<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 21, 1997.
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
TDS CAPITAL I
TDS CAPITAL II TELEPHONE AND DATA
TDS CAPITAL III SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of registrants as (Exact name of registrant as
specified in their Declarations of specified in its charter)
Trust)
DELAWARE IOWA
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Nos.)
(TO BE APPLIED FOR) 36-2669023
30 N. LASALLE ST. LEROY T. CARLSON, JR., PRESIDENT
CHICAGO, IL 60602 TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
(312) 630-1900 SUITE 4000
(Address, including zip code, and 30 N. LASALLE ST.
telephone number, including area CHICAGO, IL 60602
code, of registrants' principal (312) 630-1900
executive offices) (Name, Address including zip code,
and telephone number, including
area code, of agent for service)
</TABLE>
Please send copies of all correspondence to:
WILBUR C. DELP, JR.
SIDLEY & AUSTIN
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA
CHICAGO, IL 60603
(312) 853-7416
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: FROM TIME
TO TIME AFTER THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE, AS DETERMINED BY
MARKET CONDITIONS AND OTHER FACTORS.
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, please check the following box. /X/
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. / /
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, please 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. / /
------------------------------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF AMOUNT TO OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED BE REGISTERED (1) PER UNIT (2) OFFERING PRICE (2) REGISTRATION FEE
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
TDS Capital I
TDS Capital II Preferred Securities....
</TABLE>
Q
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
TDS Capital III
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. Guarantees
with respect to Preferred Securities
(3).......................................
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. Junior
Subordinated Deferrable Interest
Debentures................................
Total....................................... $400,000,000 100% $400,000,000 $121,213
</TABLE>
(1) There are being registered hereunder a presently indeterminate number of
Preferred Securities of TDS Capital I, TDS Capital II and TDS Capital III
(together with related Guarantees and Junior Subordinated Deferrable
Interest Debentures of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., for which no
separate consideration will be received by any of the Registrants) all with
an aggregate initial public offering price not to exceed $400,000,000.
(2) Pursuant to Rules 457(n) and (o), the registration fee is calculated on the
basis of the proposed aggregate maximum offering price of the Preferred
Securities.
(3) Includes the rights of holders of the Preferred Securities under the
Guarantees and certain back-up undertakings as described in the Registration
Statement.
------------------------------
THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Registration Statement contains a prospectus to be used in connection
with the offer and sale of Preferred Securities of TDS Capital I, TDS Capital II
and TDS Capital III, each a Delaware business trust (collectively, the
"Trusts"). TDS and the Trusts plan to consummate, from time to time,
transactions involving the sale of securities registered pursuant to this
Registration Statement, provided that the proceeds therefrom will not exceed an
aggregate amount of $400,000,000.
This Registration Statement also contains a form of prospectus supplement to
be used in connection with the offer and sale by TDS Capital I of Preferred
Securities.
<PAGE>
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 21, 1997
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. NEITHER THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT NOR THE PROSPECTUS TO WHICH IT
RELATES SHALL 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.
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED OCTOBER , 1997)
PREFERRED SECURITIES
TDS CAPITAL I
% TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIES-SM- ("TOPRS-SM-")
(LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $25 PER PREFERRED SECURITY)
FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED BY
[LOGO]
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
------------------------
The % Trust Originated Preferred Securities (the "Preferred Securities")
offered hereby represent undivided preferred beneficial interests in the assets
of TDS Capital I, a statutory business trust formed under the laws of the State
of Delaware (the "Trust"). Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., an Iowa corporation
("TDS"), will own all of the trust originated common securities (the "Common
Securities", and together with the Preferred Securities, the "Trust Securities")
representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust. The
Trust exists for the sole purpose of issuing the Trust Securities and investing
the proceeds thereof in an equivalent amount of % Junior
(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE S-9 OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT FOR
CERTAIN INFORMATION RELEVANT TO AN INVESTMENT IN THE PREFERRED SECURITIES,
INCLUDING THE PERIOD AND CIRCUMSTANCES DURING AND UNDER WHICH PAYMENTS OF
DISTRIBUTIONS ON THE PREFERRED SECURITIES MAY BE DEFERRED AND THE RELATED UNITED
STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH DEFERRAL.
Application has been made to list the Preferred Securities on the American
Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "AMEX"). If so approved, trading of the Preferred
Securities on the AMEX is expected to commence within a 30-day period after the
initial delivery of the Preferred Securities. See "Underwriting."
--------------------------
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 SUPPLEMENT
OR THE PROSPECTUS TO WHICH IT RELATES. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INITIAL PUBLIC UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO
OFFERING PRICE(1) COMMISSION(2) TRUST(3)(4)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Preferred Security............................. $ $ (3) $
Total.............................................. $ $ (3) $
</TABLE>
(1) Plus accrued distributions, if any, from , 1997.
(2) The Trust and TDS have agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended. See "Underwriting."
(3) In view of the fact that the entire proceeds of the sale of the Preferred
Securities will be invested in the Subordinated Debentures, TDS has agreed
to pay to the Underwriters as compensation (the "Underwriters'
Compensation") for their arranging the investment therein of such proceeds
$. per Preferred Security (or $ in the aggregate); provided, that
such compensation for sales of 10,000 or more Preferred Securities to a
single purchaser will be $. per Preferred Security. Therefore, to the
extent of such sales, the actual amount of Underwriters' Compensation will
be less than the aggregate amount specified in the preceding sentence. See
"Underwriting."
(4) Before deducting expenses of the offering which are payable by TDS estimated
at $ .
--------------------------
The Preferred Securities offered hereby are offered severally by the
Underwriters, as specified herein, subject to receipt and acceptance by them and
subject to their right to reject any order in whole or in part. It is expected
that delivery of the Preferred Securities will be made only in book-entry form
through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, on or about ,
1997.
--------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
SECURITIES CORPORATION
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
----------------
The date of this Prospectus Supplement is , 1997.
-SM- "Trust Originated Preferred Securities" and "TOPrS" are service marks of
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
<PAGE>
(CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE)
Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due , 2037 (the
"Subordinated Debentures") of TDS. The Subordinated Debentures will mature on
, 2037, or such date to which the maturity of the Subordinated
Debentures may be extended as described under "Description of the Subordinated
Debentures -- General" (such date, the "Stated Maturity"), in each case subject
to satisfying certain conditions. The Subordinated Debentures when issued will
be unsecured obligations of TDS and will be subordinate and junior in right of
payment to certain other indebtedness of TDS, as described herein. Upon an event
of default under the Declaration (as defined below), the holders of Preferred
Securities will have a preference over the holders of the Common Securities with
respect to payments of distributions and payments upon redemption, liquidation
and otherwise.
Holders of the Preferred Securities are entitled to receive cumulative cash
distributions at an annual rate of % of the liquidation amount of $25 per
Preferred Security, accruing from the date of original issuance and payable
quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each
year, commencing December 31, 1997 ("distributions"). The payment of
distributions out of moneys held by the Trust and payments on liquidation of the
Trust or the redemption of Preferred Securities, as set forth below, are
guaranteed by TDS (the "Preferred Securities Guarantee") to the extent described
herein and under "Description of Preferred Securities Guarantees" in the
accompanying Prospectus. The Preferred Securities Guarantee covers payments of
distributions and other payments on the Preferred Securities if and to the
extent that the Trust has funds available therefor, which will not be the case
unless TDS has made payments of interest or principal or other payments on the
Subordinated Debentures held by the Trust as its sole asset. The Preferred
Securities Guarantee, when taken together with TDS's obligations under the
Subordinated Debentures and the Indenture (as defined below) and its obligations
under the Declaration, including its obligations to pay costs, expenses, debts
and obligations of the Trust (other than with respect to the Trust Securities),
provide a full and unconditional guarantee of amounts due on the Preferred
Securities. See "Risk Factors -- Rights Under the Preferred Securities
Guarantee" herein. The obligations of TDS under the Preferred Securities
Guarantee are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all other
liabilities of TDS and rank PARI PASSU with the most senior preferred stock
issued from time to time by TDS. The obligations of TDS under the Subordinated
Debentures are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all present and
future Senior Indebtedness (as defined herein) of TDS, which aggregated
approximately $970 million at September 30, 1997. In addition, since TDS is a
holding company, the right of TDS, and hence the right of the creditors of TDS
(including any holder of Subordinated Debentures), to participate in any
distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its liquidation or
reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior claims of
creditors of such subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of TDS as a
creditor of such subsidiary may be recognized. There is no restriction in the
Indenture (as defined herein) against subsidiaries of TDS incurring secured or
unsecured indebtedness or issuing secured or unsecured securities. The ability
of TDS to make payments of principal and interest on the Subordinated Debentures
will be dependent upon the payment to it by its subsidiaries of dividends, loans
or advances. As more fully set forth in the notes to the Company's financial
statements, such payments by TDS's regulated telephone company subsidiaries are
subject to legal and contractual restrictions, primarily contained in the
mortgages granted by certain such subsidiaries to the Rural Utilities Service.
The Subordinated Debentures purchased by the Trust may be subsequently
distributed PRO RATA to holders of the Preferred Securities and Common
Securities in connection with the dissolution, winding up or termination of the
Trust. See "United States Federal Income Taxation -- Receipt of Subordinated
Debentures or Cash Upon Liquidation of the Trust."
The distribution rate and the distribution payment date and other payment
dates for the Preferred Securities will correspond to the interest rate and
interest payment date and other payment dates on the Subordinated Debentures,
which will be the sole assets of the Trust. As a result, if principal or
interest is not paid on the Subordinated Debentures, no amounts will be paid on
the Preferred Securities. If TDS does not make principal or interest payments on
the Subordinated Debentures, the Trust will not have
S-2
<PAGE>
sufficient funds to make distributions on the Preferred Securities. In such
event, the Preferred Securities Guarantee will not apply to such distributions
until the Trust has funds available therefor.
So long as TDS is not in default in the payment of interest on the
Subordinated Debentures, TDS has the right to defer payments of interest on the
Subordinated Debentures by extending the interest payment period on the
Subordinated Debentures at any time for up to 20 consecutive quarters (each, an
"Extension Period"), provided that an Extension Period may not extend beyond the
Stated Maturity of the Subordinated Debentures. If interest payments are so
deferred, distributions on the Preferred Securities will also be deferred.
During such Extension Period, distributions will continue to accrue with
interest thereon (to the extent permitted by applicable law) at an annual rate
of % per annum compounded quarterly, and during any Extension Period holders
of Preferred Securities will be required to include deferred interest income in
their gross income for United States federal income tax purposes in advance of
receipt of the cash distributions with respect to such deferred interest
payments. There could be multiple Extension Periods of varying lengths
throughout the term of the Subordinated Debentures. See "Description of the
Subordinated Debentures -- Option to Extend Interest Payment Period," "Risk
Factors -- Option to Extend Interest Payment Period" and "United States Federal
Income Taxation -- Original Issue Discount."
The Subordinated Debentures are redeemable by TDS, in whole or in part, from
time to time, on or after , 2002, or, in whole but not in part, at
any time upon the occurrence of a Tax Event (as defined herein). If TDS redeems
Subordinated Debentures, the Trust must redeem Trust Securities on a PRO RATA
basis having an aggregate liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal
amount of the Subordinated Debentures so redeemed of $25 per Preferred Security
plus accrued and unpaid distributions thereon (the "Redemption Price") to the
date fixed for redemption. See "Description of the Preferred Securities -- Tax
Event Redemption." The Preferred Securities will be redeemed upon maturity of
the Subordinated Debentures.
TDS will have the right at any time to liquidate the Trust and cause the
Subordinated Debentures to be distributed to the holders of the Trust
Securities. If the Subordinated Debentures are distributed to the holders of the
Preferred Securities, TDS will use its best efforts to have the Subordinated
Debentures listed on the AMEX or on such other exchange as the Preferred
Securities are then listed. See "Description of the Preferred Securities --
Dissolution; Distribution of Subordinated Debentures" and "Description of the
Subordinated Debentures."
In the event of the involuntary or voluntary dissolution, winding-up or
termination of the Trust, the holders of the Trust Securities will be entitled
to receive for each Trust Security, solely out of the assets of the Trust
available for distribution to such holders, after payment (or provision for
payment) of all liabilities to creditors, a liquidation amount of $25 plus
accrued and unpaid distributions thereon (including interest thereon) to the
date of payment, unless, in connection with such dissolution, winding up or
termination, the Subordinated Debentures are distributed to the holders of the
Trust Securities. See "Description of the Preferred Securities -- Dissolution;
Distribution of Subordinated Debentures."
The Preferred Securities will be represented by global Preferred Securities
registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") or its nominee.
Beneficial interests in the global Preferred Securities will be shown on, and
transfers thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by
participants in DTC. Except as provided herein, Preferred Securities in
definitive form will not be issued. See "Book-Entry Only Issuance -- The
Depository Trust Company."
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN, OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE PREFERRED
SECURITIES. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY INCLUDE STABILIZING, THE PURCHASE OF PREFERRED
SECURITIES TO COVER SYNDICATE SHORT POSITIONS AND THE IMPOSITION OF PENALTY
BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."
S-3
<PAGE>
SUMMARY
THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE
DETAILED INFORMATION APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE
ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS.
THE COMPANY
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. ("TDS" or the "Company") is a diversified
telecommunications service company with established cellular telephone, local
telephone and radio paging operations and developing personal communications
services ("PCS") operations. At September 30, 1997, the Company, through its
subsidiaries, served approximately 2.7 million customer units in 37 states,
including 1,357,000 cellular telephones, 506,600 telephone access lines, 65,000
PCS telephones, and 792,800 pagers.
THE TRUST
The Trust is a statutory business trust formed under Delaware law pursuant
to the filing of a certificate of trust with the Delaware Secretary of State on
October 15, 1997. The Trust exists for the exclusive purposes of (i) issuing the
Trust Securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of
the Trust, (ii) investing the gross proceeds of the Trust Securities in the
Subordinated Debentures, and (iii) engaging in only those other activities
necessary or incidental thereto.
THE OFFERING
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Preferred Securities Offered...... % Trust Originated Preferred Securities evidencing undi-
vided preferred beneficial interests in the assets of
the Trust are offered hereby. Holders of the Preferred
Securities are entitled to receive cumulative cash
distributions at an annual rate of % of the
liquidation amount of $25 per Preferred Security,
accruing from the date of original issuance and payable
quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30
and December 31 of each year commencing on December 31,
1997. The distribution rate and the distribution and
other payment dates for the Preferred Securities will
correspond to the interest rate and interest and other
payment dates on the Subordinated Debentures, which will
be the sole assets of the Trust. As a result, if
principal or interest is not paid on the Subordinated
Debentures, no amounts will be paid on the Preferred
Securities. See "Description of the Preferred
Securities."
Subordinated Debentures........... The Trust will invest the proceeds from the issuance of
the Preferred Securities and Common Securities in an
equivalent amount of the Subordinated Debentures. The
Subordinated Debentures will be subordinate and junior
in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of TDS.
See "Description of the Subordinated Debentures --
Subordination."
Preferred Securities Guarantee.... Payment of distributions out of moneys held by the
Trust, and payments on liquidation of the Trust or the
redemption of Preferred Securities are guaranteed by TDS
to the extent the Trust has funds available therefor. If
TDS does not make principal or interest payments on the
Subordinated Debentures, the Trust will not have
sufficient funds to make distributions on the Preferred
Securities, in which event the Preferred Securities
</TABLE>
S-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Guarantee will not apply to such distributions until the
Trust has sufficient funds available therefor. See
"Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantee" and
"Effect of Obligations under the Subordinated Debentures
and the Preferred Securities Guarantee" herein. The
obligations of TDS under the Preferred Securities
Guarantee are subordinate and junior in right of payment
to all other liabilities of TDS and will rank PARI PASSU
with the most senior preferred stock issued by TDS. See
"Risk Factors -- Ranking of Preferred Securities
Guarantee and Subordinated Debentures" and "Description
of the Preferred Securities Guarantee."
Interest Deferral................. TDS has the right to defer payments of interest on the
Subordinated Debentures by extending the interest
payment period on the Subordinated Debentures at any
time, for up to 20 consecutive quarters. If interest
payments on the Subordinated Debentures are so deferred,
distributions on the Preferred Securities will also be
deferred. During any deferral, distributions will
continue to accrue with interest thereon (to the extent
permitted by law) as described herein. There could be
multiple Extension Periods of varying lengths throughout
the term of the Subordinated Debentures. During an
Extension Period, holders of Preferred Securities will
be required to include deferred interest income in their
gross income in advance of receipt of the cash interest
payments attributable thereto. See "Description of the
Subordinated Debentures -- Option to Extend Interest
Payment Period" and "Certain United States Federal
Income Tax Consequences -- Original Issue Discount."
Redemption........................ The Subordinated Debentures are redeemable by TDS (in
whole or in part) from time to time, on or after
, 2002, or at any time (in whole but not in
part) in certain circumstances upon the occurrence of a
Tax Event. If the Subordinated Debentures are redeemed,
the Trust must redeem Trust Securities on a PRO RATA
basis having an aggregate liquidation amount equal to
the aggregate principal amount of Subordinated
Debentures so redeemed. The Preferred Securities will be
redeemed upon maturity of the Subordinated Debentures.
See "Description of the Preferred Securities --
Redemption."
Dissolution....................... TDS will have the right at any time to terminate the
Trust and, after satisfaction of claims of creditors as
provided by applicable law, to cause the Subordinated
Debentures to be distributed to the holders of Trust
Securities. If the Subordinated Debentures are
distributed to holders of Preferred Securities, TDS will
use its best efforts to have the Subordinated Debentures
listed on the AMEX or such other exchange on which the
Preferred Securities are then listed. The Trust will
also terminate upon certain bankruptcy or other events
and, upon such termination, the holders of Preferred
Securities at that time will be entitled to receive out
of assets of the Trust available therefor an amount
equal to the stated liquidation amount of $25 per
Preferred Security plus accrued and unpaid distributions
thereon to the
</TABLE>
S-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
distribution date (unless the Subordinated Debentures
have been distributed to such holders of Preferred
Securities). If, upon any such termination or
dissolution, the Trust has insufficient assets available
to pay in full such amounts, then the amounts payable by
the Trust on the Preferred Securities will be paid on a
PRO RATA basis and, except in certain circumstances, the
holder of the Common Securities will be entitled to
receive distributions PRO RATA with the holders of the
Preferred Securities. See "Description of Preferred
Securities -- Dissolution; Distribution of Subordinated
Debentures" and "United States Federal Income Taxation
-- Receipt of Subordinated Debentures or Cash Upon
Liquidation of the Trust."
Use of Proceeds................... The Trust will use the proceeds from the sale of the
Trust Securities to purchase Subordinated Debentures
from TDS. TDS intends to use the net proceeds from such
sale of Subordinated Debentures to repay certain
short-term indebtedness. Thereafter, TDS may incur
additional short-term indebtedness, the proceeds of
which would be used for general corporate purposes,
which may include working capital, capital expendi-
tures, repayment or repurchases of outstanding
indebtedness and investments in subsidiaries. See "Use
of Proceeds."
Listing........................... Application has been made to list the Preferred
Securities on the AMEX. If so approved, trading of the
Preferred Securities on the AMEX is expected to commence
within a 30-day period after the initial delivery of the
Preferred Securities. See "Underwriting."
</TABLE>
S-6
<PAGE>
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial information
for the Company for each of the fiscal years in the five-year period ended
December 31, 1996 and for the six-month periods ended June 30, 1996 and 1997.
The information for each of the five years ended December 31, 1996 has been
derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and other financial
information contained in TDS's Annual Reports on Form 10-K for such years (the
"TDS 10-Ks"). See "Available Information" and "Documents Incorporated by
Reference" in the accompanying prospectus. Information for the six-months ended
June 30, 1996 and 1997 has been derived from the unaudited financial statements
of the Company that have been prepared on the same basis as the audited
financial statements of the Company, and, in the opinion of management, contain
all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for
a fair presentation of the results of operations for such period. Operating
results for the six-month period ended June 30, 1997 are not necessarily
indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the year ending
December 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS
ENDED JUNE 30, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997 1996 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<CAPTION>
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Operating Revenues (1).................. $ 678,174 $ 552,764 $1,186,884 $ 942,307 $ 726,036 $ 553,829 $ 432,740
Operating Income........................ 49,732 80,038 154,098 131,998 108,822 69,733 54,065
Other Income............................ 24,325 124,060 140,540 103,857 33,686 28,126 46,832
Interest Expense........................ 33,694 20,997 42,853 50,848 41,251 37,466 32,610
Net Income Before Extraordinary Item and
Cumulative Effect of Accounting
Changes............................... 16,438 93,381 128,139 103,978 60,544 33,896 38,520
Net Income.............................. 16,438 93,381 128,139 103,978 59,821 33,896 30,885
Net Income Available to Common.......... $ 15,487 $ 92,889 $ 126,293 $ 102,044 $ 58,012 $ 31,510 $ 28,648
OTHER DATA:
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
Preferred Stock Dividends (2)......... 1.26x 5.27x 3.50x 3.01x 2.75x 1.96x 2.50x
EBITDA (3).............................. $ 181,537 $ 187,357 $ 385,681 $ 323,502 $ 260,333 $ 187,714 $ 146,062
Construction Expenditures............... $ 393,232 $ 211,845 $ 550,204 $ 359,996 $ 319,701 $ 200,984 $ 146,963
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Temporary
Investments........................... $ 67,822 $ 121,244 $ 119,297 $ 80,851 $ 44,566 $ 73,385 $ 58,145
Property, Plant and Equipment (Net)..... 2,088,096 1,429,943 1,828,889 1,293,410 1,063,656 846,089 695,623
Total Assets............................ 4,506,128 3,767,142 4,200,969 3,469,082 2,790,127 2,259,182 1,696,486
Notes Payable........................... 505,206 22,727 160,537 184,320 98,608 6,309 46,816
Long-term Debt (including current
portion) (4).......................... 1,020,411 916,639 1,018,851 894,584 562,165 537,566 426,885
Redeemable Preferred Shares (including
current portion)...................... 1,578 1,937 1,858 15,093 25,001 27,367 27,967
Common Stockholders' Equity............. $1,964,746 $1,998,982 $2,032,941 $1,684,365 $1,473,038 $1,224,285 $ 877,419
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) Effective January 1, 1997, USM (as defined herein), a subsidiary of TDS,
changed its financial reporting presentation for certain credits given to
cellular customers on their monthly bills. Amounts for the years 1993-1996
have been reclassified to conform to the 1997 presentation.
(2) The reduction in the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends from the six-month period ended June 30, 1996 to the six-month
period ended June 30, 1997 is primarily due to the decrease in gains on
sales of cellular interests and other investments from $128.3 million in the
first half of 1996 to $10.6 million in the first half of 1997. For the
computation of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends: (i) earnings consist of net income from continuing operations
plus income taxes from continuing operations, fixed charges (less
capitalized interest), distributions from minority subsidiaries and minority
share in income of subsidiaries that have fixed charges, less equity in
undistributed earnings of unconsolidated investments and minority share of
losses; and (ii) fixed charges and preferred stock dividends consist of
interest expense, capitalized interest, estimated interest portion of
rentals and preferred stock dividend requirements increased to an amount
representing the pretax earnings required to cover such dividend
requirements.
(3) EBITDA represents Operating Income plus depreciation and amortization.
EBITDA is a measure commonly used by the financial community but is not
prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting
principles and should not be considered as a measurement of net cash flows
from operating activities.
(4) Long-term Debt does not reflect (i) the issuance in August, 1997 by USM (as
defined herein) of $250 million of its senior notes or the use of
substantially all of the net proceeds thereof to repay Notes Payable and
Long-term Debt, or (ii) borrowings of $100 million contemplated by Aerial
(as defined herein) pursuant to a pending private placement in connection
with a refinancing arrangement relating to its existing vendor financing.
See "Consolidated Capitalization."
S-7
<PAGE>
RECENT FINANCIAL RESULTS
TDS's operating revenues for the three- and nine-month periods ended
September 30, 1997 increased 27% and 24% to $392.2 million and $1,070.4 million,
respectively, as compared to the same periods in 1996. The increases in 1997
were attributable primarily to the growth in customer units. TDS's operating
(loss) income for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997 was
($3.5) million and $46.2 million, respectively, compared to $41.3 million and
$121.3 million for the same periods in 1996. The decreases in 1997 were
attributable primarily to start-up losses incurred by Aerial Communications,
Inc. ("Aerial"), TDS's majority-owned PCS subsidiary, of $64.5 million and
$116.2 million for the three- and nine-month periods, respectively, offset
somewhat by increases in cellular operating income of $11.8 million and $35.6
million for the three- and nine-month periods, respectively. TDS's net income
available to common for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30,
1997 was $8.5 million and $24.0 million, respectively, compared to $22.2 million
and $115.3 million for the same periods in 1996. After-tax gains from asset
sales contributed $8.4 million and $12.5 million for the three- and nine-month
periods ended September 30, 1997, respectively, as compared to $2.9 million and
$63.7 million for the same periods in 1996.
United States Cellular Corporation ("USM"), TDS's majority-owned subsidiary,
reported a 29% increase in operating revenues for each of the three- and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997 to $232.0 million and $634.1
million, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 1996. The revenue
increases were primarily related to increases in cellular customer units, which
grew by 44% during the twelve months ended September 30, 1997. USM's operating
income increased 36% and 47% for the three-and nine-month periods ended
September 30, 1997 to $44.9 million and $110.5 million, respectively, as
compared to the same periods in 1996.
TDS Telecommunications Corporation ("TDS Telecom"), TDS's wholly-owned
subsidiary, reported a 17% increase in operating revenues for each of the three-
and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997 to $118.7 million and $338.7
million as compared to the same periods in 1996. Access lines grew by 6% in the
twelve months ended September 30, 1997. TDS Telecom's operating income increased
2% and 4% for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997 to
$25.4 million and $76.7 million, respectively, as compared to the same periods
in 1996.
Aerial reported operating revenues of $18.6 million and $25.8 million for
the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997, respectively. All of
Aerial's markets have now been in service for a full quarter. The Company
anticipates that start-up and development of high-quality networks and the
marketing of systems in Aerial's markets will reduce the rate of growth in TDS's
operating and net income from levels which would otherwise be achieved during
the next few years.
American Paging, Inc. ("APP"), TDS's majority-owned subsidiary, reported
declines of 14% and 9% in operating revenues for the three- and nine-month
periods ended September 30, 1997 to $22.9 million and $71.8 million,
respectively, as compared to the same periods in 1996. Revenues at APP declined
during such periods primarily due to competitive price pressures in the direct
distribution channel. APP's operating loss declined 44% and 9% for the three-and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997 to ($9.3) million and ($24.8)
million, respectively, as compared to same periods in 1996. The Company expects
that APP will continue to incur operating losses in the fourth quarter of 1997
and in 1998.
S-8
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
Prospective purchasers of Preferred Securities should carefully review the
information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus Supplement and in the
accompanying Prospectus and should particularly consider the following matters.
RANKING OF PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE AND SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
TDS's obligations under the Preferred Securities Guarantee are subordinate
and junior in right of payment to all other liabilities of TDS, including the
Subordinated Debentures, and rank PARI PASSU with the most senior preferred
stock issued from time to time by TDS. The obligations of TDS under the
Subordinated Debentures are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all
present and future Senior Indebtedness of TDS. No payment may be made of the
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Subordinated Debentures, or in
respect of any redemption, retirement, purchase or other acquisition of any of
the Subordinated Debentures, at any time when (i) there is a default in the
payment of amounts due on any Senior Indebtedness, or (ii) the maturity of any
Senior Indebtedness has been accelerated because of a default. As of September
30, 1997, Senior Indebtedness of TDS aggregated approximately $970 million. In
addition, since TDS is a holding company, the right of TDS, and hence the right
of the creditors of TDS (including any holder of Subordinated Debentures), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of such subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of TDS
as a creditor of such subsidiary may be recognized. There is no restriction in
the Indenture (as defined herein) against subsidiaries of TDS incurring secured
or unsecured indebtedness or issuing secured or unsecured securities. The
ability of TDS to make payments of principal and interest on the Subordinated
Debentures will be dependent upon the payment to it by its subsidiaries of
dividends, loans or advances. As more fully set forth in the notes to the
Company's financial statements, such payments by TDS's regulated telephone
company subsidiaries are subject to legal and contractual restrictions,
primarily contained in the mortgages granted by certain such subsidiaries to the
Rural Utilities Service. There are no terms in the Preferred Securities, the
Subordinated Debentures or the Preferred Securities Guarantee that limit TDS's
ability to incur additional indebtedness, including indebtedness which ranks
senior to the Subordinated Debentures and the Preferred Securities Guarantee.
See "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees -- Status of the
Preferred Securities Guarantees" and "Description of the Subordinated
Debentures" in the accompanying Prospectus, and "Description of the Subordinated
Debentures -- Subordination" herein.
RIGHTS UNDER THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE
The Preferred Securities Guarantee will be qualified as an indenture under
the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"). The
First National Bank of Chicago will act as indenture trustee under the Preferred
Securities Guarantee for the purposes of compliance with the provisions of the
Trust Indenture Act (the "Guarantee Trustee"). The Guarantee Trustee will hold
the Preferred Securities Guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the
Preferred Securities.
The Preferred Securities Guarantee guarantees to the holders of the
Preferred Securities the payment of (i) any accrued and unpaid distributions
that are required to be paid on the Preferred Securities, to the extent the
Trust has funds available therefor, (ii) the Redemption Price, including all
accrued and unpaid distributions with respect to Preferred Securities called for
redemption by the Trust, to the extent the Trust has funds available therefor,
and (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination
of the Trust (other than in connection with the distribution of Subordinated
Debentures to the holders of Preferred Securities), the lesser of (a) the
aggregate of the liquidation amount and all accrued and unpaid distributions on
the Preferred Securities to the date of the payment of such liquidation amount,
to the extent the Trust has funds available therefor or (b) the amount of assets
of the Trust remaining available for distribution to holders of the Preferred
Securities in liquidation of the Trust.
S-9
<PAGE>
The holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities
have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee or to direct the exercise of
any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under the Preferred
Securities Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any holder of Preferred
Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against TDS to enforce such
holder's rights under the Preferred Securities Guarantee without first
instituting a legal proceeding against the Trust, the Guarantee Trustee or any
other person or entity. If TDS were to default on its obligation to pay amounts
payable on the Subordinated Debentures or otherwise, the Trust would lack
available funds for the payment of distributions or amounts payable on
redemption of the Preferred Securities or otherwise, and, in such event, holders
of the Preferred Securities would not be able to rely upon the Preferred
Securities Guarantee for payment of such amounts. Instead, holders of the
Preferred Securities would rely on the enforcement (1) by the Property Trustee
(as defined herein) of its rights as registered holder of the Subordinated
Debentures against TDS pursuant to the terms of the Subordinated Debentures or
(2) by such holders of their right against TDS to enforce payments on the
Subordinated Debentures. See "Description of the Preferred Securities
Guarantees" and "Description of the Subordinated Debentures" in the accompanying
Prospectus. The Declaration provides that each holder of Preferred Securities,
by acceptance thereof, agrees to the provisions of the Preferred Securities
Guarantee, including the subordination provisions thereof, and the Indenture.
ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN RIGHTS BY HOLDERS OF PREFERRED SECURITIES
If a Declaration Event of Default (as defined herein) occurs and is
continuing, then the holders of Preferred Securities would rely on the
enforcement by the Property Trustee of its rights as a holder of the
Subordinated Debentures against TDS. In addition, the holders of a majority in
liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities will have the right to direct the
time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the Property Trustee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred
upon the Property Trustee under the Declaration, including the right to direct
the Property Trustee to exercise the remedies available to it as a holder of the
Subordinated Debentures. If the Property Trustee fails to enforce its rights
under the Subordinated Debentures, a holder of Preferred Securities may
institute a legal proceeding directly against TDS to enforce the Property
Trustee's rights under the Subordinated Debentures without first instituting any
legal proceeding against the Property Trustee or any other person or entity.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Declaration Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing, and such event is attributable to the failure of TDS to pay
interest or principal on the Subordinated Debentures on the date such interest
or principal is otherwise payable (or in the case of redemption, on the
redemption date), then a holder of Preferred Securities may directly institute a
proceeding for enforcement of payment to such holder of the principal of or
interest on the Subordinated Debentures having a principal amount equal to the
aggregate liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities of such holder (a
"Direct Action") on or after the respective due date specified in the
Subordinated Debentures. In connection with such Direct Action, TDS will be
subrogated to the rights of such holder of Preferred Securities under the
Declaration to the extent of any payment made by TDS to such holder of Preferred
Securities in such Direct Action. The holders of Preferred Securities will not
be able to exercise directly any other remedy available to the holders of the
Subordinated Debentures. See "Description of the Preferred Securities --
Declaration Events of Default."
OPTION TO EXTEND INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
TDS has the right under the Indenture to defer payments of interest on the
Subordinated Debentures by extending the interest payment period at any time,
and from time to time, on the Subordinated Debentures. As a consequence of such
an extension, quarterly distributions on the Preferred Securities would be
deferred (but would continue to accrue, despite such deferral, with interest
thereon compounded quarterly) by the Trust during any such Extension Period.
Such right to extend the interest payment period for the Subordinated Debentures
is limited to a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters, but no such
S-10
<PAGE>
Extension Period may extend beyond the Stated Maturity of the Subordinated
Debentures. During any Extension Period, (a) TDS may not declare or pay
dividends on, or make a distribution with respect to, or redeem, purchase or
acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock
(other than (i) purchases or acquisitions of shares of TDS common stock in
connection with the satisfaction by TDS of its obligations under any employee
benefit plans or any other contractual obligation of TDS (other than a
contractual obligation ranking PARI PASSU with or junior to the Subordinated
Debentures), (ii) as a result of a reclassification of TDS capital stock or the
exchange or conversion of one class or series of TDS capital stock for another
class or series of TDS capital stock or (iii) the purchase of fractional
interests in shares of TDS capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange
provisions of such TDS capital stock or the security being converted or
exchanged), (b) TDS may not make any payment of interest, principal or premium,
if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities (including
guarantees) issued by TDS that rank PARI PASSU with or junior to the
Subordinated Debentures, and (c) TDS may not make any guarantee payments with
respect to the foregoing (other than pursuant to the Preferred Securities
Guarantee). Prior to the termination of any such Extension Period, TDS may
further extend the interest payment period; provided, that such Extension
Period, together with all such previous and further extensions thereof, may not
exceed 20 consecutive quarters or extend beyond the Stated Maturity of the
Subordinated Debentures. Upon the termination of any Extension Period and the
payment of all accrued and unpaid interest then due, TDS may commence a new
Extension Period, subject to the above requirements. See "Description of the
Preferred Securities -- Distributions" and "Description of the Subordinated
Debentures -- Option to Extend Interest Payment Period."
Should TDS exercise its right to defer payments of interest by extending the
interest payment period, each holder of Preferred Securities would be required
to continue to accrue income (as original issue discount ("OID")) in respect of
the interest payable thereafter allocable to its Preferred Securities for United
States federal income tax purposes, which would be allocated but not distributed
to holders of Preferred Securities. As a result, each such holder of Preferred
Securities would recognize income for United States federal income tax purposes
in advance of the receipt of cash and would not receive the cash from the Trust
related to such income if such holder disposed of its Preferred Securities prior
to the record date for the date on which distributions of such amounts were
made. See "United States Federal Income Taxation -- Original Issue Discount."
TDS has no current intention of exercising its right to defer payments of
interest by extending the interest payment period on the Subordinated
Debentures.
Should TDS exercise its right to defer payments of interest by extending the
interest payment period, the market price of the Preferred Securities is likely
to be affected. A holder that disposes of its Preferred Securities during an
Extension Period, therefore, might not receive the same return on its investment
as a holder that continues to hold its Preferred Securities. In addition, as a
result of the existence of TDS's right to defer interest payments, the market
price of the Preferred Securities (which represent an undivided beneficial
interest in the Subordinated Debentures) may be more volatile than other
securities that do not have such rights. See "United States Federal Income
Taxation -- Sales of Preferred Securities."
POSSIBLE TAX LAW CHANGES
The Clinton Administration's budget proposals for fiscal year 1997 and
fiscal year 1998 contained provisions which, if applicable to the Subordinated
Debentures, would have prevented TDS from deducting interest thereon for United
States federal income tax purposes. Congress has not enacted these provisions,
which, unlike several other Clinton Administration proposals, were not included
in the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. There can be no assurance that future
legislative proposals, future regulations or official administrative
pronouncements, or future judicial decisions will not affect the ability of TDS
to deduct interest on the Subordinated Debentures. Such a change could give rise
to a Tax Event, which may permit TDS to cause a redemption of the Preferred
Securities. See "Description of the Preferred Securities -- Tax Event
Redemption" and "United States Federal Income Taxation -- Possible Tax Law
Changes."
S-11
<PAGE>
REDEMPTION OR DISTRIBUTION OF THE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
TDS will have the right at any time to terminate the Trust and, after
satisfaction of claims of creditors as provided by applicable law, to cause the
Subordinated Debentures to be distributed to the holders of the Trust
Securities. In certain circumstances, TDS will have the right to redeem the
Subordinated Debentures, in whole or in part, in which event the Trust will
redeem the Trust Securities on a PRO RATA basis to the same extent as the
Subordinated Debentures are redeemed by TDS. See "Description of the Preferred
Securities -- Tax Event Redemption" and "United States Federal Income Taxation."
Under current United States federal income tax law, a distribution of
Subordinated Debentures upon the dissolution of the Trust would not be a taxable
event to holders of the Preferred Securities. If, however, the Trust is
characterized for United States federal income tax purposes as an association
taxable as a corporation at the time of dissolution of the Trust, the
distribution of the Subordinated Debentures would be a taxable event to holders
of Preferred Securities. Moreover, the redemption of the Subordinated Debentures
upon occurrence of a Tax Event, or a dissolution of the Trust in which holders
of the Preferred Securities receive cash, would be a taxable event to such
holders. See "United States Federal Income Taxation -- Receipt of Subordinated
Debentures or Cash Upon Liquidation of the Trust."
There can be no assurance as to the market prices for the Preferred
Securities or the Subordinated Debentures that may be distributed in exchange
for Preferred Securities if a dissolution or liquidation of the Trust were to
occur. Accordingly, the Preferred Securities or the Subordinated Debentures may
trade at a discount to the price that the investor paid to purchase the
Preferred Securities offered hereby. Because holders of Preferred Securities may
receive Subordinated Debentures, prospective purchasers of Preferred Securities
are also making an investment decision with regard to the Subordinated
Debentures and should carefully review all the information regarding the
Subordinated Debentures and TDS contained herein and in the accompanying
Prospectus. See "Description of the Preferred Securities -- Tax Event
Redemption" and "Description of the Subordinated Debentures."
LIMITED VOTING RIGHTS
Holders of Preferred Securities will have limited voting rights primarily in
connection with directing the activities of the Property Trustee as the holder
of the Subordinated Debentures and will not be entitled to vote to appoint,
remove or replace, or to increase or decrease the number of Trustees (as defined
herein), which voting rights are vested exclusively in the holder of the Common
Securities. See "Description of Preferred Securities -- Voting Rights."
ABSENCE OF PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Preferred
Securities. Although application has been made to list the Preferred Securities
on the AMEX, there can be no assurance that, once listed, an active trading
market will develop for the Preferred Securities or that, if such market
develops, the market price will equal or exceed the public offering price set
forth on the cover page of this Prospectus Supplement.
TRADING PRICE OF PREFERRED SECURITIES
The Preferred Securities may trade at a price that does not fully reflect
the value of accrued but unpaid interest with respect to the underlying
Subordinated Debentures. A holder of Preferred Securities who disposes of such
Preferred Securities between record dates for payments of distributions thereon
will be required to include in gross income the OID on the Subordinated
Debentures through the date of disposition, and to add such amount to the
adjusted tax basis in its PRO RATA share of the underlying Subordinated
Debentures deemed disposed of. To the extent the selling price is less than the
holder's adjusted tax basis (so determined), a holder will recognize a capital
loss. Subject to certain limited exceptions, capital losses cannot be applied to
offset ordinary income for United States federal income tax
S-12
<PAGE>
purposes. See "United States Federal Income Taxation -- Original Issue Discount"
and "-- Sales of Preferred Securities."
CONSEQUENCES OF HIGHLY LEVERAGED TRANSACTION
The Indenture does not contain provisions that afford holders of the
Subordinated Debentures protection in the event of a highly leveraged
transaction, including a change of control, or other similar transactions
involving TDS that may adversely affect such holders. See "Description of the
Subordinated Debentures."
THE COMPANY
TDS is a diversified telecommunications service company with established
cellular telephone, local telephone and radio paging operations and developing
personal communications services ("PCS") operations. At September 30, 1997, the
Company, through its subsidiaries, served approximately 2.7 million customer
units in 37 states, including 1,357,000 cellular telephones, 506,600 telephone
access lines, 65,000 PCS telephones, and 792,800 pagers. For the nine months
ended September 30, 1997, cellular operations provided 59% of the Company's
consolidated revenues; telephone operations provided 32%; PCS operations
provided 2%; and paging operations provided 7% of such revenues. The Company's
long-term 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. The Company
conducts substantially all of its cellular operations through its majority-owned
subsidiary United States Cellular Corporation (AMEX symbol "USM"), which is the
eighth largest cellular telephone company in the United States, based on the
aggregate number of population equivalents it owns. The Company conducts
substantially all of its telephone operations through its wholly-owned
subsidiary TDS Telecommunications Corporation. The Company conducts
substantially all of its PCS business through its majority-owned subsidiary
Aerial Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ symbol "AERL"), which launched commercial
service in the first half of 1997 and expects to complete initial construction
of its PCS networks by the end of 1997. American Paging, Inc. (AMEX symbol
"APP"), is a majority-owned subsidiary of TDS through which substantially all of
the Company's radio paging operations are conducted.
S-13
<PAGE>
THE TRUST
The Trust is a statutory business trust formed under Delaware law pursuant
to the filing of a certificate of trust with the Delaware Secretary of State on
October 15, 1997. The business of the Trust is defined in a declaration of trust
executed by TDS, as sponsor (the "Sponsor"), and the Trustees (as defined
herein). Such declaration will be amended and restated in its entirety (as so
amended and restated, the "Declaration") substantially in the form filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus Supplement and
the accompanying Prospectus form a part. The Declaration will be qualified as an
indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. Upon issuance of the Preferred
Securities, the purchasers thereof will own all of the Preferred Securities. TDS
will acquire Common Securities in an aggregate liquidation amount equal to
approximately 3% of the total capital of the Trust. The Trust exists for the
exclusive purposes of (i) issuing the Trust Securities representing undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust, (ii) investing the gross
proceeds of the Trust Securities in the Subordinated Debentures and (iii)
engaging in only those other activities necessary or incidental thereto. The
Trust has a term of 50 years, but may terminate earlier as provided in the
Declaration.
Pursuant to the Declaration, the number of Trustees (as defined herein) of
the Trust will initially be five. Three of the Trustees (the "Regular Trustees")
will be persons who are employees or officers of, or who are affiliated with,
TDS. The fourth trustee will be a financial institution that is unaffiliated
with TDS, which trustee will serve as property trustee under the Declaration and
as indenture trustee for the purposes of compliance with the provisions of the
Trust Indenture Act (the "Property Trustee"). The fifth Trustee will either be a
legal entity with its principal place of business or an individual resident in
Delaware, which will serve for the limited purpose of satisfying certain
Delaware laws (the "Delaware Trustee"). Initially, The First National Bank of
Chicago will be the Property Trustee and First Chicago Delaware Inc. will be the
Delaware Trustee until removed or replaced by the holder of the Common
Securities. For purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Trust
Indenture Act, The First National Bank of Chicago will act as trustee (the
"Guarantee Trustee") under the Preferred Securities Guarantee. The First
National Bank of Chicago will act as Debt Trustee (as defined herein) under the
Indenture. See "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees" in the
accompanying Prospectus and "Description of the Preferred Securities -- Voting
Rights" herein.
The Trust's business and affairs will be conducted by the Trustees (the
"Trustees") appointed by TDS, as holder of the Common Securities. The Property
Trustee, acting in such capacity, will hold title to the Subordinated Debentures
for the benefit of the holders of the Trust Securities and will have the power
to exercise all rights, powers and privileges under the Indenture as the holder
of the Subordinated Debentures. In addition, the Property Trustee will maintain
exclusive control of a segregated non-interest bearing bank account (the
"Property Account") to hold all payments made in respect of the Subordinated
Debentures for the benefit of the holders of the Trust Securities. The Property
Trustee will make payments of distributions and payments on liquidation,
redemption and otherwise to the holders of the Trust Securities out of funds
from the Property Account. The Guarantee Trustee will hold the Preferred
Securities Guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the Preferred Securities.
TDS, as the direct or indirect holder of all the Common Securities, will have
the right to appoint, remove or replace any Trustee and to increase or decrease
the number of Trustees provided that the number of Trustees will be at least
three, two of which will be Regular Trustees. TDS will pay all fees and expenses
related to the Trust and the offering of the Trust Securities. See "Description
of the Subordinated Debentures -- Miscellaneous."
The rights of the holders of the Preferred Securities, including economic
rights, rights to information and voting rights, are set forth in the
Declaration, the Delaware Business Trust Act (the "Trust Act") and the Trust
Indenture Act. See "Description of the Preferred Securities."
S-14
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Trust will use the proceeds from the sale of the Trust Securities to
purchase Subordinated Debentures from TDS. TDS intends to use the net proceeds
from such sale of Subordinated Debentures to repay certain short-term
indebtedness. Thereafter, TDS may incur additional short-term indebtedness, the
proceeds of which would be used for general corporate purposes, which may
include working capital, capital expenditures, repayment or repurchases of
outstanding indebtedness and investments in subsidiaries. Pending any such use,
the net proceeds may be invested in marketable securities and short-term
investments. The indebtedness to be repaid was incurred within the last year,
primarily for the purpose of funding capital expenditures and working capital
requirements of its majority-owned subsidiary, Aerial. At September 30, 1997,
amounts outstanding under such indebtedness bore interest at a weighted average
rate of 5.94% per annum and had a weighted average original maturity of 28 days
from the date of incurrence of such indebtedness.
CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the
Company at June 30, 1997 as adjusted to reflect (i) the issuance of $250 million
of senior notes in August, 1997 by USM, substantially all of the net proceeds of
which were used to repay Notes Payable and Long-term Debt; and (ii) the issuance
and sale of the Preferred Securities offered hereby and the application of the
estimated net proceeds therefrom as described in "Use of Proceeds". The table is
unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the TDS 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996 and TDS's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
June 30, 1997, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. See "Documents
Incorporated by Reference" in the accompanying Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30, 1997
----------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED(1)
------------ --------------
<CAPTION>
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Notes Payable....................................................................... $ 505,206 $
------------ --------------
------------ --------------
Long-term Debt...................................................................... 1,020,411 1,178,326
------------ --------------
Redeemable Preferred Shares......................................................... 1,578 1,578
------------ --------------
Minority Interest in Subsidiaries................................................... 430,169 430,169
------------ --------------
Company-obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Securities of Subsidiary Trust,
holding solely Company Subordinated Debentures offered hereby(2).................. --
------------ --------------
Nonredeemable Preferred Shares...................................................... 28,640 28,640
------------ --------------
Common Shareholders' Equity
Common Shares, par value $1 per share; authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued and
outstanding 54,366,793 shares................................................... 54,367 54,367
Series A Common Shares, par value $1 per share; authorized 25,000,000 shares;
issued and outstanding 6,922,265 shares......................................... 6,922 6,922
Common Shares Issuable, 10,480 shares............................................. 499 499
Capital in Excess of Par Value.................................................... 1,660,797 1,660,797
Treasury Shares, at cost, 1,796,070 shares........................................ (69,867) (69,867)
Retained Earnings................................................................. 312,028 312,028
------------ --------------
Total Common Shareholders' Equity............................................... 1,964,746 1,964,746
------------ --------------
Total Capitalization............................................................ $ 3,445,544 $
------------ --------------
------------ --------------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Does not reflect borrowings of $100 million contemplated by Aerial pursuant
to a pending private placement in connection with a refinancing arrangement
relating to its existing vendor financing.
(2) The sole assets of the Trust will be $ of % Subordinated Debentures
due 2037 of TDS, including $ of such Subordinated Debentures attributable
to such Preferred Securities and $ of such Subordinated Debentures
attributable to the Common Securities of the Trust; TDS will own all of such
Common Securities.
S-15
<PAGE>
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial information
for the Company for each of the fiscal years in the five-year period ended
December 31, 1996 and for the six-month periods ended June 30, 1996 and 1997.
The information for each of the five years ended December 31, 1996 has been
derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and other financial
information contained in the TDS 10-Ks. See "Available Information" and
"Documents Incorporated by Reference" in the accompanying Prospectus.
Information for the six-months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 has been derived
from the unaudited financial statements of the Company that have been prepared
on the same basis as the audited financial statements of the Company, and, in
the opinion of management, contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal
recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of
operations for such period. Operating results for the six-month period ended
June 30, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that
may be expected for the year ending December 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS
ENDED JUNE 30, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Operating Revenues (1)................. $ 678,174 $ 552,764 $1,186,884 $ 942,307 $ 726,036 $ 553,829 $ 432,740
Operating Income....................... 49,732 80,038 154,098 131,998 108,822 69,733 54,065
Other Income........................... 24,325 124,060 140,540 103,857 33,686 28,126 46,832
Interest Expense....................... 33,694 20,997 42,853 50,848 41,251 37,466 32,610
Income Taxes........................... 23,925 89,720 123,646 81,029 40,713 26,497 29,767
Net Income Before Extraordinary Item
and Cumulative Effect of Accounting
Changes.............................. 16,438 93,381 128,139 103,978 60,544 33,896 38,520
Extraordinary Item..................... -- -- -- -- -- -- (769)
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes
(2).................................. -- -- -- -- (723) -- (6,866)
Net Income............................. 16,438 93,381 128,139 103,978 59,821 33,896 30,885
Net Income Available to Common......... $ 15,487 $ 92,889 $ 126,293 $ 102,044 $ 58,012 $ 31,510 $ 28,648
Weighted Average Common Shares (000s).. 60,757 60,465 60,732 58,356 54,197 47,266 39,074
Earnings Per Common Share:
Before Extraordinary Item and
Cumulative Effect of Accounting
Changes............................ $ 0.25 $ 1.54 $ 2.08 $ 1.74 $ 1.07 $ 0.67 $ 0.91
Net Income........................... $ 0.25 $ 1.54 $ 2.08 $ 1.74 $ 1.06 $ 0.67 $ 0.72
OTHER DATA:
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
Preferred Stock Dividends (3)........ 1.26x 5.27x 3.50x 3.01x 2.75x 1.96x 2.50x
EBITDA (4)............................. $ 181,537 $ 187,357 $ 385,681 $ 323,502 $ 260,333 $ 187,714 $ 146,062
Construction Expenditures.............. $ 393,232 $ 211,845 $ 550,204 $ 359,996 $ 319,701 $ 200,984 $ 146,963
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Temporary
Investments.......................... $ 67,822 $ 121,244 $ 119,297 $ 80,851 $ 44,566 $ 73,385 $ 58,145
Property, Plant and Equipment (Net).... 2,088,096 1,429,943 1,828,889 1,293,410 1,063,656 846,089 695,623
Total Assets........................... 4,506,128 3,767,142 4,200,969 3,469,082 2,790,127 2,259,182 1,696,486
Notes Payable.......................... 505,206 22,727 160,537 184,320 98,608 6,309 46,816
Long-term Debt (including current
portion)(5).......................... 1,020,411 916,639 1,018,851 894,584 562,165 537,566 426,885
Redeemable Preferred Shares (including
current portion)..................... 1,578 1,937 1,858 15,093 25,001 27,367 27,967
Common Stockholders' Equity............ $1,964,746 $1,998,982 $2,032,941 $1,684,365 $1,473,038 $1,224,285 $ 877,419
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) Effective January 1, 1997, USM, a subsidiary of TDS, changed its financial
reporting presentation for certain credits given to cellular customers on
their monthly bills. Amounts for the years 1993-1996 have been reclassified
to conform to the 1997 presentation.
(2) Effective January 1, 1994, TDS adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 112, "Employers' Accounting for Postemployment
Benefits." The cumulative effect of the change on years prior to 1994 has
been reflected in 1994 net income. Prior years' financial information has
not been restated.
S-16
<PAGE>
Effective January 1, 1993, TDS adopted SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income
Taxes." The cumulative effect of the change on years prior to 1993 did not
have a material effect on net income or earnings per share. Prior years'
financial information has not been restated.
Effective January 1, 1992, TDS adopted SFAS 106, "Employers' Accounting for
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions." The cumulative effect of the
change on years prior to 1992 has been reflected in 1992 net income. Prior
years' financial information has not been restated.
(3) The reduction in the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends from the six-month period ended June 30, 1996 to the six-month
period ended June 30, 1997 is primarily due to the decrease in gains on
sales of cellular interests and other investments from $128.3 million in the
first half of 1996 to $10.6 million in the first half of 1997. For the
computation of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends: (i) earnings consist of net income from continuing operations
plus income taxes from continuing operations, fixed charges (less
capitalized interest), distributions from minority subsidiaries and minority
share in income of subsidiaries that have fixed charges, less equity in
undistributed earnings of unconsolidated investments and minority share of
losses; and (ii) fixed charges and preferred stock dividends consist of
interest expense, capitalized interest, estimated interest portion of
rentals and preferred stock dividend requirements increased to an amount
representing the pretax earnings required to cover such dividend
requirements.
(4) EBITDA represents Operating Income plus depreciation and amortization.
EBITDA is a measure commonly used by the financial community but is not
prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting
principles and should not be considered as a measurement of net cash flows
from operating activities.
(5) Long-term Debt does not reflect (i) the issuance in August, 1997 by USM of
$250 million of its senior notes or the use of substantially all of the net
proceeds thereof to repay Notes Payable and Long-term Debt, or (ii)
borrowings of $100 million contemplated by Aerial pursuant to a pending
private placement in connection with a refinancing arrangement relating to
its existing vendor financing. See "Consolidated Capitalization."
S-17
<PAGE>
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The financial statements of the Trust will be consolidated into TDS's
consolidated financial statements, with the Preferred Securities treated as
minority interest and shown in TDS's balance sheet as "Company-obligated
Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Securities of Subsidiary Trust, holding solely
Company Subordinated Debentures." The financial statement footnotes of TDS will
reflect that the sole asset of the Trust will be the Subordinated Debentures.
See "Consolidated Capitalization."
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES
The Preferred Securities will be issued pursuant to the terms of the
Declaration. The Declaration will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust
Indenture Act. The Property Trustee will act as the indenture trustee for
purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act. The terms
of the Preferred Securities will include those stated in the Declaration and
those made part of the Declaration by the Trust Act and the Trust Indenture Act.
The following summary of the principal terms and provisions of the Preferred
Securities, which supplements and, to the extent inconsistent, replaces, the
description set forth under the caption "Description of the Preferred
Securities" in the accompanying Prospectus, does not purport to be complete and
is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Declaration, a
copy of the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement
of which this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus form a part,
the Trust Act and the Trust Indenture Act.
GENERAL
The Declaration authorizes the Regular Trustees, on behalf of the Trust, to
issue the Preferred Securities, which represent preferred undivided beneficial
interests in the assets of the Trust, and the Common Securities, which represent
common undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust. All of the
Common Securities will be owned by TDS. The Common Securities rank PARI PASSU,
and payments will be made thereon on a PRO RATA basis, with the Preferred
Securities, except that upon the occurrence and
during the continuation of a Declaration Event of Default (as defined below),
the rights of the holders of the Common Securities to receive payment of
periodic distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise
will be subordinated to the rights to payment of the holders of the Preferred
Securities. The Declaration does not permit the issuance by the Trust of any
securities other than the Trust Securities or the incurrence of any indebtedness
by the Trust. Pursuant to the Declaration, the Property Trustee, acting in such
capacity, will own and hold the Subordinated Debentures for the benefit of the
holders of the Trust Securities. The payment of distributions out of money held
by the Trust and payments upon redemption of the Preferred Securities or
liquidation of the Trust are guaranteed by TDS to the extent described under
"Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees" in the accompanying
Prospectus and "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantee" herein. The
Guarantee Trustee will hold the Preferred Securities Guarantee for the benefit
of the holders of the Preferred Securities. The Preferred Securities Guarantee
does not cover payment of distributions on the Preferred Securities when the
Trust does not have sufficient available funds in the Property Account to make
such distributions. In such event, the remedy of a holder of Preferred
Securities would be to vote to direct the Property Trustee to enforce the
Property Trustee's rights under the Subordinated Debentures except in the
limited circumstances in which the holder may take Direct Action. See "-- Voting
Rights" and "-- Declaration Events of Default."
DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions on the Preferred Securities will be fixed at a rate per annum
of % of the stated liquidation amount of $25 per Preferred Security.
Distributions in arrears will bear interest compounded quarterly at the same per
annum rate (to the extent permitted by applicable law) (the "Compound
Interest"). The term "distributions" as used herein includes any such interest
payable unless otherwise stated. Distributions on the Preferred Securities will
be cumulative, will accrue from the date of the initial issuance of the
Preferred Securities and will be payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June
30,
S-18
<PAGE>
September 30 and December 31 of each year commencing December 31, 1997, except
as otherwise described below. The first distribution will be $. per
Preferred Security and will be payable on December 31, 1997. The amount of
distributions payable for any full quarterly period will be computed on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
TDS has the right under the Indenture to defer payments of interest on the
Subordinated Debentures by extending the interest payment period from time to
time on the Subordinated Debentures issued thereunder for up to 20 consecutive
quarters which, if exercised, would defer quarterly distributions on the
Preferred Securities (although such distributions would continue to accrue
interest) during any such Extension Period. During any Extension Period, (a) TDS
may not declare or pay any dividend on, make any distributions with respect to,
or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any
of its capital stock (other than (i) purchases or acquisitions of shares of TDS
common stock in connection with the satisfaction by TDS of its obligations under
any employee benefit plans or any other contractual obligation of TDS (other
than a contractual obligation ranking PARI PASSU with or junior to the
Subordinated Debentures), (ii) as a result of a reclassification of TDS capital
stock or the exchange or conversion of one class or series of TDS capital stock
for another class or series of TDS capital stock or (iii) the purchase of
fractional interests in shares of TDS capital stock pursuant to the conversion
or exchange provisions of such TDS capital stock or the security being converted
or exchanged), (b) TDS may not make any payment of interest, principal or
premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities
(including guarantees) issued by TDS which rank PARI PASSU with or junior to the
Subordinated Debentures, and (c) TDS may not make any guarantee payments with
respect to the foregoing (other than pursuant to the Preferred Securities
Guarantee). This prohibition effectively requires that any Extension Period with
respect to any series of Subordinated Debentures will also apply to each other
series of subordinated debentures issued under the Indenture to other trusts
similar to the Trust. Prior to the termination of any such Extension Period, TDS
may further extend the interest payment period, provided that such Extension
Period, together with all such previous and further extensions thereof, may not
exceed 20 consecutive quarters or extend beyond the maturity of the Subordinated
Debentures. Upon the termination of any Extension Period and the payment of all
amounts then due, TDS may select a new Extension Period as if no Extension
Period had previously been declared, subject to the above requirements. See "--
Voting Rights" and "Description of the Subordinated Debentures -- Interest" and
"-- Option to Extend Interest Payment Period." If distributions are deferred,
the deferred distributions and accrued interest thereon shall be paid to holders
of record of the Preferred Securities, if funds are available therefor, as they
appear on the books and records of the Trust on the record date next following
the termination of such Extension Period.
Distributions on the Preferred Securities must be paid on the dates payable
to the extent that the Trust has funds available for the payment of such
distributions in the Property Account. The Trust's funds available for
distribution to the holders of the Preferred Securities will be limited to
payments received under the Subordinated Debentures. See "Description of the
Subordinated Debentures." The payment of distributions out of moneys held by the
Trust is guaranteed by TDS to the extent set forth under "Description of the
Preferred Securities Guarantee."
Distributions on the Preferred Securities will be payable to the holders
thereof as they appear on the books and records of the Trust on the relevant
record dates, which, as long as the Preferred Securities remain in book-entry
only form, will be one Business Day (as defined herein) prior to the relevant
payment dates, which payment dates correspond to the interest payment dates on
the Subordinated Debentures. Such distributions will be paid through the
Property Trustee, which will hold amounts received in respect of the
Subordinated Debentures in the Property Account for the benefit of the holders
of the Trust Securities. Subject to any applicable laws and regulations and the
provisions of the Declaration, each such payment will be made as described under
"-- Book-Entry Only Issuance -- The Depository Trust Company" below. In the
event the Preferred Securities do not continue to remain in book-entry only
form, the Regular Trustees will have the right to select relevant record dates
which will be, subject to the requirements of any
S-19
<PAGE>
applicable exchange, at least one Business Day, but less than 60 Business Days,
prior to the relevant payment dates. In the event that any date on which
distributions are to be made on the Preferred Securities is not a Business Day,
then payment of the distributions payable on such date will be made on the next
succeeding day which is a Business Day (and without any interest or other
payment in respect of any such delay) except that, if such Business Day is in
the next succeeding calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately
preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made
on such date. A "Business Day" means any day other than a day on which banking
institutions in Chicago, Illinois or New York, New York are authorized or
required by law to close.
REDEMPTION
The Subordinated Debentures will mature on , 2037 or such other
date to which the maturity of the Subordinated Debentures may be extended, as
described under "Description of the Subordinated Debentures -- General," and may
be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time on or after , 2002, or
in whole but not in part at any time in certain circumstances upon the
occurrence of a Tax Event. Upon the repayment of the Subordinated Debentures,
whether at maturity or upon acceleration, redemption or otherwise, the proceeds
from such repayment or payment will simultaneously be applied to redeem Trust
Securities on a PRO RATA basis having an aggregate liquidation amount equal to
the aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Debentures so repaid or
redeemed at the Redemption Price; provided that, except in the case of payments
upon maturity, holders of Trust Securities will be given not less than 30 nor
more than 60 days notice of such redemption. See "Description of the
Subordinated Debentures." In the event that fewer than all of the outstanding
Preferred Securities are to be redeemed, the Preferred Securities will be
redeemed PRO RATA as described under "-- Book-Entry Only Issuance -- The
Depository Trust Company" below.
TAX EVENT REDEMPTION
"Tax Event" means that the Regular Trustees shall have received an opinion
from independent tax counsel experienced in such matters (a "Redemption Tax
Opinion") to the effect that, on or after the date of this Prospectus
Supplement, as a result of (a) any amendment to, or change (including any
announced prospective change) in, the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of
the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or
therein or (b) any amendment to, or change in, an interpretation or application
of any such laws or regulations by any legislative body, court, governmental
agency or regulatory authority, which amendment or change is enacted,
promulgated, issued or announced or which interpretation or pronouncement is
issued or announced or which action is taken, in each case on or after the date
of this Prospectus Supplement, there is more than an insubstantial risk that
interest payable by TDS to the Trust on the Subordinated Debentures is not, or
within 90 days of the date thereof will not be, deductible, in whole or in part
by TDS for United States federal income tax purposes.
If at any time a Tax Event has occurred and is continuing, TDS may, upon not
less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, redeem the Subordinated Debentures in
whole but not in part for cash within 90 days following the occurrence of such
Tax Event; provided, however, that, if at the time there is available to TDS or
the Trust the opportunity to eliminate, within such 90-day period, the Tax Event
by taking some ministerial action, such as filing a form or making an election,
or pursuing some other similar reasonable measure which has no adverse effect on
the Trust, TDS or the holders of the Trust Securities, TDS or the Trust will
pursue such measure in lieu of redemption. Upon such redemption of the
Subordinated Debentures, the proceeds of such redemption will simultaneously be
applied to redeem Trust Securities on a PRO RATA basis having an aggregate
liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal amount so redeemed at the
Redemption Price. See "United States Federal Income Taxation."
S-20
<PAGE>
REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
The Trust may not redeem fewer than all of the outstanding Preferred
Securities unless all accrued and unpaid distributions have been paid on all
Trust Securities for all quarterly distribution periods terminating on or prior
to the date of redemption.
If the Trust gives a notice of redemption in respect of Preferred Securities
(which notice will be irrevocable), then by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on
the redemption date, provided that TDS has paid to the Property Trustee a
sufficient amount of cash in connection with the related redemption or maturity
of the Subordinated Debentures, the Trust will irrevocably deposit with the
depositary funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price and will give
the depositary irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Redemption
Price to the holders of the Preferred Securities. See "-- Book-Entry Only
Issuance -- The Depository Trust Company." If notice of redemption has been
given and funds deposited as required, then immediately prior to the close of
business on the date of such deposit, distributions will cease to accrue and all
rights of holders of such Preferred Securities so called for redemption will
cease, except the right of the holders of such Preferred Securities to receive
the Redemption Price, but without interest on such Redemption Price. In the
event that any date fixed for redemption of Preferred Securities is not a
Business Day, then payment of the Redemption Price payable on such date will be
made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day (and without any
interest or other payment in respect of any such delay), except that, if such
Business Day falls in the next calendar year, such payment will be made on the
immediately preceding Business Day. In the event that payment of the Redemption
Price in respect of Preferred Securities is improperly withheld or refused and
not paid either by the Trust or by TDS pursuant to the Preferred Securities
Guarantee, distributions on such Preferred Securities will continue to accrue,
from the original redemption date to the actual date of payment, in which case
the actual payment date will be considered the date fixed for redemption for
purposes of calculating the Redemption Price.
In the event that fewer than all of the outstanding Preferred Securities are
to be redeemed, the Preferred Securities will be redeemed PRO RATA as described
under "-- Book-Entry Only Issuance -- The Depository Trust Company" below.
Subject to the foregoing and to applicable law (including, without
limitation, United States federal securities laws), TDS or its affiliates may,
at any time and from time to time, purchase outstanding Preferred Securities by
tender, in the open market or by private agreement.
DISSOLUTION; DISTRIBUTION OF SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
TDS will have the right at any time to terminate the Trust and, after
satisfaction of claims of creditors as provided by applicable law, to cause the
Subordinated Debentures to be distributed to the holders of the Trust
Securities. In the event of any dissolution, winding-up or termination of the
Trust, the holders of the Preferred Securities at that time will be entitled to
receive out of the assets of the Trust, after satisfaction of liabilities to
creditors of the Trust, an amount equal to the aggregate of the stated
liquidation amount of $25 per Preferred Security plus accrued and unpaid
distributions thereon to the date of payment (the "Liquidation Distribution"),
unless, in connection with such dissolution, winding-up or termination,
Subordinated Debentures in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate
stated liquidation amount of, with an interest rate identical to the
distribution rate of, and accrued and unpaid interest equal to accrued and
unpaid distributions on, the Preferred Securities have been distributed on a PRO
RATA basis to the holders of Preferred Securities in exchange for such Preferred
Securities.
If upon any such dissolution the Liquidation Distribution can be paid only
in part because the Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the
aggregate Liquidation Distribution, then the amounts payable directly by the
Trust on the Preferred Securities will be paid on a PRO RATA basis. The holders
of the Common Securities will be entitled to receive distributions upon any such
dissolution PRO RATA with the holders of the Preferred Securities, except that
if a Declaration Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Preferred
Securities will have a preference over the Common Securities.
S-21
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the Declaration, the Trust will terminate upon the earliest of
(i) the expiration of the term of the Trust, (ii) the bankruptcy of TDS, (iii)
the filing of a certificate of dissolution or its equivalent with respect to
TDS, the filing of a certificate of cancellation with respect to the Trust, or
the revocation of the charter of TDS and the expiration of 90 days after the
date of revocation without a reinstatement thereof, (iv) the entry of a decree
of judicial dissolution of TDS or the Trust, (v) the redemption of all of the
Trust Securities, (vi) the dissolution of the Trust in accordance with the terms
of the Trust Securities pursuant to which all Subordinated Debentures shall have
been distributed to the holders of the Trust Securities, or (vii) at any such
time, at the option of TDS upon its written direction to the Property Trustee,
as TDS shall dissolve the Trust and distribute the Subordinated Debentures to
the holders of the Trust Securities.
If Subordinated Debentures are distributed to the holders of the Preferred
Securities, TDS will use its best efforts to have the Subordinated Debentures
listed on the AMEX or on such other exchange as the Preferred Securities are
then listed.
After the date for any distribution of Subordinated Debentures upon
dissolution of the Trust, (i) the Preferred Securities and Preferred Securities
Guarantees will no longer be deemed to be outstanding, (ii) the depositary or
its nominee, as the record holder of the Preferred Securities, will receive a
registered global certificate or certificates representing the Subordinated
Debentures to be delivered upon such distribution and (iii) any certificates
representing Preferred Securities and Preferred Securities Guarantees not held
by the depositary or its nominee will be deemed to represent Subordinated
Debentures having an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated
liquidation amount of, with an interest rate identical to the distribution rate
of, and accrued and unpaid interest equal to accrued and unpaid distributions
on, such Preferred Securities, until such certificates are presented to TDS or
its agent for transfer or reissuance.
There can be no assurance as to the market prices for the Preferred
Securities or the Subordinated Debentures that may be distributed in exchange
for the Preferred Securities if a dissolution and liquidation of the Trust were
to occur. Accordingly, the Preferred Securities that an investor may purchase,
or the Subordinated Debentures that the investor may receive on dissolution and
liquidation of the Trust, may trade at a discount to the price that the investor
paid to purchase the Preferred Securities offered hereby.
DECLARATION EVENTS OF DEFAULT
An event of default under the Indenture (an "Indenture Event of Default")
(see "Description of the Subordinated Debentures -- Indenture Events of
Default") constitutes an event of default under the Declaration (a "Declaration
Event of Default"), provided that pursuant to the Declaration, the holder of the
Common Securities will be deemed to have waived any Declaration Event of Default
with respect to the Common Securities or its consequences until all Declaration
Events of Default with respect to the Preferred Securities have been cured,
waived or otherwise eliminated. Until such Declaration Events of Default with
respect to the Preferred Securities have been so cured, waived or otherwise
eliminated, the Property Trustee will be deemed to be acting solely on behalf of
the holders of the Preferred Securities and only the holders of the Preferred
Securities will have the right to direct the Property Trustee with respect to
certain matters under the Declaration, and therefore under the Indenture.
If the Property Trustee fails to enforce its rights under the Subordinated
Debentures after a holder of Preferred Securities has made a written request,
such holder may institute a legal proceeding against TDS to enforce the Property
Trustee's rights under the Subordinated Debentures without first instituting any
legal proceeding against the Property Trustee or any other person or entity.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Declaration Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing and such event is attributable to the failure of TDS to pay
interest or principal on the Subordinated Debentures on the date such interest
or principal is otherwise payable (or in the case of redemption, the redemption
date), then a holder of Preferred Securities may institute a Direct Action for
enforcement of payment to such holder directly of the principal of, or interest
on, Subordinated Debentures having a principal amount equal to the aggregate
S-22
<PAGE>
liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities of such holder on or after the
respective due date specified in the Subordinated Debentures. In connection with
such Direct Action, TDS will be subrogated to the rights of such holder of
Preferred Securities under the Declaration to the extent of any payment made by
TDS to such holder of Preferred Securities in such Direct Action. The holders of
Preferred Securities will not be able to exercise directly any other remedy
available to the holders of the Subordinated Debentures.
Upon the occurrence of a Declaration Event of Default, the Property Trustee,
as the sole holder of the Subordinated Debentures, will have the right under the
Indenture to declare the principal of, and interest on, the Subordinated
Debentures to be immediately due and payable. The principal amount of the
Subordinated Debentures will become immediately due and payable, without any
declaration or other action by the Property Trustee or any other person, upon
the occurrence of certain Events of Default relating to the bankruptcy of TDS.
TDS and the Trust are each required to file annually with the Property Trustee
an officers' certificate as to its compliance with all conditions and covenants
under the Declaration.
VOTING RIGHTS
Except as provided below, under the Trust Act, the Trust Indenture Act and
under "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantee -- Amendments and
Assignment" in the accompanying Prospectus and as otherwise required by law and
the Declaration, the holders of the Preferred Securities will have no voting
rights. In the event that TDS elects to defer payments of interest on the
Subordinated Debentures as described above under "-- Distributions," the holders
of the Preferred Securities do not have the right to appoint a special
representative or trustee or otherwise act to protect their interests.
Subject to the requirement of the Property Trustee obtaining a tax opinion
in certain circumstances set forth in the last sentence of this paragraph, the
holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the Preferred
Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Property Trustee, or to direct the
exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the Property Trustee under the
Declaration, including the right to direct the Property Trustee, as the holder
of the Subordinated Debentures, to (i) direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Debt Trustee under the
Indenture with respect to the Subordinated Debentures, (ii) waive any past
default (and its consequences) which is waivable under the Indenture, (iii)
exercise any right to rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of all
the Subordinated Debentures shall be due and payable, or (iv) consent to any
amendment, modification or termination of the Indenture or the Subordinated
Debentures, where such consent shall be required; provided, however, that where
a consent under the Indenture would require the consent of the holders of more
than a majority in principal amount of Subordinated Debentures affected thereby
(a "Super-Majority"), only the holders of at least the proportion in liquidation
amount of the Preferred Securities which the relevant Super-Majority represents
of the aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Debentures may direct the
Property Trustee to give such consent. If the Property Trustee fails to enforce
its rights under the Declaration, a holder of Preferred Securities may institute
a legal proceeding directly against any person to enforce the Property Trustee's
rights under the Declaration without first instituting any legal proceeding
against the Property Trustee or any other person or entity. The Regular Trustees
will notify all holders of the Preferred Securities of any notice of default
received from the Debt Trustee with respect to the Subordinated Debentures. The
Property Trustee will not take any action described in clauses (i), (ii), (iii)
or (iv) above unless the Property Trustee has obtained an opinion of independent
tax counsel to the effect that, as a result of such action, the Trust will not
be classified as other than a grantor trust for United States federal income tax
purposes.
In the event the consent of the Property Trustee, as the holder of the
Subordinated Debentures, is required under the Indenture for any amendment,
modification or termination of the Indenture, the Property Trustee will request,
and act only in accordance with, the direction of the holders of a majority in
liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities and, if no Declaration Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing, the holders of a majority in liquidation
amount of the Common Securities, voting together as
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separate classes, provided that where a consent under the Indenture would
require the consent of a Super-Majority, the Property Trustee may only give such
consent at the direction of the holders of at least the proportion in
liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities and Common Securities,
respectively, which the relevant Super-Majority represents of the aggregate
principal amount of the Subordinated Debentures outstanding. The Property
Trustee will not take any such action in accordance with the directions of the
holders of the Trust Securities unless the Property Trustee has obtained an
opinion of independent tax counsel to the effect that, as a result of such
action, the Trust will not be classified as other than a grantor trust for
United States federal income tax purposes.
A waiver of an Indenture Event of Default will constitute a waiver of the
corresponding Declaration Event of Default.
Any required approval or direction of holders of Preferred Securities may be
given at a separate meeting of holders of Preferred Securities convened for such
purpose, at a meeting of all of the holders of the Trust Securities or pursuant
to written consent. The Regular Trustees will cause a notice of any meeting at
which holders of Preferred Securities are entitled to vote, or of any matter
upon which action by written consent of such holders is to be taken, to be
mailed to each holder of record of Preferred Securities. Each such notice will
include a statement setting forth (i) the date of such meeting or the date by
which such action is to be taken, (ii) a description of any resolution proposed
for adoption at such meeting on which such holders are entitled to vote or of
such matter upon which written consent is sought and (iii) instructions for the
delivery of proxies or consents. No vote or consent of the holder of Preferred
Securities will be required for the Trust to redeem and cancel Preferred
Securities or distribute Subordinated Debentures in accordance with the
Declaration.
Notwithstanding that holders of Preferred Securities are entitled to vote or
consent under any of the circumstances described above, neither TDS nor any
entity directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under direct or
indirect common control with, TDS, will be entitled to vote or consent with
respect to any Preferred Securities which at such time are owned by TDS or any
such entity, and such Preferred Securities will, for purposes of such vote or
consent, be treated as if they were not outstanding.
The procedures by which holders of Preferred Securities may exercise their
voting rights are described below. See "-- Book-Entry Only Issuance -- The
Depository Trust Company."
Holders of the Preferred Securities will have no rights to appoint or remove
the Trustees, who may be appointed, removed or replaced solely by TDS, as the
direct or indirect holder of all the Common Securities.
MODIFICATION OF THE DECLARATION
The Declaration may be amended or modified if approved and executed by a
majority of the Regular Trustees, provided that if any proposed amendment
provides for, or the Regular Trustees otherwise propose to effect, (i) any
action that would adversely affect the powers, preferences or special rights of
the Trust Securities, whether by way of amendment to the Declaration or
otherwise or (ii) the dissolution, winding up or termination of the Trust other
than pursuant to the terms of the Declaration, then the holders of the Trust
Securities as a single class will be entitled to vote on such amendment or
proposal and such amendment or proposal will not be effective except with the
approval of the holders of at least 66 2/3% in liquidation amount of the Trust
Securities affected thereby, provided that if any amendment or proposal referred
to in clause (i) above would adversely affect only the Preferred Securities or
the Common Securities, then only the affected class will be entitled to vote on
such amendment or proposal and such amendment or proposal will not be effective
except with the approval of the holders of 66 2/3% in liquidation amount of such
class of Trust Securities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment or modification may be made to
the Declaration if such amendment or modification would (i) cause the Trust to
be classified as other than a grantor trust, for
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purposes of United States federal income tax purposes, (ii) reduce or otherwise
adversely affect the powers of the Property Trustee or (iii) cause the Trust to
be deemed to be an "investment company" which is required to be registered under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE
The Trust may not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be
replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to any corporation or other body, except as
described below. The Trust may, with the consent of a majority of the Regular
Trustees and without the consent of the holders of the Trust Securities, the
Delaware Trustee or the Property Trustee, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or
into, or be replaced by a trust organized as such under the laws of any State of
the United States; provided, that (i) such successor entity either (x) expressly
assumes all of the obligations of the Trust with respect to the Trust Securities
or (y) substitutes for the Trust Securities other securities having
substantially the same terms as the Trust Securities (the "Successor
Securities") so long as the Successor Securities rank the same as the Trust
Securities rank with respect to distributions and payments upon liquidation,
redemption, maturity and otherwise, (ii) TDS expressly acknowledges a trustee of
such successor entity which possesses the same powers and duties as the Property
Trustee as the holder of the Subordinated Debentures, (iii) the Preferred
Securities or any Successor Securities are listed, or any Successor Securities
will be listed upon notification of issuance, on any national securities
exchange or other organization on which the Preferred Securities are then
listed, (iv) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not
cause the Preferred Securities (including any Successor Securities) to be
downgraded by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization, (v)
such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not adversely
affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the Trust
Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect (other
than with respect to any dilution of the holders' interest in the new entity),
(vi) such successor entity has a purpose identical to that of the Trust, (vii)
prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement, TDS has
received an opinion from independent counsel to the Trust experienced in such
matters to the effect that (A) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or
replacement does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of
the holders of the Trust Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any
material respect (other than with respect to any dilution of the holders'
interest in the new entity), and (B) following such merger, consolidation,
amalgamation or replacement, neither the Trust nor such successor entity will be
required to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act and (viii) TDS
guarantees the obligations of such successor entity under the Successor
Securities at least to the extent provided by the Preferred Securities
Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust will not, except with the
consent of the holders of 100% in liquidation amount of the Trust Securities,
consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by any other entity
or permit any other entity to consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or
replace it if such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or replacement would
cause the Trust or the successor entity to be classified for United States
federal income tax purposes as other than a grantor trust and each holder of
Trust Securities not to be treated as owning an undivided beneficial interest in
the Subordinated Debentures.
