<PAGE>
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 7, 1996
Registration No. 333-
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
--------------------------
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
--------------------------
TOWER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
--------------------------
DELAWARE 41-1746238
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
4508 IDS CENTER
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402
TELEPHONE: (612) 342-2310
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of Registrant's principal offices)
SCOTT D. RUED
TOWER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
4508 IDS CENTER
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402
TELEPHONE: (612) 342-2310
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
Copy to:
JEFFREY C. HAMMES, ESQ.
Kirkland & Ellis
200 East Randolph Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312) 861-2476
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time
to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
--------------------------
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box: [_]
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, 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: [_]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
==========================================================================================
Title of Each Class of Proposed Maximum Amount of
Securities to be Registered Aggregate Offering Price(1) Registration Fee
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share $9,625,000 $3,319
==========================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) Estimated solely for the purposes of determining the registration fee
pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
based on the average of the high and low sales prices on October 3, 1996,
as reported on the Nasdaq National Market.
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 this Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.
==============================================================================
<PAGE>
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+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 JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD+
+BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS +
+OF ANY SUCH JURISDICTION. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED OCTOBER 7, 1996
385,000 SHARES
Tower Automotive, Inc.
COMMON STOCK
------------
This Prospectus relates to 385,000 shares (the "Shares") of Common Stock,
par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock") of Tower Automotive, Inc. (the
"Company") being offered by MascoTech, Inc. (the "Selling Stockholder"). See
"Selling Stockholder." The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the
sale of Shares of Common Stock by the Selling Stockholder. The Shares offered
hereby include 200,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
warrants held by the Selling Stockholder (the "Warrants"). See "Use of
Proceeds."
The Selling Stockholder has advised the Company that the Shares may be sold
by the Selling Stockholder in one or more transactions (which may involve one or
more block transactions) on the Nasdaq National Market, in sales occurring in
the public market of the Nasdaq National Market, in separately negotiated
transactions or in a combination of such transactions; that each sale may be
made either at market prices prevailing at the time of such sale or at
negotiated prices; that some or all of the Shares may be sold through brokers
acting on behalf of the Selling stockholder or to dealers or underwriters for
resale by such dealers or underwriters; and that in connection with such sales
such brokers, dealers and underwriters may receive compensation in the form of
discounts or commissions from the Selling Stockholder and may receive
commissions from the purchasers of Shares for whom they act as broker or agent
(which discounts and commissions are not anticipated to exceed those customary
in the types of transactions involved). Any broker or dealer participating in
any such sale may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and will be required
to deliver a copy of this Prospectus to any person who purchases any of the
Shares from or through such broker or dealer. In addition, any Shares covered by
this Prospectus which qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities
Act may be sold by the Selling Stockholder under Rule 144 rather than pursuant
to this Prospectus. See "Plan of Distribution."
To the extent required, the specific shares of Common Stock to be sold, the
respective purchase price and the public offering price, the names of any such
broker, dealer or underwriter, any commissions or discounts with respect to a
particular offer and any other information material to the transaction will be
set forth in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement or, if appropriate, a post-
effective amendment to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a
part.
The Company's Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol "TWER." On October 3, 1996, the last reported sale price of the
Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $25.125 per share.
The Company has agreed to pay the cost of the registration of the Shares
and the preparation of this Prospectus and the Registration Statement under
which it is filed. The expenses so payable by the Company are estimated to be
approximately $25,000.
The aggregate proceeds to the Selling Stockholder from the sale of the
Shares offered hereby will be the purchase price of the Common Stock sold less
the aggregate agents' commissions and underwriters' discounts, if any. The
Company and the Selling Stockholder have agreed to indemnify each other against
certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act. See
"Plan of Distribution."
SEE "RISK FACTORS," BEGINNING ON PAGE 3 OF THIS PROSPECTUS, FOR A
DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE
PURCHASERS OF COMMON STOCK 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 , 1996
------------
<PAGE>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a registration statement (the "Registration Statement," which term
shall include any amendments thereto) on Form S-3 under the Securities Act, with
respect to the shares of Common Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus does not
contain all 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, and to which reference is
hereby made. Statements made in this Prospectus as to the contents of any
document referred to are not necessarily complete. With respect to each such
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, reference is made to
the exhibit for a more complete description of the matter involved, and each
such statement shall be deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference. The
Registration Statement may be inspected and copied at the public reference
facilities maintained by the Commission referred to below.
