THE TRANSFER OF THE
COMMON STOCK EVIDENCED HEREBY PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 1(D) ABOVE OR UPON
ANY TRANSFER OF THE COMMON STOCK EVIDENCED HEREBY AFTER THE
EXPIRATION OF THE HOLDING PERIOD APPLICABLE TO SALES OF THE
SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY UNDER RULE 144(K) UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT (OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION). AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS "UNITED
STATES" AND "U.S. PERSON" HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY
REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.
Any such Common Stock as to which such restrictions on transfer shall
have expired in accordance with their terms or as to which the conditions for
removal of the foregoing legend set forth therein have been satisfied may, upon
surrender of the certificates representing such shares of Common Stock for
exchange in accordance with the procedures of the transfer agent for the Common
Stock, be exchanged for a new certificate or certificates for a like number of
shares of Common Stock, which shall not bear the restrictive legend required by
this Section 2.06(e).
(f) Any Security or Common Stock issued upon the conversion or exchange
of a Security that, prior to the expiration of the holding period applicable to
sales thereof under Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act (or any successor
provision), is purchased or owned by the Company or any Affiliate thereof may
not be resold by the Company or such Affiliate unless registered under the
Securities Act or resold pursuant to an exemption from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act in a transaction which results in such
Securities or Common Stock, as the case may be, no longer being "restricted
securities" (as defined under Rule 144).
SECTION 2.07. REPLACEMENT SECURITIES. If (a) any mutilated Security is
surrendered to the Trustee, or (b) the Company and the Trustee receive evidence
to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security, and
there is delivered to the Company and the Trustee such security or indemnity as
may be required by them to save each of them harmless, then, in the absence of
notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a
bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and, upon its written request,
the Trustee shall
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authenticate and deliver, in exchange for any such mutilated Security or in lieu
of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of like tenor and
Principal Amount, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become
or is about to become due and payable, or is about to be purchased or redeemed
by the Company pursuant to Article 3 hereof, the Company in its discretion may,
instead of issuing a new Security, pay, purchase or redeem such Security, as the
case may be.
Upon the issuance of any new Securities under this Section 2.07, the
Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other
expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.
Every new Security issued pursuant to this Section 2.07 in lieu of any
mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original
additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed,
lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be
entitled to all benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any
and all other Securities duly issued hereunder.
The provisions of this Section 2.07 are exclusive and shall preclude (to
the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement
or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.
SECTION 2.08. OUTSTANDING SECURITIES; DETERMINATIONS OF HOLDERS' ACTION.
Securities outstanding at any time are all the Securities authenticated by the
Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation
and those described in this Section 2.08 as not outstanding. A Security does not
cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate thereof holds the
Security; provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the
requisite Principal Amount of Securities have given or concurred in any request,
demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder,
Securities owned by the Company or any Affiliate of the Company shall be
disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding, except that, in determining
whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Securities which the
Trustee knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Subject to the foregoing,
only Securities outstanding at the time of such determination shall be
considered in any such determination (including, without limitation,
determinations pursuant to Articles 6 and 9).
If a Security is replaced pursuant to Section 2.07, it ceases to be
outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the
replaced Security is held by a bona fide purchaser.
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If the Paying Agent holds, in accordance with this Indenture, on a
Redemption Date, or on the Business Day following a Purchase Date or a
Fundamental Change Redemption Date, or on Stated Maturity, money or securities,
if permitted hereunder, sufficient to pay Securities payable on that date, then
on and after that date such Securities shall cease to be outstanding and
Original Issue Discount and interest, if any, on such Securities shall cease to
accrue; provided, that if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such
redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor
satisfactory to the Trustee has been made.
If a Security is converted in accordance with Article 11, then from and
after such conversion such Security shall cease to be outstanding and Original
Issue Discount and interest, if any, shall cease to accrue on such Security.
SECTION 2.09. TEMPORARY SECURITIES. Pending the preparation of definitive
Securities, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities which are printed, lithographed,
typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination,
substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they
are issued and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and
other variations as the officers executing such Securities may determine, as
conclusively evidenced by their execution of such Securities.
If temporary Securities are issued, the Company will cause definitive
Securities to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of
definitive Securities, the temporary Securities shall be exchangeable for
definitive Securities upon surrender of the temporary Securities at the office
or agency of the Company designated for such purpose pursuant to Section 2.03,
without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more
temporary Securities the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like Principal Amount of
definitive Securities of authorized denominations. Until so exchanged the
temporary Securities shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits
under this Indenture as definitive Securities.
SECTION 2.10. CANCELLATION. All Securities surrendered for payment,
purchase by the Company pursuant to Article 3, conversion, redemption or
registration of transfer or exchange for the Securities shall, if surrendered to
any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee and shall be
promptly canceled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for
cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder
which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and all Securities
so delivered shall be promptly canceled by the Trustee. The Company may not
issue new Securities to replace Securities it has paid for or delivered to the
Trustee for cancellation or that any Holder has converted pursuant to Article
11. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any
Securities canceled as provided in this Section 2.10, except as expressly
permitted by this Indenture. All canceled Securities held by the Trustee shall
be destroyed by the Trustee and, following such destruction, the Trustee shall
deliver a certificate of destruction to the Company, unless the
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Company directs by the Company Order that the Trustee deliver canceled
Securities to the Company.
SECTION 2.11. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS. Prior to due presentment of a
Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of
the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Security is
registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of
Principal Amount, Issue Price, accrued Original Issue Discount, accrued
Liquidated Damages, if any, Redemption Price, Purchase Price, Fundamental Change
Redemption Price and interest, if any, in respect thereof, for the purpose of
conversion and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security
be overdue, and none of the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or
the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
ARTICLE 3
REDEMPTION AND PURCHASES
SECTION 3.01. RIGHT TO REDEEM; NOTICES TO TRUSTEE. The Company, at its
option, may redeem the Securities in accordance with the provisions of
paragraphs 5 and 7 of the Securities. If the Company elects to redeem Securities
pursuant to paragraph 5 of the Securities, it shall notify the Trustee in
writing of the Redemption Date, the Principal Amount of Securities to be
redeemed and the Redemption Price.
The Company shall give the notice to the Trustee provided for in this
Section 3.01 (i) in the case of any redemption of fewer than all of the
Securities, at least 45 days before the Redemption Date and (ii) in the case of
a redemption of all of the Securities, no later than the date that the Company
is required to give notice to the Holders pursuant to Section 3.03, in each case
unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee.
SECTION 3.02. SELECTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REDEEMED. If less than all
the Securities held in definitive form are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall
select the definitive Securities to be redeemed pro rata or by lot or by a
method the Trustee considers fair and appropriate (as long as such method is not
prohibited by the rules of any stock exchange on which the Securities are then
listed). The Trustee shall make the selection at least 35 days, but not more
than 60 days, before the Redemption Date from outstanding definitive Securities
not previously called for redemption. The Trustee may select for redemption
portions of the Principal of Securities that have denominations larger than
$1,000. Securities and portions of them the Trustee selects shall be in
Principal Amounts of $1,000 or a multiple of $1,000. Provisions of this
Indenture that apply to definitive Securities called for redemption also apply
to portions of definitive Securities called for redemption. The Trustee shall
notify the Company promptly of the definitive Securities or portions of
definitive Securities to be redeemed.
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Any interest in a Security held in global form by and registered in the
name of the Depositary or its nominee to be redeemed in whole or in part will be
redeemed in accordance with the procedures of the Depositary.
If any Security selected for partial redemption is converted in part
before termination of the conversion right with respect to the portion of the
Security so selected, the converted portion of such Security shall be deemed (so
far as may be) to be the portion selected for redemption. Securities which have
been converted during a selection of Securities to be redeemed may be treated by
the Trustee as outstanding for the purpose of such selection.
SECTION 3.03. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION. At least 30 days but not more than 60
days before a Redemption Date, the Company shall mail a notice of redemption by
first-class mail, postage prepaid, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed.
The notice shall identify the Securities to be redeemed and shall state:
(1) the Redemption Date;
(2) the Redemption Price;
(3) the Conversion Rate;
(4) the name and address of the Paying Agent and Conversion Agent;
(5) that Securities called for redemption may be converted at any time
before the close of business on the last Trading Day prior to the Redemption
Date;
(6) that Holders who want to convert Securities must satisfy the
requirements set forth in paragraph 9 of the Securities;
(7) that Securities called for redemption must be surrendered to the
Paying Agent to collect the Redemption Price;
(8) if fewer than all the outstanding Securities are to be redeemed, the
certificate number and Principal Amounts of the particular Securities to be
redeemed;
(9) that Original Issue Discount on Securities called for redemption
will cease to accrue on and after the Redemption Date; and
(10) the CUSIP number or numbers for the Securities.
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The notice if mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively
presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Holder receives such
notice. In any case, failure to give such notice by mail or any defect in the
notice to the Holder of any Security designated for redemption as a whole or in
part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any
other Security.
At the Company's request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption
in the Company's name and at the Company's expense.
SECTION 3.04. EFFECT OF NOTICE OF REDEMPTION. Once notice of redemption
is given, Securities called for redemption become due and payable on the
Redemption Date and at the Redemption Price stated in the notice except for
Securities which are converted in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
Upon the later of the Redemption Date or the date such Securities are
surrendered to the Paying Agent, such Securities shall be paid at the Redemption
Price stated in the notice.
SECTION 3.05. DEPOSIT OF REDEMPTION PRICE. Prior to or on the Redemption
Date, the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent (or if the Company or an
Affiliate of the Company is the Paying Agent, shall segregate and hold in trust)
money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of all Securities to be redeemed on
that date other than Securities or portions of Securities called for redemption
which prior thereto have been delivered by the Company to the Trustee for
cancellation or have been converted for Common Stock, and on or after the
Redemption Date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the
Securities at the Redemption Price, together with Original Issue Discount
accrued to, but excluding, the Redemption Date), Original Issue Discount on the
Securities or portion of Securities called for redemption shall cease to accrue
and such Securities shall cease after the close of business on the Business Day
immediately preceding the Redemption Date to be convertible into Common Stock
and, except as provided in Section 8.02, to be entitled to any benefit or
security under this Indenture, and the Holders thereof shall have no right in
respect of such Securities except the right to receive the Redemption Price
thereof and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date. The Paying
Agent shall as promptly as practicable return to the Company any money, with
interest, if any, thereon not required for that purpose because of conversion of
Securities. If such money is then held by the Company in trust and is not
required for such purpose it shall be discharged from such trust.
SECTION 3.06. SECURITIES REDEEMED IN PART. Upon surrender of a Security
that is redeemed in part, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver to the Holder a new Security in an authorized
denomination equal in Principal Amount to the unredeemed portion of the Security
surrendered.
SECTION 3.07. CONVERSION ARRANGEMENT ON CALL FOR REDEMPTION. In
connection with any redemption of Securities, the Company may arrange for the
purchase and conversion for Common
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Stock of any Securities called for redemption by an agreement with one or more
investment bankers or other purchasers to purchase such Securities by paying to
the Paying Agent in trust for the Holders, on or before the close of business on
the Redemption Date, an amount that, together with any amounts deposited with
the Paying Agent by the Company for the redemption of the Securities, is not
less than the Redemption Price, including interest, if any, to the Redemption
Date, of such Securities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in
this Article 3, the obligation of the Company to pay the Redemption Price of
such Securities, including all accrued Original Issue Discount, shall be deemed
to be satisfied and discharged to the extent such amount is so paid by such
purchasers. If such an agreement is entered into, any Securities not duly
surrendered for conversion by the Holders thereof may, at the option of the
Company, be deemed, to the fullest extent permitted by law, acquired by such
purchasers from such Holders and (notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained in Article 11) surrendered by such purchasers for conversion, all
immediately prior to the close of business on the Redemption Date, subject to
payment of the above amount as aforesaid. The Paying Agent shall hold and pay to
the Holders whose Securities are selected for redemption any such amount paid to
it in the same manner as it would money deposited with it by the Company for the
redemption of Securities. Without the Paying Agent's prior written consent, no
arrangement between the Company and such purchasers for the purchase and
conversion of any Securities shall increase or otherwise affect any of the
powers, duties, responsibilities or obligations of the Paying Agent as set forth
in this Indenture, and the Company agrees to indemnify the Paying Agent from,
and hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense arising out of or
in connection with any such arrangement for the purchase and conversion of any
Securities between the Company and such purchasers, including the costs and
expenses incurred by the Paying Agent in the defense of any claim or liability
arising out of or in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its
powers, duties, responsibilities or obligations under this Indenture.
SECTION 3.08. PURCHASE OF SECURITIES AT OPTION OF THE HOLDER.
(a) General. Securities shall be purchased by the Company pursuant to
paragraph 6 of the Securities as of April 21, 2003, April 21, 2008 and April 21,
2013 (each, a "Purchase Date"), at the purchase price specified therein (each, a
"Purchase Price") at the option of the Holder thereof, upon:
(1) delivery to the Paying Agent by the Holder of a written notice
of purchase (a "Purchase Notice") at any time from the opening of business on
the date that is 20 Business Days prior to a Purchase Date until the close of
business on such Purchase Date, stating:
(A) the certificate number of the Security which the Holder
will deliver to be purchased;
(B) the portion of the Principal Amount of the Security
which the Holder will deliver to be purchased, which portion must be $1,000 in
Principal Amount or a multiple thereof;
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(C) that such Security shall be purchased as of the
Purchase Date pursuant to the terms and conditions specified in paragraph 6 of
the Securities and in this Indenture; and
(D) if the Company elects, pursuant to a Company Notice, to
pay the Purchase Price to be paid as of such Purchase Date, in whole or in part,
in Common Stock but such portion of the Purchase Price shall ultimately be
payable to such Holder in Cash because any of the conditions to the payment of
the Purchase Price in Common Stock are not satisfied prior to or on the Purchase
Date, as set forth in Section 3.08(d), whether such Holder elects (x) to
withdraw such Purchase Notice as to some or all of the Securities to which such
Purchase Notice relates (stating the Principal Amount and certificate numbers of
the Securities as to which such withdrawal shall relate), or (y) to receive Cash
in respect of the entire Purchase Price for all Securities (or portions thereof)
to which such Purchase Notice relates; and
(2) delivery of such Security to the Paying Agent prior to, on or
after the Purchase Date (together with all necessary endorsements) at the
offices of the Paying Agent, such delivery being a condition to receipt by the
Holder of the Purchase Price therefor; provided, however, that such Purchase
Price shall be so paid pursuant to this Section 3.08 only if the Security so
delivered to the Paying Agent shall conform in all respects to the description
thereof in the related Purchase Notice.
If a Holder, in such Holder's Purchase Notice (and in any written
notice of withdrawal of a portion of such Holder's Securities previously
submitted for purchase pursuant to a Purchase Notice, the portion that remains
subject to the Purchase Notice), fails to indicate such Holder's choice with
respect to the election set forth in clause (D) of Section 3.08(a)(1), such
Holder shall be deemed to have elected to receive Cash in respect of the entire
Purchase Price for all Securities subject to such Purchase Notice in the
circumstances set forth in such clause (D).
The Company shall purchase from the Holder thereof, pursuant to
this Section 3.08, a portion of a Security if the Principal Amount of such
portion is $1,000 or a multiple of $1,000. Provisions of this Indenture that
apply to the purchase of all of a Security also apply to the purchase of such
portion of such Security.
Any purchase by the Company contemplated pursuant to the provisions
of this Section 3.08 shall be consummated by the delivery of the consideration
to be received by the Holder promptly following the later of the Purchase Date
and the time of delivery of the Security.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any Holder
delivering to the Paying Agent the Purchase Notice contemplated by this Section
3.08(a) shall have the right at any time prior to the close of business on the
Purchase Date to withdraw such Purchase Notice by delivery of a written notice
of withdrawal to the Paying Agent in accordance with Section 3.10.
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The Paying Agent shall promptly notify the Company of the receipt
by it of any Purchase Notice or written notice of withdrawal thereof.
(b) Company's Right to Elect Manner of Payment of Purchase Price. The
Company may elect with respect to any Purchase Date to pay the Purchase Price in
respect of the Securities to be purchased pursuant to Section 3.08(a) as of such
Purchase Date, in U.S. legal tender ("Cash") or Common Stock, or in any
combination of Cash and Common Stock, subject to the conditions set forth in
Sections 3.08(c) and (d). The Company shall designate, in the Company Notice
delivered pursuant to Section 3.08(e), whether the Company will purchase the
Securities for Cash or Common Stock, or, if a combination thereof, the
percentages of the Purchase Price of Securities in respect of which it will pay
in Cash and/or Common Stock; provided that the Company will pay Cash for
fractional interests in Common Stock. For purposes of determining the existence
of potential fractional interests, all Securities subject to purchase by the
Company held by a Holder shall be considered together (no matter how many
separate certificates are to be presented). Each Holder whose Securities are
purchased pursuant to this Section 3.08 shall receive the same percentage of
Cash and/or Common Stock in payment of the Purchase Price for such Securities,
except (i) as provided in Section 3.08(d) with regard to the payment of Cash in
lieu of fractional interests in Common Stock and (ii) in the event that the
Company is unable to purchase the Securities of a Holder or Holders for Common
Stock because any necessary qualifications or registrations of the Common Stock
under applicable federal or state securities laws cannot be obtained, the
Company may purchase the Securities of such Holder or Holders for Cash. The
Company may not change its election with respect to the consideration (or
components or percentages of components thereof) to be paid once the Company has
given its Company Notice to Holders except pursuant to this Section 3.08(b) or
Section 3.08(d).
At least two Business Days before the Company Notice Date (as
defined in Section 3.08(c)), the Company shall deliver an Officers' Certificate
to the Trustee specifying:
(i) the manner of payment selected by the Company,
(ii) the information required by Section 3.08(e),
(iii) if the Company elects to pay the Purchase
Price, or a specified percentage thereof, in Common Stock, that the conditions
to such manner of payment set forth in Section 3.08(d) have been or will be
complied with, and
(iv) whether the Company desires the Trustee to give the
Company Notice required by Section 3.08(e).
(c) Purchase with Cash. At the option of the Company, the Purchase Price
of Securities in respect of which a Purchase Notice pursuant to Section 3.08(a)
has been given, or a specified percentage thereof, may be paid by the Company
with Cash equal to the aggregate Purchase Price,
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or such specified percentage thereof, as the case may be, of such Securities. If
the Company elects to purchase Securities with Cash, a Company Notice as
provided in Section 3.08(e) shall be sent to Holders (and to beneficial owners
as required by applicable law) not less than 20 Business Days prior to the
Purchase Date (the "Company Notice Date").
(d) Payment by Issuance of Common Stock. At the option of the Company,
the Purchase Price of Securities in respect of which a Purchase Notice pursuant
to Section 3.08(a) has been given, or a specified percentage thereof, may be
paid by the Company by the issuance of a number of shares of Common Stock equal
to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the amount of Cash to which the Holders
would have been entitled had the Company elected to pay all or such specified
percentage, as the case may be, of the Purchase Price of such Securities in Cash
by (ii) the Market Price of a share of Common Stock, subject to the next
succeeding paragraph.
The Company will not issue a fractional share of Common Stock in
payment of the Purchase Price. Instead the Company will pay Cash for the current
market value of the fractional share. The current market value of a fraction of
a share shall be determined by multiplying the Market Price by such fraction and
rounding the product to the nearest whole cent. It is understood that if a
Holder elects to have more than one Security purchased, the number of shares of
Common Stock shall be based on the aggregate amount of Securities to be
purchased.
If the Company elects to purchase the Securities by the issuance of
shares of Common Stock, a Company Notice as provided in Section 3.08(e) shall be
sent to the Holders (and to beneficial owners as required by applicable law) not
later than the Company Notice Date.
The Company's right to exercise its election to purchase the
Securities pursuant to Section 3.08 through the issuance of shares of Common
Stock shall be conditioned upon:
(i) the Company having given timely Company Notice of
election to purchase all or a specified percentage of the Securities with Common
Stock as provided herein;
(ii) the registration of the shares of Common Stock to be
issued in respect of the payment of the specified percentage of the Purchase
Price under the Securities Act; unless the shares of Common Stock so issued can
be freely resold by the Securityholder (unless such Securityholder is the
Company or an Affiliate of the Company) receiving such shares without
registration under the Securities Act;
(iii) any necessary qualification or registration under
applicable state securities laws or the availability of an exemption from such
qualification and registration; and
(iv) the receipt by the Trustee of an Officers' Certificate
and an Opinion of Counsel each stating that (A) the terms of the issuance of the
Common Stock are in conformity with this Indenture and (B) the shares of Common
Stock to be issued by the Company in payment
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of the specified percentage of the Purchase Price in respect of Securities have
been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered pursuant to the terms of
this Indenture in payment of the specified percentage of the Purchase Price in
respect of Securities, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable,
and, in the case of such Officers' Certificate, stating that conditions (i),
(ii) and (iii) above have been satisfied and, in the case of such Opinion of
Counsel, stating that conditions (ii) and (iii) above have been satisfied.
Such Officers' Certificate shall also set forth the number of shares of Common
Stock to be issued for each $1,000 Principal Amount of Securities and the Sale
Price of a share of Common Stock on each Trading Day during the period during
which the Market Price is calculated and ending on the Purchase Date. The
Company may elect to pay the Purchase Price (or any portion thereof) in Common
Stock only if the information necessary to calculate the Market Price is
reported in a daily newspaper of national circulation. If such conditions are
not satisfied with respect to a Holder or Holders prior to or on the Purchase
Date and the Company elected to purchase the Securities to be purchased as of
such Purchase Date pursuant to this Section 3.08 through the issuance of shares
of Common Stock, the Company shall pay the entire Purchase Price in respect of
such Securities of such Holder or Holders in Cash.
The "Market Price" means the average of the Sale Prices of the
Common Stock for the five Trading Day period ending on (if the third Business
Day prior to the applicable Purchase Date is a Trading Day or, if not, then on
the last Trading Day prior to) the third Business Day prior to the applicable
Purchase Date, appropriately adjusted to take into account the occurrence,
during the period commencing on the first of such Trading Days during such five
Trading Day period and ending on such Purchase Date, of any event described in
Section 11.06, 11.07 or 11.08; subject, however, to the conditions set forth in
Sections 11.09 and 11.10. The "Sale Price" of the Common Stock on any date means
the closing per share sale price (or if no closing sale price is reported the
average of the bid and ask prices or, if more than one, in either case, the
average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such date as reported in
the composite transactions for the principal United States securities exchange
on which the Common Stock is traded or, if the Common Stock is not listed on a
United States national or regional stock exchange, as reported by the Nasdaq
National Market.
(e) Notice of Election. Company's notices of election to purchase with
Cash or Common Stock, or any combination thereof, shall be sent to the Holders
(and to beneficial owners as required by applicable law) in the manner provided
in Section 12.02 at the time specified in Section 3.08(c) or (d), as applicable
(each, a "Company Notice"). Such Company Notices shall state the manner of
payment elected and shall contain the following information:
In the event the Company has elected to pay a Purchase Price (or a
specified percentage thereof) with Common Stock, the Company Notice shall:
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(1) state that each Holder will receive Common Stock with a Market
Price determined as of a specified date prior to the Purchase Date equal to such
specified percentage of the Purchase Price of the Securities held by such Holder
(except any Cash amount to be paid in lieu of fractional share); and
(2) set forth the method of calculating the Market Price and state
that because the Market Price of Common Stock will be determined prior to the
Purchase Date, the Holders will bear the market risk with respect to the value
of the Common Stock to be received from the date such Market Price is determined
to the Purchase Date.