BOOK-ENTRY ONLY ISSUANCE -- THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY
The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") will act as securities depositary for
the Preferred Securities. The Preferred Securities will be issued only as fully
registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC's nominee). One
or more fully registered global Preferred Securities certificates will be
issued, representing in the aggregate the total number of Preferred Securities,
and will be deposited with DTC ("Global Certificates").
The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities
take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair
the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global Preferred Security.
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DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking
Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "Clearing agency"
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC
holds securities that its participants ("Participants") deposit with DTC. DTC
also facilitates the settlement among Participants of securities transactions,
such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic
computerized book-entry changes in Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating
the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants
include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing
corporations and certain other organizations ("Direct Participants"). DTC is
owned by a number of its Direct Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange,
the AMEX and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the
DTC system is also available to others such as securities brokers and dealers,
banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect
Participants"). The rules applicable to DTC and its Participants are on file
with the Commission.
Purchases of Preferred Securities within the DTC system must be made by or
through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the Preferred
Securities on DTC's records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of
Preferred Securities ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the
Direct and Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not receive
written confirmation from DTC of their purchases, but Beneficial Owners are
expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transactions,
as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect
Participants through which the Beneficial Owners purchased Preferred Securities.
Transfers of ownership interests in the Preferred Securities are to be
accomplished by entries made on the books of Participants acting on behalf of
Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates representing
their ownership interests in Preferred Securities, except in the event that use
of the book-entry system for the Preferred Securities is discontinued.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all the Preferred Securities deposited
by Participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC's nominee, Cede & Co.
The deposit of Preferred Securities with DTC and their registration in the name
of Cede & Co. effect no change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of
the actual Beneficial Owners of the Preferred Securities. DTC's records reflect
only the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such Preferred
Securities are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The
Participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on
behalf of their customers.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner or holder of a
Global Certificate, DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered
the sole owner or holder of the Preferred Securities represented thereby for all
purposes under the Declaration and the Preferred Securities. No beneficial owner
of an interest in a Global Certificate will be able to transfer that interest
except in accordance with DTC's applicable procedures, in addition to those
provided for under the Declaration.
DTC has advised TDS that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a
holder of Preferred Securities (including the presentation of Preferred
Securities for exchange as described below) only at the direction of one or more
Participants to whose account the DTC interests in the Global Certificates are
credited and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate liquidation amount
of Preferred Securities as to which such Participant or Participants has or have
given such direction. However, if there is a Declaration Event of Default under
the Preferred Securities, DTC will exchange the Global Certificates for
certificated Preferred Securities, which it will distribute to its Participants.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct
Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct
Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by
arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as
may be in effect from time to time.
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Redemption notices will be sent to Cede & Co. If less than all of the
Preferred Securities are being redeemed, DTC will reduce PRO RATA the amount of
the interest of each Direct Participant in the Preferred Securities to be
redeemed; provided that if, as a result of such PRO RATA redemption, Direct
Participants would hold fractional interests in the Preferred Securities, DTC
will adjust the amount of the interest of each Direct Participant to be redeemed
to avoid such fractional interests.
Although voting with respect to the Preferred Securities is limited, in
those cases where a vote is required neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will itself
consent or vote with respect to Preferred Securities. Under its usual
procedures, DTC would mail an Omnibus Proxy to the Trust as soon as possible
after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.'s consenting or
voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose accounts the Preferred
Securities are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to
the Omnibus Proxy).
Distribution payments on the Preferred Securities will be made to DTC. DTC's
practice is to credit Direct Participants' accounts on the relevant payment date
in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC's records unless DTC
has reason to believe that it will not receive payments on such payment date.
Payments by participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing
instructions and customary practices, as in the case with securities held for
the account of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name," and will
be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC, the Trust, any trustee
or TDS, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect
from time to time. Payment of distributions to DTC is the responsibility of the
Trust, disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants is the
responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial
Owners is the responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.
Except as provided herein, a Beneficial Owner in a global Preferred Security
will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Preferred Securities.
Accordingly, each Beneficial Owner must rely on the procedures of DTC to
exercise any rights under the Preferred Securities.
Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate
transfers of interests in the Global Certificates among Participants of DTC, DTC
is under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures, and
such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither TDS, the Trust nor any
Trustee will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its Direct
Participants or Indirect Participants under the rules and procedures governing
DTC. DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depositary with
respect to the Preferred Securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to
the Trust. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities
depositary is not obtained, Preferred Securities certificates are required to be
printed and delivered. Additionally, the Regular Trustees (with the consent of
TDS) may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through
DTC (or a successor depositary) with respect to the Preferred Securities. In
that event, certificates for the Preferred Securities of such Trust will be
printed and delivered.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system
has been obtained from sources that TDS and the Trust believe to be reliable,
but TDS and the Trust assume no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PROPERTY TRUSTEE
The Property Trustee, prior to the occurrence of a default with respect to
the Preferred Securities and after the curing of all such defaults that may have
occurred, undertakes to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth
in the Declaration and, after default, shall exercise the same degree of care as
a prudent individual would exercise in the conduct of his or her own affairs.
Subject to such provisions, the Property Trustee is under no obligation to
exercise any of the powers vested in it by the Declaration at the request of any
holder of Preferred Securities unless offered reasonable indemnity by such
holder against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred
thereby; but the foregoing shall not relieve the Property Trustee, upon the
occurrence of a Declaration Event of Default, from exercising the rights and
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powers vested in it by the Declaration. The Property Trustee also serves as
trustee under the Preferred Securities Guarantee. TDS and its officers and
directors have no material relationship with the initial Property Trustee except
that TDS and certain of its subsidiaries maintain normal banking relations and
other financial service relations with The First National Bank of Chicago.
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
In the event that the Preferred Securities do not remain in book-entry only
form, the Property Trustee will act as paying agent and may designate an
additional or substitute paying agent at any time. Registration of transfers of
Preferred Securities will be effected without charge by or on behalf of the
Trust, but upon payment (with the giving of such indemnity as the Regular
Trustees may require) in respect of any tax or other governmental charges which
may be imposed in relation to it. The Trust will not be required to register or
cause to be registered the transfer of Preferred Securities after such Preferred
Securities have been called for redemption.
GOVERNING LAW
The Declaration and the Preferred Securities will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Regular Trustees are authorized and directed to operate the Trust in
such a way so that the Trust will not be deemed to be an "investment company"
required to be registered under the 1940 Act or characterized for United States
federal income tax purposes as other than a grantor trust. TDS is authorized and
directed to conduct its affairs so that the Subordinated Debentures will be
treated as indebtedness of TDS for United States federal income tax purposes. In
this connection, the Regular Trustees and TDS are authorized to take any action,
not inconsistent with applicable law, or the corporate charter of TDS, that each
of the Regular Trustees and TDS determines in their discretion to be necessary
or desirable for such purposes, as long as such action does not materially and
adversely affect the interests of the holders of the Preferred Securities.
Holders of Preferred Securities will have no preemptive or similar rights.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE
Pursuant to the Preferred Securities Guarantee, TDS will irrevocably and
unconditionally agree, to the extent set forth therein, to pay in full to the
holders of the Preferred Securities issued by the Trust, the Guarantee Payments
(as defined in the accompanying Prospectus) except to the extent paid by the
Trust, as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of setoff or
counterclaim which the Trust may have or assert. TDS's obligation to make a
Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by
TDS to the holders of Preferred Securities or by causing the Trust to pay such
amounts to such holders. The Preferred Securities Guarantee will be qualified as
an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. The First National Bank of Chicago
will act as Guarantee Trustee. The terms of the Preferred Securities Guarantee
will be those set forth in such Guarantee and those made part of such Preferred
Securities Guarantee by the Trust Indenture Act. The Preferred Securities
Guarantee will be held by the Guarantee Trustee for the benefit of the holders
of the Preferred Securities. A summary description of the Preferred Securities
Guarantee appears in the accompanying Prospectus under the caption "Description
of the Preferred Securities Guarantees."
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DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
Set forth below is a description of the specific terms of the Subordinated
Debentures in which the Trust will invest the proceeds from the issuance and
sale of the Trust Securities. This description supplements the description of
the general terms and provisions of the Subordinated Debentures set forth in the
accompanying Prospectus under the caption "Description of the Subordinated
Debentures". The following description does not purport to be complete and is
subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the description in
the accompanying Prospectus and the Subordinated Indenture, dated as of October
15, 1997, between TDS and The First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee (the
"Debt Trustee"), as supplemented by a Supplemental Indenture dated as of
, 1997, (said Subordinated Indenture, as so supplemented, is
hereinafter referred to as the "Indenture"), the forms of which are filed as
Exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus Supplement and
the accompanying Prospectus form a part. Certain capitalized terms used herein
are defined in the Indenture.
TDS will have the right at any time to liquidate the Trust and cause the
Subordinated Debentures to be distributed to the holders of the Trust
Securities. If the Subordinated Debentures are distributed to the holders of the
Preferred Securities, TDS will use its best efforts to have the Subordinated
Debentures listed on the AMEX or on such other national securities exchange or
similar organization on which the Preferred Securities are then listed or
quoted.
GENERAL
The Subordinated Debentures will be issued as unsecured indebtedness of TDS
under the Indenture. The Subordinated Debentures will be limited in aggregate
principal amount to approximately $ , such amount being the sum of the
aggregate stated liquidation amount of the Trust Securities.
The Subordinated Debentures are not subject to a sinking fund provision. The
entire principal amount of the Subordinated Debentures will mature and become
due and payable, together with any accrued and unpaid interest thereon including
Compound Interest and Additional Interest (as defined herein), if any, on
, 2037. The stated maturity date may be extended at any time by the
Company to any date not later than , 2046; provided, that at the time
such election is made and at the time of extension (i) the Company is not in
bankruptcy, otherwise insolvent or in liquidation, (ii) the Company is not in
default in the payment of any interest or principal on the Subordinated
Debentures, and (iii) in the case of Subordinated Debentures held by the Trust,
the Trust is not in arrears on payments of distributions on the Preferred
Securities and no deferred distributions are accumulated. In the event the
Company elects to extend the stated maturity of the Subordinated Debentures, it
shall give notice to the Debt Trustee, and the Debt Trustee shall give notice of
such extension to the holders of the Subordinated Debentures not more than 90
and not less than 30 days prior to the effectiveness thereof.
If Subordinated Debentures are distributed to holders of Preferred
Securities in liquidation of such holders' interests in the Trust, such
Subordinated Debentures will initially be issued as a Global Security (as
defined herein). As described herein, Subordinated Debentures may be issued in
certificated form in exchange for a Global Security. See "Book-Entry and
Settlement" and "The Depositary" below. In the event that Subordinated
Debentures are issued in certificated form, such Subordinated Debentures will be
in denominations of $25 and integral multiples thereof and may be transferred or
exchanged at the offices described below. Payments on Subordinated Debentures
issued as a Global Security will be made to DTC, a successor depositary or, in
the event that no depositary is used, to a Paying Agent for the Subordinated
Debentures. In the event Subordinated Debentures are issued in certificated
form, principal and interest will be payable, the transfer of the Subordinated
Debentures will be registrable and Subordinated Debentures will be exchangeable
for Subordinated Debentures of other denominations of a like aggregate principal
amount, at the corporate trust office of the Debt Trustee in New York, New York;
provided, that payment of interest may be made at the option of TDS by check
mailed to the address of the holder entitled thereto or by wire transfer to an
account appropriately designated by the holder entitled thereto.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as the holder of any Subordinated
Debentures is the Property Trustee, the payment of principal and interest on the
Subordinated Debentures held by the Property Trustee will be made at such place
and to such account as may be designated by the Property Trustee.
The Indenture does not contain provisions that afford holders of the
Subordinated Debentures protection in the event of a highly leveraged
transaction or other similar transaction involving TDS that may adversely affect
such holders.
SUBORDINATION
The Indenture provides that the Subordinated Debentures are subordinated and
junior in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of TDS, whether now
existing or hereafter incurred. Senior Indebtedness may include indebtedness of
TDS which is subordinated to other indebtedness of TDS but nevertheless senior
to the Subordinated Debentures. No payment of principal of (including redemption
payments, if any), premium, if any, or interest on, the Subordinated Debentures
may be made if (a) there is a default in the payment of principal, premium,
interest or any other payment due on any Senior Indebtedness, or (b) the
maturity of any Senior Indebtedness has been accelerated because of a default.
Upon any payment by TDS or distribution of assets of TDS to creditors upon any
dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization of TDS, whether voluntary
or involuntary or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings,
all amounts due on all Senior Indebtedness must be paid in full before the
holders of the Subordinated Debentures are entitled to receive or retain any
payment. Upon payment in full of all amounts due on the Senior Indebtedness then
outstanding, the rights of the holders of the Subordinated Debentures will be
subrogated to the rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive
payments or distributions applicable to such Senior Indebtedness until all
amounts owing on the Subordinated Debentures are paid in full.
The term "Senior Indebtedness" means (i) any payment in respect of (a)
indebtedness of TDS for money borrowed and (b) indebtedness evidenced by
securities, debentures, bonds, notes or other similar instruments issued by TDS;
(ii) all capital lease obligations of TDS; (iii) all obligations of TDS issued
or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale
obligations of TDS and all of its obligations under any title retention
agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course
of business); (iv) all obligations of TDS for the reimbursement on any letter of
credit, banker's acceptance, security purchase facility or similar credit
transaction; (v) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through
(iv) above of other Persons for the payment of which TDS is responsible or
liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise; and (vi) all obligations of the type
referred to in clauses (i) through (v) above of other Persons secured by any
lien on any property or asset of TDS (whether or not such obligation is assumed
by TDS), except for (1) the Subordinated Debentures and any other indebtedness
that is by its terms subordinated to or PARI PASSU with the Subordinated
Debentures, as the case may be, including all other debt securities and
guarantees in respect of those debt securities, issued to any other trusts,
partnerships or any other entity affiliated with TDS which is a financing
vehicle of TDS in connection with the issuance of preferred securities by such
entity or other securities which rank PARI PASSU with, or junior to, the
Preferred Securities, and (2) any indebtedness between or among TDS and its
affiliates. Such Senior Indebtedness will continue to be Senior Indebtedness and
be entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions irrespective of any
amendment, modification or waiver of any term of such Senior Indebtedness.
The Indenture does not limit the aggregate amount of Senior Indebtedness
which may be issued by TDS. As of September 30, 1997, Senior Indebtedness of TDS
aggregated approximately $970 million. In addition, since TDS is a holding
company, the right of TDS, and hence the right of the creditors of TDS
(including any holder of Subordinated Debentures), to participate in any
distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its liquidation or
reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior claims of
creditors of such subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of TDS as a
creditor of such subsidiary may be recognized. There is no restriction in the
Indenture against subsidiaries of TDS incurring secured or
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unsecured indebtedness or issuing secured or unsecured securities. The ability
of TDS to make payments of principal and interest on the Subordinated Debentures
will be dependent upon the payment to it by its subsidiaries of dividends, loans
or advances. As more fully set forth in the notes to the Company's financial
statements, such payments by TDS's regulated telephone company subsidiaries are
subject to legal and contractual restrictions, primarily contained in the
mortgages granted by certain such subsidiaries to the Rural Utilities Service.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
TDS will have the right to redeem the Subordinated Debentures, in whole or
in part, from time to time, on or after , 2002, or at any time in
whole but not in part in certain circumstances upon the occurrence of a Tax
Event as described under "Description of the Preferred Securities -- Tax Event
Redemption" herein, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice, at a
redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus any
accrued and unpaid interest, including Additional Interest, if any, to the
redemption date. If a partial redemption of the Preferred Securities resulting
from a partial redemption of the Subordinated Debentures would result in the
delisting of the Preferred Securities, TDS may only redeem the Subordinated
Debentures in whole.
INTEREST
Each Subordinated Debenture will bear interest at the rate of % per annum
from the original date of issuance, payable quarterly in arrears on March 31,
June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year (each, an "Interest Payment
Date"), commencing December 31, 1997, to the person in whose name such
Subordinated Debenture is registered, subject to certain exceptions, at the
close of business on the Business Day next preceding such Interest Payment Date.
If the Subordinated Debentures do not continue to remain in book-entry only
form, TDS will have the right to select record dates which may not be less than
fifteen days prior to each Interest Payment Date.
The amount of interest payable for any period will be computed on the basis
of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any date on which
interest is payable on the Subordinated Debentures is not a Business Day, then
payment of the interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding
day which is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in
respect of any such delay), except that, if such Business Day is in the next
succeeding calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately preceding
Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on such
date.
OPTION TO EXTEND INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
TDS will have the right at any time, and from time to time, during the term
of the Subordinated Debentures, to defer payments of interest by extending the
interest payment period for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters, at
the end of which Extension Period TDS will pay all interest then accrued and
unpaid (including any Additional Interest, together with the interest thereon
compounded quarterly at the rate specified for the Subordinated Debentures to
the extent permitted by applicable law); provided, that, during any such
Extension Period, (a) TDS may not declare or pay any dividend on, make any
distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase or acquire, or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock (other than (i)
purchases or acquisitions of shares of TDS common stock in connection with the
satisfaction by TDS of its obligations under any employee benefit plans or any
other contractual obligation of TDS (other than a contractual obligation ranking
PARI PASSU with or junior to the
Subordinated Debentures), (ii) as a result of a reclassification of TDS capital
stock or the exchange or conversion of one class or series of TDS capital stock
for another class or series of TDS capital stock or (iii) the purchase of
fractional interests in shares of TDS capital stock pursuant to the conversion
or exchange provisions of such TDS capital stock or the security being converted
or exchanged), (b) TDS may not make any payment of interest, principal or
premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any
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debt securities (including guarantees) issued by TDS which rank PARI PASSU with
or junior to the Subordinated Debentures and (c) TDS may not make any guarantee
payments with respect to the foregoing (other than pursuant to the Preferred
Securities Guarantee).
This covenant effectively requires that any Extension Period with respect to
payment of interest on any series of Subordinated Debentures will also apply to
each other series of subordinated debentures issued under the Indenture to other
trusts similar to the Trust.
Prior to the termination of any such Extension Period, TDS may further defer
payments of interest by extending the interest payment period, provided that
such Extension Period together with all such previous and further extensions
thereof may not exceed 20 consecutive quarters or extend beyond the maturity of
the Subordinated Debentures. Upon the termination of any Extension Period and
the payment of all accrued and unpaid interest on the Subordinated Debentures
then due, TDS may select a new Extension Period, as if no Extension Period had
previously been declared, subject to the above requirements. No interest during
an Extension Period, except at the end thereof, will be due and payable. TDS has
no present intention of exercising its rights to defer payments of interest by
extending the interest payment period on the Subordinated Debentures.
If the Property Trustee is the sole holder of the Subordinated Debentures,
TDS will give the Regular Trustees and the Property Trustee notice of its
selection of such Extension Period one Business Day prior to the earlier of (i)
the next succeeding date on which distributions on the Preferred Securities are
payable or (ii) the date the Trust is required to give notice to the AMEX or
other applicable self-regulatory organization or to holders of the Trust
Securities on the record date or the date such distribution is payable, but in
any event not less than one Business Day prior to such record date. The Regular
Trustees will give notice of TDS's selection of such Extension Period to the
holders of the Preferred Securities. If the Property Trustee is not the sole
holder of the Subordinated Debentures, TDS will give the holders of the
Subordinated Debentures notice of its selection of such Extension Period ten
Business Days prior to the earlier of (i) the next Interest Payment Date or (ii)
the date TDS is required to give notice to the AMEX or other applicable
self-regulatory organization or to holders of the Subordinated Debentures, but
in any event at least two Business Days before such record date.
ADDITIONAL INTEREST
If at any time the Trust is required to pay any taxes, duties, assessments
or governmental charges of whatever nature (other than withholding taxes)
imposed by the United States, or any other taxing authority, then, in any such
case, TDS will pay as additional interest ("Additional Interest") such
additional amounts as shall be required so that the net amounts received and
retained by the Trust after paying any such taxes, duties, assessments or other
governmental charges will be equal to the amounts the Trust would have received
had no such taxes, duties, assessments or other governmental charges been
imposed.
POSSIBLE TAX LAW CHANGES
The Clinton Administration's budget proposals for fiscal year 1997 and
fiscal year 1998 contained provisions which, if applicable to the Subordinated
Debentures, would have prevented TDS from deducting interest thereon for United
States federal income tax purposes. Congress has not enacted these provisions,
which, unlike several other Clinton Administration proposals, were not included
in the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. There can be no assurance that future
legislative proposals, future regulations or official administrative
pronouncements, or future judicial decisions will not affect the ability of TDS
to deduct interest on the Subordinated Debentures. Such a change could give rise
to a Tax Event, which may permit TDS to cause a redemption of the Preferred
Securities. See "Description of the Preferred Securities -- Tax Event
Redemption" and "United States Federal Income Taxation -- Possible Tax Law
Changes."
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INDENTURE EVENTS OF DEFAULT
If any Indenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the
Property Trustee, as the holder of the Subordinated Debentures, will have the
right to declare the principal of and the interest on the Subordinated
Debentures (including any Compound Interest and Additional Interest, if any) and
any other amounts payable under the Indenture to be forthwith due and payable
and to enforce its other rights as a creditor with respect to the Subordinated
Debentures. The principal amount of the Subordinated Debentures will become
immediately due and payable, without any declaration or other action by the
Property Trustee or any other person, upon the occurrence of certain Events of
Default relating to the bankruptcy of TDS. See "Description of Subordinated
Debentures -- Indenture Events of Default" in the accompanying Prospectus for a
description of Indenture Events of Default. An Indenture Event of Default also
constitutes a Declaration Event of Default. The holders of Preferred Securities
in certain circumstances have the right to direct the Property Trustee to
exercise its rights as a holder of Subordinated Debentures. See "Description of
the Preferred Securities -- Declaration Events of Default" and "-- Voting
Rights." Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Indenture Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing and is attributable to the failure of TDS to pay
interest on or principal of the Subordinated Debentures on the date such
interest or principal is otherwise payable, TDS acknowledges that a holder of
Preferred Securities may then institute a Direct Action for payment on or after
the respective due date specified in the Subordinated Debentures.
Notwithstanding any payments made to such holder of Preferred Securities by TDS
in connection with a Direct Action, TDS will remain obligated to pay the
principal of or interest on the Subordinated Debentures held by the Trust or the
Property Trustee, and TDS will be subrogated to the rights of the holder of such
Preferred Securities with respect to payments on the Preferred Securities to the
extent of any payments made by TDS to such holder in any Direct Action. The
holders of Preferred Securities will not be able to exercise directly any other
remedy available to the holders of Subordinated Debentures.
BOOK-ENTRY AND SETTLEMENT
If distributed to holders of Preferred Securities in connection with the
involuntary or voluntary dissolution, winding-up or liquidation of the Trust,
the Subordinated Debentures will be issued in the form of one or more global
certificates (each a "Global Security") registered in the name of the Depositary
or its nominee. Except under the limited circumstances described below,
Subordinated Debentures represented by the Global Security will not be
exchangeable for, and will not otherwise be issuable as, Subordinated Debentures
in definitive form. The Global Securities described above may not be transferred
except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the
Depositary to the depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or to a
successor Depositary or its nominee.
The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities
take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may
impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in such a Global Security.
Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in such a Global
Security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Subordinated
Debentures in definitive form and will not be considered the holders (as defined
in the Indenture) thereof for any purpose under the Indenture, and no Global
Security representing Subordinated Debentures will be exchangeable, except for
another Global Security of like denomination and tenor to be registered in the
name of the Depositary or its nominee or to a successor Depositary or its
nominee. Accordingly, each beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of the
Depositary or, if such person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the
Participant through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights
of a holder of Subordinated Debentures under the Indenture.
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THE DEPOSITARY
If Subordinated Debentures are distributed to holders of Preferred
Securities in liquidation of such holders' interests in the Trust, DTC will act
as securities Depositary for the Subordinated Debentures. For a description of
DTC and the specific terms of the depositary arrangements, see "Description of
the Preferred Securities -- Book-Entry Only Issuance -- The Depository Trust
Company." As of the date of this Prospectus Supplement, the description therein
of DTC's book-entry system and DTC's practices as they relate to purchases,
transfers, notices and payments with respect to the Preferred Securities apply
in all material respects to any Subordinated Debentures represented by one or
more Global Securities. TDS may appoint a successor to DTC or any successor
Depositary in the event DTC or such successor Depositary is unable or unwilling
to continue as a Depositary for the Global Securities.
None of TDS, the Trust, the Property Trustee, any paying agent or any other
agent of TDS or the Debt Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for
any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial
ownership interests in a Global Security for Subordinated Debentures or for
maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial
ownership interests.
A Global Security will be exchangeable for Subordinated Debentures
registered in the names of persons other than the Depositary or its nominee only
if (i) the Depositary notifies TDS that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
a depositary for such Global Security and no successor Depositary shall have
been appointed, (ii) the Depositary, at any time, ceases to be a clearing agency
registered under the Exchange Act at which time the Depositary is required to be
so registered to act as such Depositary and no successor Depositary shall have
been appointed, (iii) TDS, in its sole discretion, determines that such Global
Security will be so exchangeable or (iv) there has occurred an Indenture Event
of Default with respect to such Subordinated Debentures. Any Global Security
that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence will be exchangeable for
Subordinated Debentures registered in such names as the Depositary shall direct.
It is expected that such instructions will be based upon directions received by
the Depositary from its Participants with respect to ownership of beneficial
interests in such Global Security.
If the Subordinated Debentures are not represented by one or more Global
Securities, certificates evidencing the Subordinated Debentures may be presented
for registration of transfer (with the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly
executed) or exchange, at the office of the Debenture Registrar or at the office
of any transfer agent designated by TDS for such purpose with respect to the
Subordinated Debentures, without service charge and upon payment of any taxes
and other governmental charges as described in the Indenture. Such transfer or
exchange will be effected upon the Debenture Registrar or such transfer agent,
as the case may be, being satisfied with the documents of title and identity of
the person making the request. TDS has appointed the Debt Trustee as Debenture
Registrar with respect to the Subordinated Debentures. TDS may at any time
rescind the designation of any such transfer agent or approve a change in the
location through which any such transfer agent acts, except that TDS will be
required to maintain a transfer agent at the place of payment. TDS may at any
time designate additional transfer agents with respect to the Subordinated
Debentures.
In the event of any redemption of only a part of the Subordinated
Debentures, TDS will not be required to (i) issue, exchange or register the
transfer of Subordinated Debentures during a period beginning at the opening of
business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption of less
than all of the Subordinated Debentures and ending at the close of business on
the date of such mailing and (ii) register the transfer of or exchange any
Subordinated Debentures so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except
the unredeemed portion of any Subordinated Debentures being redeemed in part.
GOVERNING LAW
The Indenture and the Subordinated Debentures will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.
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MISCELLANEOUS
The Indenture will provide that TDS will pay all fees and expenses related
to (i) the offering of the Preferred Securities and the Subordinated Debentures,
(ii) the organization, maintenance and dissolution of the Trust, (iii) the
retention of the Trustees and (iv) the enforcement by the Property Trustee of
the rights of the holders of the Preferred Securities.
TDS will have the right at all times to assign any of its respective rights
or obligations under the Indenture to a direct or indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of TDS; provided that, in the event of any such assignment, TDS will
remain liable for all of such obligations. Subject to the foregoing, the
Indenture will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties thereto
and their respective successors and assigns. The Indenture provides that it may
not otherwise be assigned by the parties thereto.
EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
AND THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE
As set forth in the Declaration, the sole purposes of the Trust are to (i)
issue Trust Securities, (ii) invest the proceeds thereof in the Subordinated
Debentures and (iii) engage in only those other activities necessary or
incidental thereto.
As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the
Subordinated Debentures, such payments will be sufficient to cover distributions
and payments due on the Trust Securities primarily because (i) the aggregate
principal amount of Subordinated Debentures will be equal to the sum of the
aggregate stated liquidation amount of the Trust Securities; (ii) the interest
rate and interest and other payment dates on the Subordinated Debentures will
match the distribution rate and distribution and other payment dates for the
Preferred Securities; (iii) TDS will pay for all costs and expenses of the
Trust; and (iv) the Declaration provides that the Trustees may not cause or
permit the Trust to, among other things, engage in any activity that is not
consistent with the purposes of the Trust.
Payments of distributions (to the extent funds therefor are available) and
other payments due on the Preferred Securities (to the extent funds therefor are
available) are guaranteed by TDS as and to the extent set forth under
"Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees" in the accompanying
Prospectus. If TDS does not make interest payments on the Subordinated
Debentures purchased by the Trust, it is expected that the Trust will not have
sufficient funds to pay distributions on the Preferred Securities. The Preferred
Securities Guarantee is a full and unconditional guarantee from the time of its
issuance, but does not apply to any payment of distributions unless and until
the Trust has sufficient funds for the payment of such distributions.
If TDS fails to make interest or other payments on the Subordinated
Debentures when due (taking into account any Extension Period), the Declaration
provides a mechanism whereby the holders of the Preferred Securities, using the
procedures described in "Description of the Preferred Securities -- Voting
Rights" in this Prospectus Supplement, may direct the Property Trustee to
enforce its rights under the Subordinated Debentures, including proceeding
directly against TDS to enforce the Subordinated Debentures. If the Property
Trustee fails to enforce its rights under the Subordinated Debentures, a holder
of Preferred Securities may, after a period of 30 days has elapsed from such
holder's written request to the Property Trustee to enforce such rights,
institute a legal proceeding directly against TDS to enforce the Property
Trustee's rights under the Subordinated Debentures without first instituting any
legal proceeding against the Property Trustee or any other person or entity,
including the Trust.
If TDS fails to make payments under the Preferred Securities Guarantee, the
Preferred Securities Guarantee provides a mechanism whereby the holders of the
Preferred Securities may direct the Guarantee Trustee to enforce its rights
thereunder. If the Guarantee Trustee fails to enforce the Preferred Securities
Guarantee, any holder of Preferred Securities affected thereby may institute a
legal proceeding directly against TDS to enforce the Guarantee Trustee's rights
under the Preferred Securities Guarantee, without first instituting a legal
proceeding against the Trust, the Guarantee Trustee or any other person or
entity.
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The above mechanisms and obligations, taken together, are equivalent to a
full and unconditional guarantee by TDS of payments due on the Preferred
Securities. See "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees -- General"
in the accompanying Prospectus.
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
The following is a summary of certain of the material United States federal
income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Preferred
Securities. Unless otherwise stated, this summary deals only with Preferred
Securities held as capital assets by holders that purchase the Preferred
Securities upon original issuance. This summary does not address all the tax
consequences that may be relevant to holders that may be subject to special tax
treatment such as, for example, banks, real estate investment trusts, regulated
investment companies, insurance companies, dealers in securities or currencies,
tax-exempt investors, persons whose functional currency is other than the United
States dollar, persons who hold Preferred Securities as part of a straddle,
hedging or conversion transaction or, except as specifically described herein,
foreign taxpayers. In addition, this summary does not address any aspects of
state, local, or foreign laws. This summary is based on the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury regulations promulgated
thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, as of the
date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive
basis. Each holder should consult its tax advisor as to its particular tax
consequences of acquiring, holding, and disposing of the Preferred Securities,
including the tax consequences under state, local, and foreign laws.
CLASSIFICATION OF THE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
It is a condition to the issuance of the Preferred Securities that Sidley &
Austin, counsel to the Company, render its opinion that under current United
States federal income tax law and assuming full compliance with the terms of the
Indenture (and certain other documents), and based on certain facts and
assumptions contained in such opinion, the Subordinated Debentures held by the
Trust will be classified for United States federal income tax purposes as
indebtedness of TDS. Accordingly, corporate holders of Preferred Securities will
not be entitled to a dividends-received deduction with respect to any income
recognized with respect to the Preferred Securities.
CLASSIFICATION OF THE TRUST
It is a condition to the issuance of the Preferred Securities that Sidley &
Austin render its opinion that under current United States federal income tax
law and assuming full compliance with the terms of the Declaration and the
Indenture (and certain other documents), and based on certain facts and
assumptions contained in such opinion, the Trust will be classified for United
States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust and not as an association
taxable as a corporation. Accordingly, for United States federal income tax
purposes, each holder of Preferred Securities will generally be considered the
owner of an undivided interest in the Subordinated Debentures, and each holder
will be required to include in its gross income any original issue discount
("OID") accrued with respect to its allocable share of those Subordinated
Debentures. Investors should be aware that the foregoing opinions of Sidley &
Austin have not been confirmed by the Internal Revenue Service (the "Service"),
by private ruling or otherwise, and are not binding on the Service or the
courts.
TDS, the Trust, and, by its acceptance of a Preferred Security or a
beneficial interest therein, the holder of, and any person that acquires a
beneficial interest in, such Preferred Security agree to treat such Preferred
Security and the Subordinated Debentures consistently with the foregoing
opinions.
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT
Because TDS has the option, under the terms of the Subordinated Debentures,
to defer payments of interest by extending interest payment periods for up to 20
consecutive quarters, all of the stated interest payments on the Subordinated
Debentures will be treated as OID. Holders of debt instruments issued with OID
must include that OID in income on an economic accrual basis as ordinary income,
regardless of their
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method of tax accounting or when the cash is actually received. Actual
distributions of stated interest will not be separately reported as taxable
income. The amount of OID that accrues in any quarter will approximately equal
the amount of the interest that accrues on the Subordinated Debentures in that
quarter at the stated interest rate. In the event that the interest payment
period is extended, holders will continue to accrue OID approximately equal to
the amount of the interest payment due at the end of the extended interest
payment period on an economic accrual basis over the length of the extended
interest period.
MARKET DISCOUNT AND PREMIUM
Holders of Preferred Securities other than holders that purchased the
Preferred Securities upon original issuance may be considered to have acquired
their undivided interest in the Subordinated Debentures with market discount,
amortizable bond premium or acquisition premium as such terms are defined for
United States federal income tax purposes. Such holders are advised to consult
their tax advisors as to the income tax consequences of the acquisition,
ownership and disposition of the Preferred Securities.
RECEIPT OF SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES OR CASH UPON LIQUIDATION OF THE TRUST
Under certain circumstances, as described under the caption "Description of
the Preferred Securities -- Dissolution; Distribution of Subordinated
Debentures," Subordinated Debentures may be distributed to holders in exchange
for Preferred Securities in liquidation of the Trust. Under current United
States federal income tax law, such a redemption would be treated as a
non-taxable event to each holder, and each holder would have an aggregate tax
basis in the Subordinated Debentures equal to such holder's aggregate tax basis
in its Preferred Securities. A holder's holding period in the Subordinated
Debentures so received in liquidation of the Trust would include the period
during which the Preferred Securities were held by such holder.
Under certain circumstances, as described under the captions "Description of
the Preferred Securities -- Redemption," "Description of the Preferred
Securities -- Tax Event Redemption," and "Description of the Subordinated
Debentures -- Optional Redemption," the Subordinated Debentures may be redeemed
for cash and the proceeds of such redemption distributed to holders in
redemption of their Preferred Securities. Under current United States federal
income tax law, such a redemption would be a taxable event, and a holder would
recognize gain or loss as if such holder sold such redeemed Preferred Securities
for cash. See "Sales of Preferred Securities" below.
SALES OF PREFERRED SECURITIES
A holder that sells Preferred Securities will recognize gain or loss equal
to the difference between such holder's adjusted tax basis in the Preferred
Securities and the amount realized on the sale of such Preferred Securities. A
holder's adjusted tax basis in the Preferred Securities will generally be the
initial purchase price increased by the OID previously includible in such
holder's gross income to the date of disposition and decreased by payments
received on the Preferred Securities. Any gain or loss upon a sale or other
disposition of Preferred Securities by a holder generally will be capital gain
or loss. The recently enacted Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 made certain changes
to the Code with respect to the taxation of capital gains of taxpayers other
than corporations. Under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, capital gain realized
on the disposition of an asset held for more than one year but not more than 18
months is taxed at a maximum rate of 28% and capital gain realized on the
disposition of an asset held for more than 18 months is taxed at a maximum rate
of 20%. Capital gain on the disposition of assets held for not more than one
year continues to be taxed at the rates applicable to ordinary income (i.e., up
to 39.6%).
The Preferred Securities may trade at prices that do not accurately reflect
the value of accrued but unpaid interest with respect to the underlying
Subordinated Debentures. A holder that disposes of Preferred Securities between
record dates for payments of distributions thereon will be required to include
in gross income the OID on the Subordinated Debentures through the date of
disposition and to add such
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amount to such holder's adjusted tax basis in the PRO RATA share of the
underlying Subordinated Debentures deemed disposed of. To the extent that the
selling price is less than the holder's adjusted tax basis (so determined) a
holder will recognize a capital loss. Subject to certain limited exceptions,
capital losses cannot be applied to offset ordinary income for United States
federal income tax purposes.
UNITED STATES ALIEN HOLDERS
For purposes of this discussion, a "United States Alien Holder" is any
corporation, individual, partnership, estate or trust that for United States
federal income tax purposes is a foreign corporation, a nonresident alien
individual, a foreign partnership, or a foreign estate or trust. This discussion
assumes that income with respect to the Preferred Securities is not effectively
connected with a trade or business in the United States in which the United
States Alien Holder is engaged.
Under current United States federal income tax law, and subject to the
discussion of backup withholding in the following section, payments with respect
to principal and interest (including OID) by the Trust or any of its paying
agents to any holder of a Preferred Security that is a United States Alien
Holder will not be subject to withholding of United States federal income tax,
provided that, in the case of interest (including OID), (i) the beneficial owner
of the Preferred Security does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of
the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of TDS entitled to vote,
(ii) the beneficial owner of the Preferred Security is not a controlled foreign
corporation that is related, directly or indirectly, to TDS through stock
ownership, and (iii) either (A) the beneficial owner of the Preferred Security
certifies to the Trust or its agent, under penalties of perjury, that it is a
United States Alien Holder and provides its name and address or (B) a securities
clearing organization, bank or other financial institution that holds customers'
securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business (a "Financial
Institution"), and holds the Preferred Securities in such capacity, certifies to
the Trust or its agent, under penalties of perjury, that such statement has been
received from the beneficial owner by it or by a Financial Institution between
it and the beneficial owner and furnishes the Trust or its agent with a copy
thereof. The foregoing certification may be provided by the beneficial owner of
the Preferred Security on Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 and such certificate
is effective with respect to payments of interest (including OID) made after the
issuance of the certificate in the calendar year of its issuance and the two
immediately succeeding calendar years.
On October 14, 1997, the Service published in the Federal Register final
regulations (the "1997 Final Regulations") which affect the United States
taxation of United States Alien Holders. The 1997 Final Regulations are
effective for payments after December 31, 1998, regardless of the issue date of
the instrument with respect to which such payments are made, subject to certain
transition rules (see below). The discussion under this heading and under
"Backup Withholding Tax and Information Reporting," below, is not intended to be
a complete discussion of the provisions of the 1997 Final Regulations, and
prospective holders of a Preferred Security are urged to consult their tax
advisors concerning the tax consequences of their investment in light of the
1997 Final Regulations.
The 1997 Final Regulations provide documentation procedures designed to
simplify compliance by withholding agents. The 1997 Final Regulations generally
do not affect the documentation rules described above, but add other
certification options. Under one such option, a withholding agent will be
allowed to rely on an intermediary withholding certificate furnished by a
"qualified intermediary" (as defined below) on behalf of one or more beneficial
owners (or other intermediaries) without having to obtain the beneficial owner
certificate described above. "Qualified intermediaries" include: (i) foreign
financial institutions or foreign clearing organizations (other than a United
States branch or United States office of such institution or organization) or
(ii) foreign branches or offices of United States financial institutions or
foreign branches or offices of United States clearing organizations, which, as
to both (i) and (ii), have entered into withholding agreements with the Service.
In addition to certain other requirements, qualified intermediaries must obtain
withholding certificates, such as revised Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 (see
below), from each beneficial owner. Under another option, an authorized foreign
agent of a United
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States withholding agent will be permitted to act on behalf of the United States
withholding agent, provided certain conditions are met.
For purposes of the certification requirements, the 1997 Final Regulations
generally treat as the beneficial owners of payments on a Preferred Security
those persons that, under United States tax principles, are the taxpayers with
respect to such payments, rather than persons such as nominees or agents legally
entitled to such payments. In the case of payments to an entity classified as a
foreign partnership under United States tax principles, the partners, rather
than the partnership, generally will be required to provide the required
certifications to qualify for the withholding exemption described above. A
payment to a United States partnership, however, is treated for these purposes
as payment to a United States payee, even if the partnership has one or more
foreign partners. The 1997 Final Regulations provide certain presumptions with
respect to withholding for holders not furnishing the required certifications to
qualify for the withholding exemption described above. In addition, the 1997
Final Regulations will replace a number of current tax certification forms
(including Internal Revenue Service Form W-8) with a single, revised Internal
Revenue Service Form W-8 (which, in certain circumstances, requires information
in addition to that previously required). Under the 1997 Final Regulations, this
Form W-8 will remain valid until the last day of the third calendar year
following the year in which the certificate is signed.
Under the 1997 Final Regulations, withholding of United States federal
income tax may apply to payments on a taxable sale or other disposition of a
Preferred Security by a United States Alien Holder who does not provide
appropriate certification to the withholding agent with respect to such
transaction.
The 1997 Final Regulations provide transition rules concerning existing
certificates, such as Internal Revenue Service Form W-8. Valid withholding
certificates that are held on December 31, 1998 will generally remain valid
until the earlier of December 31, 1999 or the date of expiration of the
certificate under the law in effect prior to January 1, 1999. Further,
certificates dated prior to January 1, 1998 will generally remain valid until
the end of 1998, irrespective of the fact that their validity expires during
1998.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX AND INFORMATION REPORTING
Under current United States federal income tax law, information reporting
requirements apply to interest (including OID) and principal payments made to,
and to the proceeds of sales before maturity by, certain non-corporate persons.
In addition, a 31% backup withholding tax applies if a non-corporate person (i)
fails to furnish such person's Taxpayer Identification Number ("TIN") (which,
for an individual, is his or her Social Security Number) to the payor in the
manner required, (ii) furnishes an incorrect TIN and the payor is so notified by
the Service, (iii) is notified by the Service that such person has failed
properly to report payments of interest and dividends or (iv) in certain
circumstances, fails to certify, under penalties of perjury, that such person
has not been notified by the Service that such person is subject to backup
withholding for failure properly to report interest and dividend payments.
Backup withholding does not apply with respect to payments made to certain
exempt recipients, such as corporations and tax-exempt organizations.
In the case of a United States Alien Holder, under current United States
federal income tax law, backup withholding and information reporting do not
apply to payments of principal and interest (including OID) with respect to a
Preferred Security, or to payments on the sale, exchange, redemption or
retirement of a Preferred Security, if such Holder has provided the required
certification under penalties of perjury that such Holder is a United States
Alien Holder or has otherwise established an exemption.
Under current United States federal income tax law, (i) principal or
interest payments (including OID) with respect to a Preferred Security collected
outside the United States by a foreign office of a custodian, nominee or broker
acting on behalf of a beneficial owner of a Preferred Security and (ii) payments
on the sale, exchange, redemption or retirement of a Preferred Security to or
through a foreign office of a broker are not generally subject to backup
withholding or information reporting. However, if such custodian, nominee or
broker is a United States person, a controlled foreign corporation for United
States tax purposes, or a foreign person 50% of more of whose gross income is
effectively
S-39
<PAGE>
connected with the conduct of a United States trade or business for a specified
three-year period, such custodian, nominee or broker may be subject to certain
information reporting (but not backup withholding) requirements with respect to
such payments, unless such custodian, nominee or broker has in its records
documentary evidence that the beneficial owner is not a United States person and
certain conditions are met or the beneficial owner otherwise establishes an
exemption.
In the case of a United States Alien Holder, under the 1997 Final
Regulations, backup withholding and information reporting will not apply to
payments of principal and interest (including OID) with respect to a Preferred
Security if such Holder provides the required certification to establish an
exemption from the withholding of the United States federal income tax or
otherwise establishes an exemption.
Under the 1997 Final Regulations, payments of principal and interest
(including OID) with respect to a Preferred Security made to a custodian,
nominee or broker will not be subject to backup withholding or information
reporting, irrespective of the place of payment or the location of the office of
the custodian, nominee or broker, although payments of interest (including OID)
with respect to a Preferred Security paid to a foreign intermediary (whether or
not a qualified intermediary) will be subject to withholding of United States
federal income tax at the rate of 30% unless the beneficial owner (whether or
not a United States person) establishes an exemption by furnishing a withholding
certificate or other appropriate documentation. Unless the beneficial owner
establishes an exemption, a payment by a custodian, nominee or broker may be
subject to information reporting and, unless (i) the payment has been subject to
withholding of United States federal income tax at the rate of 30% or (ii) the
payment is made outside the United States to an offshore account in a financial
institution that maintains certain procedures related to account documentation,
to backup withholding as well.
Under the 1997 Final Regulations, payments on the sale, exchange, redemption
or retirement of a Preferred Security to or through a broker may be subject to
information reporting and backup withholding unless (i) the transaction is
effected outside the United States and the broker is not a United States person,
a controlled foreign corporation for United States tax purposes, a United States
branch of a foreign bank or foreign insurance company, a foreign partnership
controlled by United States persons or engaged in a United States trade or
business or a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income is effectively
connected with the conduct of a United States trade or business for a specified
three-year period or (ii) the beneficial owner otherwise establishes an
exemption.
Backup withholding tax is not an additional tax. Rather, any amounts
withheld from a payment to a person under the backup withholding rules are
allowed as a refund or a credit against such person's United States federal
income tax, provided that the required information is furnished to the Service.
POSSIBLE TAX LAW CHANGES
The Clinton Administration's budget proposals for fiscal year 1997 and
fiscal year 1998 contained provisions which, if applicable to the Subordinated
Debentures, would have prevented TDS from deducting interest thereon for United
States federal income tax purposes. Congress has not enacted these provisions,
which, unlike several other Clinton Administration proposals, were not included
in the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. There can be no assurance that future
legislative proposals, future regulations or official administrative
pronouncements, or future judicial decisions will not affect the ability of TDS
to deduct interest on the Subordinated Debentures.
THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX DISCUSSION SET FORTH ABOVE IS INCLUDED FOR GENERAL
INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE DEPENDING UPON A HOLDER'S PARTICULAR
SITUATION. HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX
CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE PREFERRED
SECURITIES, INCLUDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES UNDER STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER
TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FEDERAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS.
S-40
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement
(the "Underwriting Agreement"), the Trust has agreed to sell to each of the
Underwriters named below, and each of the Underwriters, for whom Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation and Goldman, Sachs & Co. are acting as representatives (the
"Representatives"), has severally agreed to purchase the number of Preferred
Securities set forth opposite its name below. In the Underwriting Agreement, the
several Underwriters have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth
therein, to purchase all the Preferred Securities offered hereby if any of the
Preferred Securities are purchased. In the event of default by an Underwriter,
the Underwriting Agreement provides that, in certain circumstances, the purchase
commitments of the non-defaulting Underwriters may be increased or the
Underwriting Agreement may be terminated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
UNDERWRITER PREFERRED
----------------------- SECURITIES
----------
<S> <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated...............................................................................
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation..................................................
Goldman, Sachs & Co..................................................................................
----------
Total......................................................................................
----------
----------
</TABLE>
The Underwriters propose to offer the Preferred Securities, in part,
directly to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the
cover page of this Prospectus Supplement, and, in part, to certain securities
dealers at such price less a concession of $ per Preferred Security. The
Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess
of $ per Preferred Security to certain brokers and dealers. After the
Preferred Securities are released for sale to the public, the offering price and
other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the Representative.
In view of the fact that the proceeds of the sale of the Preferred
Securities will be used to purchase the Subordinated Debentures of TDS, the
Underwriting Agreement provides that TDS will pay as compensation
("Underwriters' Compensation") to the Underwriters arranging the investment
therein of such proceeds, an amount in immediately available funds of $ per
Preferred Security (or $ in the aggregate) for the accounts of the
several Underwriters; provided that, such compensation for sales of 10,000 or
more Preferred Securities to any single purchaser will be $ per Preferred
Security. Therefore, to the extent of such sales, the actual amount of
Underwriters' Compensation will be less than the aggregate amount specified in
the preceding sentence.
During a period of 30 days from the date of this Prospectus Supplement,
neither the Trust nor TDS will, without the prior written consent of the
Representatives, directly or indirectly, sell, offer to sell, grant any option
for the sale of, or otherwise dispose of, any Preferred Securities, any security
convertible into or exchangeable into or exercisable for Preferred Securities or
Subordinated Debentures or any debt securities substantially similar to the
Subordinated Debentures or equity securities substantially similar to the
Preferred Securities (except for the Subordinated Debentures and the Preferred
Securities offered hereby).
Application has been made to list the Preferred Securities on the AMEX. If
so approved, trading of the Preferred Securities on the AMEX is expected to
commence within a 30-day period after the initial delivery of the Preferred
Securities. The Representatives have advised the Trust that they intend to make
a market in the Preferred Securities prior to the commencement of trading on the
AMEX. The Representatives will have no obligation to make a market in the
Preferred Securities, however, and may cease market making activities, if
commenced, at any time.
S-41
<PAGE>
Prior to this offering there has been no public market for the Preferred
Securities. In order to meet one of the requirements for listing the Preferred
Securities on the AMEX, the Underwriters will undertake to sell lots of 100 or
more Preferred Securities to a minimum of 400 beneficial holders.
In connection with this offering and in compliance with applicable law and
industry practice, the Underwriters may overallot or effect transactions which
stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the Preferred
Securities at levels above those which might otherwise prevail in the open
market, including by entering stabilizing bids. A stabilizing bid means the
placing of any bid, or the effecting of any purchase, for the purpose of
pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of a security.
In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization could
cause the price of the security to be higher than it might be in the absence of
such purchases.
Neither the Company, the Trust, nor any of the Underwriters makes any
representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that
the transactions described above may have on the price of the Preferred
Securities. In addition, neither the Company, the Trust, nor any of the
Underwriters makes any representation that the Underwriters will engage in such
transactions or that such transactions once commenced, will not be discontinued
without notice.
The Trust and TDS have agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against, or
contribute to payments that the Underwriters may be required to make in respect
of, certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended.
Certain of the Underwriters engage in transactions with and, from time to
time, have performed services for TDS and its subsidiaries in the ordinary
course of business.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain matters of Delaware law relating to the legality of the Preferred
Securities, the validity of the Declaration, the formation of the Trust and the
legality under state law of the Trust Securities will be passed upon by
Richards, Layton & Finger, special Delaware counsel to the Trust and the
Company. The legality under state law of the Preferred Securities Guarantee and
the Subordinated Debentures will be passed upon on behalf of the Trust and the
Company by Sidley & Austin, Chicago. Certain matters of Iowa law will be passed
upon on behalf of the Company by Nyemaster, Goode, Voigts, West, Hansell &
O'Brien, special Iowa counsel. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the
Underwriters by Mayer, Brown & Platt, Chicago, Illinois. Walter C.D. Carlson, a
director of TDS and a beneficiary and trustee of the voting trust which controls
TDS, is a partner at Sidley & Austin. Michael G. Hron and William S. DeCarlo,
the Secretary and Assistant Secretary of TDS and certain TDS subsidiaries,
respectively, and Stephen P. Fitzell and Sherry S. Treston, the Secretary and
Assistant Secretary of certain TDS subsidiaries, respectively, are partners of
Sidley & Austin. Mayer, Brown & Platt from time to time acts as counsel in
certain matters for TDS, certain of its subsidiaries, and certain members of the
Carlson family. Debora De Hoyos, the spouse of Walter C.D. Carlson and a
director of American Paging, Inc., a publicly traded subsidiary of TDS, is a
partner of Mayer, Brown & Platt.
S-42
<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.
<PAGE>
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 21, 1997
PROSPECTUS
$400,000,000
TDS CAPITAL I
TDS CAPITAL II
TDS CAPITAL III
PREFERRED SECURITIES
(LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE $25 PER PREFERRED SECURITY)
GUARANTEED TO THE EXTENT SET FORTH HEREIN BY
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
---------------
TDS Capital I, TDS Capital II, and TDS Capital III, each a statutory
business trust formed under the laws of the State of Delaware (each, a "Trust"
and, collectively, the "Trusts") may severally offer, from time to time, their
respective preferred securities (the "Preferred Securities") representing
preferred undivided beneficial interests in the assets of each Trust. Telephone
and Data Systems, Inc., an Iowa corporation ("TDS"), will be the sole owner of
the undivided common beneficial interests in such assets represented by trust
originated common securities (the "Common Securities" and, together with the
Preferred Securities, the "Trust Securities") of each Trust. The payment of
periodic cash distributions ("distributions") with respect to the Preferred
Securities and payments on liquidation or redemption with respect to such
Preferred Securities will be each guaranteed by TDS in the case of each Trust (a
"Preferred Securities Guarantee"), in each case only out of funds held by such
Trust. TDS's obligations under the Preferred Securities Guarantee will be
subordinate and junior in right of payment to all other liabilities of TDS and
will rank PARI PASSU with the most senior preferred stock issued by TDS.
Concurrently with the issuance by a Trust of its Preferred Securities, such
Trust will invest the proceeds thereof in TDS's junior subordinated deferrable
interest debentures (the "Subordinated Debentures") having terms corresponding
to such Trust's Preferred Securities. The Subordinated Debentures will be
unsecured and subordinated indebtedness of TDS issued under a Subordinated
Indenture dated as of October 15, 1997 between the Company and The First
National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee (such indenture, as the same may be
supplemented or amended from time to time, herein referred to as the
"Indenture"). The Subordinated Debentures held by each Trust will be its sole
assets, and the payments of principal of and interest on such Subordinated
Debentures will be its only revenues. The Subordinated Debentures purchased by a
Trust may be subsequently distributed PRO RATA to holders of Preferred
Securities and Common Securities in connection with the dissolution of such
Trust. In addition, upon the occurrence of certain events, TDS may redeem the
Subordinated Debentures and cause the redemption of the Preferred Securities.
The Preferred Securities may be offered in amounts, at prices and on terms
to be determined at the time of offering, provided, however, that the aggregate
initial public offering price of all Preferred Securities issued pursuant to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part will not exceed
$400,000,000. Certain specific terms of each Trust's Preferred Securities in
respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered will be set forth in an
accompanying Prospectus Supplement, including, where applicable and to the
extent not set forth herein, the identity of the Trust, the specific title, the
aggregate amount, the distribution rate (or the method for determining such
rate), the stated liquidation amount, redemption provisions, other rights, the
initial public offering price and any other special terms, as well as any
planned listing on a securities exchange, of such Preferred Securities.
The Preferred Securities may be sold in a public offering to or through
underwriters or dealers designated from time to time. See "Plan of
Distribution." The names of any of the underwriters or dealers involved in the
sale of the Preferred Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being
delivered, the number of Preferred Securities to be purchased by any such
underwriters or dealers, any applicable commissions or discounts and the net
proceeds to each Trust will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement.
Each Prospectus Supplement will also contain information concerning certain
United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the Preferred
Securities offered thereby.
--------------------------
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 , 1997.
<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"). TDS and the Trusts have filed with the Commission
a registration statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the
Preferred Securities offered hereby and certain related securities. This
Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration
Statement and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and the
exhibits thereto for further information with respect to TDS and the Preferred
Securities offered hereby. Such reports and other information may be inspected
and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at
Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549; New
York Regional Office, Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048; and
Chicago Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois
60661. Copies of such material also can be obtained from the Public Reference
Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at
prescribed rates. The Commission maintains a web site that contains reports,
proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants
that file electronically with the Commission. Such reports, proxy and
information statements and other information may be found on the Commission's
web site address, http:\\www.sec.gov. In addition, certain securities of TDS are
listed on the American Stock Exchange. Material filed by the Company may be
inspected at the office of the American Stock Exchange, Inc. at 86 Trinity
Place, New York, NY 10006-1881.
No separate financial statements of the Trusts are included herein. TDS
considers that such financial statements would not be material to holders of the
Preferred Securities because: (i) all of the Common Securities of the Trusts are
owned by TDS, a reporting company under the Exchange Act; (ii) the Trusts have
no independent operations; but exist for the sole purpose of issuing the Trust
Securities and holding the Subordinated Debentures as trust assets; and (iii)
the obligations of the Trusts under the Preferred Securities, to the extent
funds are available therefor, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed to the
extent set forth herein by TDS.
The Trusts are not currently subject to the information reporting
requirements of the Exchange Act. The Trusts will become subject to such
requirements upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, although they
intend to seek and expect to receive exemptions therefrom.
This Prospectus contains and each Prospectus Supplement and each document
incorporated by reference herein may contain "forward-looking" statements, as
defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that are based
on current expectations, estimates and projections. Statements that are not
historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and
expectations are forward-looking statements. These statements contain potential
risks and uncertainties and, therefore, actual results may differ materially.
The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking
statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Important factors that may affect these projections or expectations include,
but are not limited to: changes in the overall economy; changes in competition
in markets in which the Company operates; advances in telecommunications
technology; changes in the telecommunications regulatory environment; pending
and future litigation; availability of future financing; start-up of PCS
operations; and unanticipated changes in growth in cellular customers,
penetration rates, churn rates and the mix of products and services offered in
the Company's markets. Readers should evaluate any statements in light of these
important factors.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The following documents which have been filed with the Commission by TDS
pursuant to the Exchange Act (File No. 1-8251) are hereby incorporated by
reference:
2
<PAGE>
(i) Annual Report of TDS on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1996;
(ii) Quarterly Report of TDS on Form 10-Q for the three months ended
March 31, 1997; and
(iii) Quarterly Report of TDS on Form 10-Q for the three months ended
June 30, 1997.
All documents filed by TDS pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of
the Exchange Act (i) after the date of the initial registration statement and
prior to effectiveness of the registration statement shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into the prospectus, and (ii) from and after the date
of such effectiveness and prior to the termination of the offering of the
securities shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus and the accompanying Prospectus Supplement to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus or the accompanying Prospectus Supplement.
The Company will furnish without charge to each person, including any
beneficial owner, to whom this Prospectus and the accompanying Prospectus
Supplement is delivered, upon written or oral request of such person, a copy of
any and all documents incorporated herein by reference (not including exhibits
to such documents, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by
reference into such documents). Requests should be directed to Telephone and
Data Systems, Inc., 30 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602, Attention:
Shareholder Services (telephone number: (312) 630-1900).
THE COMPANY
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. ("TDS" or the "Company") (AMEX symbol
"TDS"), is a diversified telecommunications service company with established
cellular telephone, local telephone and radio paging operations and developing
personal communications services ("PCS") operations. The Company's long-term
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. The Company
conducts substantially all of its cellular operations through its majority-owned
subsidiary United States Cellular Corporation (AMEX symbol "USM"). The Company
conducts substantially all of its telephone operations through its wholly-owned
subsidiary TDS Telecommunications Corporation. The Company conducts
substantially all of its PCS business through its majority-owned subsidiary
Aerial Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ symbol "AERL"), which launched commercial
service in the first half of 1997 and expects to complete initial construction
of its PCS networks by the end of 1997. American Paging, Inc. (AMEX symbol
"APP"), is a majority-owned subsidiary of TDS through which substantially all of
the Company's radio paging operations are conducted.
TDS was incorporated in Iowa in 1968. TDS's executive offices are located at
30 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Its telephone number is (312)
630-1900.
THE TRUSTS
Each of the Trusts is a statutory business trust formed under Delaware law
pursuant to the filing of a certificate of trust with the Delaware Secretary of
State on October 15, 1997. The business of each Trust is defined in a
Declaration of Trust, executed by TDS, as sponsor (the "Sponsor"), and the
Trustees (as defined herein). The Declaration of Trust of each Trust will be
amended and restated in its entirety (as so amended and restated, the
"Declaration") substantially in the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration
3
<PAGE>
Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part. The Declaration will be
qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the
"Trust Indenture Act"). Upon issuance of the Preferred Securities, the
purchasers thereof will own all of the Preferred Securities. TDS will acquire
all of the Common Securities in an aggregate liquidation amount equal to
approximately 3% of the total capital of each Trust. Each Trust exists for the
exclusive purposes of (i) issuing the Trust Securities representing undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust, (ii) investing the gross
proceeds of the Trust Securities in the Subordinated Debentures and (iii)
engaging in only those other activities necessary or incidental thereto. Each
Trust has a term of 50 years, but may terminate earlier as provided in the
applicable Declaration.
Each Trust's business and affairs will be conducted by the trustees (the
"Trustees") appointed by TDS, as holder of the Common Securities. The duties and
obligations of the Trustees will be governed by the Declaration. Pursuant to the
Declaration, the number of Trustees will initially be five. Three of the
Trustees (the "Regular Trustees") will be persons who are employees or officers
of or affiliated with, TDS. The fourth Trustee will be a corporation which
maintains a principal place of business in the State of Delaware that will serve
for the sole purpose of complying with certain Delaware laws (the "Delaware
Trustee"). The fifth Trustee will be a financial institution unaffiliated with
TDS which will serve as property trustee under the Declaration and as indenture
trustee for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act (the "Property Trustee"). First
Chicago Delaware Inc. ("First Delaware") will act as the Delaware Trustee and
The First National Bank of Chicago as the Property Trustee, in each case until
removed or replaced by the holder of the Common Securities. The First National
Bank of Chicago will also act as indenture trustee under the Preferred
Securities Guarantee (the "Guarantee Trustee"). See "Description of the
Preferred Securities Guarantees."
The Property Trustee, acting in such capacity, will hold title to the
Subordinated Debentures held by each Trust for the benefit of the holders of the
Trust Securities issued by such Trust and will have the power to exercise all
rights, powers and privileges under the Indenture (as defined herein) as the
holder of such Subordinated Debentures. In addition, the Property Trustee will
maintain exclusive control of a segregated non-interest bearing bank account for
each Trust (the "Property Account") to hold all payments made in respect of the
Subordinated Debentures held by such Trust for the benefit of the holders of the
Trust Securities issued by such Trust. The Property Trustee will make payments
of distributions and payments on liquidation, redemption and otherwise to the
holders of the Trust Securities issued by each Trust out of funds from the
Property Account of such Trust. The Guarantee Trustee will hold each Preferred
Securities Guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the Preferred Securities.
TDS, as the direct or indirect holder of all the Common Securities, will have
the right to appoint, remove or replace any Trustee and to increase the number
of Trustees, provided that the number of Trustees will be at least three, two of
which will be Regular Trustees. TDS will pay all fees and expenses related to
the Trust, the offering of the Preferred Securities and the issuance of the
Subordinated Debentures. See "Description of the Subordinated Debentures --
Miscellaneous."
The rights of the holders of the Preferred Securities of each Trust,
including economic rights, rights to information and voting rights, are as set
forth in the Declaration for such Trust, the Delaware Business Trust Act, as
amended (the "Trust Act"), and the Trust Indenture Act. See "Description of the
Preferred Securities."
The Property Trustee for each Trust is The First National Bank of Chicago.
The principal place of business of each Trust shall be c/o Telephone and Data
Systems, Inc., 30 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602 (telephone number
312/630-1900).
4
<PAGE>
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
The following table sets forth the unaudited consolidated ratio of earnings
to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for the Company for each of the
following periods:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
-------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and
preferred stock dividends.................. 1.26x 5.27x 3.50x 3.01x 2.75x 1.96x 2.50x
</TABLE>
The reduction in the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends from the six-month period ended June 30, 1996 to the six-month period
ended June 30, 1997 is primarily due to the decrease in gains on sales of
cellular interests and other investments from $128.3 million in the first half
of 1996 to $10.6 million in the first half of 1997. For the computation of the
ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends: (i) earnings
consist of net income from continuing operations plus income taxes from
continuing operations, fixed charges (less capitalized interest), distributions
from minority subsidiaries and minority share in income of subsidiaries that
have fixed charges, less equity in undistributed earnings of unconsolidated
investments and minority share of losses; and (ii) fixed charges and preferred
stock dividends consist of interest expense, capitalized interest, estimated
interest portion of rentals and preferred stock dividend requirements increased
to an amount representing the pretax earnings required to cover such dividend
requirements.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Each Trust will use the proceeds of the sale of the Trust Securities to
purchase Subordinated Debentures from TDS. Unless otherwise indicated in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, TDS intends to use the net proceeds from the
sale of the Subordinated Debentures to repay certain short-term indebtedness and
for general corporate purposes, which may include capital expenditures,
repayment or repurchases of outstanding indebtedness, investments in
subsidiaries and working capital.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES
The Declaration of each Trust authorizes the Regular Trustees of such Trust
to issue on behalf of such Trust only one series of Preferred Securities having
terms described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. The Declaration
will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. The Property
Trustee will act as Indenture Trustee for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act.
The Preferred Securities will have such terms, including distributions,
redemption, voting, liquidation rights and such other preferred, deferred or
other special rights or such restrictions as will be set forth in the
Declaration or made part of the Declaration by the Trust Indenture Act and which
will correspond to the terms of the Subordinated Debentures held by the Trust
and described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. Reference is made
to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the Preferred Securities of each Trust
for specific terms, including (i) the distinctive designation of such Preferred
Securities; (ii) the number of Preferred Securities issuable by such Trust;
(iii) the annual distribution rate (or method of determining such rate) for
Preferred Securities issued by such Trust and the date or dates upon which such
distributions will be payable; (iv) whether distributions on Preferred
Securities issued by such Trust will be cumulative, and, in the case of
Preferred Securities having such cumulative distribution rights, the date or
dates or method of determining the date or dates from which distributions on
Preferred Securities issued by such Trust will be cumulative; (v) the amount or
amounts which will be paid out of the assets of such Trust to the holders of
Preferred Securities of such Trust upon voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
winding-up or termination of such Trust; (vi) the obligation, if any, of such
Trust to purchase or redeem Preferred Securities issued by such Trust and the
price or prices at which, the period or periods within which, and the terms and
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conditions upon which Preferred Securities issued by such Trust will be
purchased or redeemed, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation; (vii)
the voting rights, if any, of holders of Preferred Securities issued by such
Trust in addition to those required by law, including the number of votes per
Preferred Security and any requirement for approval by the holders of such
Preferred Securities, or of Preferred Securities issued by one or more Trusts,
or of both, as a condition to specified action or amendments to the Declaration
of such Trust; (viii) the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the
Subordinated Debentures owned by such Trust may be distributed to holders of
Preferred Securities of such Trust; (ix) if applicable, any securities exchange
upon which the Preferred Securities of such Trust will be listed; and (x) any
other relevant rights, preferences, privileges, limitations or restrictions of
Preferred Securities issued by such Trust not inconsistent with the Declaration
of such Trust or with applicable law. All Preferred Securities offered hereby
will be guaranteed by TDS to the extent set forth below under "Description of
the Preferred Securities Guarantees." Certain United States federal income tax
considerations applicable to any offering of Preferred Securities will be
described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
Each Trust will issue one series of Common Securities in connection with the
issuance of Preferred Securities. The Declaration of each Trust authorizes the
Regular Trustees of such Trust to issue on behalf of such Trust one series of
Common Securities having such terms including distributions, redemption, voting,
liquidation rights or such restrictions as will be set forth therein. Except for
voting rights, the terms of the Common Securities issued by a Trust will be
substantially identical to the terms of the Preferred Securities issued by such
Trust and such Common Securities will rank PARI PASSU, and payments will be made
thereon PRO RATA, with such Preferred Securities except that, upon an event of
default under the Declaration, the rights of the holders of such Common
Securities to payment in respect of distributions and payments upon liquidation,
redemption and otherwise will be subordinated to the rights of the holders of
the Preferred Securities. The Common Securities of a Trust will also carry the
right to vote to appoint, remove or replace any of the Trustees of such Trust.
All of the Common Securities of each Trust will be directly or indirectly owned
by TDS.
ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN RIGHTS BY HOLDERS OF PREFERRED SECURITIES
If an Event of Default under a Declaration of a Trust occurs and is
continuing, then the holders of Preferred Securities of such Trust would rely on
the enforcement by the Property Trustee of its rights as a holder of the
applicable series of Subordinated Debentures against TDS. In addition, the
holders of a majority in liquidation amount of Preferred Securities of such
Trust will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Property Trustee or to direct the
exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the Property Trustee under the
applicable Declaration, including the right to direct such Property Trustee to
exercise the remedies available to it as a holder of Subordinated Debentures. If
the Property Trustee fails to enforce its rights under the Subordinated
Debentures held by a Trust, a holder of Preferred Securities of such Trust may
institute a legal proceeding directly against TDS to enforce the Property
Trustee's rights under the Subordinated Debentures without first instituting any
legal proceeding against the Property Trustee or any other person or entity.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default under the Declaration of a
Trust has occurred and is continuing and such event is attributable to the
failure of TDS to pay interest or principal on the applicable series of
Subordinated Debentures on the date such interest or principal is otherwise
payable (or in the case of redemption, on the redemption date), then a holder of
Preferred Securities of such Trust may directly institute a proceeding for
enforcement of payment to such holder of the principal of or interest on such
Subordinated Debentures having a principal amount equal to the aggregate
liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities of such holder (a "Direct
Action") on or after the respective due date specified in such Subordinated
Debentures. In connection with such Direct Action, TDS will be subrogated to the
rights of such holder of Preferred Securities under the applicable Declaration
to the extent of any payment made by TDS to such holder of Preferred Securities
in such Direct Action.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES
Set forth below is a summary of information concerning the Preferred
Securities Guarantees which will be executed and delivered by TDS for the
benefit of the holders from time to time of the Preferred Securities under each
Trust. Each Preferred Securities Guarantee will be qualified as an indenture
under the Trust Indenture Act. The Guarantee Trustee will act as the trustee
under the Preferred Securities Guarantees. The terms of each Preferred
Securities Guarantee will be those set forth therein and those made a part
thereof by the Trust Indenture Act. The following summary of the material terms
of the Preferred Securities Guarantees does not purport to be complete and is
subject in all respects to the provisions of, and is qualified in its entirety
by reference to, the form of the Preferred Securities Guarantees, which is filed
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a
part, and the Trust Indenture Act. Each Preferred Securities Guarantee will be
held by the Guarantee Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Preferred
Securities of the applicable Trust.
GENERAL
Pursuant to each Preferred Securities Guarantee with respect to a Trust, TDS
will irrevocably and unconditionally agree, to the extent set forth therein, to
pay in full, to the holders of the Preferred Securities issued by such Trust,
the Guarantee Payments (as defined herein) (without duplication of amounts
theretofore paid by such Trust), as and when due regardless of any defense,
right of set-off or counterclaim which such Trust may have or assert. The
following payments or distributions with respect to the Preferred Securities of
a Trust, to the extent not paid or made by such Trust (the "Guarantee
Payments"), will be subject to the Preferred Securities Guarantee with respect
to such Trust (without duplication): (i) any accrued and unpaid distributions
which are required to be paid on the Preferred Securities, to the extent such
Trust has funds available therefor, (ii) the redemption price, including all
accrued and unpaid distributions to the date of the redemption (the "Redemption
Price"), to the extent such Trust has funds available therefor, with respect to
any Preferred Securities called for redemption by such Trust and (iii) upon a
voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of such Trust
(other than in connection with the distribution of Subordinated Debentures held
by such Trust to the holders of Preferred Securities issued by such Trust in
exchange for such Preferred Securities), the lesser of (a) the aggregate of the
liquidation amount and all accrued and unpaid distributions on such Preferred
Securities to the date of payment, to the extent such Trust has funds available
therefor and (b) the amount of assets of such Trust remaining available for
distribution to holders of such Preferred Securities in liquidation of such
Trust. The redemption price and liquidation amount will be fixed at the time the
Preferred Securities are issued. TDS's obligation to make a Guarantee Payment
may be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by TDS to the holders
of Preferred Securities issued by a Trust or by causing such Trust to pay such
amounts to such holders.
The Preferred Securities Guarantee for a Trust will not apply to any payment
of distributions except to the extent such Trust has funds available therefor.
If TDS does not make interest payments on the Subordinated Debentures purchased
by a Trust, such Trust will not pay distributions on the Preferred Securities
issued by such Trust and will not have funds available therefor.
The Preferred Securities Guarantee for a Trust, when taken together with
TDS's obligations under the applicable Subordinated Debentures, the Indenture
and the applicable Declaration, including its obligation to pay costs, expenses,
debt, and liabilities of such Trust (other than with respect to its Trust
Securities), will be a full and unconditional guarantee, on a subordinated
basis, by TDS of payments due on the Preferred Securities issued by such Trust
from the time of issuance of such Preferred Securities, but will not apply to
the payment of distributions and other payments on such Preferred Securities
when the Property Trustee does not have sufficient funds in the Property Account
of such Trust to make such distributions or other payments. If TDS does not make
interest payments on the Subordinated Debentures held by the Property Trustee
for a Trust, such Trust will not make distributions on the Preferred Securities
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issued by such Trust and will not have funds available therefor. See
"Description of the Subordinated Debentures -- Certain Covenants."
CERTAIN COVENANTS OF TDS
In the Preferred Securities Guarantee for a Trust, TDS will covenant that,
so long as any Preferred Securities issued by such Trust remain outstanding, if
there shall have occurred and be continuing any event that would constitute an
event of default under such Preferred Securities Guarantee or the Declaration of
such Trust, then (a) TDS may not declare or pay any dividend on, or make any
distribution of such Trust with respect to, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make
a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock (other than (i)
purchases or acquisitions of shares of TDS common stock in connection with the
satisfaction by TDS of its obligations under any employee benefit plans or any
other contractual obligation of TDS (other than a contractual obligation ranking
PARI PASSU with or junior to the Subordinated Debentures), (ii) as a result of a
reclassification of TDS capital stock or the exchange or conversion of one class
or series of TDS capital stock for another class or series of TDS capital stock
or (iii) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of TDS capital stock
pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such TDS capital stock or
the security being converted or exchanged), (b) TDS may not make any payment of
interest, principal or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any
debt securities (including guarantees) issued by TDS which rank PARI PASSU with
or junior to the Subordinated Debentures and (c) TDS may not make any guarantee
payments with respect to the foregoing (other than pursuant to the Preferred
Securities Guarantees).
AMENDMENTS AND ASSIGNMENT
Except with respect to any changes which do not materially adversely affect
the rights of holders of Preferred Securities issued by a Trust (in which case
no approval will be required), the Preferred Securities Guarantee for such Trust
may be amended only with the prior approval of the holders of not less than
66 2/3% in liquidation amount of the outstanding Preferred Securities issued by
such Trust. The manner of obtaining any such approval of holders of Preferred
Securities will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. All
guarantees and agreements contained in each Preferred Securities Guarantee will
bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of TDS and
will inure to the benefit of the Guarantee Trustee and the holders of the
Preferred Securities of the applicable Trust then outstanding.
TERMINATION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES
Each Preferred Securities Guarantee for a Trust will terminate as to the
Preferred Securities issued by such Trust upon full payment of the Redemption
Price of all such Preferred Securities, upon distribution of the Subordinated
Debentures held by such Trust to the holders of the Trust Securities of such
Trust, or upon full payment of the amounts payable upon liquidation of such
Trust. See "Status of the Preferred Securities Guarantees" and "Description of
the Subordinated Debentures -- Indenture Events of Default" for a description of
the events of default and enforcement rights of the holders of Subordinated
Debentures. Each Preferred Securities Guarantee for a Trust will continue to be
effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder
of Preferred Securities issued by such Trust must repay any sums paid to them
under such Preferred Securities or Preferred Securities Guarantee.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
An event of default under each Preferred Securities Guarantee will occur
upon the failure of TDS to perform any of its payment or other obligations
thereunder.
The holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities
issued by a Trust will have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee in
respect of the Preferred Securities Guarantee for such Trust or to direct the
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exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under such
Preferred Securities Guarantee. If the Guarantee Trustee fails to enforce the
Preferred Securities Guarantee for a Trust, any holder of related Preferred
Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against TDS to enforce the
Guarantee Trustee's rights under such Preferred Securities Guarantee, without
first instituting a legal proceeding against such Trust, the Guarantee Trustee
or any other person or entity.
STATUS OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES
TDS's obligations under each Preferred Securities Guarantee to make the
Guarantee Payments will constitute unsecured obligations of TDS and will rank
(i) subordinate and junior in right of payment to all other liabilities of TDS,
including the Subordinated Debentures, except those liabilities of TDS made PARI
PASSU or subordinate by their terms, (ii) PARI PASSU with the most senior
preferred stock now or hereafter issued by TDS and with any guarantee now or
hereafter entered into by TDS in respect of any preferred securities of any
affiliate of TDS, and (iii) senior to TDS common stock. The terms of the
Preferred Securities provide that each holder of Preferred Securities issued by
a Trust, by acceptance thereof, agrees to the subordination provisions and other
terms of the Preferred Securities Guarantee relating thereto.
Each Preferred Securities Guarantee will constitute guarantee of payment and
not of collection (i.e., the guaranteed party may institute a legal proceeding
directly against the guarantor to enforce its rights under such Preferred
Securities Guarantee without instituting a legal proceeding against any other
person or entity). Each Preferred Securities Guarantee will be deposited with
the Guarantee Trustee to be held for the benefit of the holders of the related
Preferred Securities. Except as otherwise noted herein, the Guarantee Trustee
has the right to enforce each Preferred Securities Guarantee on behalf of the
holders of the related Preferred Securities. Except as described under
"Termination of the Preferred Securities Guarantees" above, the Preferred
Securities Guarantee for a Trust will not be discharged except by payment of the
Guarantee Payments in full (without duplication of amounts theretofore paid by
such Trust).