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act, and, in accordance therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and information
filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to the informational
requirements of the Exchange Act may be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's regional offices
located at Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and
Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661.
Copies of such material may be obtained at prescribed rates by writing the
Commission, Public Reference Section, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549. Such material may also be accessed electronically by means of the
Commission's home page on the Internet at http://www.sec.gov. Such reports,
proxy statements and other information can also be inspected at the offices of
the Nasdaq National Market, 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents heretofore filed by the Company with the Commission
pursuant to the Exchange Act are incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
and shall be deemed to be a part hereof:
1. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1995, as amended.
2. The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended
March 31, 1996 and June 30, 1996.
3. The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated January 29, 1996, as
amended by its Form 8-K/A filed on March 29, 1996.
4. The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 31, 1996, as
amended by its Form 8-K/A No. 1 filed on June 4, 1996.
5. The description of the Company's Common Stock contained in its
Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on August 8, 1994.
All documents filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Section
13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus
and prior to the termination of the offering contemplated hereby shall be deemed
to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from
their respective dates of filing. Any statement contained herein or in any
document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated shall be deemed to be
modified or superseded for all purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a
statement contained in this Prospectus or in any subsequently filed document
which also is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be
deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Prospectus.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of
this Prospectus has been delivered, upon written or oral request of such person,
a copy of any and all of the information that has been incorporated by reference
in this Prospectus (other than exhibits thereto, unless such exhibits are
specifically incorporated by reference
-1-
<PAGE>
into the information that this Prospectus incorporates). Requests should be
directed to: Tower Automotive, Inc., 4508 IDS Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
55402, Attention: Shareholder Services (telephone number (612) 342-2310).
THE COMPANY
The Company is a leading designer and producer of high-quality, engineered
metal stampings and assemblies used by major North American original equipment
manufacturers ("OEMs"), including Ford, Honda, Chrysler, General Motors, Mazda,
Toyota and Nissan. The Company's products range from engineered mechanical
parts, such as hood and deck lid hinges and brake components, to large
structural stampings and assemblies, such as body pillars, chassis, suspension
and floor pan components and major housing assemblies. The majority of the
Company's revenues are derived from complex, high value-added products,
primarily assemblies which generally consist of multiple parts which are stamped
by the Company and combined with various welded or fastened components by the
Company.
The Company manufactures products for a wide variety of car and light truck
models, including nine of the ten best-selling vehicles in the United States in
1995. Two of the Company's highest content-per-car models, the Ford Taurus and
the Honda Accord, have been the best-selling cars in the United States for the
past eleven years. In addition, two of the Company's highest content-per-light
truck models, the Ford Explorer and F-Series Pick-up, were the best-selling
sport utility vehicle and pick-up truck in North America in 1995. As a result of
its long history of high-efficiency/high-quality manufacturing and extensive
service capabilities as well as strategic acquisitions, the Company has gained
access to most OEMs and has become a long-term preferred supplier to Ford, the
Company's largest customer, as well as its other major customers. In addition to
receiving numerous quality awards, the Company has consistently received one of
Ford's highest commercial ratings for suppliers in its stamping segment.
The Company's principal executive offices are located at 4508 IDS Center,
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 and its telephone number is (612) 342-2310. Unless
the context indicates otherwise, as used in this Prospectus the term "Company"
refers to Tower Automotive, Inc., its consolidated subsidiaries and their
respective predecessors.
-2-
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
This Prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference herein,
contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act. Also, documents subsequently filed by the Company with the
Commission and incorporated herein by reference will contain forward-looking
statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the
forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors set forth below and
the matters set forth or incorporated in the Prospectus generally. The Company
cautions the reader, however, that this list of factors may not be exhaustive,
particularly with respect to future filings. In analyzing an investment in the
Common Stock offered hereby, prospective investors should carefully consider,
along with the other matters referred to herein, the risk factors described
below.
