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REGISTRATION NO. 33-
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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THE EQUITABLE COMPANIES INCORPORATED
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
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<S> <C> <C>
DELAWARE 6719 13-3623351
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE>
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787 SEVENTH AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019
(212) 554-1234
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
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ROBERT E. GARBER, ESQ.
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
THE EQUITABLE COMPANIES INCORPORATED
787 SEVENTH AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019
(212) 554-1234
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS)
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Please address a copy of all communications to:
MARCIA L. MACHARG, ESQ.
DEBEVOISE & PLIMPTON
555 13TH STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004
(202) 383-8000
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APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time
to time as determined by market conditions, after the effective date of this
Registration Statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. / /
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. /x/
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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<CAPTION>
PROPOSED PROPOSED
TITLE OF EACH CLASS AMOUNT TO BE MAXIMUM OFFERING MAXIMUM AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED PRICE PER UNIT* OFFERING PRICE REGISTRATION FEE
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock, $.01 par value........... 10,000,000 $24.00 $240,000,000 $82,759.20
</TABLE>
* In accordance with Rule 457(c), based upon the average of the high and low
prices of The Equitable Companies Incorporated Common Stock on June 21, 1996
as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Consolidated Tape.
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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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PROSPECTUS
DIRECT PURCHASE PLAN
This Prospectus describes the Direct Purchase Plan (the 'Plan') of The
Equitable Companies Incorporated (the 'Company'). The Plan is available to any
person or entity who would like to purchase shares of the Company's Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share ('Common Stock'). The Direct Purchase Plan
provides participants with a simple and convenient method of purchasing shares
of the Company's Common Stock, without incurring brokerage commissions or other
fees, by making an initial minimum investment of $500 and subsequent minimum
investments of $50 (maximum $50,000 per calendar year). Individuals who enroll
in the Plan are also electing to participate in the Company's Dividend
Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the 'Dividend Reinvestment Plan') with
respect to all shares of Common Stock purchased under the Plan and held in their
Plan accounts. Consequently, all cash dividends on shares held in a
participant's Plan account will automatically be reinvested in additional shares
of Common Stock pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. The terms and
conditions of the Plan and the Dividend Reinvestment Plan are included in Part B
of this Prospectus.
Purchases of the Company's Common Stock under the Plan will generally be
made in the open market at market prices. The price per share for the Company's
Common Stock purchased for each participant's Plan account will be the average
price of all shares purchased under the Plan on the particular date on which
Common Stock is purchased under the Plan. This Prospectus relates to the shares
of Common Stock made available under the Plan described herein. This Prospectus
does not relate to any offering of Common Stock made other than pursuant to the
Plan.
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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.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS
THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE
ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
------------------------
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JULY , 1996.
<PAGE>
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 can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities of the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the regional offices of the
Commission located at 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, Suite 1300, New York,
New York 10048 and Suite 1400, Citicorp Center, 14th Floor, 500 West Madison
Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such material can also be obtained at
prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the Commission at
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition,
such reports, proxy statements and other information can be inspected at the
offices of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New
York 10005.
The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-3 (together with any amendments thereto, the 'Registration Statement') under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Securities Act'), with respect to
the securities offered hereby. This Prospectus, which constitutes a part of the
Registration Statement, omits certain information contained in the Registration
Statement as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission. For
further information with respect to the Company and the securities offered
hereby, reference is made to the Registration Statement and the exhibits,
financial statements, notes and schedules filed as a part thereof or
incorporated by reference therein, which may be inspected at the public
reference facilities of the Commission, at the addresses set forth above.
Statements made in this Prospectus concerning the contents of any documents
referred to herein are not necessarily complete, and in each instance are
qualified in all respects by reference to the copy of such document filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement or incorporated by reference therein.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents filed by the Company with the Commission are
incorporated into this Prospectus by reference:
1. The Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996;
2. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1995; and
3. The Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated May 26,
1992 (incorporating by reference the description of the Company's Common
Stock in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated May 26,
1992).
All documents or reports subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to
Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date hereof and
prior to the termination of the offering pursuant to the Plan described herein
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part of this Prospectus from the date of filing of such document. Any statement
contained herein, or in a document all or a portion of which is incorporated or
deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, shall be deemed to be modified or
superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement
contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is
deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or
2
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supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of the
Registration Statement or this Prospectus.
The Company will provide without charge to any person to whom this
Prospectus is delivered, on the written or oral request of such person, a copy
of any or all of the foregoing documents incorporated by reference (other than
exhibits not specifically incorporated by reference into the texts of such
documents). Requests for such documents should be directed to: The Equitable
Companies Incorporated, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019 Attention:
Corporate Secretary (telephone (212) 554-1234).
THE EQUITABLE
For the purpose of this Prospectus, the term 'The Equitable' refers to The
Equitable Companies Incorporated (the 'Company') and its subsidiaries.
The Equitable is a diversified financial services organization serving a
broad spectrum of insurance, investment management and investment banking
customers. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States ('Equitable
Life'), a subsidiary of the Company, was established in the State of New York in
1859. For more than 100 years it has been among the largest life insurance
companies in the United States. Equitable Life and the Company's other insurance
subsidiaries distribute a variety of insurance, annuity and investment products
through a career agency force, which at March 31, 1996, consisted of over 7,200
professional insurance agents.
At March 31, 1996, the Company's holdings in its investment subsidiaries
included an approximately 80% interest in Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc.
('DLJ'), an approximately 58% interest in Alliance Capital Management L.P.
('Alliance') and a 100% interest in Equitable Real Estate Investment Management,
Inc. ('Equitable Real Estate'). The Company's investment subsidiaries provide
investment management and investment banking services to institutional and
individual clients, including the Company's insurance subsidiaries.
The Company is a Delaware corporation. The following chart sets forth the
organization of the Company and its principal subsidiaries at March 31, 1996.
[ORGANIZATION CHART]
The Equitable Companies Incorporated
| |
The Equitable Life
Assurance Society of DLJ (approximately 44% owned)
the United States
| |
Insurance Investment
Subsidiary Subsidiaries
o Equitable Variable o DLJ (approximately 36% owned)
Life Insurance o Alliance (approximately 58% owned)
Company ("EVLICO") o Equitable Real Estate
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AXA is the Company's largest stockholder, beneficially owning at March 31,
1996, 60.7% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and $392.2 million of the
Company's Series E Convertible Preferred Stock. The Company's principal
headquarters are located at 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019
(telephone (212) 554-1234).
BUSINESS
The Equitable is engaged in two related financial services businesses: an
insurance business, which is comprised of an Individual Insurance and Annuities
segment and a Group Pension segment, and operates through the Insurance Group
(consisting principally of Equitable Life and EVLICO); and an investment
management and investment banking business, which comprises the Investment
Services segment and operates through the Investment Subsidiaries (consisting of
DLJ, Alliance and Equitable Real Estate).