In any case, each Company Notice shall include a form of Purchase Notice
to be completed by a Securityholder and shall state:
(i) the Purchase Price and Conversion Rate;
(ii) the name and address of the Paying Agent and the
Conversion Agent;
(iii) that Securities as to which a Purchase Notice has
been given may be converted only if the applicable Purchase Notice has been
withdrawn in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;
(iv) that Securities must be surrendered to the Paying
Agent to collect payment;
(v) that the Purchase Price for any Security as to which a
Purchase Notice has been given and not withdrawn will be paid promptly following
the later of the Purchase Date and the time of surrender of such Security as
described in (iv);
(vi) the procedures the Holder must follow to exercise
rights under Section 3.08 and a brief description of those rights;
(vii) briefly, the conversion rights of the Securities; and
(viii) the procedures for withdrawing a Purchase Notice
(including, without limitation, for a conditional withdrawal pursuant to the
terms of Section 3.08 (a) (1) (D) or Section 3.10).
At the Company's request, the Trustee shall give the Company Notice
in the Company's name and at the Company's expense; provided, however, that, in
all cases, the text of the Company Notice shall be prepared by the Company.
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(f) Covenants of the Company. All shares of Common Stock delivered upon
conversion or purchase of the Securities shall be newly issued shares or
treasury shares, shall be fully paid and nonassessable and shall be free from
preemptive rights and free of any lien or adverse claim.
The Company shall use its best efforts to list or cause to have
quoted all such shares of Common Stock on each United States national securities
exchange or over-the-counter or other domestic market on which the Common Stock
is then listed or quoted.
(g) Procedure upon Purchase. On the Business Day following the Purchase
Date, the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent Cash (in respect of a Cash
purchase under Section 3.08(c) or for fractional interests, as applicable), or
shares of Common Stock, or a combination thereof, as applicable, sufficient to
pay the aggregate Purchase Price of the Securities to be purchased pursuant to
this Section 3.08. As soon as practicable after the Purchase Date, the Company
shall deliver to each Holder entitled to receive Common Stock, through the
Paying Agent, a certificate for the number of full shares of Common Stock, as
applicable, issuable in payment of such Purchase Price and Cash in lieu of any
fractional interests. The Person in whose name the certificate for Common Stock
is registered shall be treated as a holder of record following the Purchase
Date. Subject to Section 3.08(d), no payment or adjustment will be made for
dividends on the Common Stock the record date for which occurred on or prior to
the Purchase Date.
(h) Taxes. If a Holder is paid in Common Stock, the Company shall pay any
documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due on such issue of shares
of Common Stock. However, the Holder shall pay any such tax which is due because
the Holder requests the shares of Common Stock to be issued in a name other than
the Holder's name. The Paying Agent may refuse to deliver the certificates
representing the Common Stock being issued in a name other than the Holder's
name until the Paying Agent receives a sum sufficient to pay any tax which will
be due because the shares of Common Stock are to be issued in a name other than
the Holder's name. Nothing herein shall preclude any income tax withholding
required by law or regulations.
SECTION 3.09. REDEMPTION AT OPTION OF THE HOLDER UPON A FUNDAMENTAL
CHANGE.
(a) If a Fundamental Change shall occur at any time prior to April 21,
2018, each Holder of Securities shall have the right, at such Holder's option,
to require the Company to redeem such Holder's Securities on the date (the
"Fundamental Change Repurchase Date") (or if such date is not a Business Day,
the next succeeding Business Day) that is 45 days after the date of the
Company's notice of such Fundamental Change. The Securities will be redeemable
in part in multiples of $1,000 of Principal Amount. The Company shall redeem
such Securities at a price (the "Fundamental Change Redemption Price") equal to
the Issue Price plus accrued Original Issue Discount to the date of redemption;
provided that, with respect to a Fundamental Change, if the Applicable Price is
less than the Reference Market Price, the Company shall redeem such Securities
at a price equal to the foregoing Redemption Price multiplied by the fraction
obtained by
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dividing the Applicable Price by the Reference Market Price. No Securities may
be redeemed at the option of the Holders as a result of a Fundamental Change if
there has occurred and is continuing an Event of Default (other than a default
in the payment of the Fundamental Change Redemption Price with respect to such
Securities).
(b) The Company, or at its request (which must be received by the Trustee
at least three Business Days prior to the date the Trustee is requested to give
such notice as described below) the Trustee in the name of and at the expense of
the Company, shall mail to all Holders of record of the Securities a notice (a
"Fundamental Change Redemption Notice") of the occurrence of a Fundamental
Change and of the redemption right arising as a result thereof on or before the
tenth day after the occurrence of such Fundamental Change. The Company shall
promptly furnish the Trustee a copy of such notice.
(c) For a Security to be so redeemed at the option of the Holder, the
Paying Agent must receive such Security with the form entitled "Option to Elect
Redemption Upon a Fundamental Change" on the reverse thereof duly completed,
together with such Security duly endorsed for transfer, on or before the 30th
day after the date of such notice (or if such 30th day is not a Business Day,
the immediately preceding Business Day). All questions as to the validity,
eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance of any Security for
redemption shall be determined by the Company, whose determination shall be
final and binding.
SECTION 3.10. EFFECT OF PURCHASE NOTICE OR FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE REDEMPTION
NOTICE. Upon receipt by the Company of the Purchase Notice or Fundamental Change
Redemption Notice specified in Section 3.08(a) or Section 3.09(b), as
applicable, the Holder of the Security in respect of which such Purchase Notice
or Fundamental Change Redemption Notice, as the case may be, was given shall
(unless such Purchase Notice or Fundamental Change Redemption Notice is
withdrawn as specified in the following two paragraphs) thereafter be entitled
to receive solely the Purchase Price or Fundamental Change Redemption Price, as
the case may be, with respect to such Security. Such Purchase Price or
Fundamental Change Redemption Price shall be paid to such Holder promptly
following the later of (x) the Purchase Date or the Fundamental Change
Redemption Date, as the case may be, with respect to such Security (provided the
conditions in Section 3.08(a) or Section 3.09(c), as applicable, have been
satisfied) and (y) the time of delivery of such Security to the Paying Agent by
the Holder thereof in the manner required by Section 3.08(a) or Section 3.09(c),
as applicable. Securities in respect of which a Purchase Notice or Fundamental
Change Redemption Notice, as the case may be, has been given by the Holder
thereof may not be converted for shares of Common Stock on or after the date of
the delivery of such Purchase Notice (or Fundamental Change Redemption Notice,
as the case may be), unless such Purchase Notice (or Fundamental Change
Redemption Notice, as the case may be) has first been validly withdrawn as
specified in the following two paragraphs.
A Purchase Notice or Fundamental Change Redemption Notice, as the case
may be, may be withdrawn by means of a written notice of withdrawal delivered to
the office of the Paying Agent
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at any time prior to the close of business on the Purchase Date or the
Fundamental Change Redemption Date, as the case may be, to which it relates
specifying:
(1) the certificate number of the Security in respect of which such
notice of withdrawal is being submitted,
(2) the Principal Amount of the Security with respect to which such
notice of withdrawal is being submitted, and
(3) the Principal Amount, if any, of such Security which remains subject
to the original Purchase Notice or Fundamental Change Redemption Notice, as the
case may be, and which has been or will be delivered for purchase by the
Company.
A written notice of withdrawal of a Purchase Notice may be in the form of
(i) a conditional withdrawal contained in a Purchase Notice pursuant to the
terms of Section 3.08(a)(1)(D) or (ii) a conditional withdrawal containing the
information set forth in Section 3.08(a)(1)(D) and the preceding paragraph and
contained in a written notice of withdrawal delivered to the Paying Agent as set
forth in the preceding paragraph.
There shall be no purchase of any Securities pursuant to Section 3.08
(other than through the issuance of Common Stock in payment of the Purchase
Price, including Cash in lieu of any fractional shares) or redemption pursuant
to Section 3.09 if there has occurred (prior to, on or after, as the case may
be, the giving, by the Holders of such Securities, of the required Purchase
Notice or Fundamental Change Redemption Notice, as the case may be) and is
continuing an Event of Default (other than a default in the payment of the
Purchase Price or Fundamental Change Redemption Price, as the case may be, with
respect to such Securities).
SECTION 3.11. DEPOSIT OF PURCHASE PRICE OR FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE REDEMPTION
PRICE. On or before the Business Day following a Purchase Date or a Fundamental
Change Redemption Date, as the case may be, the Company shall deposit with the
Trustee or with the Paying Agent (or, if the Company or an Affiliate of the
Company is acting as the Paying Agent, shall segregate and hold in trust as
provided in Section 2.04) an amount of money and/or securities, if permitted
hereunder, sufficient to pay the aggregate Purchase Price or Fundamental Change
Redemption Price, as the case may be, of all the Securities or portions thereof
which are to be purchased as of such Purchase Date or Fundamental Change
Redemption Date, as the case may be.
SECTION 3.12. SECURITIES PURCHASED IN PART. Any Security that is to be
purchased, or redeemed upon a Fundamental Change, only in part shall be
surrendered at the office of the Paying Agent (with, if the Company or the
Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in
form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder
thereof or such Holder's attorney duly authorized in writing) and the Company
shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of
such Security, without
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service charge, a new Security or Securities, of any authorized denomination as
requested by such Holder in aggregate Principal Amount equal to, and in exchange
for, the portion of the Principal Amount of the Security so surrendered which is
not purchased or redeemed.
SECTION 3.13. COVENANT TO COMPLY WITH SECURITIES LAWS UPON PURCHASE OF
SECURITIES. In connection with any purchase or redemption of Securities under
Section 3.08 or 3.09 hereof, the Company shall (i) comply with Rule 13e-4 (which
term, as used herein, includes any successor provision thereto) under the
Exchange Act, if applicable, (ii) file the related Schedule 13E-4 (or any
successor schedule, form or report) under the Exchange Act, if applicable, and
(iii) otherwise comply with all Federal and state securities laws so as to
permit the rights and obligations under Section 3.08 and 3.09 to be exercised in
the time and in the manner specified in Section 3.08 and 3.09.
SECTION 3.14. REPAYMENT TO THE COMPANY. The Trustee and the Paying Agent
shall return to the Company any cash or shares of Common Stock that remain
unclaimed as provided in paragraph 14 of the Securities, together with interest
or dividends, if any, thereon, held by them for the payment of a Purchase Price
or Fundamental Change Redemption Price, as the case may be; provided, however,
that to the extent that the aggregate amount of cash or shares of Common Stock
deposited by the Company pursuant to Section 3.11 exceeds the aggregate Purchase
Price or Fundamental Change Redemption Price, as the case may be, of the
Securities or portions thereof which the Company is obligated to purchase as of
the Purchase Date or Fundamental Change Redemption Date, as the case may be,
then promptly after the Business Day following the Purchase Date or Fundamental
Change Redemption Date, as the case may be, the Trustee and the Paying Agent
shall return any such excess to the Company together with interest or dividends,
if any, thereon.
ARTICLE 4
COVENANTS
SECTION 4.01. PAYMENT OF SECURITIES. The Company shall promptly make all
payments in respect of the Securities on the dates and in the manner provided in
the Securities or pursuant to this Indenture. Principal Amount, Issue Price,
accrued Original Issue Discount, accrued Liquidated Damages, if any, Redemption
Price, Purchase Price, Fundamental Change Redemption Price and interest, if any,
shall be considered paid on the applicable date due or, in the case of a
Purchase Price or Fundamental Change Redemption Price, on the Business Day
following the applicable Purchase Date or Fundamental Change Redemption Date, as
the case may be, if on such date the Trustee or the Paying Agent holds, in
accordance with this Indenture, money or securities, if permitted hereunder,
sufficient to pay all such amount then due.
The Company shall pay interest on overdue amounts at the rate set forth
in paragraph 1 of the Securities and it shall pay interest on overdue interest
at the same rate compounded semiannually
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(to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable),
which interest on overdue interest shall accrue from the date such amounts
became overdue and shall be in lieu of, and not in addition to, the continued
accrual of Original Issue Discount.
SECTION 4.02. FINANCIAL INFORMATION; SEC REPORTS. The Company will
deliver to the Trustee (a) as soon as available and in any event within 90 days
after the end of each fiscal year of the Company (i) a consolidated balance
sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year and
the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash
flows for such fiscal year, all reported on by an independent public accountant
of nationally recognized standing and (ii) a report containing a management's
discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations and
a description of the business and properties of the Company and (b) as soon as
available and in any event within 45 days after the end of each of the first
three quarters of each fiscal year of the Company (i) an unaudited consolidated
financial report for such quarter and (ii) a report containing a management's
discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of
the Company; provided that the foregoing shall not be required for any fiscal
year or quarter, as the case may be, with respect to which the Company files or
expects to file with the Trustee an annual report or quarterly report, as the
case may be, pursuant to the third paragraph of this Section 4.02.
So long as the Securities or the Common Stock issued upon conversion of
the Securities are Restricted Securities, if the Company is not subject to
either Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company shall at the request
of any Holder (or holders of Common Stock issued upon conversion of the
Securities) provide to such Holder (or holders of such Common Stock) and any
prospective purchaser designated by such Holders (or holders of such Common
Stock), as the case may be, such information, if any, required by Rule
144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
The Company shall file with the Trustee, within 15 days after it files
such annual and quarterly reports, information, documents and other reports with
the SEC, copies of its annual report and of the information, documents and other
reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may by
rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company is required to file with the
SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
SECTION 4.03. COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE. The Company shall deliver to the
Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, an
Officers' Certificate in which one of the two Officers signing such certificate
is either the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or
principal accounting officer of the Company, stating whether or not to the best
knowledge of the signers thereof a Default exists (without regard to any period
of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and, if a Default exists,
specifying all such Defaults and the nature and status thereof of which the
signers may have knowledge.
The Company will deliver to the Trustee, forthwith upon becoming aware of
any Default or any Event of Default, an Officers' Certificate specifying with
particularity such Default or Event of
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Default and further stating what action the Company has taken, is taking or
proposes to take with respect thereto.
Any notice required to be given under this Section 4.03 shall be
delivered to the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office.
SECTION 4.04. FURTHER INSTRUMENTS AND ACTS. Upon request of the Trustee,
the Company will execute and deliver such further instruments and do such
further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more
effectively the purposes of this Indenture.
SECTION 4.05. MAINTENANCE OF OFFICE OR AGENCY. The Company will maintain
in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, an office or agency where
Securities may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Securities may be
surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, purchase, redemption or
conversion and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of
the Securities and this Indenture may be served. The office or agency of State
Street Bank and Trust Company, N.A., an Affiliate of the Trustee located at 61
Broadway, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10006 (Attention: Atmel Corporation,
Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2018) shall be such office
or agency for all of the aforesaid purposes unless the Company shall maintain
some other office or agency for such purposes and shall give prompt written
notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such
other office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any
such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the
address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made
or served at the Corporate Trust Office.
The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other
offices or agencies where the Securities may be presented or surrendered for any
or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations;
provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner
relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, for such purposes.
SECTION 4.06. EXISTENCE. Subject to Article 5, the Company will do or
cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and
effect its existence and rights (charter and statutory); provided, however, that
the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right if the Company
shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the
conduct of the business of the Company and that the loss thereof is not
disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.
SECTION 4.07. MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTIES. The Company will cause all
properties used or useful in the conduct of its business or the business of any
Significant Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and
working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be
made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements
thereof, all as in the judgment of the Company may be necessary so that the
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business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously
conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 4.07
shall prevent the Company from discontinuing the operation or maintenance of any
of such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Company,
desirable in the conduct of its business or the business of any Significant
Subsidiary and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.
SECTION 4.08. PAYMENT OF TAXES AND OTHER CLAIMS. The Company will pay or
discharge, or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same may become
delinquent, (i) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or
imposed upon the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or upon the income,
profits or property, of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, (ii) all
claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a
lien or charge upon the property of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary,
and (iii) all stamps and other duties, if any, which may be imposed by the
United States or any political subdivision thereof or therein in connection with
the issuance, transfer, exchange or conversion of any Securities or with respect
to this Indenture; provided however, that, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii),
the Company shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or
discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim (A) if the failure to do so
will not, in the aggregate, have a material adverse impact on the Company, or
(B) if the amount applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings.
SECTION 4.09. RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERS OF MATERIAL OPERATING ASSETS TO
ATMEL S.A. So long as the Step-up Notes are Outstanding (as defined in the
Step-up Indenture), the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, transfer any material operating assets to Atmel S.A.; provided
that the foregoing restriction shall not affect, limit or prohibit the
performance of the obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under
the Keepwell Agreement, the Guarantee, the Step-up Indenture or any indebtedness
to Atmel S.A.
ARTICLE 5
SUCCESSOR CORPORATION
SECTION 5.01. WHEN THE COMPANY MAY MERGE OR TRANSFER ASSETS. The Company
shall not consolidate with or merge with or into any other Person (other than in
a merger or consolidation in which the Company is the surviving Person) or
convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety
to any Person, unless:
(i) the Person (if other than the Company) formed by such
consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires
by conveyance, transfer or lease the properties and assets of the Company
substantially as an entirety shall be a corporation, limited liability company,
partnership or trust organized and validly existing under the laws of the United
States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and shall expressly
assume by an indenture
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supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee in form satisfactory
to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the Principal Amount, Issue
Price, accrued Original Issue Discount, accrued Liquidated Damages, if any,
Redemption Price, Purchase Price, Fundamental Change Redemption Price or
interest, if any, on the Securities, according to their tenor, and the due and
punctual performance of all of the covenants and obligations of the Company
under the Securities and this Indenture, and shall have provided for conversion
rights in accordance with this Indenture;
(ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and
(iii) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation,
merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is
required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture,
comply with this Article 5 and that all conditions precedent herein provided for
relating to such transaction have been satisfied.
The successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the
Company is merged or the successor Person to which such conveyance, transfer or
lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every
right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if
such successor had been named as the Company herein; and thereafter, except in
the case of a lease, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations and
covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.
ARTICLE 6
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
SECTION 6.01. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. An "Event of Default" occurs if:
(1) the Company defaults in the payment of the Principal Amount,
Issue Price, accrued Original Issue Discount, accrued Liquidated Damages, if
any, Redemption Price, Purchase Price or Fundamental Change Redemption Price on
any Security when the same becomes due and payable at its Stated Maturity, upon
redemption, upon declaration, when due for purchase by the Company or otherwise
(provided that in the case of a default in the payment of Liquidated Damages,
such default in payment of Liquidated Damages continues for a period of 30
days), whether or not such payment shall be prohibited by Article 10;
(2) the Company fails to comply with any of its agreements or
covenants in the Securities or this Indenture (other than those referred to in
clause (1) above) and such failure continues for 60 days after receipt by the
Company of a Notice of Default;
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(3) a decree or order by a court having jurisdiction in the
premises shall have been entered adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent,
or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization of the Company
under any Bankruptcy Law, and such decree or order shall have continued
undischarged and unstayed for a period of 60 consecutive days; or a decree or
order of a court having jurisdiction in the premises of the appointment of a
receiver or liquidator or trustee or assignee in bankruptcy or insolvency of the
Company or of its property, or for the winding-up or liquidation of its affairs,
shall have been entered, and such decree or order shall have remained in force
undischarged and unstayed of a period of 60 consecutive days; or
(4) the Company shall institute proceedings to be adjudicated a
voluntary bankrupt, or shall consent to the filing of a bankruptcy proceeding
against it, or shall file a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization
under any Bankruptcy Law, or shall consent to the filing of any such petition,
or shall consent to the appointment of a receiver or liquidator or trustee or
assignee in bankruptcy or insolvency of it or of its property or shall make an
assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall admit in writing its inability
to pay its debts generally as they become due.
"Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11, United States Code, or any similar
Federal or state law for the relief of debtors.
A Default under clause (2) above is not an Event of Default until the
Trustee notifies the Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate
Principal Amount of the Securities at the time outstanding notify the Company
and the Trustee, of the Default and the Company does not cure such Default (and
such Default is not waived) within the time specified in clause (2) above after
actual receipt of such notice (a "Notice of Default"). Any such notice must
specify the Default, demand that it be remedied and state that such notice is a
Notice of Default.
SECTION 6.02. ACCELERATION. If an Event of Default (other than an Event
of Default specified in Section 6.01(3) or (4)) occurs and is continuing, the
Trustee by notice to the Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate
Principal Amount of the Securities at the time outstanding by notice to the
Company and the Trustee, may declare the Issue Price and accrued Original Issue
Discount to the date of declaration on all the Securities to be immediately due
and payable. Upon such a declaration, such Issue Price and accrued Original
Issue Discount shall be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default
specified in Section 6.01(3) or (4) occurs and is continuing, the Issue Price
and accrued Original Issue Discount on all the Securities shall become and be
immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of
the Trustee or any Holders. The Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal
Amount of the Securities at the time outstanding, by notice to the Company and
the Trustee (and without notice to any other Securityholder), may rescind an
acceleration and its consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any
judgment or decree and if all existing Events of Default have been cured or
waived except nonpayment of the Issue Price and accrued Original Issue Discount
that have become due solely as a result of acceleration and if all amounts due
to the Trustee under
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Section 7.07 have been paid. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent
Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereto.
SECTION 6.03. OTHER REMEDIES. If an Event of Default occurs and is
continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment
of the Issue Price and accrued Original Issue Discount on the Securities or to
enforce the performance of any provision of the Securities or this Indenture.
The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if the Trustee does not
possess any of the Securities or does not produce any of the Securities in the
proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Securityholder in
exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not
impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of, or acquiescence in, the
Event of Default. No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy. All available
remedies are cumulative.
SECTION 6.04. WAIVER OF PAST DEFAULTS. The Holders of a majority in
aggregate Principal Amount of the Securities at the time outstanding, by notice
to the Company and the Trustee (and without notice to any other Securityholder),
may waive an existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences except
(1) an Event of Default described in Section 6.01(l), (2) a Default in respect
of a provision that under Section 9.02 cannot be amended without the consent of
each Securityholder affected or (3) a Default that constitutes a failure to
convert any Security in accordance with the terms of Article 11. When a Default
or Event of Default is waived, it is deemed cured, but no such waiver shall
extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any
consequent right.
SECTION 6.05. CONTROL BY MAJORITY. The Holders of a majority in aggregate
Principal Amount of the Securities at the time outstanding may direct the time,
method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. However,
the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this
Indenture or that the Trustee determines in good faith is unduly prejudicial to
the rights of other Holders or would involve the Trustee in personal liability
unless the Trustee is offered indemnity satisfactory to it.