RELIANCE ON MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND SELECTED MODELS
Ford, Honda and Chrysler accounted for approximately 68%, 15% and 10%,
respectively, of the Company's revenues during 1995 and approximately 68%, 8%
and 10%, respectively, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Company's
recent acquisition of MascoTech Stamping Technologies, Inc. ("MSTI"). Although
the Company has contracts with many of its customers, such contracts provide for
supplying the customers' requirements for a particular model, rather than for
manufacturing a specific quantity of products. The loss of any one of its major
customers or a significant decrease in demand for certain key models or a group
of related models sold by any of its major customers could have a material
adverse effect on the Company. There is substantial and continuing pressure from
the major OEMs to reduce costs, including the cost of products purchased from
outside suppliers such as the Company. Management believes that the Company's
manufacturing and engineering expertise and its ability to control costs will
allow the Company to remain competitive. Certain of the Company's products are
purchased under long-term agreements that require the Company to provide annual
cost reductions to such purchasers (directly through price reductions or
indirectly through suggestions regarding manufacturing efficiencies or other
cost savings) by certain percentages each year. Although the Company has been
able to substantially offset such reductions through production cost savings
that benefit customers, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to continue to generate such cost savings in the future. If the Company were
unable to generate sufficient production cost savings in the future to offset
such price reductions, the Company's gross margin could be adversely affected.
INDUSTRY CYCLICALITY AND SEASONALITY
The automobile market is highly cyclical and is dependent on consumer
spending. Economic factors adversely affecting automotive production and
consumer spending could adversely impact the Company. In addition, the Company's
business is somewhat seasonal. The Company typically experiences decreased
revenue and operating income during the third calendar quarter of each year due
to the impact of OEM plant shutdowns in July for vacations and model
changeovers.
IMPORTANCE OF BUSINESS RELATED TO NEW AND REDESIGNED MODEL INTRODUCTIONS
The Company principally competes for new business both at the beginning of
the development of new models and upon the redesign of existing models by its
major customers. New model development generally begins two to five years prior
to the marketing of such models to the public. The Company has been successful
in obtaining significant new business on new models and in supplying additional
parts for existing models as they are redesigned by its customers. Although the
Company has been awarded replacement business on all of its major platforms
through 1998, there can be no assurance that the Company will continue to obtain
such new business. The failure of the Company to obtain new business on new
models or to retain or increase business on redesigned existing models could
adversely affect the Company.
ACQUISITION STRATEGY
Acquiring businesses that complement the Company's existing business has
been and continues to be an important element of the Company's strategy for
achieving profitable growth. There can be no assurance that suitable acquisition
candidates will be identified and acquired in the future, that financing for any
such acquisitions will be available on satisfactory terms, that the Company will
be able to accomplish its strategic objectives as a result of any such
acquisition or that any business or assets acquired by the Company will be
integrated successfully into the Company's operations. Although the Company is
continually evaluating possible acquisitions, it is not presently involved in
active negotiations with any company.
-3-
<PAGE>
COMPETITION
The automotive components supply industry is highly competitive. Some of the
Company's competitors, including certain divisions of its OEM customers, are
larger and have substantially greater financial and other resources than the
Company. Although management believes that the Company is well positioned to
continue to supply its products to OEMs, there can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to compete successfully with the products of its
competitors.
INFLUENCE OF EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS; ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
The Selling Stockholder and certain other significant stockholders of the
Company have entered into agreements to vote their shares of Common Stock in the
same manner that Onex U.S. Investments, Inc. (together with its affiliates,
"Onex"), the Company's largest stockholder, votes its shares. Onex currently has
voting control of approximately 19.2% of the total number of outstanding shares
of Common Stock (17.7% if the Shares offered hereby are sold by the Selling
Stockholder). Consequently, Onex currently has significant influence over the
policies of the Company and any matters submitted to a stockholder vote. See
"Selling Stockholder."
Certain provisions of the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation,
which permit the Board of Directors to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred
stock without further stockholder approval, as well as certain provisions of the
Delaware General Corporation Law, could have the effect of delaying, deterring
or preventing a change in control of the Company.
POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
The market price of the Common Stock has been, and following the offering
contemplated hereby may continue to be, highly volatile. Factors such as
variations in the Company's revenues, earnings and cash flow, differences
between the Company's actual results and the results expected by investors and
securities analysts, news announcements or changes in general market conditions
could cause the market price of the Common Stock to fluctuate substantially. In
addition, the stock markets recently have experienced significant price and
volume fluctuations that resulted in changes in the market prices of the stocks
of many companies that have not been directly related to the operating
performance of those companies. Such market fluctuations may materially
adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of Shares by
the Selling Stockholder. The Shares offered hereby include up to 200,000 Shares
of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants held by the Selling
Stockholder. The Company will receive approximately $3.6 million upon the
exercise of the Warrants, which amount will be used for working capital and
general corporate purposes.