INSURANCE BUSINESS
Insurance operations accounted for $3.60 billion, or approximately 49.5% of
consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 1995. The Insurance Group
offers a variety of products which include traditional, variable and
interest-sensitive life insurance products, annuity products and mutual fund and
other investment products. The Insurance Group emphasizes the sale of individual
variable and interest-sensitive life insurance and annuity products. The
Insurance Group maintains a substantial market share in sales of individual
variable life insurance in the United States and also maintains a strong
position in the market for individual variable annuity products. This segment
also includes the Insurance Group's Separate Accounts for certain individual
insurance and annuity products in which customers may invest their accumulated
policy funds.
The Equitable believes the experience and training of its career agency
force constitutes a key competitive advantage in the sale of the Insurance
Group's sophisticated insurance products, including variable life insurance and
annuity products which offer a broad range of investment options. At December
31, 1995, the Insurance Group led the insurance industry in the number of agents
and employees who hold both the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered
Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations. The Equitable's career agency force is
also an industry leader in the number of agents who have the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. qualifications necessary to sell
variable life insurance, variable annuities and mutual funds.
As of the date of this Prospectus, the financial strength or claims-paying
rating of Equitable Life and EVLICO was 'AA-' from Standard & Poor's Corporation
(4th highest rating of 18) and Duff & Phelps, Inc. (4th highest rating of 18),
'A' from A.M. Best Company, Inc. (3rd highest rating of 15), 'A1' from Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. (5th highest rating of 19) and 'AA' from Fitch Investors
Service, L.P. (3rd highest rating of 18).
INVESTMENT BUSINESS
The Investment Services segment, which accounted for $3.69 billion, or
approximately 50.8% of consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31,
1995, provides investment management, investment banking, securities transaction
and brokerage services to both corporate and institutional clients, including
the Insurance Group, and to high-net-worth individuals.
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The Investment Subsidiaries have steadily added to third party assets under
management, while continuing to provide investment management services to the
Insurance Group. Of the $212.05 billion of assets under management at March 31,
1996, $161.23 billion (76.0%) were managed by the Investment Subsidiaries for
third parties, including domestic and overseas investors, mutual funds, pension
funds, endowment funds and, through the Insurance Group's Separate Accounts,
insurance and annuity customers of the Insurance Group. During 1995,
approximately $128.2 million (17.3%) of the fees earned by the Investment
Subsidiaries for asset management consisted of fees for services provided to the
Insurance Group.
DLJ is a leading integrated investment and merchant bank that serves
institutional, corporate, governmental and individual clients both domestically
and internationally. DLJ's businesses include securities underwriting, sales and
trading; merchant banking; financial advisory services; investment research;
correspondent brokerage services; and asset management. DLJ's revenues for the
year ended December 31, 1995 were $2.76 billion. DLJ conducts its operations
through three principal operating groups: the Banking Group, the Capital Markets
Group and the Financial Services Group. The Banking Group includes the
investment banking, merchant banking and recently formed emerging markets
divisions. The Capital Markets Group is comprised of DLJ's fixed income,
institutional equities and equities derivatives divisions, as well as Sprout,
its venture capital affiliate. The Financial Services Group is comprised of its
Pershing clearing division, its investment services group and Wood Struthers &
Winthrop, which provides investment management and trust services primarily to
high-net-worth individual investors and institutions. DLJ's business also
includes its Autranet subsidiary, a distributor of investment research products.
Alliance is one of the largest investment advisors in the United States and
provides diversified investment management services to a variety of institutions
including The Equitable, as well as to individual investors through a broad line
of mutual funds. Alliance had assets under management at March 31, 1996 of
$163.02 billion (including $141.05 billion for third party clients).
Equitable Real Estate is the largest United States manager of tax-exempt
assets invested in real estate, with total assets under management of $25.10
billion at March 31, 1996 (including $13.50 billion for third party clients).
Equitable Real Estate provides real estate investment management services,
property management services, mortgage servicing, loan asset management,
mortgage loan origination and agricultural investment management. In addition,
Equitable Real Estate has capabilities in a variety of other major real estate
disciplines, including acquisitions and financings, portfolio management, asset
management, appraisals, asset dispositions and workouts, and capital markets.
5
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PART A
DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN
The Plan described in this Prospectus is available to any person or entity,
whether or not already a holder of record of the Company's Common Stock,
provided that (i) such person or entity complies with the enrollment procedures
described below, and (ii) in the case of citizens or residents of a country
other than the U.S., its territories and possessions, participation would not
violate local laws applicable to the Company or participant. The Plan has been
established by the Company to provide participants with a simple and convenient
method of purchasing shares of the Company's Common Stock, without incurring
brokerage commissions or other fees. SHARES WILL BE PURCHASED AT MARKET PRICES
ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE (THE 'NYSE'), AND THE COMPANY WILL PAY ALL
BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS AND OTHER FEES IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OF SHARES
UNDER THE PLAN. THE PLAN IS ADMINISTERED BY FIRST CHICAGO TRUST COMPANY OF NEW
YORK ('FIRST CHICAGO'), THE COMPANY'S TRANSFER AGENT.
More information about the Plan is included in the 'Questions and Answers'
section that follows. The information in Part A of this Prospectus is qualified
by reference to the Terms and Conditions of the Plan (the 'Terms and
Conditions'), a copy of which is included in Part B of this Prospectus. If there
are any conflicts between the information in Part A of this Prospectus and the
Terms and Conditions, the Terms and Conditions govern.
WHY HAS THE COMPANY ESTABLISHED THE PLAN?
The Plan has been established by the Company in order to provide
participants with the opportunity to purchase shares of the Company's Common
Stock (with a minimum initial investment of $500 and subsequent minimum
investments of $50) without paying brokerage commissions or other fees in
connection with the purchase of shares under the Plan.
HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE PLAN?
Simply complete the Enrollment Form included in this package and mail it,
along with your initial investment of at least $500, to:
The Equitable Direct Purchase Plan
c/o First Chicago Trust Company of New York
Investment Plans
P.O. Box 13517
Newark, New Jersey 07188-0001
After your initial investment of at least $500, subsequent investments of
at least $50 ($50,000 maximum per calendar year) may be made by check, money
order, or through automatic monthly withdrawals ('Automatic Investments') from
your savings or checking account. To initiate Automatic Investments, simply
complete the 'Automatic Monthly Withdrawal' section of the enclosed Enrollment
Form. Automatic Investments will be initiated as promptly as practicable and,
following initiation, funds will be automatically deducted from your account on
either the 15th of each month or the last day of each month, whichever date you
designate (or, if the
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date falls on a bank holiday, the next business day). You should allow four to
six weeks for the first Automatic Investment to be initiated. You may change or
terminate Automatic Investments by notifying First Chicago in writing at least
six business days prior to the Automatic Investment date on which you would like
the change or termination to be effective.
