<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 15, 1995
Registration No. 33-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
--------------
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
--------------
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
IOWA 6749 36-2669023
(State or other (Primary Standard (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction of Industrial Identification
incorporation or Classification Code Number)
organization) Number)
</TABLE>
30 NORTH LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60602
(312) 630-1900
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
--------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
LeRoy T. Carlson, Chairman with a copy to:
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. Wilbur C. Delp, Jr., Sidley & Austin
30 North LaSalle Street One First National Plaza
Chicago, Illinois 60602 Chicago, Illinois 60603
(312) 630-1900 (312) 853-7000
</TABLE>
(Names, addresses, including zip codes, and telephone numbers,
including area code, of agents for service)
--------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
FROM TIME TO TIME AFTER THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.
--------------
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, check the following box. /X/
If the securities being registered on this form are to be offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. / /
--------------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROPOSED PROPOSED
MAXIMUM MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF AMOUNT TO OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE REGISTRATION
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED BE REGISTERED PER UNIT OFFERING PRICE FEE
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Shares................. 2,750,000 (1) $39.875(2) $109,656,250(2) $21,932
</TABLE>
(1) If the contracts for the delivery of the securities included in this
registration statement are deemed to include or represent separate
securities, then such securities are also registered hereby.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee based
upon the average of the high and low prices of $40.125 and $39.625,
respectively, for such shares on the American Stock Exchange on November 13,
1995, pursuant to Rule 457(c).
--------------
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.
The registrant has filed Registration Statements on Forms S-4 (Nos. 33-45570
and 33-68988) which first became effective on February 10, 1992 and September
24, 1993, respectively. Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, the Prospectus contained herein relates to the 300,000 Preferred
Shares covered by Registration Statement No. 33-45570, of which 248,589 remain
unissued, and to the 3,000,000 Common Shares covered by Registration Statement
No. 33-68988, of which 1,071,899 remain unissued, as well as to the Common
Shares registered by this Registration Statement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
BETWEEN
ITEMS IN FORM S-4 AND LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FORM S-4 ITEM NUMBER AND CAPTION LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
1. Forepart of Registration Statement and Outside Front
Cover of Prospectus Facing Page; Cross-Reference Sheet; Outside Front
Cover Page of Prospectus
2. Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
Prospectus Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
Prospectus
3. Risk Factors, Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
Other Information Documents Incorporated by Reference; The Company
4. Terms of the Transaction *
5. Pro Forma Financial Information *
6. Material Contracts with the Company Being Acquired *
7. Additional Information Required for Reoffering by
Persons and Parties Deemed to be Underwriters *
8. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel Legal Matters; Experts
9. Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification
for Securities Act Liabilities *
10. Information with Respect to S-3 Registrants Documents Incorporated by Reference; The Company;
Dividend Policy; Description of Securities
11. Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference Documents Incorporated by Reference
12. Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3 Registrants *
13. Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference *
14. Information with Respect to Registrants Other Than
S-3 or S-2 Registrants *
15. Information with Respect to S-3 Companies *
16. Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3 Companies *
17. Information with Respect to Companies Other Than S-2
or S-3 Companies *
18. Information If Proxies, Consents or Authorizations
Are to be Solicited *
19. Information If Proxies, Consents or Authorizations
Are Not to be Solicited or in an Exchange Offer *
</TABLE>
- ---------
* Not applicable or answer negative upon the date of filing of this Registration
Statement. The Registrant may be required to provide information (or further
information) in response to one or more of such Items under certain
circumstances by means of a post-effective amendment to this Registration
Statement or supplement to the prospectus contained herein.
<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 STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
PRELIMINARY, SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED NOVEMBER 15, 1995
PROSPECTUS
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
248,589 PREFERRED SHARES
(ISSUABLE IN SERIES--NO PAR VALUE)
3,821,899 COMMON SHARES [LOGO]
($1.00 PAR VALUE)
This Prospectus relates to Preferred Shares, no par value, issuable in
series (the "Preferred Shares") and Common Shares, $1.00 par value (the "Common
Shares"), of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. ("TDS" or the "Company"), which
may be offered by this Prospectus in connection with acquisitions by TDS or its
subsidiaries. As of the date of this Prospectus, 248,589 Preferred Shares and
3,821,899 Common Shares have been registered but have not been issued hereunder.
Such shares may be issued in exchange for the shares of capital stock,
partnership interests or other assets representing an interest, direct or
indirect, in other companies or other entities, in exchange for assets used in
or related to the business of such entities or otherwise pursuant to agreements
related to such acquisitions, including collateral agreements, such as
employment agreements, consulting agreements and non-competition agreements, as
well as an indeterminate amount of securities which may be issuable in exchange
for, or upon conversion of, any securities covered by this Prospectus and
contracts which may be issued by the Company in connection with the issuance of
such securities. The terms of such acquisitions and of the issuance of TDS
shares under acquisition agreements will generally be determined by direct
negotiations with the owners of the business or assets to be acquired or, in the
case of entities which are more widely held, through exchange offers to
stockholders or documents soliciting the approval of statutory mergers,
consolidations or sales of assets. Underwriting discounts or commissions will
generally not be paid by TDS. However, under some circumstances, the Company may
issue securities covered by this Prospectus to pay brokers' commissions incurred
in connection with acquisitions.