-4-
<PAGE>
SELLING STOCKHOLDER
The Selling Stockholder has expressed its desire to be able to sell the
Shares set forth below. From time to time, the Selling Stockholder will
determine the number of Shares which it may sell. The determination to sell will
depend on a number of factors, including the market price of the Common Stock.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding ownership of the
Common Stock as of September 30, 1996 by the Selling Stockholder. Beneficial
ownership of the Common Stock listed in the table has been determined in
accordance with the applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares Beneficially
Shares Beneficially Owned Owned After the
Prior To The Offering Shares To Be Offering(1)
------------------------- Sold in The -------------------
Name Number Percent Offering Number Percent
- ------------------ ---------- --------- ------------ -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
MascoTech, Inc.(2) 385,000 2.7 385,000 -- --
</TABLE>
(1) The information set forth in these columns assumes the Selling Stockholder
will sell all of the Shares being offered hereby.
(2) Represents 185,000 shares and the Warrants to purchase 200,000 shares of
Common Stock that were issued to the Selling Stockholder in connection with
the Company's acquisition of MSTI on May 31, 1996.
Set forth below is a description of any material relationships between the
Company and the Selling Stockholder during the past three years. The Company has
agreed to pay the cost of the registration of the Shares and the preparation of
this Prospectus and the Registration Statement under which it is filed. The
Selling Stockholder is responsible for any underwriting discounts and
commissions relating to shares of Common Stock to be sold by the Selling
Stockholder.
On May 31, 1996, the Company purchased MSTI from the Selling Stockholder
for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $79 million (including payment
of related fees and expenses) (the "MSTI Acquisition"). The aggregate
consideration paid by the Company consisted of (i) 785,000 shares of Common
Stock, (ii) $55.0 million in cash (subject to working capital adjustments), and
(iii) Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 200,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $18.00 per share. In addition, the Company issued a 7%
promissory note in favor of the Selling Stockholder payable approximately one
year following the acquisition in an aggregate principal amount of $5.0 million,
which is subject to reduction based on the operating profits of the MSTI
facilities for the 12 months following the acquisition. Pursuant to the terms of
the acquisition, the Company is required to make additional earn-out payments to
the Selling Stockholder if certain operating targets are achieved by the MSTI
facilities in the first three years following the acquisition.
In connection with the MSTI Acquisition, the Company and the Selling
Stockholder entered into an agreement pursuant to which the Company agreed to
permit the Selling Stockholder to participate in a recently completed public
offering (the "1996 Offering") and to use its best efforts to cause a shelf
registration statement relating to the Selling Stockholder's remaining shares
(including shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants) to be filed and
declared effective under the Securities Act prior to October 19, 1996. In
addition, the agreement provides that the Selling Stockholder is entitled to
include its shares of Common Stock in any registration statement at the
Company's expense whenever the Company proposes to register any of its
securities under the Securities Act, subject to certain conditions. The Company
has agreed to indemnify the Selling Stockholder against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, in connection with such
registrations. Under such agreement, the Selling Stockholder has agreed to vote
its shares of Common Stock in the same manner as Onex votes its shares until the
earlier of the date on which the Selling Stockholder transfers such shares or
May 31, 2006. The Selling Stockholder sold an aggregate of 600,000 shares of
Common Stock it received in the MSTI Acquisition in the 1996 Offering. The
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part is being filed to
satisfy the Company's obligations under such agreement.
-5-
<PAGE>
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the Shares offered
hereby. The Selling Stockholder has advised the Company that the Shares may be
sold by the Selling Stockholder in one or more transactions (which may involve
one or more block transactions) on the Nasdaq National Market, in sales
occurring in the public market of the Nasdaq National Market, in separately
negotiated transactions or in a combination of such transactions; that each sale
may be made either at market prices prevailing at the time of such sale or at
negotiated prices; that some or all of the Shares may be sold through brokers
acting on behalf of the Selling Stockholder or to dealers or underwriters for
resale by such dealers or underwriters; and that in connection with such sales
such brokers, dealers and underwriters may receive compensation in the form of
discounts or commissions from the Selling Stockholder and may receive
commissions from the purchasers of Shares for whom they act as broker or agent
(which discounts and commissions are not anticipated to exceed those customary
in the types of transactions involved). Any broker or dealer participating in
any such sale may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the
Securities Act and will be required to deliver a copy of this Prospectus to any
person who purchases any of the Shares from or through such broker or dealer.