No interest will be paid on amounts held by First Chicago pending
investment. Purchases of shares under the Plan generally will be made on
Wednesday of each week ('purchase date'), or the first business day thereafter.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE DIVIDENDS PAID ON SHARES HELD IN MY PLAN ACCOUNT?
By electing to participate in the Plan, you are also electing to be
enrolled in The Equitable Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the
'Dividend Reinvestment Plan'), so cash dividends paid on shares purchased under
the Plan will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of Common Stock
pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and held in your Plan account.
Information about dividends will be included in the quarterly report you receive
from First Chicago detailing the activity in your Plan account. You may elect to
withdraw from the Dividend Reinvestment Plan at any time by notifying First
Chicago of your wish to do so, in accordance with the terms and conditions of
the Dividend Reinvestment Plan, a copy of which is included in Part B of this
Prospectus.
HOW CAN I KEEP TRACK OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES I ACCUMULATE AND AT WHAT PRICE THEY
WERE PURCHASED?
First Chicago will maintain a separate account under the Plan for each
participant, and quarterly statements will be mailed to Plan participants
reporting all activity in their accounts. These statements will provide a
summary of transactions, including the total number of shares in the
participant's account; the number of shares purchased, sold or withdrawn during
the quarter; the per share purchase price; and the dollar amount of cash
dividends paid (per share and in total) and reinvested. The statement for the
fourth quarter will reflect all account activity for the year. In addition,
participants will be sent a confirmation statement after enrollment and after
each subsequent investment or sale. Automatic Investments and dividend
reinvestments will not be individually confirmed, but will appear on quarterly
statements.
HOW IS THE PRICE PER SHARE COMPUTED FOR PURCHASES UNDER THE PLAN?
The price per share for Common Stock purchased for each participant's Plan
account will be the average price of all shares purchased on the NYSE by First
Chicago under the Plan on the particular purchase date. You will not be able to
direct the timing of purchases of shares of Common Stock made with your
contributions.
IF THE AMOUNT OF EACH INVESTMENT I MAKE REMAINS THE SAME, WILL I BE BUYING THE
SAME NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL SHARES EACH TIME?
It is important to note that stock prices fluctuate. Therefore, there is no
way to determine ahead of time exactly how many full shares (or fractional
shares) will be purchased with your investment on a future date.
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WILL I RECEIVE STOCK CERTIFICATES WHEN SHARES ARE PURCHASED?
Shares bought under the Plan will be held for you in book-entry form by
First Chicago without charge. However, if you wish to receive stock certificates
for full shares credited to your account, all you need to do is send a written
request to First Chicago at the address noted below.
WILL I HAVE VOTING RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO SHARES HELD IN MY PLAN ACCOUNT?
Yes. You will be able to vote the number of full shares held in your Plan
account. Fractional shares cannot be voted. You will also receive the Company's
annual report and all other shareholder information.
CAN I SELL OR WITHDRAW SOME OR ALL OF THE SHARES HELD IN MY PLAN ACCOUNT?
Yes. You can sell or withdraw some or all of the shares held in your Plan
account at any time by giving notice to First Chicago in writing. If you would
like your shares in certificated form, First Chicago will send you a stock
certificate for the number of full shares held in your Plan account. Fractional
shares will be paid in cash. You will be sent a check for any fractional shares,
in an amount reflecting the then current market price of the stock. If you
prefer, First Chicago will sell some or all of the shares held in your Plan
account and send you a check for the proceeds, less any applicable brokerage
commissions, a service fee and any other costs of sale. First Chicago currently
charges a fee of $10 per sale plus 12 cents per share sold (although these fees
are subject to change).
CAN I MAKE A GIFT OF SHARES HELD UNDER THE PLAN, OR TRANSFER THEM TO ANOTHER
PERSON?
Yes. You may transfer the ownership of some or all of the shares held in
your Plan account by sending written, signed transfer instructions to First
Chicago. Signatures must be Medallion Guaranteed by a financial institution
participating in the Medallion Guarantee program. Shares transferred will
continue to be held by First Chicago under the Plan. An account will be opened
in the name of the transferee, if he or she is not already a participant in the
Plan, and such transferee will be automatically enrolled in the Plan. Cash
dividends paid on shares of Common Stock transferred under the Plan will be
automatically reinvested in additional shares of Common Stock pursuant to the
Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON MY ABILITY TO MAKE PURCHASES OR SALES UNDER THE
PLAN?
The U.S. securities laws impose certain restrictions on purchases and sales
of securities by any individual in possession of material non-public 'inside'
information about a company. In addition, if you are a 'restricted person' under
the Policy Statement on Trading in Securities of The Equitable Companies
Incorporated (the 'Insider Trading Policy'), you may enroll in the Plan and make
investments under the Plan only during a 'window' period (in general, a 'window'
period is the 30-day period commencing two business days after the Company's
public announcement of its financial results for each reporting period, during
which individuals designated as restricted persons may make purchases or sales
of Company stock). Notwithstanding the foregoing, once you have enrolled in the
Plan, Automatic Investments through regular withdrawals from your savings or
checking account may occur regardless of whether the window is open. As a
restricted person, however, you must wait until the window is open if you wish
to change the amount of your Automatic Investments or terminate
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your Automatic Investments, or sell Common Stock held in your Plan account. All
restricted persons have received a copy of the Insider Trading Policy, which
describes the window period in greater detail.
WHAT FEES AND COMMISSIONS WILL I BE CHARGED?
First Chicago will charge brokerage commissions and certain fees in
connection with a sale of shares from your account. First Chicago currently
charges a fee of $10 per sale plus 12 cents per share sold, although these fees
are subject to change. In addition, the Company may, in the future, impose
certain additional fees on Plan participants in connection with participation in
the Plan.
WHAT ARE THE TAX IMPLICATIONS OF PARTICIPATION IN THE PLAN?
The amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Company on your behalf will
be treated as dividend income to you and is includable in your cost basis of
shares purchased. In addition, dividends that are reinvested pursuant to the
Dividend Reinvestment Plan are subject to income taxes as if they were paid to
you in cash. If required by the IRS, an information return will be sent to you
and to the IRS at year-end which will show the amount paid on your behalf.