From January 1, 1969, through October 31, 1995, TDS issued 713,677 Preferred
Shares and 28,165,284 Common Shares, excluding 2,499,753 Common Shares issued
upon conversion of Preferred Shares, in connection with acquisitions pursuant to
prior prospectuses.
This Prospectus, as amended or supplemented if appropriate, has also been
prepared for use by the persons who have received or will receive shares issued
by TDS in acquisitions, including shares sold hereunder and Common Shares
received upon conversion of other equity securities of TDS or received upon
exercise of rights to exchange equity securities of TDS subsidiaries issued in
acquisitions, and who wish to offer and sell such shares, on terms then
obtainable, in transactions in which they may be deemed underwriters within the
meaning of the Securities Act of 1933. Any profits realized on such sales by
such persons may be regarded as underwriting compensation under the Securities
Act of 1933.
The registrant has also filed Registration Statements on Forms S-4 (33-45570
and 33-68988) which first became effective on February 10, 1992 and September
24, 1993, respectively. This Prospectus relates to the 300,000 Preferred Shares
covered by Registration Statement No. 33-45570, of which 248,589 remain
unissued, and to the 3,000,000 Common Shares covered by Registration Statement
No. 33-68988, of which 1,071,899 remain unissued, as well as to the Common
Shares covered by the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
The Company's Preferred Shares and Common Shares have less voting power than
its Series A Common Shares. The Series A Common Shares, which have effective
control of the Company, are not being offered by this Prospectus.
The Company's Common Shares are traded on the American Stock Exchange. No
trading market has developed for the Preferred Shares. In addition, the Company
cannot predict whether a trading market will develop, or if a trading market
does develop, the prices at which the Preferred Shares will trade.
------------------------
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 NOVEMBER 15, 1995.
<PAGE>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
TDS 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., Washington, D.C. 20549; New
York Regional Office, Public Reference Room, Seven World Trade Center, 13th
Floor, New York, New York 10048; and Chicago Regional Office, Suite 1400, 500
West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such material can be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. TDS's Common Shares
are listed on the American Stock Exchange, and reports, proxy statements and
other information concerning TDS may be inspected at the office of the American
Stock Exchange, Inc., 86 Trinity Place, New York, New York 10006. This
Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration
Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Commission. The Registration Statement and any amendments
thereto, including exhibits filed as a part thereof, are available for
inspection and copying as set forth above.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The following documents heretofore filed by TDS with the Commission under
the Exchange Act are incorporated herein by reference: (a) the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994; (b) the Company's
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1995, June 30,
1995 and September 30, 1995; (c) the Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated
March 15, 1995, May 19, 1995 and September 28, 1995; (d) the Company's Form
8-A/A-2 filed with the Commission on December 20, 1994, which includes a
description of the Company's Common Shares and Preferred Shares; and (e) the
Company's definitive Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement for the 1995
Annual Meeting of Shareholders, as filed with the Commission on April 14, 1995.
All documents filed by TDS pursuant to Sections 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 made by this Prospectus shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of
such documents. Any statements contained in a document incorporated by reference
herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes hereof to the
extent that a statement contained herein (or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is incorporated by reference herein) modifies or supersedes
such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed to
constitute a part hereof except as so modified or superseded. All information
appearing in this Prospectus is qualified in its entirety by the information and
financial statements (including notes thereto) appearing in the documents
incorporated herein by reference.
THIS PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED
HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. THESE DOCUMENTS (OTHER THAN EXHIBITS THERETO) ARE
AVAILABLE WITHOUT CHARGE, UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST BY ANY PERSON TO WHOM
THIS PROSPECTUS HAS BEEN DELIVERED, FROM INVESTOR RELATIONS, TELEPHONE AND DATA
SYSTEMS, INC., 30 NORTH LASALLE STREET, 40TH FLOOR, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60602
(TELEPHONE 312-630-1900). IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE DOCUMENTS,
ANY REQUEST SHOULD BE MADE AT LEAST FIVE DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE ON WHICH A FINAL
INVESTMENT DECISION IS TO BE MADE.
2
<PAGE>
THE COMPANY
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., ("TDS" or the "Company") is a diversified
telecommunications service company with cellular telephone, local telephone,
radio paging and developing personal communication services ("PCS") operations.
TDS was incorporated in Iowa in 1968. TDS's executive offices are located at
Suite 4000, 30 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Its telephone
number is (312) 630-1900. TDS's Common Shares are listed on the American Stock
Exchange under the symbol "TDS." At September 30, 1995, the Company provided
services to over 1.8 million consolidated telephone access lines, cellular
telephones and radio pagers in 37 states and the District of Columbia. The
Company's business development strategy is to expand its existing operations
through internal growth and acquisitions and to explore and develop other
telecommunications businesses that management believes will utilize the
Company's expertise in customer-based telecommunications services.