The aggregate proceeds to the Selling Stockholder from the sale of the Shares
offered hereby will be the purchase price of the Common Stock sold less the
aggregate agents' commissions and underwriters' discounts, if any.
To the extent required, the specific shares of Common Stock to be sold, the
respective purchase price and the public offering price, the names of any such
broker, dealer or underwriter, any commissions or discounts with respect to a
particular offer and any other information material to the transaction will be
set forth in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement or, if appropriate, a post-
effective amendment to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a
part.
In connection with any sales through a broker, such broker may act as agent
for the Selling Stockholder or may purchase from the Selling Stockholder all or
a portion of such Shares as principal. Such sales by a broker may be made on
the Nasdaq National Market or any exchange on which the shares of Common Stock
are then traded, in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions or
otherwise at prices and at terms then prevailing or at prices related to the
then-current market prices or at prices otherwise negotiated. Shares may also
be sold by a broker in one or more of the following transactions: (i) block
transactions (which may involve crosses) in which a broker may sell all or a
portion of such shares as agent but may position and resell all or a portion of
the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; (ii) purchases by any
broker as principal and resale by such broker for its own account pursuant to a
Prospectus Supplement; (iii) a special offering, an exchange distribution or a
secondary distribution in accordance with applicable Nasdaq National Market
rules; (iv) ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which any broker
solicits purchasers; (v) sales "at the market" to or through the market maker or
into an existing trading market, on an exchange or otherwise, for such Shares;
and (vi) sales in other ways not involving market makers or established trading
markets, including direct sales to institutions or individual purchasers. In
addition, any Shares covered by this Prospectus which qualify for sale pursuant
to Rule 144 may be sold by the Selling Stockholder under Rule 144 rather than
pursuant to this Prospectus.
The Company has agreed to pay the cost of the registration of the Shares
and the preparation of this Prospectus and the Registration Statement under
which it is filed. The expenses so payable by the Company are estimated to be
approximately $25,000.
The Company and the Selling Stockholder have agreed to indemnify each other
against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities
Act.
Without obtaining the Company's written consent (which consent may not be
unreasonably withheld), the Selling Stockholder has agreed not to make sales of
the Shares registered under this Registration Statement except during the thirty
business day period beginning on the second business day following the date on
which the Company announces its quarterly or annual earnings.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters regarding the issuance of the shares of Common Stock
being offered hereby have been passed upon for the Company by Kirkland & Ellis,
Chicago, Illinois (a partnership which includes professional corporations).
-6-
<PAGE>
EXPERTS
The audited financial statements incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus and elsewhere in the Registration Statement, to the extent and for
the periods indicated in their reports, have been audited by Arthur Andersen
LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect
thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
-7-
<PAGE>
======================================== ===================================
No person has been authorized to
give any information or to make 385,000 SHARES
any representations in connection
with this offering other than
those contained in this
Prospectus and, if given or made,
such other information and TOWER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
representations must not be
relied upon as having been
authorized by the Company or the
Selling Stockholder. Neither the
delivery of this Prospectus nor
any sale made hereunder shall,
under any circumstances, create
any implication that there has
been no change in the affairs of
the Company since the date hereof
or that the information contained
herein is correct as of any time
subsequent to its date. This
Prospectus does not constitute an
offer to sell or a solicitation
of an offer to buy any securities
other than the registered
securities to which it relates.