You will not realize gains or losses for U.S. Federal income tax purposes
upon the withdrawal of whole shares from the Plan. However, you will generally
realize gains or losses upon the sale of shares (including the receipt of cash
for fractional shares) held in your Plan account. Non-resident aliens or
non-U.S. corporations, partnerships or other entities that participate in the
Plan generally are subject to a withholding tax on dividends paid on shares held
under the Plan. First Chicago is required to withhold from dividends paid the
appropriate amount determined in accordance with IRS regulations. Where
applicable, this withholding tax is determined by treaty between the U.S. and
the country in which such participant resides, subject to applicable U.S. rules
regarding documentation. Accordingly, the amount of any dividends, net of
withholding tax, will be credited to participants' Plan accounts for investment
in additional shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
You will be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 31% with respect to
dividends paid on, or the proceeds of the sale, exchange or redemption of,
shares held under the Plan, unless you (i) are a corporation or come within
certain exempt categories and, when required, demonstrate this fact or (ii)
provide a taxpayer identification number and otherwise comply with applicable
backup withholding rules.
The foregoing does not purport to be a comprehensive summary of all of the
tax considerations that may be relevant to you. In addition, special tax
considerations may apply to certain participants. Therefore, you are urged to
consult your own adviser regarding the consequences of participation in the
Plan.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS A STOCK SPLIT OR A STOCK DIVIDEND IS DECLARED?
In the event dividends are paid in Common Stock, or if Common Stock is
distributed in connection with any stock split or similar transaction, your Plan
account will be adjusted to reflect the receipt of the Common Stock so paid or
distributed. In the event that the Company makes available to its shareholders
rights to subscribe to additional shares, debentures, or other securities, the
shares in your Plan account will be included in calculating the number of rights
to be issued to you.
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WHOM DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DIRECT PURCHASE PLAN?
Call First Chicago at 1-800-437-8736 or write to:
The Equitable Direct Purchase Plan
c/o First Chicago Trust Company of New York
Investment Plans
P.O. Box 13517
Newark, New Jersey 07188-0001
SUSPENSION, MODIFICATION OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN
The Company may suspend, modify or terminate, in whole or in part, the Plan
at any time and, in such event, affected participants will be so notified. No
modification or termination will affect previously executed transactions.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Purchases of Common Stock under the Plan will be made in the open market on
the NYSE and the Company will not receive any proceeds therefrom.
LEGAL OPINION
The validity of any Common Stock offered hereby has been passed upon for
the Company by Debevoise & Plimpton, 875 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement
schedules of the Company as of December 31, 1993, December 31, 1994 and December
31, 1995 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus have been so incorporated in
reliance on the reports of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given
on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
The U.S. firm of Price Waterhouse has registered as a Registered Limited
Liability Partnership (LLP) under the laws of the State of Delaware and from
August 1, 1994 will continue its practice under the name of Price Waterhouse
LLP. All references to Price Waterhouse in the documents incorporated herein by
reference are to Price Waterhouse LLP.
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PART B
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF
THE EQUITABLE DIRECT PURCHASE PLAN
1. Any person or entity, whether or not already a holder of common stock, par
value $.01 ('Common Stock'), of The Equitable Companies Incorporated ('EQ')
may participate in the EQ Direct Purchase Plan (the 'Plan'), provided that
(i) such person or entity complies with the enrollment procedures under the
Plan, and (ii) in the case of citizens or residents of a country other than
the U.S., its territories and possessions, participation would not violate
local laws applicable to EQ or the participant. Participants in the Plan may
purchase shares of EQ Common Stock by sending a minimum initial investment
of $500 or subsequent minimum investments of $50 ($50,000 maximum per
calendar year) ('investments') to First Chicago Trust Company of New York
('First Chicago'), agent for each participant in the Plan. Subsequent
investments may be made by check, money order, or through automatic monthly
withdrawals from your savings or checking account. First Chicago will apply
all investments received from such participant, together with all cash
dividends which become payable to such participant on shares of Common Stock
purchased under the Plan, for the purchase of shares of Common Stock for
such participant. These purchases shall be made at market prices on the date
of purchase through a broker or dealer registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission selected by First Chicago on any securities exchange
where such shares are traded and may be subject to such terms of price,
delivery, etc., to which First Chicago may agree. Neither EQ nor any
participant shall have any authority or power to direct the time, price or
manner of purchases of Common Stock under the Plan, or the selection of the
broker or dealer through or from which purchases are to be made (except to
the extent that EQ requests that transactions through its affiliates be
restricted as a result of applicable securities laws or regulations).
2. Purchases of Common Stock under the Plan generally will be made on Wednesday
of each week ('purchase date') or the first business day thereafter.
Participants may submit initial investments or subsequent investments at any
time. Investments received after a particular purchase date will be held for
investment on the next purchase date. No interest will be paid on funds
received for investment pending purchase of shares on a purchase date. Any
investment will be refunded if the participant's written request for a
refund is received by First Chicago not less than 48 hours before the next
purchase date. The price per share for Common Stock purchased for each
participant's account shall be the average price of all shares purchased
under the Plan on the particular purchase date. First Chicago will maintain
a separate account for each Plan participant and hold the total shares
purchased for all participants in book-entry form in its name or the name of
its nominee and will have no responsibility for the value of such shares
after their purchase.
3. First Chicago will make every effort to purchase shares of Common Stock with
investments on each purchase date, and in no event later than five business
days from such date, except where required under any applicable Federal
securities laws or regulations.
4. By electing to participate in the Plan, each participant in the Plan
affirmatively agrees, with respect to shares of Common Stock held in the
participant's account under the Plan, to participate in and be bound by the
terms and conditions of The Equitable Dividend Reinvestment and Stock
Purchase Plan (the 'Dividend
11
<PAGE>
Reinvestment Plan'). Consequently, all cash dividends received on shares
held in a participant's Plan account will be invested in additional shares
of Common Stock pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
5. A statement reporting the activity in each participant's account and
describing investments, the number of shares of Common Stock purchased, the
price per share, and the total number of shares held in the participant's
Plan account will be mailed to each participant by First Chicago quarterly,
as soon as practicable after the end of the calendar quarter. In addition,
participants will be sent a confirmation statement after enrollment and
after each subsequent investment or sale. Automatic monthly withdrawals from
a participant's savings or checking account and dividend reinvestments will
not be individually confirmed, but will appear on quarterly statements.
6. Each participant may obtain, without charge, a certificate or certificates
for all or a part of the full shares of Common Stock credited to the
participant's account at any time by making a request in writing to First
Chicago.