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE
TDS may consolidate with or merge into any other Person in a transaction in
which TDS is not the surviving entity, or sell, convey, transfer or otherwise
dispose of its properties as an entirety, or substantially as an entirety to,
any Person if (i) the Person formed in such consolidation or into which TDS is
merged or to which TDS has sold, conveyed, transferred or otherwise disposed of
its properties as an entirety, or substantially as an entirety, is an entity
validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and such
Person assumes TDS's obligations under the Preferred Securities Guarantees and
the Indenture, (ii) immediately after giving effect to the transaction no Event
of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would
become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing, and (iii) any
such Person not organized and validly existing under the laws of the United
States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, shall expressly agree in
a supplemental indenture (a) to pay to the holders of Trust Securities any
additional amounts as may be necessary in order that every net payment or other
amount due on the Trust Securities, after withholding for or on account of any
present or future tax, assessment or governmental charge imposed upon such
holder of Trust Securities (except for a tax, assessment or charge imposed
solely as a result of a connection between the recipient and the jurisdiction
imposing such tax, assessment or charge) by reason of or as a result of such
payment or other amount being paid by an entity which is not an entity existing
under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of
Columbia, will not be less than the amount provided for in the Trust Securities,
the Indenture or the Preferred Securities Guarantees, as the case may be, to be
then due and payable and (b) to the selection and jurisdiction of courts of the
State of Illinois or the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Illinois for any litigation arising out of, under or in connection with the
Indenture or the Preferred Securities Guarantees. The phrase "substantially as
an entirety" is not defined in the Indenture or the Preferred Securities
Guarantees, and TDS is unaware of an established meaning or
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qualification of the phrase under New York law, which is the law governing
construction of the Indenture and the Preferred Securities Guarantees. A holder
of Preferred Securities may bear the burden of establishing the meaning of the
phrase "substantially as an entirety".
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
The Guarantee Trustee, prior to the occurrence of a default with respect to
a Preferred Securities Guarantee and after the curing of all such defaults that
may have occurred, undertakes to perform only such duties as are specifically
set forth in each Preferred Securities Guarantee and, during the continuance of
any default, will exercise the same degree of care as a prudent individual would
exercise in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to such provisions,
the Guarantee Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers
vested in it by the Preferred Securities Guarantee for a Trust at the request of
any holder of Preferred Securities issued by such Trust, unless offered
reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be
incurred thereby; but the foregoing shall not relieve the Guarantee Trustee,
upon the occurrence of an event of default under such Preferred Securities
Guarantee, from exercising the rights and powers vested in it by such Preferred
Securities Guarantee. The Guarantee Trustee also serves as Property Trustee.
TDS and its officers and directors have no material relationship with the
initial Guarantee Trustee except that TDS and certain of its subsidiaries
maintain normal banking relations and other financial service relations with The
First National Bank of Chicago.
GOVERNING LAW
The Preferred Securities Guarantees will be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
Set forth below is a description of the terms of the Subordinated Debentures
which each of the Trusts will hold as trust assets. The following description
does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to, the Subordinated Indenture ("Indenture"), dated as of
October 15, 1997, between TDS and The First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee
(the "Debt Trustee"), as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture creating
each series of Subordinated Debentures. The Indenture and the form of
Supplemental Indenture are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement of
which this Prospectus forms a part. The terms of each series of Subordinated
Debentures will include those stated in the Indenture and the related
Supplemental Indenture and those made a part of the Indenture by reference to
the Trust Indenture Act. Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in
the Indenture and the related Supplemental Indenture.
Upon the dissolution of a Trust, Subordinated Debentures held by a Trust may
be distributed to the holders of Trust Securities issued by such Trust in
liquidation of such Trust. See "Description of the Preferred Securities --
Dissolution; Distribution of Subordinated Debentures" in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement.
If any Subordinated Debentures are distributed to the holders of Trust
Securities, TDS will use its best efforts to have such Subordinated Debentures
listed on the American Stock Exchange or on such other exchange as the related
Preferred Securities are then listed.
GENERAL
The Indenture provides for the issuance of Subordinated Debentures in an
unlimited amount from time to time. Each series of Subordinated Debentures will
constitute a separate series under the Indenture, will be in a principal amount
equal to the aggregate stated Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities
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issued by the Trust which will hold such Subordinated Debentures plus TDS's
concurrent investment in the Common Securities of such Trust and will rank PARI
PASSU with all other series of Subordinated Debentures.
The entire principal amount of the Subordinated Debentures held by a Trust
will mature and become due and payable, together with any accrued and unpaid
interest thereon, including Additional Interest (as defined herein), if any, on
the date set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular
Subordinated Debentures being offered thereby for the following terms: (1) the
designation and terms of such Subordinated Debentures; (2) the aggregate
principal amount of such Subordinated Debentures; (3) the date or dates on which
such Subordinated Debentures will mature and the right, if any, to extend or
shorten such date or dates; (4) the rate or rates, if any, per annum, at which
such Subordinated Debentures will bear interest, or the method of determination
of such rate or rates; (5) the date or dates from which such interest will
accrue, the interest payment dates on which such interest will be payable or the
manner of determination of such interest payment dates and the record dates for
the determination of holders to whom interest is payable on any such interest
payment dates; (6) the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and
the duration of such extensions; (7) provisions for a sinking, purchase or other
analogous fund; (8) the period or periods, if any, within which, the price or
prices of which, and the terms and conditions upon which such Subordinated
Debentures may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of TDS or the
holder; (9) the form of such Subordinated Debentures; and (10) any other
specific terms of such Subordinated Debentures. Principal, premium, if any, and
interest, if any, will be payable, and the Subordinated Debentures offered
hereby will be transferable, at the corporate trust office of the Debt Trustee
in New York pursuant to the Indenture.
If a Prospectus Supplement specifies that a series of Subordinated
Debentures is denominated in a currency or currency unit other than United
States dollars, such Prospectus Supplement will also specify the denomination in
which such Subordinated Debentures will be issued and the coin or currency in
which the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on such Subordinated
Debentures will be payable, which may be United States dollars based upon the
exchange rate for such other currency or currency unit existing on or about the
time a payment is due.
The covenants contained in the Indenture would not necessarily afford
protection to holders of the Subordinated Debentures in the event of a decline
in credit quality resulting from takeovers, recapitalizations or similar
restructurings of TDS.
If Subordinated Debentures held by a Trust are distributed to holders of its
Preferred Securities in liquidation of such holders' interests in such Trust,
such Subordinated Debentures will initially be issued as a Global Security. To
the extent described under "Description of the Subordinated Debentures -- Book-
Entry and Settlement" in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, under certain
limited circumstances, Subordinated Debentures may be issued in certificated
form in exchange for a Global Security. In the event Subordinated Debentures are
issued in certificated form, such Subordinated Debentures will be in
denominations as specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement and integral
multiples thereof and may be transferred or exchanged at the offices described
therein. Payments on Subordinated Debentures issued as a Global Security will be
made to the Depositary for the Subordinated Debentures. In the event
Subordinated Debentures are issued in certificated form, principal and interest
will be payable, the transfer of the Subordinated Debentures will be registrable
and Subordinated Debentures will be exchangeable for Subordinated Debentures of
other denominations of a like aggregate principal amount at the corporate trust
office of the Debt Trustee in New York, New York; provided, that payment of
interest may be made at the option of TDS by check mailed to the address of the
persons entitled thereto.
The Indenture does not contain provisions that afford holders of the
Subordinated Debentures protection in the event of a highly leveraged
transaction involving TDS.
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SUBORDINATION
The Indenture provides that the Subordinated Debentures are subordinated and
junior in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of TDS, whether now
existing or hereafter incurred. Senior Indebtedness may include indebtedness of
TDS which is subordinated to other indebtedness of TDS but nevertheless senior
to the Subordinated Debentures. No payment of principal of (including redemption
and sinking fund payments, if any), premium, if any, or interest on, the
Subordinated Debentures may be made if (a) there is any default in the payment
of principal, premium, interest or any other payment due on any Senior
Indebtedness, or (b) the maturity of any Senior Indebtedness has been
accelerated because of a default. Upon any distribution of assets of TDS to
creditors upon any dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization of
TDS, whether voluntary or involuntary or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership
or other proceedings, all amounts due on all Senior Indebtedness must be paid in
full before the holders of the Subordinated Debentures are entitled to receive
or retain any payment. Upon payment in full of all amounts due on the Senior
Indebtedness then outstanding, the rights of the holders of the Subordinated
Debentures will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of Senior
Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions applicable to such Senior
Indebtedness until all amounts owing on the Subordinated Debentures are paid in
full.
The term "Senior Indebtedness" means: (i) any payment in respect of (a)
indebtedness of TDS for money borrowed and (b) indebtedness evidenced by
securities, debentures, bonds, notes or other similar instruments issued by TDS;
(ii) all capital lease obligations of TDS; (iii) all obligations of TDS issued
or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale
obligations of TDS and all of its obligations under any title retention
agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course
of business); (iv) all obligations of TDS for reimbursement on any letter of
credit, banker's acceptance, security purchase facility or similar credit
transaction; (v) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through
(iv) above of other Persons for the payment of which TDS is responsible or
liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise; and (vi) all obligations of the type
referred to in clauses (i) through (v) above of other Persons secured by any
lien on any property or asset of TDS (whether or not such obligation is assumed
by TDS), except for (1) the Subordinated Debentures and any other indebtedness
that is by its terms subordinated to or PARI PASSU with the Subordinated
Debentures, as the case may be, including all other debt securities and
guarantees in respect of those debt securities, issued to any other trusts,
partnerships or any other entity affiliated with TDS which is a financing
vehicle of TDS in connection with the issuance of preferred securities by such
entity or other securities which rank PARI PASSU with, or junior to, the
Preferred Securities, and (2) any indebtedness between or among TDS and its
affiliates. Such Senior Indebtedness will continue to be Senior Indebtedness and
be entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions irrespective of any
amendment, modification or waiver of any term of such Senior Indebtedness.
The Indenture does not limit the aggregate amount of Senior Indebtedness
which may be issued by TDS. In addition, since TDS is a holding company, the
right of TDS, and hence the right of the creditors of TDS (including any holder
of Subordinated Debentures), to participate in any distribution of the assets of
any subsidiary upon its liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is
necessarily subject to the prior claims of creditors of such subsidiary, except
to the extent that claims of TDS as a creditor of such subsidiary may be
recognized. There is no restriction in the Indenture against subsidiaries of TDS
incurring secured or unsecured indebtedness or issuing secured or unsecured
securities. The ability of TDS to make payments of principal and interest on the
Subordinated Debentures will be dependent upon the payment to it by its
subsidiaries of dividends, loans or advances. As more fully set forth in the
notes to the Company's financial statements, such payments by TDS's regulated
telephone company subsidiaries are subject to legal and contractual
restrictions, primarily contained in the mortgages granted by certain such
subsidiaries to the Rural Utilities Service.
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CERTAIN COVENANTS
If (i) there has occurred any event that would constitute an Indenture Event
of Default or (ii) TDS is in default with respect to its payment of any
obligations under any Preferred Securities Guarantee, then (a) TDS may not
declare or pay any dividend on, make any distributions with respect to, or
redeem, purchase or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its
capital stock (other than (i) purchases or acquisitions of shares of TDS common
stock in connection with the satisfaction by TDS of its obligations under any
employee benefit plans or any other contractual obligation of TDS (other than a
contractual obligation ranking PARI PASSU with or junior to the Subordinated
Debentures), (ii) as a result of a reclassification of TDS capital stock or the
exchange or conversion of one class or series of TDS capital stock for another
class or series of TDS capital stock, or (iii) the purchase of fractional
interests in shares of TDS capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange
provisions of such TDS capital stock or the security being converted or
exchanged), (b) TDS may not make any payment of interest, principal or premium,
if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities (including
guarantees) issued by TDS which rank PARI PASSU with or junior to the
Subordinated Debentures, and (c) TDS may not make any guarantee payments with
respect to the foregoing (other than pursuant to the Preferred Securities
Guarantees).
For so long as the Trust Securities under a Trust remain outstanding, TDS
will covenant (i) to maintain 100% direct or indirect ownership of the Common
Securities of such Trust; provided, however, that any permitted successor of TDS
under the Indenture may succeed to TDS's ownership of such Common Securities,
(ii) not to cause, as sponsor of such Trust, or to permit, as holder of such
Common Securities, the dissolution, winding-up, or termination of such Trust,
except in connection with a distribution of the Subordinated Debentures held by
such Trust as provided in the Declaration for such Trust and in connection with
certain mergers, consolidations or amalgamations, and (iii) to use its
reasonable efforts to cause such Trust (a) to remain a statutory business trust,
except in connection with the distribution of Subordinated Debentures to the
holders of Trust Securities of such Trust in liquidation of such Trust, the
redemption of all such Trust Securities, or certain mergers, consolidations or
amalgamations, each as permitted by such Declaration, and (b) to otherwise
continue to be classified as a grantor trust for United States federal income
tax purposes.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
TDS will have the right to redeem the Subordinated Debentures of each
series, in whole or in part, from time to time, on or after the date set forth
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or in whole but not in part at any time
in certain circumstances upon the occurrence of a Tax Event as described under
"Description of the Preferred Securities-Tax Event Redemption" in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice, at a
redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus any
accrued and unpaid interest, including Additional Interest (as defined herein),
if any, to the redemption date. If a partial redemption of the Preferred
Securities of a Trust resulting from a partial redemption of the Subordinated
Debentures held by such Trust would result in the delisting of such Preferred
Securities, TDS may only redeem such Subordinated Debentures in whole.
INTEREST
Each Subordinated Debenture will bear interest at the rate set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement from the original date of issuance, payable
quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each
year (each, an "Interest Payment Date"), to the person in whose name such
Subordinated Debenture is registered, subject to certain exceptions, at the
close of business on the Business Day next preceding such Interest Payment Date.
In the event the Subordinated Debentures do not continue to remain in book-entry
only form, TDS will have the right to select record dates which may be not less
than fifteen days prior to each Interest Payment Date.
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<PAGE>
The amount of interest payable for any period will be computed on the basis
of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The amount of interest payable for
any period shorter than a full quarterly period will be computed on the basis of
the actual number of days elapsed in such 90-day quarter. In the event that any
date on which interest is payable on the Subordinated Debentures is not a
Business Day, then payment of the interest payable on such date will be made on
the next succeeding day which is a Business Day (and without any interest or
other payment in respect of any such delay), except that, if such Business Day
is in the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the
immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect
as if made on such date.
OPTION TO EXTEND INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
Except to the extent set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, TDS
will have the right at any time, and from time to time, during the term of any
series of Subordinated Debentures, to defer payments of interest by extending
the interest payment period for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters,
at the end of which Extension Period, TDS will pay all interest then accrued and
unpaid (including any Additional Interest, together with interest thereon at the
rate specified for such Subordinated Debentures to the extent permitted by
applicable law); provided, that, during any such Extension Period, (a) TDS may
not declare or pay any dividend on, make any distributions with respect to, or
redeem, purchase or acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any
of its capital stock (other than (i) purchases or acquisitions of shares of TDS
common stock in connection with the satisfaction by TDS of its obligations under
any employee benefit plans or any other contractual obligation of TDS (other
than a contractual obligation ranking PARI PASSU with or junior to the
Subordinated Debentures), (ii) as a result of a reclassification of TDS capital
stock or the exchange or conversion of one class or series of TDS capital stock
for another class or series of TDS capital stock, or (iii) the purchase of
fractional interests in shares of TDS capital stock pursuant to the conversion
or exchange provisions of such TDS capital stock or the security being converted
or exchanged), (b) TDS may not make any payment of interest, principal or
premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities
(including guarantees) issued by TDS which rank PARI PASSU with or junior to the
Subordinated Debentures to which such Extension Period applies and (c) TDS will
not make any guarantee payments with respect to the foregoing (other than
pursuant to the Preferred Securities Guarantees). This covenant effectively
requires that any Extension Period with respect to payment of interest on a
series of Subordinated Debentures will also apply to each other series of
Subordinated Debentures issued under the Indenture to other trusts similar to
the Trust. Prior to the termination of any such Extension Period for a series of
Subordinated Debentures, TDS may further defer payments of interest on such
Subordinated Debentures, by extending the interest payment period, provided that
such Extension Period together with all such previous and further extensions
thereof for such series of Subordinated Debentures may not exceed 20 consecutive
quarters or extend beyond the maturity of such series of Subordinated
Debentures.
Upon the termination of any Extension Period for a series of Subordinated
Debentures, and the payment of all accrued and unpaid interest on the
Subordinated Debentures then due, TDS may select a new Extension Period for such
series of Subordinated Debentures, as if no Extension Period had previously been
declared, subject to the above requirements. No interest on a series of
Subordinated Debentures during an Extension Period, except at the end thereof,
will be due and payable on such series of Subordinated Debentures.
TDS has no present intention of exercising its rights to defer payments of
interest by extending the interest payment period on any Subordinated
Debentures.
If the Property Trustee is the sole holder of a series of Subordinated
Debentures, TDS will give the Regular Trustees and the Property Trustee notice
of its selection of such Extension Period for such series of Subordinated
Debentures one Business Day prior to the earlier of (i) the next succeeding date
on which distributions on the related Preferred Securities are payable or (ii)
the date the applicable Trust is required to give notice to the AMEX or other
applicable self-regulatory organization or to holders of such
14
<PAGE>
Preferred Securities on the record date or the date such distribution is
payable, but in any event not less than one Business Day prior to such record
date. The Regular Trustees shall give notice of TDS's selection of such
Extension Period to the holders of such Preferred Securities. If the Property
Trustee is not the sole holder of a series of Subordinated Debentures, TDS will
give the holders of such Subordinated Debentures notice of its selection of such
Extension Period ten Business Days prior to the earlier of (i) the Interest
Payment Date or (ii) the date TDS is required to give notice to the AMEX or
other applicable self-regulatory organization or to holders of such Subordinated
Debentures, but in any event at least two Business Days before such record date.
ADDITIONAL INTEREST
If at any time a Trust is required to pay any taxes, duties, assessments or
governmental charges of whatever nature (other than withholding taxes) imposed
by the United States, or any other taxing authority, then, in any such case, TDS
will pay as additional interest ("Additional Interest") such additional amounts
as shall be required so that the net amounts received and retained by such Trust
after paying any such taxes, duties, assessments or other governmental charges
will be equal to the amounts such Trust would have received had no such taxes,
duties, assessments or other governmental charges been imposed.
INDENTURE EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The Indenture provides that any one or more of the following described
events, which has occurred and is continuing, constitutes an "Event of Default"
with respect to any series of the Subordinated Debentures:
(a) failure for 30 days to pay interest on the Subordinated Debentures
of such series, including any Additional Interest in respect thereof, when
due; provided, however, that a valid extension of the interest payment
period by TDS will not constitute a default in the payment of interest for
this purpose; or
(b) failure to pay principal of or premium, if any, on the Subordinated
Debentures of such series when due whether at maturity, upon redemption, by
declaration, or otherwise; or
(c) failure to observe or perform any other covenant or agreement (other
than those specifically relating solely to one or more other series of
Subordinated Debentures) contained in the Indenture for 90 days after
written notice to TDS from the Debt Trustee or the holders of at least 25%
in principal amount of the outstanding Subordinated Debentures; or
(d) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of TDS;
or
(e) the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination
of the applicable Trust, except in connection with the distribution of
Subordinated Debentures to the holders of Trust Securities of such Trust in
liquidation of such Trust, the redemption of all outstanding Trust
Securities of such Trust and certain mergers, consolidations or
amalgamations permitted by the Declaration.
Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default set forth in (a),(b), or (c)
above, the Debt Trustee, or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of
the outstanding Subordinated Debentures will have the right under the Indenture
to declare the principal of, and interest (including Additional Interest, if
any) on, the Subordinated Debentures to be immediately due and payable. The
principal amount of the Subordinated Debentures will become immediately due and
payable, without any declaration or other action by the Debt Trustee or any
other person, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default set forth in (d) or (e)
above.
The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the
Subordinated Debentures of such series have the right to direct the time, method
and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Debt
Trustee. Either the Debt Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate
outstanding principal amount of the Subordinated Debentures of such series may
declare the principal of
15
<PAGE>
such series due and payable immediately on default, but the holders of a
majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of such series may annul such
declaration and waive such default if such default has been cured and a sum
sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal due
otherwise than by acceleration and any applicable premium has been deposited
with the Debt Trustee.
The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of a
series of Subordinated Debentures affected thereby may, on behalf of the holders
of all such Subordinated Debentures, waive any past default, except (i) a
default in the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest (unless such
default has been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of
interest and principal due otherwise than by acceleration and any applicable
premium has been deposited with the Debt Trustee) or (ii) a default in the
covenant of TDS not to declare or pay dividends on, or make distributions with
respect to, or redeem, purchase or acquire any of its capital stock during an
Extension Period. An Indenture Event of Default also constitutes a Declaration
Event of Default. The holders of Preferred Securities in certain circumstances
described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement may have the right to direct
the Property Trustee to exercise its rights as the holder of the Subordinated
Debentures.
PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENTS
Payment of principal of and premium (if any) on Subordinated Debentures will
be made only against surrender to the Paying Agent of the Subordinated
Debentures. Principal of and any premium and interest, if any, on Subordinated
Debentures will be payable, subject to any applicable laws and regulations, at
the office of such Paying Agent or Paying Agents as TDS may designate from time
to time pursuant to the Indenture. Payment of interest on the Subordinated
Debentures on any Interest Payment Date will be made to the person in whose name
the Subordinated Debenture (or predecessor security) is registered at the close
of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest payment.
The Debt Trustee will act as Paying Agent with respect to the Subordinated
Debentures. TDS may at any time designate additional Paying Agents or rescind
the designation of any Paying Agent or approve a change in the office through
which any Paying Agent acts, except that TDS will be required to maintain a
Paying Agent at the place of payment.
All moneys paid by TDS to a Paying Agent for the payment of the principal of
or premium or interest, if any, on any Subordinated Debentures which remain
unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium, if any, or
interest shall have become due and payable will be repaid to TDS and the holder
of such Subordinated Debentures will thereafter look only to TDS for payment
thereof.
MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURE
The Indenture contains provisions permitting TDS and the Debt Trustee, with
the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of
the Subordinated Debentures, to modify the Indenture or the rights of the
holders of the Subordinated Debentures, and the holders of not less than a
majority in principal amount of the Subordinated Debentures of a particular
series to modify the supplemental indenture affecting that series; provided that
no such modification may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding
Subordinated Debenture affected thereby, (i) except as provided with respect to
any particular series, extend the fixed maturity of such Subordinated
Debentures, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend
the time of payment of interest thereon, or reduce any premium payable upon the
redemption thereof, without the consent of the holder of the Subordinated
Debentures so affected or (ii) reduce the percentage of Subordinated Debentures,
the holders of which are required for such consent, without the consent of the
holder of each Subordinated Debenture then outstanding and affected thereby.
In addition, TDS and the Debt Trustee may execute, without the consent of
holders of the Subordinated Debentures, any supplemental indenture for certain
other usual purposes including the creation of any new series of Subordinated
Debentures.
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<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE
TDS may consolidate with or merge into any other Person in a transaction in
which TDS is not the surviving entity, or sell, convey, transfer or otherwise
dispose of its properties as an entirety, or substantially as an entirety to,
any Person if (i) the Person formed in such consolidation or into which TDS is
merged or to which TDS has sold, conveyed, transferred or otherwise disposed of
its properties as an entirety, or substantially as an entirety, is an entity
validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and such
Person assumes TDS's obligations under the Preferred Securities Guarantees and
the Indenture, (ii) immediately after giving effect to the transaction no Event
of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would
become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing, and (iii) any
such Person not organized and validly existing under the laws of the United
States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, shall expressly agree in
a supplemental indenture (a) to pay to the holders of Trust Securities any
additional amounts as may be necessary in order that every net payment or other
amount due on the Trust Securities, after withholding for or on account of any
present or future tax, assessment or governmental charge imposed upon such
holder of Trust Securities (except for a tax, assessment or charge imposed
solely as a result of a connection between the recipient and the jurisdiction
imposing such tax, assessment or charge) by reason of or as a result of such
payment or other amount being paid by an entity which is not an entity existing
under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of
Columbia, will not be less than the amount provided for in the Trust Securities,
the Indenture or the Preferred Securities Guarantees, as the case may be, to be
then due and payable and (b) to the selection and jurisdiction of courts of the
State of Illinois or the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Illinois for any litigation arising out of, under or in connection with the
Indenture or the Preferred Securities Guarantees. The phrase "substantially as
an entirety" is not defined in the Indenture or the Preferred Securities
Guarantees, and TDS is unaware of an established meaning or qualification of the
phrase under New York law, which is the law governing construction of the
Indenture and the Preferred Securities Guarantees. A holder of Preferred
Securities may bear the burden of establishing the meaning of the phrase
"substantially as an entirety".
Under the terms of the Indenture, TDS will be discharged from any and all
obligations in respect of any series of Subordinated Debentures (except in each
case for certain obligations with respect to denominations and provisions for
payment of such Subordinated Debentures and obligations to register the transfer
or exchange of such Subordinated Debentures, replace stolen, lost or mutilated
Subordinated Debentures, maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in
trust) if TDS (i) deposits with the Debt Trustee, in trust, moneys or
Governmental Obligations, in an amount sufficient to pay all the principal of,
and interest on, such Subordinated Debentures on the dates such payments are due
in accordance with the terms of such Subordinated Debentures and (ii) delivers
to the Debt Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that, based upon TDS's
receipt from, or the publication by, the Internal Revenue Service of a ruling,
or a change in law, the holders of the Subordinated Debentures of such series
will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax
purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be
subject to United States federal income tax on the same amount and in the same
manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit,
defeasance or discharge had not occurred.
GOVERNING LAW
The Indenture and the Subordinated Debentures will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE DEBT TRUSTEE
The Debt Trustee, prior to default and after the curing of all defaults, if
any, undertakes to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in the
Indenture and, after a default (that has not been cured or waived), will
exercise the same degree of care as a prudent individual would exercise in the
conduct of
17
<PAGE>
his or her own affairs. Subject to such provision, the Debt Trustee is under no
obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the Indenture at the
request of any holder of Subordinated Debentures, unless offered reasonable
indemnity by such holder against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might
be incurred thereby; but the foregoing will not relieve the Debt Trustee, upon
the occurrence of an Indenture Event of Default, from exercising the rights and
powers vested in it by the Indenture. The Debt Trustee is not required to expend
or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the
performance of its duties if the Debt Trustee reasonably believes that repayment
or adequate indemnity is not reasonably assured to it.
MISCELLANEOUS
TDS will have the right at all times to assign any of its rights or
obligations under the Indenture to a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary
of TDS; provided that, in the event of any such assignment, TDS will remain
liable for all of such obligations. Subject to the foregoing, the Indenture will
be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties thereto and their
respective successors and assigns. The Indenture provides that it may not
otherwise be assigned by the parties thereto.
The Indenture will provide that TDS will pay all fees and expenses related
to (i) the offering and sale of the Trust Securities and the Subordinated
Debentures, (ii) the organization, maintenance and dissolution of each Trust,
(iii) the retention of the Trustees and (iv) the enforcement by the Property
Trustee of the rights of holders of Preferred Securities.
EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
AND THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES
As set forth in the Declaration for each Trust, the sole purposes of each
Trust are to (i) issue Trust Securities, (ii) invest the proceeds thereof in the
Subordinated Debentures and (iii) engage in only those other activities
necessary or incidental thereto.
As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on a
series of Subordinated Debentures, such payments will be sufficient to cover
distributions and payments due on the related Trust Securities primarily because
(i) the aggregate principal amount of such Subordinated Debentures will be equal
to the sum of the aggregate stated liquidation amount of such Trust Securities;
(ii) the interest rate and interest and other payment dates on such Subordinated
Debentures will match the distribution rate and distribution and other payment
dates for the Trust Securities; (iii) TDS will pay for all costs and expenses of
each Trust; and (iv) the Declaration provides that the Trustees may not cause or
permit a Trust to, among other things, engage in any activity that is not
consistent with the purposes of such Trust.
Payments of distributions (to the extent funds therefor are available) and
other payments due on the Preferred Securities (to the extent funds therefor are
available) are guaranteed by TDS as and to the extent set forth under
"Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees". If TDS does not make
interest payments on the Subordinated Debentures purchased by a Trust, it is
expected that such Trust will not have sufficient funds to pay distributions on
its Preferred Securities. The Preferred Securities Guarantee for a Trust is a
full and unconditional guarantee from the time of its issuance, but does not
apply to any payment of distributions unless and until such Trust has sufficient
funds for the payment of such distributions.
If TDS fails to make interest or other payments on the Subordinated
Debentures held by a Trust when due (taking into account any Extension Period),
the Declaration for such Trust provides a mechanism whereby the holders of the
Preferred Securities of such Trust, using the procedures described in
"Description of the Preferred Securities -- Voting Rights" in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement may direct the Property Trustee to enforce its rights
under such Subordinated Debentures, including proceeding directly against TDS to
enforce the Subordinated Debentures. If the Property Trustee fails to enforce
its rights under such Subordinated Debentures, a holder of such Preferred
Securities may, after a period of 30 days
18
<PAGE>
has elapsed from such holder's written request to the Property Trustee to
enforce such rights, institute a legal proceeding directly against TDS to
enforce the Property Trustee's rights under such Subordinated Debentures without
first instituting any legal proceeding against the Property Trustee or any other
person or entity, including such Trust.
If TDS fails to make payments under a Preferred Securities Guarantee for a
Trust, such Preferred Securities Guarantee provides a mechanism whereby the
holders of the Preferred Securities of such Trust may direct the Guarantee
Trustee to enforce its rights thereunder. If the Guarantee Trustee fails to
enforce such Preferred Securities Guarantee, any holder of such Preferred
Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against TDS to enforce the
Guarantee Trustee's rights under such Preferred Securities Guarantee, without
first instituting a legal proceeding against such Trust, the Guarantee Trustee
or any other person or entity.
The above mechanisms and obligations, taken together, are equivalent to a
full and unconditional guarantee by TDS of payments due on the Preferred
Securities. See "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees -- General."
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
TDS and the Trusts may offer and sell the Preferred Securities in any of
three ways: (i) through agents; (ii) through underwriters or dealers; or (iii)
directly to one or more purchasers. The Prospectus Supplement with respect to
any of the Preferred Securities will set forth the terms of the offering of such
Preferred Securities, including the name or names of any underwriters or agents,
the purchase price of such Preferred Securities, the proceeds to the applicable
Trust from such sale, any underwriting discounts or agency fees and other items
constituting underwriters' or agents' compensation, the initial public offering
price, any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers, and
any securities exchanges on which such Preferred Securities may be listed.
The distribution of the Preferred Securities may be effected from time to
time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be
changed, at a market price prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to
such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered
into with TDS to indemnification by TDS against certain civil liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect
to payments which the underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make in
respect thereof. Such underwriters, dealers and agents, and affiliates thereof,
may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for TDS
and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business.
All Preferred Securities will be new issues of securities with no
established trading market. Any underwriters to whom Preferred Securities are
sold by a Trust for public offering and sale may make a market in such Preferred
Securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may
discontinue any market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be
given concerning the liquidity of the trading market for any Preferred
Securities.
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 financial statements and schedules
referred to above have been incorporated by reference in reliance upon the
authority of such firm as an expert in accounting and auditing in giving said
reports.
19
<PAGE>
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain matters of Delaware law relating to the legality of the Preferred
Securities, the validity of the Declaration, the formation of the Trusts and the
legality under state law of the Preferred Securities will be passed upon by
Richards, Layton & Finger, special Delaware counsel to the Trusts and the
Company. The legality under state law of the Preferred Securities Guarantees and
the Subordinated Debentures will be passed upon on behalf of the Trust and the
Company by Sidley and Austin, Chicago. Certain matters of Iowa law will be
passed upon on behalf of the Company by Nyemaster, Goode, Voigts, West, Hansell
& O'Brien, special Iowa counsel. Certain United States federal income taxation
matters will be passed upon by Sidley & Austin, Chicago. Walter C.D. Carlson, a
director of TDS and a beneficiary and trustee of the voting trust which controls
TDS, is a partner of Sidley & Austin. Michael G. Hron and William S. DeCarlo,
the Secretary and Assistant Secretary of TDS and certain TDS subsidiaries,
respectively, and Stephen P. Fitzell and Sherry S. Treston, the Secretary and
Assistant Secretary of certain TDS subsidiaries, respectively, are partners of
Sidley & Austin.
20
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NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS,
OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THE PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED HEREIN,
AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE
RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY, THE TRUST OR THE
UNDERWRITERS. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE
PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF. THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE
PROSPECTUS DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION BY ANY PERSON IN ANY
JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED OR IN WHICH
THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR TO ANY
PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION.
--------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
<S> <C>
PAGE
----
Summary........................................... S-4
Summary Consolidated Financial Information........ S-7
Recent Financial Results.......................... S-8
Risk Factors...................................... S-9
The Company....................................... S-13
The Trust......................................... S-14
Use of Proceeds................................... S-15
Consolidated Capitalization....................... S-15
Selected Consolidated Financial Information....... S-16
Accounting Treatment.............................. S-18
Description of the Preferred Securities........... S-18
Description of the Preferred Securities
Guarantee....................................... S-28
Description of the Subordinated Debentures........ S-29
Effect of Obligations under the Subordinated
Debentures and the Preferred Securities
Guarantee....................................... S-35
United States Federal Income Taxation............. S-36
Underwriting...................................... S-41
Legal Matters..................................... S-42
PROSPECTUS
Available Information............................. 2
Documents Incorporated by Reference............... 2
The Company....................................... 3
The Trusts........................................ 3
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred
Stock Dividends................................. 5
Use of Proceeds................................... 5
Description of the Preferred Securities........... 5
Description of the Preferred Securities
Guarantees...................................... 7
Description of the Subordinated Debentures........ 10
Effect of Obligations Under the Subordinated
Debentures and the Preferred Securities
Guarantees...................................... 18
Plan of Distribution.............................. 19
Experts........................................... 19
Legal Matters..................................... 20
</TABLE>
PREFERRED SECURITIES
TDS CAPITAL I
% TRUST ORIGINATED
PREFERRED SECURITIES-SM-
("TOPRS-SM-")
FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY
GUARANTEED BY
[LOGO]
TELEPHONE AND DATA
SYSTEMS, INC.
---------------------
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
---------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
SECURITIES CORPORATION
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
, 1997.
- ------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------
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<PAGE>
PART II. INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSE OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The following table sets forth these expenses to be incurred by TDS in
connection with the issuance and distribution of securities being registered.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission filing fee..................... $ 121,213
American Stock Exchange listing fee............................... 37,500
Rating Agency fees................................................ 300,000
Trustees' expenses................................................ 10,000
Printing and engraving fees....................................... 150,000
Accounting fees and expenses...................................... 15,000
Legal fees and expenses........................................... 300,000
Miscellaneous..................................................... 41,287
---------
Total......................................................... $ 975,000
---------
---------
</TABLE>
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* Estimated
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Sections 490.850-858 of 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 "Securities Act"). Article-VI-A of TDS's By-laws provides for
indemnification of TDS's directors and officers (and those serving in such
capacity with another corporation at the request of TDS) in the circumstances,
and to the extent, covered by insurance.
TDS has directors' and officers' liability insurance which provides, subject
to certain policy limits, deductible amounts and exclusions, coverage for all
persons who have been, or may in the future be, directors and officers of TDS,
against amounts which such persons must pay resulting from the 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.
Each Declaration of Trust provides that no Trustee, affiliate of any
Trustee, or any officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners, employees,
representatives or agents of any Trustee, or any employee or agent of the Trust
or its affiliates (each an "Indemnified Person") shall be liable, responsible or
accountable in damages or otherwise to the Trust or any employee or agent of the
Trust or its affiliates for any loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of any
act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on
behalf of the Trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person reasonably believed
to be within the scope of the authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by
the Declaration or by law, except that an Indemnified Person shall be liable for
any such loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of such Indemnified Person's
gross negligence (or, in the case of the Property Trustee, negligence) or
willful misconduct with respect to such acts or omissions. Each Declaration of
Trust also provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, TDS
shall Indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person from and against any
loss, damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of any act
or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on
behalf of the Trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person reasonably believed
to be within the scope of authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by such
Declaration, except that no Indemnified Person shall be entitled to be
indemnified in respect of any loss, damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified
Person by reason of gross negligence except, in the case of the Property
Trustee, as otherwise mandated by the Trust Indenture Act, or willful misconduct
with respect to such acts or omissions. The Declaration of Trust further
provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, expenses
(including legal fees)
II-1
<PAGE>
incurred by an Indemnified Person in defending any claim, demand, action, suit
or proceeding shall, from time to time, be advanced by TDS prior to the final
disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by
TDS of any undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnified Person to repay such
amount if it shall be determined that the Indemnified Person is not entitled to
be indemnified for the underlying cause of action as authorized by such
Declaration.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed herewith. Documents indicated by an
asterisk (*) are incorporated by reference to the filing indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
- ------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S>
1.1 Form of Underwriting agreement for offerings of Preferred Securities.
*3.1 Articles of Incorporation, as amended, are hereby incorporated by
reference to an exhibit to the Company's Report on Form 8-A/A-2 dated
December 20, 1994
*3.2 By-laws, as amended, are hereby incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.2
to Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
30, 1997
4.1 Form of Certificate of Trust
4.2 Form of Declaration of Trust
4.3 Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust
4.4 Form of Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement by TDS and The First
National Bank of Chicago as Guaranty Trustee for the benefit of the
holders of Trust Preferred Securities of Trusts
4.5 Form of Subordinated Indenture between TDS and The First National Bank of
Chicago (including form of Subordinated Debenture)
4.6 Form of Supplemental Indenture to be used in connection with the issuance
of each series of Subordinated Debentures.
5.1 Opinion of Sidley & Austin as to the validity of the Subordinated
Debentures and Preferred Securities Guarantees
5.2 Opinions of Richards, Layton and Finger as to the validity of Preferred
Securities
5.3 Opinion of Nyemaster, Goode, Voigts, West, Hansell & O'Brien as to the
validity of the Subordinated Debentures and Guarantees
8.1 Opinion of Sidley & Austin as to certain federal income tax matters
*12.1 Computations of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratios of Earnings
to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends, are hereby incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 12 to the Company's Annual Reports on Form 10-K
for the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996
*12.2 Computations of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratios of Earnings
to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends are hereby incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 12 to the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form
10-Q for the quarters ended June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1997.
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
24.1 Power of Attorney, filed as part of Part II to this Registration Statement
25.1 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of
The First National Bank of Chicago, as trustee under the Indenture
</TABLE>
II-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
- ------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S>
25.2 Forms T-1 Statements of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939
of The First National Bank of Chicago as Property Trustee under
Declaration of Trust pertaining to each of TDS Capital I, TDS Capital
II, and TDS Capital III
25.3 Forms T-1 Statements of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939
of The First National Bank of Chicago, as Preferred Guarantee Trustee
under the Preferred Securities Guarantee pertaining to each of TDS
Capital I, TDS Capital II, and TDS Capital III
</TABLE>
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
The undersigned registrants hereby undertake:
1. To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
a. To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act;
b. 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 the 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 percent change in the maximum aggregate
offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in
the effective Registration Statement, and
c. 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.
2. That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each filing of TDS's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") that is
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
3. 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.
Provided, however, that (1)(a) and (1)(b) do not apply if the information
required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those items is
contained in periodic reports filed by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or
Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference to this
registration statement.
4. That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each filing of the Company's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or
Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange
Act) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be
deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-3
<PAGE>
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrants pursuant to the provisions described and the documents referenced
under Item 15 above, or otherwise, the Registrants have been advised that in the
opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by any 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, each 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.
5. For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the
information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
prospectus filed by the Registrants pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration
Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
6. For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-4
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement or Amendment to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois on this day of
October , 1997.
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
BY /s/ LEROY T. CARLSON
------------------------------------------
Leroy T. Carlson, Chairman
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature below constitutes and appoints Leroy T. Carlson,
Jr. and Murray L. Swanson, and each of them, his trust 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 post-effective amendments) to this Registration
Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents
in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and to
take such actions in, and file with the appropriate applications, statements,
consents and other documents as may be necessary or expedient to register
securities of the Company for sale, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents full power and authority to do so and perform each and every act and
thing requisite or 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 the 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 and the registrant hereby confers like authority on its behalf.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of
the registrant on October , 1997 in the capacities indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------
<C> <S>
/s/ LEROY T. CARLSON
- ------------------------------ Chairman and Director
Leroy T. Carlson
/s/ LEROY T. CARLSON, JR. President and Chief
- ------------------------------ Executive Officer and
Leroy T. Carlson, Jr. Director
Executive VP -- Finance and
/s/ MURRAY L. SWANSON Chief Financial Officer
- ------------------------------ (principal financial
Murray L. Swanson officer) and Director
/s/ JAMES BARR III
- ------------------------------ Director
James Barr III
</TABLE>
II-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------
<C> <S>
/s/ RUDOLPH E. HORNACEK
- ------------------------------ Director
Rudolph E. Hornacek
/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/ LETITIA G.C. CARLSON
- ------------------------------ Director
Letitia G.C. Carlson
- ------------------------------ Director
Donald R. Brown
/s/ GEORGE W. OFF
- ------------------------------ Director
George W. Off
- ------------------------------ Director
Martin L. Solomon
/s/ GREGORY J. WILKINSON Vice President and
- ------------------------------ Controller (principal
Gregory J. Wilkinson accounting officer)
</TABLE>
II-6
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
undersigned Trusts certify that they have reasonable grounds to believe that
they meet all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and have duly caused
this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois on this
day of October, 1997.
TDS CAPITAL I
(Registrant)
By:
------------------------------------------
Regular Trustee
TDS CAPITAL II
(Registrant)
By:
------------------------------------------
Regular Trustee
TDS CAPITAL III
(Registrant)
By:
------------------------------------------
Regular Trustee
II-7
<PAGE>
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
(an Iowa corporation)
TDS CAPITAL I
TDS CAPITAL II
TDS CAPITAL III
(each, a Delaware business trust)
16,000,000 Trust Preferred Securities
Trust Originated Preferred Securities-SM- ("TOPrS-SM-")
(Liquidation Preference $25 per Preferred Security)
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
________________, 1997
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
Merrill Lynch World Headquarters
North Tower
World Financial Center
New York, New York 10281-1209
Ladies and Gentlemen:
TDS Capital I, TDS Capital II and TDS Capital III (each a "Trust" and,
collectively, the "Trusts"), statutory business trusts organized under the
Business Trust Act (the "Delaware Trust Act") of the State of Delaware
(Chapter 38, Title 12, of the Delaware Code, 12 Del. C. Sections 3801 ET
SEQ.) and Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., an Iowa corporation (the
"Company" and, together with the Trusts, the "Offerors"), propose to issue
and sell up to 16,000,000 of the Trusts' preferred securities (liquidation
preference of $25 per preferred security) representing preferred undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of each Trust ("TOPrS" or the "Trust
Preferred Securities") from
______________________
- -SM- "Trust Originated Preferred Securities" and TOPrS" are service marks of
Merril Lynch & Co., Inc.
<PAGE>
time to time, in or pursuant to one or more offerings on terms to be
determined at the time of sale.
The payment of periodic cash distributions with respect to the Trust
Preferred Securities and payments on liquidation or redemption with respect to
such Trust Preferred Securities will be each guaranteed by the Company in the
case of each Trust (a "Preferred Securities Guarantee"), in each case only out
of funds held by such Trust, pursuant to the Preferred Securities Guarantee
Agreements (the "Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreements"), to be entered into
between the Company and a guarantee trustee (the "Guarantee Trustee"), and
entitled to the benefits of certain backup undertakings described in the
Prospectus (as defined below) with respect to the Company's agreement pursuant
to the Supplemental Indenture (as defined below) to pay all expenses relating to
administration of the Trusts (the "Undertakings"). The Trust Preferred
Securities and the related Preferred Securities Guarantee are referred to herein
as the "Offered Securities."
The entire proceeds from the sale of the Offered Securities will be
combined with the entire proceeds from the sale by the applicable Trust to the
Company of its undivided common beneficial interests in such Trust's assets
represented by common securities (the "Common Securities") and will be used by
the Trust to purchase the unsecured junior subordinated deferrable interest
debentures (the "Subordinated Debentures") of the Company issued by the Company
to such Trust. The Trust Preferred Securities and the Common Securities for
each Trust will be issued pursuant to an Amended and Restated Declaration of
Trust of the applicable Trust (the "Declaration"), among the Company, as
Sponsor, LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr., Murray L. Swanson, and Gregory J. Wilkinson (the
"Regular Trustees"), The First National Bank of Chicago, a national banking
association, as property trustee (the "Property Trustee"), and First Chicago
Delaware Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Delaware Trustee" and, together with
the Regular Trustees and the Property Trustee, the "Trustees"), and the holders
from time to time of undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.
The Subordinated Debentures will be issued pursuant to an indenture (the "Base
Indenture"), between the Company and The First National Bank of Chicago, as
trustee (the "Debt Trustee"), and supplemental indentures to the Base Indenture
(the "Supplemental Indentures," and together with the Base Indenture and any
other amendments or supplements thereto, the "Indenture"), between the Company
and the Debt Trustee.
Whenever the Offerors determine to make an offering of Offered Securities
through Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
("Merrill Lynch"), or through an underwriting syndicate managed by Merrill
Lynch, the Offerors will enter into an agreement (each, a "Terms Agreement")
providing for the sale of such Offered Securities to, and the purchase and
offering thereof by, Merrill Lynch and such other underwriters, if any, selected
by Merrill Lynch (the "Underwriters", which term shall include Merrill Lynch,
whether acting as sole Underwriter or as a member of an underwriting syndicate,
as well as any Underwriter substituted pursuant to Section 10 hereof). The
Terms Agreement relating to the offering of Offered Securities shall specify the
aggregate number of Offered Securities to be issued (the "Underwritten
Securities"), the name of each Underwriter participating in such offering
(subject to substitution as provided in Section 10 hereof) and the name of any
Underwriter other than Merrill Lynch acting as co-manager in connection with
such offering, the aggregate number of Underwritten Securities which each such
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<PAGE>
Underwriter severally agrees to purchase, whether such offering is on a fixed or
variable price basis and, if on a fixed price basis, the initial offering price,
the price at which the Underwritten Securities are to be purchased by the
Underwriters, the form, time, date and place of delivery and payment of the
Underwritten Securities and any other material variable terms of the
Underwritten Securities. The Terms Agreement, which shall be substantially in
the form of Exhibit A hereto, may take the form of an exchange of any standard
form of written telecommunication between the Offerors and Merrill Lynch, acting
for itself and, if applicable, as representative of any other Underwriters.
Each offering of Underwritten Securities through Merrill Lynch as sole
Underwriter or through an underwriting syndicate managed by Merrill Lynch will
be governed by this Underwriting Agreement, as supplemented by the applicable
Terms Agreement.
The Offerors have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-XXXXX) for the
registration of up to a combination of $400,000,000 of (i) Trust Preferred
Securities, (ii) Preferred Securities Guarantees, and (iii) Subordinated
Debentures, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and
the offering thereof from time to time in accordance with Rule 415 of the rules
and regulations of the Commission under the 1933 Act (the "1933 Act
Regulations"). Such registration statement has been declared effective by the
Commission and the Indenture has been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended (the "1939 Act"), and the Company has filed such
post-effective amendments thereto as may be required prior to the execution of
the applicable Terms Agreement and each such post-effective amendment has been
declared effective by the Commission. Such registration statement (as so
amended, if applicable), including the information, if any, deemed to be a part
thereof pursuant to Rule 430A(b) of the 1933 Act Regulations (the "Rule 430A
Information") or Rule 434(d) of the 1933 Act Regulations (the "Rule 434
Information"), is referred to herein as the "Registration Statement"; and the
final prospectus and the final prospectus supplement relating to the offering of
the Underwritten Securities, in the form first furnished to the Underwriters by
the Company for use in connection with the offering of the Underwritten
Securities, are collectively referred to herein as the "Prospectus"; provided,
however, that all references to the "Registration Statement" and the
"Prospectus" shall also be deemed to include all documents incorporated therein
by reference pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"1934 Act"), prior to the execution of the applicable Terms Agreement; provided,
further, that if the Offerors file a registration statement with the Commission
pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the 1933 Act Regulations (the "Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement"), then, after such filing, all references to
"Registration Statement" shall also be deemed to include the Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement; and provided, further, that if the Company elects to
rely upon Rule 434 of the 1933 Act Regulations, then all references to
"Prospectus" shall also be deemed to include the final or preliminary prospectus
and the applicable term sheet or abbreviated term sheet (the "Term Sheet"), as
the case may be, in the form first furnished to the Underwriters by the Company
in reliance upon Rule 434 of the 1933 Act Regulations, and all references in
this Underwriting Agreement to the date of the Prospectus shall mean the date of
the Term Sheet. A "preliminary prospectus" shall be deemed to refer to any
prospectus used before the Registration Statement became effective and any
prospectus that omitted, as applicable, the Rule 430A Information, the Rule 434
Information or other information to be included upon pricing in a form of
prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the 1933 Act
Regulations and was used after such effectiveness and prior to the
-3-
<PAGE>
execution and delivery of the applicable Terms Agreement. For purposes of
this Underwriting Agreement, all references to the Registration Statement,
Prospectus, Term Sheet or preliminary prospectus or to any amendment or
supplement to any of the foregoing shall be deemed to include any copy filed
with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and
Retrieval system ("EDGAR").
All references in this Underwriting Agreement to financial statements and
schedules and other information which is "contained," "included" or "stated" (or
other references of like import) in the Registration Statement, Prospectus or
preliminary prospectus shall be deemed to mean and include all such financial
statements and schedules and other information which is incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary prospectus,
as the case may be, prior to the execution of the applicable Terms Agreement;
and all references in this Underwriting Agreement to amendments or supplements
to the Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary prospectus shall be
deemed to mean and include the filing of any document under the 1934 Act which
is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, Prospectus or
preliminary prospectus, as the case may be, after the execution of the
applicable Terms Agreement.
SECTION 1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
(a) Each Offeror jointly and severally represents and warrants to Merrill
Lynch, as of the date hereof, and to each Underwriter named in the applicable
Terms Agreement, as of the date thereof, and as of the Closing Time (as defined
below) (in each case, a "Representation Date") as follows:
(i) Each of the Offerors meets the requirements for use of Form S-3
under the 1933 Act. The Registration Statement (including any Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement) has become effective under the 1933 Act and no stop
order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement (or such
Rule 462(b) Registration Statement) has been issued under the 1933 Act and
no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or, to
the knowledge of the Company, are contemplated by the Commission, and any
request on the part of the Commission for additional information has been
complied with.
At the respective times the Registration Statement (including any Rule
462(b) Registration Statement) and any post-effective amendments thereto
(including the filing of the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form
10-K with the Commission (the "Annual Report on Form 10-K")) became
effective and at each Representation Date, the Registration Statement
(including any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement) and any amendments
thereto complied and will comply in all material respects with the
requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations and the 1939 Act
and the rules and regulations of the Commission under the 1939 Act (the
"1939 Act Regulations") and did not and will not contain an untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading. At the date of the Prospectus and at the Closing Time, neither
the Prospectus nor any amendments and supplements thereto included or will
include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or will omit to
state
-4-
<PAGE>
a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in
the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
If the Offerors elect to rely upon Rule 434 of the 1933 Act Regulations,
the Offerors will comply with the requirements of Rule 434.
Each preliminary prospectus and prospectus filed as part of the
Registration Statement as originally filed or as part of any amendment
thereto, or filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the 1933 Act, complied when so
filed in all material respects with the 1933 Act Regulations and each
preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus delivered to the Underwriters for
use in connection with the offering of Underwritten Securities will, at the
time of such delivery, be identical to any electronically transmitted
copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the
extent permitted by Regulation S-T. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
representations and warranties in this subsection shall not apply to
statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with information
furnished to the Company in writing by any Underwriter through Merrill
Lynch expressly for use in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus.
(ii) The documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, at the time
they were or hereafter are filed with the Commission, complied and will
comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1934 Act and
the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (the "1934 Act
Regulations") and, when read together with the other information in the
Prospectus, at the date of the Prospectus and at the Closing Time did not
and will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in
the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(iii) The accountants who certified the consolidated financial
statements and supporting schedules included in or incorporated by
reference into the Registration Statement and the Prospectus are
independent public accountants with respect to the Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries as required by the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act
Regulations.
(iv) The consolidated financial statements of the Company included in
the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, together with the related
schedules and notes, as well as those financial statements, schedules and
notes of any other entity included therein, present fairly the financial
position and results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis, or such other entities, as the case may be, at the
respective dates or for the respective periods to which they apply, and the
statement of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows of the Company
and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, or such other entities, as
the case may be, for the periods specified; such financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
("GAAP") applied on a consistent basis throughout the respective periods
-5-
<PAGE>
involved; and the supporting schedules included in the Registration
Statement and Prospectus present fairly in accordance with GAAP the
information required to be stated therein. The selected financial data and
the summary financial information included in the Prospectus present fairly
the information shown therein and have been compiled on a basis consistent
with that of the audited financial statements included in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus. In addition, any pro forma financial
statements of the Company and its subsidiaries and the related notes
thereto included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus present
fairly the information shown therein, have been prepared in accordance with
the Commission's rules and guidelines with respect to pro forma financial
statements and have been properly compiled on the bases described therein,
and the assumptions used in the preparation thereof are reasonable and the
adjustments used therein are appropriate to give effect to the transactions
and circumstances referred to therein.
(v) Since the respective dates as of which information is given in
the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, except as otherwise stated
therein, (A) there has been no material adverse change in the condition,
financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business affairs or business
prospects of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as
one enterprise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business,
(B) there have been no transactions entered into by the Trust or the
Company or any of its consolidated subsidiaries other than those in the
ordinary course of business which are material to the Trust or the Company
and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, and
(C) other than regular quarterly dividends, there has been no dividend or
distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by the Company on any class
of its capital stock.
(vi) The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as
a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Iowa, and has
corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and
to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus and to enter into
and perform its obligations under, or as contemplated under, this
Underwriting Agreement, the applicable Terms Agreement, the Declaration,
the Indenture and the Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreements and to
purchase, own and hold the Common Securities issued by the applicable
Trust. The Company is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to transact
business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which it owns or
leases substantial properties or in which the conduct of its business
requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified or
in good standing would not have a material adverse affect on the Company
and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as one enterprise.
(vii) Each of United States Cellular Corporation, United States
Cellular Operating Company, United States Cellular Investment Company, TDS
Telecommunications Corporation, Aerial Communications, Inc. and American
Paging, Inc. (each, a "Subsidiary" and, collectively, the "Subsidiaries"),
has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good
standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, has the
corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and
to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus and is duly
qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in good
standing in each jurisdiction in which it owns or leases
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substantial properties or in which the conduct of its business requires
such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified or in
good standing would not have a material adverse affect on the Company and
its consolidated subsidiaries considered as one enterprise; except as
otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of each Subsidiary has been duly authorized and
validly issued and is fully paid and non-assessable and is owned by the
Company, directly or through one or more Subsidiaries, free and clear of
any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, claim or
equity, except such security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien,
encumbrance, claim or equity the enforcement of which, individually or in
the aggregate, would not have a material adverse affect on the Company
and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as one enterprise. Other
than the Subsidiaries, there are no "significant subsidiaries" of the
Company (as such term is defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X
promulgated under the 1933 Act).
(viii) The applicable Trust has been duly created and is validly
existing in good standing as a business trust under the Delaware Act with
the power and authority to own property and to conduct its business as
described in the Registration Statement and Prospectus and to enter into
and perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Preferred Securities,
the Common Securities and the Declaration; such Trust is duly qualified to
transact business as a foreign company and is in good standing in any other
jurisdiction in which such qualification is necessary, except to the extent
that the failure to so qualify or be in good standing would not have a
material adverse effect on such Trust; such Trust is not a party to or
otherwise bound by any agreement other than those described in the
Prospectus; such Trust is and will be classified for United States federal
income tax purposes as a grantor trust and not as an association taxable as
a corporation; and such Trust is and will be treated as a consolidated
subsidiary of the Company pursuant to generally accepted accounting
principles.
(ix) The Common Securities have been, or will be at the applicable
Closing Time, duly authorized by a Declaration and, when issued and
delivered by the Trust to the Company against payment therefor as described
in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, will be validly issued and
(subject to the terms of the Declaration) fully paid and non-assessable
undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust and will conform
to all statements relating thereto contained in the Prospectus; the
issuance of the Common Securities is not subject to preemptive or other
similar rights; and at the Closing Time all of the issued and outstanding
Common Securities of the Trust will be directly owned by the Company free
and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance,
claim or equity.
(x) This Underwriting Agreement has been, and the applicable Terms
Agreement as of the date thereof will have been, duly authorized, executed
and delivered by each of the Offerors.
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(xi) The applicable Declaration has been duly authorized by the
Company and, at the Closing Time, will have been duly executed and
delivered by the Company and the Regular Trustees, and assuming due
authorization, execution and delivery of the Declaration by the Property
Trustee and the Delaware Trustee, the Declaration will, at the Closing
Time, be a valid and binding obligation of the Company and the Regular
Trustees, enforceable against the Company and the Regular Trustees in
accordance with its terms, except to the extent that enforcement thereof
may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or
other similar laws affecting creditors rights generally or by general
principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a
proceeding at law or in equity) (the "Bankruptcy Exceptions") and will
conform in all material respects to all statements relating thereto in the
Prospectus.
(xii) The applicable Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement has
been duly authorized by the Company and, at the Closing Time will have been
duly executed and delivered by the Company, and, assuming due
authorization, execution and delivery of the Preferred Securities Guarantee
Agreement by the Guarantee Trustee, will constitute a valid and binding
obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance
with its terms except to the extent that enforcement thereof may be limited
by the Bankruptcy Exceptions, and the Preferred Security Guarantees and the
Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreements will conform in all material
respects to all statements relating thereto contained in the Prospectus.
(xiii) The Trust Preferred Securities have been duly authorized by
the applicable Declaration and, when issued and delivered pursuant to this
Underwriting Agreement against payment of the consideration set forth in
Section 2, will be validly issued and (subject to the terms of the
Declaration) fully paid and non-assessable undivided beneficial interests
in the applicable Trust, will be entitled to the benefits of the
Declaration and will conform in all material respects to all statements
relating thereto contained in the Prospectus and such description conforms
to the provisions of the Declaration; the issuance of the Trust Preferred
Securities is not subject to preemptive or other similar rights; and
(subject to the terms of the Declaration) holders of Trust Preferred
Securities will be entitled to the same limitation of personal liability
under Delaware law as extended to stockholders of private corporations
for profit.
(xiv) The Indenture has been duly authorized by the Company and,
at the Closing Time will have been duly executed and delivered by the
Company, will constitute a valid and binding agreement of the Company,
enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms except to the
extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by the Bankruptcy
Exceptions; and the Indenture will conform in all material respects to all
statements relating thereto contained in the Prospectus.
(xv) The Subordinated Debentures have been duly authorized by the
Company and, at the Closing Time, will have been duly executed by the
Company and, when authenticated in the manner provided for in the Indenture
and delivered against payment therefor as described in the Prospectus, will
constitute valid and binding obligations of the
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<PAGE>
Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms
except to the extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by the
Bankruptcy Exceptions, will be in the form contemplated by, and entitled
to the benefits of, the Indenture and will conform in all material
respects to all statements relating thereto in the Prospectus.
(xvi) The Company's obligations under the Preferred Securities
Guarantees are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all
liabilities of the Company and are PARI PASSU with the most senior
preferred stock issued by the Company.
(xvii) The Subordinated Debentures are subordinated and junior in
right of payment to all "senior indebtedness" (as defined in the applicable
Supplemental Indenture) of the Company.
(xviii) Each of the Regular Trustees is an employee of the Company
and has been duly authorized by the Company to execute and deliver the
Declaration; the Declaration has been, or at the applicable Closing Time
will be, duly executed and delivered by the Regular Trustees and is or will
be, as applicable, a valid and binding obligation of each Regular Trustee,
enforceable against such Regular Trustee in accordance with its terms
except to the extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by the
Bankruptcy Exceptions.
(xix) The applicable Trust is not in violation of its Declaration
or its certificate of trust as filed with the State of Delaware (the
"Certificate of Trust"); the Trust is not in default in the performance or
observance of any material obligation, agreement, covenant or condition
contained in any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease
or other instrument to which the Trust is a party or by which it may be
bound, or to which any of the property or assets of the Trust is subject;
and the execution, delivery and performance of this Underwriting Agreement,
the Declaration, the Preferred Securities, the Common Securities, the
Indenture, the Subordinated Debentures, the Preferred Securities Guarantee
Agreements and the Preferred Securities Guarantees and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated herein and therein and compliance by the
Offerors with their respective obligations hereunder and thereunder have
been duly authorized by all necessary action (corporate or otherwise) on
the part of the Trust and do not and will not result in any violation of
the Declaration or Certificate of Trust and do not and will not conflict
with, or result in a breach of any of the terms or provisions of, or
constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any
lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Trust under
(A) any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other
agreement or instrument to which the Trust is a party or by which it may be
bound or to which any of its properties or assets may be subject, or (B)
any existing applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of
any government, governmental instrumentality or court, domestic or foreign,
or any regulatory body or administrative agency or other governmental body
having jurisdiction over the Trust or any of its respective properties or
assets.
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<PAGE>
(xx) There are no contracts or documents which are required to be
described in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or the documents
incorporated by reference therein or to be filed as exhibits thereto which
have not been so described and filed as required.
(xxi) The Offerors have not taken and will not take, directly or
indirectly, any action designed to, or that might be reasonably expected
to, cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of the
Securities.
(xxii) There are no contracts, agreements or understandings between
the Trust or the Company and any person granting such person the right to
require the Trust or the Company to file a registration statement under the
1933 Act with respect to any Offered Securities or securities similar to
the Offered Securities of the Trust or the Company owned or to be owned by
such person or to require the Trust or the Company to include such
securities in the securities registered pursuant to the Registration
Statement or in any securities being registered pursuant to any other
registration statement filed by the Trust or the Company under the 1933
Act.
(xxiii) The authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of the
Company is as set forth in or incorporated by reference into the
Registration Statement (except for subsequent issuances, if any, pursuant
to reservations or agreements referred to in the Prospectus); all of the
issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have been
duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable;
the capital stock of the Company conforms to the description thereof
included in or incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement
and, except as set forth in the Prospectus, is not subject to preemptive or
other similar rights.
(xxiv) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in
violation of its charter or by-laws or other documents of organization, and
none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is in default in the
performance or observance of any material obligation, agreement, covenant
or condition contained in any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan
agreement, note, lease or other instrument to which the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of them may be bound, or
to which any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is subject; the execution, delivery and performance of this
Underwriting Agreement, the applicable Terms Agreement, the Declaration,
the Preferred Securities, the Common Securities, the Indenture, the
Subordinated Debentures, the Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreements and
the Preferred Securities Guarantees and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated herein, therein and in the Registration Statement
and the Prospectus (including the issuance and sale of the Underwritten
Securities and the use of the proceeds from the sale of the Underwritten
Securities as described under the caption "Use of Proceeds") have been
duly authorized by all necessary corporate action by the Company and will
not conflict with or constitute a breach of, or a default or Repayment
Event (as defined below) under, or result in the creation or imposition of
any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of, any contract,
indenture,
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<PAGE>
mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other agreement or instrument
to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which
the Company or any of them may be bound, or to which any property or
assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is subject; nor will
such action result in a violation of the provisions of the charter or
by-laws of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any applicable law,
rule, regulation, judgment, order or administrative or court decree; nor
will such action conflict with or have an adverse effect on any of the
certificates, authorities, licenses or permits of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries that enable them to carry on the business and operations
now operated by them and which are material to the business of the
Company and its Subsidiaries considered as one enterprise. As used
herein, a "Repayment Event" means any event or condition which gives the
holder of any note, debenture or other evidence of indebtedness (or any
person acting on such holder's behalf) the right to require the
repurchase, redemption or repayment of all or a portion of such
indebtedness by the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
(xxv) No labor dispute with the employees of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent
which would materially adversely affect the business operations of the
Company and its Subsidiaries considered as one enterprise.
(xxvi) There is no action, suit or proceeding before or by any
court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, now pending, or,
to the knowledge of the Company or the Trust, threatened, against or
affecting the Trust or the Company or any of its consolidated subsidiaries
which is required to be disclosed in or incorporated by reference into the
Registration Statement or, except, in the case of (A) and (B) below, as
disclosed in the Prospectus, which might (A) result in any material adverse
change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings,
business affairs or business prospects of the Trust or the Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, (B) materially and
adversely affect the properties or assets of the Trust or the Company and
its consolidated subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, or (C)
materially and adversely affect the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Underwriting Agreement, the applicable Terms
Agreement, the Declaration, the Preferred Securities, the Common
Securities, the Indenture, the Subordinated Debentures, the Preferred
Securities Guarantee Agreements or the Preferred Securities Guarantees; all
pending legal or governmental proceedings to which the the Trust or the
Company or any of its consolidated subsidiaries is a party or of which any
of their respective properties or assets are the subject which are not
described in or incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement
and the Prospectus, including ordinary routine litigation incidental to the
business, are, considered in the aggregate, not material to the Trust or
the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as one enterprise;
and there are no contracts or documents of the Trust or the Company or any
of its consolidated subsidiaries which are required to be filed or
incorporated by reference as exhibits to the Registration Statement by the
1933 Act or by the 1933 Act Regulations which have not been so filed or
incorporated by reference.
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<PAGE>
(xxvii) The Company and its Subsidiaries own or possess, or can
acquire on reasonable terms, the patents, patent rights, licenses,
inventions, copyrights, know-how (including trade secrets and other
unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information),
systems or procedures, trademarks, service marks and trade names currently
employed by them in connection with the business now operated by them and
neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice of
infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others with respect to
any of the foregoing which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of
an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would result in any material
adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the
earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its
Subsidiaries considered as one enterprise.
(xxviii) No filing with, or authorization, approval, consent,
license, order, registration, qualification or decree of, any court or
governmental authority or agency, domestic or foreign, is necessary or
required for the due authorization, execution and delivery by the Trusts or
the Company of this Underwriting Agreement or the applicable Terms
Agreement or for the performance by the Trust or the Company of the
transactions contemplated under the Prospectus, this Underwriting
Agreement, such Terms Agreement, the Declaration, the Preferred Securities,
the Common Securities, the Indenture, the Subordinated Debentures, the
Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreements or the Preferred Securities
Guarantees, except as may be required under the 1933 Act or 1933 Act
Regulations, the 1934 Act or 1934 Act Regulations, the 1939 Act, the 1939
Act Regulations or State securities laws.
(xxix) All taxes and fees required to be paid with respect to the
execution of the Indenture, this Underwriting Agreement, the applicable
Terms Agreement, the Declaration, the Preferred Securities, the Common
Securities, the Indenture, the Subordinated Debentures, the Preferred
Securities Guarantee Agreements or the Preferred Securities Guarantees and
the issuance of the Offered Securities have been paid.
(xxx) The Company and its Subsidiaries possess such certificates,
authorities, licenses or permits issued by the appropriate local, state,
federal or foreign regulatory agencies or bodies necessary to conduct the
business now operated by them, and, except as disclosed in the Registration
Statement or the documents incorporated by reference therein, none of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice of proceedings
relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate,
authority, license or permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the
subject of any unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would materially
and adversely affect the condition, financial or otherwise, or the
earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries considered as one enterprise.
(xxxi) The Company and its Subsidiaries have good and marketable
title to all real property owned by the Company and its Subsidiaries and
good title to all other properties owned by them that are material to the
business of the Company and its consolidated
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<PAGE>
subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, in each case, free and clear
of all mortgages, pledges, liens, security interests, claims,
restrictions or encumbrances of any kind, except (A) as otherwise stated
in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or (B) those which do
not, singly or in the aggregate, materially affect the value of such
property and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made
of such property by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. All of the
leases and subleases material to the business of the Company and its
Subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, and under which the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries holds properties described in the Prospectus, are
in full force and effect, and neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries has received any notice of any material claim of any sort
that has been asserted by anyone adverse to the rights of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries under any of the leases or subleases mentioned
above, or affecting or questioning the rights of the Company or such
Subsidiary of the continued possession of the leased or subleased
premises under any such lease or sublease.
(xxxii) The Indenture, the applicable Preferred Securities Guarantee
Agreement and the applicable Declaration have each been, or at the
applicable Closing Time will each be, duly qualified under the 1939 Act.
(xxxiii) None of the Offerors is, and upon the issuance and sale of
the Underwritten Securities and the issuance of the Subordinated Debentures
and the Common Securities as herein contemplated and the application of the
net proceeds therefrom as described in the Prospectus will not be, an
"investment company" or a company "controlled" by an "investment company"
within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"1940 Act").
[(xxxiv) Except as otherwise stated in the Registration Statement and
the Prospectus and except as would not, singly or in the aggregate,
materially adversely affect the business operations of the Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, (A) neither the
Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any federal, state,
local or foreign statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, policy or
rule of common law or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof
including any judicial or administrative order, consent, decree or
judgment, relating to pollution or protection of human health, the
environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water,
groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata) or wildlife, including,
without limitation, laws and regulations relating to the release or
threatened release of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic
substances, hazardous substances, petroleum or petroleum products
(collectively, "Hazardous Materials") or to the manufacture, processing,
distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of
Hazardous Materials (collectively, "Environmental Laws"), (B) the Company
and its Subsidiaries have all permits, authorizations and approvals
required under any applicable Environmental Laws and are each in compliance
with their requirements, (C) there are no pending or threatened
administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand
letters, claims, liens, notices of noncompliance or violation,
investigation or proceedings relating to any Environmental Law against the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (D) there are no
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<PAGE>
events or circumstances that might reasonably be expected to form the
basis of an order for clean-up or remediation, or an action, suit or
proceeding by any private party or governmental body or agency, against
or affecting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries relating to Hazardous
Materials or any Environmental Laws.]
(b) Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries and delivered to any Underwriter or to counsel for the Underwriters
in connection with the offering of the Underwritten Securities shall be deemed a
representation and warranty by the Company to each Underwriter as to the matters
covered thereby on the date of such certificate and, unless subsequently amended
or supplemented, at each Representation Date subsequent thereto.
SECTION 2. SALE AND DELIVERY TO THE UNDERWRITERS; CLOSING.
(a) The several commitments of the Underwriters to purchase the
Underwritten Securities pursuant to the applicable Terms Agreement shall be
deemed to have been made on the basis of the representations, warranties and
agreements herein contained and shall be subject to the terms and conditions
herein set forth.
(b) Payment of the purchase price for the Underwritten Securities shall be
made at the office of Sidley & Austin, One First National Plaza, Suite 4400,
Chicago, Illinois 60603, and delivery of the certificates for the Underwritten
Securities shall be made against payment therefor at the office of Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Merrill Lynch World Headquarters,
North Tower, World Financial Center, New York, New York 10281-1209, or (in
either case) at such other place or places as shall be agreed upon by Merrill
Lynch and the Company, at 10:00 A.M. (Eastern time) on the third (fourth, if the
pricing occurs after 4:30 P.M. (Eastern time) on any given day) business day
after the date of the applicable Terms Agreement (unless postponed in accordance
with the provisions of Section 10 hereof), or such other time not later than ten
business days after such date as shall be agreed upon by Merrill Lynch and the
Company (such time and date of payment and delivery being herein called "Closing
Time"). Payment shall be made to the Trust by wire transfer of immediately
available funds to a bank account designated by the Company, against delivery to
Merrill Lynch for the respective accounts of the Underwriters of the
Underwritten Securities to be purchased by them. It is understood that each
Underwriter has authorized Merrill Lynch, for its account, to accept delivery
of, receipt for, and make payment of the purchase price for, the Underwritten
Securities which it has severally agreed to purchase. Merrill Lynch,
individually and not as representative of the Underwriters, may (but shall not
be obligated to) make payment of the purchase price for the Underwritten
Securities to be purchased by any Underwriter whose funds have not been received
by the Closing Time but such payment shall not relieve such Underwriter from its
obligations hereunder.
As compensation to the Underwriters for their commitments hereunder
and in view of the fact that the proceeds of the sale of the Trust Preferred
Securities will ultimately be used to purchase the Subordinated Debentures of
the Company, the Company hereby agrees to pay at Closing Time to Merrill Lynch,
for the accounts of the several Underwriters, a commission per Trust Preferred
Security set forth on Schedule A to the applicable Terms Agreement. At the
Closing
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Time, the Company will pay, or cause to be paid, the commission payable
at such time to the Underwriters under Section 2 hereof by wire transfer of
immediately available funds to a bank account designated by Merrill Lynch for
the account of the Underwriters.
(c) Certificates for the Underwritten Securities shall be in such
denominations and registered in such names as Merrill Lynch may request in
writing at least one full business day prior to the Closing Time. The
certificates for the Underwritten Securities will be made available for
examination and packaging by Merrill Lynch in The City of New York not later
than 10:00 A.M. (Eastern time) on the last business day prior to Closing Time.
SECTION 3. COVENANTS. Each of the Offerors jointly and severally
covenant with Merrill Lynch and with each Underwriter participating in the
offering of Underwritten Securities as follows:
(a) The Offerors, subject to Section 3(b), will comply with the
requirements of Rule 430A of the 1933 Act Regulations and/or Rule 434 of the
1933 Act Regulations, if and as applicable, and will notify the
representative(s) of the Underwriters immediately, and confirm the notice in
writing, of (i) the effectiveness of any post-effective amendment to the
Registration Statement or the filing of any supplement or amendment to the
Prospectus, (ii) the receipt of any comments from the Commission, (iii) any
request by the Commission for any amendment to the Registration Statement or any
amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or for additional information, and
(iv) the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement or of any order preventing or
suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus, or of the suspension of the
qualification of the Underwritten Securities for offering or sale in any
jurisdiction, or of the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for any of
such purposes. The Offerors will promptly effect the filings necessary pursuant
to Rule 424 and will take such steps as it deems necessary to ascertain promptly
whether the Prospectus transmitted for filing under Rule 424 was received for
filing by the Commission and, in the event that it was not, it will promptly
file the Prospectus. The Offerors will make every reasonable effort to prevent
the issuance of any stop order and, if any stop order is issued, to obtain the
lifting thereof at the earliest possible moment.
(b) Each Offeror will give Merrill Lynch notice of its intention to file
or prepare any amendment to the Registration Statement (including any filing
under Rule 462(b) of the 1933 Act Regulations), any Term Sheet or any amendment,
supplement or revision to either the prospectus included in the Registration
Statement at the time it became effective or to the Prospectus, whether pursuant
to the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act or otherwise, will furnish Merrill Lynch with
copies of any such documents a reasonable amount of time prior to such proposed
filing or use, as the case may be, and will not file or use any such document to
which Merrill Lynch or counsel for the Underwriters shall reasonably object.
(c) The Company has furnished or will deliver to Merrill Lynch and counsel
for the Underwriters, without charge, as many signed copies of the Registration
Statement as originally filed and of each amendment thereto (including exhibits
filed therewith or incorporated by reference therein and documents incorporated
or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein) as Merrill
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Lynch has requested or shall reasonably request, and as many signed copies of
all consents and certificates of experts as Merrill Lynch has requested or
shall reasonably request, and will also deliver to Merrill Lynch, without
charge, a conformed copy of the Registration Statement as originally filed
and of each amendment thereto (without exhibits) for each of the
Underwriters. The Registration Statement and each amendment thereto
furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to any electronically
transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR,
except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.
(d) The Company will deliver to each Underwriter, without charge, as many
copies of each preliminary prospectus as such Underwriter may reasonably
request, and the Offerors hereby consent to the use of such copies for purposes
permitted by the 1933 Act. The Company will furnish to each Underwriter,
without charge, during the period when the Prospectus is required to be
delivered under the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act, such number of copies of the
Prospectus as such Underwriter may reasonably request. The Prospectus and any
amendments or supplements thereto furnished to the Underwriters will be
identical to any electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the
Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.
(e) The Offerors will comply with the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act
Regulations and the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act Regulations so as to permit the
completion of the distribution of the Underwritten Securities as contemplated in
this Underwriting Agreement and the applicable Terms Agreement and in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus. If at any time when the Prospectus
is required by the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act to be delivered in connection with
sales of the Underwritten Securities, any event shall occur or condition shall
exist as a result of which it is necessary, in the opinion of counsel for the
Underwriters or for the Offerors, to amend the Registration Statement in order
that the Registration Statement will not contain an untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or to amend or
supplement the Prospectus in order that the Prospectus will not include an
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary
in order to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the
circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser, or if it
shall be necessary, in the opinion of such counsel, at any such time to amend
the Registration Statement or amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to
comply with the requirements of the 1933 Act or the 1933 Act Regulations, the
Offerors will promptly prepare and file with the Commission, subject to Section
3(b), such amendment or supplement as may be necessary to correct such statement
or omission or to make the Registration Statement or the Prospectus comply with
such requirements, and the Company will furnish to the Underwriters, without
charge, such number of copies of such amendment or supplement as the
Underwriters may reasonably request.
(f) The Offerors will use their best efforts, in cooperation with the
Underwriters, to qualify the Underwritten Securities and the Subordinated
Debentures for offering and sale under the applicable securities laws of such
states and other jurisdictions (domestic or foreign) as Merrill Lynch may
designate and to maintain such qualifications in effect for a period of not less
than one year from the date of the applicable Terms Agreement; provided,
however, that the Company shall not be obligated to file any general consent to
service of process or to qualify as a foreign
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corporation or as a dealer in securities in any jurisdiction in which it is
not so qualified or to subject itself to taxation in respect of doing
business in any jurisdiction in which it is not otherwise so subject. In
each jurisdiction in which the Underwritten Securities have been so
qualified, the Offerors will file such statements and reports as may be
required by the laws of such jurisdiction to continue such qualification in
effect for a period of not less than one year from the date of such Terms
Agreement.
(g) The Company will timely file such reports pursuant to the 1934 Act
as are necessary in order to make generally available to its securityholders
as soon as practicable an earnings statement for the purposes of, and to
provide the benefits contemplated by, the last paragraph of Section 11(a) of
the 1933 Act.