SECTION 6.06. LIMITATION ON SUITS. A Securityholder may not pursue any
remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Securities unless:
(1) the Holder gives to the Company and the Trustee written
notice stating that an Event of Default is continuing;
(2) the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate Principal Amount of
the Securities at the time outstanding make a written request to the Trustee to
pursue the remedy;
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(3) such Holder or Holders offer to the Trustee reasonable
security or indemnity against any loss, liability or expense satisfactory to
the Trustee;
(4) the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days
after receipt of the notice, the request and the offer of security or indemnity;
and
(5) the Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal Amount of
the Securities at the time outstanding do not give the Trustee a direction
inconsistent with the request during such 60 day period.
A Securityholder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of
any other Securityholder or to obtain a preference or priority over any other
Securityholder.
SECTION 6.07. RIGHTS OF HOLDERS TO RECEIVE PAYMENT. Notwithstanding any
other provision of this Indenture, but subject to Article 10, the right of any
Holder to receive payment of the Principal Amount, Issue Price, accrued Original
Issue Discount, Redemption Price, Purchase Price, Fundamental Change Redemption
Price or interest, if any, in respect of the Securities held by such Holder, on
or after the respective due dates expressed in the Securities or any Redemption
Date and to convert the Securities in accordance with Article 11, or to bring
suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates
or the right to convert, shall not be impaired or affected adversely without the
consent of each such Holder.
SECTION 6.08. COLLECTION SUIT BY TRUSTEE. If an Event of Default
described in Section 6.01(1) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover
judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company
for the whole amount owing with respect to the Securities and the amounts
provided for in Section 7.07.
SECTION 6.09. TRUSTEE MAY FILE PROOFS OF CLAIM. In case of the pendency
of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization,
arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to
the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or the property of the
Company or of such other obligor or their creditors, the Trustee (irrespective
of whether the Principal Amount, Issue Price, accrued Original Issue Discount,
accrued Liquidated Damages, if any, Redemption Price, Purchase Price,
Fundamental Change Redemption Price or interest, if any, in respect of the
Securities shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration
or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand
on the Company for the payment of any such amount) shall be entitled and
empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise,
(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the Principal
Amount, Issue Price, accrued Original Issue Discount, accrued Liquidated
Damages, if any, Redemption Price, Purchase Price, Fundamental Change Redemption
Price or interest, if any, and to file such other papers or documents as may be
necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including
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any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances
of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such
judicial proceeding, and
(b) to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or
deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or
similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each
Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee
shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay the
Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other
amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to
authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities
or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in
respect of the claims of any Holder in any such proceeding.
SECTION 6.10. PRIORITIES. If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to
this Article 6, it shall pay out the money in the following order:
First: to the Trustee for amounts due under Section 7.07;
Second: to holders of Senior Indebtedness to the extent required
by Article 10;
Third: to Holders for amounts due and unpaid on the Securities
for the Principal Amount, Issue Price, accrued Original Issue Discount, accrued
Liquidated Damages, if any, Redemption Price, Purchase Price, Fundamental Change
Redemption Price or interest, if any, as the case may be, ratably, without
preference or priority of any kind, according to such amounts due and payable on
the Securities; and
Fourth: the balance, if any, to the Company.
The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to
Holders pursuant to this Section 6.10. At least 15 days before such record date,
the Company shall mail to each Securityholder and the Trustee a notice that
states the record date, the payment date and amount to be paid.
SECTION 6.11. UNDERTAKING FOR COSTS. In any suit for the enforcement of
any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for
any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, a court in its discretion may
require the filing by any party litigant (other than the Trustee) in the suit of
an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may
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assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, against any party
litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the
claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.11 does not apply
to a suit by the Trustee, any suit by a Holder for the enforcement of the
payment of the Principal Amount, Issue Price, accrued Original Issue Discount,
Redemption Price, Purchase Price, Fundamental Change Redemption Price or
interest, if any, on or after the due date expressed in such Security or to any
suit for the enforcement of the right to convert the security pursuant to
Article 11, or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in aggregate Principal Amount
of the Securities at the time outstanding.
SECTION 6.12. WAIVER OF STAY, EXTENSION OR USURY LAWS. The Company
covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any
time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the
benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law or any usury or other law
wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which would prohibit or
forgive the Company from paying all or any portion of the Principal Amount,
Issue Price, accrued Original Issue Discount, accrued Liquidated Damages, if
any, Redemption Price, Purchase Price or Fundamental Change Redemption Price in
respect of Securities, or any interest on any such amounts, as contemplated
herein, or which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture;
and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly
waives all benefit or advantage of any such laws and covenants that it will not
hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the
Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though
no such law had been enacted.
ARTICLE 7
TRUSTEE
SECTION 7.01. DUTIES OF TRUSTEE.
(a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee
shall exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the
same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise
or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs.
(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:
(1) the Trustee need perform only those duties that are
specifically set forth in this Indenture and no others; and
(2) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may
conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the
opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the
Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture. However,
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the Trustee shall examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or
not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.
This Section 7.01(b) shall be in lieu of Section 315(a) of the TIA and such
Section 315(a) is hereby expressly excluded from this Indenture, as permitted by
the TIA.
(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own negligent
action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except
that:
(1) this paragraph (c) does not limit the effect of paragraph
(b) of this Section 7.01;
(2) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment
made in good faith by a Trust Officer unless it is proved that the Trustee was
negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and
(3) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action
it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received
by it pursuant to Section 6.05.
Subparagraphs (c)(1),(2) and (3) shall be in lieu of Sections 315(d)(1),
315(d)(2) and 315(d)(3) of the TIA and such Sections 315(d)(1), 315(d)(2) and
315(d)(3) are hereby expressly excluded from this Indenture, as permitted by the
TIA.
(d) Every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the
Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (e) of this Section 7.01.
(e) The Trustee may refuse to perform any duty or exercise any right or
power or extend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability
unless it receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or
expense.
(f) Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated
from other funds except to the extent required by law.
SECTION 7.02. RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE.
(a) The Trustee may rely on any document believed by it to be genuine and
to have been signed or presented by the proper Person. The Trustee need not
investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.
(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require a
Company Order, an Officers' Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee
shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in
reliance on a Company Order, Officers' Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.
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(c) The Trustee may act through agents and shall not be responsible for
the misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed with due care.
(d) Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01(c), the Trustee shall not
be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it
believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers.
(e) The Trustee may consult with counsel selected by it and any advice or
Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in
respect of any action taken or suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith
and in accordance with such advice or Opinion of Counsel.
(f) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the
rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture, unless the Holders shall have
offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs,
expenses and liabilities which may be incurred therein or thereby.
SECTION 7.03. INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE. The Trustee in its individual
or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may
otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates with the same rights it would
have if it were not Trustee. Any Paying Agent, Registrar, Conversion Agent or
co-registrar may do the same with the like rights. However, the Trustee must
comply with Section 7.10 and 7.11.
SECTION 7.04. TRUSTEE'S DISCLAIMER. The Trustee makes no representation
as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Securities, it shall not
be accountable for the Company's use of the proceeds from the Securities, it
shall not be responsible for any statement in the offering memorandum for the
Securities or in this Indenture or the Securities (other than its certificate of
authentication), the acts of a prior Trustee hereunder, or the determination as
to which beneficial owners are entitled to receive any notices hereunder.
SECTION 7.05. NOTICE OF DEFAULTS. If a Default occurs and is continuing
and if it is known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall give to each Securityholder
notice of the Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a
Default described in Section 6.01(1), the Trustee may withhold the notice if and
so long as a committee of its Trust Officers in good faith determines that
withholding the notice is in the interests of Holders. The second sentence of
this Section 7.05 shall be in lieu of the proviso to Section 315(b) of the TIA
and such provision is hereby expressly excluded from this Indenture, as
permitted by the TIA. The Trustee shall not give notice of a Default pursuant to
Section 6.01(2) until at least sixty days have passed since its occurrence.
SECTION 7.06. REPORTS BY TRUSTEE TO HOLDERS. Within 60 days after each
May 1, beginning with the May 1 following the date of this Indenture, the
Trustee shall mail to each Holder a brief
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report dated as of such May 1 that complies with TIA Section 313(a), if required
by such Section 313(a). The Trustee also shall comply with TIA Section 313(b).
A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Holders shall be
filed with the SEC and each securities exchange on which the Securities are
listed. The Company agrees to notify the Trustee whenever the Securities become
listed on any securities exchange and of any delisting thereof.
SECTION 7.07. COMPENSATION AND INDEMNITY. The Company agrees:
(a) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for
all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited
by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express
trust);
(b) to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable
expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in
accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable
compensation and the expense, advances and disbursements of its agents and
counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be
attributable to its negligence or bad faith; and
(c) to indemnify the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any
loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part,
arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this
trust, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or
liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or
duties hereunder.
To secure the Company's payment obligations in this Section 7.07, the
Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities on all money or property held
or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay the Principal
Amount, Issue Price, accrued Original Issue Discount, accrued Liquidated
Damages, if any, Redemption Price, Purchase Price, Fundamental Change Redemption
Price or interest, if any, as the case may be, on particular Securities.
The Company's payment obligations pursuant to this Section 7.07 shall
survive the discharge of this Indenture. When the Trustee incurs expenses after
the occurrence of a Default specified in Section 6.01(3) or (4), the expenses
are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.
SECTION 7.08. REPLACEMENT OF TRUSTEE. The Trustee may resign by so
notifying the Company; provided, however, that no such resignation shall be
effective until a successor Trustee has accepted its appointment pursuant to
this Section 7.08. The Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal Amount of
the Securities at the time outstanding may remove the Trustee by so notifying
the Trustee and may appoint a successor Trustee. The Company shall remove the
Trustee if:
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(1) the Trustee fails to comply with, or ceases to be eligible
under, Section 7.10;
(2) the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;
(3) a receiver or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or
its property; or
(4) the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.
If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office
of Trustee for any reason, the Company shall promptly appoint, by resolution of
its Board of Directors, a successor Trustee.
A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment
to the retiring Trustee and to the Company. Thereupon the resignation or removal
of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall
have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The
successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring
Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the
successor Trustee, subject to the lien provided for in Section 7.07.
If a successor Trustee does not take office within 30 days after the
retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company or the
Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal Amount of the Securities at the
time outstanding may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the
appointment of a successor Trustee.
If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10, any Securityholder may
petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and
the appointment of a successor Trustee.
SECTION 7.09. SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE BY MERGER. If the Trustee consolidates
with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all its
corporate trustee business (including the trust created by this Indenture) or
assets to, another corporation, the resulting, surviving or transferee
corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.
SECTION 7.10. ELIGIBILITY; DISQUALIFICATION. The Trustee shall at all
times satisfy the requirements of TIA Sections 310(a)(1) and 310(b). The Trustee
shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 (or if the
Trustee is a member of a bank holding company system, its bank holding company
shall have a combined capital and surplus of $50,000,000) as set forth in its
most recent published annual report of conditions. Nothing herein contained
shall prevent the Trustee from filing with the SEC the application referred to
in the penultimate paragraph of TIA Section 310(b). If at any time the Trustee
shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section
7.10, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter
specified in this Article 7.
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SECTION 7.11. PREFERENTIAL COLLECTION OF CLAIMS AGAINST COMPANY. The
Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 311(a), excluding any creditor
relationship listed in TIA Section 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been
removed shall be subject to TIA Section 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.
ARTICLE 8
DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE
SECTION 8.01. DISCHARGE OF LIABILITY ON SECURITIES. When (i) the Company
delivers to the Trustee all outstanding Securities (other than Securities
replaced pursuant to Section 2.07) for cancellation or (ii) all outstanding
Securities have become due and payable and the Company deposits with the Trustee
Cash and/or securities, as permitted by the terms hereof, sufficient to pay at
Stated Maturity the Principal Amount of all outstanding Securities (other than
Securities replaced pursuant to Section 2.07), and if in either case the Company
pays all other sums payable hereunder by the Company, then this Indenture shall,
subject to Section 7.07, cease to be of further effect. The Trustee shall join
in the execution of a document prepared by the Company acknowledging
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture on demand of the Company
accompanied by an Officers' Certificate and Opinion of Counsel and at the cost
and expense of the Company.
SECTION 8.02. REPAYMENT TO THE COMPANY. The Trustee and the Paying Agent
shall return to the Company upon written request any money or securities held by
them for the payment of any amount with respect to the Securities that remains
unclaimed for two years, provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying
Agent, before being required to make any such return, shall, in the event that
the Securities are no longer held in global form, at the expense of the Company
cause to be published once in a newspaper of general circulation in The City of
New York or mail to each such Holder notice that such money or securities
remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be
less than 30 days from the date of such publication or mailing, any unclaimed
money or securities then remaining will be returned to the Company. After return
to the Company, Holders entitled to the money or securities must look to the
Company for payment as general creditors unless an applicable abandoned property
law designates another Person.
ARTICLE 9
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 9.01. WITHOUT CONSENT OF HOLDERS. The Company and the Trustee may
amend this Indenture and the Securities without the consent of any
Securityholder:
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(1) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision
contained herein or in any supplemental indenture which may be defective or
inconsistent with any other provision contained herein or in any supplemental
indenture, or to make such other provisions in regard to matters or questions
arising under this Indenture which shall not materially adversely affect the
interests of the Holders of the Securities;
(2) to comply with Article 5 or Section 11.14;
(3) to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to
certificated Securities so long as such uncertificated Securities are in
registered form for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;
(4) to make any change that does not adversely affect the right of
any Securityholder; or
(5) to make any change to comply with the TIA, or any amendment
thereto, or to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the
qualification, if any, of the Indenture under the TIA.
SECTION 9.02. WITH CONSENT OF HOLDERS. The Company and the Trustee, with
the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate Principal
Amount of the Securities at the time outstanding, may amend this Indenture or
the Securities. However, without the consent of each Securityholder affected, an
amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Securities may not:
(1) make any change to the Principal Amount of Securities whose
Holders must consent to an amendment;
(2) make any change to the manner or rate of accrual in
connection with Original Issue Discount or interest, if any, reduce the rate of
interest referred to in paragraph 1 of the Securities or extend the time for
payment of Original Issue Discount or interest, if any, on any Security;
(3) reduce the Principal Amount or the Issue Price of or extend
the Stated Maturity of any Security;
(4) reduce the Redemption Price, Purchase Price or Fundamental
Change Redemption Price of any Security;
(5) make any Security payable in money or securities other than
that stated in the Security;
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(6) make any change in Article 10 that adversely affects the
rights of any Securityholder in any material respect;
(7) make any change in Section 6.04, Section 6.07 or this
Section 9.02, except to increase any such percentage;
(8) make any change that adversely affects the right to convert
any Security; or
(9) make any change that adversely affects the right to require
the Company to purchase the Securities, or the right to require the Company to
redeem the Securities upon a Fundamental Change, in accordance with the terms
thereof and this Indenture.
It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this
Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, but it
shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.
An amendment under this Section 9.02 or Section 9.01 may not make any
change that adversely affects the rights under Article 10 of any holder of
Senior Indebtedness then outstanding unless the requisite holders of such Senior
Indebtedness consent to such change pursuant to the terms of such Senior
Indebtedness.
After an amendment under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Company
shall mail to each Holder a notice briefly describing the amendment.
SECTION 9.03. COMPLIANCE WITH TRUST INDENTURE ACT. Every supplemental
indenture executed pursuant to this Article 9 shall comply with the TIA as then
in effect, if then required to so comply.
SECTION 9.04. REVOCATION AND EFFECT OF CONSENTS, WAIVERS AND ACTIONS.
Until an amendment, waiver or other action becomes effective, a consent to it or
any other action by a Holder of a Security is a continuing consent by the Holder
and every subsequent Holder of that Security or portion of the Security that
evidences the same obligation as the consenting Holder's Security, even if
notation of the consent, waiver or action is not made on the Security. However,
any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent, waiver or action as
to such Holder's Security or portion of the Security if the Trustee receives the
notice or revocation before the date the amendment, waiver or action becomes
effective. After an amendment, waiver or action becomes effective, it shall bind
every Securityholder.
SECTION 9.05. NOTATION ON OR EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES. Securities
authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture
pursuant to this Article 9 may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a
notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such
supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities so
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modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Board of
Directors, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by
the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for
outstanding Securities.
SECTION 9.06. TRUSTEE TO SIGN SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES. The Trustee shall
sign any supplemental indenture authorized pursuant to this Article 9 if the
amendment does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or
immunities of the Trustee. If it does, the Trustee may, but need not, sign such
supplemental indenture. In signing such amendment the Trustee shall be entitled
to receive, and (subject to the provisions of Section 7.01) shall be fully
protected in relying upon, an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel
stating that such amendment is authorized or permitted by this Indenture.
SECTION 9.07. EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES. Upon the execution of
any supplemental indenture under this Article 9, this Indenture shall be
modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a
part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities
theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound
thereby.
ARTICLE 10
SUBORDINATION
SECTION 10.01. AGREEMENT OF SUBORDINATION. The Company covenants and
agrees, and each Holder of Securities issued hereunder by his acceptance thereof
likewise covenants and agrees, that all payments by the Company in respect of
the Securities shall be subject to the provisions of this Article 10; and each
Person holding any Security, whether upon original issue or upon transfer,
assignment or exchange thereof, accepts and agrees to be bound by such
provisions.
The payment of the Principal Amount, Issue Price, accrued Original Issue
Discount, accrued, Liquidated Damages, if any, Redemption Price, Purchase Price,
Fundamental Change Redemption Price and interest, if any, with respect to the
Securities shall, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth, be
subordinated and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all
Senior Indebtedness, whether outstanding at the date of this Indenture or
thereafter incurred.
No provision of this Article 10 shall prevent the occurrence of any
Default or Event of Default hereunder.
SECTION 10.02. PAYMENTS TO NOTEHOLDERS. No payment shall be made with
respect to the Principal Amount, Issue Price, accrued Original Issue Discount,
accrued Liquidated Damages, if any, Redemption Price, Purchase Price,
Fundamental Change Redemption Price and interest, if
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any, on the Securities, except payments and distributions made by the Trustee as
permitted by the first or second paragraph of Section 10.05, if:
(i) a default in the payment of principal, premium, interest,
rent or other obligations due on any Senior Indebtedness has occurred and is
continuing (or, in the case of Senior Indebtedness for which there is a period
of grace, in the event of such a default that continues beyond the period of
grace, if any, specified in the instrument or lease evidencing such Senior
Indebtedness), unless and until such default shall have been cured or waived or
shall have ceased to exist; or
(ii) a default, other than a payment default, on Designated
Senior Indebtedness occurs and is continuing that then permits holders of such
Designated Senior Indebtedness to accelerate its maturity and the Trustee
receives a notice of the default (a "Payment Blockage Notice") from a
Representative of Designated Senior Indebtedness or the Company.
If the Trustee receives any Payment Blockage Notice pursuant to clause
(ii) above, no subsequent Payment Blockage Notice shall be effective for
purposes of this Section unless and until (A) at least 365 days shall have
elapsed since the initial effectiveness of the immediately prior Payment
Blockage Notice, and (B) all scheduled payments of the Principal Amount, Issue
Price, accrued Original Issue Discount, accrued Liquidated Damages, if any,
Redemption Price, Purchase Price, Fundamental Change Redemption Price and
interest, if any, on the Securities that have come due have been paid in full in
cash. No nonpayment default that existed or was continuing on the date of
delivery of any Payment Blockage Notice to the Trustee (unless such default was
waived, cured or otherwise ceased to exist and thereafter subsequently
reoccurred) shall be, or be made, the basis for a subsequent Payment Blockage
Notice.
The Company may and shall resume payments on and distributions in respect
of the Securities upon the earlier of:
(1) in the case of a payment default, the date upon which the
default is cured or waived or ceases to exist, or
(2) in the case of a default referred to in clause (ii) above, the
earlier of the date on which such default is cured or waived or ceases to exist
or 179 days after the date on which the applicable Payment Blockage Notice is
received if the maturity of such Designated Senior Indebtedness has not been
accelerated,
unless this Article 10 otherwise prohibits the payment or distribution at the
time of such payment or distribution (including, without limitation, in the case
of a default referred to in clause (ii) above, as a result of a payment default
with respect to the applicable Senior Indebtedness as a consequence of the
acceleration of the maturity thereof or otherwise).
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Upon any payment by the Company, or distribution of assets of the Company
of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to creditors
upon any dissolution or winding-up or liquidation or reorganization of the
Company, whether voluntary or involuntary or in bankruptcy, moratorium of
payments, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings, all amounts due or to
become due upon all Senior Indebtedness shall first be paid in full in Cash or
other payment satisfactory to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness, or
payment thereof in accordance with its terms provided for in cash or other
payment satisfactory to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness before any
payment is made on account of the Principal Amount, Issue Price, accrued
Original Issue Discount, accrued Liquidated Damages, if any, Redemption Price,
Purchase Price, Fundamental Change Redemption Price and interest, if any, in
respect of the Securities (except payments made pursuant to Article 8 from
monies deposited with the Trustee pursuant thereto prior to commencement of
proceedings for such dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization);
and upon any such dissolution or winding-up or liquidation or reorganization of
the Company or bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceeding, any
payment by the Company, or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or
character, whether in cash, property or securities, to which the Holders or the
Trustee would be entitled, except for the provision of this Article 10, shall
(except as aforesaid) be paid by the Company or by any receiver, trustee in
bankruptcy, moratorium of payments, liquidating trustee, agent or other Person
making such payment or distribution, or by the Holders or by the Trustee under
this Indenture if received by them or it, directly to the holders of Senior
Indebtedness (pro rata to such holders on the basis of the respective amounts of
Senior Indebtedness held by such holders, or as otherwise required by law or a
court order) or their Representative or Representatives, or to the trustee or
trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any instruments evidencing any
Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, as their respective interests may
appear, to the extent necessary to pay all Senior Indebtedness in full, in Cash
or other payment satisfactory to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness, after
giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to or for the holders of
Senior Indebtedness, before any payment or distribution is made to the Holders
or to the Trustee.
For purposes of this Article 10, the words, "cash, property or
securities" shall not be deemed to include shares of stock of the Company as
reorganized or readjusted, or securities of the Company or any other corporation
provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment, the payment of which
is subordinated at least to the extent provided in this Article 10 with respect
to the Securities to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness which may at the
time be outstanding; provided that (i) the Senior Indebtedness is assumed by the
new corporation, if any, resulting from any reorganization or readjustment, and
(ii) the rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness (other than leases which
are not assumed by the Company or the new corporation, as the case may be) are
not, without the consent of such holders, altered by such reorganization or
readjustment. The merger of the Company into another corporation, or the
liquidation or dissolution of the Company following the conveyance or transfer
of its property as an entirety, or substantially as an entirety, to another
corporation upon the terms and conditions provided for in Article 5 shall not be
deemed a dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization for the purposes
of this Section 10.02 if such
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other corporation shall, as a part of such merger, conveyance or transfer,
comply with the conditions stated in Article 5.