7. A participant may withdraw all or some of the shares held in the
participant's Plan account at any time by giving notice to First Chicago in
writing. If a participant would like shares held in the participant's Plan
account in certificated form, First Chicago will send the participant a
stock certficate for the number of full shares held in the participant's
Plan account. All fractional shares shall be paid for in cash, at the then
current market price, less any brokerage commissions and any other costs of
sale. If a participant prefers, First Chicago will also sell all or some of
the shares held in the participant's Plan account and send the participant a
check for the proceeds, less any applicable brokerage commissions, a service
fee and any other costs of sale. To the extent of a withdrawal of shares in
the form of cash, requiring a sale of shares, such sale may to the extent
permitted by applicable law, but need not, be made by the purchase of shares
for the account of other participants, and any such transaction shall be
deemed to have been made at the then current market price, less any
applicable brokerage commissions and any other costs of sale.
8. A participant will have the sole right to vote full shares of Common Stock
held in the participant's Plan account on the record date for a vote.
Proxies with respect to shares of Common Stock sent to a participant by
First Chicago, as transfer agent, will include the number of full shares of
Common Stock held in the participant's Plan account. Fractional shares will
not be voted.
9. Any stock dividends or split shares of Common Stock distributed on shares
held by First Chicago will be credited to the participant's Plan account. In
the event that EQ makes available to its shareholders rights to subscribe to
additional shares, debentures, or other securities, the shares held in a
participant's Plan account will be included in calculating the number of
rights to be issued to such participant.
10. To the extent required by law, dividends paid on shares held in a
participant's Plan account and the amount of any brokerage commissions paid
on behalf of a participant by EQ will be included in a Form 1099 DIV, a copy
of which will be sent to the Internal Revenue Service ('IRS') and to each
individual participant.
11. First Chicago shall not be liable under the Plan for any act done in good
faith or for any good faith omission to act including, without limitation,
any claims for liability with respect to the prices at which shares of
Common Stock are purchased or sold for participants' Plan accounts and the
time such purchases or sales are made.
12
<PAGE>
12. EQ may suspend, modify or terminate, in whole or in part, the Plan at any
time and, in such event, affected participants will be so notified. No
modification or termination will affect previously executed transactions. In
addition, EQ or First Chicago may terminate, for whatever reason at any time
as it may determine in its sole discretion, an individual's participation in
the Plan upon mailing a notice of termination to the participant at the
address as it appears in First Chicago's records. Upon such termination, a
participant will receive a stock certificate for the number of full shares
of Common Stock credited to the participant's Plan account. If a participant
so requests, all or a part of his or her shares may be sold by First Chicago
upon termination from the Plan. Such sale may, but need not, be made by the
purchase of shares for the account of other participants, and any such
transaction shall be deemed to have been made at the then current market
price, less any applicable brokerage commissions and any other costs of
sale. Fractional shares credited to a terminating account will be paid for
in cash, at the then current market price, less any brokerage commissions
and any other costs of sale.
13. The terms and conditions of this Plan and its operations shall be governed
by the laws of the State of New York.
14. The Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 imposes certain
reporting obligations upon brokers and other middlemen. As a result, First
Chicago will be required to report to the IRS and to a participant any sales
of stock by it on behalf of a participant.
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<PAGE>
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE EQUITABLE DIVIDEND
REINVESTMENT AND STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
1. A shareholder of record of The Equitable Companies Incorporated ('EQ') may
authorize EQ to pay his or her cash dividends to First Chicago Trust Company
of New York ('First Chicago'), agent for each participant in The Equitable
Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the 'Plan'). Thereafter,
First Chicago will apply all cash dividends which become payable to such
participant on shares of EQ common stock (including certificated shares,
shares held in book entry form, and shares accumulated under the Plan),
together with any supplemental investment ($25 minimum per month, $60,000
maximum per calendar year) received from such participant, for the purchase
of additional shares of EQ common stock for such participant. These
purchases shall be made through a broker or dealer registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission selected by First Chicago on any
securities exchange where such shares are traded, in the over-the-counter
market, or by negotiated transactions, and may be subject to such terms of
price, delivery etc., to which First Chicago may agree. Neither EQ nor any
participant shall have any authority or power to direct the time or price
and which shares may be purchased, or the selection of the broker or dealer
through or from which purchases are to be made (except to the extent that EQ
requests that transactions through its affiliates be restricted as a result
of Federal securities laws or regulations).
2. Purchases of shares under the Plan generally will be made (i) with respect
to dividends paid on EQ common stock, on the dividend payment date (the
'dividend payment date') or the first practicable business day thereafter,
and (ii) with respect to supplemental investments, on the 15th day of each
month ('purchase date') or the first business day thereafter. Participants
may submit supplemental investments during the calendar month. Supplemental
investments received after a particular purchase date will be held for
investment on the next purchase date. No interest will be paid on funds
received for supplemental investments pending purchase of shares on a
purchase date. Any supplemental investment will be refunded if the
participant's written request for a refund is received by First Chicago not
less than 48 hours before the next purchase date. The price per share for EQ
common stock purchased for each participant's account shall be the average
price of all shares purchased under the Plan on the particular dividend
payment date or monthly purchase date, as the case may be. First Chicago
will hold the total shares purchased for all participants in its name or the
name of its nominee and will have no responsibility for the value of such
shares after their purchase.
3. First Chicago will make every effort to invest dividends or supplemental
investments on each dividend payment date or purchase date as the case may
be, and in no event later than 30 days from such date, except where required
under any applicable Federal securities laws or regulations.
4. A statement describing cash dividends and/or supplemental investments, the
number of shares purchased, the price per share, and total shares
accumulated under the Plan will be mailed to each participant by First
Chicago quarterly, as soon as practicable after the end of the calendar
month in which a dividend payment date occurs. After a purchase date in a
month in which a dividend payment does not occur, a confirmation statement
setting forth the number of shares purchased and the purchase price per
share will be mailed to each participant who made a supplemental investment
during that month as soon as practicable after the respective purchase date.
5. Each participant may obtain, without charge, a certificate or certificates
for all or part of the full shares credited to the participant's account at
any time by making a request in writing to First Chicago. Participants who
wish to do so may deposit certificates registered in their names for credit
as accrued shares held under the Plan. There is no charge for such deposits.
6. Participation in the Plan may be terminated by a participant at any time by
written instructions to that effect to First Chicago. To be effective on any
given dividend payment date, the notice to discontinue must be received by
First Chicago before the record date for that dividend. If a notice to
discontinue is received by
14
<PAGE>
First Chicago on or after the record date for a dividend payment, such
notice to discontinue may not become effective until such dividend has been
reinvested and the shares purchased are credited to the participant's
account under the Plan. First Chicago, in its sole discretion, may either
pay such dividend in cash or reinvest it in EQ common stock on behalf of the
terminating participant. First Chicago may terminate, for whatever reason at
any time as it may determine in its sole discretion, an individual's
participation in the Plan upon mailing a notice of termination to the
participant at the address as it appears on First Chicago's records. Upon
termination by a participant, a participant will receive a stock certificate
for the number of full shares credited to the participant's account. If a
shareholder so requests, all or part of his or her shares may be sold upon
termination from the Plan. Such sale may, but need not, be made by the
purchase of the shares for the account of other participants, and any such
transaction shall be deemed to have been made at the then current market
price, less any applicable brokerage commissions and any other costs of
sale. Fractional shares credited to a terminating account will be paid for
in cash at the then current market price, less any brokerage commissions and
any other costs of sale.