(h) Each Offeror will use or cause to be used the net proceeds received
by it from the sale of the Underwritten Securities in the manner specified in
the Prospectus under "Use of Proceeds".
(i) The Company will use its best efforts to effect the listing of the
Underwritten Securities, prior to the Closing Time, on any national
securities exchange or quotation system if and as specified in the applicable
Terms Agreement.
(j) Between the date of the applicable Terms Agreement and the date
which is 30 days after the Closing Time or such other date specified in such
Terms Agreement, the Offerors and the Company's subsidiaries will not,
without the prior written consent of Merrill Lynch, directly or indirectly,
pledge, issue, sell, offer or contract to sell, grant or sell any option or
contract for the sale or purchase of, or otherwise transfer or dispose of,
any Offered Securities or any securities convertible into or exercisable or
exchangeable for Offered Securities or file any registration statement under
the 1933 Act with respect to any of the foregoing.
(k) The Offerors, during the period when the Prospectus is required to
be delivered under the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act, will file all documents
required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to the 1934 Act within the
time periods required by the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act Regulations.
(l) So long as any Underwritten Securities are outstanding, the Trust
will continue its existence in good standing as a business trust under the
Delaware Act with power and authority to own property and conduct its
business as described in the Prospectus and the Trust will remain duly
qualified to transact business as a foreign corporation in good standing in
each jurisdiction in which such qualification is necessary, except to the
extent that the failure to so qualify would not, singly or in the aggregate,
materially adversely affect the operations of the Trust.
(m) The Trust will make generally available to its security holders and
to Merrill Lynch as soon as practicable but not later than 90 days after the
close of the period covered thereby, an earnings statement of the Company (in
form complying with the provisions of Rule 158 of the 1933 Act Regulations)
covering a twelve-month period beginning not later than the first day of the
Trust's
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fiscal quarter next following the "effective date" (as defined in said Rule
158) of the Registration Statement.
SECTION 4. PAYMENT OF EXPENSES. The Company will pay all expenses
incident to the performance of the Offerors' obligations under this
Underwriting Agreement and the applicable Terms Agreement, including (i) the
printing and filing of the Registration Statement as originally filed and of
each amendment thereto, (ii) the printing of this Underwriting Agreement, any
Terms Agreement, any agreement among Underwriters, the Indenture, the
Declaration, the Preferred Securities, the Common Securities, the
Subordinated Debentures, the Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreements and
the Preferred Securities Guarantees and such other documents as may be
required in connection with the offering, purchase, sale, issuance or
delivery of the Underwritten Securities, (iii) the preparation, issuance and
delivery of the certificates for the Underwritten Securities to Merrill
Lynch, the Common Securities to the Company and the Subordinated Debentures
to the Trust, including any transfer taxes and any stamp or other duties
payable upon the sale, issuance or delivery of such securities, (iv) the fees
and disbursements of the Company's counsel and accountants, (v) the
qualification of the Underwritten Securities and the Subordinated Debentures
under securities laws in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(f),
including filing fees and the fees and disbursements of counsel for the
Underwriters in connection therewith and in connection with the preparation
of the Blue Sky surveys and any legal investment survey, (vi) the printing
and delivery to the Underwriters of copies of the Registration Statement as
originally filed and of each amendment thereto, of the preliminary
prospectuses, of any Term Sheet and of the Prospectus and any amendments or
supplements thereto, (vii) the printing and delivery to the Underwriters of
copies of the Blue Sky surveys and any legal investment surveys, (viii) the
fees and expenses of the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee, the
Guarantee Trustee and the Debt Trustee, including the fees and disbursements
of their respective counsel, (ix) any fees payable in connection with the
rating of the Underwritten Securities, (x) the fees and expenses incurred
with respect to any listing of the Underwritten Securities, (xi) the filing
fees incident to the review, if any, by the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") of the terms of the sale of the
Underwritten Securities and (xii) the cost of qualifying the Trust Preferred
Securities with The Depository Trust Company.
If the applicable Terms Agreement is terminated by Merrill Lynch in
accordance with the provisions of Section 5 (other than Section 5(i)) or
Section 9(b)(i) hereof, the Company shall reimburse the Underwriters for all
of their out-of-pocket expenses, including the reasonable fees and
disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters.
SECTION 5. CONDITIONS OF UNDERWRITERS' OBLIGATIONS. The obligations
of the Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Underwritten Securities
pursuant to the applicable Terms Agreement are subject to the accuracy of the
representations and warranties of the Company and the Offerors contained in
Section 1 hereof or in certificates of any officer of the Company or any of
its subsidiaries delivered pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the
performance by the Offerors of their covenants and other obligations
hereunder, and to the following further conditions:
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(a) The Registration Statement, including any Rule 462(b) Registration
Statement, has become effective under the 1933 Act and no stop order
suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been
issued under the 1933 Act and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been
instituted or be pending or threatened by the Commission, and any request on
the part of the Commission for additional information shall have been
complied with to the reasonable satisfaction of counsel for the Underwriters.
A prospectus containing information relating to the description of the
Underwritten Securities and the Subordinated Debentures, the specific method
of distribution and similar matters shall have been filed with the Commission
in accordance with Rule 424(b)(1), (2), (3), (4) or (5), as applicable (or
any required post-effective amendment providing such information shall have
been filed and declared effective in accordance with the requirements of Rule
430A), or, if the Company has elected to rely upon Rule 434 of the 1933 Act
Regulations, a Term Sheet including the Rule 434 Information shall have been
filed with the Commission in accordance with Rule 424(b)(7).
(b) At Closing Time, Merrill Lynch shall have received:
(1) The opinion, dated as of Closing Time, of Sidley & Austin,
counsel for the Offerors, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
counsel for the Underwriters, together with signed or reproduced copies of
such letter for each of the other Underwriters, to the effect that:
(i) The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as
a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Iowa.
(ii) The Company has corporate power and authority to own, lease and
operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the
Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under, or as
contemplated under, this Underwriting Agreement and the applicable Terms
Agreement.
(iii) To the knowledge of such counsel, the Company is duly
qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in good
standing in each jurisdiction in which it owns or leases substantial
properties or in which the conduct of its business requires such
qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good
standing could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect
on the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as one
enterprise.
(iv) Each of the Subsidiaries has been duly incorporated and is
validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the
state of its incorporation and, to the knowledge of such counsel, is duly
qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in good
standing in each jurisdiction in which it owns or leases substantial
properties or in which the conduct of its business requires such
qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good
standing could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect
on the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as one
enterprise; except as
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otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of each of the Subsidiaries has been duly
authorized and validly issued and is fully paid and non-assessable and all
of such capital stock is owned of record by the Company free and clear, to
such counsel's knowledge, of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien,
encumbrance or claim.
(v) The Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement has been duly
authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming it is duly
authorized, executed, and delivered by the Guarantee Trustee, is a valid
and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in
accordance with its terms, except to the extent that enforcement thereof
may be limited by Bankruptcy Exceptions.
(vi) The Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
the Company and, assuming due authorization, execution, and delivery
thereof by the Debt Trustee, is a valid and binding obligation of the
Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms,
except to the extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by the
Bankruptcy Exceptions.
(vii) The Declaration has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by the Company and each of the Regular Trustees and constitutes a
valid and binding obligation of the Company and each of the Regular
Trustees, enforceable against the Company and each of the Regular Trustees
in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the enforcement
thereof may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exceptions.
(viii) The Subordinated Debentures are in the form contemplated by
the Indenture, have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the
Company and, when authenticated by the Debt Trustee in the manner provided
for in the Indenture and delivered against payment therefor, will
constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable
against the Company in accordance with their terms, except to the extent
that enforcement thereof may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exceptions.
(ix) The Company has authorized capital stock as set forth in or
incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement; and to the
knowledge of such counsel, all of the issued and outstanding shares of
capital stock of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and
issued and are fully paid and non-assessable and, except as set forth in
the Prospectus, are not subject to any preemptive or other similar rights.
(x) This Underwriting Agreement and the applicable Terms Agreement
have each been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.
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<PAGE>
(xi) The Registration Statement (including any Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement) has been declared effective under the 1933 Act.
Any required filing of the Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) has been made
in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b). To the
best of such counsel's knowledge, no stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement (or such Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement) has been issued under the 1933 Act and no
proceedings for that purpose have been initiated or are pending or
threatened by the Commission.
(xii) The Registration Statement (including any Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement) and the Prospectus, excluding the documents
incorporated by reference therein, and each amendment or supplement to the
Registration Statement (including any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement)
and Prospectus, excluding the documents incorporated by reference therein,
as of their respective effective or issue dates (other than the financial
statements, including notes thereto, financial data and supporting
schedules included therein or omitted therefrom and the Trustee's Statement
of Eligibility on Form T-1 (the "Form T-1"), as to which no opinion need be
rendered) complied as to form in all material respects with the
requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations.
(xiii) The documents incorporated by reference into the Prospectus
(other than the financial statements, including notes thereto, financial
data and supporting schedules therein or omitted therefrom, as to which no
opinion need be rendered), when they were filed with the Commission,
complied as to form in all material respects with the applicable
requirements of the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act Regulations.
(xiv) The information in the Prospectus under "United States
Federal Income Taxation," "Risk Factors," "Description of the Preferred
Securities," "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantee," "The
Trusts," "Description of the Subordinated Debentures," "Effect of
Obligations under the Subordinated Debentures and the Preferred Securities
Guarantees," if any, or any caption purporting to describe any such Offered
Securities or the Subordinated Debentures and in the Registration Statement
under Item 15, to the extent that it constitutes matters of law, summaries
of legal matters, the Company's charter or bylaws or the Declaration, or
legal conclusions, has been reviewed by such counsel and is correct in all
material respects.
(xv)The Common Securities, the Trust Preferred Securities, the
Subordinated Debentures, the Preferred Securities Guarantee, the
Declaration, the Indenture and the Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement
conform in all material respects to all statements relating thereto
contained in the Prospectus.
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<PAGE>
(xvi) To such counsel's knowledge, there are no legal or
governmental proceedings pending or threatened which are required to be
disclosed in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus other than those
disclosed therein or incorporated by reference therein.
(xvii) To such counsel's knowledge, (1) there are no contracts,
indentures, mortgages, loan agreements, notes, leases or other instruments
required to be described in the Prospectus or the Registration Statement or
to be filed as exhibits thereto which are not described or filed as
required and (2) such descriptions are correct in all material respects.
(xviii) No filing with, or authorization, approval, consent,
license, order, registration, qualification or decree of, any court or
governmental authority or agency, domestic or foreign, is necessary or
required for the due authorization, execution or delivery by the Company of
the Underwriting Agreement or the applicable Terms Agreement or for the
performance by the Company of the transactions contemplated under the
Prospectus, the Underwriting Agreement, such Terms Agreement, the
Indenture, the Declaration, the Preferred Securities, the Common
Securities, the Subordinated Debentures, the Preferred Securities Guarantee
Agreement, and the Preferred Securities Guarantee, other than under the
1933 Act, the 1933 Act Regulations, the 1934 Act, the 1934 Act Regulations,
the 1939 Act and the 1939 Act Regulations, which have already been made,
obtained or rendered, as applicable, or State securities laws.
(xix) The execution and delivery of this Underwriting Agreement,
the applicable Terms Agreement, the Declaration, the Preferred Securities,
the Common Securities, the Indenture, the Subordinated Debentures and the
Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement, the issuance of the Underwritten
Securities and the Subordinated Debentures, the compliance by the Company
with all of the provisions of this Underwriting Agreement, the applicable
Terms Agreement, the Declaration, the Subordinated Debentures, the
Indenture and the Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated herein, therein and in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus (including the issuance and sale
of the Underwritten Securities as described under the caption "Use of
Proceeds") do not and will not constitute a breach of, or default or
Repayment Event under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien,
charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company or, to
such counsel's knowledge, any of the Company's Subsidiaries pursuant to the
terms of, (1) the Certificate of Incorporation or by-laws of the Company,
(2) any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other
agreement or instrument, of which such counsel has knowledge, to which the
Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries is a party or by which the
Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries may be bound, or to which any
property or assets of the Company or any of the Company's Subsidiaries is
subject,
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<PAGE>
or (3) to such counsel's knowledge, any currently applicable law,
rule, regulation, judgment, order or administrative or court decree.
(xx) The Indenture, the Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement and
the Declaration have each been duly qualified under the 1939 Act.
(xxi) The Company is not, and upon the issuance and sale of the
Underwritten Securities and the issuance of the Subordinated Debentures and
the Common Securities as herein contemplated and the application of the net
proceeds therefrom as described in the Prospectus will not be, an
"investment company" or a company controlled by an "investment company"
within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"1940 Act").
(xxii) To such counsel's knowledge, there are no statutes or
regulations that are required to be described in the Prospectus that are
not described as required.
(xxiii) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is in
violation of its charter or by-laws and no default by the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries exists in the due performance or observance of any
material obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any
contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other
agreement or instrument that is described or referred to in the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus or filed or incorporated by
reference as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
(xxiv) Each of the Offerors meets the registrant requirements for
use of Form S-3 under the 1933 Act Regulations.
(xxv) To the best of such counsel's knowledge and information, all
of the issued and outstanding Common Securities are directly owned by the
Company free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien,
encumbrance or claim.
Such opinion of Sidley & Austin shall additionally state that nothing has
come to their attention that has caused them to believe that the Registration
Statement (including any Rule 426(b) Registration Statement) or any
post-effective amendment thereto (except for financial statements, including
notes thereto, and supporting schedules and other financial data included
therein or omitted therefrom and for the Form T-1, as to which no belief need
be expressed), at the time the Registration Statement (including any Rule
462(b) Registration Statement) or any post-effective amendment thereto
(including the filing of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K with the
Commission) became effective or at the date of the applicable Terms
Agreement, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading or that the Prospectus or any amendment or
supplement thereto (except for financial statements, including notes thereto,
and supporting schedules and other financial data included therein or omitted
therefrom, as to which no belief need
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<PAGE>
be expressed), at the time the Prospectus was issued, at the time any such
amended or supplemented prospectus was issued or at the Closing Time,
included or includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or
omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading. Such counsel may also state that they have relied, to the extent
they may properly do so in the discharge of their professional responsibilities
as experienced securities law practitioners, upon the judgment of officers and
representatives of the Company with respect to facts necessary to the
determination of materiality.
Such opinion shall be limited to the laws of the State of New York, the
State of Illinois, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and
the federal law of the United States (other than the Communications Act of
1934, as amended (the "Communications Act"), and the rules and regulations
thereunder). In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely, as to matters
governed by the laws of the State of Iowa upon the opinion of Nyemaster,
Goode, Voigts, West, Hansel & O'Brien delivered to the Underwriters pursuant
to subsection (b)(3) of this Section, and as to matters governed by the
Communications Act and the rules and regulations thereunder upon the opinion
of Koteen and Naftalin delivered to the Underwriters pursuant to subsection
(b)(4) of this Section. Such counsel may also state that, insofar as such
opinion involves factual matters, they have relied, to the extent they deem
proper, upon certificates of officers of the Company and its subsidiaries and
certificates of public officials.
At the Closing Time, Merrill shall also have received the opinion, dated
as of the Closing Time, of Sidley & Austin, counsel for the Offerors, in form
and substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters,
together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the
other Underwriters, regarding such Federal tax and other related matters of
the type ordinarily included in similar transactions or reasonably requested
by counsel for the Underwriters.
(2) The opinion, dated as of the Closing Time, of Richards, Layton &
Finger, special Delaware counsel to the Offerors, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, to the effect
that:
(i) The Trust has been duly created and is validly existing in
good standing as a business trust under the Delaware Act; all filings
required under the laws of the State of Delaware with respect to the
formation and valid existence of the Trust as a business trust have
been made; the Trust has all necessary power and authority to own
property and to conduct its business as described in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus and to enter into and perform its
obligations under this Agreement, the Preferred Securities and the
Common Securities; and the Trust is not a party to or otherwise bound
by any agreement known to such counsel other than those described in
the Prospectus.
(ii) The Common Securities have been duly authorized for issuance
and, when issued, delivered and paid for in accordance with the
Declaration and as described in the Prospectus, will be validly issued
and fully paid and non-assessable undivided beneficial interests in
the assets of the Trust, and the issuance of the Common Securities is
not subject to preemptive or other similar rights.
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(iii) The Trust Preferred Securities have been duly
authorized for issuance and, when issued, delivered and paid for in
accordance with this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the
Trust; the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will be entitled
to the same limitation of personal liability under Delaware law as is
extended to stockholders of private corporations for profit; and the
issuance of the Trust Preferred Securities is not subject to
preemptive or other similar rights. Such counsel may note that the
Trust Preferred Securities holders may be obligated, pursuant to the
Declaration, to (a) provide indemnity and/or security in connection
with and pay taxes or governmental charges arising from transfers of
Trust Preferred Securities and the issuance of replacement Trust
Preferred Securities, and (b) provide security and indemnity in
connection with requests of or directions to the Property Trustee to
exercise its rights and powers under the Declaration.
(iv) This Underwriting Agreement and the applicable Terms
Agreement have each been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
the Trust.
(v) No filing with, or authorization, approval, consent,
license, order, registration, qualification or decree of, any court or
governmental authority or agency, domestic or foreign, is necessary or
required for the due authorization, execution or delivery by the Trust
of the Underwriting Agreement or the applicable Terms Agreement or for
the performance by the Trust of the transactions contemplated under
the Prospectus, the Underwriting Agreement, such Terms Agreement, the
Indenture, the Declaration, the Preferred Securities, the Common
Securities, the Subordinated Debentures, the Preferred Securities
Guarantee Agreement, and the Preferred Securities Guarantee, other
than under the 1933 Act, the 1933 Act Regulations, the 1934 Act, the
1934 Act Regulations, the 1939 Act and the 1939 Act Regulations, which
have already been made, obtained or rendered, as applicable, or State
securities laws.
(vi) The issuance and sale by the Trust of the Trust Preferred
Securities and the Common Securities, the purchase by the Trust of the
Subordinated Debentures, the execution, delivery and performance by
the Trust of this Agreement, the applicable Terms Agreement, the
consummation by the Trust of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby and compliance by the Trust with its obligations hereunder and
thereunder will not violate (A) any of the provisions of the
Certificate of Trust or the Declaration, (B) any contract or other
agreement or instrument, of which such counsel has knowledge, to which
the Trust is a party or by which the Trust may be bound, or to which
any property or assets of the Trust is subject or (C) any applicable
Delaware law or administrative regulation.
(vii) The Trust is not, and upon the issuance and sale of the
Underwritten Securities and the issuance of the Subordinated
Debentures and the Common Securities as herein contemplated and the
application of the net proceeds therefrom
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as described in the Prospectus will not be, an "investment company"
within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the "1940 Act").
(3) The opinion, dated as of Closing Time, of Nyemaster, Goode,
Voigts, West, Hansel & O'Brien, special Iowa counsel to the Company, in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters,
to the effect that:
(i) The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as
a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Iowa.
(ii) The Company has corporate power and authority to own, lease and
operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the
Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under, or as
contemplated under, this Underwriting Agreement and the applicable Terms
Agreement.
(iii) To the knowledge of such counsel, the Company is duly
qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in good
standing in each jurisdiction in which it owns or leases substantial
properties or in which the conduct of its business requires such
qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good
standing could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect
on the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as one
enterprise.
(iv) The Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement has been duly
authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming it is duly
authorized, executed, and delivered by the Guarantee Trustee, is a valid
and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in
accordance with its terms, except to the extent that enforcement thereof
may be limited by Bankruptcy Exceptions.
(v) The Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
the Company and, assuming due authorization, execution, and delivery
thereof by the Debt Trustee, is a valid and binding obligation of the
Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms,
except to the extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by the
Bankruptcy Exceptions.
(vi) The Declaration has been duly authorized, executed and delivered
by the Company and each of the Regular Trustees and constitutes a valid and
binding obligation of the Company and each of the Regular Trustees,
enforceable against the Company and each of the Regular Trustees in
accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the enforcement
thereof may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exceptions.
(vii) The Subordinated Debentures are in the form contemplated by
the Indenture, have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the
Company and,
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when authenticated by the Debt Trustee in the manner provided for in the
Indenture and delivered against payment therefor, will constitute valid and
binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in
accordance with their terms, except to the extent that enforcement thereof
may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exceptions.
(viii) The Company has authorized capital stock as set forth in or
incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement; and to the
knowledge of such counsel, all of the issued and outstanding shares of
capital stock of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and
issued and are fully paid and non-assessable and, except as set forth in
the Prospectus, are not subject to any preemptive or other similar rights.
(ix) This Underwriting Agreement and the applicable Terms Agreement
have each been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.
(4) The opinion, dated as of the Closing Time, of Koteen and
Naftalin, special counsel to the Company, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, to the effect that:
(i) No filing with, or authorization, approval, consent, license,
order, registration, qualification or decree of, the Federal Communications
Commission (the "FCC"), is necessary or required for the due authorization,
execution or delivery by the Company of this Underwriting Agreement or the
applicable Terms Agreement or for the performance by the Company of the
transactions contemplated under the Prospectus, this Underwriting
Agreement, such Terms Agreement or the Indenture.
(ii) The execution and delivery of this Underwriting Agreement, the
applicable Terms Agreement, the Indenture, the Declaration, the Trust
Preferred Securities, the Common Securities, the Subordinated Debentures,
the Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement, and the Preferred Securities
Guarantee, the issuance of the Underwritten Securities and the Subordinated
Debentures, the compliance by the Company with all of the provisions of the
Underwritten Securities, the Indenture, this Underwriting Agreement, the
applicable Terms Agreement, the Declaration, the Trust Preferred
Securities, the Common Securities, the Subordinated Debentures, the
Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement, and the Preferred Securities
Guarantee, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein,
therein and in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (including the
issuance and sale of the Underwritten Securities and the issuance of the
Subordinated Debentures as described under the caption "Use of Proceeds")
do not and will not, to such counsel's knowledge, conflict with or result
in any violation of, or the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance
upon, the property or assets of the Company or, to such counsel's
knowledge, its Subsidiaries, under the Communications Act or any rule,
regulation, judgment, order or administrative or
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court decree issued, enacted or promulgated thereunder; neither will any
such action conflict with or have a material adverse effect on any of the
certificates, authorities, licenses or permits, if any, issued or to be
issued by the FCC to the Company or, to such counsel's knowledge, any of
the Company's Subsidiaries that enable them to carry on the business and
operations now operated by them and which are material to the business of
the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as one enterprise.
(iii) The information in the Registration Statement (or any
post-effective amendment thereto) or the Prospectus purporting to describe
FCC regulatory matters or the Communications Act, to the extent that it
constitutes matters of law, summaries of legal matters or legal
conclusions, has been reviewed by such counsel and is correct in all
material respects.
Such opinion of Koteen and Naftalin shall additionally state that nothing
has come to their attention that has caused them to believe that the
descriptions of FCC regulatory matters and the Communications Act contained
in the Registration Statement (including any Rule 426(b) Registration
Statement) or any post-effective amendment thereto (except for financial
statements, including notes thereto, and supporting schedules included
therein or omitted therefrom, as to which no belief need be expressed), at
the time the Registration Statement (including any Rule 462(b) Registration
Statement) or any post-effective amendment thereto (including the filing of
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K with the Commission) became
effective or at the date of the applicable Terms Agreement, contained an
untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading or that the descriptions of FCC regulatory matters and the
Communications Act contained in the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement
thereto (except for financial statements including notes thereto, and
supporting schedules included therein or omitted therefrom, as to which no
belief need be expressed), at the time the Prospectus was issued, at the time
any such amended or supplemented prospectus was issued or at the Closing
Time, included or includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted
or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
(5) The favorable opinion, dated as of Closing Time, of [the Law
Department of The First National Bank of Chicago] [Pepper, Hamilton &
Scheetz], counsel for the Property Trustee, the Debt Trustee and the
Guarantee Trustee, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the
Underwriters to the effect that:
(i) The First National Bank of Chicago is a national
association with trust powers, duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the United States with all necessary
power and authority to execute and deliver, and to carry out and
perform its obligations under the terms of the Declaration and the
Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement.
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(ii) The execution, delivery and performance by the Property
Trustee of the Declaration and the execution, delivery and performance
by the Guarantee Trustee of the Preferred Securities Guarantee
Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action
on the part of the Property Trustee and the Guarantee Trustee,
respectively. The Declaration and the Preferred Securities Guarantee
Agreement have been duly executed and delivered by the Property
Trustee and the Guarantee Trustee, respectively, and constitute the
legal, valid and binding obligations of the Property Trustee and the
Guarantee Trustee, respectively, enforceable against the Property
Trustee and the Guarantee Trustee, respectively, in accordance with
their terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by the
Bankruptcy Exceptions.
(iii) The execution, delivery and performance of the
Declaration and the Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement by the
Property Trustee and the Guarantee Trustee, respectively, do not
conflict with or constitute a breach of the Articles of Organization
or Bylaws of the Property Trustee and the Guarantee Trustee,
respectively.
(iv) No consent, approval or authorization of, or
registration with or notice to, any federal banking authority is
required for the execution, delivery or performance by the Property
Trustee and the Guarantee Trustee of the Declaration and the Preferred
Securities Guarantee Agreement.
(v) The Statements of Eligibility on Forms T-1 with respect
to each of the Property Trustee, the Debt Trustee, and the Guarantee
Trustee filed with the Commission as part of the Registration
Statement complied as to form in all material respects with the
requirements of the 1939 Act and the 1939 Act Regulations.
(vi) The Declaration constitutes a valid and binding
obligation of the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee and is
enforceable against the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee in
accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the enforcement
thereof may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exceptions.
(6) The opinion, dated as of Closing Time, of Mayer, Brown & Platt,
counsel for the Underwriters, together with signed or reproduced copies of
such letter for each of the other Underwriters, with respect to the matters
set forth in (i) (insofar as it relates to the existence and good standing
of the Company), (ii), (v) to (viii) (it being understood that any opinion
required with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities or the Common
Securities, as the case may be, not being subject to preemptive or other
similar rights of the securityholders shall be limited to such rights
arising by operation of law or under the Declaration), (x), (xi), (xii),
(xiv) (solely as to the information in the Prospectus under "Description of
the Preferred Securities" or any caption purporting to describe any Offered
Securities or the Subordinated Debentures), (xv) and the penultimate
paragraph of subsection
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(b)(1) of this Section. In giving such opinion, such counsel may rely, as
to all matters governed by the laws of jurisdictions other than the law of
the State of New York, the State of Illinois, the federal law of the United
States and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, upon the
opinions of counsel satisfactory to Merrill Lynch. Such counsel may also
state that, insofar as such opinion involves factual matters, they have
relied, to the extent they deem proper, upon certificates of officers of
the Company and its subsidiaries and certificates of public officials.
(c) At Closing Time there shall not have been, since the date of the
applicable Terms Agreement or since the respective dates as of which
information is given in the Prospectus, any material adverse change in the
condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business affairs or
business prospects of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries
considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course
of business, and Merrill Lynch shall have received a certificate of the
Chairman, President or Vice President-Finance of the Company and of the
Controller or Treasurer of the Company, dated as of Closing Time, to the
effect that (i) there has been no such material adverse change with respect
to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as one
enterprise, (ii) the representations and warranties in Section 1(a) are true
and correct with the same force and effect as though expressly made at and as
of Closing Time, (iii) the Company has complied with all agreements and
satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior
to Closing Time, and (iv) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement has been received by the Company or, to the Company's
knowledge, issued and, to the Company's knowledge, no proceedings for that
purpose have been initiated or threatened by the Commission.
(d) At the time of the execution of the applicable Terms Agreement,
Merrill Lynch shall have received from Arthur Andersen LLP a letter dated
such date, in form and substance satisfactory to Merrill Lynch, together with
signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other
Underwriters, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily
included in accountants' "comfort letters" to underwriters with respect to
the financial statements and certain financial information contained in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
(e) At Closing Time, Merrill Lynch shall have received from Arthur
Andersen LLP a letter, dated as of Closing Time, to the effect that they
reaffirm the statements made in the letter furnished pursuant to subsection
(d) of this Section, except that the specified date referred to shall be a
date not more than three business days prior to Closing Time.
(f) At Closing Time counsel for the Underwriters shall have been
furnished with such documents and opinions as they may reasonably require for
the purpose of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the
Underwritten Securities, as contemplated herein, and related proceedings, or
in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations or
warranties, or the fulfillment of any of the conditions, herein contained;
and all proceedings taken by the Offerors in connection with the issuance and
sale of the Underwritten Securities and the issuance of the Subordinated
Debentures shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Merrill
Lynch and counsel for the Underwriters.
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(g) At Closing Time, the Underwritten Securities shall have the ratings
accorded by any "nationally recognized statistical rating organization", as
defined by the Commission for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) of the 1933 Act
Regulations (a "NRSRO"), if and as specified in the applicable Terms
Agreement.
(h) At Closing Time, the Underwritten Securities shall have been
approved for listing, subject only to official notice of issuance, if and as
specified in the applicable Terms Agreement.
(i) If the Registration Statement or an offering of Underwritten
Securities is required to be and has been filed with the NASD for review, the
NASD shall not have raised any objection that remains unresolved at Closing
Time with respect to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting
terms and arrangements.
If any condition specified in this Section shall not have been fulfilled
when and as required to be fulfilled, this Underwriting Agreement and the
applicable Terms Agreement may be terminated by Merrill Lynch by notice to
the Company at any time at or prior to Closing Time and such termination
shall be without liability of any party to any other party except as provided
in Section 4 and except that Sections 1, 6, 7 and 8 shall survive any such
termination and remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 6. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) The Offerors agree jointly and severally to indemnify and hold
harmless each Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls any
Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of
the 1934 Act as follows:
(i) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense
whatsoever, as incurred, arising out of any untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement
(or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information and the
Rule 434 Information deemed to be part of the Registration Statement, if
applicable, or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading or arising out of any untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement of a material fact contained in any preliminary prospectus
or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or the omission
or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make
the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading;
(ii) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense
whatsoever, as incurred, to the extent of the aggregate amount paid in
settlement of any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any
governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim
whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission or any such
alleged untrue statement or omission; provided that (subject to Section
6(d) below) any such settlement is effected with the written consent of the
Company; and
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(iii) against any and all expense whatsoever, as incurred
(including, subject to Section 6(c) hereof, the fees and disbursements of
counsel chosen by Merrill Lynch), reasonably incurred in investigating,
preparing or defending against any litigation, or any investigation or
proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or
any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or
any such alleged untrue statement or omission, to the extent that any such
expense is not paid under (i) or (ii) above;
provided, however, that (A) this indemnity agreement does not apply to any loss,
liability, claim, damage or expense to the extent arising out of any untrue
statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance
upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any
Underwriter through Merrill Lynch expressly for use in the Registration
Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information and
the Rule 434 Information deemed to be a part thereof, if applicable, or any
preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement
thereto) and (B) as to any preliminary prospectus, any preliminary prospectus
supplement, the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, this
indemnity agreement shall not inure to the benefit of any Underwriter on account
of any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense arising from the fact that such
Underwriter sold Underwritten Securities to a person to whom there was not sent
or given, at or prior to the written confirmation of such sale, a copy of the
Prospectus (excluding documents incorporated by reference) or of the Prospectus
(excluding documents incorporated by reference) as then amended or supplemented
in any case where such delivery is required by the 1933 Act if the Company has
previously furnished copies thereof to such Underwriter in the quantities
requested and the loss, claim, damage or liability of such Underwriter results
from an untrue statement or omission of a material fact contained in such
preliminary prospectus, preliminary prospectus supplement, Prospectus (excluding
documents incorporated by reference) or amendment or supplement thereto, which
the Company has sustained the burden of proving was corrected in the Prospectus
(excluding documents incorporated by reference) or in the Prospectus (excluding
documents incorporated by reference) as then amended or supplemented.
(b) Each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Offerors, each of the Company's directors, the Trustees, each of the
Offerors' officers who signed the Registration Statement, and each person, if
any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933
Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act against any and all loss, liability, claim,
damage and expense described in the indemnity contained in subsection (a) of
this Section, as incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or
omissions, or alleged untrue statements or omissions, made in the
Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A
Information and the Rule 434 Information deemed to be a part thereof, if
applicable, or any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment
or supplement thereto) in reliance upon and in conformity with written
information furnished to the Company by such Underwriter through Merrill
Lynch expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or any amendment
thereto) or such preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment
or supplement thereto).
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(c) Each indemnified party shall give notice as promptly as reasonably
practicable to each indemnifying party of any action commenced against it in
respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, but failure to so notify
an indemnifying party shall not relieve such indemnifying party from any
liability hereunder to the extent it is not materially prejudiced as a result
thereof and in any event shall not relieve it from any liability which it may
have otherwise than on account of this indemnity agreement. In case any such
action is brought against any indemnified party, and it notifies the
indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party will
be entitled to participate therein, and to the extent that it may elect by
written notice delivered to the indemnified party promptly after receiving
the aforesaid notice from such indemnified party, to assume the defense
thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party,
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the defendants (including any impleaded
defendants) in any such action include both the indemnified party and the
indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded
that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified
parties which are different from or additional to those available to the
indemnifying party, the indemnified party or parties shall have the right to
select separate counsel. Upon receipt of notice from the indemnifying party
to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense of such
action and approval by the indemnified party of counsel, the indemnifying
party will not be liable to such indemnified party under this Section 6 for
any legal fees or other expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified
party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of
investigation unless (i) the indemnified party shall have employed separate
counsel in accordance with the proviso to the next preceding sentence (it
being understood, however, that the indemnifying party shall not, in
connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions in
the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or
circumstances, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate
counsel (plus any local counsel) representing the indemnified parties under
Section 6(a) who are parties to such action); (ii) the indemnifying party
shall not have employed counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified
party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time after
notice of commencement of the action; or (iii) the indemnifying party has
authorized the employment of counsel for the indemnified party at the expense
of the indemnifying party; and except that, if clause (i) or (iii) is
applicable, such liability shall be only in respect of the counsel referred
to in such clause (i) or (iii). No indemnifying party shall, without the
prior written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or compromise or
consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any litigation, or any
investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or
threatened, or any claim whatsoever in respect of which indemnification or
contribution could be sought under this Section 6 or Section 7 hereof
(whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties
thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an
unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability arising
out of such litigation, investigation, proceeding or claim and (ii) does not
include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure
to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.
(d) If at any time an indemnified party shall have requested in writing
an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and
expenses of counsel, such indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable
for any settlement of the nature contemplated by Section 6(a)(ii) effected
without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into after the
later of (A) 45 days
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after such indemnified party has mailed (by registered or certified mail,
postage prepaid) the aforesaid request to each of the Notice Recipients (as
defined below) and (B) if the indemnifying party has not given written notice
to such indemnified party of the receipt by such indemnifying party of the
aforesaid request, 30 days after such indemnified party has mailed (by
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid) a second such request to each
of the Notice Recipients, provided that such second request is not mailed
prior to the 46th day after the request referred to in subclause (i)(A) above
is mailed, (ii) such indemnifying party shall have received notice of the
terms of such settlement at least 30 days prior to such settlement being
entered into and (iii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed such
indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such
settlement. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, if at any
time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to
reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel, an
indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of the nature
contemplated by Section 6(a)(ii) effected without its consent if such
indemnifying party (i) reimburses such indemnified party in accordance with
such request to the extent it considers such request to be reasonable and
(ii) provides written notice to the indemnified party substantiating the
unpaid balance as unreasonable, in each case prior to the date of such
settlement. The Notice Recipients are the Chief Financial Officer and the
Secretary of the Company. Requests mailed pursuant to this Section 6(d) to
(i) the Chief Financial Officer of the Company shall be mailed to him at
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 4000,
Chicago, Illinois 60602 and (ii) the Secretary of the Company shall be mailed
to Michael G. Hron, Sidley & Austin, One First National Plaza, Suite 4200,
Chicago, Illinois 60603.
SECTION 7. CONTRIBUTION. If the indemnification provided for in
Section 6 hereof is for any reason unavailable to or insufficient to hold
harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, liabilities, claims,
damages or expenses referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall
contribute to the aggregate amount of such losses, liabilities, claims,
damages and expenses incurred by such indemnified party, as incurred, (i) in
such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received
by the Offerors, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand,
from the offering of the Underwritten Securities pursuant to the applicable
Terms Agreement or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is not
permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect
not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the
relative fault of the Offerors, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the
other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in
such losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses, as well as any other
relevant equitable considerations.
The relative benefits received by the Offerors, on the one hand, and the
Underwriters, on the other hand, in connection with the offering of the
Underwritten Securities pursuant to the applicable Terms Agreement shall be
deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the total net proceeds
from the offering of such Underwritten Securities (before deducting expenses)
received by the Offerors and the total underwriting discount received by the
Underwriters, in each case as set forth on the cover of the Prospectus, or,
if Rule 434 is used, the corresponding location on the Term Sheet, bear to
the aggregate initial public offering price of such Underwritten Securities
as set forth on such cover.
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The relative fault of the Offerors, on the one hand, and the
Underwriters, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among
other things, whether any such untrue or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact
relates to information supplied by the Offerors or by the Underwriters and
the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and
opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
The Offerors and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and
equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7 were determined by pro
rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such
purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of
the equitable considerations referred to above in this Section 7. The
aggregate amount of losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses
incurred by an indemnified party and referred to above in this Section 7
shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by
such indemnified party in investigating, preparing or defending against any
litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or
body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such
untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7, no Underwriter shall be
required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total
price at which the Underwritten Securities underwritten by it and distributed
to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages
which such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of any
such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.
No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of
Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any
person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
For purposes of this Section 7, each person, if any, who controls an
Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of
the 1934 Act shall have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter,
and each director of the Company, each officer of the Offerors who signed the
Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company
within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934
Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Offerors. The
Underwriters' respective obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 7
are several in proportion to the aggregate principal amount of Underwritten
Securities set forth opposite their respective names in the applicable Terms
Agreement, and not joint.
SECTION 8. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS TO SURVIVE
DELIVERY. All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this
Underwriting Agreement or the applicable Terms Agreement, or contained in
certificates of officers of the Company or any of its subsidiaries submitted
pursuant hereto or thereto, shall remain operative and in full force and
effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any
Underwriter or controlling person, or by or on behalf of the Offerors, and
shall survive delivery of and payment for the Underwritten Securities.
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SECTION 9. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.
(a) This Underwriting Agreement (excluding the applicable Terms
Agreement) may be terminated for any reason at any time by the Company or by
Merrill Lynch upon the giving of 30 days' prior written notice of such
termination to the other.
(b) Merrill Lynch may terminate the applicable Terms Agreement, by
notice to the Company, at any time at or prior to the Closing Time, if (i)
there has been, since the time of execution of such Terms Agreement or since
the respective dates as of which information is given in the Prospectus, any
material adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the
earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the Trust or the Company
and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, whether or
not arising in the ordinary course of business, or (ii) there has occurred
any material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States or,
if the Underwritten Securities include Trust Preferred Securities denominated
or payable in, or indexed to, one or more foreign or composite currencies, in
the international financial markets, or any outbreak of hostilities or
escalation thereof or other calamity or crisis or any change or development
involving a prospective change in national or international political,
financial or economic conditions, in each case the effect of which is such as
to make it, in the reasonable judgment of Merrill Lynch, impracticable to
market the Underwritten Securities or to enforce contracts for the sale of
the Underwritten Securities, or (iii) trading in any securities of any of the
Trusts or of the Company has been suspended or materially limited by the
Commission or the American Stock Exchange, or if trading generally on the New
York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange or in the Nasdaq National
Market has been suspended or materially limited, or minimum or maximum prices
for trading have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices have been required,
by either of said exchanges or by such system or by order of the Commission,
the NASD or any other governmental authority, or (iv) a banking moratorium
has been declared by either Federal, Illinois or New York authorities or, if
the Underwritten Securities include Trust Preferred Securities denominated
or payable in, or indexed to, one or more foreign or composite currencies, by
the relevant authorities in the related foreign country or countries, or (v)
there has occurred, since the time of execution of such Terms Agreement, a
downgrading in, or withdrawal of, the rating assigned to the Underwritten
Securities or any of the Company's or any of the Trusts' other securities by
a NRSRO, or any such NRSRO shall have publicly announced that it has under
surveillance or review with possible negative implications its rating of
the Underwritten Securities or any of the Company's or any of the Trusts'
other securities.
(c) If this Underwriting Agreement or the applicable Terms Agreement is
terminated pursuant to this Section 9, such termination shall be without
liability of any party to any other party except as provided in Section 4
hereof, and provided further that Sections 1, 6, 7 and 8 shall survive such
termination and remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 10. DEFAULT BY ONE OR MORE OF THE UNDERWRITERS. If one or
more of the Underwriters shall fail at the Closing Time to purchase the
Underwritten Securities which it or they are obligated to purchase under the
applicable Terms Agreement (the "Defaulted Securities"), then Merrill Lynch
and the Company shall each have the right, within 24 hours thereafter, to
make
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arrangements for one or more of the non-defaulting Underwriters, or any other
underwriters reasonably acceptable to Merrill Lynch, to purchase all, but not
less than all, of the Defaulted Securities in such amounts as may be agreed
upon and upon the terms herein set forth; if, however, Merrill Lynch shall
not have completed such arrangements within such 24-hour period, then:
(a) if the aggregate principal amount of Defaulted Securities does not
exceed 10% of the aggregate principal amount of Underwritten Securities to be
purchased on such date pursuant to such Terms Agreement, the non-defaulting
Underwriters shall be obligated, severally and not jointly, to purchase the
full amount thereof in the proportions that their respective underwriting
obligations under such Terms Agreement bear to the underwriting obligations
of all non-defaulting Underwriters, or
(b) if the aggregate principal amount of Defaulted Securities exceeds
10% of the aggregate principal amount of Underwritten Securities to be
purchased on such date pursuant to such Terms Agreement, such Terms Agreement
shall terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting
Underwriter.
No action taken pursuant to this Section 10 shall relieve any defaulting
Underwriter from liability in respect of its default.
In the event of any such default which does not result in a termination
of the applicable Terms Agreement, either Merrill Lynch or the Company shall
have the right to postpone the Closing Time for a period not exceeding seven
days in order to effect any required changes in the Registration Statement or
the Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements.
SECTION 11. NOTICES. Except as otherwise provided in Section 6(d),
all notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall
be deemed to have been duly given if mailed or transmitted by any standard
form of telecommunication. Notices to the Underwriters shall be directed to
Merrill Lynch at Merrill Lynch & Co., 5500 Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois
60606, Attention: Steve Moss; notices to the Company or the Trust shall be
directed to it at; Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., 30 North LaSalle Street,
Suite 4000, Chicago, Illinois 60602, Attention: President and Chief Executive
Officer.
SECTION 12. PARTIES. This Underwriting Agreement and the applicable
Terms Agreement shall each inure to the benefit of and be binding upon
Merrill Lynch, the Offerors, and, upon execution of such Terms Agreement, any
other Underwriters and their respective successors. Nothing expressed or
mentioned in this Underwriting Agreement or such Terms Agreement is intended
or shall be construed to give any person, firm or corporation, other than the
Underwriters and the Offerors and their respective successors and the
controlling persons and officers and directors referred to in Sections 6 and
7 and their heirs and legal representatives, any legal or equitable right,
remedy or claim under or in respect of this Underwriting Agreement or such
Terms Agreement or any provision herein or therein contained. This
Underwriting Agreement and such Terms Agreement and all conditions and
provisions hereof and thereof are intended to be for the sole and exclusive
benefit of the parties hereto and thereto and their respective successors,
and said
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controlling persons and officers and directors and their heirs and legal
representatives, and for the benefit of no other person, firm or corporation.
No purchaser of Underwritten Securities from any Underwriter shall be deemed
to be a successor by reason merely of such purchase.
SECTION 13. GOVERNING LAW AND TIME. THIS UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT AND
ANY APPLICABLE TERMS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. SPECIFIED TIMES OF DAY
REFER TO NEW YORK CITY TIME.
SECTION 14. EFFECT OF HEADINGS. The Article and Section headings
herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
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<PAGE>
If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our
agreement, please sign and return to the Company a counterpart hereof,
whereupon this Underwriting Agreement, along with all counterparts, will
become a binding agreement between Merrill Lynch and the Offerors in
accordance with its terms.
Very truly yours,
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
TDS CAPITAL I
TDS CAPITAL II
TDS CAPITAL III
By
-------------------------------------------
Title: Authorized Officer
CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED,
as of the date first above written:
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
By
-----------------------------------------
-39-
<PAGE>
Exhibit A
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
(an Iowa corporation)
TDS CAPITAL I
TDS CAPITAL II
TDS CAPITAL III
(each, a Delaware business trust)
TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
TERMS AGREEMENT
To: Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.
30 North LaSalle Street
Suite 4000
Chicago, IL 60602
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We understand that TDS Capital __, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust"),
and Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., an Iowa corporation (the "Company" and,
together with the Trust, the "Offerors"), propose to issue and sell [ ]
of Preferred Securities (the "Offered Securities"). Subject to the terms and
conditions set forth or incorporated by reference herein, we [the underwriters
named below (the "Underwriters")] offer to purchase [, severally and not
jointly,] the number of Offered Securities [opposite their names set forth
below] at the purchase price set forth below.
Number
Underwriter of Offered Securities
----------- ---------------------
_______________
Total $
_______________
_______________
The Offered Securities shall have the following terms:
Title:
Ratings:
Liquidation Preference:
<PAGE>
Distribution rate or formula:
Distribution payment dates:
Regular record dates:
Stated maturity date:
Redemption provisions:
Listing requirements:
Black-out provisions:
Fixed or Variable Price Offering: [Fixed] [Variable] Price Offering
Purchase price per security: ___% of principal amount, plus accrued Dividends,
if any, from _________________.
Form:
Other terms and conditions: [Include terms of the Company's Subordinated
Debentures to be issued to the Trust in exchange for the proceeds received by
the Trust in the offering of the Offered Securities.]
QIU Issues: [State whether the fees and expenses of any Underwriter acting in
the capacity of a "qualified independent underwriter" (as defined in Section
2(l) of Schedule E of the bylaws of the NASD), if applicable, are to be paid by
the Company]
Closing date and location:
All of the provisions contained in the document attached as Annex I
hereto entitled "TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.--Trust Preferred
Securities--Underwriting Agreement" are hereby incorporated by reference in
their entirety herein and shall be deemed to be a part of this Terms
Agreement to the same extent as if such provisions had been set forth in full
herein. Terms defined in such document are used herein as therein defined.
-2-
<PAGE>
Please accept this offer no later than ____ o'clock P.M. (New York City
time) on ______________ by signing a copy of this Terms Agreement in the
space set forth below and returning the signed copy to us.
Very truly yours,
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH
INCORPORATED
By
-------------------------------------------
Authorized Signatory
[Acting on behalf of itself and the other named Underwriters.]
Accepted:
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
By
-----------------------------------
Name:
Title:
SCHEDULE A
to Terms Agreement
PREFERRED SECURITIES COMMISSION
Merrill Lynch, Pierce Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
[others]
________________ ______________
<PAGE>
Exhibit 4.1
CERTIFICATE OF TRUST
OF TDS CAPITAL III
This Certificate of Trust is filed in accordance with the provisions of
the Delaware Business Trust Act (12 Del. C. Section 3801 et seq.) and sets
forth the following:
1. The name of the trust created hereby is: TFS Capital III (the "Trust")
2. The name and business address of the trustee of the Trust with a
principal place of business in the State of Delaware is:
First Chicago Delaware Inc.
300 King Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801
3. This Certificate of Trust shall be effective upon filing.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, all of the trustees of the Trust have duly executed
this Certificate of Trust as of October ___, 1997.
FIRST CHICAGO DELAWARE INC., THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF
as trustee CHICAGO, as trustee
By: By:
---------------------------- ------------------------------
Name: Name:
Title: Title:
MURRAY L. SWANSON, as trustee
- ------------------------------
<PAGE>
DECLARATION OF TRUST
OF
TDS CAPITAL I
This DECLARATION OF TRUST of TDS Capital I (the "Trust"), dated as of
October __, 1997, among (i) Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., an Iowa
corporation (the "Depositor"), (ii) The First National Bank of Chicago, a
national banking association, not in its individual capacity but solely as
trustee of the Trust, (iii) First Chicago Delaware Inc., a Delaware corporation,
not in its individual capacity but solely as trustee of the Trust, and (iv)
__________________, an individual employed by the Depositor, not in his
individual capacity but solely as trustee of the Trust, and (v) _______________,
an individual employed by the Depositor, not in his individual capacity but
solely as Trustee of the Trust (each of such trustees in (ii), (iii), (iv) and
(v), a "Trustee" and collectively, the "Trustees"). The Depositor and the
Trustees hereby agree as follows:
1. The trust created hereby shall be known as "TDS Capital I", in
which name the Trustees, or the Depositor to the extent provided herein,
may conduct the business of the Trust, make and execute contracts, and sue
and be sued.
2. The Depositor hereby assigns, transfers, conveys and sets over to
the Trust the sum of $10. Such amount shall constitute the initial trust
estate. It is the intention of the parties hereto that the Trust created
hereby constitute a business trust under Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the
Delaware Code, 12 DEL. C. Section 3801 ET SEQ. (the "Business Trust Act"),
and that this document constitutes the governing instrument of the Trust.
The Trustees are hereby authorized and directed to execute and file a
certificate of trust with the Delaware Secretary of State in accordance
with the provisions of the Business Trust Act.
3. The Depositor and the Trustees will enter into an amended and
restated Declaration of Trust, satisfactory to each such party and
substantially in the form to be included as an exhibit to the 1933 Act
Registration Statement referred to below, to provide for the contemplated
operation of the Trust created hereby and the issuance of the Preferred
Securities and Common Securities referred to therein. Prior to the
execution and delivery of such amended and restated Declaration of Trust,
the Trustees shall not have any duty or obligation hereunder or with
respect to the trust estate, except as otherwise required by applicable law
or as may be necessary to obtain prior to such execution and delivery any
licenses, consents or approvals required by applicable law or otherwise.
4. The Depositor is hereby authorized (i) to file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and execute, in each
case on behalf of the Trust, (a) a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the
"1933 Act Registration Statement"), including any pre-effective or post-
effective amendments to the 1933 Act Registration
<PAGE>
Statement, relating to the registration under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, of the Preferred Securities of the Trust and certain other
securities, and (b) a Registration Statement on Form 8-A (the "1934 Act
Registration Statement") (including all pre-effective and post-effective
amendments thereto) relating to the registration of the Preferred
Securities of the Trust under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended; (ii) to file with the American Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") and
execute on behalf of the Trust a listing application and all other
applications, statements, certificates, agreements and other instruments as
shall be necessary or desirable to cause the Preferred Securities to be
listed on the Exchange, and (iii) to file and execute on behalf of the
Trust such applications, reports, surety bonds, irrevocable consents,
appointments of attorney for service of process and other papers and
documents as shall be necessary or desirable to register the Preferred
Securities under the securities or "Blue Sky" laws of such jurisdictions as
the Depositor, on behalf of the Trust, may deem necessary or desirable, and
(iv) to execute one or more underwriting or pricing agreements on behalf of
the Trust in connection with the sole Preferred Securities in the Trust.
In the event that any filing referred to in clauses referred to above is
required by the rules and regulations of the Commission, the Exchange or
state securities or "Blue Sky" laws, to be executed on behalf of the Trust
by one or more of the Trustees, each of the Trustees, in its or his
capacity as Trustee of the Trust, is hereby authorized and, to the extent
so required, directed to join in any such filing and to execute on behalf
of the Trust any and all of the foregoing, it being understood that The
First National Bank of Chicago and First Chicago Delaware Inc., in their
capacities as Trustees of the Trust, respectively, shall not be required to
join in any such filing or execute on behalf of the Trust any such document
unless required by the rules and regulations of the Commission, the
Exchange or state securities or "Blue Sky" laws. In connection with all of
the foregoing, the Depositor and each Trustee, solely in its capacity as
trustee of the Trust, hereby constitutes and appoints LeRoy T. Carlson,
Jr., Murray L. Swanson and Greg Wilkinson, and each of them, as its or his
true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for the Depositor or such Trustee or in
the Depositor's or such Trustee's name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to the 1933 Act Registration Statement and the 1934 Act
Registration Statement and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith and in connection with the filing
of the 1933 Act Registration Statement and the 1934 Act Registration
Statement, with the Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully
to all intents and purposes as the Depositor or such Trustee might or could
do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-
fact and agents or any of them, or their respective substitute or
substitutes, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
5. This Declaration of Trust may be executed in one or more
counterparts.
-2-
<PAGE>
6. The number of Trustees initially shall be four (4) and thereafter
the number of Trustees shall be such number as shall be fixed from time to
time by a written instrument signed by the Depositor which may increase or
decrease the number of Trustees; provided, however, that to the extent
required by the Business Trust Act, one Trustee shall either be a natural
person who is a resident of the State of Delaware, or, if not a natural
person, an entity which has its principal place of business in the State of
Delaware and otherwise meets the requirements of applicable Delaware law.
Subject to the foregoing, the Depositor is entitled to appoint or remove
without cause any Trustee at any time. The Trustees may resign upon thirty
days prior notice to Depositor.
7. First Chicago Delaware Inc. in its capacity as trustee of the
Trust, shall not have any of the powers or duties of the Trustees set forth
herein and shall be a Trustee of the Trust for the sole purpose of
satisfying the requirements of Section 3807 of the Business Trust Act.
8. This Declaration of Trust shall be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware (without regard to
conflict of laws principles).
* * * * *
-3-
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Declaration of
Trust to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC,. ____________________________,
as Depositor not in his individual capacity
but solely as Trustee
By: By:
----------------------------- --------------------------------
Name:
Title:
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
OF CHICAGO, ___________________________,
not in its individual capacity not in his individual capacity
but solely as Trustee but solely as Trustee
By: By:
----------------------------- --------------------------------
Name:
Title:
FIRST CHICAGO DELAWARE INC.
not in its individual capacity
but solely as Trustee
By:
-----------------------------------
Name:
Title
-4-
<PAGE>
-----------------------------------
AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST
TDS CAPITAL I
Dated as of ________, 1997
-----------------------------------
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
ARTICLE I
INTERPRETATION AND DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
SECTION 1.1. Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
ARTICLE II
TRUST INDENTURE ACT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SECTION 2.1. Trust Indenture Act; Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SECTION 2.2. Lists of Holders of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SECTION 2.3. Reports by the Property Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 2.4. Periodic Reports to Property Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 2.5. Evidence of Compliance with Conditions
Precedent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 2.6. Events of Default; Waiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 2.7. Events of Default; Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
ARTICLE III
ORGANIZATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
SECTION 3.1. Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
SECTION 3.2. Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SECTION 3.3. Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SECTION 3.4. Authority. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SECTION 3.5. Title to Property of the Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SECTION 3.6. Powers and Duties of the Regular Trustees. . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SECTION 3.7. Prohibition of Actions by the Trust and
the Trustees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
SECTION 3.8. Powers and Duties of the Property Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . 19
SECTION 3.9. Certain Duties and Responsibilities of
the Property Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
SECTION 3.10. Certain Rights of Property Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SECTION 3.11. Delaware Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SECTION 3.12. Execution of Documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SECTION 3.13. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance
of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SECTION 3.14. Duration of Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SECTION 3.15. Mergers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
ARTICLE IV
SPONSOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
SECTION 4.1. Sponsor's Purchase of Common Securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
SECTION 4.2. Responsibilities of the Sponsor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
-i-
<PAGE>
ARTICLE V
TRUSTEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
SECTION 5.1. Number of Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
SECTION 5.2. Delaware Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
SECTION 5.3. Property Trustee; Eligibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
SECTION 5.4. Qualifications of Regular Trustees and
Delaware Trustee Generally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
SECTION 5.5. Initial Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
SECTION 5.6. Appointment, Removal and Resignation of
Trustees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
SECTION 5.7. Vacancies among Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SECTION 5.8. Effect of Vacancies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SECTION 5.9. Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SECTION 5.10. Delegation of Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
ARTICLE VI
DISTRIBUTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
SECTION 6.1. Distributions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
ARTICLE VII
ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
SECTION 7.1. General Provisions Regarding Securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION OF TRUST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
SECTION 8.1. Termination of Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
ARTICLE IX
TRANSFER OF INTERESTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 9.1. Transfer of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 9.2. Transfer of Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 9.3. Deemed Security Holders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
SECTION 9.4. Book Entry Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
SECTION 9.5. Notices to Clearing Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
SECTION 9.6. Appointment of Successor Clearing Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
SECTION 9.7. Definitive Preferred Security
Certificates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
SECTION 9.8. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or
Stolen Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
ARTICLE X
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF
HOLDERS OF SECURITIES, TRUSTEES OR OTHERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
SECTION 10.1. Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
SECTION 10.2. Exculpation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
SECTION 10.3. Fiduciary Duty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
-ii-
<PAGE>
SECTION 10.4. Indemnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
SECTION 10.5. Outside Businesses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
ARTICLE XI
ACCOUNTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
SECTION 11.1. Fiscal Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
SECTION 11.2. Certain Accounting Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
SECTION 11.3. Banking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
SECTION 11.4. Withholding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS AND MEETINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
SECTION 12.1. Amendments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
SECTION 12.2. Meetings of the Holders of Securities;
Action by Written Consent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
ARTICLE XIII
REPRESENTATIONS OF PROPERTY TRUSTEE AND DELAWARE
TRUSTEE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
SECTION 13.1. Representations and Warranties of
Property Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
SECTION 13.2. Representations and Warranties of
Delaware Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
ARTICLE XIV
SUCCESSOR CORPORATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
SECTION 14.1. Sponsor May Consolidate, Etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
SECTION 14.2. Successor Corporation Substituted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
SECTION 14.3. Evidence of Consolidation, Etc. to
Property Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
ARTICLE XV
MISCELLANEOUS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
SECTION 15.1. Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
SECTION 15.2. Governing Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
SECTION 15.3. Intention of the Parties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
SECTION 15.4. Headings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
SECTION 15.5. Successors and Assigns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
SECTION 15.6. Partial Enforceability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
SECTION 15.7. Counterparts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
</TABLE>
-iii-
<PAGE>
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*
Section of
Trust Indenture Act Section of
of 1939, as amended Declaration
--------------------- ------------
310(a) 5.3(a)
310(b) 5.3(c)
310(c) Inapplicable
311(c) Inapplicable
312(a) 2.2(a)
312(b) 2.2(b)
313 2.3
314(a) 2.4
314(b) Inapplicable
314(c) 2.5
314(d) Inapplicable
314(f) Inapplicable
315(a) 3.9(b)
315(b) 2.8
315(c) 3.9(a)
315(d) 3.9(a)
316(a) Exhibit A, 2.6
316(c) 3.6(e)
* This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of the Declaration
and shall not affect the interpretation of any of its terms or
provisions.
-iv-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
TERMS OF SECURITIES
EXHIBIT B
PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE
EXHIBIT C
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
-v-
<PAGE>
AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST
OF
TDS CAPITAL I
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST ("Declaration"), dated
and effective as of ________, 1997, by the Trustees (as defined herein), the
Sponsor (as defined herein), and by the holders, from time to time, of undivided
beneficial interests in the Trust to be issued pursuant to this Declaration;
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, certain of the Trustees and the Sponsor have heretofore
established a trust (the "Trust") under the Business Trust Act (as defined
herein) pursuant to a Declaration of Trust dated ___________, 1997 (the
"Original Declaration") for the sole purpose of issuing and selling certain
securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the
Trust and investing the proceeds thereof in certain Subordinated Debentures of
the Subordinated Debenture Issuer;
WHEREAS, all the Trustees and the Sponsor, by this Declaration, amend
and restate each and every term and provision of the Original Declaration;
NOW, THEREFORE, it being the intention of the parties hereto to
continue the Trust as a business trust under the Business Trust Act and that
this Declaration constitute the governing instrument of such business trust, the
Trustees declare that all assets contributed to the Trust will be held in trust
for the benefit of the holders, from time to time, of the securities
representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust issued
hereunder, subject to the provisions of this Declaration.
ARTICLE I
INTERPRETATION AND DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1. DEFINITIONS. Capitalized terms used in this Declaration
but not defined in the preamble above have the respective meanings assigned to
them in this Section 1.1. A term defined anywhere in this Declaration has the
same meaning throughout. A term defined in the Trust Indenture Act has the same
meaning when used in this Declaration unless otherwise defined in this
Declaration or unless the context otherwise requires.
<PAGE>
AFFILIATE:
The term "Affiliate" has the same meaning as given to that term in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act or any successor rule thereunder.
AUTHORIZED OFFICER:
The term "Authorized Officer" of a Person means any Person that is
authorized to bind such Person.
BOOK ENTRY INTEREST:
The term "Book Entry Interest" means a beneficial interest in a Global
Certificate, ownership and transfers of which shall be maintained and made
through book entries by a Clearing Agency as described in Section 9.4.
BUSINESS DAY:
The term "Business Day" means any day other than a day on which
banking institutions in Chicago, Illinois or New York, New York are authorized
or required by law to close.
BUSINESS TRUST ACT:
The term "Business Trust Act" means Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the
Delaware Code, 12 Del. C. Section 3801 ET SEQ., as it may be amended from time
to time.
CERTIFICATE:
The term "Certificate" means a Common Security Certificate or a
Preferred Security Certificate.
CLEARING AGENCY:
The term "Clearing Agency" means an organization registered as a
"Clearing Agency" pursuant to Section 17A of the Exchange Act that is acting as
depository for the Preferred Securities and in whose name, or in the name of a
nominee of that organization, shall be registered a Global Certificate and which
shall undertake to effect book entry transfers and pledges of the Preferred
Securities.
2
<PAGE>
CLEARING AGENCY PARTICIPANT:
The term "Clearing Agency Participant" means a broker, dealer, bank,
other financial institution or other Person for whom, from time to time, the
Clearing Agency effects book entry transfers and pledges of securities deposited
with the Clearing Agency.
CLOSING DATE:
The term "Closing Date" means ________, 1997.
CODE:
The term "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
COMMON SECURITY:
The term "Common Security" has the meaning specified in Section 7.1.
COMMON SECURITY CERTIFICATE:
The term "Common Security Certificate" means a definitive certificate
in fully registered form representing a Common Security substantially in the
form of Annex II to Exhibit A.
COVERED PERSON:
The term "Covered Person" means:
(a) any officer, director, shareholder, partner, member,
representative, employee or agent of:
(i) the Trust; or
(ii) the Trust's Affiliates; and
(b) any Holder of Securities.
DEBENTURE ISSUER:
The term "Debenture Issuer" means TDS, in its capacity as the issuer
of the Subordinated Debentures.
DEBENTURE TRUSTEE:
The term "Debenture Trustee" means The First National Bank of Chicago,
as trustee under the Indenture, until a successor
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is appointed thereunder and thereafter means such successor trustee.
DELAWARE TRUSTEE:
The term "Delaware Trustee" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.
DEFINITIVE PREFERRED SECURITY CERTIFICATES:
The term "Definitive Preferred Security Certificates" has the meaning
set forth in Section 9.4.
DIRECTION:
The term "Direction" by a Person means a written direction signed:
(a) if the Person is a natural person, by that Person; or
(b) in any other case, in the name of such Person by one or more
Authorized Officers of that Person.
DISTRIBUTION:
The term "Distribution" means a distribution payable to Holders of
Securities in accordance with Section 6.1.
DTC:
The term "DTC" means The Depository Trust Company, the initial
Clearing Agency.
EVENT OF DEFAULT:
The term "Event of Default" in respect of the Securities means an
Indenture Default has occurred and is continuing in respect of the Subordinated
Debentures.
EXCHANGE ACT:
The term "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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GLOBAL CERTIFICATE:
The term "Global Certificate" has the meaning set forth in Section
9.4.
HOLDER:
The term "Holder" means the Person in whose name a Certificate
representing a Security is registered, such Person being a beneficial owner
within the meaning of the Business Trust Act; provided, however, that in
determining whether Holders of the requisite liquidation amount of Preferred
Securities have voted on any matter provided for in this Declaration, then for
the purpose of such determination only (and not for any other purpose
hereunder), if the Preferred Securities remain in the form of one or more Global
Certificates, the term "Holder" shall mean the holder of the Global Certificate
acting at the direction of the Preferred Security Beneficial Owners.
INDEMNIFIED PERSON:
The term "Indemnified Person" means any Trustee, any Affiliate of any
Trustee, or any officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners, employees,
representatives or agents of any Trustee, or any employee or agent of the Trust
or its Affiliates.
INDENTURE:
The term "Indenture" means the Indenture dated as of October 15, 1997
between the Debenture Issuer and the Debenture Trustee, and any amendment
thereto and any indenture supplemental thereto pursuant to which the
Subordinated Debentures are to be issued.
INDENTURE DEFAULT:
The term "Indenture Default" means an "Event of Default" as such term
is defined in the Indenture.
INVESTMENT COMPANY:
The term "Investment Company" means an investment company as defined
in the Investment Company Act.
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT:
The term "Investment Company Act" means the Investment Company Act of
1940.
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LEGAL ACTION:
The term "Legal Action" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(g).
MAJORITY IN LIQUIDATION AMOUNT OF THE SECURITIES:
The term "Majority in liquidation amount of the Securities" means,
except as provided in the terms of the Preferred Securities or the Trust
Indenture Act, Holder(s) of outstanding Securities voting together as a single
class or, as the context may require, Holder(s) of outstanding Preferred
Securities or outstanding Common Securities voting separately as a class,
representing more than 50% of the aggregate stated liquidation amount (including
the stated amount that would be paid on redemption, liquidation or maturity,
plus accrued and unpaid Distributions to the date upon which the voting
percentages are determined) of all outstanding Securities of such class.
OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE:
The term "Officers' Certificate" means, with respect to any Person, a
certificate signed by two Authorized Officers of such Person. Any Officers'
Certificate delivered with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant
provided for in this Declaration shall include:
(a) a statement that each such officer signing the Certificate
has read the covenant or condition and the definition(s) relating
thereto;
(b) a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination
or investigation undertaken by each such officer in rendering the
Certificate;
(c) a statement that each such officer has made such examination
or investigation as, in such officer's opinion, is necessary to enable
such officer to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such
covenant or condition has been complied with; and
(d) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such
officer, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
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PAYING AGENT:
The term "Paying Agent" has the meaning specified in Section 3.8(i).
PERSON:
The term "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, joint stock company, unincorporated
association or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof, or any
other entity of whatever nature.
PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE:
The term "Preferred Securities Guarantee" means the Preferred
Securities Guarantee Agreement to be dated as of ________, 1997 of the
Sponsor in respect of the Preferred Securities in the form of Exhibit B.
PREFERRED SECURITY:
The term "Preferred Security" has the meaning specified in Section
7.1.
PREFERRED SECURITY BENEFICIAL OWNER:
The term "Preferred Security Beneficial Owner" means, with respect to
a Book Entry Interest, a Person who is the beneficial owner of such Book Entry
Interest, as reflected on the books of the Clearing Agency, or on the books of a
Person maintaining an account with such Clearing Agency (directly as a Clearing
Agency Participant or as an indirect participant, in each case in accordance
with the rules of such Clearing Agency).
PREFERRED SECURITY CERTIFICATE:
The term "Preferred Security Certificate" means a certificate
representing a Preferred Security substantially in the form of Annex I to
Exhibit A.
PROPERTY TRUSTEE:
The term "Property Trustee" means the Trustee meeting the eligibility
requirements set forth in Section 5.3.
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PROPERTY TRUSTEE ACCOUNT:
The term "Property Trustee Account" has the meaning set forth in
Section 3.8(c)(i).
QUORUM:
The term "Quorum" means a majority of the Regular Trustees or, if
there are only two Regular Trustees, both of them.
REGULAR TRUSTEE:
The term "Regular Trustee" means any Trustee other than the Property
Trustee and the Delaware Trustee.
RELATED PARTY:
The term "Related Party" means, with respect to the Sponsor, any
direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Sponsor or any other Person
which owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of the outstanding voting securities of
the Sponsor.
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER:
The term "Responsible Officer", when used with respect to the Property
Trustee, means the chairman of the board of directors, the President, any Vice
President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, any trust officer or any corporate
trust officer or any other officer or assistant officer of the Property Trustee
customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the
persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any
corporate trust matter is referred because of that officer's knowledge of and
familiarity with the particular subject.
RULE 3a-5:
The term "Rule 3a-5" means Rule 3a-5 under the Investment Company Act.
SECURITIES:
The term "Securities" mean the Common Securities and the Preferred
Securities.
SECURITIES ACT:
The term "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.
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66-2/3% IN LIQUIDATION AMOUNT OF THE SECURITIES:
The term "66-2/3% in liquidation amount of the Securities" means,
except as provided in the terms of the Preferred Securities or the Trust
Indenture Act, Holder(s) of outstanding Securities voting together as a single
class or, as the context may require, Holder(s) of outstanding Preferred
Securities or outstanding Common Securities, voting separately as a class,
representing 66-2/3% of the aggregate stated liquidation amount (including the
stated amount that would be paid on redemption, liquidation or maturity, plus
accrued and unpaid Distributions to the date upon which the voting percentages
are determined) of all outstanding Securities of such class.
SPONSOR:
The term "Sponsor" means TDS, in its capacity as sponsor of the Trust,
and its successor or successors by merger, consolidation or purchase of all or
substantially all of its assets.
SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES:
The term "Subordinated Debentures" means the series of Subordinated
Debentures to be issued by the Debenture Issuer under the Indenture to the
Property Trustee for the benefit of the Trust and the Holders.
SUCCESSOR PROPERTY TRUSTEE:
The term "Successor Property Trustee" means a successor Trustee
possessing the qualifications to act as Property Trustee under Section 5.3(a).
10% IN LIQUIDATION AMOUNT OF THE SECURITIES:
The term "10% in liquidation amount of the Securities" means, except
as provided in the terms of the Preferred Securities or the Trust Indenture Act,
Holder(s) of outstanding Securities voting together as a single class or, as the
context may require, Holder(s) of outstanding Preferred Securities or
outstanding Common Securities, voting separately as a class, representing 10% of
the aggregate stated liquidation amount (including the stated amount that would
be paid on redemption, liquidation or maturity, plus accrued and unpaid
Distributions to the date upon which the voting percentages are determined) of
all outstanding Securities of such class.
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TDS:
The term "TDS" means Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., an Iowa
corporation, or any successor entity in a merger or consolidation.
TAX EVENT:
The term "Tax Event" means a "Tax Event" as defined in the Indenture.
TREASURY REGULATIONS:
The term "Treasury Regulations" means the income tax regulations
including temporary and proposed regulations, promulgated under the Code by the
United States Treasury Department, as amended.
TRUSTEE OR TRUSTEES:
The terms "Trustee" or "Trustees" means each Person who has signed
this Declaration as a trustee, so long as such Person shall continue in office
in accordance with the terms hereof, and all other Persons who may from time to
time be duly appointed, qualified and serving as Trustees in accordance with the
provisions hereof, and references herein to a Trustee or the Trustees shall
refer to such Person or Persons solely in their capacity as trustees hereunder.
TRUST INDENTURE ACT:
The term "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT:
The term "Underwriting Agreement" means the Underwriting Agreement for
the offering and sale of Preferred Securities in the form of Exhibit C.
SECTION 1.2. INTERPRETATION. Each definition in this Declaration
includes the singular and the plural, and references to the neuter gender
include the masculine and feminine where appropriate. Terms which relate to
accounting matters shall be interpreted in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles in effect from time to time. References to any statute
mean such statute as amended at the time and include any successor legislation.
The word "or" is not exclusive, and the words
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"herein," "hereof" and "hereunder" refer to this Declaration as a whole. The
headings to the Articles and Sections are for convenience of reference and shall
not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Declaration. References to
Articles, Sections, Annexes and Schedules mean the Articles, Sections, Annexes
and Schedules of this Declaration. The Annexes, if any, and Schedules are
hereby incorporated by reference into and shall be deemed a part of this
Declaration.
ARTICLE II
TRUST INDENTURE ACT
SECTION 2.1. TRUST INDENTURE ACT; APPLICATION. (a) This Declaration
is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be
part of this Declaration and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by
such provisions.
(b) The Property Trustee shall be the only Trustee which is a trustee
for the purposes of the Trust Indenture Act. If and to the extent that any
provision of this Declaration limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties
imposed by sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such
imposed duties shall control.
(c) The application of the Trust Indenture Act to this Declaration
shall not affect the nature of the Securities as equity securities representing
undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.
SECTION 2.2. LISTS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES. (a) Each of the Sponsor
and the Regular Trustee(s) on behalf of the Trust shall provide the Property
Trustee (i) within fourteen (14) days after each record date for payment of
Distributions a list, in such form as the Property Trustee may reasonably
require, of the names and addresses of the Holders of the Securities ("List of
Holders") as of such record date, PROVIDED that none of the Sponsor or the
Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust shall be obligated to provide such List
of Holders at any time the List of Holders does not differ from the most recent
List of Holders given to the Property Trustee by the Sponsor and the Regular
Trustees on behalf of the Trust, and (ii) at any other time, within thirty (30)
days of receipt by the Trust of a written request for a List of Holders as of a
date no more than fourteen (14) days before such List of Holders is given to the
Property Trustee. The Property Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as
is reasonably practicable, all information contained in Lists of Holders given
to it or which it receives in its capacity as Paying Agent (if acting in such
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capacity) PROVIDED that the Property Trustee may destroy any List of Holders
previously given to it on receipt of a new List of Holders.
(b) The Property Trustee shall comply with its obligations under
sections 311(a), 311(b) and 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.3. REPORTS BY THE PROPERTY TRUSTEE. Within 60 days after
May 15 of each year, the Property Trustee shall provide to the Holders of the
Preferred Securities such reports, if any, as are required by Section 313 of the
Trust Indenture Act, in the form and in the manner and to the Person or Persons
provided by section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.4. PERIODIC REPORTS TO PROPERTY TRUSTEE. Each of the
Sponsor and the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust shall provide to the
Property Trustee such documents, reports and information as required by section
314 (if any) and the compliance certificate as required by section 314 of the
Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.5. EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH CONDITIONS PRECEDENT. Each
of the Sponsor and the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust shall provide to
the Property Trustee such evidence of compliance with the conditions precedent,
if any, provided for in this Declaration which relate to any of the matters set
forth in section 314(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any certificate or opinion
required to be given by an officer pursuant to section 314(c)(1) may be given in
the form of an Officers' Certificate.
SECTION 2.6. EVENTS OF DEFAULT; WAIVER. (a) The Holders of a
Majority in liquidation amount of Preferred Securities may, by vote, on behalf
of the Holders of all of the Preferred Securities, waive any past Event of
Default in respect of the Preferred Securities and its consequences, PROVIDED
that if the Event of Default:
(i) is not waivable under the Indenture, the Event of Default under
this Declaration shall also not be waivable; or
(ii) requires the consent or vote of greater than a majority in
principal amount of the holders of the Subordinated Debentures (a "Super-
Majority") to be waived under the Indenture, the Event of Default under
this Declaration may only be waived by the vote of the Holders of at least
the proportion in liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities that the
relevant Super Majority represents to the
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aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Debentures outstanding.
Upon such waiver, any such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of
Default with respect to the Preferred Securities arising therefrom shall be
deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Declaration, but no such
waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of Default or
impair any right consequent thereon. Any waiver by the Holders of the Preferred
Securities of an Event of Default with respect to the Preferred Securities shall
also be deemed to constitute a waiver by the Holders of the Common Securities of
any such Event of Default with respect to the Common Securities for all purposes
of this Declaration without any further act, vote, or consent of the Holders of
the Common Securities.
(b) The Holders of a Majority in liquidation amount of the Common
Securities may, by vote, on behalf of the Holders of all of the Common
Securities, waive any past Event of Default in respect of the Common Securities
and its consequences, PROVIDED that if the Event of Default:
(i) is not waivable under the Indenture, except where the Holders of
the Common Securities are deemed to have waived such Event of Default under
this Declaration as provided below, the Event of Default under this
Declaration is not waivable; or
(ii) requires the consent or vote of all of the holders of the
Subordinated Debentures to be waived, the Event of Default under this
Declaration may only be waived by the vote of all of the Holders of the
Preferred Securities, PROVIDED that each Holder of Common Securities will
be deemed to have waived any such Event of Default and all Events of
Default with respect to the Common Securities and its consequences until
all Events of Default with respect to the Preferred Securities have been
cured, waived or otherwise eliminated and until such Events of Default have
been so cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the Property Trustee will be
deemed to be acting solely on behalf of the Holders of the Preferred
Securities and only the Holders of the Preferred Securities will have the
right to direct the Property Trustee in accordance with the terms of the
Securities. Subject to the foregoing proviso, upon such waiver, any such
default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default with respect to the
Common Securities arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for
every purpose of this Declaration, but no such waiver shall extend to any
subsequent or other default or
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Event of Default with respect to the Common Securities or impair any right
consequent thereon.
(c) A waiver of an Event of Default under the Indenture by the
Property Trustee at the direction of the Holders of the Preferred Securities
constitutes a waiver of the corresponding Event of Default under this
Declaration.
SECTION 2.7. EVENTS OF DEFAULT; NOTICE. (a) The Property Trustee
shall, within 90 days after the occurrence of an Event of Default, transmit by
mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Holders of the Securities, notices of
all defaults with respect to the Securities known to the Property Trustee,
unless such defaults have been cured before the giving of such notice (the term
"defaults", for the purposes of this Section 2.7(a), is hereby defined as an
Event of Default as defined in the Indenture, not including any periods of grace
provided for therein and irrespective of the giving of any notice provided
therein); PROVIDED that, except for a default in the payment of the principal of
(or the premium, if any) or the interest on any of the Subordinated Debentures
or in the payment of any sinking fund installment established for the
Subordinated Debentures, the Property Trustee shall be protected in withholding
such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee,
or a trust committee of directors and/or Responsible Officers, of the Property
Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the
interests of the Holders of the Securities.
(b) The Property Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any
default except:
(i) a default arising under Sections 6.01(a)(1) and 6.01(a)(2) of the
Indenture; or
(ii) any default as to which the Property Trustee shall have received
written notice or of which a Responsible Officer of the Property Trustee
charged with the administration of this Declaration shall have obtained
written notice.
ARTICLE III
ORGANIZATION
SECTION 3.1. NAME. The Trust is named "TDS Capital I", as such name
may be modified from time to time by the Regular Trustees following written
notice to the Holders of Securities. The Trust's activities may be conducted
under the name of the Trust or any other name deemed advisable by the Regular
Trustees.