In the event of the acceleration of the Securities because of an Event of
Default, no payment or distribution shall be made to the Trustee or any Holder
of Securities in respect of the Principal Amount, Issue Price, accrued Original
Issue Discount, accrued Liquidated Damages, if any, Redemption Price, Purchase
Price, Fundamental Change Redemption Price and interest, if any, in respect of
the Securities, except payments and distributions made by the Trustee as
permitted by the first or second paragraph of Section 10.05, until all Senior
Indebtedness of the Company has been paid in full in Cash or other payment
satisfactory to the holders of Senior Indebtedness or such acceleration is
rescinded in accordance with the terms of this Indenture. If payment of the
Securities is accelerated because of an Event of Default, the Company shall
promptly notify holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company of the
acceleration.
In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, any payment
or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in
cash, property or securities (including, without limitation, by way of setoff or
otherwise), prohibited by the foregoing, shall be received by the Holders of the
Securities before all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full in Cash or other
payment satisfactory to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness, or provision is
made for such payment thereof in accordance with its terms in Cash or other
payment satisfactory to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness, such payment or
distribution shall be held in trust for the benefit of and shall be paid over or
delivered to the holders of Senior Indebtedness or their Representative or
Representatives, or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to
which any instruments evidencing any Senior Indebtedness may have been issued,
as their respective interests may appear, as calculated by the Company, for
application to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid to the
extent necessary to pay all Senior Indebtedness in full in Cash or other payment
satis factory to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness, after giving effect to
any concurrent payment or distribution, or provision therefor, to or for the
holders of such Senior Indebtedness.
Nothing in this Article 10 shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the
Trustee under or pursuant to Section 7.07. This Section 10.02 shall be subject
to the further provisions of Section 10.05.
SECTION 10.03. SUBROGATION OF SECURITIES. Subject to the payment in full
of all Senior Indebtedness, the Holders of the Securities shall be subrogated to
the extent of the payments or distributions made to the holders of such Senior
Indebtedness pursuant to the provisions of this Article 10 (equally and ratably
with the holders of all indebtedness of the Company which by its express terms
is subordinated to other indebtedness of the Company to substantially the same
extent as the Securities are subordinated and is entitled to like rights of
subrogation) to the rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive
payments or distributions of cash, property or securities of the Company
applicable to the Senior Indebtedness until the Principal Amount, Issue
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Price, accrued Original Issue Discount, accrued Liquidated Damages, if any,
Redemption Price, Purchase Price, Fundamental Change Redemption Price and
interest, if any, in respect of the Securities, shall be paid in full; and, for
the purposes of such subrogation, no payments or distributions to the holders of
the Senior Indebtedness of any cash, property or securities to which the Holders
of the Securities or the Trustee would be entitled except for the provisions of
this Article 10, and no payment over pursuant to the provisions of this Article
10, to or for the benefit of the holders of Senior Indebtedness by Holders of
the Securities or the Trustee, shall, as between the Company, its creditors
other than holders of Senior Indebtedness, and the Holders of the Securities, be
deemed to be a payment by the Company to or on account of the Senior
Indebtedness; and no payments or distributions of cash, property or securities
to or for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities pursuant to the
subrogation provisions of this Article 10, which would otherwise have been paid
to the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be deemed to be a payment by the
Company to or for the account of the Securities. It is understood that the
provisions of this Article 10 are and are intended solely for the purposes of
defining the relative rights of the Holders of the Securities, on the one hand,
and the holders of the Senior Indebtedness, on the other hand.
Nothing contained in this Article 10 or elsewhere in this Indenture or in
the Securities is intended to or shall impair, as among the Company, its
creditors other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness, and the Holders of the
Securities, the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional,
to pay to the Holders of the Securities amounts due on the Securities as and
when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms, or is
intended to or shall affect the relative rights of the Holders of the Securities
and creditors of the Company other than the holders of the Senior Indebtedness,
nor shall anything herein or therein prevent the Trustee or the Holder of any
Security from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law upon
default under this Indenture, subject to the rights, if any, under this Article
10 of the holders of Senior Indebtedness in respect of cash, property or
securities of the Company received upon the exercise of any such remedy.
Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to in
this Article 10, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, and the
Holders of the Securities shall be entitled to rely upon any order or decree
made by any court of competent jurisdiction in which such bankruptcy,
dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization proceedings are pending,
or a certificate of the receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, liquidating trustee,
agent or other Person making such payment or distribution, delivered to the
Trustee or to the Holders of the Securities, for the purpose of ascertaining the
Persons entitled to participate in such distribution, the holders of the Senior
Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the Company, the amount thereof or
payable thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article 10.
SECTION 10.04. AUTHORIZATION TO EFFECT SUBORDINATION. Each Holder of a
Security by the Holder's acceptance thereof authorizes and directs the Trustee
on the Holder's behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to
effectuate the subordination as provided in this
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Article 10 and appoints the Trustee to act as the Holder's attorney-in-fact for
any and all such purposes. If the Trustee does not file a proper proof of claim
or proof of debt in the form required in any proceeding referred to in Section
6.09 hereof at least 30 days before the expiration of the time to file such
claim, the holders of any Senior Indebtedness or their Representatives are
hereby authorized to file an appropriate claim for and on behalf of the Holders
of the Securities.
SECTION 10.05. NOTICE TO TRUSTEE. The Company shall give prompt written
notice in the form of an Officers' Certificate to a Responsible Officer of the
Trustee and to any Paying Agent of any fact known to the Company which would
prohibit the making of any payment of monies deposited by the Company to or by
the Trustee or any Paying Agent in respect of the Securities pursuant to the
provisions of this Article 10. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article 10
or any other provision of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with
knowledge of the existence of any facts which would prohibit the making of any
payment of monies deposited by the Company to or by the Trustee in respect of
the Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Article 10, unless and until a
Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof at
the Corporate Trust Office from the Company (in the form of an Officers'
Certificate) or a Representative or a holder or holders of Senior Indebtedness
or from any trustee thereof; and before the receipt of any such written notice,
the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, shall be entitled in all
respects to assume that no such facts exist; provided that if on a date not
fewer than two Business Days prior to the date upon which by the terms hereof
any such monies may become payable for any purpose (including, without
limitation, the payment of the Principal Amount, Issue Price, accrued Original
Issue Discount, accrued Liquidated Damages, if any, Redemption Price, Purchase
Price, Fundamental Change Redemption Price and interest, if any, in respect of
the Securities) the Trustee shall not have received, with respect to such
monies, the notice provided for in this Section 10.05, then, anything herein
contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall have full power and
authority to receive such monies and to apply the same to the purpose for which
they were received, and shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary
which may be received by it on or after such prior date.
Notwithstanding anything in this Article 10 to the contrary, nothing
shall prevent any payment by the Trustee to the Holders of monies deposited with
it pursuant to Section 8.01, and any such payment shall not be subject to the
provisions of Section 10.01 or 10.02.
The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, shall be entitled
to rely on the delivery to it of a written notice by a Representative or a
Person representing himself to be a holder of Senior Indebtedness (or a trustee
on behalf of such holder) to establish that such notice has been given by a
Representative or a holder of Senior Indebtedness or a trustee on behalf of any
such holder or holders. In the event that the Trustee determines in good faith
that further evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a
holder of Senior Indebtedness to participate in any payment or distribution
pursuant to this Article 10, the Trustee may request such Person to furnish
evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of
Senior Indebtedness held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is
entitled to participate in such
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payment or distribution and any other facts pertinent to the rights of such
Person under this Article 10, and if such evidence is not furnished the Trustee
may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the
right of such Person to receive such payment.
SECTION 10.06. TRUSTEE'S RELATION TO SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS. The Trustee in
its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this
Article 10 in respect of any Senior Indebtedness at any time held by it, to the
same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness, and nothing in this
Indenture shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder.
With respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness, the Trustee
undertakes to perform or to observe only such of its covenants and obligations
as are specifically set forth in this Article 10, and no implied covenants or
obligations with respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be read
into this Indenture against the Trustee. The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe
any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Indebtedness and, subject to the
provisions of Section 7.01, the Trustee shall not be liable to any holder of
Senior Indebtedness if it shall pay over or deliver to Holders of Securities,
the Company or any other Person money or assets to which any holder of Senior
Indebtedness shall be entitled by virtue of this Article 10 or otherwise.
SECTION 10.07. NO IMPAIRMENT OF SUBORDINATION. No right of any present or
future holder of any Senior Indebtedness to enforce subordination as herein
provided shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or
failure to act on the part of the Company or by any act or failure to act, in
good faith, by any such holder, or by any noncompliance by the Company with the
terms, provisions and covenants of this Indenture, regardless of any knowledge
thereof which any such holder may have or otherwise be charged with.
SECTION 10.08. CERTAIN CONVERSIONS DEEMED PAYMENT. For the purposes of
this Article 10 only, (1) the issuance and delivery of junior securities upon
conversion of Securities in accordance with Article 11 shall not be deemed to
constitute a payment or distribution on account of the Principal Amount, Issue
Price, accrued Original Issue Discount, accrued Liquidated Damages, if any,
Redemption Price, Purchase Price, Fundamental Change Redemption Price and
interest, if any, in respect of the Securities or on account of the purchase or
other acquisition of Securities, and (2) the payment, issuance or delivery of
Cash (except in satisfaction of fractional shares pursuant to Section 11.03),
property or securities (other than junior securities) upon conversion of a
Security shall be deemed to constitute payment on account of the principal of
such Security. For the purposes of this Section 10.08, the term "junior
securities" means (a) shares of any stock of any class of the Company
(including, without limitation, the Common Stock of the Company), or (b)
securities of the Company which are subordinated in right of payment to all
Senior Indebtedness which may be outstanding at the time of issuance or delivery
of such securities to substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent
than, the Securities are so subordinated as provided in this Article. Nothing
contained in this Article 10 or elsewhere in this Indenture or in the Securities
is intended to or shall impair, as among the Company, its creditors other than
holders
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of Senior Indebtedness and the Holders, the right, which is absolute and
unconditional, of the Holder of any Security to convert such Security in
accordance with Article 11.
SECTION 10.09. ARTICLE APPLICABLE TO PAYING AGENTS. If at any time any
Paying Agent other than the Trustee shall have been appointed by the Company and
be then acting hereunder, the term "Trustee" as used in this Article shall
(unless the context otherwise requires) be construed as extending to and
including such Paying Agent within its meaning as fully for all intents and
purposes as if such paying agent were named in this Article in addition to or in
place of the Trustee; provided, however, that the first paragraph of Section
10.05 shall not apply to the Company or any Affiliate of the Company if it or
such Affiliate acts as Paying Agent.
SECTION 10.10. SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS ENTITLED TO RELY. The holders of
Senior Indebtedness (including, without limitation, Designated Senior
Indebtedness) shall have the right to rely upon this Article 10, and no
amendment or modification of the provisions contained herein shall diminish the
rights of such holders unless such holders shall have agreed in writing thereto.
ARTICLE 11
CONVERSION
SECTION 11.01. CONVERSION PRIVILEGE. A Holder of a Security may convert
such Security for Common Stock at any time during the period stated in paragraph
9 of the Securities. The number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of a Security per $1,000 of Principal Amount thereof (the "Conversion
Rate") shall be that set forth in paragraph 9 in the Securities, subject to
adjustment as herein set forth.
A Holder may convert a portion of the Principal Amount of a Security if
the portion is $1,000 or a multiple of $1,000. Provisions of this Indenture that
apply to conversion of all of a Security also apply to conversion of a portion
of a Security.
SECTION 11.02. CONVERSION PROCEDURE. To convert a Security a Holder must
satisfy the requirements in paragraph 9 of the Securities. The date on which the
Holder of Securities satisfies all those requirements is the conversion date
(the "Conversion Date"). As soon as practicable after the Conversion Date the
Company shall deliver to the Holder, through the Conversion Agent, a certificate
for the number of full shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion and
Cash in lieu of any fractional share determined pursuant to Section 11.03. The
Person in whose name the certificate is registered shall be treated as a
stockholder of record on and after the Conversion Date; provided, however, that
no surrender of a Security on any date when the stock transfer books of the
Company shall be closed shall be effective to constitute the Person or Persons
entitled to receive the shares of Common Stock upon such conversion as the
record holder or holders of such shares of Common Stock on such date, but such
surrender shall be effective to constitute the
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Person or Persons entitled to receive such shares of Common Stock as the record
holder or holders thereof for all purposes at the close of business on the next
succeeding day on which such stock transfer books are open; such conversion
shall be at the Conversion Rate in effect on the date that such Security shall
have been surrendered for conversion, as if the stock transfer books of the
Company had not been closed. Upon conversion of a Security, such Person shall no
longer be a Holder of such Security.
No payment or adjustment will be made for dividends on or other
distribution with respect to any Common Stock except as provided in this Article
11. On conversion of a Security, that portion of accrued Original Issue Discount
attributable to the period from the Issue Date of the Security to the Conversion
Date with respect to the converted Security shall not be canceled, extinguished
or forfeited, but rather shall be deemed to be paid in full to the Holder
thereof through delivery of the Common Stock (together with the Cash payment, if
any, in lieu of fractional shares) in exchange for the Security being converted
pursuant to the provisions hereof.
If a Holder converts more than one Security at the same time, the number
of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion shall be based on the
total Principal Amount of the Securities converted.
Upon surrender of a Security that is convert in part, the Company shall
execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder, a new
Security in an authorized denomination equal in Principal Amount to the
unconverted portion of the Security surrendered.
If the last day on which a Security may be converted is a Legal Holiday
in a place where a Conversion Agent is located, the Security may be surrendered
to that Conversion Agent on the next succeeding day that it is not a Legal
Holiday.
SECTION 11.03. FRACTIONAL SHARES. The Company will not issue a fractional
share of Common Stock upon conversion of a Security. Instead the Company will
deliver Cash for the current market value of the fractional share. The current
market value of a fractional share shall be determined to the nearest 1/10,000th
of a share by multiplying the last reported sale price (determined as set forth
in the definition of Current Market Price) on the last Trading Day prior to the
Conversion Date of a full share by the fractional amount and rounding the
product to the nearest whole cent.
SECTION 11.04. TAXES ON CONVERSION. If a Holder converts a Security, the
Company shall pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due on
the issue of shares of Common Stock upon the conversion. However, the Holder
shall pay any such tax which is due because the Holder requests the shares to be
issued in a name other than the Holder's name. The Conversion Agent may refuse
to deliver the certificates representing the Common Stock being issued in a name
other than the Holder's name until the Conversion Agent receives a sum
sufficient to pay any tax
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which will be due because the shares are to be issued in a name other than the
Holder's name. Nothing herein shall preclude any tax withholding required by law
or regulations.
SECTION 11.05. COMPANY TO PROVIDE STOCK. The Company shall, prior to
issuance of any Securities hereunder, and from time to time as may be necessary,
reserve out of its authorized but unissued Common Stock a sufficient number of
shares of Common Stock to permit the conversion of the Securities.
All shares of Common Stock delivered upon conversion of the Securities
shall be newly issued shares or treasury shares, shall be duly and validly
issued and fully paid and nonassessable and shall be free from preemptive rights
and free of any lien or adverse claim.
The Company will endeavor promptly to comply with all Federal and state
securities laws regulating the order and delivery of shares of Common Stock upon
conversion of Securities, if any, and will endeavor promptly, if permitted by
the rules of such exchange, over-the-counter market or other market, to list or
cause to have quoted such shares of Common Stock on each national securities
exchange or in the over-the-counter market or such other market on which the
Common Stock is then listed or quoted.
SECTION 11.06. ADJUSTMENT FOR CHANGE IN CAPITAL STOCK. In case the
Company shall (i) pay a dividend, or make a distribution, in shares of its
Common Stock, on its Common Stock, (ii) subdivide its outstanding Common Stock
into a greater number of shares, or (iii) combine its outstanding Common Stock
into a smaller number of shares, the Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior
thereto shall be adjusted so that the holder of any Security thereafter
surrendered for conversion shall be entitled to receive the number of shares of
Common Stock which such Holder would have owned or have been entitled to receive
after the happening of any of the events described above had such Security been
converted immediately prior to the happening of such event. If any dividend or
distribution of the type described in clause (i) above is not so paid or made,
the Conversion Rate shall again be adjusted to the Conversion Rate which would
then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared. An
adjustment made pursuant to this Section 11.06 shall become effective
immediately after the record date in the case of a dividend and shall become
effective immediately after the effective date in the case of subdivision or
combination.
SECTION 11.07. ADJUSTMENT FOR RIGHTS ISSUE. In case the Company shall
issue rights or warrants to all holders of its Common Stock entitling them (for
a period expiring within 45 days after the record date mentioned below) to
subscribe for or purchase Common Stock at a price per share less than the
Current Market Price per share of Common Stock at the record date for the
determination of stockholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants, the
Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior thereto shall be adjusted so that
the same shall equal the Conversion Rate determined by multiplying the
Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the date of issuance of such
rights or warrants by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of
shares of
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Common Stock outstanding on the date of issuance of such rights or warrants plus
the number of additional shares of Common Stock offered for subscription or
purchase, and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding on the date of issuance of such rights or warrants plus the
number of shares which the aggregate offering price of the total number of
shares so offered would purchase at such Current Market Price. Such adjustment
shall be made successively whenever any such rights or warrants are issued, and
shall become effective immediately after the opening of business on the day
following the record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to
receive such rights or warrants. To the extent that shares of Common Stock are
not delivered after the expiration of such rights or warrants, the Conversion
Rate shall be readjusted to the Conversion Rate which would then be in effect
had the adjustments made upon the issuance of such rights or warrants been made
on the basis of delivery of only the number of shares of Common Stock actually
delivered. If such rights or warrants are not so issued, the Conversion Rate
shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Rate which would then be in effect
if such record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive
such rights or warrants had not been fixed. In determining whether any rights or
warrants entitle the holders to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock
at less than such Current Market Price, and in determining the aggregate
offering price of such shares of Common Stock, there shall be taken into account
any consideration received by the Company for such rights or warrants, the value
of such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by the Board of
Directors.
SECTION 11.08. ADJUSTMENT FOR OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS.
(a) In case the Company shall distribute to all holders of its Common
Stock (excluding any distribution in connection with the liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary) any
shares of any class of capital stock of the Company (other than Common Stock) or
evidences of its indebtedness or assets (other than cash) or rights or warrants
to subscribe for or purchase any of its securities (excluding those referred to
in Section 11.07 hereof) (any of the foregoing hereinafter in this Section
11.08(a) called the "Distributed Securities"), then, the Conversion Rate shall
be adjusted so that the same shall equal the Conversion Rate determined by
multiplying the Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the date of such
distribution by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the Current Market
Price per share of the Common Stock on the record date mentioned below, and the
denominator shall be the Current Market Price per share of the Common Stock on
such record date less the fair market value on such record date (as determined
by the Board of Directors of the Company, whose determination shall be
conclusive, and described in a certificate filed with the Trustee) of the
Distributed Securities so distributed applicable to one share of Common Stock.
Such adjustment shall become effective immediately after the record date for the
determination of stockholders entitled to receive such distribution.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the then fair market value (as so
determined) of the portion of the Distributed Securities so distributed
applicable to one share of Common Stock is equal to or greater than the Current
Market Price of the Common Stock on the record date, in lieu of the foregoing
adjustment, adequate provision shall be made so that each Securityholder shall
have the right to receive upon conversion the amount of Distributed Securities
such Holder would
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have received had such Holder converted each Security on such record date. In
the event that such distribution is not so paid or made, the Conversion Rate
shall again be adjusted to the Conversion Rate which would then be in effect if
such distribution had not been declared. If the Board of Directors determines
the fair market value of any distribution for purposes of this Section 11.08(a)
by reference to the actual or when issued trading market for any securities, it
must in doing so consider the prices in such market over the same period used in
computing the Current Market Price of the Common Stock.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 11.08(a), no
adjustment shall be made thereunder for any distribution of Distributed
Securities if the Company makes proper provision so that each Holder of a
Security who converts such Security (or any portion thereof) after the record
date for such distribution shall be entitled to receive upon such conversion, in
addition to the shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion, the amount
and kind of Distributed Securities that such Holder would have been entitled to
receive if such Holder had, immediately prior to such record date, converted
such Security for Common Stock; provided that, with respect to any Distributed
Securities that are convertible, exchangeable or exercisable, the foregoing
provision shall only apply to the extent (and so long as) the Distributed
Securities receivable upon conversion of such Security would be convertible,
exchangeable or exercisable, as applicable, without any loss of rights or
privileges for a period of at least 60 days following conversion of such
Security.
(b) In case the Company shall, by dividend or otherwise, distribute to
all holders of its Common Stock cash (excluding (x) any quarterly cash dividend
on the Common Stock to the extent the aggregate cash dividend per share of
Common Stock in any fiscal quarter does not exceed the greater of (A) the amount
per share of Common Stock of the next preceding quarterly cash dividend on the
Common Stock to the extent such preceding quarterly dividend did not require any
adjustment of the Conversion Rate pursuant to this Section 11.08(b) (as adjusted
to reflect subdivisions or combinations of the Common Stock), and (B) 3.75% of
the average of the last reported sales prices of the Common Stock (determined as
provided in the definition of Current Market Price) during the ten Trading Days
next preceding the date of declaration of such dividend and (y) any dividend or
distribution in connection with the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary), then, in such case, unless the
Company elects to reserve such cash for distribution to the holders of the
Securities upon the conversion of the Securities so that any such holder
converting Securities will receive upon such conversion in addition to the
shares of Common Stock to which such holder is entitled, the amount of cash
which such holder would have received if such holder had, immediately prior to
the record date for such distribution of cash, converted its Securities for
Common Stock, the Conversion Rate shall be increased so that the same shall
equal the Conversion Rate determined by multiplying the Conversion Rate in
effect immediately prior to the record date by a fraction of which the numerator
shall be such Current Market Price of the Common Stock and the denominator shall
be the Current Market Price of the Common Stock on the record date less the
amount of cash so distributed (and not excluded as provided above) applicable to
one share of Common Stock, such increase to be
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effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the day following the
record date; provided, however, that in the event the portion of the cash so
distributed applicable to one share of Common Stock is equal to or greater than
the Current Market Price of the Common Stock on the record date, in lieu of the
foregoing adjustment, adequate provision shall be made so that each
Securityholder shall have the right to receive upon conversion the amount of
cash such Holder would have received had such Holder converted each Security on
the record date. If such dividend or distribution is not so paid or made, the
Conversion Rate shall again be adjusted to be the Conversion Rate which would
then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared. If any
adjustment is required to be made as set forth in this Section 11.08(b) as a
result of a distribution that is a quarterly dividend, such adjustment shall be
based upon the amount by which such distribution exceeds the amount of the
quarterly cash dividend permitted to be excluded pursuant hereto. If an
adjustment is required to be made as set forth in this Section 11.08(b) above as
a result of a distribution that is not a quarterly dividend, such adjustment
shall be based upon the full amount of the distribution.