7. A participant will have the sole right to vote full shares credited to the
participant's account as accrued shares under the Plan on the record date
for a vote. Proxies with respect to shares of EQ common stock sent to a
participant by First Chicago, as Transfer Agent, will include the number of
full shares held for the participant under the Plan. Fractional shares will
not be voted.
8. Any stock dividends or split shares of EQ common stock distributed on shares
held by First Chicago for a participant will be credited to the
participant's account. In the event that EQ makes available to its
shareholders the right to subscribe to additional shares, debentures, or
other securities, the shares held for a participant under the Plan will be
added to other shares held by the participant in calculating the number of
rights to be issued to such participant.
9. A shareholder whose shares are held in book entry form who becomes a
participant in the Plan may continue to receive a physical certificate
representing such shares by making a request in writing to First Chicago.
Upon termination by a participant whose shares were held in book entry form
upon enrollment in the Plan, such shareholder shall receive a physical
certificate representing all of his or her shares (other than fractional
shares), unless a sale of full shares is requested in accordance with
paragraph 6 above. Fractional shares will be paid for in accordance with
paragraph 6 above.
10. The fact that dividends are reinvested does not relieve participants of
liability for income taxes that may be payable on such dividends. To the
extent required by law, dividends paid on the accumulated shares and the
amount of brokerage commission paid on behalf of a participant by EQ will be
included in a Form 1099 DIV, a copy of which will be sent to the Internal
Revenue Service and to each individual participant.
11. First Chicago shall not be liable under the Plan for any act done in good
faith or for any good faith omission to act including, without limitation,
any claims for liability (1) arising out of failure to terminate an
individual's participation in the Plan upon the participant's death prior to
receipt of notice in writing of such death, and (2) with respect to the
prices at which shares are purchased or sold for participants' accounts and
the time such purchases or sales are made.
12. The terms and conditions of the Plan and its operation shall be governed by
the laws of the State of New York.
13. The Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 imposes certain
obligations upon brokers and other middlemen. As a result, First Chicago
will be required to report to the IRS and to the participant any sales of
stock by it on behalf of the participant.
15
<PAGE>
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NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT
BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN
OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN
THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO BUY SUCH SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH
SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS
NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY
IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE EQUITABLE
COMPANIES INCORPORATED SINCE THE DATE THEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED
OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE
DATE OF SUCH INFORMATION.
------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROSPECTUS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
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<S> <C>
Available Information.......................... 2
Incorporation of Certain Documents by
Reference.................................... 2
The Equitable.................................. 3
Description of the Plan........................ 6
Legal Opinion.................................. 10
Experts........................................ 10
Terms and Conditions of The Equitable Direct
Purchase Plan................................ 11
Terms and Conditions of The Equitable Dividend
Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan......... 14
</TABLE>
THE EQUITABLE COMPANIES INCORPORATED
DIRECT PURCHASE PLAN
------------------------
PROSPECTUS
------------------------
July , 1996
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<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
The following table sets forth those expenses to be incurred by the Company
in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being
registered. Except for the Securities and Exchange Commission filing fee, all
amounts shown are estimates.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission filing fee................. $ 82,759
Blue Sky fees and expenses.................................... 2,000
Printing and engraving expenses............................... 200,000
Accountant's fees and expenses................................ 20,000
Legal fees and expenses....................................... 50,000
Miscellaneous expenses........................................ 15,000
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Total.................................................... $369,759
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</TABLE>
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended, provides
in regards to indemnification of directors and officers as follows:
145. Indemnification of Officers, Directors, Employees and Agents;
Insurance.
(a) A corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the
fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted
in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action
or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The
termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement,
conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of
itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a
manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
(b) A corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or
suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by
reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of
the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys' fees)
actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or
settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any
claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be
liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of
Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine
upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all
the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court
shall deem proper.
(c) To the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent of a
corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any
action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this
section, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be
indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
incurred by him in connection therewith.
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<PAGE>
(d) Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this section
(unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the corporation only as authorized
in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director,
officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because he has met the
applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this
section. Such determination shall be made (1) by a majority vote of the
directors who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding even though
less than a quorum, or (2) if there are no such directors, or, if such directors
so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (3) by the
stockholders.
(e) Expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by an officer or director
in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit
or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition
of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on
behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately
be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as
authorized in this section. Such expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred
by other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if
any, as the board of directors deems appropriate.
(f) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted
pursuant to, the other subsections of this section shall not be deemed exclusive
of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of
expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or
disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity
and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.
(g) A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on
behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him
and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such,
whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him against
such liability under this section.
(h) For purposes of this section, references to 'the corporation' shall
include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation
(including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or
merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and
authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that
any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such
constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same
position under this section with respect to the resulting or surviving
corporation as he would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its
separate existence had continued.
(i) For purposes of this section, references to 'other enterprises' shall
include employee benefit plans; references to 'fines' shall include any excise
taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; and
references to 'serving at the request of the corporation' shall include any
service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation which
imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, or
agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or
beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries
of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner 'not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation' as referred to in this
section.
(j) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted
pursuant to, this section shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or
ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer,
employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and
administrators of such a person.
Article SIXTH of the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation
provides in regard to indemnification of directors and officers as follows:
SIXTH: (i) Each person who is or was or had agreed to become a
Director or Officer of the Corporation, and each person who is or was
serving or who had agreed to serve at the request of the Board of Directors
or an officer of the Corporation as a director or officer of another
corporation (including, without limitation, The Equitable Life Assurance
Society of the United States and its subsidiaries),
II-2
<PAGE>
partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
enterprise (including the heirs, executor, administrators or estate of such
person), shall be indemnified by the Corporation, and (ii) each person who
is or was or who had agreed to become an employee or agent of the
Corporation or who is or was serving or who had agreed to serve at the
request of the Board of Directors or an officer of the Corporation as an
employee or agent of another corporation (including, without limitation,
The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and its
subsidiaries), partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or
other enterprise (including the heirs, executor, administrators or estate
of such person) may be indemnified by the Corporation, in each case in
accordance with the By-Laws, to the full extent permitted from time to time
by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware as the same exists
or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only
to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide
broader amendment rights than said law permitted the Corporation to provide
prior to such amendment) or any other applicable laws as presently or
hereafter in effect. Without limiting the generality or the effect of the
foregoing, the Corporation may enter into one or more agreements with any
person which provide for indemnification greater or different than provided
in this Article SIXTH. Any amendment or repeal of this Article SIXTH shall
not adversely affect any right or protection existing hereunder immediately
prior to such amendment or repeal.