This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer to sell or a
solicitation of an offer to buy
such securities in any
circumstances in which such offer
or solicitation is unlawful.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
_________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMON STOCK
Page
<S> <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION.................... 1
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY
REFERENCE............................... 1
THE COMPANY.............................. 2
RISK FACTORS............................. 3 -------------------------
USE OF PROCEEDS.......................... 4 P R O S P E C T U S
SELLING STOCKHOLDER...................... 5 -------------------------
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION..................... 6
LEGAL MATTERS............................ 6
EXPERTS.................................. 6
</TABLE>
October __, 1996
======================================== ===================================
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
The following table sets forth the expenses of the Registrant in
connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being
registered, other than underwriting discounts and commissions. All such amounts
are estimates, other than the fees payable to the Commission and the Nasdaq
National Market.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee........ $ 3,319
Nasdaq National Market listing fee......................... 7,700
Legal fees and expenses.................................... 10,000
Accounting fees and expenses............................... 1,000
Miscellaneous.............................................. 2,981
--------
Total...................................................... $25,000
========
</TABLE>
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Section 102(b)(7) of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware permits a Delaware corporation to limit the personal liability of its
directors in accordance with the provisions set forth therein. The Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant provides that the personal
liability of its directors shall be limited to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law.
Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
contains provisions permitting corporations organized thereunder to indemnify
directors, officers, employees or agents against expenses, judgments and fines
reasonably incurred and against certain other liabilities in connection with any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such
person was or is a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation. The
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant provide for
indemnification of its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
The following exhibits are filed pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation
S-K:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
4.1 Specimen Certificate for shares of Common Stock, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Form S-1 Registration
Statement (Registration No. 33-80320) (the "Form S-1").
4.2 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Form S-1.
4.3 Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Form S-1.
4.4 Registration Rights and Voting Agreement, dated as May 31, 1996,
between the Company and MascoTech, Inc., incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.17 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File
No. 0-24644), as filed with the Commission on May 31, 1996 (the
"Form 8-K").
4.5 Stock Purchase Warrant, dated as of May 31, 1996, issued by the
Company to MascoTech, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.19 of the Form 8-K.
5.1 Opinion of Kirkland & Ellis regarding legality of securities being
registered.
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
23.2 Consent of Kirkland & Ellis - included in Exhibit 5.1.
24.1 Powers of Attorney included in Part II of Registration Statement.
</TABLE>
II-1
<PAGE>
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
(a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are
being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section10(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 (1)(i) and (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
with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant 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 the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold
at the termination of the offering.
(b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons
of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II-2
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe it meets all 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 Minneapolis, Minnesota, as of October 4, 1996.
TOWER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
By: /s/ S.A. Johnson
-----------------------------
S.A. Johnson
Chairman of the Board
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Scott D. Rued and S.A. Johnson and each of them,
as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution
and resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities to sign any and all amendments (including pre-effective and post-
effective amendments) to this Registration Statement (and any registration
statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act), and to file
the same with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-
fact and agents, and each of them, 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 attorneys-in-fact and
agents, or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and as of the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ S.A. Johnson Chairman of the Board and Director October 3, 1996
- -----------------------
S.A. Johnson
/s/ Adrian Vander Starre Director October 3, 1996
- -----------------------
Adrian Vander Starre
/s/ Dugald K. Campbell President, Chief Executive Officer October 3, 1996
- ----------------------- and Director (Principal Executive
Dugald K. Campbell Officer)
/s/ Anthony A. Barone Vice President and Chief Financial October 3, 1996
- ----------------------- Officer (Principal Financial and
Anthony A. Barone Accounting Officer)
/s/ James R. Lozelle Director October 3, 1996
- -----------------------
James R. Lozelle
/s/ Scott D. Rued Director October 3, 1996
- -----------------------
Scott D. Rued
II-3
<PAGE>
/s/ William H. Clement Director October 3, 1996
- -------------------------
William H. Clement
/s/ Eric J. Rosen Director October 3, 1996
- -------------------------
Eric J. Rosen
/s/ Matthew O. Diggs, Jr. Director October 3, 1996
- -------------------------
Matthew O. Diggs, Jr.
/s/ E.J. Loughrey Director October 3, 1996
- -------------------------
E.J. Loughrey
/s/ Kim B. Clark Director October 3, 1996
- -------------------------
Kim B. Clark
II-4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
4.1 Specimen Certificate for shares of Common Stock, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Form S-1 Registration
Statement (Registration No. 33-80320) (the "Form S-1").
4.2 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Form S-1.
4.3 Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company, incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3.2 of the Form S-1.
4.4 Registration Rights and Voting Agreement, dated as May 31, 1996,
between the Company and MascoTech, Inc., incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.17 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-
24644), as filed with the Commission on May 31, 1996 (the "Form 8-K").
4.5 Stock Purchase Warrant, dated as of May 31, 1996, issued by the
Company to MascoTech, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.19
of the Form 8-K.