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SECTION 3.2. OFFICE. The address of the principal office of the
Trust is 30 North LaSalle Street, Chicago Illinois 60602. On ten Business Days
written notice to the Holders of Securities, the Regular Trustees may designate
another principal office.
SECTION 3.3. PURPOSE. The exclusive purposes and functions of the
Trust are (a) to issue and sell Securities and use the proceeds from such sale
to acquire the Subordinated Debentures and (b) except as otherwise limited
herein, to engage in only those other activities necessary or incidental
thereto. The Trust shall not borrow money, issue debt or reinvest proceeds
derived from investments, pledge any of its assets, or otherwise undertake (or
permit to be undertaken) any activity that would cause the Trust not to be
classified for United States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust.
SECTION 3.4. AUTHORITY. Subject to the limitations provided in this
Declaration and to the specific duties of the Property Trustee, the Regular
Trustees shall have exclusive and complete authority to carry out the purposes
of the Trust. An action taken by the Regular Trustees in accordance with their
powers shall constitute the act of and serve to bind the Trust, and an action
taken by the Property Trustee in accordance with its powers shall constitute the
act of and serve to bind the Trust. In dealing with a Trustee or the Trustees
acting on behalf of the Trust, no Person shall be required to inquire into the
authority of such Trustee or Trustees to bind the Trust. Persons dealing with
the Trust are entitled to rely conclusively on the power and authority of a
Trustee or the Trustees as set forth in this Declaration.
SECTION 3.5. TITLE TO PROPERTY OF THE TRUST. Except as provided in
Section 3.8 with respect to the Subordinated Debentures and the Property Trustee
Account or as otherwise provided in this Declaration, legal title to all assets
of the Trust shall be vested in the Trust. The Holders shall not have legal
title to any part of the assets of the Trust, but shall have an undivided
beneficial interest in the assets of the Trust.
SECTION 3.6. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE REGULAR TRUSTEES. The Regular
Trustees shall have the exclusive power and authority and duty to cause the
Trust to engage in the following activities:
(a) to issue and sell the Preferred Securities and the Common
Securities in accordance with this Declaration; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the
Trust may issue no more than one series of Preferred Securities and no
more than one series of
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Common Securities, and, PROVIDED FURTHER, there shall be no interests in
the Trust other than the Securities and the issuance of Securities shall
be limited to a one-time, simultaneous issuance of both Preferred
Securities and Common Securities on the Closing Date;
(b) in connection with the issue and sale of the Preferred
Securities, at the direction of the Sponsor, to:
(i) execute and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") the registration statement on Form S-3 prepared by
the Sponsor in relation to the Preferred Securities, including any
amendments thereto prepared by the Sponsor;
(ii) execute and file any documents prepared by the Sponsor, or
take any acts as determined by the Sponsor as necessary in order to
qualify or register all or part of the Preferred Securities in any
state in which the Sponsor has determined to qualify or register such
Preferred Securities for sale;
(iii) execute and file an application prepared by the Sponsor to
the American Stock Exchange, Inc. or any other national stock exchange
or the Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market for listing upon notice
of issuance of any Preferred Securities;
(iv) execute and file with the Commission a registration
statement on Form 8-A prepared by the Sponsor relating to the
registration of the class of Preferred Securities under Section 12(b)
of the Exchange Act, including any amendments thereto prepared by the
Sponsor; and
(v) execute and enter into the Underwriting Agreement providing
for the sale of the Preferred Securities;
(c) to acquire the Subordinated Debentures with the proceeds of the
sale of the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that the Regular Trustees shall cause legal title to the
Subordinated Debentures to be held of record in the name of the Property
Trustee for the benefit of the Trust and the Holders of the Preferred
Securities and the Holders of the Common Securities;
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(d) to give the Sponsor and the Property Trustee prompt written
notice of the occurrence of a Tax Event, PROVIDED that the Regular Trustees
shall consult with the Sponsor and the Property Trustee before taking any
Ministerial Action in relation to a Tax Event;
(e) to establish a record date with respect to all actions to be
taken hereunder that require a record date to be established, including for
the purposes of section 316(c) of the Trust Indenture Act and with respect
to Distributions, voting rights, redemptions and exchanges, and to issue
relevant notices to the Holders of Preferred Securities and the Holders of
Common Securities as to such actions and applicable record dates;
(f) to take all actions and perform such duties as may be required of
the Regular Trustees pursuant to the terms of the Securities;
(g) to bring or defend, pay, collect, compromise, arbitrate, resort
to legal action, or otherwise adjust claims or demands of or against the
Trust ("Legal Action"), unless, pursuant to Section 3.8(f), the Property
Trustee has the exclusive power to bring such Legal Action;
(h) to employ or otherwise engage employees and agents (who may be
designated as officers with titles) and managers, contractors, advisors and
consultants and pay reasonable compensation for such services;
(i) to cause the Trust to comply with the Trust's obligations under
the Trust Indenture Act;
(j) to give the certificate to the Property Trustee required by
section 314(a)(4) of the Trust Indenture Act, which certificate may be
executed by any Regular Trustee;
(k) to incur expenses which are necessary or incidental to carry out
any of the purposes of the Trust;
(l) to act as, or appoint another Person to act as, transfer agent
for the Securities;
(m) to give prompt written notice to the Holders of the Securities of
any notice received from the Debenture Issuer of its election (i) to defer
payments of interest on the Subordinated Debentures by extending the
interest payment period under the Indenture or (ii) to shorten the
scheduled maturity date on the Subordinated Debentures;
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(n) to execute all documents or instruments, perform all duties and
powers, and do all things for and on behalf of the Trust in all matters
necessary or incidental to the foregoing;
(o) to take all action which may be necessary or appropriate for the
preservation and the continuation of the Trust's valid existence, rights,
franchises and privileges as a statutory business trust under the laws of
the State of Delaware and of each other jurisdiction in which such
existence is necessary to protect the limited liability of the Holders of
the Securities or to enable the Trust to effect the purposes for which the
Trust was created;
(p) to take any action, not inconsistent with this Declaration or
with applicable law, which the Regular Trustees determine in their
discretion to be necessary or desirable in carrying out the activities of
the Trust as set out in this Section 3.6 including, but not limited to:
(i) causing the Trust not to be deemed to be an Investment
Company required to be registered under the Investment Company Act;
(ii) causing the Trust to be characterized for United States
federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust and causing each Holder
of Securities to be treated as owning an undivided beneficial interest
in the Subordinated Debentures; and
(iii) co-operating with the Debenture Issuer to ensure that the
Subordinated Debentures will be treated as indebtedness of the
Debenture Issuer for United States federal income tax purposes,
PROVIDED that such action does not adversely affect the interests of the
Holders; and
(q) to take all action necessary to cause all applicable tax returns
and tax information reports that are required to be filed with respect to
the Trust to be duly prepared and filed by the Regular Trustees, on behalf
of the Trust.
The Regular Trustees must exercise the powers set forth in this Section 3.6 in a
manner which is consistent with the purposes and functions of the Trust set out
in Section 3.3 and the Regular Trustees shall not take any action which is
inconsistent with the purposes and functions of the Trust set forth in Section
3.3.
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Subject to this Section 3.6, the Regular Trustees shall have none of
the powers or the authority of the Property Trustee set forth in Section 3.8.
SECTION 3.7. PROHIBITION OF ACTIONS BY THE TRUST AND THE TRUSTEES.
The Trust shall not, and the Trustees (including the Property Trustee) shall
cause the Trust not to, engage in any activity other than as required or
authorized by this Declaration. In particular, the Trust shall not, and the
Trustees (including the Property Trustee) shall cause the Trust not to:
(i) invest any proceeds received by the Trust from holding the
Subordinated Debentures but shall distribute all such proceeds to Holders
of Securities pursuant to the terms of this Declaration and of the
Securities;
(ii) acquire any assets other than as expressly provided herein;
(iii) possess Trust property for other than a Trust purpose;
(iv) make any loans or incur any indebtedness other than loans
represented by the Subordinated Debentures;
(v) possess any power or otherwise act in such a way as to vary the
Trust assets or the terms of the Securities in any way whatsoever;
(vi) issue any securities or other evidences of beneficial ownership
of, or beneficial interest in, the Trust other than the Securities; or
(vii) consent to the modification of the Subordinated Debentures or
any other asset of the Trust, unless the Trust shall have received an
opinion of counsel to the effect that such modification will not cause more
than an insubstantial risk that for United States federal income tax
purposes the Trust will not be characterized as a grantor trust.
SECTION 3.8. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE PROPERTY TRUSTEE. (a) The
legal title to the Subordinated Debentures shall be owned by and held of record
in the name of the Property Trustee in trust for the benefit of the Trust and
the Holders of the Securities. The right, title and interest of the Property
Trustee to the Subordinated Debentures shall vest automatically in each Person
who may hereafter be appointed as Property Trustee as set forth in Section 5.6.
Such vesting and cessation of title shall be
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effective whether or not conveyancing documents with respect to the Subordinated
Debentures have been executed and delivered.
(b) The Property Trustee shall not transfer its right, title and
interest in the Subordinated Debentures to the Regular Trustees or to the
Delaware Trustee (if the Property Trustee does not also act as Delaware
Trustee).
(c) The Property Trustee shall:
(i) establish and maintain a segregated non-interest bearing bank
account (the "Property Trustee Account") in the name of and under the
exclusive control of the Property Trustee on behalf of the Holders of the
Securities and, upon the receipt of payments of funds made in respect of
the Subordinated Debentures held by the Property Trustee, deposit such
funds into the Property Trustee Account and make payments to the Holders of
the Preferred Securities and the Holders of the Common Securities from the
Property Trustee Account in accordance with Section 6.1. Funds in the
Property Trustee Account shall be held uninvested until disbursed in
accordance with this Declaration. The Property Trustee Account shall be an
account which is maintained with a banking institution the rating on whose
long-term unsecured indebtedness is at least equal to the rating assigned
to the Preferred Securities by a "nationally recognized statistical rating
organization", as that term is defined for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under
the Securities Act;
(ii) engage in such ministerial activities as shall be necessary or
appropriate to effect the redemption of the Preferred Securities and the
Common Securities to the extent the Subordinated Debentures are redeemed or
mature; and
(iii) upon notice of distribution issued by the Regular Trustees in
accordance with the terms of the Preferred Securities and the Common
Securities, engage in such ministerial activities as shall be necessary or
appropriate to effect the distribution of the Subordinated Debentures to
Holders of Securities upon the liquidation and dissolution of the Trust.
(d) The Property Trustee shall take all actions and perform such
duties as may be specifically required of the Property Trustee pursuant to the
terms of the Securities.
(e) The Property Trustee shall hold the Preferred Securities
Guarantee for the benefit of the Holders of the Preferred Securities.
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(f) The Property Trustee shall take any Legal Action which arises out
of or in connection with an Event of Default or the Property Trustee's duties
and obligations under this Declaration (including the Preferred Securities
Guarantee) or the Trust Indenture Act.
(g) The Property Trustee shall continue to serve as a Trustee until
either:
(i) the Trust has been completely liquidated and the proceeds of the
liquidation distributed to the Holders of Securities pursuant to the terms
of the Securities; or
(ii) a Successor Property Trustee has been appointed and accepted
that appointment in accordance with Section 5.6.
(h) The Property Trustee shall have the legal power to exercise all
of the rights, powers and privileges of a holder of Subordinated Debentures
under the Indenture and, if an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the
Property Trustee shall, for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities,
enforce its rights under the Indenture with respect to the Subordinated
Debentures and its rights under the Preferred Securities Guarantee in accordance
with the terms of the Preferred Securities Guarantee, subject to the rights of
the Holders pursuant to the terms of such Securities and the Preferred
Securities Guarantee.
(i) The Property Trustee may authorize one or more Persons (each, a
"Paying Agent") to pay Distributions, redemption payments or liquidation
payments on behalf of the Trust with respect to the Preferred Securities and the
Common Securities and any such Paying Agent shall comply with section 317(b) of
the Trust Indenture Act. Any Paying Agent may be removed by the Property
Trustee at any time and a successor Paying Agent or additional Paying Agents may
be appointed at any time by the Property Trustee.
(j) Subject to this Section 3.8, the Property Trustee shall have none
of the powers or the authority of the Regular Trustees set forth in Section 3.6.
The Property Trustee must exercise the powers set forth in this
Section 3.8 in a manner which is consistent with the purposes and functions of
the Trust set forth in Section 3.3 and the Property Trustee shall not take any
action which is inconsistent with the purposes and functions of the Trust set
out in Section 3.3.
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SECTION 3.9. CERTAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PROPERTY
TRUSTEE. (a) The Property Trustee, before the occurrence of any Event of
Default and after the curing of all Events of Default that may have occurred,
shall undertake to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in
this Declaration and in the terms of the Securities, and no implied covenants
shall be read into this Declaration against the Property Trustee. In case an
Event of Default has occurred (that has not been cured or waived pursuant to
Section 2.6), the Property Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers
vested in it by this Declaration, and use the same degree of care and skill in
their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the
circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs.
(b) No provision of this Declaration shall be construed to relieve
the Property Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own
negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(i) prior to the occurrence of any Event of Default and after the
curing or waiving of all such Events of Default that may have occurred:
(A) the duties and obligations of the Property Trustee shall be
determined solely by the express provisions of this Declaration and in
the terms of the Securities, and the Property Trustee shall not be
liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations as
are specifically set forth in this Declaration, and no implied
covenants or obligations shall be read into this Declaration against
the Property Trustee; and
(B) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Property
Trustee, the Property Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth
of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed
therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the Property
Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Declaration; but in
the case of any such certificates or opinions that by any provision
hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Property
Trustee, the Property Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the
same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of
this Declaration;
(ii) the Property Trustee shall not be liable for any error of
judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the Property
Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the
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Property Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts upon
which such judgment was made;
(iii) the Property Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any
action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with
the direction of the Holders of not less than a Majority in liquidation
amount of the Securities at the time outstanding relating to the time,
method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the Property Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the
Property Trustee under this Declaration;
(iv) no provision of this Declaration shall require the Property
Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal
financial liability in the performance of any of its duties or in the
exercise of any of its rights or powers, if there is reasonable ground for
believing that the repayment of such funds or liability is not reasonably
assured to it under the terms of this Declaration or adequate indemnity
against such risk is not reasonably assured to it;
(v) the Property Trustee's sole duty with respect to the custody,
safe keeping and physical preservation of the Subordinated Debentures and
the Property Trustee Account shall be to deal with such property in a
similar manner as the Property Trustee deals with similar property for its
own account, subject to the protections and limitations on liability
afforded to the Property Trustee under this Declaration and the Trust
Indenture Act;
(vi) the Property Trustee shall have no duty or liability for or with
respect to the value, genuineness, existence or sufficiency of the
Subordinated Debentures or the payment of any taxes or assessments levied
thereon or in connection therewith;
(vii) the Property Trustee shall not be liable for any interest on
any money received by it except as it may otherwise agree with the Sponsor.
Money held by the Property Trustee need not be segregated from other funds
held by it except in relation to the Property Trustee Account maintained by
the Property Trustee pursuant to Section 3.8(c)(i) and except to the extent
otherwise required by law; and
(viii) the Property Trustee shall not be responsible for monitoring
the compliance by the Regular Trustees or the Sponsor with their respective
duties under this Declaration,
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nor shall the Property Trustee be liable for the default or misconduct of
the Regular Trustees or the Sponsor.
SECTION 3.10. CERTAIN RIGHTS OF PROPERTY TRUSTEE. (a) Subject to
the provisions of Section 3.9:
(i) the Property Trustee may rely and shall be fully protected in
acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate,
statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction,
consent, order, approval, bond, security or other paper or document
believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or presented by
the proper party or parties.
(ii) Any direction or act of the Sponsor or the Regular Trustees
contemplated by this Declaration shall be sufficiently evidenced by a
Direction or an Officers' Certificate.
(iii) Whenever in the administration of this Declaration the Property
Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established
before taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Property
Trustee (unless other evidence is herein specifically prescribed) may, in
the absence of bad faith on its part and, if the Trust is excluded from the
definition of an Investment Company solely by means of Rule 3a-5, subject
to the requirements of Rule 3a-5, request and rely upon an Officers'
Certificate which, upon receipt of such request, shall be promptly
delivered by the Sponsor or the Regular Trustees.
(iv) The Property Trustee shall have no duty to see to any recording,
filing or registration of any instrument (or any rerecording, refiling or
reregistration thereof).
(v) The Property Trustee may consult with counsel and the written
advice or opinion of such counsel with respect to legal matters shall be
full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action
taken or suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in
accordance with such advice or opinion. Such counsel may be counsel to the
Sponsor or any of its Affiliates and may include any of its employees. The
Property Trustee shall have the right at any time to seek instructions
concerning the administration of this Declaration from any court of
competent jurisdiction.
(vi) The Property Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise
any rights or powers vested in it under this Declaration at the request or
direction of any Holder, unless
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such Holder shall have provided to the Property Trustee reasonable security
or indemnity against the costs, expenses (including attorneys' fees and
expenses) and liabilities that might be incurred by it in complying with
such request or direction, including such reasonable advances as may be
requested by the Property Trustee, PROVIDED that nothing contained in this
Section 3.10(a)(vi) shall, however, relieve the Property Trustee, upon the
occurrence of an Event of Default, from exercising the rights and powers
vested in it by this Declaration.
(vii) The Property Trustee shall not be bound to make any
investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution,
certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request,
direction, consent, order, approval, bond, security or other papers or
documents, but the Property Trustee, in its discretion, may make such
further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see
fit.
(viii) The Property Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers
hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through
agents or attorneys, and the Property Trustee shall not be responsible for
any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed
with due care by it hereunder.
(ix) Any action taken by the Property Trustee or its agents hereunder
shall bind the Trust and the Holders of the Securities, and the signature
of the Property Trustee or its agents alone shall be sufficient and
effective to perform any such action. No third party shall be required to
inquire as to the authority of the Property Trustee to so act or as to its
compliance with any of the terms and provisions of this Declaration, both
of which shall be conclusively evidenced by the Property Trustee's or its
agent's taking such action.
(x) Whenever in the administration of this Declaration the Property
Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive instructions with respect to
enforcing any remedy or right or taking any other action hereunder, the
Property Trustee (i) may request instructions from the Holders of the
Securities representing the aggregate liquidation amount of all outstanding
Securities of such class required under the terms of the Securities to
direct the Property Trustee to enforce such remedy or right or take such
action, (ii) may refrain from enforcing such remedy or right or taking such
other action until such instructions are received and (iii) shall be
protected in acting in accordance with such instructions.
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(b) No provision of this Declaration shall be deemed to impose any
duty or obligation on the Property Trustee to perform any act or acts or
exercise any right, power, duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it in any
jurisdiction in which it shall be illegal, or in which the Property Trustee
shall be unqualified or incompetent in accordance with applicable law, to
perform any such act or acts or to exercise any such right, power, duty or
obligation. No permissive power or authority available to the Property Trustee
shall be construed to be a duty.
SECTION 3.11. DELAWARE TRUSTEE. Notwithstanding any other provision
of this Declaration other than Section 5.2, the Delaware Trustee shall not be
entitled to exercise any powers, nor shall the Delaware Trustee have any of the
duties and responsibilities of the Trustees described in this Declaration.
Except as set forth in Section 5.2, the Delaware Trustee shall be a Trustee for
the sole and limited purpose of fulfilling the requirements of Section 3807 of
the Business Trust Act.
SECTION 3.12. EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS. Unless otherwise determined by
the Regular Trustees, a majority of, or if there are only two, both of the
Regular Trustees are authorized to execute on behalf of the Trust any documents
which the Regular Trustees have the power and authority to execute pursuant to
Section 3.6, PROVIDED that any listing application prepared by the Sponsor
referred to in Section 3.6(b)(iii) may be executed by any Regular Trustee.
SECTION 3.13. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RECITALS OR ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES.
The recitals contained in this Declaration and the Securities shall be taken as
the statements of the Sponsor and the Trustees do not assume any responsibility
for their correctness. The Trustees make no representations as to the value or
condition of the property of the Trust or any part thereof. The Trustees make
no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Declaration or the
Securities.
SECTION 3.14. DURATION OF TRUST. The Trust, unless terminated
pursuant to the provisions of Article VIII hereof, shall have existence for
fifty (50) years from the Closing Date.
SECTION 3.15. MERGERS. (a) The Trust may not consolidate,
amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease
its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any corporation or
other body, except as described in Section 3.15(b) and (c).
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(b) The Trust may, with the consent of the Regular Trustees or, if
there are more than two, a majority of the Regular Trustees and without the
consent of the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee or the Holders of the
Securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by a
trust organized as such under the laws of any State; PROVIDED that:
(i) such successor entity (the "Successor Entity") either:
(A) expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Trust with
respect to the Securities; or
(B) substitutes for the Securities other securities having
substantially the same terms as the Preferred Securities and Common
Securities, respectively (the "Successor Securities"), so long as the
Successor Securities rank the same as the Preferred Securities and
Common Securities rank with respect to Distributions and payments upon
liquidation, redemption, maturity and otherwise;
(ii) the Debenture Issuer expressly acknowledges a trustee of the
Successor Entity which possesses the same powers and duties as the Property
Trustee as the Holder of the Subordinated Debentures;
(iii) the Preferred Securities or any Successor Securities thereof are
listed, or any such Successor Securities will be listed upon notification
of issuance, on (A) any national securities exchange or (B) on such other
organization on which the Preferred Securities are then listed;
(iv) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not
cause the Preferred Securities (including any Successor Securities thereof)
to be downgraded by any nationally recognized statistical rating
organization;
(v) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not
adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the Holders of
the Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect
(other than with respect to any dilution of the Holders' interest in the
new entity);
(vi) such Successor Entity has a purpose identical to that of the
Trust;
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(vii) prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement,
the Sponsor has received an opinion from independent counsel to the Trust
experienced in such matters to the effect that:
(A) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does
not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the
Holders of the Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any
material respect (other than with respect to any dilution of the
Holders' interest in the new entity); and
(B) following such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or
replacement, neither the Trust nor the Successor Entity will be
required to register as an Investment Company; and
(viii) the Sponsor guarantees the obligations of such Successor
Entity under the Successor Securities of the Preferred Securities at least
to the extent provided by the Preferred Securities Guarantee.
(c) Notwithstanding Section 3.15(b), the Trust shall not consolidate,
amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by any other entity or permit any
other entity to consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or replace it if
such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or replacement would cause the Trust or
Successor Entity for United States federal income tax purposes to be classified
as other than a grantor trust and each Holder of the Securities not to be
treated as owning an undivided beneficial interest in the Subordinated
Debentures, except with the consent of Holders of 100% in liquidation amount of
the Securities.
ARTICLE IV
SPONSOR
SECTION 4.1. SPONSOR'S PURCHASE OF COMMON SECURITIES. On the Closing
Date, the Sponsor will purchase all of the Common Securities issued by the
Trust, in an amount equal to approximately 3% of the capital of the Trust at the
same time as the Preferred Securities are sold.
SECTION 4.2. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SPONSOR. In connection with the
issue and sale of the Preferred Securities, the Sponsor shall have the exclusive
right and responsibility to engage in the following activities:
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(a) to prepare for filing by the Trust with the Commission a
registration statement on Form S-3 in relation to the Preferred Securities,
including any amendments thereto;
(b) to determine the states in which to take appropriate action to
qualify or register for sale all or part of the Preferred Securities and to
take any and all such acts, other than actions which must be taken by the
Trust, and advise the Trust of actions it must take, and prepare for
execution and filing any documents to be executed and filed by the Trust,
as the Sponsor deems necessary or advisable in order to comply with the
applicable laws of any such states;
(c) to prepare for filing by the Trust an application to the American
Stock Exchange, Inc. or any other national stock exchange or the Nasdaq
Stock Market's National Market for listing upon notice of issuance of any
Preferred Securities;
(d) to prepare for filing by the Trust with the Commission a
registration statement on Form 8-A relating to the registration of the
class of Preferred Securities under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act,
including any amendments thereto; and
(e) to negotiate the terms of the Underwriting Agreement providing
for the sale of the Preferred Securities.
ARTICLE V
TRUSTEES
SECTION 5.1. NUMBER OF TRUSTEES. The number of Trustees shall
initially be five (5), and:
(a) at any time before the issuance of any Securities, the Sponsor
may, by written instrument, increase or decrease the number of Trustees;
and
(b) after the issuance of any Securities, the number of Trustees may
be increased or decreased by vote of the Holders of a Majority in
liquidation amount of the Common Securities voting as a class at a meeting
of the Holders of the Common Securities;
PROVIDED that in any case, the number of Trustees shall be at least four (4)
unless the Trustee that acts as the Property Trustee also acts as the Delaware
Trustee pursuant to Section 5.2, in which case the number of Trustees shall be
at least three (3).
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SECTION 5.2. DELAWARE TRUSTEE. If required by the Business Trust
Act, one Trustee (the "Delaware Trustee") shall be:
(a) a natural person who is a resident of the State of Delaware; or
(b) if not a natural person, an entity which has its principal place
of business in the State of Delaware and otherwise meets the
requirements of applicable law,
PROVIDED that if the Property Trustee has its principal place of business in the
State of Delaware and otherwise meets the requirements of applicable law, then
the Property Trustee shall also be the Delaware Trustee and Section 3.11 shall
have no application.
SECTION 5.3. PROPERTY TRUSTEE; ELIGIBILITY. (a) There shall at all
times be one Trustee which shall act as Property Trustee and which shall:
(i) not be an Affiliate of the Sponsor; and
(ii) be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of
the United States of America or any state or territory thereof or of the
District of Columbia, or a corporation or Person permitted by the
Commission to act as an institutional trustee under the Trust Indenture
Act, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having
a combined capital and surplus of at least fifty million U.S. dollars
($50,000,000), and subject to supervision or examination by federal, state,
territorial or District of Columbia authority (if such corporation
publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the
requirements of the supervising or examining authority referred to above,
then for the purposes of this Section 5.3(a)(ii), the combined capital and
surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and
surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published).
(b) If at any time the Property Trustee shall cease to be eligible to
so act under Section 5.3(a), the Property Trustee shall immediately resign in
the manner and with the effect set out in Section 5.6(c).
(c) If the Property Trustee has or shall acquire any "conflicting
interest" within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the
Property Trustee and the Holders of the Common Securities (as if they were the
obligor referred to in
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Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act) shall in all respects comply with the
provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 5.4. QUALIFICATIONS OF REGULAR TRUSTEES AND DELAWARE TRUSTEE
GENERALLY. Each Regular Trustee and the Delaware Trustee (unless the Property
Trustee also acts as Delaware Trustee) shall be either a natural person who is
at least twenty-one (21) years of age or a legal entity which shall act through
one or more Authorized Officers.
SECTION 5.5. INITIAL TRUSTEES. The three initial Regular Trustees
shall be:
LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.
Murray L. Swanson
Greg Wilkinson
c/o Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
30 S. LaSalle St.
Chicago, Illinois 60602
The initial Property Trustee shall be:
The First National Bank of Chicago
One First National Plaza
Suite 0126
Chicago, Illinois 60603
The initial Delaware Trustee shall be:
First Chicago Delaware Inc.
300 King Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801
SECTION 5.6. APPOINTMENT, REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF TRUSTEES. (a)
Subject to Section 5.6(b), Trustees may be appointed or removed without cause at
any time:
(i) until the issuance of any Securities, by written instrument
executed by the Sponsor; and
(ii) after the issuance of any Securities, by vote of the Holders of a
Majority in liquidation amount of the Common Securities, voting as a class
at a meeting of the Holders of the Common Securities.
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(b) (i) The Trustee that acts as Property Trustee shall not be
removed in accordance with Section 5.6(a) until a Successor Property
Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment by written
instrument executed by such Successor Property Trustee and delivered to the
Regular Trustees and the Sponsor; and
(ii) the Trustee that acts as Delaware Trustee shall not be removed
in accordance with Section 5.6(a) until a successor Trustee possessing the
qualifications to act as Delaware Trustee under Sections 5.2 and 5.4 (a
"Successor Delaware Trustee") has been appointed and has accepted such
appointment by written instrument executed by such Successor Delaware
Trustee and delivered to the Regular Trustees and the Sponsor.
(c) A Trustee appointed to office shall hold office until the
successor of such Trustee shall have been appointed or until the death, removal
or resignation of such Trustee. Any Trustee may resign from office (without
need for prior or subsequent accounting) by an instrument in writing signed by
the Trustee and delivered to the Sponsor and the Trust, which resignation shall
take effect upon such delivery or upon such later date as is specified therein;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that:
(i) no such resignation of the Trustee that acts as the Property
Trustee shall be effective until:
(A) a Successor Property Trustee has been appointed and has
accepted such appointment by instrument executed by such Successor
Property Trustee and delivered to the Trust and the Sponsor; or
(B) until the assets of the Trust have been completely
liquidated and the proceeds thereof distributed to the holders of the
Securities; and
(ii) no such resignation of the Trustee that acts as the Delaware
Trustee shall be effective until a Successor Delaware Trustee has been
appointed and has accepted such appointment by instrument executed by such
Successor Delaware Trustee and delivered to the Trust and the Sponsor.
(d) The Holders of the Common Securities shall use their best efforts
to promptly appoint a Successor Delaware Trustee or Successor Property Trustee
as the case may be if the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee delivers an
instrument of resignation in accordance with this Section 5.6.
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(e) If no Successor Property Trustee or Successor Delaware Trustee
shall have been appointed and accepted appointment as provided in this Section
5.6 within 60 days after delivery to the Sponsor and the Trust of an instrument
of resignation, the resigning Property Trustee or Delaware Trustee, as
applicable, may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for appointment of
a Successor Property Trustee or Successor Delaware Trustee. Such court may
thereupon, after prescribing such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and
prescribe, appoint a Successor Property Trustee or Successor Delaware Trustee,
as the case may be.
SECTION 5.7. VACANCIES AMONG TRUSTEES. If a Trustee ceases to hold
office for any reason and the number of Trustees is not reduced pursuant to
Section 5.1, or if the number of Trustees is increased pursuant to Section 5.1,
a vacancy shall occur. A resolution certifying the existence of such vacancy by
a majority of the Regular Trustees shall be conclusive evidence of the existence
of such vacancy. The vacancy shall be filled with a Trustee appointed in
accordance with Section 5.6.
SECTION 5.8. EFFECT OF VACANCIES. The death, resignation,
retirement, removal, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation, incompetence or
incapacity to perform the duties of a Trustee, or any one of them, shall not
operate to annul the Trust. Whenever a vacancy in the number of Regular
Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is filled by the appointment of a
Regular Trustee in accordance with Section 5.6, the Regular Trustees in office,
regardless of their number, shall have all the powers granted to the Regular
Trustees and shall discharge all the duties imposed upon the Regular Trustees by
this Declaration.
SECTION 5.9. MEETINGS. Meetings of the Regular Trustees shall be
held from time to time upon the call of any Regular Trustee. Regular meetings
of the Regular Trustees may be held at a time and place fixed by resolution of
the Regular Trustees. Notice of any in-person meetings of the Regular Trustees
shall be hand delivered or otherwise delivered in writing (including by
facsimile, with a hard copy by overnight courier) not less than 48 hours before
such meeting. Notice of any telephonic meetings of the Regular Trustees or any
committee thereof shall be hand delivered or otherwise delivered in writing
(including by facsimile, with a hard copy by overnight courier) not less than 24
hours before a meeting. Notices shall contain a brief statement of the time,
place and anticipated purposes of the meeting. The presence (whether in person
or by telephone) of a Regular Trustee at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of
notice of such meeting except where a Regular Trustee attends a meeting for the
express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any activity on the ground
that
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the meeting has not been lawfully called or convened. Unless provided otherwise
in this Declaration, any action of the Regular Trustees may be taken at a
meeting by vote of a majority of the Regular Trustees present (whether in person
or by telephone) and eligible to vote with respect to such matter, PROVIDED that
a Quorum is present, or without a meeting by the unanimous written consent of
the Regular Trustees. In the event there is only one Regular Trustee, any
action of such Regular Trustee shall be evidenced by a written consent of such
Regular Trustee.
SECTION 5.10. DELEGATION OF POWER. (a) Any Regular Trustee may, by
power of attorney consistent with applicable law, delegate to any other natural
person over the age of 21 his or her power for the purpose of executing any
documents contemplated in Section 3.6, including any registration statement or
amendment thereto filed with the Commission or making any other governmental
filing.
(b) The Regular Trustees shall have power to delegate from time to
time to such of their number or to officers of the Trust the doing of such
things and the execution of such instruments either in the name of the Trust or
the names of the Regular Trustees or otherwise as the Regular Trustees may deem
expedient, to the extent such delegation is not prohibited by applicable law or
contrary to the provisions of the Trust, as set forth herein.
ARTICLE VI
DISTRIBUTIONS
SECTION 6.1. DISTRIBUTIONS. Holders shall receive Distributions in
accordance with the applicable terms of the relevant Holder's Securities.
Distributions shall be made on the Preferred Securities and the Common
Securities in accordance with the preferences set forth in their respective
terms. If and to the extent that the Debenture Issuer makes a payment of
interest (including Compounded Interest (as defined in the Indenture) and
Additional Interest (as defined in the Indenture)), premium and principal on the
Subordinated Debentures held by the Property Trustee (the amount of any such
payment being a "Payment Amount"), the Property Trustee shall and is directed,
to the extent funds are available for that purpose, to make a Distribution of
the Payment Amount to the Holders.
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ARTICLE VII
ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES
SECTION 7.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS REGARDING SECURITIES. (a) The
Regular Trustees shall, on behalf of the Trust, issue one class of preferred
securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the
Trust having such terms as are set forth in Exhibit A and incorporated herein by
reference (the "Preferred Securities"), and one class of common securities
representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust having
such terms as are set forth in Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference
(the "Common Securities"). The Trust shall have no securities or other
interests in the assets of the Trust other than the Preferred Securities and the
Common Securities.
(b) The Securities shall be signed on behalf of the Trust by the
Regular Trustees (or, if there are more than two Regular Trustees, by any two of
the Regular Trustees). Such signatures may be the manual or facsimile
signatures of the present or any future Regular Trustee. Typographical and
other minor errors or defects in any such reproduction of any such signature
shall not affect the validity of any Security. In case any Regular Trustee of
the Trust who shall have signed any of the Securities shall cease to be such
Regular Trustee before the Security so signed shall be delivered by the Trust,
such Security nevertheless may be delivered as though the person who signed such
Security had not ceased to be such Regular Trustee; and any Security may be
signed on behalf of the Trust by such persons as, at the actual date of the
execution of such Security, are the Regular Trustees of the Trust, although at
the date of the execution and delivery of the Declaration any such person was
not such a Regular Trustee.
(c) The consideration received by the Trust for the issuance of the
Securities shall constitute a contribution to the capital of the Trust and shall
not constitute a loan to the Trust.
(d) Upon issuance of the Securities as provided in this Declaration,
the Securities so issued shall be deemed to be validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable, subject to Section 10.1(b) with respect to the Common
Securities.
(e) Every Person, by virtue of having become a Holder or a Preferred
Security Beneficial Owner in accordance with the terms of this Declaration,
shall be deemed to have expressly assented and agreed to the terms of, and shall
be bound by, this Declaration.
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ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION OF TRUST
SECTION 8.1. TERMINATION OF TRUST. (a) The Trust shall terminate
upon the earliest to occur of the following events:
(i) __________________, 2047;
(ii) upon the bankruptcy of the Holder of the Common Securities or the
Sponsor;
(iii) upon the filing of a certificate of dissolution or its equivalent
with respect to the Holder of the Common Securities or the Sponsor, the
filing of a certificate of cancellation with respect to the Trust or the
revocation of the charter of the Holder of the Common Securities or of the
Sponsor and the expiration of ninety (90) days after the date of revocation
without a reinstatement thereof;
(iv) upon the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Holder
of the Common Securities, the Sponsor or the Trust;
(v) when all of the Securities shall have been called for redemption
and the amounts necessary for redemption thereof shall have been paid to
the Holders in accordance with the terms of the Securities;
(vi) upon the dissolution of the Trust in accordance with the terms of
the Securities and pursuant to which all of the Subordinated Debentures
shall have been distributed to the Holders of Securities in exchange for
all of the Securities; or
(vii) upon delivery of written direction to the Property Trustee by the
Sponsor at any time (which direction is wholly optional and within the
discretion of the Sponsor) to dissolve the Trust and distribute the
Subordinated Debentures to the Holders of the Securities in accordance with
Section 3 of EXHIBIT A hereto.
(b) As soon as is practicable after the occurrence of an event
referred to in Section 8.1(a), the Trustees shall file a certificate of
cancellation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
(c) The provisions of Article X shall survive the termination of the
Trust.
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ARTICLE IX
TRANSFER OF INTERESTS
SECTION 9.1. TRANSFER OF SECURITIES. (a) Securities may only be
transferred, in whole or in part, in accordance with the terms and conditions
set forth in this Declaration and in the terms of the Securities. Any transfer
or purported transfer of any Security not made in accordance with this
Declaration shall be null and void.
(b) Subject to this Article IX, Preferred Securities shall be freely
transferable.
(c) Subject to this Article IX, the Sponsor and any Related Party may
only transfer Common Securities to the Sponsor or a Related Party of the
Sponsor, PROVIDED that any such transfer is subject to the condition precedent
that the transferor obtain the written opinion of nationally recognized
independent counsel experienced in such matters that such transfer would not
cause more than an insubstantial risk that:
(i) the Trust would not be classified for United States federal
income tax purposes as a grantor trust and each Holder of Securities would
not be treated as owning an undivided beneficial interest in the
Subordinated Debentures; and
(ii) the Trust would be an Investment Company or the transferee would
be an Investment Company if the transferee was not an Investment Company
before the transfer.
SECTION 9.2. TRANSFER OF CERTIFICATES. The Regular Trustees shall
provide for the registration of Certificates and of transfers of Certificates,
which will be effected without charge but only upon payment (with such indemnity
as the Regular Trustees may require) in respect of any tax or other government
charges which may be imposed in relation to it. Upon surrender for registration
of transfer of any Certificate, the Regular Trustees shall cause one or more new
Certificates to be issued in the name of the designated transferee or
transferees. Every Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer shall
be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the
Regular Trustees duly executed by the Holder or such Holder's attorney duly
authorized in writing. Each Certificate surrendered for registration of
transfer shall be canceled by the Regular Trustees. A transferee of a
Certificate shall be entitled to the rights and subject to the obligations of a
Holder hereunder upon the receipt by such transferee of a Certificate. By
acceptance of a Certificate, each transferee shall be deemed to have agreed to
be
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bound by this Declaration and the documents incorporated by reference herein.
SECTION 9.3. DEEMED SECURITY HOLDERS. The Trustees may treat the
Person in whose name any Certificate shall be registered on the books and
records of the Trust as the sole holder of such Certificate and of the
Securities represented by such Certificate for purposes of receiving
Distributions and for all other purposes whatsoever and, accordingly, shall not
be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such
Certificate or in the Securities represented by such Certificate on the part of
any Person, whether or not the Trustees shall have actual or other notice
thereof.
SECTION 9.4. BOOK ENTRY INTERESTS. Unless otherwise specified in
the terms of the Preferred Securities, the Preferred Securities Certificates,
on original issuance, will be issued in the form of one or more, fully
registered, global Preferred Security Certificates (each a "Global
Certificate"), to be delivered to DTC, the initial Clearing Agency, by, or on
behalf of, the Trust. Such Global Certificates shall initially be registered
on the books and records of the Trust in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee
of DTC, and no Preferred Security Beneficial Owner will receive a definitive
Preferred Security Certificate representing such Preferred Security
Beneficial Owner's interests in such Global Certificates, except as provided
in Section 9.7. Unless and until definitive, fully registered Preferred
Security Certificates (the "Definitive Preferred Security Certificates") have
been issued to the Preferred Security Beneficial Owners pursuant to Section
9.7:
(a) the provisions of this Section 9.4 shall be in full force and
effect;
(b) the Trust and the Trustees shall be entitled to deal with the
Clearing Agency for all purposes of this Declaration (including the payment
of Distributions on the Global Certificates and receiving approvals, votes
or consents hereunder) as the Holder of the Preferred Securities and the
sole holder of the Global Certificates and shall have no obligation to the
Preferred Security Beneficial Owners;
(c) to the extent that the provisions of this Section 9.4 conflict
with any other provisions of this Declaration, the provisions of this
Section 9.4 shall control; and
(d) the rights of the Preferred Security Beneficial Owners shall be
exercised only through the Clearing Agency and shall be limited to those
established by law and agreements
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between such Preferred Security Beneficial Owners and the Clearing Agency
and/or the Clearing Agency Participants. DTC will make book entry
transfers among the Clearing Agency Participants and receive and transmit
payments of Distributions on the Global Certificates to such Clearing
Agency Participants.
SECTION 9.5. NOTICES TO CLEARING AGENCY. Whenever a notice or other
communication to the Preferred Security Holders is required under this
Declaration, unless and until Definitive Preferred Security Certificates shall
have been issued to the Preferred Security Beneficial Owners pursuant to Section
9.7, the Regular Trustees shall give all such notices and communications
specified herein to be given to the Preferred Security Holders to the Clearing
Agency, and shall have no notice obligations to the Preferred Security
Beneficial Owners.
SECTION 9.6. APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR CLEARING AGENCY. If any
Clearing Agency elects to discontinue its services as securities depositary with
respect to the Preferred Securities, the Regular Trustees may, in their sole
discretion, appoint a successor Clearing Agency with respect to such Preferred
Securities.
SECTION 9.7. DEFINITIVE PREFERRED SECURITY CERTIFICATES. If:
(a) a Clearing Agency elects to discontinue its services as
securities depositary with respect to the Preferred Securities and a
successor Clearing Agency is not appointed within ninety (90) days after
such discontinuance pursuant to Section 9.6; or
(b) the Regular Trustees elect, after consultation with the Sponsor,
to terminate the book entry system through the Clearing Agency with respect
to the Preferred Securities,
then:
(c) Definitive Preferred Security Certificates shall be prepared by
the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust with respect to such Preferred
Securities; and
(d) upon surrender of the Global Certificates by the Clearing Agency,
accompanied by registration instructions, the Regular Trustees shall cause
Definitive Preferred Security Certificates to be delivered to Preferred
Security Beneficial Owners in accordance with the instructions of the
Clearing Agency. Neither the Trustees nor the Trust shall be liable
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for any delay in delivery of such instructions and each of them may
conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying on, such
instructions. The Definitive Preferred Security Certificates shall be
printed, lithographed or engraved or may be produced in any other manner as
is reasonably acceptable to the Regular Trustees, as evidenced by their
execution thereof, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of
identification or designation and such legends or endorsements as the
Regular Trustees may deem appropriate, or as may be required to comply with
any law or with any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto or with any
rule or regulation of any stock exchange on which Preferred Securities may
be listed, or to conform to usage.
SECTION 9.8. MUTILATED, DESTROYED, LOST OR STOLEN CERTIFICATES. If:
(a) any mutilated Certificates should be surrendered to the Regular
Trustees, or if the Regular Trustees shall receive evidence to their
satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Certificate; and
(b) there shall be delivered to the Regular Trustees such security or
indemnity as may be required by them to keep each of them harmless,
then in the absence of notice that such Certificate shall have been acquired by
a bona fide purchaser, any two Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust shall
execute and deliver, in exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen Certificate, a new Certificate of like denomination.
In connection with the issuance of any new Certificate under this Section 9.8,
the Regular Trustees may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any
tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith.
Any duplicate Certificate issued pursuant to this Section shall constitute
conclusive evidence of an ownership interest in the relevant Securities, as if
originally issued, whether or not the lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate
shall be found at any time.
ARTICLE X
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF
HOLDERS OF SECURITIES, TRUSTEES OR OTHERS
SECTION 10.1. LIABILITY. (a) Except as expressly set forth in this
Declaration, the Subordinated Debentures, the
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Preferred Securities Guarantee and the terms of the Securities, the Sponsor
shall not be:
(i) personally liable for the return of any portion of the capital
contributions (or any return thereon) of the Holders of the Securities
which shall be made solely from assets of the Trust; and
(ii) be required to pay to the Trust or to any Holder of Securities
any deficit upon dissolution of the Trust or otherwise.
(b) The Sponsor shall be liable for all of the debts and obligations
of the Trust (other than with respect to the Securities) to the extent not
satisfied out of the Trust's assets.
SECTION 10.2. EXCULPATION. (a) No Indemnified Person shall be
liable, responsible or accountable in damages or otherwise to the Trust or any
Covered Person for any loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of any act or
omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf
of the Trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be
within the scope of the authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by this
Declaration or by law, except that an Indemnified Person shall be liable for any
such loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of such Indemnified Person's gross
negligence (or, in the case of the Property Trustee, pursuant to Section 3.9,
negligence) or willful misconduct with respect to such acts or omissions.
(b) An Indemnified Person shall be fully protected in relying in good
faith upon the records of the Trust and upon such information, opinions, reports
or statements presented to the Trust by any Person as to matters the Indemnified
Person reasonably believes are within such other Person's professional or expert
competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the
Trust, including information, opinions, reports or statements as to the value
and amount of the assets, liabilities, profits, losses, or any other facts
pertinent to the existence and amount of assets from which Distributions to
Holders of Securities might properly be paid.
SECTION 10.3. FIDUCIARY DUTY. (a) To the extent that, at law or in
equity, an Indemnified Person has duties (including fiduciary duties) and
liabilities relating thereto to the Trust or to any other Covered Person, an
Indemnified Person acting under this Declaration shall not be liable to the
Trust or to any other Covered Person for its good faith reliance on the
provisions of this Declaration. The provisions of this Declaration, to the
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extent that they restrict the duties and liabilities of an Indemnified Person
otherwise existing at law or in equity (other than duties imposed on the
Property Trustee under the Trust Indenture Act), are agreed by the parties
hereto to replace such other duties and liabilities of such Indemnified Person.
(b) Unless otherwise expressly provided herein:
(i) whenever a conflict of interest exists or arises between an
Indemnified Person and Covered Persons; or
(ii) whenever this Declaration or any other agreement contemplated
herein or therein provides that an Indemnified Person shall act in a manner
that is, or provides terms that are, fair and reasonable to the Trust or
any Holder of Securities,
the Indemnified Person shall resolve such conflict of interest, take such action
or provide such terms, considering in each case the relative interest of each
party (including its own interest) to such conflict, agreement, transaction or
situation and the benefits and burdens relating to such interests, any customary
or accepted industry practices, and any applicable generally accepted accounting
practices or principles. In the absence of bad faith by the Indemnified Person,
the resolution, action or terms so made, taken or provided by the Indemnified
Person shall not constitute a breach of this Declaration or any other agreement
contemplated herein or of any duty or obligation of the Indemnified Person at
law or in equity or otherwise.
(c) Whenever in this Declaration an Indemnified Person is permitted
or required to make a decision:
(i) in its "discretion" or under a grant of similar authority, the
Indemnified Person shall be entitled to consider such interests and factors
as it desires, including its own interests, and shall have no duty or
obligation to give any consideration to any interest of, or factors
affecting, the Trust or any other Person; or
(ii) in its "good faith" or under another express standard, the
Indemnified Person shall act under such express standard and shall not be
subject to any other or different standard imposed by this Declaration or
by applicable law.
SECTION 10.4. INDEMNIFICATION. (a) To the fullest extent permitted
by applicable law, the Sponsor shall indemnify and hold harmless each
Indemnified Person from and against any loss, damage, liability, tax, penalty,
expense or claim incurred by such
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Indemnified Person by reason of the creation, operation or termination of the
Trust or any act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in
good faith on behalf of the Trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person
reasonably believed to be within the scope of authority conferred on such
Indemnified Person by this Declaration, except that no Indemnified Person shall
be entitled to be indemnified in respect of any loss, damage or claim incurred
by such Indemnified Person by reason of gross negligence (or, in the case of the
Property Trustee, pursuant to Section 3.9, negligence) or willful misconduct
with respect to such acts or omissions.
(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, expenses
(including legal fees) incurred by an Indemnified Person in defending any claim,
demand, action, suit or proceeding shall, from time to time, be advanced by the
Sponsor prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or
proceeding upon receipt by the Sponsor of an undertaking by or on behalf of the
Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall be determined that the
Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in Section
10.4(a). The rights to indemnification set forth herein shall survive the
termination of this Declaration.
SECTION 10.5. OUTSIDE BUSINESSES. Any Covered Person, the Sponsor,
the Delaware Trustee and the Property Trustee may engage in or possess an
interest in other business ventures of any nature or description, independently
or with others, similar or dissimilar to the business of the Trust, and the
Trust and the Holders of Securities shall have no rights by virtue of this
Declaration in and to such independent ventures or the income or profits derived
therefrom and the pursuit of any such venture, even if competitive with the
business of the Trust, shall not be deemed wrongful or improper. No Covered
Person, the Sponsor, the Delaware Trustee or the Property Trustee shall be
obligated to present any particular investment or other opportunity to the Trust
even if such opportunity is of a character that, if presented to the Trust,
could be taken by the Trust, and any Covered Person, the Sponsor, the Delaware
Trustee and the Property Trustee shall have the right to take for its own
account (individually or as a partner or fiduciary) or to recommend to others
any such particular investment or other opportunity. Any Covered Person, the
Delaware Trustee and the Property Trustee may engage or be interested in any
financial or other transaction with the Sponsor or any Affiliate of the Sponsor,
or may act as depository for, trustee or agent for, or act on any committee or
body of holders of, securities or other obligations of the Sponsor or its
Affiliates.
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ARTICLE XI
ACCOUNTING
SECTION 11.1. FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year ("Fiscal Year") of the
Trust shall be the calendar year, or such other year as is required by the Code.
SECTION 11.2. CERTAIN ACCOUNTING MATTERS. (a) At all times during
the existence of the Trust, the Regular Trustees shall keep, or cause to be
kept, full books of account, records and supporting documents, which shall
reflect in reasonable detail, each transaction of the Trust. The books of
account shall be maintained on the accrual method of accounting, in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied. The Trust
shall use the accrual method of accounting for United States federal income tax
purposes. The books of account and the records of the Trust shall be examined
by and reported upon as of the end of each Fiscal Year of the Trust by a firm of
independent certified public accountants selected by the Regular Trustees.
(b) The Regular Trustees shall cause to be prepared and delivered to
each of the Holders of Securities, within 90 days after the end of each Fiscal
Year of the Trust, annual financial statements of the Trust, including a balance
sheet of the Trust as of the end of such Fiscal Year, and the related statements
of income or loss.
(c) The Regular Trustees shall cause to be duly prepared and
delivered to each of the Holders of Securities, an annual United States federal
income tax information statement, if one is required by the Code, containing
such information with regard to the Securities held by each Holder as is
required by the Code and the Treasury Regulations. Notwithstanding any right
under the Code to deliver any such statement at a later date, the Regular
Trustees shall endeavor to deliver all such statements within thirty (30) days
after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Trust.
(d) The Regular Trustees shall cause to be duly prepared and filed
with the appropriate taxing authority, an annual United States federal income
tax return, on a Form 1041 or such other form required by United States federal
income tax law, and any other annual income tax returns required to be filed by
the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust with any state or local taxing
authority.
SECTION 11.3. BANKING. The Trust shall maintain one or more bank
accounts in the name and for the sole benefit of the Trust; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that all payments of funds in respect of
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the Subordinated Debentures held by the Property Trustee shall be made directly
to the Property Trustee Account and no other funds of the Trust shall be
deposited in the Property Trustee Account. The sole signatories for such
accounts shall be designated by the Regular Trustees; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
the Property Trustee shall designate the signatories for the Property Trustee
Account.
SECTION 11.4. WITHHOLDING. The Trust and the Trustees shall comply
with all withholding requirements under United States federal, state and local
law. The Trust shall request, and the Holders shall provide to the Trust, such
forms or certificates as are necessary to establish an exemption from
withholding with respect to each Holder, and any representations and forms as
shall reasonably be requested by the Trust to assist it in determining the
extent of, and in fulfilling, its withholding obligations. The Regular
Trustee(s) shall file required forms with applicable jurisdictions and, unless
an exemption from withholding is properly established by a Holder, shall remit
amounts withheld with respect to the Holder to applicable jurisdictions. To the
extent that the Trust is required to withhold and pay over any amounts to any
authority with respect to distributions or allocations to any Holder, the amount
withheld shall be deemed to be a distribution in the amount of the withholding
to the Holder. In the event of any claimed over-withholding, Holders shall be
limited to an action against the applicable jurisdiction. If the amount
withheld was not withheld from actual Distributions made, the Trust may reduce
subsequent Distributions by the amount of such withholding.
ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS AND MEETINGS
SECTION 12.1. AMENDMENTS. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this
Declaration or by any applicable terms of the Securities, this Declaration may
be amended by, and only by, a written instrument approved and executed by the
Regular Trustees (or, if there are more than two Regular Trustees, a majority of
the Regular Trustees); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that:
(i) no amendment shall be made, and any such purported amendment
shall be void and ineffective:
(1) unless, in the case of any proposed amendment, the Property
Trustee shall have first received an Officers' Certificate
from each of the Trust and the Sponsor that such amendment
is permitted by, and conforms to, the terms of
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this Declaration (including the terms of the Securities);
(2) unless, in the case of any proposed amendment which affects
the rights, powers, duties, obligations or immunities of the
Property Trustee, the Property Trustee shall have first
received:
(A) an Officers' Certificate from each of the Trust and the
Sponsor that such amendment is permitted by, and conforms to, the terms of
this Declaration (including the terms of the Securities); and
(B) an opinion of counsel (who may be counsel to the Sponsor or
the Trust) that such amendment is permitted by, and conforms to, the terms
of this Declaration (including the terms of the Securities); and
(ii) no amendment shall be made, and any such purported amendment
shall be void and ineffective, to the extent the result thereof would be to
(A) cause the Trust not to be characterized for purposes of
United States federal income taxation as a grantor trust and each
Holder of Securities not to be treated as owning an undivided
beneficial interest in the Subordinated Debentures, as evidenced by an
Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such amendment shall not result
in the foregoing;
(B) affect adversely the rights, powers, duties, obligations or
immunities of the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee; or
(C) cause the Trust to be deemed to be an Investment Company
which is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act;
(iii) at such time after the Trust has issued any Securities which
remain outstanding, any amendment which would adversely affect the rights,
privileges or preferences of any Holder of Securities may be effected only
with such additional requirements as may be set forth in the terms of such
Securities;
(iv) Section 9.1(c) and this Section 12.1 shall not be amended without
the consent of all of the Holders of the Securities;
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(v) Article IV shall not be amended without the consent of the
Holders of a Majority in liquidation amount of the Common Securities; and
(vi) the rights of the holders of the Common Securities under Article
V to increase or decrease the number of, and appoint and remove, Trustees
shall not be amended without the consent of the Holders of a Majority in
liquidation amount of the Common Securities.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 12.1(a)(iii), this Declaration may be
amended without the consent of the Holders of the Securities to:
(i) cure any ambiguity;
(ii) correct or supplement any provision in this Declaration that may
be defective or inconsistent with any other provision of this Declaration;
(iii) to add to the covenants, restrictions or obligations of the
Sponsor; and
(iv) to conform to any change in Rule 3a-5 or written change in
interpretation or application of Rule 3a-5 by any legislative body, court,
government agency or regulatory authority which amendment does not have a
material adverse effect on the rights, preferences or privileges of the
Holders.
SECTION 12.2. MEETINGS OF THE HOLDERS OF SECURITIES; ACTION BY
WRITTEN CONSENT. (a) Meetings of the Holders of any class of Securities may be
called at any time by the Regular Trustees (or as provided in the terms of the
Securities) to consider and act on any matter on which Holders of such class of
Securities are entitled to act under the terms of this Declaration, the terms of
the Securities or the rules of any stock exchange on which the Preferred
Securities are listed or admitted for trading. The Regular Trustees shall call
a meeting of such class of Holders, if directed to do so by the Holders of at
least 10% in liquidation amount of such class of Securities. Such direction
shall be given by delivering to the Regular Trustees one or more calls in a
writing stating that the signing Holders of Securities wish to call a meeting
and indicating the general or specific purpose for which the meeting is to be
called. Any Holders of Securities calling a meeting shall specify in writing
the Security Certificates held by the Holders of Securities exercising the right
to call a meeting and only those specified shall be counted for purposes of
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determining whether the required percentage set forth in the second sentence of
this paragraph has been met.
(b) Except to the extent otherwise provided in the terms of the
Securities, the following provisions shall apply to meetings of Holders of
Securities:
(i) Notice of any such meeting shall be given to all the Holders of
Securities having a right to vote thereat at least seven (7) days and not
more than sixty (60) days before the date of such meeting. Whenever a
vote, consent or approval of the Holders of Securities is permitted or
required under this Declaration or the rules of any stock exchange on which
the Preferred Securities are listed or admitted for trading, such vote,
consent or approval may be given at a meeting of the Holders of Securities.
Any action that may be taken at a meeting of the Holders of Securities may
be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing setting forth the action
so taken is signed by the Holders of Securities owning not less than the
minimum amount of Securities in liquidation amount that would be necessary
to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all Holders of
Securities having a right to vote thereon were present and voting. Prompt
notice of the taking of action without a meeting shall be given to the
Holders of Securities entitled to vote who have not consented in writing.
The Regular Trustees may specify that any written ballots submitted to the
Holders of Securities for the purpose of taking any action without a
meeting shall be returned to the Trust within the time specified by the
Regular Trustees.
(ii) Each Holder of a Security may authorize any Person to act for it
by proxy on all matters in which such Holder of Securities is entitled to
participate, including waiving notice of any meeting, or voting or
participating at a meeting. No proxy shall be valid after the expiration
of eleven (11) months from the date thereof unless otherwise provided in
the proxy. Every proxy shall be revocable at the pleasure of the Holder of
Securities executing it. Except as otherwise provided herein, all matters
relating to the giving, voting or validity of proxies shall be governed by
the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware relating to proxies,
and judicial interpretations thereunder, as if the Trust were a Delaware
corporation and the Holders of the Securities were stockholders of a
Delaware corporation.
(iii) Each meeting of the Holders of the Securities shall be conducted
by the Regular Trustees or by such other Person that the Regular Trustees
may designate.
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(iv) Unless the Business Trust Act, this Declaration, the Trust
Indenture Act, the terms of the Securities or the listing rules of any
stock exchange on which the Preferred Securities are then listed or trading
otherwise provides, the Regular Trustees, in their sole discretion, shall
establish all other provisions relating to meetings of Holders of
Securities, including notice of the time, place or purpose of any meeting
at which any matter is to be voted on by any Holders of Securities, waiver
of any such notice, action by consent without a meeting, the establishment
of a record date, quorum requirements, voting in person or by proxy or any
other matter with respect to the exercise of any such right to vote.
ARTICLE XIII
REPRESENTATIONS OF PROPERTY TRUSTEE AND DELAWARE TRUSTEE
SECTION 13.1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PROPERTY TRUSTEE.
The Trustee which acts as initial Property Trustee represents and warrants to
the Trust and to the Sponsor at the date of this Declaration, and each Successor
Property Trustee represents and warrants to the Trust and the Sponsor at the
time of the Successor Property Trustee's acceptance of its appointment as
Property Trustee that:
(a) The Property Trustee is a national banking association duly
organized under the laws of the United States of America, with trust power
and authority to execute and deliver, and to carry out and perform its
obligations under the terms of, this Declaration.
(b) The execution, delivery and performance by the Property Trustee
of this Declaration has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
action on the part of the Property Trustee. This Declaration has been duly
executed and delivered by the Property Trustee, and it constitutes a legal,
valid and binding obligation of the Property Trustee, enforceable against
it in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy,
reorganization, moratorium, insolvency and other similar laws affecting
creditors' rights generally and to general principles of equity and the
discretion of the court (regardless of whether the enforcement of such
remedies is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
(c) The execution, delivery and performance of this Declaration by
the Property Trustee does not conflict with or
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constitute a breach of the Articles of Organization or By-Laws of the
Property Trustee.
(d) No consent, approval or authorization of, or registration with or
notice to, any State or Federal banking authority is required for the
execution, delivery or performance by the Property Trustee of this
Declaration.
SECTION 13.2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF DELAWARE TRUSTEE.
The Delaware Trustee represents and warrants to the Trust and the Sponsor at the
date of this Declaration, that the Delaware Trustee has been authorized to
perform its obligations under the Certificate of Trust and this Declaration.
This Declaration under Delaware law constitutes a legal, valid and binding
obligation of the Delaware Trustee, enforceable against it in accordance with
its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, moratorium,
insolvency and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally and to
general principles of equity and the discretion of the court (regardless of
whether the enforcement of such remedies is considered in a proceeding in equity
or at law).
ARTICLE XIV
SUCCESSOR CORPORATION
SECTION 14.1. SPONSOR MAY CONSOLIDATE, ETC. Nothing contained in
this Declaration or in any of the Securities shall prevent any consolidation or
merger of the Sponsor with or into any other corporation or corporations
(whether or not affiliated with the Sponsor), or successive consolidations or
mergers in which the Sponsor or its successor or successors shall be a party or
parties, or shall prevent any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of
the property of the Sponsor or its successor or successors as an entirety, or
substantially as an entirety, to any other corporation (whether or not
affiliated with the Sponsor or its successor or successors) authorized to
acquire and operate the same; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, the Sponsor hereby covenants
and agrees that, upon any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer
or other disposition, the due and punctual payment, performance and observance
of all the covenants and conditions of this Declaration to be paid, performed or
observed by the Sponsor, shall be expressly assumed, by supplemental indenture
(which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, as then in
effect) satisfactory in form to the Property Trustee executed and delivered to
the Property Trustee by the entity formed by such consolidation, or into which
the Sponsor shall have been merged, or by the entity which shall have acquired
such property.
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SECTION 14.2. SUCCESSOR CORPORATION SUBSTITUTED.
(a) In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance,
transfer or other disposition and upon the assumption by the successor
corporation, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Property
Trustee and satisfactory in form to the Property Trustee, of the due and
punctual payment, performance and observance of all of the covenants and
conditions of this Declaration to be paid, performed or observed by the Sponsor,
such successor corporation shall succeed to and be substituted for the Sponsor
with the same effect as if it had been named as the Sponsor herein.
(b) Nothing contained in this Declaration or in any of the Securities
shall prevent the Sponsor from merging into itself or acquiring by purchase or
otherwise all or any part of the property of any other Person (whether or not
affiliated with the Sponsor).
SECTION 14.3. EVIDENCE OF CONSOLIDATION, ETC. TO PROPERTY TRUSTEE.
The Property Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 3.9, may receive an
opinion of counsel as conclusive evidence that any such consolidation, merger,
sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, and any such assumption, comply
with the provisions of this Article.
ARTICLE XV
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 15.1. NOTICES. All notices provided for in this Declaration
shall be in writing, duly signed by the party giving such notice, and shall be
delivered, telecopied or mailed by registered or certified mail, as follows:
(a) if given to the Trust, in care of the Regular Trustees at the
Trust's mailing address set forth below (or such other address as the Trust
may give notice of to the Holders of the Securities):
TDS CAPITAL I
c/o Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
30 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Attention: President and Chief Executive Officer
Facsimile: 312-630-9299
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(b) if given to the Property Trustee, at the mailing address set
forth below (or such other address as the Property Trustee may give notice
of to the Holders of the Securities):
The First National Bank of Chicago
One First National Plaza, Suite 0216
Chicago, Illinois 60670-0216
Attention: Corporate Trust Administration
Facsimile: 312-407-4656
(c) if given to the Delaware Trustee, at the mailing address of the
Property Trustee with a copy to the address set forth below (or such other
address as the Delaware Trustee may give notice of to the Holders of the
Securities):
First Chicago Delaware Inc.
300 King Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801
Facsimile: 815-356-0391
(d) if given to the Holder of the Common Securities, at the mailing
address of the Sponsor set forth below (or such other address as the Holder
of the Common Securities may give notice of to the Trust):
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
30 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Attention: President and Chief
Executive Officer
Facsimile: 312-630-9299
(d) if given to any other Holder, at the address set forth on the
books and records of the Trust.
All such notices shall be deemed to have been given when received in
person, telecopied with receipt confirmed, or mailed by first class mail,
postage prepaid except that if a notice or other document is refused delivery or
cannot be delivered because of a changed address of which no notice was given,
such notice or other document shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date
of such refusal or inability to deliver.
SECTION 15.2. GOVERNING LAW. This Declaration and the rights of the
parties hereunder shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the
laws of the State of Delaware and all rights and remedies shall be governed by
such laws without regard to principles of conflict of laws.
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SECTION 15.3. INTENTION OF THE PARTIES. It is the intention of the
parties hereto that the Trust not be characterized for United States federal
income tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation or a partnership
but rather, that the Trust be characterized as a grantor trust or otherwise in a
manner such that each Holder of Securities be treated as owning an undivided
beneficial interest in the Subordinated Debentures. The provisions of this
Declaration shall be interpreted to further this intention of the parties.
SECTION 15.4. HEADINGS. Headings contained in this Declaration are
inserted for convenience of reference only and do not affect the interpretation
of this Declaration or any provision hereof.
SECTION 15.5. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. Whenever in this Declaration
any of the parties hereto is named or referred to, the successors and assigns of
such party shall be deemed to be included, and all covenants and agreements in
this Declaration by the Sponsor and the Trustees shall bind and inure to the
benefit of their respective successors and assigns, whether so expressed.
SECTION 15.6. PARTIAL ENFORCEABILITY. If any provision of this
Declaration, or the application of such provision to any Person or circumstance,
shall be held invalid, the remainder of this Declaration, or the application of
such provision to persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held
invalid, shall not be affected thereby.
SECTION 15.7. COUNTERPARTS. This Declaration may contain more than
one counterpart of the signature page and this Declaration may be executed by
the affixing of the signature of each of the Trustees to one of such counterpart
signature pages. All of such counterpart signature pages shall be read as
though one, and they shall have the same force and effect as though all of the
signers had signed a single signature page.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused these presents to be
executed as of the day and year first above written.
---------------------------
as Trustee
---------------------------
as Trustee
---------------------------
as Trustee
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
Not in its individual capacity but
solely as Property Trustee
By:
------------------------
Name:
Title:
FIRST CHICAGO DELAWARE INC.
Not in its individual capacity
but solely as Delaware Trustee
By:
------------------------
Name:
Title:
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
as Sponsor
By:
------------------------
Name:
Title:
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EXHIBIT A
TERMS OF
___% TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIES
___% TRUST ORIGINATED COMMON SECURITIES
Pursuant to Section 7.1 of the Amended and Restated Declaration of
Trust of TDS Capital I dated as of ________, 1997 (as amended from time to time,
the "Declaration"), the designation, rights, privileges, restrictions,
preferences and other terms and provisions of the Preferred Securities and the
Common Securities are set out below (each capitalized term used but not defined
herein has the meaning set forth in the Declaration or, if not defined in such
Declaration, as defined in the Prospectus referred to below):
1. DESIGNATION AND NUMBER.
(a) PREFERRED SECURITIES. Preferred Securities of the Trust with an
aggregate liquidation amount with respect to the assets of the Trust of
___________________($___________) and a liquidation amount with respect to the
assets of the Trust of $25 per Preferred Security, are hereby designated for the
purposes of identification only as "___% Trust Originated Preferred Securities"
(the "Preferred Securities"). The Preferred Security Certificates evidencing
the Preferred Securities shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as
Annex I, with such changes and additions thereto or deletions therefrom as may
be required by ordinary usage, custom or practice.
(b) COMMON SECURITIES. Common Securities of the Trust with an
aggregate liquidation amount with respect to the assets of the Trust of
__________________________ ($_________) and a liquidation amount with respect to
the assets of the Trust of $25 per Common Security, are hereby designated for
the purposes of identification only as "___% Trust Originated Common Securities"
(the "Common Securities"). The Common Security Certificates evidencing the
Common Securities shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex
II, with such changes and additions thereto or deletions therefrom as may be
required by ordinary usage, custom or practice.
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2. DISTRIBUTIONS. (a) Distributions payable on each Security
will be fixed at a rate per annum of ___% (the "Coupon Rate") of the stated
liquidation amount of $25 per Security, such rate being the rate of interest
payable on the Subordinated Debentures to be held by the Property Trustee.
Distributions in arrears will bear interest compounded quarterly at the
Coupon Rate to the extent permitted by applicable law. The term
"Distributions," as used herein, includes any such interest payable unless
otherwise stated. A Distribution is payable only to the extent that payments
are made in respect of the Subordinated Debentures held by the Property
Trustee. Distributions on the Preferred Securities shall be paid to the
extent that the Trust has funds available for the payment of distributions in
the Property Trustee Account. The amount of Distributions payable for any
period will be computed for any full quarterly Distribution period on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months, and for any period shorter
than a full quarterly Distribution period, on the basis of the actual number
of days elapsed in such a 90-day quarter.
(b) Distributions on the Securities will be cumulative, will accrue
from the date of initial issuance of such Securities and will be payable
quarterly in arrears, on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of
each year, commencing on December 31, 1997, except as otherwise described
below. The Debenture Issuer has the right under the Indenture to defer
payments of interest by extending the interest payment period from time to
time on the Subordinated Debentures for a period not exceeding twenty
consecutive quarters (each such period, an "Extension Period") and, as a
consequence of such extension, Distributions will also be deferred. Despite
such deferral, quarterly Distributions will continue to accrue with interest
thereon (to the extent permitted by applicable law) at the Coupon Rate,
compounded quarterly during any such Extension Period. Prior to the
termination of any such Extension Period, the Debenture Issuer may further
extend such Extension Period; PROVIDED that such Extension Period, together
with all such previous and further extensions thereof, may not exceed twenty
consecutive quarters or extend beyond the maturity of the Subordinated
Debentures. Payments of accrued Distributions will be payable to Holders as
they appear on the books and records of the Trust on the first record date
after the end of the Extension Period. Upon the termination of any Extension
Period and the payment of all amounts then due, the Debenture Issuer may
commence a new Extension Period, subject to the above requirements.
(c) Distributions on the Securities will be payable to the Holders
thereof as they appear on the books and records of the Trust on the relevant
record dates. While the Preferred Securities remain in book-entry only form,
the relevant record dates shall be one Business Day prior to the relevant
payment dates which payment dates correspond to the interest payment dates on
the Subordinated
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Debentures. Subject to any applicable laws and regulations and the provisions
of the Declaration, each such payment in respect of the Preferred Securities
will be made as described under the heading "Description of the Preferred
Securities -- Book-Entry Only Issuance -- The Depository Trust Company" in the
Prospectus dated _______, 1997, as supplemented by the Prospectus Supplement
dated _______, 1997 (the "Prospectus") of the Trust included in the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 of the Sponsor and the Trust. The relevant record dates
for the Common Securities, and if the Preferred Securities shall not continue to
remain in book-entry-only form, the relevant record dates for the Preferred
Securities, shall conform to the rules of any securities exchange on which the
securities are listed and, if none, shall be selected by the Regular Trustees,
which dates shall be at least one Business Day but less than 60 Business Days
before the relevant payment dates which payment dates correspond to the interest
payment dates on the Subordinated Debentures. Distributions payable on any
Securities that are not punctually paid on any Distribution payment date, as a
result of the Debenture Issuer having failed to make a payment under the
Subordinated Debentures, will cease to be payable to the Person in whose name
such Securities are registered on the relevant record date, and such defaulted
Distribution will instead be payable to the Person in whose name such Securities
are registered on the special record date or other specified date determined in
accordance with the Indenture. If any date on which Distributions are payable
on the Securities is not a Business Day, then payment of the Distribution
payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business
Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay)
except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, such
payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case
with the same force and effect as if made on such date.
(d) In the event that there is any money or other property held by or
for the Trust that is not accounted for hereunder, such property shall be
distributed Pro Rata (as defined herein) among the Holders of the Securities.
3. LIQUIDATION DISTRIBUTION UPON DISSOLUTION. In the event of any
voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust,
the Holders of the Securities on the date of the dissolution, winding-up or
termination, as the case may be, will be entitled to receive out of the assets
of the Trust available for distribution to Holders of Securities, after paying
or making reasonable provision to pay all claims and obligations of the Trust in
accordance with Section 3808(e) of the Business Trust Act, an amount equal to
the aggregate of the stated liquidation amount of $25 per Security plus accrued
and unpaid Distributions thereon to the date of payment (such amount being the
"Liquidation
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Distribution"), unless, in connection with such dissolution, winding-up or
termination, Subordinated Debentures in an aggregate principal amount equal to
the aggregate stated liquidation amount of such Securities, with an interest
rate equal to the Coupon Rate of, and bearing accrued and unpaid interest in an
amount equal to the accrued and unpaid Distributions on, such Securities, shall
be distributed on a Pro Rata basis to the Holders of the Securities in exchange
for such Securities.
If, upon any such dissolution, the Liquidation Distribution can be
paid only in part because the Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in
full the aggregate Liquidation Distribution, then the amounts payable directly
by the Trust on the Securities shall be paid on a Pro Rata basis.
4. REDEMPTION. (a) Upon the repayment of the Subordinated
Debentures in whole or in part, whether at maturity or upon acceleration,
redemption or otherwise, the proceeds from such repayment or payment shall be
simultaneously applied to redeem Securities having an aggregate stated
liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated
Debentures so repaid or redeemed at a redemption price of $25 per Security plus
an amount equal to accrued and unpaid Distributions thereon at the date of the
redemption, payable in cash (the "Redemption Price"). Holders will be given not
less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice of such redemption except in the case
of payments upon maturity.
(b) If fewer than all the outstanding Securities are to be so
redeemed, the Common Securities and the Preferred Securities will be redeemed
Pro Rata and the Preferred Securities to be redeemed will be as described in
Section 4(f)(ii) below.
(c) If, at any time, a Tax Event (as defined below) shall occur and
be continuing, the Regular Trustees, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60
days notice, may redeem the Securities in whole or in part for cash within 90
days following the occurrence of such Tax Event (the "90 Day Period") at the
Redemption Price on a Pro Rata basis PROVIDED, that, if at the time there is
available to the Sponsor or the Trust the opportunity to eliminate, within
the 90 Day Period, the Tax Event by taking some ministerial action
("Ministerial Action"), such as filing a form or making an election, or
pursuing some other similar reasonable measure that has no adverse effect on
the Sponsor, the Trust, the Debenture Issuer or the Holders of the
Securities, the Trust will pursue such Ministerial Action in lieu of
redemption.
"TAX EVENT" means that the Regular Trustees shall have received an
opinion from independent tax counsel experienced in
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such matters (a "Redemption Tax Opinion") to the effect that, on or after the
latest date of the Prospectus, as a result of (a) any amendment to, or change
(including any announced prospective change) in, the laws (or any regulations
thereunder) of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing
authority thereof or therein, or (b) any amendment to, or change in, an
interpretation or application of any such laws or regulations by any legislative
body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority, which amendment or
change is enacted, promulgated, issued or announced or which interpretation or
pronouncement is issued or announced or which action is taken, in each case on
or after the latest date of the Prospectus, there is more than an insubstantial
risk that interest payable by the Debenture Issuer to the Trust on the
Subordinated Debentures is not, or within 90 days of the date thereof will not
be, deductible, in whole or in part, by the Debenture Issuer for United States
federal income tax purposes.
(d) The Trust may not redeem fewer than all the outstanding
Securities unless all accrued and unpaid Distributions have been paid on all
Securities for all quarterly Distribution periods terminating on or before the
date of redemption.
5. DISTRIBUTION OF SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES IN EXCHANGE FOR
SECURITIES. (a) On and from the date fixed by the Trustees for any
distribution of Subordinated Debentures upon dissolution of the Trust: (i)
the Securities will no longer be deemed to be outstanding, (ii) The
Depository Trust Company (the "Depositary") or its nominee (or any successor
Clearing Agency or its nominee), as the record Holder of the Preferred
Securities, will receive a registered global certificate or certificates
representing the Subordinated Debentures to be delivered upon such
distribution, and (iii) any certificates representing Securities, except for
certificates representing Preferred Securities held by the Depository or its
nominee (or any successor Clearing Agency or its nominee), will be deemed to
represent beneficial interests in the Subordinated Debentures having an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount
of, with an interest rate identical to the Coupon Rate of, and accrued and
unpaid interest equal to accrued and unpaid Distributions on, such Securities
until such certificates are presented to the Debenture Issuer or its agent
for transfer or reissue.
(b) If the Subordinated Debentures are distributed to holders of the
Securities, pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Debenture Issuer will
use its best efforts to have the Subordinated Debentures listed on the American
Stock Exchange or on such other exchange as the Preferred Securities were listed
immediately prior to the distribution of the Subordinated Debentures.
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6. REDEMPTION OR DISTRIBUTION PROCEDURES. (a) Notice of any
redemption of, or notice of distribution of Subordinated Debentures in exchange
for, the Securities (a "Redemption/Distribution Notice") will be given by the
Trust by mail to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed or exchanged not fewer
than 30 nor more than 60 days before the date fixed for redemption or exchange
thereof which, in the case of a redemption, will be the date fixed for
redemption of the Subordinated Debentures. For purposes of the calculation of
the date of redemption or exchange and the dates on which notices are given
pursuant to this Section 6(a), a Redemption/Distribution Notice shall be deemed
to be given on the day such notice is first mailed by first-class mail, postage
prepaid, to Holders of Securities. Each Redemption/Distribution Notice shall be
addressed to the Holders of Securities at the address of each such Holder
appearing in the books and records of the Trust. No defect in the
Redemption/Distribution Notice or in the mailing of either thereof with respect
to any Holder shall affect the validity of the redemption or exchange
proceedings with respect to any other Holder.
(b) In the event that fewer than all the outstanding Securities are
to be redeemed, the Securities to be redeemed shall be redeemed Pro Rata from
each Holder of Preferred Securities; PROVIDED that if, as a result of such Pro
Rata redemption, Clearing Agency Participants would hold fractional interests in
the Preferred Securities, the Depositary will adjust the amount of the interest
of each Clearing Agency Participant to be redeemed to avoid such fractional
interests.