Article VI of the Company's By-Laws provides in regard to indemnification
of directors and officers as follows:
Section 6.1. NATURE OF INDEMNITY. The Corporation shall indemnify any
person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or
she is or was or has agreed to become a Director or officer of the
Corporation, or is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of
the Corporation as a Director or officer of another corporation (including,
without limitation, The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United
States and its subsidiaries), partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, including an employee benefit plan, or by reason of any action
alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, and may indemnify
any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to
such an action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is
or was or has agreed to become an employee or agent of the Corporation, or
is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Corporation
as an employee or agent of another corporation (including, without
limitation, The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and
its subsidiaries), partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise,
including an employee benefit plan, against expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
reasonably incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in connection
with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therefrom, if he or she
acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in
or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect
to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe
his or her conduct was unlawful; except that in the case of an action or
suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its
favor (1) such indemnification shall be limited to expenses (including
attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in the
defense or settlement of such action or suit, and (2) no indemnification
shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such
person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and
only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in
which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application
that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the
circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity for such expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery or such
other court shall deem proper.
The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order,
settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent
shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in
good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or
not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to
any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his
or her conduct was unlawful. [Section 145(a), (b)]
Section 6.2. SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE. To the extent that a Director,
officer, employee or agent of the Corporation has been successful on the
merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred
to in Section 6.1 hereof or in defense of any claim, issue or matter
therein, he or she shall be
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<PAGE>
indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and
reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith.
Section 6.3. DETERMINATION THAT INDEMNIFICATION IS PROPER. Any
indemnification of a Director or officer of the Corporation under Section
6.1 hereof (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation
unless a determination is made that indemnification of the Director or
officer is not proper in the circumstances because he or she has not met
the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 6.1 hereof. Any
indemnification of an employee or agent of the Corporation under Section
6.1 hereof (unless ordered by a court) may be made by the Corporation upon
a determination that indemnification of the employee or agent is proper in
the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of
conduct set forth in Section 6.1 hereof. Any such determination shall be
made (1) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum
consisting of Directors who were not parties to such action, suit or
proceeding, or (2) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if
obtainable a quorum of disinterested Directors so directs, by independent
legal counsel in a written opinion, or (3) by the stockholders. [Section
145(d), (f)]
Section 6.4. ADVANCE PAYMENT OF EXPENSES. Expenses (including
attorneys' fees) incurred by a Director or Officer in defending any civil,
administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by
the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or
proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Director
or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that
he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as
authorized in this Article VI. Such expenses (including attorneys' fees)
incurred by other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and
conditions, if any, as the Board of Directors deems appropriate. The Board
of Directors may authorize the Corporation's counsel to represent such
Director, officer, employee or agent in any action, suit or proceeding,
whether or not the Corporation is a party to such action, suit or
proceeding. [Section 145(e)]
Section 6.5. PROCEDURE FOR INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND
OFFICERS. Any indemnification of a Director or officer of the Corporation
under Sections 6.1 and 6.2, or advance of costs, charges and expenses to a
Director or officer under Section 6.4 of this Article VI, shall be made
promptly, and in any event within 30 days, upon the written request of the
Director or officer. If a determination by the Corporation that the
Director or officer is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Article
is required, and the Corporation fails to respond within sixty days to a
written request for indemnity, the Corporation shall be deemed to have
approved such request. If the Corporation denies a written request for
indemnity or advancement of expenses, in whole or in part, or if payment in
full pursuant to such request is not made within 30 days, the right to
indemnification or advances as granted by this Article VI shall be
enforceable by the Director or officer in any court of competent
jurisdiction. Such person's cost and expenses incurred in connection with
successfully establishing his or her right to indemnification, in whole or
in part, in any such action shall also be indemnified by the Corporation.
It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to
enforce a claim for the advance of costs, charges and expenses under
Section 6.4 of this Article VI where the required undertaking, if any, has
been received by the Corporation) that the claimant has not met the
standard of conduct set forth in Section 6.1 of this Article, but the
burden of proving such defense shall be on the Corporation. Neither the
failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, its
independent legal counsel, and its stockholders) to have made a
determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification
of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met
the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 6.1 of this Article
VI, nor the fact that there has been an actual determination by the
Corporation (including its Board of Directors, its independent legal
counsel, and its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such
applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create
a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of
conduct.
Section 6.6. SURVIVAL, PRESERVATION OF OTHER RIGHTS. The foregoing
indemnification provisions shall be deemed to be a contract between the
Corporation and each Director, officer, employee and agent who serves in
any such capacity at any time while these provisions as well as the
relevant provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
are in effect, and any repeal or modification thereof shall not affect any
right or obligation then existing with respect to any state of facts then
or previously existing or any action, suit or proceeding previously or
thereafter brought or threatened based in whole or in part upon
II-4
<PAGE>
any such state of facts. Such a 'contract right' may not be modified
retroactively without the consent of such Director, officer, employee or
agent.
The indemnification provided by this Article VI shall not be deemed
exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled
under any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
Directors or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity
and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall
continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Director, officer, employee
or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and
administrators of such a person. [Section 145(f)]
Section 6.7. INSURANCE. The Corporation shall purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was or has agreed to become a
Director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request
of the Corporation as a Director or officer of another corporation
(including, without limitation, The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the
United States and its subsidiaries), partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise, including an employee benefit plan, against any liability
asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her or on his or her
behalf in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such,
whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her
against such liability under the provisions of this Article, provided that
such insurance is available on acceptable terms, which determination shall
be made by a vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors.
Section 6.8. SEVERABILITY. If this Article or any portion hereof
shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction,
then the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each Director or officer
and may indemnify each employee or agent of the Corporation as to costs,
charges and expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement with respect to any action, suit or proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, including an
action by or in the right of the Corporation, to the fullest extent
permitted by any applicable portion of this Article VI that shall not have
been invalidated and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended,
provides in regard to the limitation of liability of directors and officers as
follows:
(b) In addition to the matters required to be set forth in the
certificate of incorporation by subsection (a) of this section, the
certificate of incorporation may also contain any or all of the following
matters:
**************
(7) A provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a
director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for
breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such provision shall
not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of
the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii)
for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct of a knowing violation of law, (iii) under section 174 of this
Title, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an
improper personal benefit. No such provision shall eliminate or limit the
liability of a director for any act or omission occurring prior to the date
when such provision becomes effective. All references in this Paragraph to
a director shall also be deemed to refer (x) to a member of the governing
body of a corporation which is not authorized to issue capital stock, and
(y) to such other person or persons, if any, who, pursuant to a provision
of the certificate of incorporation in accordance with subsection (a) of
Section 141 of this title, exercise or perform any of the powers or duties
otherwise conferred or imposed upon the board of directors by this title.