CELLULAR TELEPHONE OPERATIONS*
United States Cellular Corporation (AMEX symbol "USM") is an 80.8%-owned
subsidiary of TDS through which substantially all the Company's cellular
operations are conducted. USM is engaged through subsidiaries and joint ventures
primarily in the ownership, operation and investment in cellular markets. As of
September 30, 1995, USM owned or had the right to acquire cellular interests
representing approximately 24.6 million population equivalents in 70 MSAs and
133 RSAs in 36 states.
USM plans to acquire additional cellular interests through acquisitions or
trades in markets that further strengthen its market clusters and in other
attractive markets, while at the same time considering the disposition of
interests in some markets that do not fit well with its long-term plans.
TELEPHONE OPERATIONS
TDS Telecommunications Corporation ("TDS Telecom") is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of TDS through which substantially all of the Company's telephone
operations are conducted. At September 30, 1995, the Company's 100 telephone
subsidiaries, ranging in size from less than 500 to more than 40,000 access
lines, served a total of 422,000 access lines in 29 states.
TDS Telecom provides modern, high-quality local and long-distance telephone
service. Local service is provided by TDS Telecom's operating telephone
subsidiaries. Long-distance or toll service is provided through connections with
long-distance carriers, primarily AT&T and the Regional Bell Operating
Companies.
TDS pursues an active program of acquiring operating telephone companies.
Between January 1, 1990, and September 30, 1995, TDS acquired 27 telephone
companies serving a total of 77,700 access lines. The Company continually
evaluates acquisition opportunities and is currently engaged in negotiations to
acquire additional telephone companies.
Future growth in telephone operations is expected to be derived from
internal growth in access lines, from the acquisition of additional telephone
companies and from offering to its customers additional telecommunications
products and services, including enhanced services.
RADIO PAGING OPERATIONS
American Paging, Inc. (AMEX symbol "APP") is an 82.4%-owned subsidiary of
TDS through which substantially all of the Company's radio paging operations are
conducted. At September 30, 1995, APP
- ---------
* As used in this Prospectus, unless the context indicates otherwise: (i)
references to "MSA" or to a particular city refer to the Metropolitan
Statistical Area, as designated by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
and used by the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") in designating
metropolitan cellular market areas; (ii) references to "RSA" refer to the
Rural Service Area, as used by the FCC in designating non-MSA cellular market
areas; (iii) references to cellular "markets" refer to MSAs, RSAs or both; and
(iv) references to "population equivalents" refer to the population of a
market, based on 1994 Donnelley Marketing Service Estimates, multiplied by the
percentage interests that the Company owns or has the right to acquire in the
revenues of an entity licensed or designated to receive a license ("licensee")
by the FCC to construct or operate a cellular system in a given market.
3
<PAGE>
offered paging services through 37 sales and service operating centers. APP is
expanding the geographic coverage of its individual paging systems and is
initiating new services as they become practicable. At September 30, 1995, APP
had approximately 776,900 pagers in service. Its systems have the capacity to
serve a substantial number of additional customers.
AMERICAN PORTABLE TELECOM
In March 1995, American Portable Telecom, Inc. ("APT"), TDS's wholly-owned
subsidiary, was the successful bidder for eight broadband PCS licenses. The
eight 30 megahertz PCS licenses cover the Major Trading Areas of Minneapolis-St.
Paul, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Orlando, Houston, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Columbus,
Alaska and Guam-N. Mariana Islands, and account for 27.9 million population
equivalents.
OTHER SUBSIDIARIES
Other subsidiaries of the Company provide data processing and related
services (TDS Computing Services, Inc.); graphic communications services (Suttle
Press, Inc.); and telemessaging services (Integrated Communications Services,
Inc.).
OFFERED SECURITIES
The securities of TDS which may be offered from time to time by this
Prospectus include up to 248,589 Preferred Shares, issuable in series, and up to
3,821,899 Common Shares, as well as an indeterminate number of securities which
may be issuable in exchange for, or upon conversion of any securities covered by
this Prospectus and contracts which may be issued by the Company in connection
with the issuance of such securities. TDS proposes to issue such shares in its
continuing program of acquisitions by TDS or its subsidiaries. The consideration
for any acquisition, including consideration issued under any collateral
arrangements such as employment agreements, consulting agreements or
non-competition agreements, may consist of cash, notes or other evidences of
debt, assumptions of liabilities, equity securities, or a combination thereof,
as determined from time to time by negotiations between TDS and the owners of
businesses or properties to be acquired. TDS intends to concentrate its
acquisitions in the telecommunications industry, with primary emphasis on
acquiring cellular interests and operating telephone companies. If the
opportunity arises, however, TDS will attempt to make acquisitions which are
either complementary to its present operations or which it considers
advantageous even though they may be dissimilar to its present activities. In
general, the terms of acquisitions will be determined by direct negotiations
between the representatives of TDS and the owners of the businesses or
properties to be acquired or, in the case of entities more widely held, through
exchange offers to stockholders or documents soliciting approval of statutory
mergers, consolidations or sales of assets. Underwriting discounts or
commissions will generally not be paid by TDS. However, under some
circumstances, the Company may issue Common Shares covered by this Prospectus to
pay brokers' commissions incurred in connection with acquisitions.