(c) In case a tender or exchange offer made by the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company for all or any portion of the Common Stock shall
expire and such tender or exchange offer shall involve the payment by the
Company or such Subsidiary of consideration per share of Common Stock having a
fair market value (as determined by the Board of Directors, whose determination
shall be conclusive, and described in a resolution of such Board of Directors at
the last time (the "Expiration Time") tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant
to such tender or exchange offer (as it shall have been amended)) that exceeds
the Current Market Price of the Common Stock on the Trading Day next succeeding
the Expiration Time, the Conversion Rate shall be increased so that the same
shall equal the Conversion Rate determined by multiplying the Conversion Rate in
effect immediately prior to the Expiration Time by a fraction of which the
numerator shall be the sum of (x) the fair market value (determined as
aforesaid) of the aggregate consideration payable to stockholders based on the
acceptance (up to any maximum specified in the terms of the tender or exchange
offer) of all shares validly tendered or exchanged and not withdrawn as of the
Expiration Time (the shares deemed so accepted up to any such maximum, being
referred to as the "Purchased Shares") and (y) the product of the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding (less any Purchased Shares) on the Expiration
Time and the Current Market Price of the Common Stock on the Trading Day next
succeeding the Expiration Time, and the denominator shall be the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding (including any tendered or exchanged shares)
on the Expiration Time multiplied by the Current Market Price of the Common
Stock on the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Time, such increase to
become effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the day
following the Expiration Time. In the event that the Company is obligated to
purchase shares pursuant to any such tender or exchange offer, but the Company
is permanently prevented by applicable law from effecting any such purchases or
all such purchases are rescinded, the Conversion Rate shall again be adjusted to
be the Conversion Rate which would then be effect if such tender or exchange
offer had not been made.
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(d) In case of a tender or exchange offer by a Person other than the
Company or any Subsidiary for an amount which increases the offeror's ownership
of Common Stock to more than 25% of the Common Stock outstanding and shall
involve the payment by such Person of consideration per share of Common Stock
having a fair market value (as determined by the Board of Directors, whose
determination shall be conclusive, and described in a resolution of the Board of
Directors at the last time (the "Tender Expiration Time") tenders or exchanges
may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer (as it shall have been
amended)) at the Tender Expiration Time that exceeds the Current Market Price of
the Common Stock on the Trading Day next succeeding the Tender Expiration Time,
and in which, as of the Tender Expiration Time the Board of Directors is not
recommending rejection of the offer, the Conversion Rate shall be increased so
that the same shall equal the Conversion Rate determined by multiplying the
Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the Tender Expiration Time by a
fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding (including any tendered or exchanged shares) on the Tender
Expiration Time multiplied by the Current Market Price of the Common Stock on
the Trading Day next succeeding the Tender Expiration Time and the denominator
shall be the sum of (x) the fair market value (determined as aforesaid) of the
aggregate consideration payable to stockholders based on the acceptance (up to
an maximum specified in the terms of the tender or exchanged offer) of all
shares validly tendered or exchanged and not withdrawn as of the Tender
Expiration Time (the shares deemed so accepted, up to any such maximum, being
referred to as the "Tender Purchased Shares") and (y) the product of the number
of shares of Common Stock outstanding (less any Tender Purchased Shares) on the
Tender Expiration Time and the Current Market Price of the Common Stock on the
Trading Day next succeeding the Tender Expiration Time, such reduction to become
effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the day following the
Tender Expiration Time. In the event that such Person is obligated to purchase
shares pursuant to any such tender or exchange offer, but such Person is
permanently prevented by applicable law from effecting any such purchases or all
such purchases are rescinded, the Conversion Rate shall again be adjusted to be
the Conversion Rate which would then be in effect if such tender or exchange
offer had not been made. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the adjustment described
in this Section 11.08(d) shall not be made if, as of the Tender Expiration Time,
the offering documents with respect to such offer disclose a plan or intention
to cause the Company to engage in any transaction described in Article 5.
SECTION 11.09. WHEN ADJUSTMENT MAY BE DEFERRED. No adjustment in the
Conversion Rate need be made unless the adjustment would require an increase or
decrease of at least 1% in the Conversion Rate. Any adjustments that are made
shall be carried forward and taken into account any subsequent adjustment.
All calculations under this Article 11 shall be made to the nearest cent
or to the nearest 1/10,000th of a share, as the case may be.
SECTION 11.10. WHEN NO ADJUSTMENT REQUIRED. No adjustment need be made
for rights to purchase Common Stock pursuant to a Company plan for reinvestment
of dividends or interest.
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No adjustment need be made for a change in the par value or no par value
of the Common Stock.
To the extent the Securities become convertible into cash, assets,
property or securities (other than capital stock of the Company), no adjustment
need be made thereafter as to the cash, assets, property or such securities.
Interest will not accrue on the cash.
SECTION 11.11. NOTICE OF ADJUSTMENT. Whenever the Conversion Rate is
adjusted, the Company shall promptly mail to Holders a notice of the adjustment.
The Company shall file with the Trustee and the Conversion Agent such notice.
The certificate shall, absent manifest error, be conclusive evidence that the
adjustment is correct. Neither the Trustee nor any Conversion Agent shall be
under any duty or responsibility with respect to any such certificate except to
exhibit the same to any Holder desiring inspection thereof.
SECTION 11.12. VOLUNTARY INCREASE. The Company may make such increases in
the Conversion Rate, in addition to those required by Sections 11.06, 11.07 and
11.08, as the Board of Directors considers to be advisable to avoid or diminish
any income tax to holders of Common Stock or rights to purchase Common Stock
resulting from any dividend or distribution of stock (or rights to acquire
stock) or from any event treated as such for income tax purposes. To the extent
permitted by applicable law, the Company may from time to time increase the
Conversion Rate by any amount for any period of time if the period is at least
20 days, the increase is irrevocable during the period and the Board of
Directors shall have made a determination that such increase would be in the
best interests of the Company, which determination shall be conclusive. Whenever
the Conversion Rate is so increased, the Company shall mail to Holders and file
with the Trustee and the Conversion Agent a notice of such increase. Such
Company shall mail the notice at least 15 days before the date the increased
Conversion Rate takes effect. The notice shall state the increased Conversion
Rate and the period it will be in effect.
SECTION 11.13. NOTICE OF CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS. If:
(1) the Company makes any distribution or dividend that would
require an adjustment in the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 11.06, 11.07 or
11.08; or
(2) the Company takes any action that would require a supplemental
indenture pursuant to Section 11.14; or
(3) there is a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company;
then the Company shall mail to Holders and file with the Trustee and the
Conversion Agent a notice stating the proposed record date for a dividend or
distribution or the proposed effective date of a subdivision, combination,
reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, dissolution,
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liquidation or winding-up. The Company shall file and mail the notice at least
15 days before such date. Failure to file or mail the notice or any defect in it
shall not affect the validity of the transaction.
SECTION 11.14. EFFECT OF RECLASSIFICATION, CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR SALE.
If any of the following events occur, namely (i) any reclassification or change
of outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than a change in par value, or from
par value to no par value, or from no par value to par value, or as a result of
a subdivision or combination), (ii) any consolidation, merger or combination of
the Company with another corporation as a result of which holders of Common
Stock shall be entitled to receive stock, securities or other property or assets
(including cash) with respect to or in exchange for such Common Stock, or (iii)
any sale or conveyance of the properties and assets of the Company as, or
substantially as, an entirety to any other corporation as a result of which
holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive stock, securities or other
property or assets (including cash) with respect to or in exchange for such
Common Stock, then the Company or the successor or purchasing corporation, as
the case may be, shall execute with the Trustee a supplemental indenture,
providing that each Security shall be convertible into the kind and amount of
shares of stock and other securities or property or assets (including cash)
receivable upon such reclassification, change, consolidation, merger,
combination, sale or conveyance by a holder of a number of shares of Common
Stock issuable upon conversion of such Securities immediately prior to such
reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, combination, sale or
conveyance. Such supplemental indenture shall provide for adjustments which
shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments provided
for in this Article.
The Company shall cause notice of the execution of such supplemental
indenture to be mailed to each Holder at such Holder's address appearing on the
Security register provided for in Section 2.03 of this Indenture.
The above provisions of this Section shall similarly apply to successive
reclassifications, consolidations, mergers, combinations, and sales.
If this Section 11.14 applies, neither Section 11.06, 11.07 nor 11.08
applies.
SECTION 11.15. COMPANY DETERMINATION FINAL. Any determination that the
Company or the Board of Directors must make pursuant to Section 11.03, 11.06,
11.07, 11.08, 11.09, 11.10, 11.14 or 11.17 is conclusive.
SECTION 11.16. TRUSTEE'S ADJUSTMENT DISCLAIMER. The Trustee has no duty
to determine when an adjustment under this Article 11 should be made, how it
should be made or what it should be. The Trustee has no duty to determine
whether a supplemental indenture under Section 11.14 need be entered into or
whether any provisions of any supplemental indenture are correct. The Trustee
shall not be accountable for and makes no representation as to the validity or
value of any securities or assets issued upon conversion of Securities. The
Trustee shall not be responsible for
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the Company's failure to comply with this Article 11, and shall not be deemed to
have knowledge of any adjustment unless and until it shall have received a
notice of adjustment pursuant to Section 11.11. Each Conversion Agent shall have
the same protection under this Section 11.16 as the Trustee.
SECTION 11.17. SIMULTANEOUS ADJUSTMENTS. In the event that this Article
11 requires adjustments to the Conversion Rate under more than one of Sections
11.06, 11.07, 11.08(a) or 11.08(b), and the record dates for the distributions
giving rise to such adjustments shall occur on the same date, then such
adjustments shall be made by applying, first, the provisions of Section
11.08(a), second, the provisions of Section 11.08(b), third the provisions of
Section 11.06 and, fourth, the provisions of Section 11.07.
SECTION 11.18. SUCCESSIVE ADJUSTMENTS. After an adjustment to the
Conversion Rate under this Article 11, any subsequent event requiring an
adjustment under this Article 11 shall cause an adjustment to the Conversion
Rate as so adjusted.
SECTION 11.19. RIGHTS ISSUED IN RESPECT OF COMMON STOCK ISSUED UPON
CONVERSION. Rights or warrants distributed by the Company to all holders of
Common Stock entitling the holders thereof to subscribe for or purchase shares
of the Company's capital stock (either initially or under certain
circumstances), which rights or warrants, until the occurrence of a specified
event or events ("Trigger Event"):
(i) are deemed to be transferred with such shares of Common
Stock,
(ii) are not exercisable, and
(iii) are also issued in respect of future issuances of Common
Stock,
shall not be deemed distributed for purposes of Section 11.08(a) until the
occurrence of the earliest Trigger Event. In addition, in the event of any
distribution of rights or warrants, or any Trigger Event with respect thereto,
that shall have resulted in an adjustment to the Conversion Rate under Section
11.08(a), (1) in the case of any such rights or warrants which shall all have
been redeemed or repurchased without exercise by any holders thereof, the
Conversion Rate shall be readjusted upon such final redemption or repurchase to
give effect to such distribution or Trigger Event, as the case may be, as
thought it were a cash distribution, equal to the per share redemption or
repurchase price received by a holder of Common Stock with respect to such
rights or warrants (assuming such holder had retained such rights or warrants),
made to all holders of Common Stock as of the date of such redemption or
repurchase, and (2) in the case of any such rights or warrants all of which
shall have expired without exercise by any holder thereof, the Conversion Rate
shall be readjusted as if such issuance had not occurred.
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SECTION 11.20. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. Whenever successive adjustments to
the Conversion Rate are called for pursuant to this Article 11, such adjustments
shall be made to the Current Market Price as may be necessary or appropriate to
effectuate the intent of this Article 11 and to avoid unjust or inequitable
results as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE 12
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 12.01. TRUST INDENTURE ACT. This Indenture is hereby made subject
to, and shall be governed by, the provisions of the TIA required to be part of
and to govern indentures qualified under the TIA; provided, however that this
Section 12.01 shall not require this Indenture or the Trustee to be qualified
under the TIA prior to the time such qualification is in fact required under the
terms of the TIA, nor shall it constitute any admission or acknowledgment by any
party that any such qualification is required prior to the time such
qualification is in fact required under the terms of the TIA. If any provision
hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision hereof which is
required to be included in an indenture qualified under the TIA, such required
provision shall control.
SECTION 12.02. NOTICES. Any request, demand, authorization, notice,
waiver, consent or communication shall be in writing and delivered in Person or
mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows or transmitted
by facsimile transmission (confirmed by overnight courier) to the following
facsimile numbers:
if to the Company:
Atmel Corporation
2325 Orchard Parkway
San Jose, California 95131
Attn: General Counsel
Telephone Number: (408) 441-0311
Facsimile Number: (408) 436-4377
if to the Trustee:
State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A.
633 West 5th Street
12th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90071
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(Attention: Atmel Corporation, Zero Coupon Convertible
Subordinated Debentures due 2018)
Telephone Number: (213) 362-7338
Facsimile Number: (213 ) 362-7357
The Company or the Trustee by notice to the other may designate
additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
Any notice or communication given to a Securityholder shall be mailed to
the Securityholder, by first class mail, postage prepaid, at the
Securityholder's address as it appears on the registration books of the
Registrar and shall be sufficiently given if so mailed within the time
prescribed.
Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Securityholder or any
defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders. If
a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above, it is duly
given, whether or not received by the addressee.
If the Company mails a notice or communication to the Holders, it shall
mail a copy to the Trustee and each Registrar, Paying Agent, Conversion Agent or
co-registrar.
SECTION 12.03. COMMUNICATION BY HOLDERS WITH OTHER HOLDERS. Holders may
communicate pursuant to TIA Section 312(b) with other Holders with respect to
their rights under this Indenture or the Securities. The Company, the Trustee,
the Registrar, the Paying Agent, the Conversion Agent and anyone else shall have
the protection of TIA Section 312(c).
SECTION 12.04. CERTIFICATE AND OPINION AS TO CONDITIONS PRECEDENT. Upon
any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action
under this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:
(1) an Officers' Certificate stating that, in the opinion of the
signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture
relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and
(2) an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opinion of such
counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with.
SECTION 12.05. STATEMENTS REQUIRED IN CERTIFICATE OR OPINION. Each
Officers' Certificate or Opinion of Counsel with respect to compliance with a
covenant or condition provided for in this Indenture shall include:
(1) a statement that each individual making such Officers'
Certificate or Opinion of Counsel has read such covenant or condition;
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(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination
or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such
Officers' Certificate or Opinion of Counsel are based;
(3) a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he or
she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him or
her to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or
condition has been complied with; and
(4) a statement that, in the opinion of such individual, such
covenant or condition has been complied with.
SECTION 12.06. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. In case any provision in this
Indenture or in the Securities shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the
validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in
any way be affected or impaired thereby.
SECTION 12.07. RULES BY TRUSTEE, PAYING AGENT, CONVERSION AGENT AND
REGISTRAR. The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or a meeting of
Holders. The Registrar, Conversion Agent and the Paying Agent may make
reasonable rules for their functions.
SECTION 12.08. GOVERNING LAW. THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL
GOVERN THIS INDENTURE AND THE SECURITIES, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF
CONFLICTS OF LAWS.
SECTION 12.09. NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS. A director, officer, employee
or stockholder, as such, of the Company shall not have any liability for any
obligations of the Company under the Securities or this Indenture or for any
claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their
creation. By accepting a Security, each Securityholder shall waive and release
all such liability. The waiver and release shall be part of the consideration
for the issue of the Securities.
SECTION 12.10. SUCCESSORS. All agreements of the Company in this
Indenture and the Securities shall bind its successor. All agreements of the
Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successor.
SECTION 12.11. MULTIPLE ORIGINALS. The parties may sign any number of
copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them
together represent the same agreement. One signed copy is enough to prove this
Indenture.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being duly authorized, has executed
this Indenture on behalf of the respective parties hereto as of the date first
written above.
Atmel Corporation
By /s/ Kris Chellan
----------------------------------------------
Title:
State Street Bank and Trust Company of
California, N.A.
By /s/ Jeannie Mar
----------------------------------------------
Authorized Signatory
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EXHIBIT A
[FORM OF FACE OF SECURITY]
FOR UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES, THIS SECURITY BEARS ORIGINAL
ISSUE DISCOUNT. INFORMATION INCLUDING THE ISSUE PRICE, AMOUNT OF ORIGINAL ISSUE
DISCOUNT, THE ISSUE DATE, AND THE YIELD TO MATURITY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO
HOLDERS UPON REQUEST TO THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF THE COMPANY AT (408)
441-0311.
[FORM OF LEGEND FOR GLOBAL SECURITY]
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION ("DTC"), TO THE COMPANY OR ITS
AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE
ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS
REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO
CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC) , ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR
OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER
HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.]
THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES LAWS, AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED
STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, U.S. PERSONS EXCEPT AS SET FORTH
IN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE. BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER (1) REPRESENTS
THAT (A) IT IS A "QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER" (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT) OR (B) IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING THE SECURITY
EVIDENCED HEREBY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION; (2) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT, PRIOR
TO EXPIRATION OF THE HOLDING PERIOD APPLICABLE TO SALES OF THE SECURITY
EVIDENCED HEREBY UNDER RULE 144(K) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (OR ANY SUCCESSOR
PROVISION), RESELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY OR THE
COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION OF SUCH SECURITY WITHIN THE UNITED STATES
OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, U.S. PERSONS EXCEPT (A) TO ATMEL
CORPORATION OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) TO A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN
COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) PURSUANT TO THE
EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE
<PAGE> 80
SECURITIES ACT (IF AVAILABLE) OR (D) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHICH
HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (AND WHICH CONTINUES TO BE
EFFECTIVE AT THE TIME OF SUCH TRANSFER); (3) PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER (OTHER THAN
A TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 2(D) ABOVE), IT WILL FURNISH TO STATE STREET BANK
AND TRUST COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA, N.A., AS TRUSTEE (OR A SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE, AS
APPLICABLE), SUCH CERTIFICATIONS, LEGAL OPINIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION AS THE
TRUSTEE MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS BEING MADE
PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND (4) AGREES THAT IT WILL
DELIVER TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY IS TRANSFERRED A
NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND. IN CONNECTION WITH ANY
TRANSFER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE HOLDING
PERIOD APPLICABLE TO SALES OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY UNDER RULE 144(K)
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION), THE HOLDER MUST CHECK THE
APPROPRIATE BOX SET FORTH ON THE REVERSE HEREOF RELATING TO THE MANNER OF SUCH
TRANSFER AND SUBMIT THIS CERTIFICATE TO STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY OF
CALIFORNIA, N.A., AS TRUSTEE (OR A SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE, AS APPLICABLE). IF THE
PROPOSED TRANSFEREE IS A PURCHASER WHO IS NOT A U.S. PERSON, THE HOLDER MUST,
PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER, FURNISH TO STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY OF
CALIFORNIA, N.A., AS TRUSTEE (OR A SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE, AS APPLICABLE), SUCH
CERTIFICATIONS, LEGAL OPINIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION AS IT MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE
TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN
A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES
ACT. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE EARLIER OF THE TRANSFER OF THE
SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 2(D) ABOVE OR UPON ANY TRANSFER OF
THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY UNDER RULE 144(K) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (OR ANY
SUCCESSOR PROVISION). AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS "OFFSHORE TRANSACTION," "UNITED
STATES" AND "U.S. PERSON" HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT.
A-2
<PAGE> 81
ATMEL CORPORATION
ZERO COUPON CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURE DUE 2018
No.
Issue Date: April 21, 1998 Original Issue Discount: $662.15
Issue Price: $337.85 (for each $1,000 Principal Amount)
(for each $1,000 Principal Amount)
CUSIP: ________
Atmel Corporation, a California corporation, promises to pay to
or registered assigns, on April 21, 2018 [the Principal
Amount of Dollars ($ )](1)
This Security shall not bear interest except as specified on the other
side of this Security. Original Issue Discount will accrue as specified on the
other side of this Security. This Security is convertible as specified on the
other side of this Security.
Additional provisions of this Security are set forth on the other side of
this Security.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Atmel Corporation has caused this instrument to be
duly executed under its corporate seal.
ATMEL CORPORATION
By:
-------------------------------------------
Title:
By:
-------------------------------------------
Title:
[SEAL]
Dated: ________
TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.,
as Trustee, certifies that this is one of the Securities
referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
By
-------------------------------------------
Authorized Signatory
- -----------
(1) The global Security will read instead: "The Principal Amount then shown on
Schedule A hereto."
A-3
<PAGE> 82
[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF SECURITY]
ATMEL CORPORATION
ZERO COUPON CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURE DUE 2018
1. INTEREST
This Security shall not bear interest, except that if the Principal
hereof or any portion of such Principal is not paid when due (whether upon
acceleration pursuant to Section 6.02 of the Indenture, upon the date set for
payment of the Redemption Price pursuant to paragraph 5 hereof, upon the date
set for payment of a Purchase Price or Fundamental Change Redemption Price
pursuant to paragraph 6 hereof or upon the Stated Maturity of this Security),
then in each such case the overdue amount shall bear interest at the rate of
5.50% per annum, compounded semiannually (to the extent that the payment of such
interest shall be legally enforceable), which interest shall accrue from the
date such overdue amount was due to the date payment of such amount, including
interest thereon, has been made or duly provided for. All such interest shall be
payable on demand. The accrual of such interest on overdue amounts shall be in
lieu of, and not in addition to, the continued accrual of Original Issue
Discount.
The Original Issue Discount (the difference between the Issue Price and
the Principal Amount of the Security) in the period during which a Security
remains outstanding, shall accrue at 5.50% per annum, on a semiannual bond
equivalent basis using a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months,
commencing on the Issue Date of this Security.
2. METHOD OF PAYMENT
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Indenture, the Company will
make payments in respect of the Securities to the Persons who are registered
Holders of Securities at the close of business on the Business Day preceding the
Redemption Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be, or at the close of
business on a Purchase Date or Fundamental Change Redemption Date, as the case
may be. Holders must surrender Securities to the Paying Agent to collect such
payments in respect of the Securities. The Company will pay cash amounts in
money of the United States that at the time of payment is legal tender for
payment of public and private debts. However, the Company may make such cash
payments by check payable in such money.
3. PAYING AGENT, CONVERSION AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Initially, State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A., a
national banking association organized under the laws of the United States of
America (the "Trustee"), will act as Paying Agent, Conversion Agent and
Registrar. The Company may appoint and change any Paying Agent, Conversion
Agent, Registrar or co-registrar without notice, other than notice to the
Trustee. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their Affiliates may
act as Paying Agent, Conversion Agent, Registrar or co-registrar.
A-4
<PAGE> 83
4. INDENTURE
The Company issued the Securities under an Indenture (the "Indenture"),
dated as of April 21, 1998, between the Company and the Trustee. Capitalized
terms used herein and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in
the Indenture. The Securities are subject to all such terms, and Holders are
referred to the Indenture for a statement of those terms.
The Securities are general unsecured obligations of the Company limited
to $296,000,000 aggregate Principal Amount (subject to Sections 2.02 and 2.07 of
the Indenture). The Indenture does not limit other indebtedness of the Company,
secured or unsecured, including Senior Indebtedness of the Company.