(c) If Securities are to be redeemed and the Trust gives a
Redemption/Distribution Notice, which notice may only be issued if the
Subordinated Debentures are redeemed as set out in this Section 4 (which notice
will be irrevocable), then (i) while the Preferred Securities are in book entry
only form, with respect to the Preferred Securities, by 12:00 noon, New York
City time, on the redemption date, PROVIDED that the Debenture Issuer has paid
the Property Trustee a sufficient amount of cash in connection with the related
redemption or maturity of the Subordinated Debentures, the Property Trustee will
deposit irrevocably with the Depositary or its nominee (or successor Clearing
Agency or its nominee) funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price
with respect to the Preferred Securities and will give the Depositary
irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Redemption Price to the
Holders of the Preferred Securities, and (ii) if the Preferred Securities are
issued in definitive form, with respect to the Preferred Securities, and with
respect to the Common Securities, PROVIDED that the Debenture Issuer has paid
the Property Trustee a sufficient amount of cash in connection with the related
redemption
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or maturity of the Subordinated Debentures, the Property Trustee will pay the
relevant Redemption Price to the Holders of such Securities by check mailed to
the address of the relevant Holder appearing on the books and records of the
Trust on the redemption date. If a Redemption/Distribution Notice shall have
been given and funds have been deposited as required, if applicable, then
immediately prior to the close of business on the date of such deposit, or on
the redemption date, as applicable, all rights of Holders of such Securities so
called for redemption will cease, except the right of the Holders of such
Securities to receive the Redemption Price, but without interest on such
Redemption Price. Neither the Regular Trustees nor the Trust shall be required
to register or cause to be registered the transfer of any Securities which have
been so called for redemption. If any date fixed for redemption of Securities
is not a Business Day, then payment of the Redemption Price payable on such date
will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any
interest or other payment in respect of any such delay) except that, if such
Business Day falls in the next calendar year, such payment will be made on the
immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect
as if made on such date fixed for redemption. If payment of the Redemption
Price in respect of Securities is improperly withheld or refused and not paid
either by the Property Trustee or by the Sponsor as Guarantor pursuant to the
Preferred Securities Guarantee, Distributions on such Securities will continue
to accrue, from the original redemption date to the actual date of payment, in
which case the actual payment date will be considered the date fixed for
redemption for purposes of calculating the Redemption Price.
(d) Redemption/Distribution Notices shall be sent to (i) in respect
of the Preferred Securities, the Depositary or its nominee (or any successor
Clearing Agency or its nominee) if Global Certificates have been issued or if
Definitive Preferred Security Certificates have been issued, to the Holders
thereof, and (ii) in respect of the Common Securities, to the Holders thereof.
(e) Subject to applicable law (including, without limitation, United
States federal securities laws), the Sponsor or any of its Affiliates may at any
time and from time to time purchase outstanding Preferred Securities by tender,
in the open market or by private agreement.
7. VOTING RIGHTS - PREFERRED SECURITIES. (a) Except as provided
under Sections 7(b) and 9 and as otherwise required by law and the Declaration,
the Holders of the Preferred Securities will have no voting rights.
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(b) The Holders of a Majority in liquidation amount of the
Preferred Securities, voting separately as a class, may direct the time,
method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
Property Trustee, or direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon
the Property Trustee under the Declaration, including (i) directing the time,
method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
Debenture Trustee, or executing any trust or power conferred on the Debenture
Trustee with respect to the Subordinated Debentures, (ii) waive any past
default and its consequences that are waivable under the Indenture, (iii)
exercise any right to rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of
all the Subordinated Debentures shall be due and payable, or (iv) consent to
any amendment, modification or termination of the Indenture or the
Subordinated Debentures, where such consent shall be required, PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that where a consent under the Indenture would require the consent
of greater than a majority of the Holders in principal amount of Subordinated
Debentures affected thereby (a "Super Majority"), the Property Trustee may
only give such consent at the direction of the Holders of at least the
proportion in liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities which the
relevant Super Majority represents of the aggregate principal amount of the
Subordinated Debentures. The Property Trustee shall not take any action in
accordance with the directions of the Holders of the Preferred Securities
under this paragraph unless the Property Trustee has obtained an opinion of
independent tax counsel to the effect that, for the purposes of United States
federal income tax, the Trust will not be classified as other than a grantor
trust on account of such action and that each Holder of Securities will
continue to be treated as owning an undivided beneficial interest in the
Subordinated Debentures on account of such action. If the Property Trustee
fails to enforce its rights under the Declaration, any Holder of Preferred
Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against any Person to
enforce the Property Trustee's rights under the Declaration, without first
instituting a legal proceeding against the Property Trustee or any other
Person.
Any approval or direction of Holders of Preferred Securities may be
given at a separate meeting of Holders of Preferred Securities convened for such
purpose, at a meeting of all of the Holders of Securities in the Trust or
pursuant to written consent. The Regular Trustees will cause a notice of any
meeting at which Holders of Preferred Securities are entitled to vote, or of any
matter upon which action by written consent of such Holders is to be taken, to
be mailed to each Holder of record of Preferred Securities. Each such notice
will include a statement setting forth (i) the date of such meeting or the date
by which such action is to be taken, (ii) a description of any resolution
proposed for adoption at such meeting on which such Holders are entitled to vote
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or of such matter upon which written consent is sought and (iii) instructions
for the delivery of proxies or consents.
No vote or consent of the Holders of the Preferred Securities will be
required for the Trust to redeem and cancel Preferred Securities or to
distribute the Subordinated Debentures in accordance with the Declaration and
the terms of the Securities.
Notwithstanding that Holders of Preferred Securities are entitled to
vote or consent under any of the circumstances described above, any of the
Preferred Securities that are owned by the Sponsor, or by any entity directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with the Sponsor, shall not be entitled to vote or consent and shall,
for purposes of such vote or consent, be treated as if they were not
outstanding.
8. VOTING RIGHTS - COMMON SECURITIES. (a) Except as provided under
Section 8(b) and (c) and as otherwise required by law and the Declaration, the
Holders of the Common Securities will have no voting rights.
(b) The Holders of the Common Securities are entitled, in accordance
with Article V of the Declaration, to vote to appoint, remove or replace any
Trustee or to increase or decrease the number of Trustees.
(c) Only after the Event of Default with respect to the Preferred
Securities has been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the Holders of a
Majority in liquidation amount of the Common Securities, voting separately as a
class, may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for
any remedy available to the Property Trustee, or exercising any trust or power
conferred upon the Property Trustee under the Declaration, including (i)
directing the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the Debenture Trustee, or executing any trust or power conferred on
the Debenture Trustee with respect to the Subordinated Debentures, (ii) waive
any past default and its consequences that is waivable under Section 6.06 of the
Indenture, (iii) exercise any right to rescind or annul a declaration that the
principal of all the Subordinated Debentures shall be due and payable, or (iv)
consent to any amendment, modification or termination of the Indenture or the
Subordinated Debentures, where such consent shall be required, PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that where a consent under the Indenture would require the consent of a
Super Majority, the Property Trustee may only give such consent at the direction
of the Holders of at least the proportion in liquidation amount of the Common
Securities which the
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relevant Super Majority represents of the aggregate principal amount of the
Subordinated Debentures. The Property Trustee shall not take any action in
accordance with the directions of the Holders of the Common Securities under
this paragraph unless the Property Trustee has obtained an opinion of
independent tax counsel to the effect that, for the purposes of United States
federal income tax, the Trust will not be classified as other than a grantor
trust on account of such action and that each Holder of Securities will continue
to be treated as owning an undivided beneficial interest in the Subordinated
Debentures on account of such action. If the Property Trustee fails to enforce
its rights under the Declaration, any Holder of Common Securities may institute
a legal proceeding directly against any Person to enforce the Property Trustee's
rights under the Declaration, without first instituting a legal proceeding
against the Property Trustee or any other Person.
Any approval or direction of Holders of Common Securities may be given
at a separate meeting of Holders of Common Securities convened for such purpose,
at a meeting of all of the Holders of Securities in the Trust or pursuant to
written consent. The Regular Trustees will cause a notice of any meeting at
which Holders of Common Securities are entitled to vote, or of any matter upon
which action by written consent of such Holders is to be taken, to be mailed to
each Holder of record of Common Securities. Each such notice will include a
statement setting forth (i) the date of such meeting or the date by which such
action is to be taken, (ii) a description of any resolution proposed for
adoption at such meeting on which such Holders are entitled to vote or of such
matter upon which written consent is sought and (iii) instructions for the
delivery of proxies or consents.
No vote or consent of the Holders of the Common Securities will be
required for the Trust to redeem and cancel Common Securities or to distribute
the Subordinated Debentures in accordance with the Declaration and the terms of
the Securities.
9. AMENDMENTS. If any proposed amendment to the Declaration
provides for, or the Regular Trustees otherwise propose to effect, (i) any
action that would adversely affect the powers, preferences or special rights of
the Securities, whether by way of amendment to the Declaration or otherwise, or
(ii) the dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust, other than as
described in Section 8.1 of the Declaration, then the Holders of outstanding
Securities, as a single class, will be entitled to vote on such amendment or
proposal (but not on any other amendment or proposal) and such amendment or
proposal shall not be effective except with the approval of the Holders of at
least 66-2/3 in liquidation amount of the Securities affected thereby, provided
that a
A-10
<PAGE>
reduction of the aggregate liquidation amount or the distribution rate, or a
change in the payment dates or maturities of the Preferred Securities shall not
be permitted without the consent of each holder of the Preferred Securities. In
the event any amendment or proposal referred to in clause (i) above would
adversely affect only the Preferred Securities or the Common Securities, then
only the affected class will be entitled to vote on such amendment or proposal
and such amendment or proposal shall not be effective except with the approval
of 66-2/3 in liquidation amount of such class of Securities.
10. PRO RATA. A reference in these terms of the Securities to any
payment, distribution or treatment as being "Pro Rata" shall mean pro rata to
each Holder of Securities according to the aggregate liquidation amount of the
Securities held by the relevant Holder in relation to the aggregate liquidation
amount of all Securities outstanding unless, in relation to a payment, an Event
of Default under the Indenture has occurred and is continuing, in which case any
funds available to make such payment shall be paid first to each Holder of the
Preferred Securities pro rata according to the aggregate liquidation amount of
Preferred Securities held by the relevant Holder relative to the aggregate
liquidation amount of all Preferred Securities outstanding, and only after
satisfaction of all amounts owed to the Holders of the Preferred Securities, to
each Holder of Common Securities pro rata according to the aggregate liquidation
amount of Common Securities held by the relevant Holder relative to the
aggregate liquidation amount of all Common Securities outstanding.
11. RANKING. The Preferred Securities rank PARI PASSU and payment
thereon shall be made Pro Rata with the Common Securities except that when an
Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the rights of Holders of the Common
Securities to payment in respect of Distributions and payments upon liquidation,
redemption and otherwise are subordinated to the rights to payment of the
Holders of the Preferred Securities.
12. LISTING. The Regular Trustees shall use their best efforts to
cause the Preferred Securities to be listed for quotation on the American Stock
Exchange, Inc.
13. ACCEPTANCE OF SECURITIES GUARANTEE AND INDENTURE. Each Holder of
Preferred Securities and Common Securities, by the acceptance thereof, agrees to
the provisions of the Preferred Securities Guarantee, including the
subordination provisions therein and to the provisions therein and to the
provisions of the Indenture.
A-11
<PAGE>
14. NO PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS. The Holders of the Securities shall have
no preemptive rights to subscribe for any additional Securities.
15. MISCELLANEOUS. These terms constitute a part of the Declaration.
The Sponsor will provide a copy of the Declaration and the Preferred
Securities Guarantee to a Holder without charge on written request to the
Sponsor at its principal place of business.
A-12
<PAGE>
ANNEX I
FORM OF PREFERRED SECURITY CERTIFICATE
[IF THE PREFERRED SECURITY IS TO BE A GLOBAL CERTIFICATE INSERT - This
Preferred Security is a Global Certificate within the meaning of the Declaration
hereinafter referred to and is registered in the name of The Depository Trust
Company (the "Depositary") or a nominee of the Depositary. This Preferred
Security is exchangeable for Preferred Securities registered in the name of a
person other than the Depositary or its nominee only in the limited
circumstances described in the Declaration and no transfer of this Preferred
Security as a whole (except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or
by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the
Depository) may be registered except in limited circumstances.
Unless this Preferred Security is presented by an authorized
representative of The Depository Trust Company (55 Water Street, New York, New
York) to the Trust or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or
payment, and any Preferred Security issued is registered in the name of Cede &
Co. or such other name as is requested by an authorized representative of The
Depository Trust Company and any payment hereon is made to Cede & Co., ANY
TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY A PERSON IS
WRONGFUL since the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.]
Certificate Number Number of Preferred Securities
CUSIP NO.
-------------
Certificate Evidencing Preferred Securities
of
TDS Capital I
Preferred Securities
(Liquidation Amount $25 per Preferred Security)
TDS CAPITAL I, a business trust formed under the laws of the State of
Delaware (the "TRUST"), hereby certifies that ________ (the "Holder") is the
registered owner of preferred securities of the Trust representing undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust designated the ___% Trust
Originated Preferred Securities (liquidation amount $25 per Preferred Security)
(the "Preferred Securities"). The Preferred Securities are transferable
I-1
<PAGE>
on the books and records of the Trust, in person or by a duly authorized
attorney, upon surrender of this certificate duly endorsed and in proper
form for transfer. The designation, rights, privileges, restrictions,
preferences and other terms and provisions of the Preferred Securities
represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the
provisions of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust
dated as of _______, 1997, as the same may be amended from time to time (the
"Declaration"), including the designation of the terms of the Preferred
Securities as set forth in Exhibit A to the Declaration. Capitalized terms
used herein but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings given
them in the Declaration. The Holder is entitled to the benefits of the
Preferred Securities Guarantee to the extent provided therein and, by
acceptance hereof, agrees to the subordination provisions and other terms of
the Preferred Securities Guarantee. The Trust will provide a copy of the
Declaration and the Preferred Securities Guarantee to the Holder without
charge upon written request to the Trust at its principal place of business.
Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the
Declaration and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.
By acceptance, the Holder agrees to treat the Subordinated Debentures
as indebtedness and the Preferred Securities as evidence of indirect beneficial
ownership in the Subordinated Debentures.
I-2
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trust has executed this certificate this
________ day of ________, 1997.
TDS CAPITAL I
By:
-----------------------------
as Regular Trustee
By:
-----------------------------
as Regular Trustee
By:
-----------------------------
as Regular Trustee
__________________________
I-3
<PAGE>
ASSIGNMENT
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned assigns and transfers this
Preferred Security Certificate to:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------
(Insert assignee's social security or tax identification number)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------
(Insert address and zip code of assignee)
and irrevocably appoints
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
agent to transfer this Preferred Security Certificate on the books of the Trust.
The agent may substitute another to act for him or her.
Date:
----------------------------
Signature:
-----------------------
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Preferred Security
Certificate.)
<PAGE>
ANNEX II
FORM OF COMMON SECURITY CERTIFICATE
Certificate Number Number of Common Securities
Certificate Evidencing Common Securities
of
TDS CAPITAL I
Common Securities
(Liquidation Amount $25 per Common Security)
TDS CAPITAL I, a business trust formed under the laws of the State
of Delaware (the "Trust"), hereby certifies that _____ (the "Holder") is the
registered owner of common securities of the Trust representing undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust designated the ___% Trust
Originated Common Securities (liquidation amount $25 per Common Security)
(the "Common Securities"). The Common Securities are transferable on the
books and records of the Trust, in person or by a duly authorized attorney,
upon surrender of this certificate duly endorsed and in proper form for
transfer. The designation, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences and
other terms and provisions of the Common Securities represented hereby are
issued and shall in all respects be subject to the provisions of the Amended
and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated as of ________, 1997, as
the same may be amended from time to time (the "Declaration"), including the
designation of the terms of the Common Securities as set forth in Exhibit A
to the Declaration. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein
shall have the respective meanings given them in the Declaration. The Trust
will provide a copy of the Declaration to the Holder without charge upon
written request to the Trust at its principal place of business.
Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the
Declaration and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.
By acceptance, the Holder agrees to treat the Subordinated Debentures
as indebtedness and the Common Securities as evidence of indirect beneficial
ownership in the Subordinated Debentures.
II-1
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trust has executed this certificate this ____
day of ________, 1997.
TDS CAPITAL I
By:
-----------------------------
as Regular Trustee
By:
-----------------------------
as Regular Trustee
By:
-----------------------------
as Regular Trustee
______________________________
ASSIGNMENT
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned assigns and transfers this Common Security
Certificate to:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------
(Insert assignee's social security or tax identification number)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------
(Insert address and zip code of assignee)
and irrevocably appoints
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
agent to transfer this Common Security Certificate on the books of the Trust.
The agent may substitute another to act for him or her.
Date:
----------------------------
Signature:
-----------------------
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Common Security
Certificate.)
II-2
<PAGE>
____________________________________
PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT
TDS Capital I
Dated as of ________, 1997
____________________________________
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Section 1.1. Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Section 1.2. Interpretation.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ARTICLE II
TRUST INDENTURE ACT
Section 2.1. Trust Indenture Act; Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Section 2.2. Lists of Holders of Preferred Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Section 2.3. Reports by the Guarantee Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Section 2.4. Periodic Reports to Guarantee Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Section 2.5. Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent . . . . . . . . . . 6
Section 2.6. Events of Default; Waiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Section 2.7. Events of Default; Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Section 2.8. Conflicting Interests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
ARTICLE III
POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF
GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
Section 3.1. Powers and Duties of the Guarantee Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Section 3.2. Certain Rights of Guarantee Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Section 3.3. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of
Guarantee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
ARTICLE IV
GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
Section 4.1. Guarantee Trustee; Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Section 4.2. Appointment, Removal and Resignation of Guarantee
Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
ARTICLE V
GUARANTEE
Section 5.1. Guarantee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section 5.2. Waiver of Notice and Demand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section 5.3. Obligations Not Affected.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section 5.4. Rights of Holders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Section 5.5. Guarantee of Payment.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Section 5.6. Subrogation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Section 5.7. Independent Obligations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
i
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VI
LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS; SUBORDINATION
Section 6.1. Limitation of Transaction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Section 6.2. Ranking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION
Section 7.1. Termination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 8.1. Exculpation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Section 8.2. Indemnification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
ARTICLE IX
SUCCESSOR CORPORATION
Section 9.01. Guarantor May Consolidate, Etc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Section 9.02. Successor Corporation Substituted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Section 9.03. Evidence of Consolidation, Etc. to Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 10.1. Successors and Assigns.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Section 10.2. Amendments.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Section 10.3. Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Section 10.4. Benefit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Section 10.5. Governing Law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
</TABLE>
ii
<PAGE>
PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT
THIS PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT (This "Guarantee
Agreement"), Dated as of ________, 1997, is executed and delivered by TELEPHONE
AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC., an Iowa corporation (the "Guarantor"), and The First
National Bank of Chicago, a national banking association duly organized and
existing under the laws of the United States, as trustee (the "Guarantee
Trustee"), for the benefit of the Holders (as defined herein) from time to time
of the Preferred Securities (as defined herein) of TDS Capital I, A Delaware
statutory business trust (the "Issuer").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, pursuant to an Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (the
"Declaration"), dated as of _________, 1997, among the trustees of the Issuer,
the Guarantor as Sponsor and the holders from time to time of undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of the Issuer, the Issuer is issuing on the
date hereof $ ___________ aggregate stated liquidation amount of its ___% Trust
Originated Preferred Securities (the "Preferred Securities"); and
WHEREAS, as incentive for the Holders to purchase the Preferred
Securities, the Guarantor desires irrevocably and unconditionally to agree, to
the extent set forth in this Guarantee Agreement, to pay to the Holders of the
Preferred Securities the Guarantee Payments (as defined herein) and to make
certain other payments on the terms and conditions set forth herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the purchase by each Holder of
Preferred Securities, which purchase the Guarantor hereby agrees shall benefit
the Guarantor, the Guarantor executes and delivers this Guarantee Agreement for
the benefit of the Holders.
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
SECTION 1.1. DEFINITIONS. In this Guarantee Agreement, unless the
context otherwise requires: (a) capitalized terms used in this Guarantee
Agreement but not defined in the preamble above have the respective meanings
assigned to them in this Section 1.1; (b) a term defined anywhere in this
Guarantee Agreement has the same meaning throughout; and (c) a term defined in
the Trust Indenture Act has the same meaning when used in this Guarantee
Agreement unless otherwise defined in this Guarantee Agreement or unless the
context otherwise requires.
<PAGE>
AFFILIATE:
The term "Affiliate" has the same meaning as given to that term in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 or any successor rule thereunder.
BUSINESS DAY:
The term "Business Day" means any day other than a day on which
banking institutions in Chicago, Illinois or New York, New York are authorized
or required by any applicable law to close.
COMMON SECURITIES:
The term "Common Securities" means the securities representing common
undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Issuer.
COVERED PERSON:
The term "Covered Person" means any Holder or beneficial owner of
Preferred Securities.
EVENT OF DEFAULT:
The term "Event of Default" means a default by the Guarantor on any of
its payment or other obligations under this Guarantee Agreement.
GUARANTEE PAYMENTS:
The term "Guarantee Payments" means the following payments or
distributions, without duplication, with respect to the Preferred Securities,
to the extent not paid or made by the Issuer: (i) any accrued and unpaid
Distributions (as defined in the Declaration) that are required to be paid on
the Preferred Securities to the extent the Issuer shall have funds available
therefor, (ii) the redemption price, including all accrued and unpaid
Distributions to the date of redemption (the "Redemption Price") to the
extent the Issuer has funds available therefor, with respect to any Preferred
Securities called for redemption by the Issuer, and (iii) upon a voluntary or
involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Issuer (other than
in connection with the distribution of Subordinated Debentures to the Holders
in exchange for Preferred Securities as provided in the Declaration), the
lesser of (a) the aggregate of the liquidation amount and all accrued and
unpaid Distributions on the Preferred Securities to the date of payment to
the extent the Issuer has funds available therefor, and (b) the amount of
assets of the Issuer remaining available for distribution to Holders in
liquidation of the Issuer (in either case, the "Liquidation Distribution").
2
<PAGE>
GUARANTEE TRUSTEE:
The term "Guarantee Trustee" means The First National Bank of Chicago,
as trustee under this Guarantee Agreement, until a Successor Guarantee Trustee
has been appointed and has accepted such appointment pursuant to the terms of
this Guarantee Agreement and thereafter means such Successor Guarantee Trustee.
GUARANTOR:
The term "Guarantor" means Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., and its
successor or successors by merger, consolidation or purchase of all or
substantially all of its assets.
HOLDER:
The term "Holder" shall mean any holder, as registered on the books
and records of the Issuer, of any Preferred Securities; provided, however, that,
in determining whether the holders of the requisite percentage of Preferred
Securities have given any request, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, "Holder"
shall not include the Guarantor or any Affiliate of the Guarantor.
INDEMNIFIED PERSON:
The term "Indemnified Person" means the Guarantee Trustee, any
Affiliate of the Guarantee Trustee, or any officers, directors, shareholders,
members, partners, employees, representatives or agents of the Guarantee
Trustee.
INDENTURE:
The term "Indenture" means the Indenture dated as of October 15,
1997, between the Guarantor (the "Debenture Issuer") and The First National
Bank of Chicago, as trustee, and any amendment thereto and any indenture
supplemental thereto pursuant to which certain unsecured subordinated debt
securities of the Debenture Issuer are to be issued to the Property Trustee
of the Issuer.
MAJORITY IN LIQUIDATION AMOUNT OF THE SECURITIES:
The term "Majority in liquidation amount of the Securities" means,
except as provided by the Trust Indenture Act, a vote by Holder(s) of Preferred
Securities, voting separately as a class, of more than 50% of the liquidation
amount (including the stated amount that would be paid on redemption,
liquidation or maturity, plus accrued and unpaid Distributions to the date
3
<PAGE>
upon which the voting percentages are determined) of all Preferred Securities.
OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE:
The term "Officers' Certificate" means, with respect to any Person, a
certificate signed by two authorized officers of such Person. Any Officers'
Certificate delivered with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant
provided for in this Guarantee Agreement shall include:
(a) a statement that each such officer signing the Officers'
Certificate has read the covenant or condition and the definition
relating thereto;
(b) a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination
or investigation undertaken by each such officer in rendering the
Officers' Certificate;
(c) a statement that each such officer has made such examination
or investigation as, in such officer's opinion, is necessary to enable
such officer to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such
covenant or condition has been complied with; and
(d) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such
officer, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
PERSON:
The term "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, joint stock company, unincorporated
association or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof, or any
other entity of whatever nature.
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER:
The term "Responsible Officer", when used with respect to the
Guarantee Trustee, means the Chairman of the board of directors, the President,
any Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, any trust officer, any
corporate trust officer or any other officer or assistant officer of the
Guarantee Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by
any of the persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to
whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of that officer's knowledge
of and familiarity with the particular subject.
4
<PAGE>
SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES:
The term "Subordinated Debentures" means the series of unsecured
subordinated debt securities of the Guarantor designated the ___% Junior
Subordinated Deferable Interest Debentures due ________, ____ held by the
Property Trustee of the Issuer.
SUCCESSOR GUARANTEE TRUSTEE:
The term "Successor Guarantee Trustee" means a successor Guarantee
Trustee possessing the qualifications to act as Guarantee Trustee under Section
4.1.
TRUST INDENTURE ACT:
The term "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.
SECTION 1.2. INTERPRETATION. Each definition in this Guarantee
Agreement includes the singular and the plural, and references to the neuter
gender include the masculine and feminine where appropriate. Terms which relate
to accounting matters shall be interpreted in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles in effect from time to time. References to any statute
mean such statute as amended at the time and include any successor legislation.
The word "or" is not exclusive, and the words "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder"
refer to this Guarantee Agreement as a whole. The headings to the Articles and
Sections are for convenience of reference and shall not affect the meaning or
interpretation of this Guarantee Agreement. References to Articles and Sections
mean the Articles and Sections of this Guarantee Agreement unless otherwise
specified.
ARTICLE II
TRUST INDENTURE ACT
SECTION 2.1. TRUST INDENTURE ACT; APPLICATION.
(a) This Guarantee Agreement is subject to the provisions of the Trust
Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Guarantee Agreement and
shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.
(b) If and to the extent that any provision of this Guarantee
Agreement limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Sections 310
to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties shall
control.
5
<PAGE>
SECTION 2.2. LISTS OF HOLDERS OF PREFERRED SECURITIES.
(a) The Guarantor shall provide the Guarantee Trustee with a list, in
such form as the Guarantee Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and
addresses of the Holders of the Preferred Securities ("List of Holders") as of
such date, (i) within ten Business Days after January 1 and June 30 of each
year, and (ii) at any other time, within 30 days of receipt by the Guarantor of
a written request for a List of Holders as of a date no more than 14 days before
such List of Holders is given to the Guarantee Trustee, PROVIDED that the
Guarantor shall not be obligated to provide such List of Holders at any time
when the List of Holders does not differ from the most recent List of Holders
given to the Guarantee Trustee by the Guarantor. The Guarantee Trustee may
destroy any List of Holders previously given to it on receipt of a new List of
Holders.
(b) The Guarantee Trustee shall comply with its obligations under
Section 311(a), 311(b) and Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.3. REPORTS BY THE GUARANTEE TRUSTEE. Within 60 days after
May 1 of each year, the Guarantee Trustee shall provide to the Holders of the
Preferred Securities such reports as are required by Section 313 of the Trust
Indenture Act, if any, in the form and in the manner provided by Section 313 of
the Trust Indenture Act. The Guarantee Trustee shall also comply with the
requirements of Section 313(d) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.4. PERIODIC REPORTS TO GUARANTEE TRUSTEE. The Guarantor
shall provide to the Guarantee Trustee such documents, reports and information
as required by Section 314 (if any) and the compliance certificate required by
Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act in the form, in the manner and at the
times required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.5. EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH CONDITIONS PRECEDENT. The
Guarantor shall provide to the Guarantee Trustee such evidence of compliance
with any conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Guarantee Agreement
that relate to any of the matters set forth in Section 314(c) of the Trust
Indenture Act. Any certificate or opinion required to be given by an officer
pursuant to Section 314(c)(1) may be given in the form of an Officers'
Certificate.
SECTION 2.6. EVENTS OF DEFAULT; WAIVER. The Holders of a Majority in
liquidation amount of Preferred Securities may, by vote, on behalf of the
Holders of all of the Preferred Securities, waive any past Event of Default and
its consequences.
6
<PAGE>
Upon such waiver, any such Event of Default shall cease to exist, and any Event
of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every
purpose of this Guarantee Agreement, but no such waiver shall extend to any
subsequent or other default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent
thereon.
SECTION 2.7. EVENTS OF DEFAULT; NOTICE.
(a) The Guarantee Trustee shall, within 90 days after a Responsible
Officer has knowledge of the occurrence of an Event of Default, transmit by
mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Holders of the Preferred Securities,
notices of all Events of Default known to the Guarantee Trustee, unless such
defaults have been cured before the giving of such notice, provided, that the
Guarantee Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long
as the board of directors, the executive committee, or a trust committee of
directors and/or Responsible Officers of the Guarantee Trustee in good faith
determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the
Holders of the Preferred Securities.
(b) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of
any Event of Default unless the Guarantee Trustee shall have received written
notice, or a Responsible Officer charged with the administration of the
Declaration shall have obtained written notice, of such Event of Default.
SECTION 2.8. CONFLICTING INTERESTS. The Declaration shall be deemed
to be specifically described in this Guarantee Agreement for the purposes of
clause (i) of the first proviso contained in Section 310(b) of the Trust
Indenture Act.
ARTICLE III
POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF
GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
SECTION 3.1. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE GUARANTEE TRUSTEE.
(a) This Guarantee Agreement shall be held by the Guarantee Trustee
for the benefit of the Holders of the Preferred Securities, and the Guarantee
Trustee shall not transfer this Guarantee Agreement to any Person except to a
Holder of Preferred Securities exercising the rights of such Holder pursuant to
Section 5.4(b) or to a Successor Guarantee Trustee on acceptance by such
Successor Guarantee Trustee of its appointment to act as Successor Guarantee
Trustee. The right, title and interest of the Guarantee Trustee shall
automatically vest in any Successor
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Guarantee Trustee, and such vesting of title shall be effective whether or
not conveyancing documents have been executed and delivered pursuant to the
appointment of such Successor Guarantee Trustee.
(b) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the
Guarantee Trustee shall enforce this Guarantee Agreement for the benefit of the
Holders of the Preferred Securities.
(c) The Guarantee Trustee, before the occurrence of any Event of
Default and after the curing of all Events of Default that may have occurred,
shall undertake to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in
this Guarantee Agreement, and no implied covenants shall be read into this
Guarantee Agreement against the Guarantee Trustee. In case an Event of Default
has occurred (that has not been cured or waived pursuant to Section 2.6), the
Guarantee Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by
this Guarantee Agreement, and use the same degree of care and skill in its
exercise thereof, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the
circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs.
(d) No provision of this Guarantee Agreement shall be construed to
relieve the Guarantee Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its
own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(i) prior to the occurrence of any Event of Default and
after the curing or waiving of all such Events of Default that may
have occurred:
(A) the duties and obligations of the Guarantee
Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of
this Guarantee Agreement, and the Guarantee Trustee shall not be
liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations
as are specifically set forth in this Guarantee Agreement, and no
implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this
Guarantee Agreement against the Guarantee Trustee; and
(B) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the
Guarantee Trustee, the Guarantee Trustee may conclusively rely,
as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the
opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions
furnished to the Guarantee Trustee and conforming to the
requirements of this Guarantee Agreement; but in the case of any
such
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certificates or opinions that by any provision hereof are specifically
required to be furnished to the Guarantee Trustee, the Guarantee
Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether
or not they conform to the requirements of this Declaration;
(ii) the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable for any
error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the
Guarantee Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Guarantee
Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts upon which
such judgment was made;
(iii) the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable with respect
to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in
accordance with the direction of the Holders of not less than a
Majority in liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities at the time
outstanding relating to the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee, or
exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee
under this Guarantee Agreement; and
(iv) no provision of this Guarantee Agreement shall require
the Guarantee Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise
incur personal financial liability in the performance of any of its
duties or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if there is
reasonable grounds for believing that the repayment of such funds or
liability is not reasonably assured to it under the terms of this
Guarantee Agreement or adequate indemnity against such risk or
liability is not reasonably assured to it.
SECTION 3.2. CERTAIN RIGHTS OF GUARANTEE TRUSTEE.
(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 3.1:
(i) The Guarantee Trustee may rely and shall be fully
protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution,
certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request,
direction, consent, order, approval, bond, security or other paper or
document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or
presented by the proper party or parties.
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(ii) Any direction or act of the Guarantor contemplated by
this Guarantee Agreement shall be sufficiently evidenced by a
direction or an Officers' Certificate.
(iii) Whenever in the administration of this Guarantee
Agreement the Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter
be proved or established before taking, suffering or omitting any
action hereunder, the Guarantee Trustee (unless other evidence is
herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on
its part, request and rely upon an Officers' Certificate which, upon
receipt of such request, shall be promptly delivered by the Guarantor.
(iv) The Guarantee Trustee shall have no duty to see to
any recording, filing or registration of any instrument (or any
rerecording, refiling or reregistration thereof).
(v) The Guarantee Trustee may consult with counsel and
the written advice or opinion of such counsel with respect to legal
matters shall be full and complete authorization and protection in
respect of any action taken or suffered or omitted by it hereunder in
good faith and in accordance with such advice or opinion. Such
counsel may be counsel to the Guarantor or any of its Affiliates and
may include any of its employees. The Guarantee Trustee shall have
the right at any time to seek instructions concerning the
administration of this Guarantee Agreement from any court of competent
jurisdiction.
(vi) The Guarantee Trustee shall be under no obligation to
exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Guarantee
Agreement at the request or direction of any Holder, unless such
Holder shall have provided to the Guarantee Trustee reasonable
security or indemnity against the costs, expenses (including
attorneys' fees and expenses) and liabilities that might be incurred
by it in complying with such request or direction, including such
reasonable advances as may be requested by the Guarantee Trustee;
provided that, nothing contained in this Section 3.2(a)(vi) shall,
however, relieve the Guarantee Trustee, upon the occurrence of an
Event of Default, of its obligation to exercise the rights and powers
vested in it by this Guarantee Agreement.
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(vii) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be bound to make any
investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution,
certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request,
direction, consent, order, approval, bond, security or other papers or
documents, but the Guarantee Trustee, in its discretion, may make such
further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may
see fit.
(viii) The Guarantee Trustee may execute any of the trusts
or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or
by or through agents or attorneys, and the Guarantee Trustee shall not
be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any
agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder.
(ix) Any action taken by the Guarantee Trustee or its
agents hereunder shall bind the Holders of the Preferred Securities,
and the signature of the Guarantee Trustee or its agents alone shall
be sufficient and effective to perform any such action. No third
party shall be required to inquire as to the authority of the
Guarantee Trustee to so act or as to its compliance with any of the
terms and provisions of this Guarantee Agreement, both of which shall
be conclusively evidenced by the Guarantee Trustee's or its agent's
taking such action.
(x) Whenever in the administration of this Guarantee
Agreement the Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive
instructions with respect to enforcing any remedy or right or taking
any other action hereunder, the Guarantee Trustee (i) may request
instructions from the Holders of a Majority in liquidation amount of
the Preferred Securities, (ii) may refrain from enforcing such remedy
or right or taking such other action until such instructions are
received, and (iii) shall be protected in acting in accordance with
such instructions.
(b) No provision of this Guarantee Agreement shall be deemed to
impose any duty or obligation on the Guarantee Trustee to perform any act or
acts or exercise any right, power, duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it
in any jurisdiction in which it shall be illegal, or in which the Guarantee
Trustee shall be unqualified or incompetent in accordance with applicable law,
to perform any such act or acts or to exercise any such right, power, duty or
obligation. No permissive power or
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authority available to the Guarantee Trustee shall be construed to be a duty.
SECTION 3.3. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RECITALS OR ISSUANCE OF GUARANTEE.
The recitals contained in this Guarantee shall be taken as the statements of the
Guarantor, and the Guarantee Trustee does not assume any responsibility for
their correctness. The Guarantee Trustee makes no representation as to the
validity or sufficiency of this Guarantee Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
SECTION 4.1. GUARANTEE TRUSTEE; ELIGIBILITY.
(a) There shall at all times be a Guarantee Trustee which shall:
(i) not be an Affiliate of the Guarantor; and
(ii) be a corporation organized and doing business under the
laws of the United States of America or any State or Territory thereof or
of the District of Columbia, or a corporation or Person permitted by the
Securities and Exchange Commission to act as an institutional trustee under
the Trust Indenture Act, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate
trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least fifty
million U.S. dollars ($50,000,000), and subject to supervision or
examination by Federal, State, Territorial or District of Columbia
authority. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least
annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the supervising or
examining authority referred to above, then, for the purposes of this
Section 4.1(a)(ii), the combined capital and surplus of such corporation
shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its
most recent report of condition so published.
(b) If at any time the Guarantee Trustee shall cease to be eligible
so to act under Section 4.1(a), the Guarantee Trustee shall immediately resign
in the manner and with the effect set out in Section 4.2(c).
(c) If the Guarantee Trustee has or shall acquire any "conflicting
interest" within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the
Guarantee Trustee and Guarantor
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shall in all respects comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust
Indenture Act.
SECTION 4.2. APPOINTMENT, REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF GUARANTEE
TRUSTEE.
(a) Subject to Section 4.2(b), the Guarantee Trustee may be appointed
or removed without cause at any time by the Guarantor.
(b) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be removed in accordance with
Section 4.2(a) until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has
accepted such appointment by written instrument executed by such Successor
Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor.
(c) The Guarantee Trustee appointed to office shall hold office until
a Successor Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed or until its removal or
resignation. The Guarantee Trustee may resign from office (without need for
prior or subsequent accounting) by an instrument in writing executed by the
Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor, which resignation shall not
take effect until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has
accepted such appointment by instrument in writing executed by such Successor
Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor and the resigning Guarantee
Trustee.
(d) If no Successor Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed and
accepted appointment as provided in this Section 4.2 within 60 days after
delivery to the Guarantor of an instrument of resignation, the resigning
Guarantee Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for
appointment of a Successor Guarantee Trustee. Such court may thereupon, after
prescribing such notice, if any, as it may deem proper, appoint a Successor
Guarantee Trustee.
ARTICLE V
GUARANTEE
SECTION 5.1. GUARANTEE. The Guarantor irrevocably and
unconditionally agrees to pay in full to the Holders the Guarantee Payments
(without duplication of amounts theretofore paid by the Issuer), as and when
due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim that the Issuer
may have or assert. The Guarantor's obligation to make a Guarantee Payment may
be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by the Guarantor to the
Holders or by causing the Issuer to pay such amounts to the Holders.
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SECTION 5.2. WAIVER OF NOTICE AND DEMAND. The Guarantor hereby
waives notice of acceptance of this Guarantee Agreement and of any liability to
which it applies or may apply, presentment, demand for payment, any right to
require a proceeding first against the Issuer or any other Person before
proceeding against the Guarantor, protest, notice of nonpayment, notice of
dishonor, notice of redemption and all other notices and demands.
SECTION 5.3. OBLIGATIONS NOT AFFECTED. The obligations, covenants,
agreements and duties of the Guarantor under this Guarantee Agreement shall in
no way be affected or impaired by reason of the happening from time to time of
any of the following:
(a) the release or waiver, by operation of law or otherwise, of the
performance or observance by the Issuer of any express or implied
agreement, covenant, term or condition relating to the Preferred Securities
to be performed or observed by the Issuer;
(b) the extension of time for the payment by the Issuer of all or any
portion of the Distributions, Redemption Price, Liquidation Distribution or
any other sums payable under the terms of the Preferred Securities or the
extension of time for the performance of any other obligation under,
arising out of, or in connection with, the Preferred Securities (other than
an extension of time for payment of Distributions that results from the
extension of any interest payment period on the Subordinated Debentures
permitted by the Indenture);
(c) any failure, omission, delay or lack of diligence on the part of
the Holders to enforce, assert or exercise any right, privilege, power or
remedy conferred on the Holders pursuant to the terms of the Preferred
Securities, or any action on the part of the Issuer granting indulgence or
extension of any kind;
(d) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of
any collateral, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the
benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or
readjustment of debt of, or other similar proceedings affecting, the Issuer
or any of the assets of the Issuer;
(e) any invalidity of, or defect or deficiency in, the Preferred
Securities;
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(f) the settlement or compromise of any obligation guaranteed hereby
or hereby incurred; or
(g) any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute
a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor, it being the
intent of this Section 5.3 that the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder
shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances.
There shall be no obligation of the Holders to give notice to, or obtain consent
of, the Guarantor with respect to the happening of any of the foregoing.
SECTION 5.4. RIGHTS OF HOLDERS.
(a) The Holders of a Majority in liquidation amount of the Preferred
Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting of
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee in respect of
this Guarantee Agreement or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the
Guarantee Trustee under this Guarantee Agreement.
(b) If the Guarantee Trustee fails to enforce this Guarantee
Agreement, any Holder of Preferred Securities may institute a legal proceeding
directly against the Guarantor to enforce its rights under this Guarantee
Agreement, without first instituting a legal proceeding against the Issuer, the
Guarantee Trustee or any other Person.
SECTION 5.5. GUARANTEE OF PAYMENT. This Guarantee Agreement creates
a guarantee of payment and not of collection.
SECTION 5.6. SUBROGATION. The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all
(if any) rights of the Holders of Preferred Securities against the Issuer in
respect of any amounts paid to such Holders by the Guarantor under this
Guarantee Agreement; provided, however, that the Guarantor shall not (except to
the extent required by mandatory provisions of law) be entitled to enforce or
exercise any right that it may acquire by way of subrogation or any indemnity,
reimbursement or other agreement, in all cases as a result of payment under this
Guarantee Agreement, if, at the time of any such payment, any amounts are due
and unpaid under this Guarantee Agreement. If any amount shall be paid to the
Guarantor in violation of the preceding sentence, the Guarantor agrees to hold
such amount in trust for the Holders and to pay over such amount to the Holders.
SECTION 5.7. INDEPENDENT OBLIGATIONS. The Guarantor acknowledges
that its obligations hereunder are independent of the obligations of the Issuer
with respect to the Preferred
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Securities, and that the Guarantor shall be liable as principal and as debtor
hereunder to make Guarantee Payments pursuant to the terms of this Guarantee
Agreement notwithstanding the occurrence of any event referred to in subsections
(a) through (g), inclusive, of Section 5.3 hereof.
ARTICLE VI
LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS; SUBORDINATION
SECTION 6.1. LIMITATION OF TRANSACTION. So long as any Preferred
Securities remain outstanding, if there shall have occurred and be continuing
an Event of Default or an event of default under the Declaration, then (a)
the Guarantor shall not declare or pay any dividend on, or make any
distribution with respect to, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock (other than (i)
purchases or acquisitions of shares of Guarantor common stock in connection
with the satisfaction by the Guarantor of its obligations under any employee
benefit plans or any other contractual obligations of the Guarantor (other
than a contractual obligation ranking PARI PASSU, with or junior to the
Subordinated Debentures), (ii) as a result of a reclassification of Company
capital stock or the exchange or conversion of one class or series of Company
capital stock for another class or series of Company capital stock or (iii)
the purchase of fractional interests in shares of Company capital stock
pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such Company capital
stock or the security being converted or exchanged), (b) the Guarantor shall
not make any payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on or repay,
repurchase or redeem any debt securities (including guarantees) issued by the
Guarantor which rank PARI PASSU with or junior to the Subordinated Debentures
and (c) the Guarantor shall not make any guarantee payments with respect to
the foregoing (other than pursuant to this Guarantee Agreement and other
guarantee agreements entered into by the Guarantor with respect to preferred
securities of any Affiliate of the Guarantor).
SECTION 6.2. RANKING. This Guarantee Agreement will constitute an
unsecured obligation of the Guarantor and will rank (i) subordinate and junior
in right of payment to all other liabilities of the Guarantor, including the
Subordinated Debentures, except those liabilities of the Guarantor made PARI
PASSU or subordinate by their terms, (ii) PARI PASSU with the most senior
preferred stock now or hereafter issued by the Guarantor and with any guarantee
now or hereafter entered into by the Guarantor in respect of any preferred
securities of any Affiliate of the Guarantor, and (iii) senior to the
Guarantor's common stock.
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ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION
SECTION 7.1. TERMINATION. This Guarantee Agreement shall terminate
upon (i) full payment of the Redemption Price of all Preferred Securities,
(ii) upon the distribution of the Subordinated Debentures to the Holders of
all of the Preferred Securities or (iii) upon full payment of the amounts
payable in accordance with the Declaration upon liquidation of the Issuer.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Guarantee Agreement will continue to be
effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any
Holder must restore payment of any sums paid under the Preferred Securities
or under this Preferred Securities Guarantee.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 8.1. EXCULPATION.
(a) No Indemnified Person shall be liable, responsible or accountable
in damages or otherwise to the Guarantor or any Covered Person for any loss,
damage or claim incurred by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted
by such Indemnified Person in good faith in accordance with this Guarantee
Agreement and in a manner that such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be
within the scope of the authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by this
Guarantee Agreement or by law, except that an Indemnified Person shall be liable
for any such loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of such Indemnified
Person's negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such acts or
omissions.
(b) An Indemnified Person shall be fully protected in relying in good
faith upon the records of the Guarantor and upon such information, opinions,
reports or statements presented to the Guarantor by any Person as to matters the
Indemnified Person reasonably believes are within such Person's professional or
expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf
of the Guarantor, including information, opinions, reports or statements as to
the value and amount of the assets, liabilities, profits, losses, or any other
facts pertinent to the existence and amount of assets from which Distributions
to Holders of Preferred Securities might properly be paid.
SECTION 8.2. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Guarantor
shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified
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Person from and against any loss, damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified
Person by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified
Person in good faith in accordance with this Guarantee Agreement and in a manner
such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be within the scope of authority
conferred on such Indemnified Person by this Guarantee Agreement, except that no
Indemnified Person shall be entitled to be indemnified in respect of any loss,
damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of negligence or
willful misconduct with respect to such acts or omissions.
(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, expenses
(including legal fees) incurred by an Indemnified Person in defending any claim,
demand, action, suit or proceeding shall, from time to time, be advanced by the
Guarantor prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or
proceeding upon receipt by the Guarantor of an undertaking by or on behalf of
the Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall be determined that the
Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in Section
8.2(a).
ARTICLE IX
SUCCESSOR CORPORATION
SECTION 9.1. GUARANTOR MAY CONSOLIDATE, ETC. Nothing contained in
this Guarantee Agreement shall prevent any consolidation or merger of the
Guarantor with or into any other corporation or corporations (whether or not
affiliated with the Guarantor), or successive consolidations or mergers in
which the Guarantor or its successor or successors shall be a party or
parties, or shall prevent any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition
of the property of the Guarantor or its successor or successors as an
entirety, or substantially as an entirety, to any other corporation (whether
or not affiliated with the Guarantor or its successor or successors)
authorized to acquire and operate the same provided that (a) any Person
formed in such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which
the Company has sold, conveyed, transferred or otherwise disposed of its
properties as an entirety or substantially as an entirety is an entity
validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and
such Person assumes the Company's obligations under this Guarantee Agreement
and (b) immediately after giving effect to the transaction no Event of
Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would
become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing; PROVIDED,
further the Guarantor hereby covenants and agrees that, upon any such
consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, the
due and punctual payment, performance and observance of all the covenants and
conditions of this Guarantee Agreement to be paid, performed or observed by
the Guarantor, shall be expressly assumed, by supplemental indenture (which
shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, as then in
effect) satisfactory in form to the Trustee executed and delivered to the
Trustee by the entity formed by such consolidation, or into which the
Guarantor shall have been merged, or by the entity which shall have acquired
such property; and provided further that, if the Person formed in such
consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which the Company has
sold, conveyed, transferred or otherwise disposed of its properties as an
entirety or substantially as an entirety is not organized and validly
existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the
District of Columbia, the supplemental indenture described in this Section
9.1 shall contain the following provisions.
"(a) [Such Person] hereby agrees to pay to the holders of Trust
Securities any additional amounts as may be necessry in order that every net
payment or other amount due on the Trust Securities, after withholding for or
on account of any present or future tax, assessment or governmental charge
imposed upon such holder of Trust Securities (except for a tax, assessment or
charge imposed solely as a result of a connection between the recipient and
the jurisdiction imposing such tax, assessment or charge) by reason of or as
a result of such payment or other amount being paid by an entity which is not
an entity existing under the laws of the United States or any state thereof
or the District of Columbia, will not be less than the amount provided for in
the Indenture, the Trust Securities, the Guarantee Agreement or this
Supplemental Indenture, as the case may be, to be then due and payable.
(b) any litigation based hereon, or arising out of, under, or in
connection with, the Guarantee Agreement and/or this Supplemental Indenture
or any other document relating hereto or thereto, or any course of conduct,
course of dealing, statements (whether verbal or written) or actions of the
Trustee or [such Person] shall be brought and maintained exclusively in the
courts of the State of Illinois or in the United States District Court for
the Northern District of Illinois; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any suit seeking
enforcement against any property may be brought at Trustee's or [such Person's]
option, in the courts of any jurisdiction where such property be found.
[Such Person] hereby expressly and irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of
the courts of the State of Illinois and of the United States District Court
for the Northern District of Illinois for the purpose of any such litigation
as set forth above and irrevocably agrees to be bound by any judgment
rendered thereby in connection with such litigation. [Such Person] further
irrevocably consents to the service of process by registered mail, postage
prepaid, or by personal service within or without the State of Illinois.
[Such Person] hereby expressly and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, any objection which it may have or hereafter may have to
the laying of venue of any such litigation brought in any such court referred
to above and any claim that any such litigation has been brought in an
inconvenient forum. To the extent that [such Person] has or hereafter may
acquire any immunity from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process
(whether through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment
in aid of execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property,
[such Person] hereby irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its
obligations under the Guarantee Agreement and this Supplemental Indenture."
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SECTION 9.2. SUCCESSOR CORPORATION SUBSTITUTED.
(a) In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance,
transfer or other disposition and upon the assumption by the successor
corporation, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee
and satisfactory in form to the Trustee, of the due and punctual payment,
performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of this
Guarantee Agreement to be paid, performed or observed by the Guarantor, such
successor corporation shall succeed to and be substituted for the Guarantor with
the same effect as if it had been named as the Guarantor herein.
(b) Nothing contained in this Guarantee Agreement shall prevent the
Guarantor from merging into itself or acquiring by purchase or otherwise all or
any part of the property of any other Person (whether or not affiliated with the
Guarantor).
SECTION 9.3. EVIDENCE OF CONSOLIDATION, ETC. TO TRUSTEE. The
Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 3.01, may receive an opinion of
counsel as conclusive evidence that any such consolidation, merger, sale,
conveyance, transfer or other disposition, and any such assumption, comply with
the provisions of this Article.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 10.1. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. All guarantees and agreements
contained in this Guarantee Agreement shall bind the successors, assigns,
receivers, trustees and representatives of the Guarantor and shall inure to the
benefit of the Holders of the Preferred Securities then outstanding.
SECTION 10.2. AMENDMENTS. Except with respect to any changes that do
not materially adversely affect the rights of Holders (in which case, no consent
of Holders will be required), this Guarantee Agreement may only be amended with
the prior approval of the Holders of at least 66-2/3% in liquidation amount of
all the outstanding Preferred Securities. The provisions of Section 12.2 of the
Declaration with respect to meetings of Holders of the Preferred Securities
apply to the giving of such approval.
SECTION 10.3. NOTICES. All notices provided for in this Guarantee
Agreement shall be in writing, duly signed by the party giving such notice, and
shall be delivered, telecopied or mailed by registered or certified mail, as
follows:
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(a) If given to the Guarantee Trustee, at the Guarantee Trustee's
mailing address set forth below (or such other address as the Guarantee
Trustee may give notice of to the Holders of the Preferred Securities):
The First National Bank of Chicago
One First National Plaza, Suite 0126
Chicago, Illinois 60670-0126
Attention: Corporate Trust Administration
(b) If given to the Guarantor, at the Guarantor's mailing address set
forth below (or such other address as the Guarantor may give notice of to
the Holders of the Preferred Securities):
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
30 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Attention: President and Chief Executive Officer
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(c) If given to any Holder of Preferred Securities, at the address
set forth on the books and records of the Issuer.
All such notices shall be deemed to have been given when received in person,
telecopied with receipt confirmed, or mailed by first class mail, postage
prepaid except that if a notice or other document is refused delivery or cannot
be delivered because of a changed address of which no notice was given, such
notice or other document shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date of
such refusal or inability to deliver.
SECTION 10.4. BENEFIT. This Guarantee Agreement is solely for the
benefit of the Holders of the Preferred Securities and, subject to Section
3.1(a), is not separately transferable from the Preferred Securities.
SECTION 10.5. GOVERNING LAW. THIS GUARANTEE AGREEMENT SHALL BE
GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF NEW YORK.
20
<PAGE>
THIS GUARANTEE AGREEMENT is executed as of the day and year first
above written.
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
By:
------------------------------
Name:
Title:
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
Not in its individual capacity but solely as
Guarantee Trustee
By:
------------------------------
Name:
Title:
<PAGE>
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
ISSUER
AND
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
TRUSTEE
INDENTURE
DATED AS OF OCTOBER 15, 1997
SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
<PAGE>
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS...............................................................1
SECTION 1.01. Definitions of Terms.......................................1
SECTION 1.02. Interpretation.............................................9
ARTICLE II
ISSUE, DESCRIPTION, TERMS, EXECUTION,REGISTRATION AND
EXCHANGE OF DEBT SECURITIES...............................................9
SECTION 2.01. Designation and Terms of Debt Securities...................9
SECTION 2.02. Form of Debt Securities and Trustee's
Certificate.............................................11
SECTION 2.03. Denominations; Provisions for Payment.....................12
SECTION 2.04. Execution and Authentication..............................14
SECTION 2.05. Registration of Transfer and Exchange.....................15
SECTION 2.06. Temporary Securities......................................16
SECTION 2.07. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Debt
Securities..............................................17
SECTION 2.08. Cancellation..............................................18
SECTION 2.09. Benefits of Indenture.....................................18
SECTION 2.10. Authenticating Agent......................................18
SECTION 2.11. Global Securities.........................................19
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES AND SINKING FUND
PROVISIONS...............................................................21
SECTION 3.01. Redemption................................................21
SECTION 3.02. Notice of Redemption......................................21
SECTION 3.03. Payment Upon Redemption...................................22
SECTION 3.04. Sinking Fund..............................................23
SECTION 3.05. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with
Debt Securities.........................................23
SECTION 3.06. Redemption of Debt Securities for Sinking
Fund....................................................24
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.................................................24
SECTION 4.01. Payment of Principal, Premium and
Interest................................................24
SECTION 4.02. Maintenance of Office or Agency...........................24
SECTION 4.03. Paying Agents.............................................25
SECTION 4.04. Appointment to Fill Vacancy in Office of
Trustee.................................................26
SECTION 4.05. Compliance with Consolidation Provisions..................26
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<PAGE>
SECTION 4.06. Limitation on Dividends...................................26
SECTION 4.07. Covenants as to Trust.....................................28
SECTION 4.08. Corporate Existence.......................................28
ARTICLE V
SECURITYHOLDERS, LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE COMPANY
AND THE TRUSTEE..........................................................28
SECTION 5.01. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and
Addresses of Securityholders............................28
SECTION 5.02. Preservation Of Information; Communications
With Securityholders....................................29
SECTION 5.03. Reports By the Company....................................29
SECTION 5.04. Reports by the Trustee....................................30
ARTICLE VI
REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERSON EVENT OF DEFAULT...........30
SECTION 6.01. Events of Default.........................................30
SECTION 6.02. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for
Enforcement by Trustee..................................33
SECTION 6.03. Application of Moneys Collected...........................35
SECTION 6.04. Limitation on Suits.......................................35
SECTION 6.05. Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or
Omission Not Waiver.....................................36
SECTION 6.06. Control by Securityholders................................37
SECTION 6.07. Undertaking to Pay Costs..................................37
SECTION 6.08. Acknowledgement Regarding Preferred
Securities Holders......................................38
ARTICLE VII
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE...................................................38
SECTION 7.01. Certain Duties and Responsibilities of
Trustee.................................................38
SECTION 7.02. Certain Rights of Trustee.................................40
SECTION 7.03. Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals or
Issuance of Debt Securities.............................41
SECTION 7.04. May Hold Debt Securities..................................42
SECTION 7.05. Moneys Held in Trust......................................42
SECTION 7.06. Compensation and Reimbursement............................42
SECTION 7.07. Reliance on Officers' Certificate.........................43
SECTION 7.08. Qualification; Conflicting Interests......................43
SECTION 7.09. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility...................43
ii
<PAGE>
SECTION 7.10. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of
Successor...............................................44
SECTION 7.11. Acceptance of Appointment By Successor....................45
SECTION 7.12. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or
Succession to Business..................................47
SECTION 7.13. Preferential Collection of Claims Against
the Company.............................................47
ARTICLE VIII
CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS...........................................48
SECTION 8.01. Evidence of Action by Securityholders.....................48
SECTION 8.02. Proof of Execution by Securityholders.....................48
SECTION 8.03. Who May be Deemed Owners..................................49
SECTION 8.04. Certain Debt Securities Owned by Company
Disregarded.............................................49
SECTION 8.05. Actions Binding on Future
Securityholders.........................................50
ARTICLE IX
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES..................................................50
SECTION 9.01. Supplemental Indentures Without the
Consent of Securityholders..............................50
SECTION 9.02. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of
Securityholders.........................................51
SECTION 9.03. Effect of Supplemental Indentures.........................52
SECTION 9.04. Debt Securities Affected by Supplemental
Indentures..............................................52
SECTION 9.05. Execution of Supplemental Indentures......................53
ARTICLE X
SUCCESSOR CORPORATION....................................................53
SECTION 10.01. Company May Consolidate, Etc.............................53
SECTION 10.02. Successor Corporation Substituted........................54
SECTION 10.03. Evidence of Consolidation, Etc. to
Trustee................................................54
ARTICLE XI
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE...............................................55
SECTION 11.01. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture..................55
SECTION 11.02. Discharge of Obligations.................................56
SECTION 11.03. Deposited Moneys to be Held in Trust.....................56
SECTION 11.04. Payment of Moneys Held by Paying Agents..................56
SECTION 11.05. Repayment to Company.....................................57
iii
<PAGE>
ARTICLE XII
IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERSAND DIRECTORS...........57
SECTION 12.01. No Recourse..............................................57
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.................................................58
SECTION 13.01. Effect on Successors and Assigns.........................58
SECTION 13.02. Actions by Successor.....................................58
SECTION 13.03. Surrender of Company Powers..............................58
SECTION 13.04. Notices..................................................58
SECTION 13.05. Governing Law............................................58
SECTION 13.06. Treatment of the Debt Securities as
Debt...................................................59
SECTION 13.07. Compliance Certificates and Opinions.....................59
SECTION 13.08. Payments on Business Days................................59
SECTION 13.09. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act........................60
SECTION 13.10. Counterparts.............................................60
SECTION 13.11. Separability.............................................60
SECTION 13.12. Assignment...............................................60
SECTION 13.13. Acknowledgment of Rights.................................60
ARTICLE XIV
SUBORDINATION OF DEBT SECURITIES.........................................60
SECTION 14.01. Subordination Terms......................................61
iv
<PAGE>
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*
Section of
Trust Indenture Act Section of
of 1939, as amended Indenture
- -------------------- ----------
310(a) 7.09
310(b) 7.08
7.10
310(c) Inapplicable
311(a) 7.13(a)
311(b) 7.13(b)
311(c) Inapplicable
312(a) 5.01
5.02(a)
312(b) 5.02(b)
312(c) 5.02(c)
313(a) 5.04(a)
313(b) 5.04(b)
313(c) 5.04(a)
5.04(b)
313(d) 5.04(c)
314(a) 5.03
314(b) Inapplicable
314(c) 13.06
314(d) Inapplicable
314(e) 13.06
314(f) Inapplicable
315(a) 7.01(a)
7.02
315(b) 6.07
315(c) 7.01
315(d) 7.01(b)
7.01(c)
315(e) 6.07
316(a) 6.06
8.04
316(b) 6.04
316(c) 8.01
317(a) 6.02
317(b) 4.03
318(a) 13.08
* This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of the Indenture and
shall not have any bearing on the interpretation of Any of its terms or
provisions.
v
<PAGE>
THIS INDENTURE, dated as of October 15, 1997, between TELEPHONE AND
DATA SYSTEMS, INC., an Iowa corporation (the "Company") and THE FIRST NATIONAL
BANK OF CHICAGO, a national banking association, duly organized and existing
under the laws of the United States as trustee (the "Trustee"):
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, for its lawful corporate purposes, the Company has duly
authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the
issuance of unsecured subordinated debt securities (hereinafter referred to
as the "Debt Securities"), in an unlimited aggregate principal amount to be
issued from time to time in one or more series as in this Indenture provided,
as registered Debt Securities without coupons, to be authenticated by the
certificate of the Trustee;
WHEREAS, to provide the terms and conditions upon which the Debt
Securities are to be authenticated, issued and delivered, the Company has duly
authorized the execution of this Indenture; and
WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement
of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the purchase of
the Debt Securities by the holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and
agreed as follows for the equal and ratable benefit of the holders of Debt
Securities:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. DEFINITIONS OF TERMS. The terms defined in this
Section (except as in this Indenture otherwise expressly provided or unless
the context otherwise requires) for all purposes of this Indenture and of any
indenture supplemental hereto shall have the respective meanings specified in
this Section and shall include the plural as well as the singular. All other
terms used in this Indenture that are defined in the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended, or that are by reference in such Act defined in the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (except as herein otherwise expressly
provided or unless the context otherwise requires), shall have the meanings
assigned to such terms in said Trust Indenture Act and in said Securities Act
as in force at the date of the execution of this instrument.
<PAGE>
AFFILIATE:
The term "Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to a specified Person,
(a) any Person directly or indirectly owning, controlling or holding with
power to vote 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities or other
ownership interests of the specified Person, (b) any Person 10% or more of
whose outstanding voting securities or other ownership interests are directly
or indirectly owned, controlled or held with power to vote by the specified
Person, (c) any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or
under common control with the specified Person, (d) a partnership in which
the specified Person is a general partner, (e) any officer or director of the
specified Person and (f) if the specified Person is an individual, any entity
of which the specified Person is an officer, director or general partner.
AUTHENTICATING AGENT:
The term "Authenticating Agent" shall mean an authenticating agent with
respect to all or any of the series of Debt Securities appointed with respect to
all of such series of the Debt Securities by the Trustee pursuant to Section
2.10.
BANKRUPTCY LAW:
The term "Bankruptcy Law" shall mean Title 11, United States Code, or
any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
The term "Board of Directors" shall mean the board of directors of the
Company, or any duly authorized committee of such board or any officer of the
Company duly authorized by the board of directors of the Company or a duly
authorized committee of that board.
BOARD RESOLUTION:
The term "Board Resolution" shall mean a copy of a resolution
certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have
been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and
effect on the date of such certification; provided that any Board Resolution
that is adopted by an officer of the Company shall be accompanied by a copy
of a resolution of either the board of directors of the Company or a duly
authorized committee of that board, certified as aforesaid, authorizing such
officer to take such action.
2
<PAGE>
BUSINESS DAY:
The term "Business Day" shall mean, with respect to any series of
Debt Securities, any day other than a day on which federal or state banking
institutions in Chicago, Illinois or the Borough of Manhattan, The City of
New York, are authorized or obligated by law, executive order or regulation
to close.
CERTIFICATE:
The term "Certificate" shall mean a certificate signed by the
principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer
or the principal accounting officer of the Company. The Certificate need not
comply with the provisions of Section 13.07.
COMMON SECURITIES:
The term "Common Securities" shall mean undivided beneficial
interests in the assets of a Trust which rank pari passu with Preferred
Securities issued by such Trust; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that upon the occurrence
of an Event of Default, the rights of holders of Common Securities to payment
in respect of distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and
maturity are subordinated to the rights of holders of Preferred Securities.
COMPANY:
The term "Company" shall mean Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., a
corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Iowa,
and, subject to the provisions of Article X, shall also include its successors
and assigns.
CORPORATE TRUST OFFICE:
The term "Corporate Trust Office" shall mean the office of the
Trustee at which, at any particular time, its corporate trust business shall
be principally administered, which office at the date hereof is located at
One First National Plaza, Suite 0126, Chicago, Illinois 60670, Attention:
Corporate Trust Office.
CUSTODIAN:
The term "Custodian" shall mean any receiver, trustee, assignee,
liquidator, or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
3
<PAGE>
DECLARATION:
The term "Declaration" shall mean, in respect of a Trust, the
amended and restated declaration of trust of such Trust or any other
governing instrument of such Trust.
DEBT SECURITIES:
The term "Debt Securities" shall mean the Debt Securities
authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.
DEFAULT:
The term "Default" shall mean any event, act or condition that with
notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.
DEFAULTED INTEREST:
The term "Defaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in Section
2.03.
DEPOSITARY:
The term "Depositary" shall mean, with respect to Debt Securities of
any series for which the Company shall determine that such Debt Securities
will be issued as a Global Security, The Depository Trust Company, New York,
New York, another clearing agency, or any successor registered as a clearing
agency under the Exchange Act or other applicable statute or regulation,
which, in each case, shall be designated by the Company pursuant to either
Section 2.01 or 2.11.
EVENT OF DEFAULT:
The term "Event of Default" shall mean, with respect to Debt
Securities of a particular series, any event specified in Section 6.01,
continued for the period of time, if any, therein designated.
EXCHANGE ACT:
The term "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
GLOBAL SECURITY:
The term "Global Security" shall mean, with respect to any series of
Debt Securities, a Debt Security executed by the Company and delivered by the
Trustee to the Depositary or
4
<PAGE>
pursuant to the Depositary's instruction, all in accordance with this Indenture,
which shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee.
GOVERNMENTAL OBLIGATIONS:
The term "Governmental Obligations" shall mean securities that are
(i) direct obligations of the United States of America for the payment of
which its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a Person
controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the
United States of America, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed
as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America that,
in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer
thereof, and shall also include a depositary receipt issued by a bank (as
defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) as
custodian with respect to any such Governmental Obligation or a specific
payment of principal of or interest on any such Governmental Obligation held
by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (except as required by law) such custodian is not
authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of
such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect
of the Governmental Obligation or the specific payment of principal of or
interest on the Governmental Obligation evidenced by such depositary receipt.
HEREIN, HEREOF AND HEREUNDER:
The terms "herein", "hereof", and "hereunder" and other words of
similar import, refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular
Article, Section or other subdivision.
INDENTURE:
The term "Indenture" shall mean this instrument as originally
executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or
more indentures supplemental hereto entered into in accordance with the terms
hereof.
INTEREST PAYMENT DATE:
The term "Interest Payment Date", when used with respect to any
installment of interest on a Debt Security of a particular series, means the
date specified in such Debt Security or in a Board Resolution or in an
indenture supplemental hereto with respect to such series as the fixed date
on which an installment of interest with respect to Debt Securities of that
series is due and payable.
5
<PAGE>
OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE:
The term "Officers' Certificate" shall mean a certificate signed by
the President or a Vice President and by the Treasurer or an Assistant
Treasurer or the Controller or an Assistant Controller or the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of the Company that is delivered to the Trustee in
accordance with the terms hereof. Each such certificate shall include the
statements provided for in Section 13.07, if and to the extent required by
the provisions thereof.
OPINION OF COUNSEL:
The term "Opinion of Counsel" shall mean an opinion in writing of
legal counsel, who may be an employee of or counsel for the Company, that is
delivered to the Trustee in accordance with the terms hereof. Each such
opinion shall include the statements provided for in Section 13.07, if and to
the extent required by the provisions thereof.
OUTSTANDING:
The term "Outstanding", when used with reference to Debt Securities
of any series, means, subject to the provisions of Section 8.04, as of any
particular time, all Debt Securities of that series theretofore authenticated
and delivered by the Trustee under this Indenture, except (a) Debt Securities
theretofore canceled by the Trustee or any paying agent, or delivered to the
Trustee or any paying agent for cancellation or that have previously been
canceled; (b) Debt Securities or portions thereof for the payment or
redemption of which moneys or Governmental Obligations in the necessary
amount shall have been deposited in trust with the Trustee or with any paying
agent (other than the Company) or shall have been set aside and segregated in
trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own paying agent);
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if such Debt Securities or portions of such Debt
Securities are to be redeemed prior to the maturity thereof, notice of such
redemption shall have been given as in Article III provided, or provision
satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made for giving such notice, (c)
Debt Securities in lieu of or in substitution for which other Debt Securities
shall have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to the terms of Section
2.07; and (d) Debt Securities with respect to which the Company has effected
defeasance and/or covenant defeasance as provided in Article XI.
PERSON:
The term "Person" shall mean any individual, corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, joint
6
<PAGE>
venture, joint-stock company, unincorporated organization or government or
any agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity of whatever
nature.
PREDECESSOR SECURITY:
The term "Predecessor Security" of any particular Debt Security
means every previous Debt Security evidencing all or a portion of the same
debt and guarantee as that evidenced by such particular Debt Security; and,
for the purposes of this definition, any Debt Security authenticated and
delivered under Section 2.07 in lieu of a lost, destroyed or stolen Debt
Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the lost, destroyed or
stolen Debt Security.
PREFERRED SECURITIES:
The term "Preferred Securities" shall mean undivided beneficial
interests in the assets of a Trust which rank pari passu with Common
Securities issued by such trust; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that upon the occurrence
of an Event of Default, the rights of holders of Common Securities to payment
in respect of distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and
otherwise are subordinated to the rights of holders of Preferred Securities.
PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE:
The term "Preferred Securities Guarantee" shall mean any guarantee
that the Company may enter into with a Trust or other Persons that operate
directly or indirectly for the benefit of holders of Preferred Securities of
such Trust.
PROPERTY TRUSTEE:
The term "Property Trustee" shall mean the entity performing the
functions of the Property Trustee of a Trust under the applicable Declaration
of such Trust.
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER:
The term "Responsible Officer," when used with respect to the
Trustee, means the Chairman of the board of directors, the President, any
Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, any trust officer, any
corporate trust officer or any other officer or assistant officer of the
Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by the
persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any
corporate trust matter is referred because of that officer's knowledge of and
familiarity with the particular subject.
7
<PAGE>
SECURITYHOLDER, HOLDER, HOLDER OF DEBT SECURITIES, REGISTERED HOLDER:
The terms "Securityholder", "Holder", "Holder of Debt Securities",
"registered holder", or other similar term, means the Person or Persons in
whose name or names a particular Debt Security shall be registered on the
books of the Company kept for that purpose in accordance with the terms of
this Indenture.
SECURITY REGISTER AND SECURITY REGISTRAR:
The terms "Security Register" and "Security Registrar" have the
respective meanings set forth in Section 2.05.
SUBSIDIARY:
The term "Subsidiary" shall mean, with respect to any Person, (i)
any corporation at least a majority of whose outstanding Voting Stock shall
at the time be owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by one or
more of its Subsidiaries or by such Person and one or more of its
Subsidiaries, (ii) any general partnership, joint venture or similar entity,
at least a majority of whose outstanding partnership or similar interests
shall at the time be owned by such Person, or by one or more of its
Subsidiaries, or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries and (iii)
any limited partnership of which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries is a
general partner.
TRUST:
The term "Trust" shall mean any Delaware business trust formed by
the Company for the purpose of purchasing Debt Securities of the Company.
TRUSTEE:
The term "Trustee" shall mean First National Bank of Chicago, not in
its individual capacity, and, subject to the provisions of Article VII, shall
also include its successors and assigns, and, if at any time there is more
than one Person acting in such capacity hereunder, "Trustee" shall mean each
such Person. The term "Trustee," as used with respect to a particular series
of Debt Securities, shall mean the trustee with respect to that series.
TRUST INDENTURE ACT:
The term "Trust Indenture Act" shall mean the Trust Indenture Act of
1939.
8
<PAGE>
TRUST SECURITIES:
The term "Trust Securities" shall mean Common Securities and
Preferred Securities.
VOTING STOCK:
The term "Voting Stock", as applied to stock of any Person, means
shares, interests, participations or other equivalents in the equity interest
(however designated) in such Person having ordinary voting power for the
election of a majority of the directors (or the equivalent) of such Person,
other than shares, interests, participations or other equivalents having such
power only by reason of the occurrence of a contingency.
SECTION 1.02. INTERPRETATION. Each definition in this Indenture
includes the singular and the plural, and references to the neuter gender
include the masculine and feminine where appropriate. Terms which relate to
accounting matters shall be interpreted in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles in effect from time to time. References to any statute
mean such statute as amended at the time and include any successor
legislation. The word "or" is not exclusive, and the words "herein,"
"hereof" and "hereunder" refer to this Indenture as a whole. The headings to
the Articles and Sections are for convenience of reference and shall not
affect the meaning or interpretation of this Indenture. References to
Articles and Sections mean the Articles and Sections of this Indenture.
ARTICLE II
ISSUE, DESCRIPTION, TERMS, EXECUTION,
REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF DEBT SECURITIES
SECTION 2.01. DESIGNATION AND TERMS OF DEBT SECURITIES. The
aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities that may be authenticated and
delivered under this Indenture is unlimited. The Debt Securities may be
issued in one or more series up to the aggregate principal amount of Debt
Securities of that series from time to time authorized by or pursuant to a
Board Resolution of the Company or pursuant to one or more indentures
supplemental hereto. Prior to the initial issuance of Debt Securities of any
series, there shall be established in or pursuant to a Board Resolution of
the Company, and set forth in an Officers' Certificate of the Company, or
established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto:
9
<PAGE>
(1) the title of the series of Debt Security (which shall distinguish
the Debt Securities of that series from all other series of Debt
Securities);
(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Debt
Securities of that series that may be authenticated and delivered under this
Indenture (except for Debt Securities authenticated and delivered upon
registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Debt
Securities of that series);
(3) the date or dates on which the principal of the Debt Securities of
that series is payable;
(4) the rate or rates at which the Debt Securities of that series
shall bear interest or the manner of calculation of such rate or rates,
if any;
(5) the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the
Interest Payment Dates on which such interest will be payable or the manner
of determination of such Interest Payment Dates and the record date for the
determination of holders to whom interest is payable on any such Interest
Payment Dates;
(6) the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the
duration of such extension;
(7) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which,
and the terms and conditions upon which, Debt Securities of that series may
be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company;
(8) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase Debt
Securities of that series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous
provisions (including payments made in cash in anticipation of future
sinking fund obligations) or at the option of a Holder thereof and the
period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, and the terms
and conditions upon which, Debt Securities of that series shall be
redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;
(9) the subordination terms of the Debt Securities of that series;
(10) the form of the Debt Securities of that series, including the
form of the Certificate of Authentication for such series;
10
<PAGE>
(11) if other than denominations of twenty-five U.S. dollars ($25) or
any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which the Debt
Securities of that series shall be issuable;
(12) whether and under what circumstances the Company will pay
additional amounts on the Debt Securities of the series to any Holder who is
not a United States Person (including any modification to the definition of
such term) in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if
so, whether the Company will have the option to redeem such Debt Securities
rather than pay such additional amounts (and the terms of any such option);
(13) any and all other terms with respect to such series (which terms
shall not be inconsistent with the terms of this Indenture), including any
terms which may be required by or advisable under United States laws or
regulations or advisable in connection with the marketing of Debt Securities
of that series; and
(14) whether the Debt Securities are issuable as a Global Security
and, in such case, the identity of the Depositary for such series.
All Debt Securities of any one series shall be substantially
identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided
in or pursuant to any such Board Resolution or in any indentures supplemental
hereto.
If any of the terms of a series are established by action taken
pursuant to a Board Resolution of the Company, a copy of an appropriate
record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the
delivery of the Officers' Certificate of the Company setting forth the terms
of such series.
SECTION 2.02. FORM OF DEBT SECURITIES AND TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE.
The Debt Securities of any series and the Trustee's certificate of
authentication to be borne by such Debt Securities shall be substantially of
the tenor and purport as set forth in one or more indentures supplemental
hereto or as provided in a Board Resolution of the Company and as set forth
in an Officers' Certificate of the Company, and may have such letters,
numbers or other marks of identification or designation and such legends or
endorsements printed, lithographed or engraved thereon as the Company may
deem appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this
Indenture, or as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or
regulation made pursuant thereto
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or with any rule or regulation of any stock exchange on which Debt Securities
of that series may be listed, or to conform to usage.
SECTION 2.03. DENOMINATIONS; PROVISIONS FOR PAYMENT. The Debt
Securities shall be issuable as registered Debt Securities and in the
denominations of twenty-five U.S. dollars ($25) or any integral multiple
thereof, subject to Section 2.01(11). The Debt Securities of a particular
series shall bear interest payable on the dates and at the rate specified
with respect to that series. The principal of and the interest on the Debt
Securities of any series, as well as any premium thereon in case of
redemption thereof prior to maturity, shall be payable in the coin or
currency of the United States of America that at the time is legal tender for
public and private debt, at the office or agency of the Company maintained
for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and State of New York.
Each Debt Security shall be dated the date of its authentication. Interest
on the Debt Securities shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year
composed of twelve 30-day months.
The interest installment on any Debt Security that is payable, and
is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date for
Debt Securities of that series shall be paid to the Person in whose name said
Debt Security (or one or more Predecessor Debt Securities) is registered at
the close of business on the regular record date for such interest
installment. In the event that any Debt Security of a particular series or
portion thereof is called for redemption and the redemption date is
subsequent to a regular record date with respect to any Interest Payment Date
and prior to such Interest Payment Date, interest on such Debt Security will
be paid upon presentation and surrender of such Debt Security as provided in
Section 3.03.
Any interest on any Debt Security that is payable, but is not
punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date for Debt
Securities of that series (herein called "Defaulted Interest") shall
forthwith cease to be payable to the registered holder on the relevant
regular record date by virtue of having been such holder; and such Defaulted
Interest shall be paid by the Company, at its election, as provided in clause
(1) or clause (2) below:
(1) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on Debt
Securities to the Persons in whose names such Debt Securities (or their
respective Predecessor Debt Securities) are registered at the close of
business on a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted
Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner: the
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Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted
Interest proposed to be paid on each such Debt Security and the date of the
proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the
Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid
in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements
satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the
proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the
benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this
clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a special record date for
the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall not be more than 15 nor
less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less
than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the
proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such
special record date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company,
shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and
the special record date therefor to be mailed, first class postage prepaid,
to each Securityholder at the address of such Securityholder as it appears
in the Security Register (as hereinafter defined), not less than 10 days
prior to such special record date. Notice of the proposed payment of such
Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor having been mailed
as aforesaid, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose
names such Debt Securities (or their respective Predecessor Debt
Securities) are registered on such special record date and shall be no
longer payable pursuant to the following clause (2).
(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on any Debt
Securities in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements
of any securities exchange on which such Debt Securities may be listed, and
upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given
by the Company to the Trustees of the proposed payment pursuant to this
clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.