This Prospectus, as appropriately amended or supplemented, has also been
prepared for use by persons who receive shares issued by TDS in acquisitions,
including Common Shares received upon conversion of other equity securities of
TDS or its subsidiaries issued in acquisitions, and who wish to offer and sell
such shares, on terms then available, in transactions in which they may be
deemed affiliates or underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of
1933 (such persons being referred to under this caption as "Selling
Shareholders"). Resales may be made pursuant to this Prospectus, as amended or
supplemented, pursuant to Rule 145(d) under the Securities Act of 1933, or
pursuant to an exemption from such Act. Profits realized on resales by Selling
Shareholders under certain circumstances may be regarded as underwriting
compensation under the Securities Act of 1933.
Resales by Selling Shareholders may be made directly to investors or through
a securities firm acting as an underwriter, broker or dealer. When resales are
to be made through a securities firm, such securities firm may be engaged to act
as the Selling Shareholder's agent in the sale of shares by such Selling
Shareholder, or such securities firm may purchase shares from the Selling
Shareholder as principal and thereafter resell such shares from time to time.
The fees earned by or paid to such securities firm may be the normal stock
exchange commission or negotiated commissions or underwriting discounts to the
extent permissible. In addition, such securities firm may effect resales through
other securities dealers, and customary commissions or concessions to such other
dealers may be allowed.
4
<PAGE>
Sales of shares may be at negotiated prices, at fixed prices, at market prices
or at prices related to market prices then prevailing. Any such sales may be
made on the American Stock Exchange or other exchange on which such shares are
traded, in the over-the-counter market, by block trade, in special or other
offerings, directly to investors or through a securities firm acting as agent or
principal, or a combination of such methods. Any participating securities firm
may be indemnified against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933. Any participating securities firm may be
deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933,
and any commissions earned by such firm may be deemed to be underwriting
discounts or commissions under such Act.
A Prospectus Supplement, if required, will be filed under Rule 424(b) under
the Securities Act of 1933, disclosing the name of the Selling Shareholder, the
participating securities firm, if any, the number of shares involved, and other
details of such resale, if appropriate.
From January 1, 1969, through October 31, 1995, TDS issued 713,677 Preferred
Shares and 28,165,284 Common Shares, excluding 2,499,753 Common Shares issued
upon conversion of Preferred Shares, in connection with acquisitions pursuant to
prior prospectuses. The Company's Common Shares and Preferred Shares have less
voting power than its Series A Common Shares. The Company's Series A Common
Shares, which have effective control of the Company, are not being offered by
this Prospectus. See "Description of Securities."
DIVIDEND POLICY
The Company has paid cash dividends on its Common Shares since 1974. In
addition, the holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive the same or
greater dividends on a per share basis as are paid to holders of Series A Common
Shares. It is the present policy of the Board of Directors to declare dividends
on all shares of common stock at the same rate per share.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 100,000,000 Common
Shares,$1.00 par value, 25,000,000 Series A Common Shares, $1.00 par value, and
5,000,000 Preferred Shares, without par value.
VOTING TRUST
A substantial majority of TDS's outstanding Series A Common Shares are held
in a voting trust which expires on June 30, 2009. The voting trust was created
to facilitate the long-standing relationships among the trustees' certificate
holders. By virtue of the number of shares held by them, the voting trustees
have the power to elect 75% of the Directors and control a majority of the
voting power of TDS in matters other than the election of directors. The
trustees of the voting trust are LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr., a director and the
President of TDS, Walter C.D. Carlson, a director of TDS, Letitia G. Carlson,
Melanie J. Heald and Donald C. Nebergall, a director of TDS.
PREFERRED SHARES
The Board of Directors of TDS is authorized by the Articles of Incorporation
of TDS to issue Preferred Shares from time to time in series and to establish as
to each series the designation and number of shares to be issued, the dividend
rate, the redemption price and terms, if any, the amount payable upon voluntary
or involuntary dissolution of TDS, sinking fund provisions, if any, voting
rights, if any, and the terms of conversion into Common Shares, if provided for.
VOTING RIGHTS
With respect to the election of directors, the holders of Common Shares, and
the holders of Preferred Shares issued before October 31, 1981, voting as a
group, are entitled to elect 25% of the Board of Directors of TDS, rounded up to
the nearest whole number. The holders of Series A Common Shares, and the holders
of Preferred Shares issued after October 31, 1981, voting as a group, are
entitled to elect the remaining members of the Board of Directors of TDS. The
Board of Directors currently consists of eleven directors. Accordingly, the
holders of Common Shares and the holders of Preferred Shares issued before
October 31, 1981, are entitled to elect three directors, and the holders of
Series A Common Shares and the holders of Preferred Shares issued after October
31, 1981, are entitled to elect eight directors.
5
<PAGE>
The holders of Common Shares are entitled to one vote per share and the
holders of Series A Common Shares are entitled to ten votes per share. The
holders of each series of Preferred Shares are entitled to such votes as may be
specified in the certificate of designation for such series. The holders of
Common Shares, Series A Common Shares and Preferred Shares vote as a single
group, except with respect to the election of directors as discussed above and
with respect to certain amendments to the Articles of Incorporation (e.g.,
amendments which are adverse to the holders of a class), as to which the Iowa
Business Corporation Act grants class voting rights.