5. REDEMPTION AT THE OPTION OF THE COMPANY
No sinking fund is provided for the Securities. The Securities are
redeemable as a whole, or from time to time in part, at any time at the option
of the Company at the Redemption Prices set forth below, provided that the
Securities are not redeemable prior to April 21, 2003.
The table below shows Redemption Prices of a Security per $1,000
Principal Amount on the dates shown below and at Stated Maturity, which prices
reflect accrued Original Issue Discount calculated to each such date. The
Redemption Price of a Security redeemed between such dates would include an
additional amount reflecting the additional Original Issue Discount accrued
since the next preceding date in the table to the actual Redemption Date.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACCRUED
ORIGINAL
ISSUE REDEMPTION
SECURITY DISCOUNT PRICE
REDEMPTION DATE ISSUE PRICE AT 5.50% (1) + (2)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
April 21, 2003 ............ $ 337.85 $ 105.30 $ 443.15
April 21, 2004 ............ 337.85 130.00 467.85
April 21, 2005 ............ 337.85 156.09 493.94
April 21, 2006 ............ 337.85 183.63 521.48
April 21, 2007 ............ 337.85 212.71 550.56
April 21, 2008 ............ 337.85 243.40 581.25
April 21, 2009 ............ 337.85 275.81 613.66
April 21, 2010 ............ 337.85 310.02 647.87
April 21, 2011 ............ 337.85 346.15 684.00
April 21, 2012 ............ 337.85 384.28 722.13
April 21, 2013 ............ 337.85 424.55 762.40
April 21, 2014 ............ 337.85 467.06 804.91
April 21, 2015 ............ 337.85 511.93 849.78
April 21, 2016 ............ 337.85 559.32 897.17
April 21, 2017 ............ 337.85 609.34 947.19
At maturity ............... 337.85 662.15 1,000.00
</TABLE>
A-5
<PAGE> 84
6. PURCHASE BY THE COMPANY AT THE OPTION OF THE HOLDER; REDEMPTION AT THE
OPTION OF THE HOLDER UPON A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of the Indenture, the
Company shall become obligated to purchase, at the option of the Holder, the
Securities held by such Holder on the following Purchase Dates and at the
following Purchase Prices per $1,000 Principal Amount, upon delivery of a
Purchase Notice containing the information set forth in the Indenture, from the
opening of business on the date that is 20 Business Days prior to such Purchase
Date until the close of business on such Purchase Date and upon delivery of the
Securities to the Paying Agent by the Holder as set forth in the Indenture. Such
Purchase Prices may be paid, at the option of the Company, in cash or by the
issuance and delivery of shares of Common Stock of the Company, or in any
combination thereof.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PURCHASE DATE PURCHASE PRICE
- ------------- --------------
<S> <C>
April 21, 2003.......................................... $443.15
April 21, 2008.......................................... 581.25
April 21, 2013.......................................... 762.40
</TABLE>
Securities in denominations larger than $1,000 of Principal Amount may be
purchased in part, but only in multiples of $1,000 of Principal Amount.
(b) At the option of the Holder and subject to the terms and
conditions of the Indenture, the Company shall become obligated to redeem the
Securities held by such Holder 45 days after the date of the Company's notice of
such Fundamental Change occurring on or prior to April 21, 2018 for a
Fundamental Change Redemption Price equal to the Issue Price plus accrued
Original Issue Discount to the Fundamental Change Redemption Date, which
Fundamental Change Redemption Price shall be paid in Cash. Securities in
denominations larger than $1,000 of Principal Amount may be redeemed in part in
connection with a Fundamental Change, but only in multiples of $1,000 of
Principal Amount.
(c) Holders have the right to withdraw any Purchase Notice or
Fundamental Change Redemption Notice, as the case may be, by delivering to the
Paying Agent a written notice of withdrawal in accordance with the provisions of
the Indenture.
(d) If Cash (and/or securities if permitted under the Indenture)
sufficient to pay a Purchase Price or Fundamental Change Redemption Price, as
the case may be, of all Securities or portions thereof to be purchased as of the
Purchase Date or the Fundamental Change Redemption Date, as the case may be, is
deposited with the Paying Agent on the Business Day following the Purchase Date
or the Fundamental Change Redemption Date, as the case may be, Original Issue
Discount ceases to accrue on such Securities (or portions thereof) on and after
such date, and the Holder thereof shall have no other rights as such (other than
the right to receive the Purchase Price or Fundamental Change Redemption Price,
as the case may be, upon surrender of such Security).
A-6
<PAGE> 85
7. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION AT THE OPTION OF THE COMPANY
Notice of redemption at the option of the Company will be mailed at least
30 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each Holder of
Securities to be redeemed at the Holder's registered address. If money
sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of all Securities (or portions thereof)
to be redeemed on the Redemption Date is deposited with the Paying Agent prior
to or on the Redemption Date, on and after such date Original Issue Discount
ceases to accrue on such Securities or portions thereof. Securities in
denominations larger than $1,000 of Principal Amount may be redeemed in part but
only in multiples of $1,000 of Principal Amount.
8. SUBORDINATION
The Securities are subordinated to all existing and future Senior
Indebtedness. To the extent provided in the Indenture, Senior Indebtedness must
be paid before the Securities may be paid. The Indenture does not limit the
present or future amount of Senior Indebtedness that the Company may have. The
Company agrees, and each Securityholder by accepting a Security agrees, to the
subordination and authorizes the Trustee to give it effect and appoints the
Trustee as attorney-in-fact for such purpose.
9. CONVERSION
Subject to the next two succeeding sentences, a Holder of a Security may
convert this Security for Common Stock at any time after 90 days following the
latest date of original issuance of the Securities and before the close of
business on April 21, 2018. If this Security is called for redemption, the
Holder may convert it at any time before the close of the last Trading Day prior
to the Redemption Date. A Security in respect of which a Holder has delivered a
notice of exercise of the option to require the Company to purchase such
Security or to redeem such Security in the event of a Fundamental Change may be
converted only if the notice of exercise is withdrawn in accordance with the
terms of the Indenture.
The initial Conversion Rate is 13.983 shares of Common Stock per $1,000
Principal Amount, subject to adjustment in certain events described in the
Indenture. The Company will deliver Cash or a check in lieu of any fractional
share of Common Stock.
To convert this Security a Holder must (1) complete and manually sign the
conversion notice on the back of this Security (or complete and manually sign a
facsimile of such notice) and deliver such notice to the Conversion Agent, (2)
surrender this Security to the Conversion Agent, (3) furnish appropriate
endorsements and transfer documents if required by the Conversion Agent, the
Company or the Trustee and (4) pay any transfer or similar tax, if required.
A Holder may convert a portion of this Security if the Principal Amount
of such portion is $1,000 or a multiple of $1,000. No payment or adjustment will
be made for dividends on the Common Stock except as provided in the Indenture.
On conversion of this Security, that portion of accrued Original Issue Discount
attributable to the period from the Issue Date to the Conversion Date with
respect to the converted portion of this Security shall not be canceled,
extinguished or forfeited, but rather shall be
A-7
<PAGE> 86
deemed to be paid in full to the Holder thereof through the delivery of the
Common Stock (together with any cash payment in lieu of fractional shares) in
exchange for the portion of this Security being converted pursuant to the terms
hereof.
10. CONVERSION ARRANGEMENT ON CALL FOR REDEMPTION
Any Securities called for redemption, unless surrendered for conversion
before the close of business on the last Trading Day prior to the Redemption
Date, may be deemed to be purchased from the Holders of such Securities at an
amount not less than the Redemption Price, by one or more investment bankers or
other purchasers who may agree with the Company to purchase such Securities from
the Holders, to convert them for Common Stock and to make payment for such
Securities to the Trustee in trust for such Holders.
11. REGISTRATION RIGHTS
The Holder of this Security and the Common Stock issuable upon conversion
thereof is entitled to the benefits of a Registration Rights Agreement (subject
to the provisions thereof), dated as of April 21, 1998, between the Company and
the Initial Purchaser.
12. DENOMINATIONS; TRANSFER; EXCHANGE
The Securities are in registered form, without coupons, in denominations
of $1,000 of Principal Amount and multiples of $1,000. A Holder may transfer or
convert Securities in accordance with the Indenture. The Registrar may require a
Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer
documents and to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the
Indenture. The Registrar need not transfer or exchange any Securities selected
for redemption (except, in the case of a Security to be redeemed in part, the
portion of the Security not to be redeemed) or any Securities in respect of
which a Purchase Notice or Fundamental Change Redemption Notice has been given
and not withdrawn (except, in the case of a Security to be purchased in part,
the portion of the Security not to be purchased) or any Securities for a period
of 15 days before a selection of Securities to be redeemed.
13. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS
The registered Holder of this Security may be treated as the owner of
this Security for all purposes.
14. UNCLAIMED MONEY OR SECURITIES
A-8
<PAGE> 87
The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall return to the Company upon written
request any money or securities held by them for the payment of any amount with
respect to the Securities that remains unclaimed for two years; provided,
however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make
any such return, shall at the expense of the Company cause to be published once
in a newspaper of general circulation in The City of New York or mail to each
Holder notice that such money or securities remains unclaimed and that, after a
date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of
such publication or mailing, any unclaimed money or securities then remaining
will be returned to the Company. After return to the Company, Holders entitled
to the money or securities must look to the Company for payment as general
creditors unless an applicable abandoned property law designates another Person.
15. AMENDMENT; WAIVER
Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, (i) the
Indenture or the Securities may be amended with the written consent of the
Holders of at least a majority in aggregate Principal Amount of the Securities
at the time outstanding and (ii) certain Defaults and Events of Defaults may be
waived with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate
Principal Amount of the Securities at the time outstanding. Subject to certain
exceptions set forth in the Indenture, without the consent of any
Securityholder, the Company and the Trustee may amend the Indenture or the
Securities to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, or to comply with
Article 5 or Section 11.14 of the Indenture, to provide for uncertificated
Securities in addition to or in place of certificated Securities or to make any
change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Securityholder or to
comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the qualification of
the Indenture under the TIA.
16. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
Under the Indenture, Events of Default include (i) default in payment of
the Principal Amount, Issue Price, accrued Original Issue Discount, accrued
Liquidated Damages, if any, Redemption Price, Purchase Price or Fundamental
Change Redemption Price, as the case may be, in respect of the Securities when
the same becomes due and payable, provided that in the case of any failure to
pay Liquidated Damages, such failure to pay continues for a period of 30 days;
(ii) failure by the Company to comply with other agreements in the Indenture or
the Securities, subject to notice and lapse of time; and (iii) certain events of
bankruptcy or insolvency. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the
Trustee, or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate Principal Amount of the
Securities at the time outstanding, may declare all the Securities to be due and
payable immediately. Certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency are Events of
Default which will result in the Securities being declared due and payable
immediately upon the occurrence of such Events of Default.
Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Securities except as
provided in the Indenture. The Trustee may refuse to enforce the Indenture or
the Securities unless it receives reasonable indemnity or security. Subject to
certain limitations, Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal Amount of the
Securities at the time outstanding may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any
trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders notice of any continuing
Default (except a Default in payment of amounts specified in clause (i) above)
if it determines that withholding notice is in their interests.
A-9
<PAGE> 88
17. TRUSTEE DEALINGS WITH THE COMPANY
The Trustee under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity,
may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with and
collect obligations owed to it by the Company or its Affiliates and may
otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates with the same rights it would
have if it were not Trustee.
18. NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS
A director, officer, employee or stockholder, as such, of the Company
shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company under the
Securities or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by
reason of such obligations or their creation. By accepting a Security, each
Securityholder waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release
are part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.
19. AUTHENTICATION
This Security shall not be valid until an authorized officer of the
Trustee manually signs the Trustee's Certificate of Authentication on the other
side of this Security.
20. ABBREVIATIONS
Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Securityholder or an
assignee, such as TEN COM (=tenants in common), TENANT (=tenants by the
entireties), JT TEN (=joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as
tenants in common), CUST (=custodian), and U/G/M/A (=Uniform Gift to Minors
Act).
21. GOVERNING LAW
THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN THE INDENTURE AND
THIS SECURITY.
The Company will furnish to any Securityholder upon written request and
without charge a copy of the Indenture which has in it the text of this Security
in larger type. Requests may be made to:
Atmel Corporation
2325 Orchard Parkway
San Jose, California 95131
Attn: Investor Relations
A-10
<PAGE> 89
[FORM OF CONVERSION NOTICE]
CONVERSION NOTICE
To: Atmel Corporation
The undersigned registered holder of this Security hereby irrevocably
exercises the option to convert this Security, or portion hereof (which is
$1,000 principal amount or a multiple thereof) below designated, for shares of
Common Stock of Atmel Corporation in accordance with the terms of the Indenture
referred to in this Security, and directs that the shares issuable and
deliverable upon such conversion, together with any check in payment for
fractional shares and any Securities representing any unconverted principal
amount hereof, be issued and delivered to the registered holder hereof unless a
different name has been indicated below. If shares or any portion of this
Security not converted are to be issued in the name of a Person other than the
undersigned, the undersigned will pay all transfer taxes payable with respect
thereto.
Dated:
------------------
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Signature (s)
Fill in for registration of shares if to be delivered,
and Securities if to be issued other than to and in
the name of the registered holder:
(Name)
(Street Address)
(City, state and zip code)
Please print name and address
Principal amount to be converted
(if less than all):
$___,000
---------------------------------------
Social Security or Other Taxpayer
Identification Number
A-11
<PAGE> 90
[FORM OF OPTION TO ELECT REDEMPTION
UPON A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE]
To: Atmel Corporation
The undersigned registered holder of this Security hereby acknowledges
receipt of a notice from Atmel Corporation (the "Company") as to the occurrence
of a Fundamental Change with respect to the Company and requests and instructs
the Company to redeem this Security, or the portion hereof (which is $1,000
Principal Amount or a multiple thereof) below designated, in accordance with the
terms of the Indenture referred to in this Security.
Dated:
------------------
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Signature (s)
Principal amount to be converted
(if less than all):
$_____________
---------------------------------------
Social Security or Other Taxpayer
Identification Number
A-12
<PAGE> 91
ASSIGNMENT
For value received ___________________ hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s)
unto __________________ (Please insert social security or other Taxpayer
Identification Number of assignee) the within Security, and hereby irrevocably
constitutes and appoints ________________ attorney to transfer the said Security
on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.
In connection with any transfer of the Security within the United States
or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons during the period prior to
the expiration of the holding period applicable to sales thereof under Rule
144(k) (other than any transfer pursuant to a registration statement that has
been declared effective under the Securities Act) under the Securities Act (or
any successor provision), the undersigned confirms that such Security is being
transferred:
[ ] To Atmel Corporation or a subsidiary thereof; or
[ ] Pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended; or
[ ] Pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended;
and unless the box below is checked, the undersigned confirms that to its
knowledge such Security is not being transferred to an "affiliate" of the
Company as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (an
"Affiliate").
[ ] The transferee is an Affiliate of the Company.
Dated:
---------------
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
Signature(s)
Signature(s) must be guaranteed by a
commercial bank or trust company or a
member firm of a major stock exchange if
shares of Common Stock are to be issued,
or Securities to be delivered, other than
to or in the name of the registered
holder.
------------------------------------------
Signature Guarantee
NOTICE: The above signatures of the holder(s) hereof must correspond with the
name as written upon the face of the Security in every particular without
alteration or enlargement or any change whatever.
A-13
<PAGE> 92
[FORM OF SCHEDULE FOR ENDORSEMENTS ON GLOBAL SECURITY
TO REFLECT CHANGES IN PRINCIPAL AMOUNT]
Schedule A
Changes to Principal Amount of Global Security
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
================================================================================
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
OF SECURITIES BY
WHICH THIS GLOBAL
SECURITY IS TO BE REMAINING PRINCIPAL
DATE REDUCED OR INCREASED, AMOUNT OF THIS NOTATION
AND REASON FOR GLOBAL SECURITY MADE BY
REDUCTION OR INCREASE
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------- ----------------------- ------------------- -----------
- ------------- ----------------------- ------------------- -----------
- ------------- ----------------------- ------------------- -----------
- ------------- ----------------------- ------------------- -----------
- ------------- ----------------------- ------------------- -----------
- ------------- ----------------------- ------------------- -----------
- ------------- ----------------------- ------------------- -----------
================================================================================
</TABLE>
A-14
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 4.3
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of
April 21, 1998 by and among Atmel Corporation, a California corporation ("the
Company"), and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (the "Initial Purchaser")
pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 16, 1998 (the "Purchase
Agreement"), between the Company and the Initial Purchaser. In order to induce
the Initial Purchaser to enter into the Purchase Agreement, the Company has
agreed to provide the registration rights set forth in this Agreement. The
execution of this Agreement is a condition to the closing under the Purchase
Agreement.
The Company agrees with the Initial Purchaser, (i) for its benefit as
Initial Purchaser and (ii) for the benefit of the beneficial owners (including
the Initial Purchaser) from time to time of the Debentures (as defined herein)
and the beneficial owners from time to time of the Underlying Common Stock (as
defined herein) issued upon conversion of the Debentures (each of the foregoing
a "Holder" and together the "Holders"), as follows:
SECTION 1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein without
definition shall have their respective meanings set forth in the Purchase
Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
following meanings:
Affiliate: With respect to any specified person, an "affiliate," as
defined in Rule 144, of such person.
Amendment Effectiveness Deadline Date: See Section 2(d) hereof.
Applicable Conversion Price: The Applicable Conversion Price as of
any date of determination means the Applicable Principal Amount per $1,000
principal amount at maturity of Debentures as of such date of determination
divided by the Conversion Rate in effect as of such date of determination or, if
no Debentures are then outstanding, the Conversion Rate that would be in effect
were Debentures then outstanding.
Applicable Principal Amount: Applicable Principal Amount as of any
date of determination, with respect to each $1,000 principal amount at maturity
of Debentures means the sum of the initial issue price of such Debenture
($337.85) plus accrued original issue discount with respect to such Debenture
through such date of determination or, if no Debentures are then outstanding,
such sum calculated as if such Debentures were then outstanding.
Business Day: Each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
that is not a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York or Los
Angeles, California are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to
close.
<PAGE> 2
Common Stock: The shares of common stock, no par value, of the
Company and any other shares of common stock as may constitute "Common Stock"
for purposes of the Indenture, including the Underlying Common Stock.
Conversion Rate: Conversion Rate shall have the meaning assigned such
term in the Indenture.
Damages Accrual Period: See Section 2(e) hereof.
Damages Payment Date: Each April 21 and October 21 in the case of
Debentures and the Underlying Common Stock.
Debentures: The Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Debentures due
2018 of the Company to be purchased pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.
Deferral Notice: See Section 3(i) hereof.
Deferral Period: See Section 3(i) hereof.
Effectiveness Deadline Date: See Section 2(a) hereof.
Effectiveness Period: The period of two years from the later of (a)
the Issue Date or (b) the last date of original issuance of the Debentures or
such shorter period ending on the date that all Registrable Securities have
ceased to be Registrable Securities.
Event: See Section 2(e) hereof.
Event Termination Date: See Section 2(e) hereof.
Event Date: See Section 2(e) hereof.
Exchange Act: The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
Filing Deadline Date: See Section 2(a) hereof.
Holder: See the second paragraph of this Agreement.
Indenture: The Indenture dated as of the date hereof between the
Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A., as trustee,
pursuant to which the Debentures are being issued.
Initial Purchaser: Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.
Initial Shelf Registration Statement: See Section 2(a) hereof.
2
<PAGE> 3
Issue Date: April 21, 1998.
Liquidated Damages Amount: See Section 2(e) hereof.
Losses: See Section 6 hereof.
Material Event: See Section 3(i) hereof.
Notice and Questionnaire: A written notice delivered to the Company
containing substantially the information called for by the Selling
Securityholder Notice and Questionnaire attached as Annex A to the Offering
Memorandum of the Company dated April 16, 1998 relating to the Debentures.
Notice Holder: On any date, any Holder that has delivered a Notice
and Questionnaire to the Company on or prior to such date.
Prospectus: The prospectus included in any Registration Statement
(including, without limitation, a prospectus that discloses information
previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration
statement in reliance upon Rule 430A promulgated under the Securities Act), as
amended or supplemented by any amendment or prospectus supplement, including
post-effective amendments, and all materials incorporated by reference or
explicitly deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.
Purchase Agreement: See the first paragraph of this Agreement.
Record Holder: With respect to any Damages Payment Date relating to
any Debenture or Underlying Common Stock as to which any Liquidated Damages
Amount has accrued, the registered holder of such Debenture or Underlying Common
Stock, as the case may be, 15 days prior to the next succeeding Damages Payment
Date.
Registrable Securities: The Debentures and the Underlying Common
Stock, until such securities have been converted or exchanged, and, at all times
subsequent to any such conversion or exchange, any securities into or for which
such securities have been converted or exchanged, and any security issued with
respect thereto upon any stock dividend, split or similar event until, in the
case of any such security, (A) the earliest of (i) its effective registration
under the Securities Act and resale in accordance with the Registration
Statement covering it, (ii) expiration of the holding period that would be
applicable thereto under Rule 144(k) were it not held by an Affiliate of the
Company or (iii) its sale to the public pursuant to Rule 144, and (B) as a
result of the event or circumstance described in any of the foregoing clauses
(i) through (iii), the legends with respect to transfer restrictions required
under the Indenture are removed or removable in accordance with the terms of the
Indenture.
Registration Expenses: See Section 5 hereof.
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Registration Statement: Any registration statement of the Company
that covers any of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this
Agreement, including the Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such
registration statement, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits, and
all materials incorporated by reference or explicitly deemed to be incorporated
by reference in such registration statement.
Restricted Securities: As this term is defined in Rule 144.
Rule 144: Rule 144 under the Securities Act, as such Rule may be
amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted
by the SEC.
Rule 144A: Rule 144A under the Securities Act, as such Rule may be
amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted
by the SEC.
SEC: The Securities and Exchange Commission.
Securities Act: The Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules
and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder.
Shelf Registration Statement: See Section 2(a) hereof.
Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement: See Section 2(b) hereof.
TIA: The Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
Trustee: State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A. (or
any successor entity), the Trustee under the Indenture.
Underlying Common Stock: The Common Stock into which the Debentures
are convertible or issued upon any such conversion.
SECTION 2. Shelf Registration. (a) The Company shall prepare and file
or cause to be prepared and filed with the SEC, as soon as practicable but in
any event by the date (the "Filing Deadline Date") ninety (90) days after the
Issue Date, a Registration Statement for an offering to be made on a delayed or
continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 of the Securities Act (a "Shelf
Registration Statement") registering the resale from time to time by Holders
thereof of all of the Registrable Securities (the "Initial Shelf Registration
Statement"). The Initial Shelf Registration Statement shall be on Form S-3 or
another appropriate form permitting registration of such Registrable Securities
for resale by such Holders in accordance with the methods of distribution
elected by the Holders and set forth in the Initial Shelf Registration
Statement. The Company shall use its best efforts to cause the Initial Shelf
Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act as
promptly as is practicable but in any event by the date (the "Effectiveness
Deadline Date") that is one hundred and eighty (180) days after the Issue Date,
and to keep the Initial Shelf Registration Statement (or any Subsequent Shelf
Registration Statement) continuously effective under the Securities
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<PAGE> 5
Act until the expiration of the Effectiveness Period. At the time the Initial
Shelf Registration Statement is declared effective, each Holder that became a
Notice Holder on or prior to the date 10 Business Days prior to such time of
effectiveness shall be named as a selling securityholder in the Initial Shelf
Registration Statement and the related Prospectus in such a manner as to permit
such Holder to deliver such Prospectus to purchasers of Registrable Securities
in accordance with applicable law. None of the Company's security holders (other
than the Holders of Registrable Securities) shall have the right to include any
of the Company's securities in the Shelf Registration Statement.