Unless otherwise set forth in a Board Resolution of the Company or one
or more indentures supplemental hereto establishing the terms of any series
of Debt Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof, the term "REGULAR
RECORD DATE" as used in this Section with respect to a series of Debt
Securities with respect to any Interest Payment Date for such series shall
mean either (a) the fifteenth day of the month immediately preceding the
month in which an Interest Payment Date established for such series pursuant
to Section 2.01 hereof shall occur, if such Interest Payment Date is the
first day of a month, (b) the
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fifteenth day of the month in which an Interest Payment Date established for
such series pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof shall occur, if such Interest
Payment Date is the last day of such month, or (c) the last day of the month
immediately preceding the month in which an Interest Payment Date established
for such series pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof shall occur, if such Interest
Payment Date is the fifteenth day of a month, whether or not such date is a
Business Day.
Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Debt
Security of a series delivered under this Indenture upon transfer of or in
exchange for or in lieu of any other Debt Security of such series shall carry
the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, that were carried
by such other Debt Security.
SECTION 2.04. EXECUTION AND AUTHENTICATION. The Debt Securities
shall be signed on behalf of the Company by its President or one of its Vice
Presidents, and attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant
Secretaries. Signatures may be in the form of a manual or facsimile
signature. The Company may use the facsimile signature of any Person who
shall have been a President or Vice President thereof, or of any Person who
shall have been a Secretary or Assistant Secretary thereof, notwithstanding
the fact that at the time the Debt Securities shall be authenticated and
delivered or disposed of such Person shall have ceased to be the President or
a Vice President, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Company.
The seal, if any, of the Company may be in the form of a facsimile of such
seal and may be impressed, affixed, imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the
Debt Securities. The Debt Securities may contain such notations, legends or
endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage. Each Debt
Security shall be dated the date of its authentication by the Trustee.
A Debt Security shall not be valid until authenticated manually by
an authorized signatory of the Trustee, or by an Authenticating Agent. Such
signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Debt Security so
authenticated has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and that
the holder is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.
At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery
of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Debt Securities of any series
executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a
written order of the Company for the authentication and delivery of such Debt
Securities, signed by its President or any Vice President and its Treasurer
or any Assistant Treasurer, and the Trustee in accordance with
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such written order shall authenticate and deliver such Debt Securities.
In authenticating such Debt Securities and accepting the additional
responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Debt Securities,
the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall
be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the
form and terms thereof have been established in conformity with the
provisions of this Indenture.
The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Debt
Securities if the issue of such Debt Securities pursuant to this Indenture
will affect the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under the Debt
Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner that is not reasonably
acceptable to the Trustee.
SECTION 2.05. REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE.
(a) Debt Securities of any series may be exchanged upon
presentation thereof at the office or agency of the Company designated for
such purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and State of New York, for
other Debt Securities of such series of authorized denominations, and for a
like aggregate principal amount, upon payment of a sum sufficient to cover
any tax or other governmental charge in relation thereto, all as provided in
this Section. In respect of any Debt Securities so surrendered for exchange,
the Company shall execute, the Trustee shall authenticate and such office or
agency shall deliver in exchange therefor the Debt Security or Debt
Securities of the same series that the Securityholder making the exchange
shall be entitled to receive, bearing numbers not contemporaneously
outstanding.
(b) The Company shall keep, or cause to be kept, at its office or
agency designated for such purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and
State of New York, or such other location designated by the Company a
register or registers (herein referred to as the "Security Register") in
which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the
Company shall register the Debt Securities and the transfers of Debt
Securities as in this Article provided and which at all reasonable times
shall be open for inspection by the Trustee. The registrar for the purpose
of registering Debt Securities and transfer of Debt Securities as herein
provided shall be appointed as authorized by Board Resolution (the "Security
Registrar").
Upon surrender for transfer of any Debt Security at the office or
agency of the Company designated for such purpose in the Borough of
Manhattan, the City and State of New York, the
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Company shall execute, the Trustee shall authenticate and such office or
agency shall deliver in the name of the transferee or transferees a new Debt
Security or Debt Securities of the same series and same aggregate principal
amount as the Debt Security presented for transfer.
All Debt Securities presented or surrendered for exchange or
registration of transfer, as provided in this Section, shall be accompanied
(if so required by the Company or the Security Registrar) by a written
instrument or instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Company or
the Security Registrar, duly executed by the registered holder or by such
holder's duly authorized attorney in writing.
(c) No service charge shall be made for any exchange or
registration of transfer of Debt Securities, or issue of new Debt Securities
in case of partial redemption of any series, but the Company may require
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge in
relation thereto, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 2.06, Section
3.03(b) and Section 9.04 not involving any transfer.
(d) The Company shall not be required (i) to issue, exchange or
register the transfer of any Debt Securities of a series during a period
beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of
a notice of redemption of less than all the Outstanding Debt Securities of
the same series and ending at the close of business on the day of such
mailing, nor (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Debt Securities
of any series or portions thereof called for redemption. The provisions of
this Section 2.05 are, with respect to any Global Security, subject to
Section 2.11 hereof.
SECTION 2.06. TEMPORARY SECURITIES. Pending the preparation of
definitive Debt Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and the
Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Debt Securities (printed,
lithographed or typewritten) of any authorized denomination. Such temporary
Debt Securities shall be substantially in the form of the definitive Debt
Securities in lieu of which they are issued, but with such omissions,
insertions and variations as may be appropriate for temporary Debt
Securities, all as may be determined by the Company. Every temporary Debt
Security of any series shall be executed by the Company and be authenticated
by the Trustee upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner,
and with like effect, as the definitive Debt Securities of such series.
Without unnecessary delay the Company will execute and will furnish
definitive Debt Securities of such series and thereupon any or all temporary
Debt Securities of such series may be surrendered in exchange therefor
(without charge to the
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holders), at the office or agency of the Company designated for the purpose
in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and State of New York, and the Trustee
shall authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in exchange for
such temporary Debt Securities an equal aggregate principal amount of
definitive Debt Securities of such series, unless the Company advises the
Trustee to the effect that definitive Debt Securities need not be executed
and furnished until further notice from the Company. Until so exchanged, the
temporary Debt Securities of such series shall be entitled to the same
benefits under this Indenture as definitive Debt Securities of such series
authenticated and delivered hereunder.
SECTION 2.07. MUTILATED, DESTROYED, LOST OR STOLEN DEBT SECURITIES.
In case any temporary or definitive Debt Security shall become mutilated or
be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company (subject to the next succeeding
sentence) shall execute, and upon the Company's request the Trustee (subject
as aforesaid) shall authenticate and deliver, a new Debt Security of the same
series, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, in exchange and
substitution for the mutilated Debt Security, or in lieu of and in
substitution for the Debt Security so destroyed, lost or stolen. In every
case the applicant for a substituted Debt Security shall furnish to the
Company and the Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them
to save each of them harmless, and, in every case of destruction, loss or
theft, the applicant shall also furnish to the Company and the Trustee
evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of the
applicant's Debt Security and of the ownership thereof. The Trustee may
authenticate any such substituted Debt Security and deliver the same upon the
written request or authorization of any officer of the Company. Upon the
issuance of any substituted Debt Security, the Company may require the
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge
that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the
fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith. In case any Debt
Security that has matured or is about to mature shall become mutilated or be
destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company may, instead of issuing a substitute
Debt Security, pay or authorize the payment of the same (without surrender
thereof except in the case of a mutilated Debt Security) if the applicant for
such payment shall furnish to the Company and the Trustee such security or
indemnity as they may require to save them harmless, and, in case of
destruction, loss or theft, evidence to the satisfaction of the Company and
the Trustee of the destruction, loss or theft of such Debt Security and of
the ownership thereof.
Every replacement Debt Security issued pursuant to the provisions of
this Section shall constitute an additional
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contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen Debt Security shall be found at any time, or be
enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this
Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Debt Securities
of the same series duly issued hereunder. All Debt Securities shall be held
and owned upon the express condition that the foregoing provisions are
exclusive with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed,
lost or stolen Debt Securities, and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) any
and all other rights or remedies, notwithstanding any law or statute existing
or hereafter enacted to the contrary with respect to the replacement or
payment of negotiable instruments or other securities without their surrender.
SECTION 2.08. CANCELLATION. All Debt Securities surrendered for
the purpose of payment, redemption, exchange or registration of transfer
shall, if surrendered to the Company or any paying agent, be delivered to the
Trustee for cancellation, or, if surrendered to the Trustee, shall be
cancelled by it, and no Debt Securities shall be issued in lieu thereof
except as expressly required or permitted by any of the provisions of this
Indenture. On request of the Company at the time of such surrender, the
Trustee shall deliver to the Company canceled Debt Securities held by the
Trustee. In the absence of such request the Trustee may dispose of canceled
Debt Securities in accordance with its standard procedures and deliver a
certificate of disposition to the Company. If the Company shall otherwise
acquire any of the Debt Securities, however, such acquisition shall not
operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the indebtedness represented by
such Debt Securities unless and until the same are delivered to the Trustee
for cancellation.
SECTION 2.09. BENEFITS OF INDENTURE. Nothing in this Indenture or
in the Debt Securities, express or implied, shall give or be construed to
give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and the holders of the Debt
Securities (and, with respect to the provisions of Article XIV, the holders
of any indebtedness to which the Debt Securities are subordinated) any legal
or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Indenture, or
under any covenant, condition or provision herein contained; all such
covenants, conditions and provisions being for the sole benefit of the
parties hereto and of the holders of the Debt Securities (and, with respect
to the provisions of Article XIV, the holders of any indebtedness to which
the Debt Securities are subordinated).
SECTION 2.10. AUTHENTICATING AGENT. So long as any Debt Securities
of any series remain Outstanding, there may be an Authenticating Agent for
any or all such series of Debt
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Securities which the Trustee shall have the right to appoint. Said
Authenticating Agent shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to
authenticate Debt Securities of such series issued upon exchange, transfer or
partial redemption thereof, and Debt Securities so authenticated shall be
entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory
for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. All
references in this Indenture to the authentication of Debt Securities by the
Trustee shall be deemed to include authentication by an Authenticating Agent
for such series. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the
Company and shall be a corporation that has a combined capital and surplus,
as most recently reported or determined by it, sufficient under the laws of
any jurisdiction under which it is organized or in which it is doing business
to conduct a trust business, and that is otherwise authorized under such laws
to conduct such business and is subject to supervision or examination by
federal or state authorities. If at any time any Authenticating Agent shall
cease to be eligible in accordance with these provisions, it shall resign
immediately.
Any Authenticating Agent may at any time resign by giving written
notice of resignation to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at
any time (and upon request by the Company shall) terminate the agency of any
Authenticating Agent by giving written notice of termination to such
Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon resignation, termination or
cessation of eligibility of any Authenticating Agent, the Trustee may appoint
an eligible successor Authenticating Agent acceptable to the Company. Any
successor Authenticating Agent, upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder,
shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor
hereunder as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent pursuant hereto.
SECTION 2.11. GLOBAL SECURITIES. (a) If the Company shall
establish pursuant to Section 2.01 that the Debt Securities of a particular
series are to be issued as a Global Security or Securities, then the Company
shall execute and the Trustee shall, in accordance with Section 2.04,
authenticate and deliver, a Global Security that (i) shall represent, and
shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of,
all of the Outstanding Debt Securities of such series, (ii) shall be
registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, (iii) shall be
delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary's
instruction and (iv) shall bear a legend substantially to the following
effect: "Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.11 of the Indenture, this
Debt Security may be transferred, in whole but not in part, only to another
nominee of the Depositary or to a successor Depositary or to a nominee of
such successor Depositary."
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(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.05, the Global
Security or Securities of a series may be transferred, in whole but not in
part and in the manner provided in Section 2.05, only to another nominee of
the Depositary for such series, or to a successor Depositary for such series
selected or approved by the Company or to a nominee of such successor
Depositary.
(c) If at any time the Depositary for a series of Debt Securities
notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary
for such series or if at any time the Depositary for such series shall no
longer be registered or in good standing under the Exchange Act, or other
applicable statute or regulation, at a time when the Depositary is required
to be so registered to act as such Depositary and a successor Depositary for
such series is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after the Company
receives such notice or becomes aware of such condition, as the case may be,
this Section 2.11 shall no longer be applicable to the Debt Securities of
such series and the Company will execute, and subject to Section 2.05, the
Trustee will authenticate and deliver the Debt Securities of such series in
definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, and
in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global
Security or Securities of such series in exchange for such Global Security or
Securities. In addition, the Company may at any time determine that the Debt
Securities of any series shall no longer be represented by a Global Security
or Securities and that the provisions of this Section 2.11 shall no longer
apply to the Debt Securities of such series. In such event, the Company will
execute and, subject to Section 2.05, the Trustee, upon receipt of an
Officers' Certificate evidencing such determination by the Company, will
authenticate and deliver the Debt Securities of such series in definitive
registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, and in an
aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global
Security or Securities of such series in exchange for such Global Security or
Securities. Upon the exchange of the Global Security or Securities for such
Debt Securities in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized
denominations, the Global Security or Securities shall be canceled by the
Trustee. Such Debt Securities in definitive registered form issued in
exchange for the Global Security or Securities pursuant to this Section
2.11(c) shall be registered in such names and in such authorized
denominations as the Depositary, pursuant to instructions from its direct or
indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee. The Trustee
shall deliver such Debt Securities to the Depositary for delivery to the
Persons in whose names such Debt Securities are so registered.
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ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES AND SINKING FUND PROVISIONS
SECTION 3.01. REDEMPTION. The Company may redeem the Debt
Securities of any series issued hereunder on and after the dates and in
accordance with the terms established for such series pursuant to Section
2.01 hereof.
SECTION 3.02. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION. (a) In case the Company shall
desire to exercise such right to redeem all or, as the case may be, a portion
of the Debt Securities of any series in accordance with the right reserved so
to do, the Company shall, or shall cause the Trustee to, give notice of such
redemption to holders of the Debt Securities of such series to be redeemed by
mailing, first class postage prepaid, a notice of such redemption not less
than 30 days and not more than 60 days before the date fixed for redemption
of that series to such holders at their last addresses as they shall appear
upon the Security Register unless a shorter period is specified in the Debt
Securities to be redeemed. Any notice that is mailed in the manner herein
provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or
not the registered holder receives the notice. In any case, failure duly to
give such notice to the holder of any Debt Security of any series designated
for redemption in whole or in part, or any defect in such notice, shall not
affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Debt
Securities of such series or any other series. In the case of any redemption
of Debt Securities prior to the expiration of any restriction on such
redemption provided in the terms of such Debt Securities or elsewhere in this
Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers'
Certificate evidencing compliance with any such restriction.
Each such notice of redemption shall specify the date fixed for
redemption and the redemption price at which Debt Securities of that series
are to be redeemed, and shall state that payment of the redemption price of
such Debt Securities to be redeemed will be made at the office or agency of
the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and State of New York, upon
presentation and surrender of such Debt Securities, that interest accrued to
the date fixed for redemption will be paid as specified in said notice, that
from and after said date interest will cease to accrue and that the
redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case. If less than all the
Debt Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the notice to the holders of
Debt Securities of that series to be redeemed in whole or in part shall
specify the particular Debt Securities to be so redeemed. In case any Debt
Security is to be redeemed in part only, the
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notice that relates to such Debt Security shall state the portion of the
principal amount thereof to be redeemed, and shall state that on and after
the redemption date, upon surrender of such Debt Security, a new Debt
Security or Debt Securities of such series in principal amount equal to the
unredeemed portion thereof will be issued.
(b) If less than all the Debt Securities of a series are to be
redeemed, the Company shall give the Trustee at least 45 days' notice in
advance of the date fixed for redemption as to the aggregate principal amount
of Debt Securities of the series to be redeemed, and thereupon the Trustee
shall select, by lot or in such other manner as it shall deem appropriate and
fair in its discretion and that may provide for the selection of a portion or
portions (equal to twenty-five U.S. dollars ($25) or any integral multiple
thereof) of the principal amount of such Debt Securities of a denomination
larger than $25, the Debt Securities to be redeemed and shall thereafter
promptly notify the Company in writing of the numbers of the Debt Securities
to be redeemed, in whole or in part.
The Company may, if and whenever it shall so elect, by delivery of
instructions signed on its behalf by its President or any Vice President,
instruct the Trustee or any paying agent to call all or any part of the Debt
Securities of a particular series for redemption and to give notice of
redemption in the manner set forth in this Section, such notice to be in the
name of the Company or its own name as the Trustee or such paying agent may
deem advisable. In any case in which notice of redemption is to be given by
the Trustee or any such paying agent, the Company shall deliver or cause to
be delivered to, or permit to remain with, the Trustee or such paying agent,
as the case may be, such Security Register, transfer books or other records,
or suitable copies or extracts therefrom, sufficient to enable the Trustee or
such paying agent to give any notice by mail that may be required under the
provisions of this Section.
SECTION 3.03. PAYMENT UPON REDEMPTION.
(a) If the giving of notice of redemption shall have been completed
as above provided, the Debt Securities or portions of Debt Securities of the
series to be redeemed specified in such notice shall become due and payable
on the date and at the place stated in such notice at the applicable
redemption price, together with interest accrued to the date fixed for
redemption and interest on such Debt Securities or portions of Debt
Securities shall cease to accrue on and after the date fixed for redemption,
unless the Company shall default in the payment of such redemption price and
accrued interest with respect to any such Debt Security or portion thereof.
On presentation and
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surrender of such Debt Securities on or after the date fixed for redemption
at the place of payment specified in the notice, said Debt Securities shall
be paid and redeemed at the applicable redemption price for such series,
together with interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption (but
if the date fixed for redemption is an interest payment date, the interest
installment payable on such date shall be payable to the registered holder at
the close of business on the applicable record date pursuant to Section 2.03).
(b) Upon presentation of any Debt Security of such series that is
to be redeemed in part only, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall
authenticate and the office or agency where the Debt Security is presented
shall deliver to the holder thereof, at the expense of the Company, a new
Debt Security or Debt Securities of the same series, of authorized
denominations in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Debt
Security so presented.
SECTION 3.04. SINKING FUND. The provisions of Sections 3.04, 3.05
and 3.06 shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Debt
Securities of a series, except as otherwise specified as contemplated by
Section 2.01 for Debt Securities of such series.
The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the
terms of Debt Securities of any series is herein referred to as a "MANDATORY
SINKING FUND PAYMENT," and any payment in excess of such minimum amount
provided for by the terms of Debt Securities of any series is herein referred
to as an "OPTIONAL SINKING FUND PAYMENT". If provided for by the terms of
Debt Securities of any series, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment
may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 3.05. Each sinking fund
payment shall be applied to the redemption of Debt Securities of any series
as provided for by the terms of Debt Securities of such series.
SECTION 3.05. SATISFACTION OF SINKING FUND PAYMENTS WITH DEBT
SECURITIES. The Company (i) may deliver Outstanding Debt Securities of a
series (other than any Debt Securities previously called for redemption) and
(ii) may apply as a credit Debt Securities of a series that have been
redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such
Debt Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund
payments pursuant to the terms of such Debt Securities, in each case in
satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to
the Debt Securities of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms
of such Debt Securities as provided for by the terms of such series, PROVIDED
that such Debt Securities have not been previously so
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credited. Such Debt Securities shall be received and credited for such
purpose by the Trustee at the redemption price specified in such Debt
Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the
amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.
SECTION 3.06. REDEMPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES FOR SINKING FUND. Not
less than 45 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any series of
Debt Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment
for that series pursuant to the terms of such series, the portion thereof, if
any, that is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Debt Securities of
that series pursuant to Section 3.05 and the basis for such credit and will,
together with such Officers' Certificate, deliver to the Trustee any Debt
Securities to be so delivered. Not less than 30 days before each such
sinking fund payment date, the Trustee shall select the Debt Securities to be
redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in
Section 3.02 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the
name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section
3.02. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Debt
Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Section
3.03.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
SECTION 4.01. PAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL, PREMIUM AND INTEREST. The
Company will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the principal of
(and premium, if any) and interest on the Debt Securities of each series at
the time and place and in the manner provided herein and established with
respect to such Debt Securities.
SECTION 4.02. MAINTENANCE OF OFFICE OR AGENCY. So long as any
series of the Debt Securities remain Outstanding, the Company agrees to
maintain an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and State
of New York, with respect to each such series and at such other location or
locations as may be designated as provided in this Section 4.02, where (i)
Debt Securities of such series may be presented for payment, (ii) Debt
Securities of such series may be presented as hereinabove authorized for
registration of transfer and exchange, and (iii) notices and demands to or
upon the Company in respect of the Debt Securities of such series and this
Indenture may be given or served, such designation to continue with respect
to such office
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or agency until the Company shall, by written notice signed by its President or
a Vice President and delivered to the trustee, designate some other office or
agency for such purposes or any of them. If at any time the Company shall fail
to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the
Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, notices and demands may be
made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company
hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations,
notices and demands.
SECTION 4.03. PAYING AGENTS.
(a) If the Company shall appoint one or more paying agents for all or
any series of the Debt Securities, other than the Trustee, the Company will
cause each such paying agent to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument
in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of
this Section:
(1) that it will hold all sums held by it as such agent for the
payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the Debt
Securities of that series (whether such sums have been paid to it by the
Company or by any other obligor of such Debt Securities) in trust for the
benefit of the Persons entitled thereto;
(2) that it will give the Trustee notice of any failure by the
Company to make any payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or
interest on the Debt Securities of that series when the same shall be due
and payable;
(3) that it will, at any time during the continuance of any failure
referred to in the preceding paragraph (a)(2) above, upon the written
request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in
trust by such paying agent; and
(4) that it will perform all other duties of paying agent as set
forth in this Indenture.
(b) If the Company shall act as its own paying agent with respect to
any series of the Debt Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the
principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on Debt Securities of that
series, set aside, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons
entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay such principal (and premium, if any) or
interest so becoming due on Debt Securities of that series until such sums shall
be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and will
promptly notify the Trustee of such action, or any failure by it to take such
action. Whenever the
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Company shall have one or more paying agents for any series of Debt Securities,
it will, on or before each due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or
interest on any Debt Securities of that series, deposit with the paying agent a
sum sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest so
becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons
entitled to such principal, premium or interest, and (unless such paying agent
is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of such deposit or
failure so to deposit.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary, (i) the
agreement to hold sums in trust as provided in this Section is subject to the
provisions of Section 11.05, and (ii) the Company may at any time, for the
purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any
other purpose, pay, or direct any paying agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums
held in trust by the Company or such paying agent, such sums to be held by the
Trustee upon the same terms and conditions as those upon which such sums were
held by the Company or such paying agent; and, upon such payment by any paying
agent to the Trustee, such paying agent shall be released from all further
liability with respect to such money.
SECTION 4.04. APPOINTMENT TO FILL VACANCY IN OFFICE OF TRUSTEE. The
Company, whenever necessary to avoid or fill a vacancy in the office of Trustee,
will appoint, in the manner provided in Section 7.10, a Trustee, so that there
shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder.
SECTION 4.05. COMPLIANCE WITH CONSOLIDATION PROVISIONS. The Company
will not, while any of the Debt Securities remain Outstanding, consolidate with,
or merge into, or merge into itself, or sell or convey all or substantially all
of its property to any other company unless the provisions of Article X hereof
are complied with.
SECTION 4.06. LIMITATION ON DIVIDENDS.
(a) If Debt Securities are issued to a Trust or a trustee of such
Trust in connection with the issuance of Preferred Securities by such Trust and
(i) there shall have occurred any event that would constitute an Event of
Default or (ii) the Company shall be in default with respect to its payment or
any obligations under the Preferred Securities Guarantee relating to such
Preferred Securities, then (x) the Company shall not declare or pay any dividend
on, make any distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock (other than
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(A) purchases or acquisitions of shares of Company common stock in connection
with the satisfaction by the Company of its obligations under any employee
benefit plans or any other contractual obligations of the Company, other than a
contractual obligation ranking PARI PASSU with or junior to the Debt
Securities), (B) as a result of a reclassification of Company capital stock or
the exchange or conversion of one class or series of Company capital stock for
another class or series of Company capital stock, or (C) the purchase of
fractional interests in shares of Company capital stock pursuant to the
conversion or exchange provisions of such Company capital stock or the security
being converted or exchanged), (y) the Company shall not make any payment of
interest, principal or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any
debt securities (including guarantees) issued by the Company which rank PARI
PASSU with or junior to such Debt Securities and (z) the Company shall not make
guarantee payments with respect to the foregoing (other than pursuant to
Preferred Securities Guarantees).
(b) If Debt Securities are issued to a Trust or a trustee of such
Trust in connection with the issuance of Trust Securities by such Trust and
the Company shall have given notice of its election to defer payments of
interest on such Debt Securities by extending the interest payment period as
provided in any indenture supplemental hereto and such period, or any
extension thereof, shall be continuing, then (i) the Company shall not
declare or pay any dividend, or make any distributions with respect to, or
redeem, purchase or acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to,
any of its capital stock (other than (A) purchases or acquisitions of shares
of Company common stock in connection with the satisfaction by the Company of
its obligations under any employee benefit plans or any other contractual
obligations of the Company, other than a contractual obligation ranking PARI
PASSU with or junior to the Debt Securities) (B) as a result of a
reclassification of Company capital stock or the exchange or conversion of
one class or series of Company capital stock for another class or series of
Company capital stock, or (C) the purchase of fractional interests in shares
of Company capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of
such Company capital stock or the security being converted or exchanged),
(ii) the Company shall not make any payment of interest, principal or
premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities
(including guarantees) issued by the Company which rank PARI PASSU with or
junior to such Debt Securities and (iii) the Company shall not make any
guarantee payments with respect to the foregoing (other than pursuant to
Preferred Securities Guarantees).
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SECTION 4.07. COVENANTS AS TO TRUST. In the event Debt Securities
are issued and sold to a Trust in connection with the issuance of Trust
Securities by such Trust, for so long as such Trust Securities remain
outstanding, the Company will (i) maintain 100% direct or indirect ownership
of the Common Securities of such Trust; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any permitted
successor of the Company under the Indenture may succeed to the Company's
ownership of such Common Securities, (ii) not cause, as sponsor of such
Trust, or permit, as holder of Common Securities of such Trust, the
dissolution, winding-up or termination of such trust, except in connection
with a distribution of Debt Securities as provided in the Declaration and in
connection with certain mergers, consolidations or amalgamations permitted by
the Declaration and (iii) use its reasonable efforts to cause such Trust (a)
to remain a business trust, except in connection with a distribution of Debt
Securities to the holders of Trust Securities in liquidation of such Trust,
the redemption of all of the Trust Securities of such Trust or certain
mergers, consolidations or amalgamations, each as permitted by the
Declaration of such Trust, and (b) to otherwise continue to be classified for
United States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust.
SECTION 4.08. CORPORATE EXISTENCE. The Company will, subject to the
provisions of Article X, at all times maintain its corporate existence and right
to carry on business and will duly procure all renewals and extensions thereof,
and, to the extent necessary or desirable in the operation of its business, will
use its best efforts to maintain, preserve and renew all of its rights, powers,
privileges and material franchises.
ARTICLE V
SECURITYHOLDERS, LISTS AND REPORTS
BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 5.01. COMPANY TO FURNISH TRUSTEE NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF
SECURITYHOLDERS. The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the
Trustee (a) on a quarterly basis on each regular record date (as defined in
Section 2.03) a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the
names and addresses of the holders of each series of Debt Securities as of such
regular record date, PROVIDED that the Company shall not be obligated to furnish
or cause to be furnished such list at any time that such list shall not differ
in any respect from the most recent list furnished to the Trustee by the Company
and (b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing within 30 days
after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and
content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is
furnished; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in either case, no such list need be
furnished for any series of
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Debt Securities for which the Trustee shall be the Security Registrar.
SECTION 5.02. PRESERVATION OF INFORMATION; COMMUNICATIONS WITH
SECURITYHOLDERS.
(a) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably
practicable, all information as to the names and addresses of the holders of
Debt Securities contained in the most recent list furnished to it as provided in
Section 5.01 and as to the names and addresses of holders of Debt Securities
received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar (if acting in such
capacity).
(b) The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in
Section 5.01 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.
(c) Securityholders may communicate as provided in Section 312(b) of
the Trust Indenture Act with other Securityholders with respect to their rights
under this Indenture or under the Debt Securities.
SECTION 5.03. REPORTS BY THE COMPANY.
(a) The Company covenants and agrees to file with the Trustee, within
15 days after the Company is required to file the same with the Commission,
copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports
(or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from
time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Company may be
required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of
the Exchange Act; or, if the Company is not required to file information,
documents or reports pursuant to either of such sections, then to file with the
Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with the rules and regulations
prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such of the supplementary and
periodic information, documents and reports that may be required pursuant to
Section 13 of the Exchange Act, in respect of a security listed and registered
on a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such
rules and regulations.
(b) The Company covenants and agrees to file with the Trustee and the
Commission, in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed from to time
by the Commission, such additional information, documents and reports with
respect to compliance by the Company with the conditions and covenants provided
for in this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and
regulations.
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(c) The Company covenants and agrees to transmit by mail, first class
postage prepaid, or reputable overnight delivery service that provides for
evidence of receipt, to the Securityholders, as their names and addresses appear
upon the Security Register, within 30 days after the filing thereof with the
Trustee, such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be
filed by the Company pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this Section as may
be required by rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the
Commission.
SECTION 5.04. REPORTS BY THE TRUSTEE.
(a) Within 60 days after May 1 of each year in which any of the Debt
Securities are Outstanding, the Trustee shall transmit by mail, first class
postage prepaid, to the Securityholders, as their names and addresses appear
upon the Security Register, a brief report dated as of the preceding May 15, if
and to the extent required under Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act.
(b) The Trustee shall comply with Sections 313(b) and 313(c) of the
Trust Indenture Act.
(c) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such
transmission to Securityholders, be filed by the Trustee with the Company, with
each stock exchange upon which any Debt Securities are listed (if so listed) and
also with the Commission. The Company agrees to notify the Trustee when any
Debt Securities become listed on any stock exchange.
ARTICLE VI
REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS
ON EVENT OF DEFAULT
SECTION 6.01. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.
(a) Whenever used herein with respect to Debt Securities of a
particular series, "Event of Default" means any one or more of the following
events that has occurred and is continuing:
(1) the Company defaults in the payment of any installment of
interest upon any of the Debt Securities of that series, as and when the
same shall become due and payable, and continuance of such default for a
period of 30 days; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that a valid extension of an interest
payment period by the Company in accordance with
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the terms of any indenture supplemental hereto, shall not constitute a
default in the payment of interest for this purpose;
(2) the Company defaults in the payment of the principal of (or
premium, if any, on) any of the Debt Securities of that series as and when
the same shall become due and payable whether at maturity, upon redemption,
by declaration or otherwise, or in any payment required by any sinking or
analogous fund established with respect to that series;
(3) the Company fails to observe or perform any other of its
covenants or agreements with respect to that series contained in this
Indenture or otherwise established with respect to that series of Debt
Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof (other than a covenant or
agreement that has been expressly included in this Indenture solely for the
benefit of one or more series of Debt Securities other than such series)
for a period of 90 days after the date on which written notice of such
failure, requiring the same to be remedied and stating that such notice is
a "Notice of Default" hereunder, shall have been given to the Company by
the Trustee, by registered or certified mail, or to the Company and the
Trustee by the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Debt
Securities of that series at the time Outstanding;
(4) the Company pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy
Law (i) commences a voluntary case, (ii) consents to the entry of an order
for relief against it in an involuntary case, (iii) consents to the
appointment of a Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its
property or (iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its
creditors;
(5) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order under any
Bankruptcy Law that (i) is for relief against the Company in an involuntary
case, (ii) appoints a Custodian of the Company for all or substantially all
of its property, or (iii) orders the liquidation of the Company, and the
order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days; or
(6) in the event Debt Securities are issued and sold to a Trust of
the Company in connection with the issuance of Trust Securities by such
Trust, such Trust shall have voluntarily or involuntarily dissolved,
wound-up its business or otherwise terminated its existence except in
connection with (i) the distribution of Debt Securities to holders of Trust
Securities in liquidation of their
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interests in such Trust, (ii) the redemption of all outstanding Trust
Securities of such Trust, and (iii) mergers, consolidations or
amalgamations, each as permitted by the Declaration of such Trust.
(b) If an Event of Default described in clauses 1, 2, 3 or 6 of
Section 6.01(a) with respect to Debt Securities of any series at the time
outstanding occurs and is continuing, unless the principal of all the Debt
Securities of that series shall have already become due and payable, either the
Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
Debt Securities of that series then Outstanding hereunder, by notice in writing
to the Company (and to the Trustee, if given by such Securityholders), may
declare the principal of all the Debt Securities of that series to be due and
payable immediately, and upon any such declaration the same shall become and
shall be immediately due and payable, notwithstanding anything contained in this
Indenture or in the Debt Securities of that series or established with respect
to that series pursuant to Section 2.01 to the contrary. If an Event of Default
specified in clause (4) or (5) of Section 6.01(a) occurs or is continuing, then
the principal amount of all the Debt Securities shall ipso facto become and be
immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of
the Trustee or any Securityholder.
(c) At any time after the principal of the Debt Securities of that
series shall have been so declared due and payable, and before any judgment or
decree for the payment of the moneys due shall have been obtained or entered as
hereinafter provided, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the Debt Securities of that series then Outstanding hereunder, by written notice
to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its
consequences if: (i) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum
sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest upon all the Debt
Securities of that series and the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any and
all Debt Securities of that series that shall have become due otherwise than by
acceleration (with interest upon such principal and premium, if any, and, to the
extent that such payment is enforceable under applicable law, upon overdue
installments of interest, at the rate per annum expressed in the Debt Securities
of that series to the date of such payment or deposit) and the amount payable to
the Trustee under Section 7.06, and (ii) any and all Events of Default under the
Indenture with respect to such series, other than the nonpayment of principal on
Debt Securities of that series that shall not have become due by their terms,
shall have been remedied or waived as provided in Section 6.06.
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No such rescission and annulment shall extend to or shall affect any
subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.
(d) In case the Trustee shall have proceeded to enforce any right
with respect to Debt Securities of that series under this Indenture and such
proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned because of such rescission
or annulment or for any other reason or shall have been determined adversely to
the Trustee, then and in every such case the Company and the Trustee shall be
restored respectively to their former positions and rights hereunder, and all
rights, remedies and powers of the Company and the Trustee shall continue as
though no such proceedings had been taken.
SECTION 6.02. COLLECTION OF INDEBTEDNESS AND SUITS FOR ENFORCEMENT BY
TRUSTEE.
(a) The Company covenants that (1) in case it shall default in the
payment of any installment of interest on any of the Debt Securities of a
series, or any payment required by any sinking or analogous fund established
with respect to that series as and when the same shall have become due and
payable, and such default shall have continued for a period of 90 days, or (2)
in case it shall default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any,
on) any of the Debt Securities of a series when the same shall have become due
and payable, whether upon maturity of the Debt Securities of a series or upon
redemption or upon declaration or otherwise, then, upon demand of the Trustee,
the Company will pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the Debt
Securities of that series, the whole amount that then shall have become due and
payable on all such Debt Securities for principal (and premium, if any) or
interest, or both, as the case may be, with interest upon the overdue principal
(and premium, if any) and (to the extent that payment of such interest is
enforceable under applicable law and, if the Debt Securities are held by a
Trust, without duplication of any other amounts paid by such Trust in respect
thereof) upon overdue installments of interest at the rate per annum expressed
in the Debt Securities of that series; and, in addition thereto, such further
amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection and
the amount payable to the Trustee under Section 7.06.
(b) If the Company shall fail to pay such amounts forthwith upon such
demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, shall
be entitled and empowered to institute any action or proceedings at law or in
equity for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute any
such action or proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce any such
judgment or final decree against the Company or
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other obligor upon the Debt Securities of that series and collect the moneys
adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the
property of the Company or other obligor upon the Securities of that series,
wherever situated.
(c) In case of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy,
reorganization, readjustment, arrangement, composition or judicial proceedings
affecting the Company or its creditors or property, the Trustee shall have power
to intervene in such proceedings and take any action therein that may be
permitted by the court and shall (except as may be otherwise provided by law) be
entitled to file such proofs of claim and other papers and documents as may be
necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee and of the
holders of Debt Securities of such series allowed for the entire amount due and
payable by the Company under this Indenture at the date of institution of such
proceedings and for any additional amount that may become due and payable by the
Company after such date, and to collect and receive any moneys or other property
payable or deliverable on any such claim, and to distribute the same after the
deduction of the amount payable to the Trustee under Section 7.06; and any
receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization is hereby
authorized by each of the holders of Debt Securities of such series to make such
payments to the Trustee, and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the
making of such payments directly to such Securityholders, to pay to the Trustee
any amount due it under Section 7.06.
(d) All rights of action and of asserting claims under this
Indenture, or under any of the terms established with respect to Debt Securities
of that series, may be enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of
such Debt Securities, or the production thereof at any trial or other proceeding
relative thereto, and any such suit or proceeding instituted by the Trustee
shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any
recovery of judgment shall, after provision for payment to the Trustee of any
amounts due under Section 7.06, be for the ratable benefit of the holders of the
Debt Securities of such series.
In case of an Event of Default hereunder, the Trustee may in its
discretion proceed to protect and enforce the rights vested in it by this
Indenture by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem
most effectual to protect and enforce any of such rights, either at law or in
equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, whether for the specific enforcement of
any covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise
of any power granted in this Indenture, or to enforce any other legal or
equitable right vested in the Trustee by this Indenture or by law.
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Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to
authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Securityholder any
plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the
Securities of that series or the rights of any holder thereof or to authorize
the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Securityholder in any such
proceeding.]
SECTION 6.03. APPLICATION OF MONEYS COLLECTED. Any moneys collected
by the Trustee pursuant to this Article with respect to a particular series of
Debt Securities shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates
fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such moneys on account
of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, upon presentation of the Debt
Securities of that series, and notation thereon of the payment, if only
partially paid, and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
FIRST: To the payment of costs and expenses of collection and of all
amounts payable to the Trustee under Section 7.06;
SECOND: To the payment of all indebtedness to which the Debt
Securities are subordinated if and to the extent required by Article XIV;
and
THIRD: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon Debt
Securities of such series for principal (and premium, if any) and interest,
in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been
collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according
to the amounts due and payable on such Debt Securities for principal (and
premium, if any) and interest, respectively.
SECTION 6.04. LIMITATION ON SUITS. No holder of any Debt Security of
any series shall have any right by virtue or by availing of any provision of
this Indenture to institute any suit, action or proceeding in equity or at law
upon or under or with respect to this Indenture or for the appointment of a
receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless (i) such holder
previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of an Event of Default
and of the continuance thereof with respect to the Debt Securities of such
series specifying such Event of Default, as herein provided; (ii) the holders of
not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of such
series then Outstanding shall have made written request upon the Trustee to
institute such action, suit or proceeding in its own name as trustee hereunder;
(iii) such holder or holders shall have offered to the Trustee such reason-
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able indemnity as it may require against the costs, expenses and liabilities to
be incurred therein or thereby; and (iv) the Trustee for 60 days after its
receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity, shall have failed to
institute any such action, suit or proceeding; and (v) during such 60 day
period, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Debt Securities of
that series do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, any other
provisions of this Indenture, the right of any holder of any Debt Security to
receive payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such
Debt Security, as therein provided, on or after the respective due dates
expressed in such Debt Security (or in the case of redemption, on the redemption
date), or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after
such respective dates or redemption date, shall not be impaired or affected
without the consent of such holder, and by accepting a Debt Security hereunder
it is expressly understood, intended and covenanted by the taker and holder of
every Debt Security of such series with every other such taker and holder and
the Trustee, that no one or more holders of Debt Securities of such series shall
have any right in any manner whatsoever by virtue or by availing of any
provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of the
holders of any other of such Debt Securities, or to obtain or seek to obtain
priority over or preference to any other such holder, or to enforce any right
under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal,
ratable and common benefit of all holders of Debt Securities of such series.
For the protection and enforcement of the provisions of this Section, each and
every Securityholder and the Trustee shall be entitled to such relief as can be
given either at law or in equity.
SECTION 6.05. RIGHTS AND REMEDIES CUMULATIVE; DELAY OR OMISSION NOT
WAIVER.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.07, all powers and
remedies given by this Article to the Trustee or to the Securityholders shall,
to the extent permitted by law, be deemed cumulative and not exclusive of any
other powers and remedies available to the Trustee or the holders of the Debt
Securities, by judicial proceedings or otherwise, to enforce the performance or
observance of the covenants and agreements contained in this Indenture or
otherwise established with respect to such Debt Securities.
(b) No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any holder of any of
the Debt Securities to exercise any right or
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power accruing upon any Event of Default occurring and continuing as aforesaid
shall impair any such right or power, or shall be construed to be a waiver of
any such default or an acquiescence therein; and, subject to the provisions of
Section 6.04, every power and remedy given by this Article or by law to the
Trustee or the Securityholders may be exercised from time to time, and as often
as shall be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Securityholders.
SECTION 6.06. CONTROL BY SECURITYHOLDERS. The holders of a majority
in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of any series at the time
Outstanding, determined in accordance with Section 8.04, shall have the right to
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the
Trustee with respect to such series; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such direction
shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture or be
unduly prejudicial to the rights of holders of Debt Securities of any other
series at the time Outstanding determined in accordance with Section 8.04.
Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, the Trustee shall have the right to
decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee in good faith shall, by a
Responsible Officer or Officers of the Trustee, determine that the proceeding so
directed would involve the Trustee in personal liability. The holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of any series at
the time Outstanding affected thereby, determined in accordance with Section
8.04, may on behalf of the holders of all of the Debt Securities of such series
waive any past default in the performance of any of the covenants contained
herein or established pursuant to Section 2.01 with respect to such series and
its consequences, except (i) a default in the payment of the principal of, or
premium, if any, or interest on, any of the Debt Securities of that series as
and when the same shall become due by the terms of such Debt Securities
otherwise than by acceleration (unless such default has been cured and a sum
sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal and any
premium has been deposited with the Trustee (in accordance with Section 6.01(c))
or (ii) a default in the covenants contained in Section 4.06(b). Upon any such
waiver, the default covered thereby shall be deemed to be cured for all purposes
of this Indenture and the Company, the Trustee and the holders of the Debt
Securities of such series shall be restored to their former positions and rights
hereunder, respectively; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or
other default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 6.07. UNDERTAKING TO PAY COSTS. All parties to this
Indenture agree, and each holder of any Debt Securities by such holder's
acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have
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agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the
enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against
the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any
party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and
that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including
reasonable attorneys' fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due
regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party
litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit
instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Securityholder, or
group of Securityholders, holding more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of
the Outstanding Debt Securities of any series, or to any suit instituted by any
Securityholder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of (or
premium, if any) or interest on any Debt Security of such series, on or after
the respective due dates expressed in such Debt Security or established pursuant
to this Indenture.
SECTION 6.08. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT REGARDING PREFERRED SECURITIES HOLDERS.
The Company acknowledges that, with respect to any Debt Securities held by a
Trust or a trustee of such Trust, if the Property Trustee of such Trust fails to
enforce its rights under this Indenture as the holder of the series of Debt
Securities held as the assets of such Trust, then holders of Preferred
Securities of such Trust may institute legal proceedings directly against the
Company to enforce such rights under this Indenture without first instituting
any legal proceedings against such Property Trustee or any other Person.
ARTICLE VII
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 7.01. CERTAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEE.
(a) The Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with
respect to the Debt Securities of a series and after the curing of all Events of
Default with respect to the Debt Securities of that series that may have
occurred, shall undertake to perform with respect to the Debt Securities of such
series such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this
Indenture, and no implied covenants shall be read into this Indenture against
the Trustee. In case an Event of Default with respect to the Debt Securities of
a series has occurred (that has not been cured or waived), the Trustee shall
exercise with respect to Debt Securities of that series such of the rights and
powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the
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same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent man would exercise
or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.
(b) No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the
Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure
to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(1) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the
Debt Securities of a series and after the curing or waiving of all such Events
of Default with respect to that series that may have occurred:
(i) the duties and obligations of the Trustee shall with respect to
the Debt Securities of such series be determined solely by the express
provisions of this Indenture, and the Trustee shall not be liable with
respect to the Debt Securities of such series except for the performance of
such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this
Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this
Indenture against the Trustee; and
(ii) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Trustee, the
Trustee may with respect to the Debt Securities of such series conclusively
rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions
expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the
Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the
case of any such certificates or opinions that by any provision hereof are
specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be
under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform
to the requirement of this Indenture;
(2) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in
good faith by a Responsible Officer or Responsible Officers of the Trustee
unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the
pertinent facts;
(3) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken
or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of
the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Debt
Securities of any series at the time Outstanding relating to the time, method
and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee,
or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the
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Trustee under this Indenture with respect to the Debt Securities of that series;
and
(4) None of the provisions contained in this Indenture shall require
the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal
financial liability in the performance of any of its duties or in the exercise
of any of its rights or powers, if there is reasonable ground for believing that
the repayment of such funds or liability is not reasonably assured to it under
the terms of this Indenture or adequate indemnity against such risk is not
reasonably assured to it.
SECTION 7.02. CERTAIN RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE. Except as otherwise
provided in Section 7.01:
(a) The Trustee may rely and shall be fully protected in acting or
refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument,
opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, approval, bond,
security or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have
been signed, sent or presented by the proper party or parties.
(b) Any request, direction, order or demand of the Company mentioned
herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution or an instrument
signed in the name of the Company by the President, or any Vice President and by
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or the Treasurer or an Assistant
Treasurer thereof (unless other evidence in respect thereof is specifically
prescribed herein).
(c) The Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of
such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel with respect to legal matters shall be
full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or
suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such
advice or Opinion of Counsel.
(d) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the
rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or
direction of any of the Securityholders, pursuant to the provisions of this
Indenture, unless such Securityholders shall have offered to the Trustee
reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses (including
attorneys' fees and expenses) and liabilities that might be incurred by it in
complying with such request or direction, provided that nothing contained herein
shall, however, relieve the Trustee of the obligation, upon the occurrence of an
Event of Default with respect to a series of the Debt Securities (that has not
been cured or waived) to exercise with respect to Debt Securities of that series
such of the rights and powers
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vested in it by this Indenture, and to use the same degree of care and skill in
their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the
circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs.
(e) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted
to be taken by it in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within
the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.
(f) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the
facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument,
opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, approval, bond,
security, or other papers or documents, unless requested in writing so to do by
the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Debt Securities of the particular series affected thereby (determined as
provided in Section 8.04); provided, however, that if the payment within a
reasonable time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to
be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is, in the opinion of the
Trustee, not reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security afforded to it by
the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee may require reasonable indemnity
against such costs, expenses or liabilities as a condition to so proceeding.
The reasonable expense of every such examination shall be paid by the Company
or, if paid by the Trustee, shall be repaid by the Company upon demand.
(g) The Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or
perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or
attorneys, and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or
negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it
hereunder.
(h) Whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee
shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established before taking,
suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence
is herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part,
request and rely upon an Officers' Certificate.
SECTION 7.03. TRUSTEE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RECITALS OR ISSUANCE OF
DEBT SECURITIES.
(a) The recitals contained herein and in the Debt Securities shall be
taken as the statements of the Company, and the Trustee assumes no
responsibility for the correctness of the same.
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(b) The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or
sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Debt Securities.
(c) The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application
by the Company of any of the Debt Securities or of the proceeds of such Debt
Securities, or for the use or application of any moneys paid over by the
Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture or established
pursuant to Section 2.01, or for the use or application of any moneys
received by any paying agent other than the Trustee.
SECTION 7.04. MAY HOLD DEBT SECURITIES. The Trustee or any paying
agent or Security Registrar, in its individual or any other capacity, may become
the owner or pledgee of Debt Securities with the same rights it would have if it
were not Trustee, paying agent or Security Registrar.
SECTION 7.05. MONEYS HELD IN TRUST. Subject to the provisions of
Section 11.05, all moneys received by the Trustee shall, until used or applied
as herein provided, be held in trust for the purposes for which they were
received, but need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent
required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any
moneys received by it hereunder except such as it may agree with the Company to
pay thereon.
SECTION 7.06. COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT.
(a) The Company covenants and agrees to pay to the Trustee, and the
Trustee shall be entitled to, such reasonable compensation (which shall not be
limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an
express trust), as the Company and the Trustee may from time to time agree in
writing, for all services rendered by it in the execution of the trusts hereby
created and in the exercise and performance of any of the powers and duties
hereunder of the Trustee, and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein,
the Company will pay or reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all
reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee
in accordance with any of the provisions of this Indenture (including the
reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its counsel and of
all Persons not regularly in its employ) except any such expense, disbursement
or advance as may arise from its negligence or bad faith. The Company also
covenants to indemnify the Trustee (and its officers, agents, directors and
employees) for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense
incurred without negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee and arising
out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this
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Indenture, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any
claim of liability in the premises.
(b) The obligations of the Company under this Section to compensate
and indemnify the Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee for expenses,
disbursements and advances shall constitute additional indebtedness hereunder
and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture. Such
additional indebtedness shall be secured by a lien prior to that of the Debt
Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such,
except funds held in trust for the benefit of the holders of particular Debt
Securities.
SECTION 7.07. RELIANCE ON OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE. Except as otherwise
provided in Section 7.01, whenever in the administration of the provisions of
this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it necessary or desirable that a matter be
proved or established prior to taking or suffering or omitting to take any
action hereunder, such matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof is
herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of negligence or bad faith
on the part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and established
by an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee and such certificate, in
the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, shall be full
warrant to the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by
it under the provisions of this Indenture upon the faith thereof.
SECTION 7.08. QUALIFICATION; CONFLICTING INTERESTS. If the Trustee
has or shall acquire any "conflicting interest" within the meaning of Section
310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee and the Company shall in all
respects comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture
Act.
SECTION 7.09. CORPORATE TRUSTEE REQUIRED; ELIGIBILITY. There shall
at all times be a Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities issued hereunder
which shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the
laws of the United States of America or any State or Territory thereof or of the
District of Columbia, or a corporation or other Person permitted to act as
trustee by the Commission, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate
trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least fifty million
U.S. dollars ($50,000,000), and subject to supervision or examination by
Federal, State, Territorial or District of Columbia authority. If such
corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or
to the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then
for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such
corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set
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forth in its most recent report of condition so published. The Company may not,
nor may any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under
common control with the Company, serve as Trustee. In case at any time the
Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this
Section, the Trustee shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect
specified in Section 7.10.
SECTION 7.10. RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL; APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR.
(a) The Trustee or any successor hereafter appointed, may at any time
resign with respect to the Debt Securities of one or more series by giving
written notice thereof to the Company and by transmitting notice of resignation
by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Securityholders of such series, as
their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register. Upon receiving
such notice of resignation, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor
Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of such series by written
instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of the Board of Directors, one copy
of which instrument shall be delivered to the resigning Trustee and one copy to
the successor Trustee. If no successor Trustee shall have been so appointed and
have accepted appointment within 30 days after the mailing of such notice of
resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee with respect to the Debt
Securities of such series, or any Securityholder of that series who has been a
bona fide holder of a Debt Security or Debt Securities for at least six months
may, subject to the provisions of Section 6.08, on behalf of that holder and all
others similarly situated, petition any such court for the appointment of a
successor Trustee. Such court may thereupon after such notice, if any, as it
may deem proper and prescribe, appoint a successor Trustee.
(b) In case at any time any one of the following shall
occur:
(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of
subsection (a) of Section 7.10 after written request therefor by the
Company or by any Securityholder who has been a bona fide holder of a Debt
Security or Debt Securities for at least six months; or
(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the
provisions of Section 7.09 and shall fail to resign after written request
therefor by the Company or by any such Securityholder; or
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(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting, or shall be
adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or commence a voluntary bankruptcy
proceeding, or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be
appointed or consented to, or any public officer shall take charge or
control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of
rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation,
then, in any such case, the Company may remove the Trustee with respect
to all Debt Securities and appoint a successor Trustee by written
instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of the Board of Directors,
one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the Trustee so removed
and one copy to the successor Trustee, or, subject to the provisions of
Section 6.08, unless the Trustee's duty to resign is stayed as provided
herein, any Securityholder who has been a bona fide holder of a Debt
Security or Debt Securities for at least six months may, on behalf of
that holder and all others similarly situated, petition any court of
competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment
of a successor Trustee. Such court may thereupon after such notice, if
any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, remove the Trustee and appoint
a successor Trustee.
(c) The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Debt Securities of any series at the time Outstanding may at any time remove the
Trustee with respect to such series by so notifying the Trustee and the Company
and may appoint a successor Trustee for such series with the consent of the
Company.
(d) Any resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a
successor Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of a series pursuant to
any of the provisions of this Section shall become effective upon acceptance of
appointment by the successor Trustee as provided in Section 7.11.
(e) Any successor Trustee appointed pursuant to this
Section may be appointed with respect to the Debt Securities of one or more
series or all of such series, and at any time there shall be only one Trustee
with respect to the Debt Securities of any particular series.
SECTION 7.11. ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT BY SUCCESSOR.
(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with
respect to all Debt Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall
execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an
instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or
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removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor
Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with
all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the
request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall,
upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to
such successor trustee all the rights, powers, and trusts of the retiring
Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee
all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.
(b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with
respect to the Debt Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company,
the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Debt
Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture
supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment
and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable
to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the
rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the
Debt Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such
successor Trustee relates, (2) shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed
necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties
of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of that or those
series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be
vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the
provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate
the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being
understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall
constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust, that each such Trustee
shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any
trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee and that no
Trustee shall be responsible for any act or failure to act on the part of any
other Trustee hereunder; and upon the execution and delivery of such
supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall
become effective to the extent provided therein, such retiring Trustee shall
with respect to the Debt Securities of that or those series to which the
appointment of such successor Trustee relates have no further responsibility for
the exercise of rights and powers or for the performance of the duties and
obligations vested in the Trustee under this Indenture, and each such successor
Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with
all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect
to the Debt Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such
successor Trustee relates; but, on request of
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the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign,
transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee, to the extent contemplated by
such supplemental indenture, the property and money held by such retiring
Trustee hereunder with respect to the Debt Securities of that or those series to
which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.
(c) Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall
execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and
confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred
to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, as the case may be.
(d) No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the
time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible
under this Article.
(e) Upon acceptance of appointment by a successor Trustee as provided
in this Section, the Company shall transmit notice of the succession of such
Trustee hereunder by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Securityholders,
as their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register. If the Company
fails to transmit such notice within ten days after acceptance of appointment by
the successor Trustee, the successor Trustee shall cause such notice to be
transmitted at the expense of the Company.
SECTION 7.12. MERGER, CONVERSION, CONSOLIDATION OR SUCCESSION TO
BUSINESS. Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or
with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger,
conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any
corporation succeeding to the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be
the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided that such corporation shall be
qualified under the provisions of Section 7.08 and eligible under the provisions
of Section 7.09, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act
on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything herein to the contrary
notwithstanding. In case any Debt Securities shall have been authenticated, but
not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger,
conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such
authentication and deliver the Debt Securities so authenticated with the same
effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Debt
Securities.
SECTION 7.13. PREFERENTIAL COLLECTION OF CLAIMS AGAINST THE COMPANY.
The Trustee shall comply with Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act,
excluding any creditor relationship described in Section 311(b) of the Trust
Indenture
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Act. A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Section
311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act to the extent included therein.
ARTICLE VIII
CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS
SECTION 8.01. EVIDENCE OF ACTION BY SECURITYHOLDERS. Whenever in
this Indenture it is provided that the holders of a majority or specified
percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of a particular
series may take any action (including the making of any demand or request, the
giving of any notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action), the
fact that at the time of taking any such action the holders of such majority or
specified percentage of that series have joined therein may be evidenced by any
instrument or any number of instruments of similar tenor executed by such
holders of Debt Securities of that series in person or by agent or proxy
appointed in writing.
If the Company shall solicit from the holders of any series of Debt
Securities any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other action, the Company may, at its option, as evidenced by an
Officers' Certificate, fix in advance a record date for such series for the
determination of holders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization,
direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, but the Company shall have
no obligation to do so. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action may be given
before or after the record date, but only the holders of record at the close of
business on the record date shall be deemed to be Securityholders for the
purposes of determining whether Securityholders of the requisite proportion of
Outstanding Debt Securities of that series have authorized or agreed or
consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other action, and for that purpose the Outstanding Debt Securities of
that series shall be computed as of the record date; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no
such authorization, agreement or consent by such Securityholders on the record
date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the
provisions of this Indenture not later than six months after the record date.
SECTION 8.02. PROOF OF EXECUTION BY SECURITYHOLDERS. Subject to the
provisions of Section 7.01, proof of the execution of any instrument by a
Securityholder (such proof will not require notarization) or the agent or proxy
of such
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Securityholder and proof of the holding by any Person of any of the Debt
Securities shall be sufficient if made in the following manner:
(a) The fact and date of the execution by any such Person of any
instrument may be proved in any reasonable manner acceptable to the
Trustee.
(b) The ownership of Debt Securities shall be proved by the Security
Register of such Debt Securities or by a certificate of the Security
Registrar thereof.
(c) The Trustee may require such additional proof of any matter
referred to in this Section as it shall deem necessary.
SECTION 8.03. WHO MAY BE DEEMED OWNERS. Prior to the due presentment
for registration of transfer of any Debt Security, the Company, the Trustee, any
paying agent and any Security Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose
name such Debt Security shall be registered upon the books of the Company as the
absolute owner of such Debt Security (whether or not such Debt Security shall be
overdue and notwithstanding any notice of ownership or writing thereon made by
anyone other than the Security Registrar) for the purpose of receiving payment
of or on account of the principal of, premium, if any, and (subject to Section
2.03) interest on such Debt Security and for all other purposes; and neither the
Company nor the Trustee nor any paying agent nor any Security Registrar shall be
affected by any notice to the contrary.
SECTION 8.04. CERTAIN DEBT SECURITIES OWNED BY COMPANY DISREGARDED.
In determining whether the holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount
of Debt Securities of a particular series have concurred in any direction,
consent or waiver under this Indenture, the Debt Securities of that series that
are owned by the Company or any other obligor on the Debt Securities of that
series or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or
under common control with the Company or any other obligor on the Debt
Securities of that series shall be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding
for the purpose of any such determination, except that for the purpose of
determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such
direction, consent or waiver, only Debt Securities of such series that the
Trustee actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. The Debt
Securities so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as
outstanding for the purposes of this Section, if the pledgee shall establish to
the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to
such Debt Securities and that the pledgee is not a
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Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or
indirect common control with the Company or any such other obligor. In case of
a dispute as to such right, any decision by the Trustee taken upon the advice of
counsel shall be full protection to the Trustee.
SECTION 8.05. ACTIONS BINDING ON FUTURE SECURITYHOLDERS. At any time
prior to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee, as provided in Section
8.01, of the taking of any action by the holders of a majority or specified
percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of a particular
series in connection with such action, any holder of a Debt Security of that
series that is shown by the evidence to be included in the Debt Securities the
holders of which have consented to such action may, by filing written notice
with the Trustee, and upon proof of holding as provided in Section 8.02, revoke
such action so far as concerns such Debt Security. Except as aforesaid, any
such action taken by the holder of any Debt Security shall be conclusive and
binding upon such holder and upon all future holders and owners of such Debt
Security, and of any Debt Security issued in exchange therefor, on registration
of transfer thereof or in place thereof, irrespective of whether or not any
notation in regard thereto is made upon such Debt Security. Any action taken by
the holders of a majority or specified percentage in aggregate principal amount
of the Debt Securities of a particular series in connection with such action
shall be conclusively binding upon the Company, the Trustee and the holders of
all the Debt Securities of that series.
ARTICLE IX
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
SECTION 9.01. SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF
SECURITYHOLDERS. In addition to any supplemental indenture otherwise authorized
by this Indenture, the Company and the Guarantor and the Trustee may from time
to time and at any time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental
hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as then
in effect), without the consent of the Securityholders, for one or more of the
following purposes:
(a) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency herein or in the
Debt Securities of any series;
(b) to comply with Article X;
(c) to provide for uncertificated Debt Securities in addition to or
in place of certificated Debt Securities;
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(d) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the
holders of all or any series of Debt Securities (and if such covenants are
to be for the benefit of less than all series of Debt Securities, stating
that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of
such series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the
Company;
(e) to add to, delete from, or revise the conditions, limitations and
restrictions on the authorized amount, terms or purposes of issue,
authentication and delivery of Debt Securities, as herein set forth;
(f) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of
any Securityholder in any material respect; or
(g) to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms
and conditions of the Debt Securities of any series as provided in Section
2.01, to establish the form of any certifications required to be furnished
pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or any series of Debt Securities,
or to add to the rights of the holders of any series of Debt Securities.
The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Company in the
execution of any such supplemental indenture, and to make any further
appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained, but the
Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into any such supplemental indenture
that affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture
or otherwise.
Any supplemental indenture authorized by the provisions of this
Section may be executed by the Company and the Trustee without the consent of
the holders of any of the Debt Securities at the time Outstanding
notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 9.02.
SECTION 9.02. SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES WITH CONSENT OF
SECURITYHOLDERS. With the consent (evidenced as provided in Section 8.01) of
the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Debt Securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture or
indentures at the time Outstanding, the Company, when authorized by a Board
Resolution, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an
indenture or indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect) for the purpose of
adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the
provisions of this Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or of modifying in
any
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manner not covered by Section 9.01 the rights of the holders of the Debt
Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such
supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the holders of each Debt
Security then Outstanding and affected thereby, (i) extend the fixed maturity of
any Debt Securities of any series, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or
reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon, or reduce any
premium payable upon the redemption thereof, without the consent of the holder
of each Debt Security so affected or (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of
Debt Securities, the holders of which are required to consent to any such
supplemental indenture.
It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Securityholders of
any series affected thereby under this Section to approve the particular form of
any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such consent
shall approve the substance thereof.
SECTION 9.03. EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES. Upon the execution
of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article or of
Section 10.01, this Indenture shall, with respect to such series, be and be
deemed to be modified and amended in accordance therewith and the respective
rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities under this
Indenture of the Trustee, the Company and the holders of Debt Securities of the
series affected thereby shall thereafter be determined, exercised and enforced
hereunder subject in all respects to such modifications and amendments, and all
the terms and conditions of any such supplemental indenture shall be and be
deemed to be part of the terms and conditions of this Indenture for any and all
purposes.
SECTION 9.04. DEBT SECURITIES AFFECTED BY SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES.
Debt Securities of any series affected by a supplemental indenture,
authenticated and delivered after the execution of such supplemental indenture
pursuant to the provisions of this Article or of Section 10.01, may bear a
notation in form approved by the Company, provided such form meets the
requirements of any exchange upon which such series may be listed, as to any
matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so
determine, new Debt Securities of that series so modified as to conform, in the
opinion of the Board of Directors of the Company, to any modification of this
Indenture contained in any such supplemental indenture may be prepared by the
Company, authenticated by the Trustee and delivered in exchange for the Debt
Securities of that series then outstanding.
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SECTION 9.05. EXECUTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES. Upon the request
of the Company, accompanied by a Board Resolution authorizing the execution of
any such supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of
evidence of the consent of Securityholders required to consent thereto as
aforesaid, the Trustee shall join with the Company in the execution of such
supplemental indenture unless such supplemental indenture affects the Trustee's
own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which
case the Trustee may in its discretion but shall not be obligated to enter into
such supplemental indenture. The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section
7.01, may receive an Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that any
supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article is authorized or
permitted by, and conforms to, the terms of this Article and that it is proper
for the Trustee under the provisions of this Article to join in the execution
thereof.
Promptly after the execution by the Company and the Trustee of any
supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the Trustee
shall transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, a notice, setting forth in
general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture, to the
Securityholders of all series affected thereby as their names and addresses
appear upon the Debt Security Register. Any failure of the Trustee to mail such
notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect
the validity of any such supplemental indenture.
ARTICLE X
SUCCESSOR CORPORATION
SECTION 10.01. COMPANY MAY CONSOLIDATE, ETC. Nothing contained in
this Indenture or in any of the Debt Securities shall prevent any
consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any other corporation or
corporations (whether or not affiliated with the Company), or successive
consolidations or mergers in which the Company or its successor or successors
shall be a party or parties, or shall prevent any sale, conveyance, transfer
or other disposition of the property of the Company or its successor or
successors as an entirety, or substantially as an entirety, to any other
corporation (whether or not affiliated with the Company or its successor or
successors) authorized to acquire and operate the same provided that (a) any
Person formed in such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to
which the Company has sold, conveyed, transferred or otherwise disposed of
its properties as an entirety or substantially as an entirety is an entity
validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and
such Person assumes the Company's obligations under this Indenture
and (b) immediately after giving effect to the transaction no Event of
Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would
become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing; PROVIDED,
further, the Company hereby covenants and agrees that, upon any such
consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, the
due and punctual payment of the principal of (premium, if any) and interest
on all of the Debt Securities of all series in accordance with the terms of
each series, according to their
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tenor and the due and punctual performance and observance of all the
covenants and conditions of this Indenture with respect to each series or
established with respect to such series pursuant to Section 2.01 to be
performed or observed by the Company, shall be expressly assumed, by
supplemental indenture (which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust
Indenture Act, as then in effect) satisfactory in form to the Trustee
executed and delivered to the Trustee by the entity formed by such
consolidation, or into which the Company shall have been merged, or by the
entity which shall have acquired such property; and provided further that, if
the Person formed in such consolidation or into which the Company is merged
or to which the Company has sold, conveyed, transferred or otherwise disposed
of its properties as an entirety or substantially as an entirety is not
organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States, any state
thereof or the District of Columbia, the supplemental indenture described in
this Section 10.1 shall also contain the following provisions:
"(a) [Such Person] hereby agrees to pay to the holders of Trust
Securities any additional amounts as may be necessary in order that every net
payment or other amount due on the Trust Securities, after withholding for or
on account of any present or future tax, assessment or governmental charge
imposed upon such holder of Trust Securities (except for a tax, assessment or
charge imposed solely as a result of a connection between the recipient and
the jurisdiction imposing such tax, assessment or charge) by reason of or as
a result of such payment or other amount being paid by an entity which is not
an entity existing under the laws of the United States or any state thereof
or the District of Columbia, will not be less than the amount provided for in
the Indenture, this Indenture Supplement, the Trust Securities or the Preferred
Securities Guarantee related to the Preferred Securities, as the case may be,
to be then due and payable.
(b) Any litigation based hereon, or arising out of, under, or in
connection with, the Indenture and/or this Supplemental Indenture or any
other document relating hereto or thereto, or any course of conduct, course
of dealing, statements (whether verbal or written) or actions of the Trustee
or [such Person] shall be brought and maintained exclusively in the courts of
the State of Illinois or in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of Illinois; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any suit seeking enforcement
against any property may be brought at Trustee's or [such Person's] option, in
the courts of any jurisdiction where such property be found. [Such Person]
hereby expressly and irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of the courts of
the State of Illinois and of the United States District Court for the
Northern District of Illinois for the purpose of any such litigation as set
forth above and irrevocably agrees to be bound by any judgment rendered
thereby in connection with such litigation. [Such Person] further irrevocably
consents to the service of process by registered mail, postage prepaid, or by
personal service within or without the State of Illinois. [Such Person]
hereby expressly and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by
law, any objection which it may have or hereafter may have to the laying of
venue of any such litigation brought in any such court referred to above and
any claim that any such litigation has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
To the extent that [such Person] has or hereafter may acquire any immunity
from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether through
service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of
execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property, [such Person]
hereby irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligations under
the Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture."
SECTION 10.02. SUCCESSOR CORPORATION SUBSTITUTED.
(a) In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance,
transfer or other disposition and upon the assumption by the successor
corporation, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee
and satisfactory in form to the Trustee, of the due and punctual payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all of the Debt Securities of all
series Outstanding and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of
the covenants and conditions of this Indenture or established with respect to
each series of the Debt Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 to be performed or
observed by the Company with respect to each series, such successor corporation
shall succeed to and be substituted for the Company with the same effect as if
it had been named as the Company herein.
(b) In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance,
transfer or other disposition, such changes in phraseology and form (but not in
substance) may be made in the Debt Securities thereafter to be issued as may be
appropriate.
(c) Nothing contained in this Indenture or in any of the Debt
Securities shall prevent the Company from merging into itself or acquiring by
purchase or otherwise all or any part of the property of any other Person
(whether or not affiliated with the Company).
SECTION 10.03. EVIDENCE OF CONSOLIDATION, ETC. TO TRUSTEE. The
Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, may receive an Opinion of
Counsel as conclusive evidence that any such consolidation, merger, sale,
conveyance, transfer or other disposition, and any such assumption, comply with
the provisions of this Article.
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ARTICLE XI
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
SECTION 11.01. SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE. If at any
time: (a) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee for cancellation all
Debt Securities of a series theretofore authenticated (other than any Debt
Securities that shall have been destroyed, lost or stolen and that shall have
been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.07) and Debt Securities for whose
payment money or Governmental Obligations have theretofore been deposited in
trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company(and thereupon repaid to the
Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 11.05); or (b) all
such Debt Securities of a particular series not theretofore delivered to the
Trustee for cancellation shall have become due and payable, or are by their
terms to become due and payable within one year or are to be called for
redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for
the giving of notice of redemption, and the Company shall deposit or cause to be
deposited with the Trustee as trust funds the entire amount in moneys or
Governmental Obligations or a combination thereof, sufficient in the opinion of
a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a
written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay at maturity or
upon redemption all Debt Securities of that series not theretofore delivered to
the Trustee for cancellation, including principal (and premium, if any) and
interest due or to become due to such date of maturity or date fixed for
redemption, as the case may be, and if the Company shall also pay or cause to be
paid all other sums payable hereunder with respect to such series by the
Company; then if the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel
based on the fact that (x) the Company has received from, or there has been
published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (y) since the date
hereof, there has been a change in the applicable United States federal income
tax law, in either case to the effect that, and such opinion shall confirm that,
the holders of the Debt Securities of such series will not recognize income,
gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such
deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to United States federal
income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as
would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not
occurred, this Indenture shall thereupon cease to be of further effect with
respect to such series except for the provisions of Sections 2.03, 2.05, 2.07,
4.01, 4.02, 4.03 and 7.10, which shall survive until the date of maturity or
redemption date, as the case may be, and Sections 7.06 and 11.05, which shall
survive to such date and thereafter, and the Trustee, on demand of the Company
and at the
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cost and expense of the Company shall execute proper instruments acknowledging
satisfaction of and discharging this Indenture with respect to such series.
SECTION 11.02. DISCHARGE OF OBLIGATIONS. If at any time all Debt
Securities of a particular series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation or that have not become due and payable as described in Section
11.01 shall have been paid by the Company by depositing irrevocably with the
Trustee as trust funds moneys or an amount of Governmental Obligations
sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption all such Debt Securities of
that series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, including
principal (and premium, if any) and interest due or to become due to such date
of maturity or date fixed for redemption, as the case may be, and if the Company
shall also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the
Company with respect to such series, then after the date such moneys or
Governmental Obligations, as the case may be, are deposited with the Trustee
then, if the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel based on
the fact that (x) the Company has received from, or there has been published by,
the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (y) since the date hereof, there has
been a change in the applicable United States federal income tax law, in either
case to the effect that, and such opinion shall confirm that, the holders of the
Debt Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for
United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit,
defeasance and discharge and will be subject to United States federal income tax
on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times, as would have
been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred, the
obligations of the Company, under this Indenture with respect to such series
shall cease to be of further effect except for the provisions of Sections 2.03,
2.05, 2.07, 4.01, 4.02, 4.03, 7.06, 7.10 and 11.05 hereof which shall survive
until such Debt Securities shall mature and be paid and Sections 7.06 and 11.05,
which shall survive to such date and thereafter.
SECTION 11.03. DEPOSITED MONEYS TO BE HELD IN TRUST. All moneys or
Governmental Obligations deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 11.02
shall be held in trust and shall be available for payment as due, either
directly or through any paying agent (including the Company acting as its own
paying agent), to the holders of the particular series of Debt Securities for
the payment or redemption of which such moneys or Governmental Obligations have
been deposited with the Trustee.
SECTION 11.04. PAYMENT OF MONEYS HELD BY PAYING AGENTS. In
connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, all moneys or
Governmental Obligations then held
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by any paying agent under the provisions of this Indenture shall, upon demand of
the Company, be paid to the Trustee and thereupon such paying agent shall be
released from all further liability with respect to such moneys or Governmental
Obligations.
SECTION 11.05. REPAYMENT TO COMPANY. Any moneys or Governmental
Obligations deposited with any paying agent or the Trustee, or then held by the
Company, in trust for payment of principal of or premium or interest on the Debt
Securities of a particular series that are not applied but remain unclaimed by
the holders of such Debt Securities for at least two years after the date upon
which the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on such Debt Securities
shall have respectively become due and payable, shall be repaid to the Company
on May 31 of each year or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from
such trust; and thereupon the paying agent and the Trustee shall be released
from all further liability with respect to such moneys or Governmental
Obligations, and the holder of any of the Debt Securities entitled to receive
such payment shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to
the Company for the payment thereof.
ARTICLE XII
IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS
AND DIRECTORS
SECTION 12.01. NO RECOURSE. No recourse under or upon any
obligation, covenant or agreement of this Indenture, or of any Debt Security, or
for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, shall be had
against any incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, past, present or
future as such, of the Company or of any predecessor or successor corporation,
either directly or through the Company or any such predecessor or successor
corporation, whether by virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or
by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being expressly
understood that this Indenture and the obligations issued hereunder are solely
corporate obligations, and that no such personal liability whatever shall attach
to, or is or shall be incurred by, the incorporators, stockholders, officers or
directors, as such, of the Company or of any predecessor or successor
corporation, or any of them, because of the creation of the indebtedness hereby
authorized, or under or by reason of the obligations, covenants or agreements
contained in this Indenture or in any of the Debt Securities or implied
therefrom; and that any and all such personal liability of every name and
nature, either at common law or in equity or by constitution or statute, of, and
any and all such rights and claims against, every such
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incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, as such, because of the creation
of the indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or by reason of the obligations,
covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture or in any of the Debt
Securities or implied therefrom, are hereby expressly waived and released as a
condition of, and as consideration for, the execution of this Indenture and the
issuance of such Debt Securities.
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 13.01. EFFECT ON SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. All the covenants,
stipulations, promises and agreements in this Indenture contained by or on
behalf of the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so
expressed or not.
SECTION 13.02. ACTIONS BY SUCCESSOR. Any act or proceeding by any
provision of this Indenture authorized or required to be done or performed by
any board, committee or officer of the Company shall and may be done and
performed with like force and effect by the corresponding board, committee or
officer of any corporation that shall at the time be the lawful successor of the
Company.
SECTION 13.03. SURRENDER OF COMPANY POWERS. The Company by
instrument in writing executed by authority of 2/3 (two-thirds) of its Board of
Directors and delivered to the Trustee may surrender any of the powers reserved
to the Company, and thereupon such power so surrendered shall terminate both as
to the Company and as to any successor corporation.
SECTION 13.04. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, any notice or demand that by any provision of this Indenture is
required or permitted to be given or served by the Trustee or by the holders
of Debt Securities to or on the Company may be given or served by being
deposited first class postage prepaid in a post-office letterbox addressed
(until another address is filed in writing by the Company with the Trustee),
as follows: Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., 30 N. LaSalle, Chicago,
Illinois 60602, Attention: President and Chief Executive Officer. Any
notice, election, request or demand by the Company or any Securityholder to
or upon the Trustee shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made,
for all purposes, if given or made in writing at the Corporate Trust Office
of the Trustee.
SECTION 13.05. GOVERNING LAW. This Indenture and each Debt Security
shall be deemed to be a contract made under the
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internal laws of the State of New York, and for all purposes shall be construed
in accordance with the laws of said State.
SECTION 13.06. TREATMENT OF THE DEBT SECURITIES AS DEBT. It is
intended that the Debt Securities will be treated as indebtedness and not as
equity for federal income tax purposes. The provisions of this Indenture shall
be interpreted to further this intention.
SECTION 13.07. COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES AND OPINIONS.
(a) Upon any application or demand by the Company to the Trustee to
take any action under any of the provisions of this Indenture, the Company shall
furnish to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that all conditions
precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have
been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such
counsel all such conditions precedent have been complied with, except that in
the case of any such application or demand as to which the furnishing of such
documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating
to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion
need be furnished.
(b) Each certificate or opinion provided for in this Indenture and
delivered to the Trustee with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant
in this Indenture shall include (1) a statement that the Person making such
certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition; (2) a brief
statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon
which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are
based; (3) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, such Person has made
such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable such Person to
express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has
been complied with; and (4) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of
such Person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
SECTION 13.08. PAYMENTS ON BUSINESS DAYS. Except as provided
pursuant to Section 2.01 pursuant to a Board Resolution, and as set forth in an
Officers' Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental to
this Indenture, in any case where the date of maturity of interest or principal
of any Debt Security or the date of redemption of any Debt Security shall not be
a Business Day, then payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) may
be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if
made on the nominal date of maturity or redemption, and no interest shall accrue
for the period after such nominal date.
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SECTION 13.09. CONFLICT WITH TRUST INDENTURE ACT. If and to the
extent that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with
the duties imposed by Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture
Act, such imposed duties shall control.
SECTION 13.10. COUNTERPARTS. This Indenture may be executed in any
number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but such
counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
SECTION 13.11. SEPARABILITY. In case any one or more of the
provisions contained in this Indenture or in the Debt Securities of any series
shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any
respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any
other provision of this Indenture or of such Debt Securities, but this Indenture
and such Debt Securities shall be construed as if such invalid or illegal or
unenforceable provision had never been contained herein or therein.
SECTION 13.12. ASSIGNMENT. The Company will have the right at all
times to assign any of its respective rights or obligations under this Indenture
to a direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company, PROVIDED THAT,
in the event of any such assignment, the Company will remain liable for all such
obligations. Subject to the foregoing, this Indenture is binding upon and
inures to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
assigns. This Indenture may not otherwise be assigned by the parties thereto.