If the number of Series A Common Shares issued and outstanding at any time
falls below 500,000 (because of the conversion of Series A Common Shares or
otherwise), the holders of Series A Common Shares would lose the right to vote
as a separate group (with the holders of Preferred Shares issued after October
31, 1981) in the election of approximately 75% of the directors, and thereafter
the holders of Series A Common Shares (with ten votes per share) would vote with
the holders of Common Shares (with one vote per share) and all holders of
Preferred Shares which have voting rights as a single group in the election of
directors. Management of TDS believes it is unlikely that the number of
outstanding Series A Common Shares will fall below 500,000, because more than
6,000,000 Series A Common Shares are held in the voting trust described above,
and the trustees of the voting trust have indicated that they have no present
intention of converting Series A Common Shares into Common Shares.
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
Subject to the satisfaction of all Preferred Share dividend preference and
redemption provisions, holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive such
dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors. Unless
the same, or greater, dividends, on a per share basis, are declared and paid at
the same time on the Common Shares, no dividends may be declared or paid on the
Series A Common Shares.
In the case of stock dividends, the Articles of Incorporation provide that
Common Shares may be paid to holders of Common Shares and proportionately to
holders of Series A Common Shares; Series A Common Shares may be paid to holders
of Common Shares and proportionately to holders of Series A Common Shares; and
Common Shares may be paid to holders of Common Shares and Series A Common Shares
may be paid proportionately to holders of Series A Common Shares. The Board of
Directors is authorized to permit both the holders of Common Shares and Series A
Common Shares to elect to receive cash in lieu of stock.
Upon liquidation, holders of Common Shares and Series A Common Shares are
entitled to receive a pro rata share of all assets available to shareholders
after payment to holders of the Preferred Shares of the liquidation value
thereof, plus a sum equal to the amount of all accumulated and unpaid dividends
thereon at the dividend rate fixed for each series of cumulative Preferred
Shares by the Board of Directors.
The Articles of Incorporation provide that if a TDS subsidiary has classes
of capital stock with relative rights, preferences and limitations vis-a-vis
each other that, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, are similar in all
material respects to the relative rights, preferences and limitations of the
Common Shares vis-a-vis the Series A Common Shares, except for certain limited
matters, then the Board of Directors will distribute the subsidiary shares in a
dividend or upon liquidation to the extent practicable by distributing the
subsidiary shares which correspond to the Common Shares, to the holders of
Common Shares, and the subsidiary shares which correspond to the Series A Common
Shares, to the holders of Series A Common Shares, provided that the same number
of shares of subsidiary common stock on a combined basis must be distributed per
Series A Common Share and Common Share.
PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS
The holders of Series A Common Shares have a preemptive right to purchase
any additional Series A Common Shares sold for cash, including treasury shares.
Holders of Common Shares and Preferred Shares have no preemptive rights under
the Articles of Incorporation.
6
<PAGE>
CONVERSION RIGHTS
The Common Shares have no conversion rights. The Series A Common Shares are
convertible, on a share-for-share basis, into Common Shares. Certain series of
Preferred Shares are convertible into Common Shares or other securities.
OTHER RIGHTS
The Common Shares and Series A Common Shares have no redemption or sinking
fund provisions. Certain series of Preferred Shares have mandatory redemption
features and certain series of Preferred Shares are redeemable at the option of
TDS.
PROVISIONS OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION CONCERNING TAKEOVER PROPOSALS
As discussed above, the voting trust has the power to elect 75% of the
directors and controls a majority of the voting power of TDS.
The Articles of Incorporation of TDS provide for the Board of Directors to
be divided into three classes. Each class is elected for a three-year term.
The Articles of Incorporation of TDS also explicitly permit the Board of
Directors to consider a variety of factors in exercising its business judgment
in determining what action is in the best interests of TDS and its shareholders
in responding to any tender offer for any equity security of TDS and certain
other proposed transactions.
The existence of the voting trust and the provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation summarized above may tend to deter any potential unsolicited or
hostile takeover attempts or other efforts to effect a change in control of TDS
and may make it more difficult for some shareholders to sell shares of TDS at
higher than market prices.
GENERAL
All issued and outstanding Common Shares, Series A Common Shares and
Preferred Shares are fully paid and nonassessable, and all Common Shares and
Preferred Shares offered hereby will be fully paid and nonassessable when
issued.
The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Common Shares, Series A Common
Shares and Preferred Shares is Harris Trust and Savings Bank, Chicago, Illinois.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters relating to the securities offered hereby will be
passed upon for TDS by Sidley & Austin, Chicago, Illinois. The Company is
controlled by a voting trust. Walter C.D. Carlson, a trustee and beneficiary of
the voting trust and a director of the Company and certain subsidiaries of the
Company, Michael G. Hron, the Secretary of the Company and certain subsidiaries
of the Company, William S. DeCarlo, the Assistant Secretary of the Company and
certain subsidiaries of the Company, Stephen P. Fitzell, the Secretary of
certain subsidiaries of the Company, and Sherry S. Treston, the Assistant
Secretary of certain subsidiaries of the Company, are partners of Sidley &
Austin.