(b) If the Initial Shelf Registration Statement or any Subsequent
Shelf Registration Statement ceases to be effective for any reason at any time
during the Effectiveness Period (other than because all Registrable Securities
registered thereunder shall have been resold pursuant thereto or shall have
ceased to be Registrable Securities), the Company shall use its reasonable best
efforts to obtain the prompt withdrawal of any order suspending the
effectiveness thereof, and in any event shall within thirty (30) days of such
cessation of effectiveness amend the Shelf Registration Statement in a manner
reasonably expected to obtain the withdrawal of the order suspending the
effectiveness thereof, or file an additional Shelf Registration Statement
covering all of the securities that as of the date of such filing are
Registrable Securities (a "Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement"). If a
Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement is filed, the Company shall use its
reasonable best efforts to cause the Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement to
become effective as promptly as is practicable after such filing and to keep
such Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective until the
end of the Effectiveness Period.
(c) The Company shall supplement and amend the Shelf Registration
Statement if required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to
the registration form used by the Company for such Shelf Registration Statement,
if required by the Securities Act or, to the extent to which the Company does
not reasonably object, as reasonably requested by the Initial Purchaser or by
the Trustee on behalf of the registered Holders.
(d) Each Holder of Registrable Securities agrees that if such Holder
wishes to sell Registrable Securities pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement
and related Prospectus, it will do so only in accordance with this Section 2(d)
and Section 3(i). Each Holder of Registrable Securities wishing to sell
Registrable Securities pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement and related
Prospectus agrees to deliver a Notice and Questionnaire to the Company at least
three (3) Business Days prior to any intended distribution of Registrable
Securities under the Shelf Registration Statement. From and after the date the
Initial Shelf Registration Statement is declared effective, the Company shall,
as promptly as is practicable after the date a Notice and Questionnaire is
delivered, and in any event within five (5) Business Days after such date, (i)
if required by applicable law, file with the SEC a post-effective amendment to
the Shelf Registration Statement or prepare and, if required by applicable law,
file a supplement to the related Prospectus or a supplement or amendment to any
document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document
so that the Holder delivering such Notice and Questionnaire is named as a
selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related
Prospectus in such a manner as to permit such Holder to deliver such Prospectus
to
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<PAGE> 6
purchasers of the Registrable Securities in accordance with applicable law and,
if the Company shall file a post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration
Statement, use its reasonable best efforts to cause such post-effective
amendment to be declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as is
practicable, but in any event by the date (the "Amendment Effectiveness Deadline
Date") that is forty-five (45) days after the date such post-effective amendment
is required by this clause to be filed; (ii) provide such Holder copies of any
documents filed pursuant to Section 2(d)(i); and (iii) notify such Holder as
promptly as practicable after the effectiveness under the Securities Act of any
post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Section 2(d)(i); provided, that if
such Notice and Questionnaire is delivered during a Deferral Period, the Company
shall so inform the Holder delivering such Notice and Questionnaire and shall
take the actions set forth in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above upon expiration
of the Deferral Period in accordance with Section 3(i), provided, further, that
if under applicable law the Company has more than one option as to the type or
manner of making any such filing, it will make the required filing or filings in
the manner or of a type reasonably expected to result in the earliest
availability of the Prospectus for effecting resales of Registrable Securities.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Company shall be
under no obligation to name any Holder that is not a Notice Holder as a selling
securityholder in any Registration Statement or related Prospectus; provided,
however, that any Holder that becomes a Notice Holder pursuant to the provisions
of this Section 2(d) (whether or not such Holder was a Notice Holder at the time
the Registration Statement was declared effective) shall be named as a selling
securityholder in the Registration Statement or related Prospectus in accordance
with the requirements of this Section 2(d).
(e) The parties hereto agree that the Holders of Registrable
Securities will suffer damages, and that it would not be feasible to ascertain
the extent of such damages with precision, if (i) the Initial Shelf Registration
Statement has not been filed on or prior to the Filing Deadline Date, (ii) the
Initial Shelf Registration Statement has not been declared effective under the
Securities Act on or prior to the Effectiveness Deadline Date, (iii) the Company
has failed to perform its obligations set forth in Section 2(d) within the time
period required therein, (iv) the aggregate duration of Deferral Periods in any
period exceeds the number of days permitted in respect of such period pursuant
to Section 3(i) hereof or (v) the number of Deferral Periods in any period
exceeds the number permitted in respect of such period pursuant to Section 3(i)
(each of the events of a type described in any of the foregoing clauses (i)
through (v) are individually referred to herein as an "Event," and the Filing
Deadline Date in the case of clause (i), the Effectiveness Deadline Date in the
case of clause (ii), the date by which the Company is required to perform its
obligations set forth in Section 2(d) in the case of clause (iii) (including the
filing of any post-effective amendment prior to the Amendment Effectiveness
Deadline Date), the date on which the aggregate duration of Deferral Periods in
any period exceeds the number of days permitted by Section 3(i) hereof in the
case of clause (iv), and the date of the commencement of a Deferral Period that
causes the limit on the number of Deferral Periods in any period under Section
3(i) hereof to be exceeded in the case of clause (v), being referred to herein
as an "Event Date"). Events shall be deemed to continue until the "Event
Termination Date," which shall be the following dates with respect
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<PAGE> 7
to the respective types of Events: the date the Initial Shelf Registration
Statement is filed in the case of an Event of the type described in clause (i),
the date the Initial Shelf Registration Statement is declared effective under
the Securities Act in the case of an Event of the type described in clause (ii),
the date the Company performs its obligations set forth in Section 2(d) in the
case of an Event of the type described in clause (iii) (including, without
limitation, the date the relevant post-effective amendment to the Shelf
Registration Statement is declared effective under the Securities Act),
termination of the Deferral Period that caused the limit on the aggregate
duration of Deferral Periods in a period set forth in Section 3(i) to be
exceeded in the case of the commencement of an Event of the type described in
clause (iv), and termination of the Deferral Period the commencement of which
caused the number of Deferral Periods in a period permitted by Section 3(i) to
be exceeded in the case of an Event of the type described in clause (v).
Accordingly, commencing on (and including) any Event Date and ending
on (but excluding) the next date on which there are no Events that have occurred
and are continuing (a "Damages Accrual Period"), the Company agrees to pay, as
liquidated damages and not as a penalty, an amount (the "Liquidated Damages
Amount"), payable on the Damages Payment Dates to Record Holders of Debentures
that are Registrable Securities and of shares of Underlying Common Stock issued
upon conversion of Debentures that are Registrable Securities, as the case may
be, accruing, for each portion of such Damages Accrual Period beginning on and
including a Damages Payment Date (or, in respect of the first time that the
Liquidation Damages Amount is to be paid to Holders on a Damages Payment Date as
a result of the occurrence of any particular Event, from the Event Date) and
ending on but excluding the first to occur of (A) the date of the end of the
Damages Accrual Period or (B) the next Damages Payment Date, at a rate per annum
equal to one-quarter of one percent (.25%) for the first 90-day period from the
Event Date and thereafter at a rate per annum equal to one-half of one percent
(.5%) of the aggregate Applicable Principal Amount of such Debentures and the
Applicable Conversion Price of such shares of Underlying Common Stock, as the
case may be, in each case determined as of the Business Day immediately
preceding the next Damages Payment Date; provided, that in the case of a Damages
Accrual Period that is in effect solely as a result of an Event of the type
described in clause (iii) of the immediately preceding paragraph, such
Liquidated Damages Amount shall be paid only to the Holders that have delivered
Notice and Questionnaires that caused the Company to incur the obligations set
forth in Section 2(d) the non-performance of which is the basis of such Event;
provided, further, that any Liquidated Damages Amount accrued with respect to
any Debenture or portion thereof called for redemption on a redemption date or
converted into Underlying Common Stock on a conversion date prior to the Damages
Payment Date, shall, in any event, be paid instead to the Holder who submitted
such Debenture or portion thereof for redemption or conversion on the applicable
redemption date or conversion date, as the case may be, on such date (or
promptly following the conversion date, in the case of conversion), with such
Liquidated Damages Amount to be paid by check mailed to the address set forth in
the Notice and Questionnaire delivered by such Holder. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, no Liquidated Damages Amounts shall accrue as to any Registrable
Security from and after the earlier of (x) the date such security is no longer a
Registrable Security and (y) expiration of the
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<PAGE> 8
Effectiveness Period. The rate of accrual of the Liquidated Damages Amount with
respect to any period shall not exceed the rate provided for in this paragraph
notwithstanding the occurrence of multiple concurrent Events. Following the cure
of all Events requiring the payment by the Company of Liquidated Damages Amounts
to the Holders of Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 2(e), the
accrual of Liquidated Damages Amounts will cease (without in any way limiting
the effect of any subsequent Event requiring the payment of Liquidated Damages
Amount by the Company).
The Trustee shall be entitled, on behalf of Holders of Debentures or
Underlying Common Stock, to seek any available remedy for the enforcement of
this Agreement, including for the payment of any Liquidated Damages Amount.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree that the sole damages payable
for a violation of the terms of this Agreement with respect to which liquidated
damages are expressly provided shall be such liquidated damages. Nothing shall
preclude a Notice Holder or Holder of Registrable Securities from pursuing or
obtaining specific performance or other equitable relief with respect to this
Agreement.
All of the Company's obligations set forth in this Section 2(e) that
are outstanding with respect to any Registrable Security at the time such
security ceases to be a Registrable Security shall survive until such time as
all such obligations with respect to such security have been satisfied in full
(notwithstanding termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8(k)).
The parties hereto agree that the liquidated damages provided for in
this Section 2(e) constitute a reasonable estimate of the damages that may be
incurred by Holders of Registrable Securities by reason of the failure of the
Shelf Registration Statement to be filed or declared effective or available for
effecting resales of Registrable Securities in accordance with the provisions
hereof.
SECTION 3. Registration Procedures. In connection with the
registration obligations of the Company under Section 2 hereof, the Company
shall:
(a) Before filing any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any
amendments or supplements thereto with the SEC, furnish to the Initial Purchaser
copies of all such documents proposed to be filed and use its reasonable best
efforts to reflect in each such document when so filed with the SEC such
comments as the Initial Purchaser reasonably shall propose within two (2)
Business Days of the delivery of such copies to the Initial Purchaser.
(b) Prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective
amendments to each Registration Statement as may be necessary to keep such
Registration Statement continuously effective for the applicable period
specified in Section 2(a); cause the related Prospectus to be supplemented by
any required Prospectus supplement, and as so supplemented to be filed pursuant
to Rule 424 (or any similar provisions then in force) under the Securities Act;
and use its best efforts to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act
applicable to it with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by
such Registration Statement during the Effectiveness Period in accordance with
the intended methods of
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<PAGE> 9
disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement as
so amended or such Prospectus as so supplemented.
(c) As promptly as practicable give notice to the Notice Holders and
the Initial Purchaser (i) when any Prospectus, Prospectus supplement,
Registration Statement or post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement
has been filed with the SEC and, with respect to a Registration Statement or any
post-effective amendment, when the same has been declared effective, (ii) of any
request, following the effectiveness of the Initial Shelf Registration Statement
under the Securities Act, by the SEC or any other federal or state governmental
authority for amendments or supplements to any Registration Statement or related
Prospectus or for additional information, (iii) of the issuance by the SEC or
any other federal or state governmental authority of any stop order suspending
the effectiveness of any Registration Statement or the initiation or threatening
of any proceedings for that purpose, (iv) of the receipt by the Company of any
notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption
from qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any
jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such
purpose, (v) of the occurrence of (but not the nature of or details concerning)
a Material Event and (vi) of the determination by the Company that a
post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement will be filed with the SEC,
which notice may, at the discretion of the Company (or as required pursuant to
Section 3(i)), state that it constitutes a Deferral Notice, in which event the
provisions of Section 3(i) shall apply.
(d) Use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any
order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or the lifting of
any suspension of the qualification (or exemption from qualification) of any of
the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction in which they have been
qualified for sale, in either case at the earliest possible moment.
(e) If reasonably requested by the Initial Purchaser or any Notice
Holder, as promptly as practicable incorporate in a Prospectus supplement or
post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement such information as the
Initial Purchaser or such Notice Holder shall, on the basis of an opinion of
nationally-recognized counsel experienced in such matters, determine to be
required to be included therein by applicable law and make any required filings
of such Prospectus supplement or such post-effective amendment; provided, that
the Company shall not be required to take any actions under this Section 3(e)
that are not, in the reasonable opinion of counsel for the Company, in
compliance with applicable law.
(f) As promptly as practicable furnish to each Notice Holder and the
Initial Purchaser, without charge, at least one (1) conformed copy of the
Registration Statement and any amendment thereto, including financial statements
but excluding schedules, all documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated
therein by reference and all exhibits (unless requested in writing to the
Company by such Notice Holder or the Initial Purchaser, as the case may be).
(g) During the Effectiveness Period, deliver to each Notice Holder
in connection with any sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration
Statement, without charge, as many copies of the Prospectus or Prospectuses
relating to such Registrable Securities (including each preliminary prospectus)
and any amendment or supplement thereto as such
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<PAGE> 10
Notice Holder may reasonably request; and the Company hereby consents (except
during such periods that a Deferral Notice is outstanding and has not been
revoked) to the use of such Prospectus or each amendment or supplement thereto
by each Notice Holder in connection with any offering and sale of the
Registrable Securities covered by such Prospectus or any amendment or supplement
thereto in the manner set forth therein.
(h) Prior to any public offering of the Registrable Securities
pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, register or qualify or cooperate
with the Notice Holders in connection with the registration or qualification (or
exemption from such registration or qualification) of such Registrable
Securities for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such
jurisdictions within the United States as any Notice Holder reasonably requests
in writing (which request may be included in the Notice and Questionnaire);
prior to any public offering of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf
Registration Statement, keep each such registration or qualification (or
exemption therefrom) effective during the Effectiveness Period in connection
with such Notice Holder's offer and sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to
such registration or qualification (or exemption therefrom) and do any and all
other acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the disposition in such
jurisdictions of such Registrable Securities in the manner set forth in the
relevant Registration Statement and the related Prospectus; provided, that the
Company will not be required to (i) qualify as a foreign corporation or as a
dealer in securities in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be
required to qualify but for this Agreement or (ii) take any action that would
subject it to general service of process in suits or to taxation in any such
jurisdiction where it is not then so subject.
(i) Upon (A) the issuance by the SEC of a stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement or the initiation of
proceedings with respect to the Shelf Registration Statement under Section 8(d)
or 8(e) of the Securities Act, (B) the occurrence of any event or the existence
of any fact (a "Material Event") as a result of which any Registration Statement
shall contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading, or any Prospectus shall contain any untrue statement of
a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading, or (C) the occurrence or existence
of any pending corporate development that, in the discretion of the Company,
makes it appropriate to suspend the availability of the Shelf Registration
Statement and the related Prospectus, (i) in the case of clause (B) above,
subject to the next sentence, as promptly as practicable prepare and file, if
necessary pursuant to applicable law, a post-effective amendment to such
Registration Statement or a supplement to the related Prospectus or any document
incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document that would
be incorporated by reference into such Registration Statement and Prospectus so
that such Registration Statement does not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and such Prospectus
does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
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therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of the Registrable
Securities being sold thereunder, and, in the case of a post-effective amendment
to a Registration Statement, subject to the next sentence, use its reasonable
best efforts to cause it to be declared effective as promptly as is practicable,
and (ii) give notice to the Notice Holders that the availability of the Shelf
Registration Statement is suspended (a "Deferral Notice") and, upon receipt of
any Deferral Notice, each Notice Holder agrees not to sell any Registrable
Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement until such Notice Holder's
receipt of copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus provided for in
clause (i) above, or until it is advised in writing by the Company that the
Prospectus may be used, and has received copies of any additional or
supplemental filings that are incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference
in such Prospectus. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to ensure
that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed (x) in the case of clause (A)
above, as promptly as is practicable, (y) in the case of clause (B) above, as
soon as, in the sole judgment of the Company, public disclosure of such Material
Event would not be prejudicial to or contrary to the interests of the Company
or, if necessary to avoid unreasonable burden or expense, as soon as practicable
thereafter and (z) in the case of clause (C) above, as soon as, in the
discretion of the Company, such suspension is no longer appropriate. The Company
shall be entitled to exercise its right under this Section 3(i) to suspend the
availability of the Shelf Registration Statement or any Prospectus, without
incurring any obligation to pay liquidated damages pursuant to Section 2(e), no
more than one (1) time in any three (3) month period or three (3) times in any
twelve (12) month period, and the period during which the availability of the
Registration Statement and any Prospectus is suspended (the "Deferral Period")
shall, without incurring any obligation to pay liquidated damages pursuant to
Section 2(e), not exceed thirty (30) days; provided, that in the case of a
Material Event relating to an acquisition or a probable acquisition or
financing, recapitalization, business combination or other similar transaction,
the Company may, without incurring any obligation to pay liquidated damages
pursuant to Section 2(e), deliver to Notice Holders a second notice to the
effect set forth above, which shall have the effect of extending the Deferral
Period by up to an additional thirty (30) days, or such shorter period of time
as is specified in such second notice; provided, that the aggregate duration of
any Deferral Periods shall not, without incurring any obligation to pay
liquidated damages pursuant to Section 2(e), exceed sixty (60) days in any three
(3) month period or ninety (90) days in any twelve (12) month period.
(j) If requested in writing in connection with a disposition of
Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement, make reasonably
available for inspection during normal business hours by a representative for
the Notice Holders of such Registrable Securities and any broker-dealers,
attorneys and accountants retained by such Notice Holders, all relevant
financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the
Company and its subsidiaries, and cause the appropriate executive officers,
directors and designated employees of the Company and its subsidiaries to make
reasonably available for inspection during normal business hours all relevant
information reasonably requested by such representative for the Notice Holders
or any such broker-dealers, attorneys or accountants in connection with such
disposition, in each case as is customary for similar "due diligence"
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examinations; provided, however, that such persons shall first agree in writing
with the Company that any information that is reasonably and in good faith
designated by the Company in writing as confidential at the time of delivery of
such information shall be kept confidential by such persons and shall be used
solely for the purposes of exercising rights under this Agreement, unless (i)
disclosure of such information is required by court or administrative order or
is necessary to respond to inquiries of regulatory authorities, (ii) disclosure
of such information is required by law (including any disclosure requirements
pursuant to federal securities laws in connection with the filing of any
Registration Statement or the use of any Prospectus referred to in this
Agreement), (iii) such information becomes generally available to the public
other than as a result of a disclosure or failure to safeguard by any such
person or (iv) such information becomes available to any such person from a
source other than the Company and such source is not bound by a confidentiality
agreement; and provided further, that the foregoing inspection and information
gathering shall, to the greatest extent possible, be coordinated on behalf of
all the Notice Holders and the other parties entitled thereto by the counsel
referred to in Section 5.
(k) Use its reasonable best efforts to comply with all applicable
rules and regulations of the SEC and make generally available to its
securityholders earning statements (which need not be audited) satisfying the
provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder (or
any similar rule promulgated under the Securities Act) no later than 45 days
after the end of any 12-month period (or 90 days after the end of any 12-month
period if such period is a fiscal year) commencing on the first day of the first
fiscal quarter of the Company commencing after the effective date of a
Registration Statement, which statements shall cover said 12-month periods.
(l) Cooperate with each Notice Holder to facilitate the timely
preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities
sold or to be sold pursuant to a Registration Statement, which certificates
shall not bear any restrictive legends, and cause such Registrable Securities to
be in such denominations as are permitted by the Indenture and registered in
such names as such Notice Holder may request in writing at least two Business
Days prior to any sale of such Registrable Securities.
(m) Provide a CUSIP number for all Registrable Securities covered by
each Registration Statement not later than the effective date of such
Registration Statement and provide the Trustee and the transfer agent for the
Common Stock with printed certificates for the Registrable Securities that are
in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company.
(n) Provide such information as is required for any filings required
to be made with the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
(o) Upon (i) the filing of the Initial Registration Statement and
(ii) the effectiveness of the Initial Registration Statement, announce the same,
in each case by release to Reuters Economic Services and Bloomberg Business
News.
SECTION 4. Holder's Obligations. Each Holder agrees, by acquisition
of the Registrable Securities, that no Holder of Registrable Securities shall be
entitled to sell any of such Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration
Statement or to receive a Prospectus relating thereto, unless such Holder has
furnished the Company with a Notice and
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Questionnaire as required pursuant to Section 2(d) hereof (including the
information required to be included in such Notice and Questionnaire) and the
information set forth in the next sentence. Each Notice Holder agrees promptly
to furnish to the Company all information required to be disclosed in order to
make the information previously furnished to the Company by such Notice Holder
not misleading and any other information regarding such Notice Holder and the
distribution of such Registrable Securities as the Company may from time to time
reasonably request. Any sale of any Registrable Securities by any Holder shall
constitute a representation and warranty by such Holder that the information
relating to such Holder and its plan of distribution is as set forth in the
Prospectus delivered by such Holder in connection with such disposition, that
such Prospectus does not as of the time of such sale contain any untrue
statement of a material fact relating to or provided by such Holder or its plan
of distribution and that such Prospectus does not as of the time of such sale
omit to state any material fact relating to or provided by such Holder or its
plan of distribution necessary to make the statements in such Prospectus, in the
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
SECTION 5. Registration Expenses. The Company shall bear all fees
and expenses incurred in connection with the performance by the Company of its
obligations under Sections 2 and 3 of this Agreement whether or not any of the
Registration Statements are declared effective. Such fees and expenses shall
include, without limitation, (i) all registration and filing fees (including,
without limitation, fees and expenses (x) with respect to filings required to be
made with the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and (y) of
compliance with federal and state securities or Blue Sky laws (including,
without limitation, reasonable fees and disbursements of the counsel specified
in the next sentence in connection with Blue Sky qualifications of the
Registrable Securities under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Notice
Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities being sold pursuant to a
Registration Statement may designate), (ii) printing expenses (including,
without limitation, expenses of printing certificates for Registrable Securities
in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company), (iii)
duplication expenses relating to copies of any Registration Statement or
Prospectus delivered to any Holders hereunder, (iv) fees and disbursements of
counsel for the Company in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement, (v)
reasonable fees and disbursements of the Trustee and its counsel and of the
registrar and transfer agent for the Common Stock and (vi) Securities Act
liability insurance obtained by the Company in its sole discretion. In addition,
the Company shall bear or reimburse the Notice Holders for the reasonable fees
and disbursements of one firm of legal counsel for the Holders, which shall
initially be Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP, but which may, with the written
consent of the Initial Purchaser (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), be
another nationally recognized law firm experienced in securities law matters
designated by the Company. In addition, the Company shall pay the internal
expenses of the Company (including, without limitation, all salaries and
expenses of officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the
expense of any annual audit, the fees and expenses incurred in connection with
the listing of the Registrable Securities on any securities exchange on which
similar securities of the Company are then listed and the fees and expenses of
any person, including special
13
<PAGE> 14
experts, retained by the Company. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section
5, each seller of Registrable Securities shall pay all registration expenses to
the extent required by applicable law.