Article FIFTH (f) of the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation,
as amended, provides in regard to the limitation of liability of directors and
officers as follows:
(f) No Director of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation
or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of his or her fiduciary
duty as a Director, provided that nothing contained in this paragraph (f)
of this Article FIFTH shall eliminate or limit the liability of a director
(i) for any breach of the Director's duty of loyalty to the Corporation or
its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which
involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law, (iii)
under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
or (iv) for any transaction from which the Director
II-5
<PAGE>
derived an improper personal benefit. No amendment, modification or repeal
of this paragraph (f) of this Article FIFTH shall adversely affect any
right or protection of a Director that exists at the time of such
amendment, modification or repeal.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
5.01 Opinion of Debevoise & Plimpton.
23.01 Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
23.02 Consent of Debevoise & Plimpton (included in Exhibit 5.01).
24.01 Powers of Attorney of certain officers and directors of the Company (on pages II-7-8 hereof).
</TABLE>
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
(a) Rule 415 Offering.
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;
(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;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan
of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement
or any material change to such information in the Registration
Statement;
Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not
apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective
amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed
by the Company pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in
the Registration Statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(b) Filings Incorporating Subsequent Exchange Act Documents by Reference.
The undersigned registrants hereby undertake that, for purpose of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of
the company's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide
offering thereof.
(c) Acceleration of Effectiveness.
Insofar as indemnifications for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons, if any, of the registrants pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the registrants have been advised that in the
opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by a registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person, if any, of such
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, such 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.
II-6
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, The Equitable
Companies Incorporated 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 New York, State of New York, on this 24th day of
June, 1996.
THE EQUITABLE COMPANIES INCORPORATED
By: _______/s/ JOSEPH J. MELONE_______
Name: Joseph J. Melone
Title: Chief Executive Officer and
Director
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints each of Henry Q. Conley, Robert E. Garber,
Pauline Sherman and George H. Stansfield as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact
and agent, with full power of substitution, for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments or
post-effective amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute may
lawfully 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>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:
/s/ JOSEPH J. MELONE President, Chief Executive Officer June 24, 1996
- ------------------------------------------ and Director
Joseph J. Melone
/s/ JAMES M. BENSON Senior Executive Vice President and June 24, 1996
- ------------------------------------------ Chief Operating Officer
James M. Benson
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER:
/s/ JERRY M. DE ST. PAER Executive Vice President and June 24, 1996
- ------------------------------------------ Chief Financial Officer
Jerry M. de St. Paer
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER:
/s/ ALVIN H. FENICHEL Senior Vice President and Controller June 24, 1996
- ------------------------------------------
Alvin H. Fenichel
/s/ CLAUDE BEBEAR Chairman of the Board, Director June 24, 1996
- ------------------------------------------
Claude Bebear
/s/ HENRI DE CASTRIES Director June 24, 1996
- ------------------------------------------
Henri de Castries
</TABLE>
II-7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ JOHN S. CHALSTY Director June 24, 1996
- ------------------------------------------
John S. Chalsty
/s/ JOSEPH L. DIONNE Director June 24, 1996
- ------------------------------------------
Joseph L. Dionne
/s/ WILLIAM T. ESREY Director June 24, 1996
- ------------------------------------------
William T. Esrey
Director
- ------------------------------------------
Jean-Rene Fourtrou
/s/ DONALD J. GREENE Director June 24, 1996
- ------------------------------------------
Donald J. Greene
/s/ JOHN T. HARTLEY Director June 24, 1996
- ------------------------------------------
John T. Hartley
/s/ ANTHONY J. HAMILTON Director June 24, 1996
- ------------------------------------------
Anthony J. Hamilton
Director
- ------------------------------------------
John H.F. Haskell, Jr.
/s/ W. EDWIN JARMAIN Director June 24, 1996
- ------------------------------------------
W. Edwin Jarmain
/s/ WINTHROP KNOWLTON Director June 24, 1996
- ------------------------------------------
Winthrop Knowlton
Director
- ------------------------------------------
Arthur L. Liman
Director
- ------------------------------------------
Didier Pineau-Valencienne
/s/ GEORGE J. SELLA, JR. Director June 24, 1996
- ------------------------------------------
George J. Sella, Jr.
Director
- ------------------------------------------
Dave H. Williams
</TABLE>
II-8
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE NO.
- ---------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
5.01 -- Opinion of Debevoise & Plimpton.
23.01 -- Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
23.02 -- Consent of Debevoise & Plimpton (included in Exhibit 5.01).
24.01 -- Powers of Attorney of certain officers and directors of the Company (on pages II-7
and II-8 hereof).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIIBT 5.01
[LETTER HEAD OF DEBEVOISE & PLIMPTON]
June 25, 1996
The Equitable Companies Incorporated
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10019
Registration Statement on Form S-3
Dear Sirs:
We have acted as counsel for The Equitable Companies
Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), in connection with
the preparation and filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Act"), of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 as amended (the
"Registration Statement") pertaining to shares of previously registered
Common Stock, par value $.01 ("Common Stock") of the Company to be
purchased in the open market by the Company's transfer agent in
connection with the Company's Direct Purchase Plan.
An opinion as to the legality of the Common Stock was previously
filed in connection with the original registration of the Common Stock
under a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-48115),
and we hereby reconfirm such opinion as if delivered on the date hereof.
In addition, we hereby consent to the use of our name under the
heading "Legal Opinion" in the Prospectus forming a part of the
Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby
concede that we are within the category of persons whose consent is
required under Section 7 of the Act or the Rules and Regulations
promulgated thereunder.
Very truly yours,
Debevoise & Plimpton
<PAGE>
EXHIIBT 23.01
Consent of Independent Accountants
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference
in the Prospectus constituting part of this
Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report
dated February 7, 1996 appearing on page F-1
of The Equitable Companies Incorporated's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995.
We also consent to the incorporation by reference
of our report on the Consolidated Financial Statement
Schedules, which appears on page F-50 of such Annual
Report on Form 10-K. We also consent to the reference
to us under the heading "Experts" in such Prospectus.
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
New York, New York
June 25, 1996