EXPERTS
The audited consolidated financial statements and schedules of TDS
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus have been audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports
incorporated by reference herein. The combined financial statements of the Los
Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership, the Nashville/Clarksville MSA Limited
Partnership and the Baton Rouge MSA Limited Partnership incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus have been reviewed for compilation by Arthur
Andersen LLP, as indicated in their report incorporated by reference herein.
Reference is made to this report which includes an explanatory paragraph with
respect to uncertainties discussed in Note 7 of the Notes to Unaudited Combined
Financial Statements. The reports of other independent accountants on the
underlying financial statements which have been combined are incorporated by
reference herein. The financial statements and schedules referred to above have
been incorporated by reference in reliance upon the authority of such firms as
experts in accounting and auditing in giving said reports.
7
<PAGE>
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN
OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING
BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY
SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT
THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION BY ANYONE IN ANY
JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED OR IN WHICH
THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR TO ANYONE TO WHOM IT
IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
-----
<S> <C>
Available Information........................ 2
Documents Incorporated by Reference.......... 2
The Company.................................. 3
Offered Securities........................... 4
Dividend Policy.............................. 5
Description of Securities.................... 5
Legal Matters................................ 7
Experts...................................... 7
</TABLE>
TELEPHONE AND DATA
SYSTEMS, INC.
Y
PROSPECTUS
DATED NOVEMBER 15, 1995
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Iowa Business Corporation Act, as amended, provides for indemnification
of directors and officers in a variety of circumstances, which may include
liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act"). The Company's
By-laws provide for indemnification of the Company's directors and officers (and
those serving in such capacity with a consolidated subsidiary or other entity at
the request of the Board of Directors of the Company) in the circumstances, and
to the extent permitted by the Iowa Business Corporation Act, as amended.
The Company has directors' and officers' liability insurance which provides,
subject to certain policy limits, deductible amounts and exclusions, coverage
for all persons who have been, are or may in the future be, directors or
officers of the Company, against amounts which such persons must pay resulting
from claims against them by reason of their being such directors or officers
during the policy period for certain breaches of duty, omissions or other acts
done or wrongfully attempted or alleged.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the 1933 Act may be
permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant
to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been informed that
in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and 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 1933 Act
and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Exhibits
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
- --------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S>
4.1 Articles of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Report on
Form 8-A/A-2, dated December 20, 1994)
4.2 By-laws, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Report on Form 8-A/A-2, dated
December 20, 1994)
4.3 The Indenture and Supplemental Indentures for the Company's Series A, B, C, D, E and F Subordinated
Debentures are not being filed as exhibits because the total authorized subordinated debentures do not
exceed 10% of the total assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries. The Company agrees to furnish a
copy of such Indentures and Supplemental Indentures if so requested by the Commission.
4.4 The Indenture between the Company and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, Trustee, dated February 1, 1991,
under which the Company's Medium-Term Notes are issuable, is hereby incorporated by reference to the
company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 19, 1991.
5 Opinion of Sidley & Austin
12 Statements regarding computation of ratios (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Annual
Reports on Form 10-K for the Years Ended December 31, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991 and 1990, and the
Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1995)
23.1 Consent of independent public accountants
23.2 Consent of independent accountants
23.3 Consent of Sidley & Austin (included in Exhibit 5)
</TABLE>
II-1
<PAGE>
(b) Schedules
Report of Independent Public Accountants on Financial Statement Schedules*
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
I. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant-Balance Sheets as of December 31,
1994 and 1993 and Statements of Income and Statements of Cash Flows for each of
the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 1994*
II. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for each of the Three Years in the Period
Ended
December 31, 1994*
</TABLE>
Los Angeles SMSA, Nashville/Clarksville MSA and Baton Rouge MSA Limited
Partnership Combined Financial Statements*
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Compilation Report of Independent Public Accountants on Combined Financial
Statements*
Reports of Other Independent Accountants*
Combined Statements of Operations (Unaudited)*
Combined Balance Sheets (Unaudited)*
Combined Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)*
Combined Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital (Unaudited)*
Notes to Unaudited Combined Financial Statements*
</TABLE>
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not
required or because the required information is shown in the financial
statements or notes thereto.
- ---------
* Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the Year Ended December 31, 1994.
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(i) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(1) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(2) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in
the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase
or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering
range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in
volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum
aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration
Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and
(3) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
any material change to such information in the registration statement.
(ii) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each 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.
(iii) 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.
II-2
<PAGE>
(b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the registrant has been
informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and therefore
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 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 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.
(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: prior to any
public offering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a
prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or
party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the
issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information
called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by
persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called
for by the other Items of the applicable form.
(e) The undersigned registrant undertakes that every prospectus (i) that is
filed pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph or (ii) that purports to
meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act and is used in
connection with the offering of securities subject to Rule 415, except to the
extent permitted to be filed as a prospectus supplement, will be filed as a part
of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such
amendment is effective, and that, for purposes 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 bona fide offering thereof.
(f) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the
date of responding to the request.