SECTION 6. Indemnification.
(a) Indemnification by the Company. The Company shall indemnify and
hold harmless each Notice Holder and each person, if any, who controls any
Notice Holder (within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or
Section 20 of the Exchange Act) from and against all losses, liabilities,
claims, damages and expenses (including, without limitation, any legal or other
expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any
such action or claim) (collectively, "Losses"), arising out of or based upon any
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any
Registration Statement or Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto
or in any preliminary prospectus, or arising out of or based upon any omission
or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, provided,
however, that the Company shall not be liable in any such case to the extent
that any such Losses arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement contained in or omission or alleged omission from any
of such documents in reliance upon and conformity with any of the information
relating to such Holder furnished to the Company in writing by such Holder
expressly for use therein; provided, further, that the indemnification contained
in this paragraph shall not inure to the benefit of any Holder of Registrable
Securities (or to the benefit of any person controlling such Holder) on account
of any such Losses arising out of or based upon an untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in any preliminary
prospectus if either (A) (i) such Holder failed to send or deliver a copy of the
Prospectus with or prior to the delivery of written confirmation of the sale by
such Holder to the person asserting the claim from which such Losses arise and
(ii) the Prospectus would have corrected such untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement or such omission or alleged omission, or (B) (x) such untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement, omission or alleged omission is corrected in an
amendment or supplement to the Prospectus and (y) having previously been
furnished by or on behalf of the Company with copies of the Prospectus as so
amended or supplemented, such Holder thereafter fails to deliver such Prospectus
as so amended or supplemented, with or prior to the delivery of written
confirmation of the sale of a Registrable Security to the person asserting the
claim from which such Losses arise.
(b) Indemnification by Holders of Registrable Securities. Each
Holder agrees severally and not jointly to indemnify and hold harmless the
Company and its respective directors and officers, and each person, if any, who
controls the Company (within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities
Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act), from and against all Losses arising out
of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material
fact contained in any Registration Statement or Prospectus or in any amendment
or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus, or arising out of or
based upon any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required to be stated therein or
14
<PAGE> 15
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, to the extent, but only
to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or
omission or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with
information furnished to the Company by such Holder expressly for use in such
Registration Statement or Prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto. In no
event shall the liability of any selling Holder of Registrable Securities
hereunder be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds received
by such Holder upon the sale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the
Registration Statement giving rise to such indemnification obligation.
(c) Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings. In case any proceeding
(including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted involving any
person in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to either of the two
preceding paragraphs, such person (the "indemnified party") shall promptly
notify the person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the "indemnifying
party") in writing and the indemnifying party, upon request of the indemnified
party, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to
represent the indemnified party and any others the indemnifying party may
designate in such proceeding and shall pay the reasonable fees and disbursements
of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any
indemnified party shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees
and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified party
unless (i) the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have mutually
agreed to the retention of such counsel or (ii) the named parties to any such
proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the indemnifying party
and the indemnified party and representation of both parties by the same counsel
would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between
them. It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in respect of the
legal expenses of any indemnified party in connection with any proceeding or
related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and
expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for
all indemnified parties, and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed
as they are incurred. Such separate firm shall be designated in writing by, in
the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 6(a), the Holders of a
majority (with Holders of Debentures deemed to be the Holders, for purposes of
determining such majority, of the number of shares of Underlying Common Stock
into which such Debentures are or would be convertible or exchangeable as of the
date on which such designation is made) of the Registrable Securities covered by
the Registration Statement held by Holders that are indemnified parties pursuant
to Section 6(a) and, in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section
6(b), the Company. The indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement
of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such
consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying
party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party from and against any loss or
liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the
foregoing sentence, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an
indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of
counsel as contemplated by the second and third sentences of this paragraph, the
indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any
proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is
entered into more than 30 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the
15
<PAGE> 16
aforesaid request and (ii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the
indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such
settlement. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of
the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened
proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a
party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party,
unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified
party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such
proceeding.
(d) Contribution. To the extent that the indemnification provided
for in this Section 6 is unavailable to an indemnified party under Section 6(a)
or 6(b) hereof in respect of any Losses or is insufficient to hold such
indemnified party harmless, then each applicable indemnifying party, in lieu of
indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or
payable by such indemnified party as a result of such Losses (i) in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the
indemnifying party or parties on the one hand and the indemnified party or
parties on the other hand or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above
is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to
reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also
the relative fault of the indemnifying party or parties on the one hand and of
the indemnified party or parties on the other hand in connection with the
statements or omissions that resulted in such Losses, as well as any other
relevant equitable considerations. Benefits received by the Company shall be
deemed to be equal to the total net proceeds from the initial placement pursuant
to the Purchase Agreement (before deducting expenses) of the Registrable
Securities to which such Losses relate. Benefits received by any Holder shall be
deemed to be equal to the value of receiving Registrable Securities that are
registered under the Securities Act. The relative fault of the Holders on the
one hand and the Company on the other hand shall be determined by reference to,
among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material
fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to
information supplied by the Holders or by the Company, and the parties' relative
intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent
such statement or omission. The Holders' respective obligations to contribute
pursuant to this paragraph are several in proportion to the respective number of
Registrable Securities they have sold pursuant to a Registration Statement, and
not joint.
The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if
contribution pursuant to this Section 6(d) were determined by pro rata
allocation or by any other method or allocation that does not take into account
the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph.
The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the Losses
referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include,
subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses
reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating
or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding this Section 6(d), an
indemnifying party that is a selling Holder of Registrable Securities shall not
be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total
price at which the Registrable Securities sold by such indemnifying party and
distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any
damages that such indemnifying party has otherwise been required to pay by
reason of such
16
<PAGE> 17
untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person
guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of
the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was
not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
(e) The indemnity, contribution and expense reimbursement
obligations of the parties hereunder shall be in addition to any liability any
indemnified party may otherwise have hereunder, under the Purchase Agreement or
otherwise.
(f) The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this
Section 6 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i)
any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf
of any Holder or any person controlling any Holder, or the Company, or the
Company's officers or directors or any person controlling the Company and (iii)
the sale of any Registrable Securities by any Holder.
SECTION 7. Information Requirements. The Company covenants that, if
at any time before the end of the Effectiveness Period the Company is not
subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, it will cooperate
with any Holder of Registrable Securities and take such further reasonable
action as any Holder of Registrable Securities may reasonably request in writing
(including, without limitation, making such reasonable representations as any
such Holder may reasonably request), all to the extent required from time to
time to enable such Holder to sell Registrable Securities without registration
under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by
Rule 144 and Rule 144A under the Securities Act and customarily taken in
connection with sales pursuant to such exemptions. Upon the written request of
any Holder of Registrable Securities, the Company shall deliver to such Holder a
written statement as to whether it has complied with such filing requirements,
unless such a statement has been included in the Company's most recent report
required to be filed and filed pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of
Exchange Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 7 shall be
deemed to require the Company to register any of its securities (other than the
Common Stock) under any section of the Exchange Act.
SECTION 8. Miscellaneous.
(a) No Conflicting Agreements. The Company is not, as of the date
hereof, a party to, nor shall it, on or after the date of this Agreement, enter
into, any agreement with respect to its securities that conflicts with the
rights granted to the Holders of Registrable Securities in this Agreement. The
Company represents and warrants that the rights granted to the Holders of
Registrable Securities hereunder do not in any way conflict with the rights
granted to the holders of the Company's securities under any other agreements.
(b) Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement,
including the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or
supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof
may not be given, unless the Company has obtained the written consent of Holders
of a majority of the then outstanding Underlying Common Stock constituting
Registrable Securities (with Holders of Debentures deemed to be the Holders, for
purposes of this Section 8(b), of the number of outstanding shares of Underlying
Common Stock into which such Debentures are or would be convertible or
17
<PAGE> 18
exchangeable as of the date on which such consent is requested). Notwithstanding
the foregoing, a waiver or consent to depart from the provisions hereof with
respect to a matter that relates exclusively to the rights of Holders of
Registrable Securities whose securities are being sold pursuant to a
Registration Statement and that does not directly or indirectly affect the
rights of other Holders of Registrable Securities may be given by Holders of at
least a majority of the Registrable Securities being sold by such Holders
pursuant to such Registration Statement; provided, that the provisions of this
sentence may not be amended, modified, or supplemented except in accordance with
the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence. Each Holder of Registrable
Securities outstanding at the time of any such amendment, modification,
supplement, waiver or consent or thereafter shall be bound by any such
amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent effected pursuant to this
Section 8(b), whether or not any notice, writing or marking indicating such
amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent appears on the
Registrable Securities or is delivered to such Holder.
(c) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or
permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand delivery, by telecopier, by
courier guaranteeing overnight delivery or by first-class mail, return receipt
requested, and shall be deemed given (i) when made, if made by hand delivery,
(ii) upon confirmation, if made by telecopier, (iii) one (1) Business Day after
being deposited with such courier, if made by overnight courier or (iv) on the
date indicated on the notice of receipt, if made by first-class mail, to the
parties as follows:
(w) if to a Holder of Registrable Securities, at the most
current address given by such Holder to the Company in a Notice
and Questionnaire or any amendment thereto;
(x) if to the Company, to:
Atmel Corporation
2325 Orchard Parkway
San Jose, CA 95131
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Telecopy No.: (408) 441-0311
and
(y) if to the Initial Purchaser, to:
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
1585 Broadway
New York, New York
Attention: Equity Capital Markets
Telecopy No.: (212) 761-0356
18
<PAGE> 19
or to such other address as such person may have furnished to the other persons
identified in this Section 8(c) in writing in accordance herewith.
(d) Approval of Holders. Whenever the consent or approval of Holders
of a specified percentage of Registrable Securities is required hereunder,
Registrable Securities held by the Company or its affiliates (as such term is
defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) (other than the Initial Purchaser
or subsequent Holders of Registrable Securities if such subsequent Holders are
deemed to be such affiliates solely by reason of their holdings of such
Registrable Securities) shall not be counted in determining whether such consent
or approval was given by the Holders of such required percentage.
(e) Successors and Assigns. Any person who purchases any Registrable
Securities from the Initial Purchaser shall be deemed, for purposes of this
Agreement, to be an assignee of the Initial Purchaser. This Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each
of the parties and shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon each Holder
of any Registrable Securities.
(f) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which
when so executed shall be deemed to be original and all of which taken together
shall constitute one and the same agreement.
(g) Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.
(h) Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO
CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
(i) Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of
this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the
remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein
shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired
or invalidated thereby, and the parties hereto shall use their best efforts to
find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the
same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or
restriction, it being intended that all of the rights and privileges of the
parties shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
(j) Entire Agreement. This Agreement is intended by the parties as a
final expression of their agreement and is intended to be a complete and
exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in
respect of the subject matter contained herein and the registration rights
granted by the Company with respect to the Registrable Securities. Except as
provided in the Purchase Agreement, there are no restrictions, promises,
warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein,
with respect to the registration rights granted by the Company with respect to
the Registrable Securities. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and
undertakings among the parties with respect to such registration rights. No
party hereto shall have any rights, duties or obligations other than
19
<PAGE> 20
those specifically set forth in this Agreement. Without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, the Company shall have no obligation to participate in "road
show" or, except as specifically provided in this Agreement, "due diligence"
activities in connection with any underwritten public offering of Registrable
Securities, and the Company shall have no obligation to enter into underwriting
or indemnification agreements with respect to, or deliver opinions, comfort
letters or closing certificates in connection with, any such underwritten public
offering.
(k) Termination. This Agreement and the obligations of the parties
hereunder shall terminate upon the end of the Effectiveness Period, except for
any liabilities or obligations under Sections 4, 5 or 6 hereof and the
obligations to make payments of and provide for liquidated damages under Section
2(e) hereof to the extent such damages accrue prior to the end of the
Effectiveness Period, each of which shall remain in effect in accordance with
their terms.
20
<PAGE> 21
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as
of the date first written above.
ATMEL CORPORATION
By: /s/ Kris Chellan
------------------------------------------
Name: Kris Chellan
Title:
Accepted as of the date first above written:
MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED
(for the benefit of itself and for the benefit of the Holders)
By: MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED
By: /s/ WILLIAM R. SALISBURY
-----------------------------------
Name: William R. Salisbury
Title:
21
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 5.1
[LETTERHEAD OF WILSON, SONSINI, GOODRICH & ROSATI, PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION]
July 15, 1998
Atmel Corporation
2325 Orchard Parkway
San Jose, CA 95131
RE: REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are acting as counsel for Atmel Corporation, a California
corporation (the "Company") in connection with the registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of $340,400,000 aggregate principal amount
at maturity of Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2018 (the
"Debentures"), and such indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock, no par
value (the "Common Stock"), of the Company, as may be required for issuance upon
conversion of the Debentures (the "Conversion Shares"). The Debentures and the
Conversion Shares are to be offered and sold by certain securityholders of the
Company (the "Selling Securityholders"). In this regard we have participated in
the preparation of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 relating to the
Debentures and the Conversion Shares. (Such Registration Statement, as it may be
amended from time to time, is herein referred to as the "Registration
Statement").
We are of the opinion that the Debentures have been duly authorized
and are binding obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits of the
Indenture, dated as of April 21, 1998, between the Company and State Street Bank
and Trust Company of California, N.A., as trustee (the "Indenture"). We are of
the further opinion that the Conversion Shares have been duly authorized and,
when issued by the Company upon conversion of the Debentures in accordance with
the Indenture, will be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the
Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption "Legal
Matters" in the Registration Statement and in the Prospectus included therein.
Very truly yours,
WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
Professional Corporation
/s/ Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 12.1
COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(in thousands, except ratio data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
3 MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
--------------------
1998 1997 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
-------- -------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Pretax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations: 27,272 59,597 6,001 309,153 172,262 90,076 44,789
Loss Recognized On Investment in Less than 50%
Owned Person Accounted for under the Equity
Method 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Minority Interest in the Loss of Majority-Owned
Subsidiary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fixed Charges:
Interest Expense and Amortization of Debt
Discount 10,958 6,968 32,025 17,948 9,109 5,693 2,868
Amortization of Debt Expense 25 0 81 0 0 0 0
Appropriate Portion of Rent Expense Related
to Interest Charges 559 539 2,271 2,442 1,068 757 592
------ ----- ------ ------- ------- ------ ------
Total Fixed Charges 11,542 7,507 34,377 20,390 10,177 6,450 3,460
Less: capitalized interest 0 (511) (511) (4,726) (540) (2,629) 0
Earnings Before Income Taxes, Loss on
Investment Accounted for Under Equity
Method, Minority Interest, and Fixed Charges 38,814 66,593 39,867 324,817 181,899 93,897 48,249
------ ------ ------ ------- -------- ------ ------
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 3.4x 8.9x 1.2x 15.9x 17.8x 14.6x 13.9x
====== ====== ====== ======= ======== ====== ======
</TABLE>
II-5
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
on Form S-3 of our report dated January 15, 1998 on our audit of the
consolidated financial statements of Atmel Corporation as of December 31, 1997
and 1996, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997,
which report is incorporated by reference from the 1997 Annual Report of Atmel
Corporation and our report dated January 15, 1998, on our audit of the
consolidated financial statement schedule, which report is incorporated by
reference from the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1997. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts."
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
- ------------------------------
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
San Jose, California
July 16, 1998
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 25.1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
---------
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE
TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility
of a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2)
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)
United States 06-1143380
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or (I.R.S. Employer
organization if not a U.S. national bank) Identification No.)
633 West 5th Street, 12th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90071
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Lynda A. Vogel, Senior Vice President and Managing Director
633 West 5th Street, 12th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90071
(213) 362-7399
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
ATMEL CORPORATION
(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)
CALIFORNIA 77-0051991
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
2325 ORCHARD PARKWAY, SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 95131
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Debenture due 2018
(TYPE OF SECURITIES)
<PAGE> 2
GENERAL
ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION.
FURNISH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:
(a) NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY TO
WHICH IT IS SUBJECT.
Comptroller of the Currency, Western District Office, 50
Fremont Street, Suite 3900, San Francisco, California, 94105-2292
(b) WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.
Trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR.
IF THE OBLIGOR IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH SUCH
AFFILIATION.
The obligor is not an affiliate of the trustee or of its
parent, State Street Bank and Trust Company.
(See note on page 2.)
ITEM 3. THROUGH ITEM 15. NOT APPLICABLE.
ITEM 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS.
LIST BELOW ALL EXHIBITS FILED AS PART OF THIS STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY.
1. A COPY OF THE ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE TRUSTEE AS NOW IN
EFFECT.
A copy of the Articles of Association of the trustee, as now
in effect, is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as
Exhibits with corresponding exhibit numbers to the Form T-1 of Western
Digital Corporation, filed pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) of the Act, on
May 12, 1998 (Registration No. 333-52463), and are incorporated herein
by reference.
2. A COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY OF THE TRUSTEE TO COMMENCE
BUSINESS, IF NOT CONTAINED IN THE ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION.
A Certificate of Corporate Existence (with fiduciary powers)
from the Comptroller of the Currency, Administrator of National Banks
is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibits with
corresponding exhibit numbers to the Form T-1 of Western Digital
Corporation, filed pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) of the Act, on May 12,
1998 (Registration No. 333-52463), and are incorporated herein by
reference.
3. A COPY OF THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE TRUSTEE TO EXERCISE CORPORATE
TRUST POWERS, IF SUCH AUTHORIZATION IS NOT CONTAINED IN THE DOCUMENTS
SPECIFIED IN PARAGRAPH (1) OR (2), ABOVE.
Authorization of the Trustee to exercise fiduciary powers
(included in Exhibits 1 and 2; no separate instrument).
4. A COPY OF THE EXISTING BY-LAWS OF THE TRUSTEE, OR INSTRUMENTS
CORRESPONDING THERETO.
A copy of the by-laws of the trustee, as now in effect, is on
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibits with
corresponding exhibit numbers to the Form T-1 of Western Digital
Corporation, filed pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) of the Act, on May 12,
1998 (Registration No. 333-52463), and are incorporated herein by
reference.
1
<PAGE> 3
5. A COPY OF EACH INDENTURE REFERRED TO IN ITEM 4. IF THE OBLIGOR IS IN
DEFAULT.
Not applicable.
6. THE CONSENTS OF UNITED STATES INSTITUTIONAL TRUSTEES REQUIRED BY
SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT.
The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the
Act is annexed hereto as Exhibit 6 and made a part hereof.
7. A COPY OF THE LATEST REPORT OF CONDITION OF THE TRUSTEE PUBLISHED
PURSUANT TO LAW OR THE REQUIREMENTS OF ITS SUPERVISING OR EXAMINING
AUTHORITY.
A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee
published pursuant to law or the requirements of its
supervising or examining authority is annexed hereto as
Exhibit 7 and made a part hereof.
NOTES
In answering any item of this Statement of Eligibility which relates to
matters peculiarly within the knowledge of the obligor or any underwriter for
the obligor, the trustee has relied upon information furnished to it by the
obligor and the underwriters, and the trustee disclaims responsibility for the
accuracy or completeness of such information.
The answer furnished to Item 2. of this statement will be amended, if
necessary, to reflect any facts which differ from those stated and which would
have been required to be stated if known at the date hereof.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, the trustee, State Street Bank and Trust Company of California,
National Association, organized and existing under the laws of the United States
of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Los
Angeles, and State of California, on the 25th day of June, 1998.
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
OF CALIFORNIA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By: /S/ Mark Henson
--------------------------------
MARK HENSON
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
2
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EXHIBIT 6
CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, in connection with the proposed issuance by Atmel
Corporation of its Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Debenture due 2018, we
hereby consent that reports of examination by Federal, State, Territorial or
District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and
Exchange Commission upon request therefor.
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
OF CALIFORNIA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By: /S/ Mark Henson
--------------------------------
MARK HENSON
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
DATED: JUNE 25, 1998
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<PAGE> 5
EXHIBIT 7
Consolidated Report of Condition and Income for A Bank With Domestic Offices
Only and Total Assets of Less Than $100 Million of State Street Bank and Trust
Company of California, a national banking association duly organized and
existing under and by virtue of the laws of the United States of America, at the
close of business March 31, 1998, published in accordance with a call made by
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation pursuant to the required law: 12
U.S.C. Section 324 (State member banks); 12 U.S.C. Section 1817 (State nonmember
banks); and 12 U.S.C. Section 161 (National banks).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Thousands
of Dollars
<S> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin .................... 6,852
Interest-bearing balances ............................................. 0
Securities ..................................................................... 38
Federal funds sold and securities purchased
under agreements to resell in domestic offices
of the bank and its Edge subsidiary ................................... 0
Loans and lease financing receivables:
Loans and leases, net of unearned income .............................. 0
Allowance for loan and lease losses ................................... 0
Allocated transfer risk reserve ....................................... 0
Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowances ............... 0
Assets held in trading accounts ................................................ 0
Premises and fixed assets ...................................................... 253
Other real estate owned ........................................................ 0
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries ..................................... 0
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding ................... 0
Intangible assets .............................................................. 0
Other assets ................................................................... 814
-----
Total assets ................................................................... 7,957
=====
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
In domestic offices ................................................... 0
Noninterest-bearing .......................................... 0
Interest-bearing ............................................. 0
In foreign offices and Edge subsidiary ................................ 0
Noninterest-bearing .......................................... 0
Interest-bearing ............................................. 0
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE> 6
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under
agreements to repurchase in domestic offices of
the bank and of its Edge subsidiary ................................... 0
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury and Trading Liabilities ............... 0
Other borrowed money ........................................................... 0
Subordinated notes and debentures .............................................. 0
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding ....................... 0
Other liabilities .............................................................. 4,356
Total liabilities .............................................................. 4,356
-----
EQUITY CAPITAL
Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus .................................. 0
Common stock ................................................................... 500
Surplus ........................................................................ 750
Undivided profits and capital reserves/Net unrealized holding gains (losses) ... 2,352
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments ............................ 0
Total equity capital ........................................................... 3,602
=====
Total liabilities and equity capital ........................................... 7,958
=====
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 7
I, Kevin R. Wallace, Vice President and Comptroller of the above named bank do
hereby declare that this Report of Condition and Income for this report date
have been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the
appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true to the best of my knowledge
and belief.
Kevin R. Wallace
We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of
Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true and correct.
Lynda A. Vogel
James A. Quale
Stephen Rivero
5