5.1 Opinion of Kirkland & Ellis regarding legality of securities being
registered.
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
23.2 Consent of Kirkland & Ellis - included in Exhibit 5.1.
24.1 Powers of Attorney included in Part II of Registration Statement.
II-5
<PAGE>
KIRKLAND & ELLIS Exhibit 5.1
-----------
PARTNERSHIPS INCLUDING PROFESSIONAL CORPORATIONS
200 East Randolph Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60601
To Call Writer Direct: 312 861-2000 Facsimile:
312 861-2000 312 861-2200
October 4, 1996
Tower Automotive, Inc.
4508 IDS Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Re: Tower Automotive, Inc.
Registration Statement on Form S-3
----------------------------------
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are acting as special counsel to Tower Automotive, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the proposed registration by the
Company of 385,000 shares (the "Shares") of its Common Stock, par value $.01 per
share (the "Common Stock"), pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-3,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on October
4, 1996 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") (such
Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented, is hereinafter referred to
as the "Registration Statement"). The Shares include 185,000 Shares currently
issued and outstanding (the "Secondary Shares") and 200,000 Shares to be issued
upon the exercise of an outstanding warrant (the "Warrant Shares").
In that connection, we have examined such corporate proceedings, documents,
records and matters of law as we have deemed necessary to enable us to render
this opinion.
For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed the authenticity of all
documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to the originals of all
documents submitted to us as copies and the authenticity of the originals of all
documents submitted to us as copies. We have also assumed the legal capacity of
all natural persons, the genuineness of the signatures of
<PAGE>
KIRKLAND & ELLIS
Tower Automotive, Inc.
October 4, 1996
Page 2
persons signing all documents in connection with which this opinion is rendered,
the authority of such persons signing on behalf of the parties thereto other
than the Company and the due authorization, execution and delivery of all
documents by the parties thereto other than the Company. As to any facts
material to the opinions expressed herein, we have relied upon the statements
and representations of officers and other representations of the Company and
others.
Our opinion expressed below is subject to the qualifications that we
express no opinion as to the applicability of, compliance with, or effect of (i)
any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer, fraudulent
conveyance, moratorium or other similar law affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally, (ii) general principles of equity (regardless of
whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), (iii)
public policy considerations which may limit the rights of parties to obtain
certain remedies and (iv) any laws except the internal laws of the State of
Illinois, the General Corporation law of the State of Delaware and the federal
law of the United States of America.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing qualifications, assumptions and
limitations and the further limitations set forth below, we hereby advise you
that in our opinion:
(1) The Secondary Shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable.
(2) The Warrant Shares are duly authorized, and, when (i) the Registration
Statement becomes effective under the Act; (ii) the warrant is exercised in
accordance with its terms; (iii) the holder of the warrant pays the full
consideration for such Warrant Shares as required by such warrant; and (iv) a
certificate representing the Warrant Shares has been duly executed and delivered
on behalf of the Company, the Warrant Shares will be validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable.
<PAGE>
KIRKLAND & ELLIS
Tower Automotive, Inc.
October 4, 1996
Page 3
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as
Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not
thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required
under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission.
We do not find it necessary for the purposes of this opinion, and
accordingly we do not purport to cover herein, the application of the securities
or "Blue Sky" laws of the various states to the issuance and sale of the Shares.
This opinion is limited to the specific issues addressed herein, and no
opinion may be inferred or implied beyond that expressly stated herein. We
assume no obligation to revise or supplement this opinion should the present
laws of the States of Illinois or Delaware or the federal law of the United
States be changed by legislative action, judicial decision or otherwise.
This opinion is furnished to you in connection with the filing of the
Registration Statement and is not to be used, circulated, quoted or otherwise
relied upon for any other purpose.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Kirkland & Ellis
KIRKLAND & ELLIS
<PAGE>
Exhibit 23.1
------------
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our report dated January 26, 1996
incorporated by reference in Tower Automotive, Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1995; our report dated March 31, 1994 included in Tower
Automotive, Inc.'s Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1995; our report
dated March 21, 1996 included in Tower Automotive, Inc.'s Form 8-K/A dated March
27, 1996; our report dated May 30, 1996 included in Tower Automotive, Inc.'s
Form 8-K dated May 31, 1996, and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
October 4, 1996