(g) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective, except where
the transaction in which the securities being offered pursuant to this
registration statement would itself qualify for an exemption from Section 5 of
the Securities Act, absent the existence of other similar (prior or subsequent)
transactions.
II-3
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement or Amendment to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of
Chicago, State of Illinois on the 15th day of November, 1995.
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
By: /S/ LEROY T. CARLSON
--------------------------------------
LeRoy T. Carlson, CHAIRMAN
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Registration Statement or Amendment has been signed below by the following
persons in the capacities and on the 15th day of November, 1995.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE
- ------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S>
/S/ LEROY T. CARLSON
------------------------------------------- Chairman and Director
LeRoy T. Carlson
/S/ LEROY T. CARLSON, JR.
------------------------------------------- President and Director (chief executive officer)
LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.
/S/ MURRAY L. SWANSON Executive Vice President-Finance and Director (chief
------------------------------------------- financial officer)
Murray L. Swanson
/S/ JAMES BARR III
------------------------------------------- Director
James Barr III
/S/ RUDOLPH E. HORNACEK
------------------------------------------- Director
Rudolph E. Hornacek
/S/ LESTER O. JOHNSON
------------------------------------------- Director
Lester O. Johnson
/S/ DONALD C. NEBERGALL
------------------------------------------- Director
Donald C. Nebergall
/S/ HERBERT S. WANDER
------------------------------------------- Director
Herbert S. Wander
/S/ WALTER C.D. CARLSON
------------------------------------------- Director
Walter C.D. Carlson
/S/ DONALD R. BROWN
------------------------------------------- Director
Donald R. Brown
/S/ ROBERT J. COLLINS
------------------------------------------- Director
Robert J. Collins
/S/ GREGORY J. WILKINSON Vice President and Controller (principal accounting
------------------------------------------- officer)
Gregory J. Wilkinson
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
- --------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S>
5 Opinion of Sidley & Austin
23.1 Consent of independent public accountants
23.2 Consent of independent accountants
23.3 Consent of Sidley & Austin (included in Exhibit 5)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 5
SIDLEY & AUSTIN
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60603
(312) 853-7000
November 15, 1995
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Suite 4000
30 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Re: Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Registration Statement on Form S-4
Gentlemen:
We are counsel to Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., an Iowa corporation (the
"Company"), and have represented the Company in connection with the Form S-4
Registration Statement (the "Registration Statement") being filed by the Company
with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the offer and issuance of
2,750,000 shares, par value $1.00 per share (the "Common Shares"), of the
Company.
In rendering this opinion, we have examined and relied upon a copy of the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus included therein. We have also
examined and relied upon originals, or copies of originals certified to our
satisfaction, of such agreements, documents, certificates and other statements
of governmental officials and other instruments, have examined such questions of
law and have satisfied ourselves as to such matters of fact as we have
considered relevant and necessary as a basis for this opinion. We have assumed
the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the genuineness
of all signatures, the legal capacity of all natural persons and the conformity
with the original documents of any copies thereof submitted to us for our
examination.
Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
1. The Company is duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws
of the State of Iowa.
2. The Common Shares will be legally issued, fully paid and
nonassessable when: (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended,
shall have become effective under the Securities Act; (ii) the Company's
Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof shall have duly
adopted final resolutions authorizing the issuance and delivery of the
Common Shares then being issued and delivered and determined the adequacy of
the consideration to be received therefor; (iii) such Common Shares shall
have been duly issued and delivered in the manner contemplated by such
resolutions and the Registration Statement; and (iv) certificates
representing such Common Shares shall have been duly executed, countersigned
and registered and duly delivered to the persons entitled thereto against
receipt of the agreed consideration therefor (not less than the par value
thereof) in accordance with such resolutions and the Registration Statement.
Except as expressly stated in the next sentence, this opinion is limited to
the Securities Act. Insofar as the opinions expressed herein relate to matters
governed by the laws of the State of Iowa, we have not made an independent
examination of such laws, but have relied exclusively as to such laws, subject
to the exceptions, qualifications and limitations therein expressed, upon the
attached opinion of Nyemaster, Goode, McLaughlin, Voigts, West, Hansell &
O'Brien, P.C. of Des Moines, Iowa.
We do not find it necessary for the purposes of this opinion to cover, and
accordingly we express no opinion as to, the application of the securities or
"Blue Sky" laws of the various states to the sale of the Common Shares.
<PAGE>
The Company is controlled by a voting trust. Walter C.D. Carlson, a trustee
and beneficiary of the voting trust and a director of the Company and certain
subsidiaries of the Company, Michael G. Hron, the Secretary of the Company and
certain subsidiaries of the Company, William S. DeCarlo, the Assistant Secretary
of the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company, Stephen P. Fitzell, the
Secretary of certain subsidiaries of the Company, and Sherry S. Treston, the
Assistant Secretary of certain subsidiaries of the Company, are partners of this
Firm.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to all references to our Firm in or made a part of
the Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
SIDLEY & AUSTIN
<PAGE>
NYEMASTER, GOODE, MCLAUGHLIN, VOIGTS,
WEST, HANSELL & O'BRIEN
1900 HUB TOWER
699 WALNUT STREET
DES MOINES, IOWA 50309
(515) 283-3100
November 15, 1995
Sidley & Austin
One First National Plaza
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Re: Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Registration Statement on Form S-4
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special Iowa counsel with respect to the Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") being filed by Telephone
and Data Systems, Inc. (the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
relating to the registration of 2,750,000 Common Shares, $1.00 par value, of the
Company (the "Shares").
In rendering our opinion, we have examined and relied upon a copy of the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus included in the Registration
Statement. We have also examined such records, documents and questions of law as
we have considered relevant and necessary as a basis for this opinion. As to
matters of fact material to our opinions, we have with your agreement relied
upon certificates of officers of the Company. We have assumed with your
agreement the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the
conformity with the original documents of any copies submitted to us for our
examination and the authenticity of the original of any such copies.
Based on the foregoing, and subject to the foregoing qualifications and
limitations, it is our opinion that:
1. The Company is duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws
of the State of Iowa.
2. The Shares will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable
when: (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended, shall have become
effective under the Securities Act; (ii) the Company's Board of Directors or
a duly authorized committee thereof shall have duly adopted final
resolutions authorizing the issuance and sale of the Shares and determining
the adequacy of the consideration to be received in exchange for the Shares;
(iii) the Shares shall have been duly issued and sold in the manner
contemplated by such resolutions and the Registration Statement; and (iv)
certificates representing the Shares shall have been duly executed,
countersigned and registered and duly delivered to the purchasers thereof
against payment of the agreed consideration therefor.
Our opinion is qualified with respect to any issuance of the Shares which is
authorized or approved by a committee of the Company's Board of Directors, in
that such committee will be "duly authorized" as stated in clause (ii) of
paragraph 2 above only if: (a) the creation of the committee and the appointment
of members to it is approved by a majority of all the directors in office at the
time the committee is created and the members are appointed, and (b) the
authority to authorize or approve the issuance of the Shares as granted to the
committee by the Board of Directors is within limits specifically prescribed by
the Board of Directors.
We are admitted to the Bar of the State of Iowa, and express no opinion
herein as to the laws of any other jurisdiction, including the laws of the
United States of America.
Except as expressly set forth herein, we express no opinion, and no opinion
is implied or may be inferred, in connection with the Registration Statement or
the issuance of the Shares. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, we
express no opinion with respect to the Securities or blue sky laws of the
various states.
<PAGE>
This opinion is being delivered solely for the benefit of the persons to
whom it is addressed; accordingly, it may not be quoted, filed with any
governmental authority or other regulatory agency or otherwise circulated or
utilized for any other purpose without our prior written consent. Sidley &
Austin may refer to or quote from this opinion in its discretion in connection
with opinions it may be requested or required to give in connection with the
Registration Statement.
The undersigned law firm also hereby consents to the filing of this opinion
as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of its name in the
Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
NYEMASTER, GOODE, McLAUGHLIN, VOIGTS,
WEST, HANSELL & O'BRIEN, P.C.
By /s/ MARK C. DICKINSON
------------------------------------
Mark C. Dickinson
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Form S-4 Registration Statement of Telephone and Data Systems,
Inc. of our report dated February 7, 1995 (except with respect to the matters
discussed in Note 12 and Note 14, as to which the date is March 14, 1995), on
the consolidated financial statements of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. and
Subsidiaries incorporated by reference in the Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, to the incorporation by
reference in this Form S-4 Registration Statement of our report dated February
7, 1995 (except with respect to the matters discussed in Note 12 and Note 14, as
to which the date is March 14, 1995), on the financial statement schedules of
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., included in the Telephone and Data Systems,
Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, and to the incorporation by
reference in this Form S-4 Registration Statement of our compilation report
dated February 17, 1995, on the combined financial statements of the Los Angeles
SMSA Limited Partnership, the Nashville/Clarksville MSA Limited Partnership and
the Baton Rouge MSA Limited Partnership, included in the Telephone and Data
Systems, Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994. We also consent to
all references to our Firm included in this Form S-4 Registration Statement.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Chicago, Illinois
November 14, 1995
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Form S-4
Registration Statement of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. of our report, which
includes explanatory paragraphs relating to contingencies, dated February 17,
1995, on our audits of the financial statements of the Los Angeles SMSA Limited
Partnership as of December 31, 1994 and 1993, and for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1994, included in the Telephone and Data Systems,
Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994; such
financial statements were not included separately in such Form 10-K.
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
Newport Beach, California
November 14, 1995
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Form S-4
Registration Statement of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. of our reports dated
February 10, 1995, February 11, 1994 and February 11, 1993, on our audits of the
financial statements of the Nashville/Clarksville MSA Limited Partnership as of
December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 and for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993
and 1992, included in the Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994; such financial statements were not
included separately in such Form 10-K.
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
Atlanta, Georgia
November 14, 1995
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Form S-4
Registration Statement of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. of our reports dated
February 10, 1995, February 11, 1994 and February 11, 1993 on our audits of the
financial statements of the Baton Rouge MSA Limited Partnership as of December
31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 and for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and
1992, included in the Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994; such financial statements were not
included separately in such Form 10-K.
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
Atlanta, Georgia
November 14, 1995