SECTION 13.13. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RIGHTS. The Company acknowledges
that, with respect to any Debt Securities held by a Trust or a trustee of such
Trust, if the Property Trustee of such Trust fails to enforce its rights under
this Indenture as the holder of the series of Debt Securities held as the assets
of such Trust, any holder of Preferred Securities may, after a period of 30 days
has elapsed from such holder's written request to such Property Trustee to
enforce such rights, institute legal proceedings directly against the Company to
enforce such Property Trustee's rights under this Indenture without first
instituting any legal proceedings against such Property Trustee or any other
person or entity.
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ARTICLE XIV
SUBORDINATION OF DEBT SECURITIES
SECTION 14.01. SUBORDINATION TERMS. The payment by the Company of
the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on any series of Debt Securities
issued hereunder shall be subordinated to the extent set forth in an indenture
supplemental hereto relating to such Debt Securities.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to
be duly executed, and their respective corporate seals to be hereunto affixed
and attested, all as of the day and year first above written.
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
By:
----------------------------------
Name:
Title:
Attest:
By:
------------------------------
--------------
Secretary
,
------------------------------
Not in its individual capacity but
solely as Trustee
By:
---------------------------------
Name:
Title:
Attest:
By:
------------------------------
Name:
Title:
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STATE OF ILLINOIS )
COUNTY OF COOK ) SS
On the ___ day of _____, 1997, before me personally came _______________ to me
known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is a __________
of TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC., one of the corporations described in and
which executed the above instrument; that he knows the corporate seal of said
corporation; that the seal affixed to the said instrument is such corporate
seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of Directors of said
corporation, and that he signed his name thereto by like authority.
NOTARY PUBLIC
[seal] Commission expires:
STATE OF ILLINOIS )
COUNTY OF COOK ) SS
On the ___ day of _____, 1997, before me personally came __________________ to
me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is a
_________________________ of ______________________________, one of the
corporations described in and which executed the above instrument; that he knows
the corporate seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to the said
instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the
Board of Directors of said corporation, and that he signed his name thereto by
like authority.
NOTARY PUBLIC
[seal] Commission expires:
<PAGE>
_______________________________________
FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
Dated as of _______, 1997
Between
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
and
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
_______________________________________
<PAGE>
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1. DEFINITION OF TERMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
SECTION 1.2. INTERPRETATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ARTICLE II
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF
THE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
SECTION 2.1. DESIGNATION AND PRINCIPAL AMOUNT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SECTION 2.2. MATURITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SECTION 2.3. FORM AND PAYMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SECTION 2.4. GLOBAL SUBORDINATED DEBENTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SECTION 2.5. INTEREST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION OF THE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
SECTION 3.1. TAX EVENT REDEMPTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
SECTION 3.2. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION BY COMPANY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
SECTION 3.3. NO SINKING FUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
ARTICLE IV
EXTENSION OF INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
SECTION 4.1. EXTENSION OF INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD. . . . . . . . . . . . 8
SECTION 4.2. NOTICE OF EXTENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
ARTICLE V
EXPENSES
SECTION 5.1. PAYMENT OF EXPENSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
ARTICLE VI
SUBORDINATION
SECTION 6.1. AGREEMENT TO SUBORDINATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
SECTION 6.2. DEFAULT ON SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
SECTION 6.3. LIQUIDATION; DISSOLUTION; BANKRUPTCY. . . . . . . . . . . .12
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SECTION 6.4. SUBROGATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
SECTION 6.5. TRUSTEE TO EFFECTUATE SUBORDINATION . . . . . . . . . . . .15
SECTION 6.6. NOTICE BY THE COMPANY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
SECTION 6.7. RIGHTS OF THE TRUSTEE; HOLDERS OF SENIOR
INDEBTEDNESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
SECTION 6.8. SUBORDINATION MAY NOT BE IMPAIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
ARTICLE VII
COVENANT TO LIST ON EXCHANGE
SECTION 7.1. LISTING ON EXCHANGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
ARTICLE VIII
FORM OF SUBORDINATED DEBENTURE
SECTION 8.1. FORM OF SUBORDINATED DEBENTURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
ARTICLE IX
ORIGINAL ISSUE OF SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
SECTION 9.1. ORIGINAL ISSUE OF SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES . . . . . . . . .27
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 10.1. RATIFICATION OF INDENTURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
SECTION 10.2. TRUSTEE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RECITALS . . . . . . . . . . .27
SECTION 10.3. GOVERNING LAW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
SECTION 10.4. SEPARABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
SECTION 10.5. COUNTERPARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
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THIS FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of _________, 1997 (the
"FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE"), between Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., an
Iowa corporation (the Company"), and The First National Bank of Chicago, a
national banking association, duly organized and existing under the laws of the
United States, as trustee (the Trustee") under the Indenture dated as of
October 15, 1997 between the Company and the Trustee (the Indenture").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Company executed and delivered the Indenture to the
Trustee to provide for the future issuance of the Company's unsecured
subordinated debt securities, to be issued from time to time in one or more
series as might be determined by the Company under the Indenture, in an
unlimited aggregate principal amount which may be authenticated and delivered as
provided in the Indenture; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Company desires
to provide for the establishment of a new series of its Debt Securities to be
known as its ___% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due
________, ____ (the "Subordinated Debentures"), the form and substance of which
and the terms, provisions and conditions thereof to be set forth as provided in
the Indenture and this First Supplemental Indenture; and
WHEREAS, TDS Capital I, a Delaware statutory business trust (the
Trust"), has offered to the public $___________ aggregate stated liquidation
amount of its Trust Originated Preferred Securities (the "Preferred Securities")
and has offered to the Company $_________ aggregate stated liquidation amount of
its Trust Originated Common Securities (the "Common Securities"), such Preferred
Securities and Common Securities representing undivided beneficial interests in
the assets of the Trust, and proposes to invest the proceeds from such offering
in $___________ aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Debentures; and
WHEREAS, the Company has requested the Trustee to execute and deliver
this First Supplemental Indenture, and all requirements necessary to make this
First Supplemental Indenture a valid instrument, in accordance with its terms,
and to make the Subordinated Debentures, when executed by the Company and
authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, the valid obligations of the
Company, have been performed, and the execution and delivery of this First
Supplemental Indenture has been duly authorized in all respects;
<PAGE>
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the purchase and acceptance of the
Subordinated Debentures by the holder thereof, and for the purpose of setting
forth, as provided in the Indenture, the form and substance of the Subordinated
Debentures and the terms, provisions and conditions thereof, the Company
covenants and agrees with the Trustee as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1. DEFINITION OF TERMS. Unless the context otherwise
requires, (a) a term defined in the Indenture has the same meaning when used in
this First Supplemental Indenture; (b) a term defined anywhere in this First
Supplemental Indenture has the same meaning throughout; and (c) the following
terms have the meanings given to them in the Declaration: (i) Clearing Agency;
(ii) Delaware Trustee; (iii) Redemption Tax Opinion; (iv) Preferred Security
Certificate; (v) Property Trustee; (vi) Pro Rata; (vii) Regular Trustees; and
(viii) Tax Event.
In addition, the following terms have the following respective
meanings:
DECLARATION:
The term "Declaration" shall mean the Amended and Restated Declaration
of Trust of TDS Capital I, a Delaware business trust, dated as of ________,
1997.
MATURITY DATE:
The term "Maturity Date" shall mean the date on which the Subordinated
Debentures mature and on which the principal shall be due and payable together
with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon including Compounded Interest (as
defined in Section 4.1) and Additional Interest (as defined in Section 2.5(c)),
if any.
SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS:
The term "Senior Indebtedness" shall mean (i) any payment in respect
of (A) indebtedness of the Company for money borrowed and (B) indebtedness
evidenced by securities, debentures, bonds, notes or other similar instruments
issued by the Company; (ii) all capital lease obligations of the Company; (iii)
all obligations of the Company issued or assumed as the
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deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations of the
Company and all of its obligations under any title retention agreement (but
excluding trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business);
(iv) all obligations of the Company for reimbursement on any letter of
credit, banker's acceptance, security purchase facility or similar credit
transaction; (v) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i)
through (iv) of other Persons for the payment of which the Company is
responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise; and (vi) all
obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (v) of other
Persons secured by any lien on any property or asset of the Company (whether
or not such obligation is assumed by the Company), except for (1) the
Subordinated Debentures and any other indebtedness that is by its terms
subordinated to or pari passu with the Subordinated Debentures, as the case
may be, including all other debt securities and guarantees in respect of
those debt securities, issued to any other trusts, partnerships or any other
entity affiliated with the Company which is a financing vehicle of the
Company ("Financing Entity") in connection with an issuance of preferred
securities by such Financing Entity or other securities which rank pari passu
with, or junior to, the Preferred Securities, and (2) any indebtedness
between or among the Company and its Affiliates.
SECTION 1.2. INTERPRETATION. Each definition in this First
Supplemental Indenture includes the singular and the plural, and references to
the neuter gender include the masculine and feminine where appropriate. Terms
which relate to accounting matters shall be interpreted in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in effect from time to time.
References to any statute mean such statute as amended at the time and include
any successor legislation. The word "or" is not exclusive, and the words
"herein," "hereof" and "hereunder" refer to this First Supplemental Indenture as
a whole. The headings to the Articles and Sections are for convenience of
reference and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this First
Supplemental Indenture. References to Articles and Sections mean the Articles
and Sections of this First Supplemental Indenture unless otherwise specified.
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ARTICLE II
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF
THE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
SECTION 2.1. DESIGNATION AND PRINCIPAL AMOUNT. There is hereby
authorized a series of Debt Securities designated the "___% Junior Subordinated
Deferrable Interest Debentures due ________, 2027," limited in aggregate
principal amount to $___________, which amount shall be as set forth in any
written order of the Company for the authentication and delivery of such Debt
Securities pursuant to Section 2.04 of the Indenture.
SECTION 2.2. MATURITY. The Maturity Date will be the Stated Maturity
Date provided that the Company may at its option at any time prior to the Stated
Maturity Date extend the Maturity Date to a date not later than ________, 2046;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that at the time such election is made and at the effective
time of such extension (as specified by the Company) (i) the Company is not in
bankruptcy, otherwise insolvent or in liquidation, (ii) the Company is not in
default in the payment of any interest or principal on the Subordinated
Debentures, and (iii) in the case of Subordinated Debentures held by the Trust,
the Trust is not in arrears on payments of Distributions and no deferred
Distributions are accumulated. In the event the Company elects to extend the
stated maturity of the Subordinated Debentures, it shall give notice of any such
change to the Trustee, and the Trustee shall give notice of such extension to
the Holders of the Subordinated Debentures, not more than 90 and not less than
30 days prior to the effective time of such extension.
SECTION 2.3. FORM AND PAYMENT. Except as provided in Section 2.4,
the Subordinated Debentures shall be issued in fully registered certificated
form without interest coupons. Principal and interest on the Subordinated
Debentures issued in certificated form will be payable, the transfer of such
Subordinated Debentures will be registrable and such Subordinated Debentures
will be exchangeable for Subordinated Debentures bearing identical terms and
provisions at the office or agency of the Trustee in Chicago, Illinois,
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that payment of interest may be made at the option of the
Company by check mailed to the registered holder at such address as shall appear
in the Security Register or by wire transfer to such account as may have been
appropriately designated by such holder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long
as the registered holder of any Subordinated Debentures is the Property Trustee,
the payment of the principal of and interest (including Compounded
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Interest and Additional Interest, if any) on such Subordinated Debentures
held by the Property Trustee will be made at such place and to such account
as may be designated by the Property Trustee. The Subordinated Debentures
will be denominated in U.S. dollars and payments of principal and interest on
the Subordinated Debentures shall be made in U.S. dollars.
SECTION 2.4. GLOBAL SUBORDINATED DEBENTURE. In connection with the
dissolution of the Trust:
(a) the Subordinated Debentures in certificated form may be presented
to the Trustee by the Property Trustee in exchange for a Global Security in
an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of
the Subordinated Debentures so presented, to be registered in the name of
the Depositary, or its nominee, and delivered by the Trustee to the
Depositary for crediting to the accounts of its participants pursuant to
the instructions of the Regular Trustees. The Company, upon any such
presentation, shall execute a Global Security in such aggregate principal
amount and deliver the same to the Trustee for authentication and delivery
in accordance with the Indenture and this First Supplemental Indenture.
Payments on the Subordinated Debentures issued as a Global security will be
made to the Depositary; and
(b) if any Preferred Securities are held in non book-entry
certificated form, the Subordinated Debentures in certificated form may be
presented to the Trustee by the Property Trustee and any Preferred Security
Certificate which represents Preferred Securities other than Preferred
Securities held by the Clearing Agency or its nominee ("Non Book-Entry
Preferred Securities") will be deemed to represent beneficial interests in
Subordinated Debentures presented to the Trustee by the Property Trustee
having an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated
liquidation amount of the Non Book-Entry Preferred Securities until such
Preferred Security Certificates are presented to the Security Registrar for
transfer or reissuance at which time such Preferred Security Certificates
will be cancelled and a Subordinated Debenture, registered in the name of
the holder of the Preferred Security Certificate or the transferee of the
holder of such Preferred Security Certificate, as the case may be, with an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount
of the Preferred Security Certificate cancelled, will be executed by the
Company and delivered to the Trustee for authentication and delivery in
accordance with the Indenture and this First Supplemental Indenture. On
issue of such
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Subordinated Debentures, Subordinated Debentures with an equivalent
aggregate principal amount that were presented by the Property Trustee to
the Trustee will be deemed to have been cancelled.
SECTION 2.5. INTEREST.
(a) Each Subordinated Debenture will bear interest at the rate of
___% per annum (the "Coupon Rate") from the original date of issuance until the
principal thereof becomes due and payable, and on any overdue principal and (to
the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law) on
any overdue installment of interest at the Coupon Rate, compounded quarterly,
payable (subject to the provisions of Article IV) quarterly in arrears on March
31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year (each, an "Interest
Payment Date"), commencing on December 31, 1997, to the Person in whose name
such Subordinated Debenture or any predecessor Subordinated Debenture is
registered, at the close of business on the regular record date for such
interest installment, which shall be the close of business on the Business Day
next preceding that Interest Payment Date. If pursuant to the provisions of
Section 2.11(c) of the Indenture the Subordinated Debentures are no longer
represented by a Global Security, the Company may select a regular record date
for such interest installment which shall be any date at least fifteen days
before an Interest Payment Date.
(b) The amount of interest payable for any period will be computed on
the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any date
on which interest is payable on the Subordinated Debentures is not a Business
Day, then payment of interest payable on such date will be made on the next
succeeding day which is a Business Day (and without any interest or other
payment in respect of any such delay), except that, if such Business Day is in
the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately
preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made
on such date. The amount of interest payable for any period shorter than a full
quarterly period for which interest is computed, will be computed on the basis
of the actual number of days elapsed in such a 90-day quarter.
(c) If at any time while the Property Trustee is the holder of any
Subordinated Debentures, the Trust or the Property Trustee is required to pay
any taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (other
than withholding taxes) imposed by the United States, or any other taxing
authority, then, in any case, the Company will pay as additional
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interest ("Additional Interest") on the Subordinated Debentures held by the
Property Trustee, such additional amounts as shall be required so that the net
amounts received and retained by the Trust and the Property Trustee after paying
such taxes, duties, assessments or other governmental charges will be equal to
the amounts the Trust and the Property Trustee would have received had no such
taxes, duties, assessments or other government charges been imposed.
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION OF THE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
SECTION 3.1. TAX EVENT REDEMPTION. If a Tax Event has occurred and
is continuing and the Company has received a Redemption Tax Opinion, then,
notwithstanding Section 3.2(a) but subject to Section 3.2(b), the Company shall
have the right upon not less than 30 days' nor more than 60 days' notice to the
registered holders of the Subordinated Debentures to redeem the Subordinated
Debentures, in whole but not in part, for cash within 90 days following the
occurrence of such Tax Event (the "90 Day Period") at a redemption price equal
to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid
interest thereon to the date of such redemption (the "Redemption Price")
PROVIDED THAT, if at the time there is available to the Company the opportunity
to eliminate, within the 90 Day Period, the Tax Event by taking some ministerial
action ("Ministerial Action"), such as filing a form or making an election, or
pursuing some other similar reasonable measure that has no adverse effect on the
Company, the Trust or the Holders of the Trust Securities issued by the Trust,
the Company shall pursue such Ministerial Action in lieu of redemption; and
PROVIDED FURTHER, that the Company shall have no right to redeem the
Subordinated Debentures while the Trust is pursuing any Ministerial Action
pursuant to its obligations under the Declaration. The Redemption Price shall
be paid prior to 12:00 noon, New York time, on the date of such redemption or at
such earlier time as the Company determines and specifies in the notice of
redemption, provided the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount
sufficient to pay the Special Redemption Price by 11:00 a.m. on the date such
Redemption Price is to be paid.
SECTION 3.2. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION BY COMPANY.
(a) Subject to the provisions of Article III of the Indenture and to
Section 3.2(b), the Company shall have the right to redeem the Subordinated
Debentures, in whole or in part, from
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time to time, on or after ________, 2002, at the Redemption Price. Any
redemption pursuant to this paragraph will be made upon not less than 30 days'
nor more than 60 days' notice to the registered holder of the Subordinated
Debentures, at the Redemption Price. If the Subordinated Debentures are only
partially redeemed pursuant to this Section 3.2, the Subordinated Debentures
will be redeemed pro rata or by lot or by any other method utilized by the
Trustee; PROVIDED, that if at the time of redemption, the Subordinated
Debentures are registered as a Global Security, the Depositary shall determine
by lot the principal amount of such Subordinated Debentures held by each holder
to be redeemed. The Redemption Price shall be paid prior to 12:00 noon, New
York time, on the date of such redemption or at such earlier time as the Company
determines and specifies in the notice of redemption, provided the Company shall
deposit with the Trustee an amount sufficient to pay the Redemption Price by
11:00 a.m. on the date such Redemption Price is to be paid.
(b) If a partial redemption of the Subordinated Debentures would
result in the delisting of the Preferred Securities issued by the Trust from any
national securities exchange or other organization on which the Preferred
Securities are then listed, the Company shall not be permitted to effect such
partial redemption and may only redeem the Subordinated Debentures in whole.
SECTION 3.3. NO SINKING FUND. The Subordinated Debentures are not
entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund.
ARTICLE IV
EXTENSION OF INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
SECTION 4.1. EXTENSION OF INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD. The Company shall
have the right, at any time and from time to time during the term of the
Subordinated Debentures, to extend the interest payment period of such
Subordinated Debentures for up to twenty (20) consecutive quarters (the
"Extended Interest Payment Period"); provided, that, during any such Extended
Interest Payment Period, (a) the Company may not declare or pay any dividend on,
make any distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase or acquire, or make
a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock (other than
(i) purchases or acquisitions of shares of Company common stock in connection
with the satisfaction by the Company of its obligations under any employee
benefit plans or any other contractual obligation of the Company (other than a
contractual obligation ranking PARI PASSU
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with or junior to the Subordinated Debentures), (ii) as a result of a
reclassification of Company capital stock or the exchange or conversion of
one class or series of Company capital stock for another class or series of
Company capital stock or (iii) the purchase of fractional interests in shares
of Company capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of
such Company capital stock or the security being converted or exchanged), (b)
the Company may not make any payment of interest, principal or premium, if
any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities (including
guarantees) issued by the Company which rank PARI PASSU with or junior to the
Subordinated Debentures and (c) the Company may not make any guarantee
payments with respect to the foregoing (other than pursuant to the Preferred
Securities Guarantee). To the extent permitted by applicable law, interest,
the payment of which has been deferred because of the extension of the
interest payment period pursuant to this Section 4.1, will bear interest
compounded quarterly at the Coupon Rate for each quarter of the Extended
Interest Payment Period ("Compounded Interest"). At the end of the Extended
Interest Payment Period, the Company shall pay all interest accrued and
unpaid on the Subordinated Debentures, including any Compounded Interest and
Additional Interest ("Deferred Interest") which shall be payable to the
holders of the Subordinated Debentures in whose names the Subordinated
Debentures are registered in the Security Register on the first record date
after the end of the Extended Interest Payment Period. Prior to the
termination of any Extended Interest Payment Period, the Company may further
extend such period, PROVIDED that such period together with all such further
extensions thereof shall not exceed twenty (20) consecutive quarters or
extend beyond the maturity of the Subordinated Debentures. Upon the
termination of any Extended Interest Payment Period and upon the payment of
all Deferred Interest then due, the Company may select a new Extended
Interest Payment Period, subject to the foregoing requirements. No interest
shall be due and payable during an Extended Interest Payment Period, except
at the end thereof.
SECTION 4.2. NOTICE OF EXTENSION.
(a) If the Property Trustee is the only registered holder of the
Subordinated Debentures at the time the Company selects an Extended Interest
Payment Period, the Company shall give written notice to both the Regular
Trustees and the Property Trustee of its selection of such Extended Interest
Payment Period one Business Day before the earlier of (i) the next succeeding
date on which Distributions on the Trust Securities issued by the Trust are
payable, or (ii) the date the Trust is required to give
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notice of the record or payment date for such Distributions to the New York
Stock Exchange or other applicable self-regulatory organization or to holders of
the Preferred Securities issued by the Trust, but in any event at least one
Business Day before such record date.
(b) If the Property Trustee is not the only holder of the
Subordinated Debentures at the time the Company selects an Extended Interest
Payment Period, the Company shall give the holders of the Subordinated
Debentures and the Trustee written notice of its selection of such Extended
Interest Payment Period ten (10) Business Days before the earlier of (i) the
next succeeding Interest Payment Date, or (ii) the date the Company is required
to give notice of the record or payment date of such interest payment to the New
York Stock Exchange or other applicable self-regulatory organization or to
holders of the Subordinated Debentures, but in any event at least two Business
Days before such record date.
(c) The quarter in which any notice is given pursuant to paragraphs
(a) or (b) of this Section 4.2 shall be counted as one of the twenty quarters
permitted in the maximum Extended Interest Payment Period permitted under
Section 4.1.
ARTICLE V
EXPENSES
SECTION 5.1. PAYMENT OF EXPENSES. In connection with the offering,
sale and issuance of the Subordinated Debentures to the Property Trustee in
connection with the sale of the Trust Securities by the Trust, the Company
shall:
(a) pay all costs and expenses relating to the offering, sale and
issuance of the Subordinated Debentures, including commissions to the
underwriters payable pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement and
compensation of the Trustee under the Indenture in accordance with the
provisions of Section 7.06 of the Indenture;
(b) pay all costs and expenses of the Trust (including, but not
limited to, costs and expenses relating to the organization of the Trust,
the offering, sale and issuance of the Trust Securities (including
commissions to the underwriters in connection therewith), the fees and
expenses of the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee, the costs and
expenses relating to the operation of the Trust,
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including without limitation, costs and expenses of accountants, attorneys,
statistical or bookkeeping services, expenses for printing and engraving
and computing or accounting equipment, paying agent(s), registrar(s),
transfer agent(s), duplicating, travel and telephone and other
telecommunications expenses and costs and expenses incurred in connection
with the acquisition, financing, and disposition of Trust assets); and
(c) pay any and all taxes (other than United States withholding
taxes) and all liabilities, costs and expenses with respect to such
taxes of the Trust.
ARTICLE VI
SUBORDINATION
SECTION 6.1. AGREEMENT TO SUBORDINATE. The Company covenants and
agrees, and each holder of Subordinated Debentures issued hereunder by such
holder's acceptance thereof likewise covenants and agrees, that all Subordinated
Debentures shall be issued subject to the provisions of this Article VI; and
each holder of a Subordinated Debenture, whether upon original issue or upon
transfer or assignment thereof, accepts and agrees to be bound by such
provisions.
The payment by the Company of the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on all Subordinated Debentures issued hereunder shall, to the extent
and in the manner hereinafter set forth, be subordinated and subject in right of
payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of the Company,
whether outstanding at the date of this First Supplemental Indenture or
thereafter incurred.
No provision of this Article VI shall prevent the occurrence of any
default or Event of Default hereunder.
SECTION 6.2. DEFAULT ON SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS. In the event and
during the continuation of any default by the Company in the payment of
principal, premium, interest or any other payment due on any Senior
Indebtedness of the Company, or in the event that the maturity of any Senior
Indebtedness of the Company has been accelerated because of a default, then,
in either case, no payment shall be made by the Company with respect to the
principal (including redemption payments) of, or premium, if any, or interest
on the Subordinated Debentures.
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In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment shall be
received by the Trustee or any holder of Subordinated Debentures when such
payment is prohibited by the preceding paragraph of this Section 6.2, such
payment shall be held in trust for the benefit of, and shall be paid over or
delivered to, the holders of Senior Indebtedness or their respective
representatives, or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to
which any of such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, as their respective
interests may appear, but only to the extent that the holders of the Senior
Indebtedness (or their representative or representatives or a trustee) notify
the Trustee within 90 days of such payment of the amounts then due and owing on
the Senior Indebtedness and only the amounts specified in such notice to the
Trustee shall be paid to the holders of Senior Indebtedness.
SECTION 6.3. LIQUIDATION; DISSOLUTION; BANKRUPTCY. Upon any
payment by the Company, or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind
or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to creditors upon any
dissolution or winding-up or liquidation or reorganization of the Company,
whether voluntary or involuntary or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership
or other proceedings, all amounts due upon all Senior Indebtedness shall
first be paid in full, or payment thereof provided for in money in accordance
with its terms, before any payment is made by the Company on account of the
principal (and premium, if any) or interest on the Subordinated Debentures;
and upon any such dissolution or winding-up or liquidation or reorganization,
any payment by the Company, or distribution of assets of the Company of any
kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to which the
holders of the Subordinated Debentures or the Trustee would be entitled to
receive from the Company, except for the provisions of this Article VI, shall
be paid by the Company or by any receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, liquidating
trustee, agent or other Person making such payment or distribution, or by the
holders of the Subordinated Debentures or by the Trustee under this Indenture
if received by them or it, directly to the holders of Senior Indebtedness of
the Company (pro rata to such holders on the basis of the respective amounts
of Senior Indebtedness held by such holders, as calculated by the Company) or
their representative or representatives, or to the trustee or trustees under
any indenture pursuant to which any instruments evidencing such Senior
Indebtedness may have been issued, as their respective interests may appear,
to the extent necessary to pay such Senior Indebtedness in full, in money or
money's worth, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution
to or for the holders of such Senior Indebtedness, before any payment or
distribution is made to the holders of Subordinated Debentures or to the
Trustee.
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In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment or
distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash,
property or securities, prohibited by the foregoing, shall be received by the
Trustee or the holders of the Subordinated Debentures before all Senior
Indebtedness of the Company is paid in full, or provision is made for such
payment in money in accordance with its terms, such payment or distribution
shall be held in trust for the benefit of and shall be paid over or delivered to
the holders of such Senior Indebtedness or their representative or
representatives, or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to
which any instruments evidencing such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued,
as their respective interests may appear, as calculated by the Company, for
application to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness of the Company remaining
unpaid to the extent necessary to pay such Senior Indebtedness in full in money
in accordance with its terms, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or
distribution to or for the benefit of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness.
For purposes of this Article VI, the words "cash, property or
securities" shall not be deemed to include shares of stock of the Company as
reorganized or readjusted, or securities of the Company or any other corporation
provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment, the payment of which
is subordinated at least to the extent provided in this Article VI with respect
to the Subordinated Debentures to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness of the
Company that may at the time be outstanding, PROVIDED that (i) such Senior
Indebtedness is assumed by the new corporation, if any, resulting from any such
reorganization or readjustment, and (ii) the rights of the holders of such
Senior Indebtedness are not, without the consent of such holders, altered by
such reorganization or readjustment. The consolidation of the Company with, or
the merger of the Company into, another corporation or the liquidation or
dissolution of the Company following the conveyance or transfer of its property
as an entirety, or substantially as an entirety, to another corporation upon the
terms and conditions provided for in Article X of the Indenture shall not be
deemed a dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization for the purposes
of this Section 6.3 if such other corporation shall, as a part of such
consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer, comply with the conditions stated
in Article X of the Indenture. Nothing in Section 6.2 or in this Section 6.3
shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to
Section 7.06 of the Indenture.
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<PAGE>
SECTION 6.4. SUBROGATION. Subject to the payment in full of all
Senior Indebtedness of the Company, the rights of the holders of the
Subordinated Debentures shall be subrogated to the rights of the holders of
such Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions of cash,
property or securities of the Company applicable to such Senior Indebtedness
until all amounts owing on the Subordinated Debentures shall be paid in full;
and, for the purposes of such subrogation, no payments or distributions to
the holders of such Senior Indebtedness of any cash, property or securities
to which the holders of the Subordinated Debentures or the Trustee would be
entitled except for the provisions of this Article VI, and no payment over
pursuant to the provisions of this Article VI, to or for the benefit of the
holders of such Senior Indebtedness by holders of the Subordinated Debentures
or the Trustee, shall, as between the Company, its creditors other than
holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company, and the holders of the
Subordinated Debentures be deemed to be a payment by the Company to or on
account of such Senior Indebtedness. It is understood that the provisions of
this Article VI are and are intended solely for the purposes of defining the
relative rights of the holders of the Subordinated Debentures, on the one
hand, and the holders of such Senior Indebtedness on the other hand.
Nothing contained in this Article VI or elsewhere in this Indenture or
in the Subordinated Debentures is intended to or shall impair, as between the
Company, its creditors other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the
Company, and the holders of the Subordinated Debentures, the obligation of the
Company which is absolute and unconditional, to pay to the holders of the
Subordinated Debentures the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on
the Subordinated Debentures as and when the same shall become due and payable in
accordance with their terms, or is intended to or shall affect the relative
rights of the holders of the Subordinated Debentures and creditors of the
Company, other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company, nor shall
anything herein or therein prevent the Trustee or the holder of any Subordinated
Debenture from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law
upon default under the Indenture, subject to the rights, if any, under this
Article VI of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness in respect of cash,
property or securities of the Company, received upon the exercise of any such
remedy.
Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to
in this Article VI, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01 of
the Indenture, and the holders of the Subordinated Debentures, shall be entitled
to rely upon any order or decree made by any court of competent jurisdiction
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in which such dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization proceedings
are pending, or a certificate of the receiver, trustee in bankruptcy,
liquidation trustee, agent or other Person making such payment or distribution,
delivered to the Trustee or to the holders of the Subordinated Debentures, for
the purposes of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such
distribution, the holders of Senior Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the
Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or
distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article VI.
SECTION 6.5. TRUSTEE TO EFFECTUATE SUBORDINATION. Each holder of a
Subordinated Debenture by such holder's acceptance thereof authorizes and
directs the Trustee on such holder's behalf to take such action as may be
necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination provided in this
Article VI and appoints the Trustee such holder's attorney-in-fact for any and
all such purposes.
SECTION 6.6. NOTICE BY THE COMPANY. The Company shall give prompt
written notice to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee of any fact known to the
Company that would prohibit the making of any payment of monies to or by the
Trustee in respect of the Subordinated Debentures pursuant to the provisions of
this Article VI. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article VI or any other
provision of the Indenture and this First Supplemental Indenture, the Trustee
shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts that would
prohibit the making of any payment of monies to or by the Trustee in respect of
the Subordinated Debentures pursuant to the provisions of this Article VI unless
and until a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have received written
notice thereof at the Principal Office of the Trustee from the Company or a
holder or holders of Senior Indebtedness or from any trustee therefor; and
before the receipt of any such written notice, the Trustee, subject to the
provisions of Section 7.01 of the Indenture, shall be entitled in all respects
to assume that no such facts exist; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the Trustee shall
not have received the notice provided for in this Section 6.6 at least two
Business Days prior to the date upon which by the terms hereof any money may
become payable for any purpose (including, without limitation, the payment of
the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Subordinated
Debenture), then, anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the
Trustee shall have full power and authority to receive such money and to apply
the same to the purposes for which they were received, and shall not be affected
by any notice to the contrary that may be received by it within two Business
Days prior to such date.
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The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01 of the
Indenture, shall be entitled to rely on the delivery to it of a written notice
by a Person representing himself to be a holder of Senior Indebtedness of the
Company (or a trustee on behalf of such holder) to establish that such notice
has been given by a holder of such Senior indebtedness or a trustee on behalf of
any such holder or holders. In the event that the Trustee determines in good
faith that further evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person
as a holder of such Senior Indebtedness to participate in any payment or
distribution pursuant to this Article VI, the Trustee may request such Person to
furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount
of such Senior Indebtedness held by such Person, the extent to which such Person
is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and any other facts
pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article VI, and if such
evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person
pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such
payment.
SECTION 6.7. RIGHTS OF THE TRUSTEE; HOLDERS OF SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS.
The Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the rights set
forth in this Article VI in respect of any Senior Indebtedness at any time held
by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness, and
nothing in this Indenture shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such
holder.
With respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company, the
Trustee undertakes to perform or to observe only such of its covenants and
obligations as are specifically set forth in this Article VI, and no implied
covenants or obligations with respect to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness
shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee. The Trustee shall not be
deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness and,
subject to the provisions of Section 7.01 of the Indenture, the Trustee shall
not be liable to any holder of such Senior Indebtedness if it shall pay over or
deliver to holders of Subordinated Debentures, the Company or any other Person
money or assets to which any holder of such Senior Indebtedness shall be
entitled by virtue of this Article VI or otherwise.
SECTION 6.8. SUBORDINATION MAY NOT BE IMPAIRED. No right of any
present or future holder of any Senior Indebtedness of the Company to enforce
subordination as herein provided shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or
impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Company or by any act
or
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failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder, or by any noncompliance by
the Company with the terms, provisions and covenants of the Indenture,
regardless of any knowledge thereof that any such holder may have or otherwise
be charged with.
Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph,
the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company may, at any time and from time
to time, without the consent of or notice to the Trustee or the holders of the
Subordinated Debentures, without incurring responsibility to the holders of the
Subordinated Debentures and without impairing or releasing the subordination
provided in this Article VI or the obligations hereunder of the holders of the
Subordinated Debentures to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness, do any one
or more of the following: (i) change the manner, place or terms of payment or
extend the time of payment of, or renew or alter, such Senior Indebtedness, or
otherwise amend or supplement in any manner such Senior Indebtedness or any
instrument evidencing the same or any agreement under which such Senior
Indebtedness is outstanding; (ii) sell, exchange, release or otherwise deal with
any property pledged, mortgaged or otherwise securing such Senior Indebtedness;
(iii) release any Person liable in any manner for the collection of such Senior
Indebtedness; and (iv) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against
the Company and any other Person.
ARTICLE VII
COVENANT TO LIST ON EXCHANGE
SECTION 7.1. LISTING ON EXCHANGE. If the Subordinated Debentures
are to be issued as a Global Security in connection with the distribution of
the Subordinated Debentures to the holders of the Preferred Securities issued
by the Trust upon the dissolution of the Trust, the Company will use its best
efforts to list such Subordinated Debentures on the American Stock Exchange
or on such other exchange as the Preferred Securities are then listed.
ARTICLE VIII
FORM OF SUBORDINATED DEBENTURE
SECTION 8.1. FORM OF SUBORDINATED DEBENTURE. The Subordinated
Debentures and the Trustee's Certificate of
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Authentication to be endorsed thereon are to be substantially in the following
forms:
(FORM OF FACE OF SUBORDINATED DEBENTURE)
[IF THE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURE IS TO BE A GLOBAL SECURITY, INSERT:
This Subordinated Debenture is a Global Security within the meaning of the
Indenture hereinafter referred to and is registered in the name of a Depository
or a nominee of a Depositary. This Subordinated Debenture is exchangeable for
Subordinated Debentures registered in the name of a person other than the
Depositary or its nominee only in the limited circumstances described in the
Indenture, and no transfer of this Subordinated Debenture (other than a transfer
of this Subordinated Debenture as a whole by the Depositary to a nominee of the
Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another
nominee of the Depositary) may be registered except in limited circumstances.
Unless this Subordinated Debenture is presented by an authorized
representative of The Depository Trust Company (55 Water Street, New York, New
York) to the issuer or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or
payment, and any Subordinated Debenture issued is registered in the name of Cede
& Co. or such other name as requested by an authorized representative of The
Depository Trust Company and any payment hereon is made to Cede & Co., ANY
TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY A PERSON IS
WRONGFUL since the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.]
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<PAGE>
No. $
CUSIP No.
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
___% JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEFERRABLE INTEREST DEBENTURE
DUE ________, ____
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC., an Iowa corporation (the "Company",
which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter
referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to _______ or
registered assigns, the principal sum of ____________ Dollars on ________,
____, or such earlier date established by the Company not earlier than March
________, and to pay interest on said principal sum from ________, 1997 or from
the most recent interest payment date (each such date, an "Interest Payment
Date") to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, quarterly (subject
to deferral as set forth herein) in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30
and December 31 of each year commencing, December 31, 1997, at the rate of ___%
per annum until the principal hereof shall have become due and payable, and on
any overdue principal and premium, if any, and (without duplication and to the
extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law) on any
overdue installment of interest compounded quarterly at the same rate per annum.
The amount of interest payable on any Interest Payment Date shall be computed on
the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any date
on which interest is payable on this Subordinated Debenture is not a Business
Day, then payment of interest payable on such date will be made on the next
succeeding day which is a Business Day (and without any interest or other
payment in respect of any such delay), except that, if such Business Day is in
the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately
preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made
on such date. The interest installment so payable, and punctually paid or duly
provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture,
be paid to the Person in whose name this Subordinated Debenture (or one or more
Predecessor Securities, as defined in said Indenture) is registered at the close
of business on the regular record date for such interest installment [which
shall be the close of business on the Business Day next preceding such Interest
Payment Date.] [IF PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF Section 2.11(C) OF THE
INDENTURE THE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES ARE NO LONGER REPRESENTED BY A GLOBAL
SECURITY -- which shall be the
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close of business on the ________ day preceding such Interest
Payment Date.] Any such interest installment not punctually paid or duly
provided for shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered holders on
such regular record date, and may be paid to the Person in whose name this
Subordinated Debenture (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at
the close of business on a special record date to be fixed by the Trustee for
the payment of such defaulted interest, notice whereof shall be given to the
registered holders of this series of Subordinated Debentures not less than ten
(10) days prior to such special record date, or may be paid at any time in any
other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities
exchange on which the Subordinated Debentures may be listed, and upon such
notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in the
Indenture. The principal of (and premium, if any) and the interest on this
Subordinated Debenture shall be payable at the office or agency of the Trustee
maintained for that purpose in Chicago, Illinois, in any coin or currency of the
United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for
payment of public and private debts; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that payment of interest
may be made at the option of the Company by check mailed to the registered
holder at such address as shall appear in the Security Register.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as the holder of this Subordinated
Debenture is the Property Trustee, the payment of the principal of (and premium,
if any) and interest on this Subordinated Debenture will be made at such place
and to such account as may be designated by the Property Trustee.
The indebtedness evidenced by this Subordinated Debenture is, to
the extent provided in the Indenture, subordinate and junior in right of
payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, and this
Subordinated Debenture is issued subject to the provisions of the Indenture
with respect thereto. Each holder of this Subordinated Debenture, by
accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions,
(b) authorizes and directs the Trustee on behalf of such holder to take such
action as may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the
subordination so provided, (c) appoints the Trustee the attorney-in-fact of
such holder for any and all such purposes and (d) agrees to treat this
Subordinated Debenture as indebtedness and not as equity for Federal income
tax purposes. Each holder hereof, by acceptance hereof, hereby waives all
notice of the acceptance of the subordination provisions contained herein and
in the Indenture by each holder of Senior Indebtedness, whether now
outstanding or hereafter incurred, and waives reliance by each such holder
upon said provisions.
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This Subordinated Debenture shall not be entitled to any benefit under
the Indenture hereinafter referred to, be valid or become obligatory for any
purpose until the Certificate of Authentication hereon shall have been signed by
or on behalf of the Trustee.
Unless the Certificate of Authentication hereon has been executed by
the Trustee referred to on the reverse side hereof, this Subordinated Debenture
shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or
obligatory for any purpose.
The provisions of this Subordinated Debenture are continued on the
reverse side hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have
the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be
executed.
Dated: ___________
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
By
[Title]
Attest:
By
Secretary
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<PAGE>
(FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION)
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Subordinated Debentures of the series of Subordinated
Debentures described in the within-mentioned Indenture.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK _______________________
OF CHICAGO, as Authentication Agent
Not in Its Individual
Capacity But Solely
as Trustee
By By
Authorized Signatory Authorized Signatory
(FORM OF REVERSE OF SUBORDINATED DEBENTURE)
This Subordinated Debenture is one of a duly authorized series of
Subordinated Debentures of the Company (herein sometimes referred to as the
"Subordinated Debentures"), specified in the Indenture, all issued or to be
issued in one or more series under and pursuant to an Indenture dated as of
_______, 1997, duly executed and delivered between the Company and The First
National Bank of Chicago, not in its individual capacity but solely as trustee
(the "Trustee"), as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of
_______, 1997 between the Company and the Trustee (the Indenture as so
supplemented, the "Indenture"), to which Indenture and all indentures
supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a description of the rights,
limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities thereunder of the
Trustee, the Company and the holders of the Subordinated Debentures. By the
terms of the Indenture, the Subordinated Debentures are issuable in series which
may vary as to amount, date of maturity, rate of interest and in other respects
as in the Indenture provided. This series of Subordinated Debentures is limited
in aggregate principal amount as specified in said First Supplemental Indenture.
Upon the occurrence and continuation of a Tax Event, in certain
circumstances this Subordinated Debenture will become due and payable at the
principal amount together with any interest accrued thereon (the "Redemption
Price"). The Redemption Price shall be paid prior to 12:00 noon, New York time,
on the date of
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such redemption or at such earlier time as the Company determines. The Company
shall have the right to redeem this Subordinated Debenture at the option of the
Company, without premium or penalty, in whole or in part at any time on or after
March 31, 2002 (an "Optional Redemption"), at the Redemption Price. Any
Optional Redemption pursuant to this paragraph will be made upon not less than
30 days' nor more than 60 days' notice, at the Redemption Price. If the
Subordinated Debentures are only partially redeemed by the Company pursuant to
an Optional Redemption, the Subordinated Debentures will be redeemed pro rata or
by lot or by any other method utilized by the Trustee; PROVIDED that if at the
time of redemption, the Subordinated Debentures are registered as a Global
Security, the Depositary shall determine by lot the principal amount of such
Subordinated Debentures held by each holder to be redeemed.
In the event of redemption of this Subordinated Debenture in part
only, a new Subordinated Debenture or Subordinated Debentures of this series for
the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the holder hereof
upon the cancellation hereof.
In case an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, shall have
occurred and be continuing, the principal of all of the Subordinated Debentures
may be declared, and upon such declaration shall become, due and payable, in the
manner, with the effect and subject to the conditions provided in the Indenture.
The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the
Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Debentures of each series
affected at the time Outstanding, as defined in the Indenture, to execute
supplemental indentures for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing
in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of the Indenture or of any
supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the holders
of the Subordinated Debentures; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no such supplemental
indenture shall (i) extend the fixed maturity of any Subordinated Debentures of
any series, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend
the time of payment of interest thereon, or reduce any premium payable upon the
redemption thereof, without the consent of the holder of each Subordinated
Debenture so affected or (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of Subordinated
Debentures, the holders of which are required to consent to any such
supplemental indenture, without the consent of the holders of each Subordinated
Debenture then outstanding
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<PAGE>
and affected thereby. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the
holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated
Debentures of any series at the time outstanding affected thereby, on behalf of
all of the holders of the Subordinated Debentures of such series, to waive any
past default in the performance of any of the covenants contained in the
Indenture, or established pursuant to the Indenture with respect to such series,
and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of or
premium, if any, or interest on any of the Subordinated Debentures of such
series. Any such consent or waiver by the registered holder of this
Subordinated Debenture (unless revoked as provided in the Indenture) shall be
conclusive and binding upon such holder and upon all future holders and owners
of this Subordinated Debenture and of any Subordinated Debenture issued in
exchange herefor or in place hereof (whether by registration of transfer or
otherwise), irrespective of whether or not any notation of such consent or
waiver is made upon this Subordinated Debenture.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this
Subordinated Debenture or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation
of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and
premium, if any, and interest on this Subordinated Debenture at the time and
place and at the rate and in the money herein prescribed.
The Company shall have the right at any time during the term of the
Subordinated Debentures, from time to time to extend the interest payment
period of such Subordinated Debentures for up to twenty (20) consecutive
quarters (an "Extended Interest Payment Period"), at the end of which period
the Company shall pay all interest then accrued and unpaid (together with
interest thereon at the rate specified for the Subordinated Debentures to the
extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law).
Before the termination of any such Extended Interest Payment Period, the
Company may further extend such Extended Interest Payment Period, PROVIDED
that such Extended Interest Payment Period together with all such further
extensions thereof shall not exceed twenty (20) consecutive quarters or
extend beyond the maturity of the Subordinated Debentures. At the
termination of any such Extended Interest Payment Period and upon the payment
of all accrued and unpaid interest then due, the Company may select a new
Extended Interest Payment Period.
As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations
therein set forth, this Subordinated Debenture is transferable by the registered
holder hereof on the Security Register of the Company, upon surrender of this
Subordinated
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<PAGE>
Debenture for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Trustee in
Chicago, Illinois, accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Company or the Trustee duly executed by the
registered holder hereof or the attorney of such holder duly authorized in
writing, and thereupon one or more new Subordinated Debentures of authorized
denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount and series will be
issued to the designated transferee or transferees. No service charge will be
made for any such transfer, but the Company may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in relation
thereto.
Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of this
Subordinated Debenture, the Company, the Trustee, any paying agent and any
Security Registrar may deem and treat the registered holder hereof as the
absolute owner hereof (whether or not this Subordinated Debenture shall be
overdue and notwithstanding any notice of ownership or writing hereon made by
anyone other than the Security Registrar) for the purpose of receiving payment
of or on account of the principal hereof and premium, if any, and interest due
hereon and for all other purposes, and neither the Company nor the Trustee nor
any paying agent nor any Security Registrar shall be affected by any notice to
the contrary.
No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or the
interest on this Subordinated Debenture, or for any claim based hereon, or
otherwise in respect hereof, or based on or in respect of the Indenture, against
any incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, past, present or future, as
such, of the Company or of any predecessor or successor corporation, whether by
virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any
assessment or penalty or otherwise, all such liability being, by the acceptance
hereof and as part of the consideration for the issuance hereof, expressly
waived and released.
[The Subordinated Debentures of this series are issuable only in
registered form without coupons in denominations of $25 and any integral
multiple thereof.] [This Global Security is exchangeable for Subordinated
Debentures in definitive form only under certain limited circumstances set forth
in the Indenture. Subordinated Debentures of this series so issued are issuable
only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $25 and any integral
multiple thereof.] As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain
limitations [herein and] therein set forth, Subordinated Debentures of this
series [so issued] are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of
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Subordinated Debentures of this series of a different authorized denomination,
as requested by the holder surrendering the same.
All terms used in this Subordinated Debenture which are defined in the
Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
ARTICLE IX
ORIGINAL ISSUE OF SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
SECTION 9.1. ORIGINAL ISSUE OF SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES. Subordinated
Debentures in the aggregate principal amount of $___________ may, upon execution
of this First Supplemental Indenture, be executed by the Company and delivered
to the Trustee for authentication, and the Trustee shall thereupon authenticate
and deliver said Subordinated Debentures to or upon the written order of the
Company, signed by its Chairman, its President, or any Vice President and its
Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, without any further action by the Company.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 10.1. RATIFICATION OF INDENTURE. The Indenture, as
supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture, is in all respects ratified
and confirmed, and this First Supplemental Indenture shall be deemed part of the
Indenture in the manner and to the extent herein and therein provided.
SECTION 10.2. TRUSTEE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RECITALS. The recitals
herein contained are made by the Company and not by the Trustee, and the Trustee
assumes no responsibility for the correctness thereof. The Trustee makes no
representation as to the validity or sufficiency of this First Supplemental
Indenture.
SECTION 10.3. GOVERNING LAW. This First Supplemental Indenture and
each Subordinated Debenture shall be deemed to be a contract made under the
internal laws of the State of New York, and for all purposes shall be construed
in accordance with the laws of said State.
SECTION 10.4. SEPARABILITY. In case any one or more of the
provisions contained in this First Supplemental Indenture
-27-
<PAGE>
or in the Subordinated Debentures shall for any reason be held to be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or
unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this First
Supplemental Indenture or of the Subordinated Debentures, but this First
Supplemental Indenture and the Subordinated Debentures shall be construed as if
such invalid or illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained
herein or therein.
SECTION 10.5. COUNTERPARTS. This First Supplemental Indenture may be
executed in any number of counterparts each of which shall be an original; but
such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
-28-
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this First
Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed, and their respective corporate seals
to be hereunto affixed and attested, on the date or dates indicated in the
acknowledgments and as of the day and year first above written.
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
By:_______________________________
Name:
Title:
[Corporate Seal]
Attest:
Secretary
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
not in its individual capacity
but solely as Trustee
By:_______________________________
Title:
Name:
[Corporate Seal]
Attest:
Title:
<PAGE>
STATE OF ILLINOIS )
COUNTY OF COOK ) ss:
On the day of _____, 1997, before me personally came
________________, to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say
that he is a ______________ of TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC., one of the
corporations described in and which executed the above instrument; that he knows
the corporate seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to the said
instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the
Board of Directors of said corporation, and that he signed his name thereto by
like authority.
NOTARY PUBLIC
[seal] Commission expires
STATE OF ILLINOIS )
COUNTY OF COOK ):
On the day of April, 1997, before me personally came ____________,
to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is the
____________________ of THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO, one of the
corporations described in and which executed the above instrument; that he knows
the corporate seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to the said
instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the
Board of Directors of said corporation, and that he signed his name thereto by
like authority.
NOTARY PUBLIC
[seal] Commission expires
<PAGE>
[SIDLEY & AUSTIN LETTERHEAD]
October 20, 1997
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
30 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
TDS Capital I
TDS Capital II
TDS Capital III
c/o Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
30 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Re: $400,000,000 Principal Amount of Trust Originated Preferred
Securities (Including Guarantees and Junior Subordinated
Deferrable Interest Debentures Related Thereto)
-------------------------------------------------------------
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We refer to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the
"Registration Statement") being filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), by Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., an Iowa corporation
(the "Company"), in connection with the proposed issuance and sale by the
Company from time to time of up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
the Company's Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures (the
"Debentures"), to be issued in one or more series pursuant to an indenture
between the Company and The First National Bank of Chicago, as trustee (the
"Indenture"), and by TDS Capital I, TDS Capital II and TDS Capital III, each
a business trust created under the laws of the State of Delaware
(collectively, the "Issuer Trusts"), in connection with the proposed public
offering from time to time in one or more series, of an amount not to exceed
$400,000,000 of preferred securities, representing preferred undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of the Issuer Trusts (the "Preferred
Securities"), to be sold pursuant to one or more Underwriting Agreements
filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement (the "Underwriting
Agreement") or otherwise as described in the Registration
<PAGE>
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
October 20, 1997
Page 2
Statement. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the
meanings ascribed to them in the Registration Statement.
As described in the Registration Statement, the Company will issue
the Debentures from time to time in one or more series to the Issuer Trusts
in connection with the issuance of Preferred Securities. Upon the issuance
of Preferred Securities by the Issuer Trusts, the proceeds therefrom,
together with the capital contribution of the Company, as owner of the common
securities of each Issuer Trust, will be used to purchase Debentures.
Pursuant to a Guarantee Agreement between the Company and The First National
Bank of Chicago, as trustee, the Company will guarantee the payment by each
Issuer Trust of distributions that are required to be made from time to time
with respect to the Preferred Securities and of amounts due upon liquidation
of each Issuer Trust or the redemption of the Preferred Securities (the
"Guarantee," or when referred to collectively, the "Guarantees"), all to the
extent such Issuer Trust has funds available therefor as set forth in the
Guarantees. The Preferred Securities are to be issued by each Issuer Trust
pursuant to an Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, the form of which
is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
We are familiar with the proceedings to date with respect to the
proposed issuance and sale and have examined such records, documents and
questions of law, and satisfied ourselves as to such matters of fact, as we
have considered relevant and necessary as a basis for this opinion.
Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
Each series of Debentures issued by the Company to an Issuer Trust
in connection with the issuance of a series of Preferred Securities issued by
such Issuer Trust and the Guarantee relating to such series of Preferred
Securities will be legally issued and binding obligations of the Company
(except to the extent enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer or other similar
laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by the
effect of general principles of equity, regardless of whether enforceability
is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) when (i) the Registration
Statement, as finally amended (including any necessary post-effective
amendments), shall have become effective under the Securities Act and the
Indenture (including any necessary supplemental indenture) and the Guarantee
Agreement shall each have been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended, and duly executed and delivered by the Company and the
Trustee; (ii) a Prospectus Supplement with respect to such series of
Debentures and the Guarantee with respect to such series of Preferred
Securities shall have been filed (or mailed for filing) with the SEC pursuant
to Rule 424 under the Securities Act; (iii) the Company's Board of Directors
or a duly authorized committee thereof shall have duly adopted final
resolutions authorizing the issuance and sale of such series of Debentures
and the Guarantee with respect to such series of Preferred Securities shall
have been duly executed and authenticated as provided in the Indenture and
such resolutions and shall have been duly delivered to the purchasers thereof
<PAGE>
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
October 20, 1997
Page 3
against payment of the agreed consideration therefor; (v) the Indenture
(including any supplemental indenture with respect to such series of
Debentures), shall each have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
the Company and duly executed and delivered by The First National Bank of
Chicago, as Trustee; (vi) the Guarantee Agreement relating to the Guarantee
with respect to a series of Preferred Securities shall have been duly
authorized, executed and delivered; (vii) the Amended and Restated
Declaration of Trust of the Issuer Trust issuing the Preferred Securities
shall have been duly authorized, executed and delivered, and (viii) when the
Debentures and Preferred Securities of such series shall have been duly
authorized, executed and, in the case of the Debentures, authenticated, and
issued in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and the applicable
supplemental indenture and delivered against payment therefor in accordance
with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement.
For the purposes of this opinion, we have assumed that there will
be no changes in the laws currently applicable to the Company and that such
laws will be the only laws applicable to the Company.
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 sales of the Debentures
or the Preferred Securities.
This opinion is limited to the laws of the States of Iowa and New
York and the federal laws of the United States of America. With respect to
all matters involving the laws of the State of Iowa, we have not made an
independent investigation of such laws but have relied exclusively, with your
consent, on the opinion dated and delivered to you this date of Nyenaster,
Goode, Voigts, West, Hansell & O'Brien, local counsel for the Company,
subject to the exceptions, qualifications and limitations therein expressed.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to
the Registration Statement and to all references to our firm included in or
made a part of the Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Sidley & Austin
<PAGE>
[Letterhead of Richards, Layton & Finger]
October 17, 1997
TDS Capital I
30 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
RE: TDS CAPITAL I
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special Delaware counsel for Telephone and Data
Systems, Inc., an Iowa corporation (the "Company"), and TDS Capital I, a
Delaware business trust (the "Trust"), in connection with the matters set
forth herein. At your request, this opinion is being furnished to you.
For purposes of giving the opinions hereinafter set forth, our
examination of documents has been limited to the examination of originals or
copies of the following:
(a) The Certificate of Trust of the Trust, dated as of October 15,
1997 (the "Certificate"), as filed in the office of the Secretary of State of
the State of Delaware (the "Secretary of State") on October 15, 1997;
(b) The Declaration of Trust of the Trust, dated as of October 15,
1997, by and among the Company and the trustees of the Trust named therein;
<PAGE>
TDS Capital I
October 17, 1997
Page 2
(c) A form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust
(including Exhibit A, Annex I and Annex II thereto) (the "Declaration"), to
be entered into among the Company, as sponsor, the trustees of the Trust
named therein, and the holders, from time to time, of undivided beneficial
interests in the assets of the Trust, attached as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (as defined below);
(d) The Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration
Statement"), including a preliminary prospectus (the "Prospectus") and a
prospectus supplement (the "Prospectus Supplement"), relating to the __%
Trust Originated Preferred Securities of the Trust representing undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust (each, a "Preferred Security"
and collectively, the "Preferred Securities"), as proposed to be filed by the
Company, the Trust and others named therein with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on or about October 17, 1997; and
(e) A Certificate of Good Standing for the Trust, dated October 17,
1997, obtained from the Secretary of State.
Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined are used as
defined in the Declaration.
For purposes of this opinion, we have not reviewed any documents
other than the documents listed in paragraphs (a) through (e) above. In
particular, we have not reviewed any document (other than the documents
listed in paragraphs (a) through (e) above) that is referred to in or
incorporated by reference into the documents reviewed by us. We have assumed
that there exists no provision in any document that we have not reviewed that
is inconsistent with the opinions stated herein. We have conducted no
independent factual investigation of our own but rather have relied solely
upon the foregoing documents, the statements and information set forth
therein and the additional matters recited or assumed herein, all of which we
have assumed to be true, complete and accurate in all material respects.
With respect to all documents examined by us, we have assumed (i) the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as authentic originals, (ii)
the conformity with the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies
or forms, and (iii) the genuineness of all signatures.
For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed (i) that the
Declaration constitutes the entire agreement among the parties thereto with
respect to the subject matter thereof, including with respect to the
creation, operation and termination of the Trust, and that the Declaration
and the Certificate are in full force and effect and have not been amended,
(ii) except to the extent provided in paragraph 1 below, the due
<PAGE>
TDS Capital I
October 17, 1997
Page 3
creation or due organization or due formation, as the case may be, and valid
existence in good standing of each party to the documents examined by us
under the laws of the jurisdiction governing its creation, organization or
formation, (iii) the legal capacity of natural persons who are parties to the
documents examined by us, (iv) that each of the parties to the documents
examined by us has the power and authority to execute and deliver, and to
perform its obligations under, such documents, (v) the due authorization,
execution and delivery by all parties thereto of all documents examined by
us, (vi) the receipt by each Person to whom a Preferred Security is to be
issued by the Trust (collectively, the "Preferred Security Holders") of a
Preferred Security Certificate and the consideration for the Preferred
Security acquired by it, in accordance with the Declaration and the
Registration Statement, and (vii) that the Preferred Securities are issued to
the Preferred Security Holders in accordance with the Declaration and the
Registration Statement. We have not participated in the preparation of the
Registration Statement and assume no responsibility for its contents.
This opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Delaware
(excluding the securities laws of the State of Delaware), and we have not
considered and express no opinion on the laws of any other jurisdiction,
including federal laws and rules and regulations relating thereto. Our
opinions are rendered only with respect to Delaware laws and rules,
regulations and orders thereunder that are currently in effect.
Based upon the foregoing, and upon our examination of such questions
of law and statutes of the State of Delaware as we have considered necessary
or appropriate, and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, limitations
and exceptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:
1. The Trust has been duly created and is validly existing in good
standing as a business trust under the Business Trust Act.
2. The Preferred Securities will represent valid and, subject to
the qualifications set forth in paragraph 3 below, fully paid and
nonassessable undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.
3. The Preferred Security Holders, as beneficial owners of the
Trust, will be entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended
to stockholders of private corporations for profit organized under the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. We note that the Preferred
Security Holders may be obligated to make payments as set forth in the
Declaration.
We consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In
addition, we hereby
<PAGE>
TDS Capital I
October 17, 1997
Page 4
consent to the use of our name under the heading "Legal Matters" in the
Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement. In giving the foregoing consents,
we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of Persons whose
consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission thereunder. Except as stated above, without our prior written
consent, this opinion may not be furnished or quoted to, or relied upon by,
any other Person for any purpose.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Richards, Layton & Finger
-------------------------------
BJK/bjr
<PAGE>
[Letterhead of Richards, Layton & Finger]
October 17, 1997
TDS Capital II
30 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
RE: TDS CAPITAL II
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special Delaware counsel for Telephone and Data
Systems, Inc., an Iowa corporation (the "Company"), and TDS Capital II, a
Delaware business trust (the "Trust"), in connection with the matters set
forth herein. At your request, this opinion is being furnished to you.
For purposes of giving the opinions hereinafter set forth, our
examination of documents has been limited to the examination of originals or
copies of the following:
(a) The Certificate of Trust of the Trust, dated as of October 15,
1997 (the "Certificate"), as filed in the office of the Secretary of State of
the State of Delaware (the "Secretary of State") on October 15, 1997;
(b) The Declaration of Trust of the Trust, dated as of October 15,
1997, by and among the Company and the trustees of the Trust named therein;
<PAGE>
TDS Capital I
October 17, 1997
Page 2
(c) A form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust
(including Exhibit A, Annex I and Annex II thereto) (the "Declaration"), to
be entered into among the Company, as sponsor, the trustees of the Trust
named therein, and the holders, from time to time, of undivided beneficial
interests in the assets of the Trust, attached as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (as defined below);
(d) The Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration
Statement"), including a preliminary prospectus (the "Prospectus") and a
prospectus supplement (the "Prospectus Supplement"), relating to the __%
Trust Originated Preferred Securities of the Trust representing undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust (each, a "Preferred Security"
and collectively, the "Preferred Securities"), as proposed to be filed by the
Company, the Trust and others named therein with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on or about October 17, 1997; and
(e) A Certificate of Good Standing for the Trust, dated October 17,
1997, obtained from the Secretary of State.
Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined are used as
defined in the Declaration.
For purposes of this opinion, we have not reviewed any documents
other than the documents listed in paragraphs (a) through (e) above. In
particular, we have not reviewed any document (other than the documents
listed in paragraphs (a) through (e) above) that is referred to in or
incorporated by reference into the documents reviewed by us. We have assumed
that there exists no provision in any document that we have not reviewed that
is inconsistent with the opinions stated herein. We have conducted no
independent factual investigation of our own but rather have relied solely
upon the foregoing documents, the statements and information set forth
therein and the additional matters recited or assumed herein, all of which we
have assumed to be true, complete and accurate in all material respects.
With respect to all documents examined by us, we have assumed (i) the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as authentic originals, (ii)
the conformity with the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies
or forms, and (iii) the genuineness of all signatures.
For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed (i) that the
Declaration constitutes the entire agreement among the parties thereto with
respect to the subject matter thereof, including with respect to the
creation, operation and termination of the Trust, and that the Declaration
and the Certificate are in full force and effect and have not been amended,
(ii) except to the extent provided in paragraph 1 below, the due
<PAGE>
TDS Capital I
October 17, 1997
Page 3
creation or due organization or due formation, as the case may be, and valid
existence in good standing of each party to the documents examined by us
under the laws of the jurisdiction governing its creation, organization or
formation, (iii) the legal capacity of natural persons who are parties to the
documents examined by us, (iv) that each of the parties to the documents
examined by us has the power and authority to execute and deliver, and to
perform its obligations under, such documents, (v) the due authorization,
execution and delivery by all parties thereto of all documents examined by
us, (vi) the receipt by each Person to whom a Preferred Security is to be
issued by the Trust (collectively, the "Preferred Security Holders") of a
Preferred Security Certificate and the consideration for the Preferred
Security acquired by it, in accordance with the Declaration and the
Registration Statement, and (vii) that the Preferred Securities are issued to
the Preferred Security Holders in accordance with the Declaration and the
Registration Statement. We have not participated in the preparation of the
Registration Statement and assume no responsibility for its contents.
This opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Delaware
(excluding the securities laws of the State of Delaware), and we have not
considered and express no opinion on the laws of any other jurisdiction,
including federal laws and rules and regulations relating thereto. Our
opinions are rendered only with respect to Delaware laws and rules,
regulations and orders thereunder that are currently in effect.
Based upon the foregoing, and upon our examination of such questions
of law and statutes of the State of Delaware as we have considered necessary
or appropriate, and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, limitations
and exceptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:
1. The Trust has been duly created and is validly existing in good
standing as a business trust under the Business Trust Act.
2. The Preferred Securities will represent valid and, subject to
the qualifications set forth in paragraph 3 below, fully paid and
nonassessable undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.
3. The Preferred Security Holders, as beneficial owners of the
Trust, will be entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended
to stockholders of private corporations for profit organized under the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. We note that the Preferred
Security Holders may be obligated to make payments as set forth in the
Declaration.
We consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In
addition, we hereby
<PAGE>
TDS Capital I
October 17, 1997
Page 4
consent to the use of our name under the heading "Legal Matters" in the
Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement. In giving the foregoing consents,
we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of Persons whose
consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission thereunder. Except as stated above, without our prior written
consent, this opinion may not be furnished or quoted to, or relied upon by,
any other Person for any purpose.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Richards, Layton & Finger
-------------------------------
BJK/bjr
<PAGE>
[Letterhead of Richards, Layton & Finger]
October 17, 1997
TDS Capital III
30 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
RE: TDS CAPITAL III
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special Delaware counsel for Telephone and Data
Systems, Inc., an Iowa corporation (the "Company"), and TDS Capital III, a
Delaware business trust (the "Trust"), in connection with the matters set
forth herein. At your request, this opinion is being furnished to you.
For purposes of giving the opinions hereinafter set forth, our
examination of documents has been limited to the examination of originals or
copies of the following:
(a) The Certificate of Trust of the Trust, dated as of October 15,
1997 (the "Certificate"), as filed in the office of the Secretary of State of
the State of Delaware (the "Secretary of State") on October 15, 1997;
(b) The Declaration of Trust of the Trust, dated as of October 15,
1997, by and among the Company and the trustees of the Trust named therein;
<PAGE>
TDS Capital I
October 17, 1997
Page 2
(c) A form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust
(including Exhibit A, Annex I and Annex II thereto) (the "Declaration"), to
be entered into among the Company, as sponsor, the trustees of the Trust
named therein, and the holders, from time to time, of undivided beneficial
interests in the assets of the Trust, attached as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (as defined below);
(d) The Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration
Statement"), including a preliminary prospectus (the "Prospectus") and a
prospectus supplement (the "Prospectus Supplement"), relating to the __%
Trust Originated Preferred Securities of the Trust representing undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust (each, a "Preferred Security"
and collectively, the "Preferred Securities"), as proposed to be filed by the
Company, the Trust and others named therein with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on or about October 17, 1997; and
(e) A Certificate of Good Standing for the Trust, dated October 17,
1997, obtained from the Secretary of State.
Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined are used as
defined in the Declaration.
For purposes of this opinion, we have not reviewed any documents
other than the documents listed in paragraphs (a) through (e) above. In
particular, we have not reviewed any document (other than the documents
listed in paragraphs (a) through (e) above) that is referred to in or
incorporated by reference into the documents reviewed by us. We have assumed
that there exists no provision in any document that we have not reviewed that
is inconsistent with the opinions stated herein. We have conducted no
independent factual investigation of our own but rather have relied solely
upon the foregoing documents, the statements and information set forth
therein and the additional matters recited or assumed herein, all of which we
have assumed to be true, complete and accurate in all material respects.
With respect to all documents examined by us, we have assumed (i) the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as authentic originals, (ii)
the conformity with the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies
or forms, and (iii) the genuineness of all signatures.
For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed (i) that the
Declaration constitutes the entire agreement among the parties thereto with
respect to the subject matter thereof, including with respect to the
creation, operation and termination of the Trust, and that the Declaration
and the Certificate are in full force and effect and have not been amended,
(ii) except to the extent provided in paragraph 1 below, the due
<PAGE>
TDS Capital I
October 17, 1997
Page 3
creation or due organization or due formation, as the case may be, and valid
existence in good standing of each party to the documents examined by us
under the laws of the jurisdiction governing its creation, organization or
formation, (iii) the legal capacity of natural persons who are parties to the
documents examined by us, (iv) that each of the parties to the documents
examined by us has the power and authority to execute and deliver, and to
perform its obligations under, such documents, (v) the due authorization,
execution and delivery by all parties thereto of all documents examined by
us, (vi) the receipt by each Person to whom a Preferred Security is to be
issued by the Trust (collectively, the "Preferred Security Holders") of a
Preferred Security Certificate and the consideration for the Preferred
Security acquired by it, in accordance with the Declaration and the
Registration Statement, and (vii) that the Preferred Securities are issued to
the Preferred Security Holders in accordance with the Declaration and the
Registration Statement. We have not participated in the preparation of the
Registration Statement and assume no responsibility for its contents.
This opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Delaware
(excluding the securities laws of the State of Delaware), and we have not
considered and express no opinion on the laws of any other jurisdiction,
including federal laws and rules and regulations relating thereto. Our
opinions are rendered only with respect to Delaware laws and rules,
regulations and orders thereunder that are currently in effect.
Based upon the foregoing, and upon our examination of such questions
of law and statutes of the State of Delaware as we have considered necessary
or appropriate, and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, limitations
and exceptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:
1. The Trust has been duly created and is validly existing in good
standing as a business trust under the Business Trust Act.
2. The Preferred Securities will represent valid and, subject to
the qualifications set forth in paragraph 3 below, fully paid and
nonassessable undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.
3. The Preferred Security Holders, as beneficial owners of the
Trust, will be entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended
to stockholders of private corporations for profit organized under the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. We note that the Preferred
Security Holders may be obligated to make payments as set forth in the
Declaration.
We consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In
addition, we hereby
<PAGE>
TDS Capital I
October 17, 1997
Page 4
consent to the use of our name under the heading "Legal Matters" in the
Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement. In giving the foregoing consents,
we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of Persons whose
consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission thereunder. Except as stated above, without our prior written
consent, this opinion may not be furnished or quoted to, or relied upon by,
any other Person for any purpose.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Richards, Layton & Finger
-------------------------------
BJK/bjr
<PAGE>
[LETTERHEAD]
October 20, 1997
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
30 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
RE: Registration of $400,000,000 in Securities
of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special counsel to Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., an
Iowa corporation ("the Company"), in connection with the registration statement
on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") being filed by the Company and the
Trusts (as defined below) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act") relating to the registration and offering from time to time of up to
$400,000,000 of Trust Originated Preferred Securities (the "Preferred
Securities") of TDS Capital I, TDS Capital II and TDS Capital III, each a
Delaware business trust (collectively, the "Trusts") and of up to $400,000
aggregate principal amount of Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures
of the Company (the "Debentures") in amounts, at prices and on terms to be
determined at the time of the offerings. The Registration Statement also
relates to guarantees by the Company of the Preferred Securities of the Trusts
pursuant to guarantee agreements to be entered into by the Company with each
Trust (the "Guarantees"). The Debentures will be issued in one or more series
pursuant to an Indenture (the "Indenture") between the Company and The First
<PAGE>
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
October 20, 1997
Page 2
National Bank of Chicago as Trustee in the form incorporated as an exhibit to
the Registration Statement. The Company will own all of the common securities
(the "Common Securities") of the Trusts. The Trusts will invest the proceeds
from the issuance of the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities in an
equivalent amount of the Debentures.
In rendering this opinion, we have examined and relied upon a copy of the
Registration Statement. We have also examined originals, or copies of originals
certified to our satisfaction, of such agreements, documents, certificates and
statements of government officials and other instruments, and 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
examination.
Based on the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications and limitations
hereinafter set forth, it is our opinion that:
1. The Company is duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the
State of Iowa.
2. All requisite action necessary for the due execution and delivery of the
Guarantees will have been taken when the Board of Directors of the Company,
or a committee or officer duly authorized thereby, shall have taken such
action as may be necessary to fix and determine the terms of the Guarantees
and the Guarantees shall have been duly executed and delivered.
3. All requisite action necessary for the due execution and delivery of the
Debentures will have been taken when the Board of Directors of the Company,
or a committee or officer duly authorized thereby, shall have taken such
action as may be necessary to fix and determine the terms of the
Debentures, the Indenture shall have been duly executed and delivered, and
the Debentures shall have been authenticated and issued in accordance with
the terms of the Indenture and the applicable supplemental indenture and
delivered in exchange for the proceeds from the Preferred Securities and
the Common Securities as described in the Underwriting Agreement (as
defined in the Registration Statement).
<PAGE>
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
October 20, 1997
Page 3
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 securities to be
registered pursuant to the Registration Statement. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, we express no opinion in connection with the
matters contemplated by the Registration Statement, and no opinion may be
implied or inferred, except as expressly set forth herein.
This opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Iowa and of the United
States of America to the extent applicable.
We hereby consent to the inclusion of this opinion as Exhibit 5.3 to the
Registration Statement and to all references to this law firm in the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus included therein. By giving the
foregoing consent, we do not admit that we come within the category of persons
whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.
Respectfully submitted,
NYEMASTER, GOODE, VOIGTS, WEST,
HANSELL & O'BRIEN, P.C.
By /s/ G. R. Neumann
------------------------------
G. R. Neumann
GRN:pjt
<PAGE>
[Letterhead]
October 20, 1997
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
30 North LaSalle Street
Suite 4000
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to you in connection with the proposed offering
by TDS Capital I, a Delaware statutory business trust (the "Trust"), of __%
Trust Originated Preferred Securities ("Preferred Securities"), as described
in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement"),
which is being filed by Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., an Iowa corporation
(the "Company"), the Trust, TDS Capital II, and TDS Capital III with the
Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended. The Registration Statement includes the Prospectus and the
Prospectus Supplement (collectively, the "Prospectuses") relating to such
offering.
In rendering the opinion expressed below, we have examined the
Prospectuses and such other documents as we have deemed relevant and
necessary, including, without limitation, the Form of Declaration of Trust,
the Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, the Form of Indenture,
the Form of First Supplemental Indenture and the Form of Preferred Securities
Guarantee Agreement attached as Exhibits to the Registration Statement. Such
opinion is conditioned, among other things, upon the accuracy and
completeness of the facts, information and representations contained in the
Prospectuses as of the date hereof and the continuing accuracy and
completeness thereof as of the date of the issuance of the Preferred
Securities. We have assumed that the transactions contemplated by the
Prospectuses and such other documents will occur as provided therein and that
there will be no material change to the Prospectuses or any of such other
documents between the date hereof and the date of the issuance of the
Preferred Securities.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the
discussion set forth in the Prospectus Supplement under the caption "UNITED
STATES
<PAGE>
Telephone and Date Systems, Inc.
October 20, 1997
Page 2
FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION" is a fair and accurate summary of the matters
addressed therein, based upon current law and the assumptions stated or
referred to therein.
We assume no obligation to update or supplement this letter to reflect
any facts or circumstances which may hereafter come to our attention with
respect to the opinion expressed above, including any changes in applicable
law which may hereafter occur.
We hereby consent to the filing of this letter as an Exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to all references to our Firm included in or made
a part of the Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Sidley & Austin
---------------------------------
<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-3 Registration Statement of Telephone and Data Systems,
Inc. of our report dated January 29, 1997 (except with respect to the matter
discussed in Note 16, as to which the date is February 4, 1997), 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, 1996 and to the incorporation by
reference in this Form S-3 Registration Statement of our report dated January
29, 1997 (except with respect to the matter discussed in Note 16, as to which
the date is February 4, 1997), 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, 1996. We also consent to all references to
our Firm included in this Form S-3 Registration Statement.
[SIG]
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Chicago, Illinois
October 17, 1997
<PAGE>
EXH 25.1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2)______
_______________________________
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
(EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION 36-0899825
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0126
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
(NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
_______________________________
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
IOWA 36-2669023
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER)
SUITE 4000
30 NORTH LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60602
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
DEBT SECURITIES
(TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)
<PAGE>
ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION. FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:
(a) NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR
SUPERVISING AUTHORITY TO WHICH IT IS SUBJECT.
Comptroller of Currency, Washington, D.C.,
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
Washington, D.C., The Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.
(b) WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE
CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.
The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate
trust powers.
ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR. IF THE OBLIGOR
IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH
SUCH AFFILIATION.
No such affiliation exists with the trustee.
ITEM 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS. LIST BELOW ALL EXHIBITS FILED AS A
PART OF THIS STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY.
1. A copy of the articles of association of the
trustee now in effect.*
2. A copy of the certificates of authority of the
trustee to commence business.*
3. A copy of the authorization of the trustee to
exercise corporate trust powers.*
4. A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee.*
5. Not Applicable.
6. The consent of the trustee required by
Section 321(b) of the Act.
7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the
trustee published pursuant to law or the
requirements of its supervising or examining
authority.
2
<PAGE>
8. Not Applicable.
9. Not Applicable.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, the trustee, The First National Bank of Chicago, a national banking
association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Chicago
and the State of Illinois, on this 15th day of October, 1997.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
TRUSTEE
By /s/ John R. Prendiville
John R. Prendiville
Vice President
* EXHIBIT 1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE HEREIN INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO EXHIBITS
BEARING IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL
BANK OF CHICAGO, FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM
S-3 OF SUNAMERICA, INC., FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON
OCTOBER 25, 1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).
3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 6
THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT
October 15, 1997
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Gentlemen:
In connection with the qualification of an indenture between
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. and The First National Bank of
Chicago, the undersigned, in accordance with Section 321(b) of the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, hereby consents that the
reports of examinations of the undersigned, made by Federal or State
authorities authorized to make such examinations, may be furnished by
such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its
request therefor.
Very truly yours,
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
By /s/ John R. Prendiville
John R. Prendiville
Vice President
4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 7
Legal Title of Bank: The First National Bank of Chicago
Call Date: 06/30/97 ST-BK: 17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address: One First National Plaza, Ste 0303 Page RC-1
City, State Zip: Chicago, IL 60670
FDIC Certificate No.: 0/3/6/1/8
CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR JUNE 30, 1997
All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise
indicated, report the amount outstanding as of the last business day of the
quarter.
SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN C400
THOUSANDS RCFD BIL MIL THOU
ASSETS
1. Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule
RC-A):
a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1) . . . . 0081 4,415,563 1.a.
b. Interest-bearing balances(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0071 7.049,275 1.b.
2. Securities
a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A) . . 1754 0 2.a.
b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D). 1773 4,455,173 2.b.
3. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to
resell 1350 4,604,233 3.
4. Loans and lease financing receivables:
a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule
RC-C). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2122 24,185,099 4.a.
b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3123 423,419 4.b.
c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3128 0 4.c.
d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c). . . . . . . . . . . . 2125 23,761,680 4.d.
5. Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3545 6.930.216 5.
6. Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) . . . 2145 705,704 6.
7. Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . 2150 7,960 7.
8. Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
companies (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2130 64,504 8.
9. Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding . 2155 562,251 9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2143 283,716 10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2160 1,997,778 11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11) . . . . . . . . . . . 2170 54,837,423 12.
- -------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits.
(2) Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.
5
<PAGE>
Legal Title of Bank: The First National Bank of Chicago
Call Date: 06/30/97 ST-BK: 17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address: One First National Plaza, Ste 0303 Page RC-2
City, State Zip: Chicago, IL 60670
FDIC Certificate No.: 0/3/6/1/8
SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
THOUSANDS BIL MIL THOU
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
from Schedule RC-E, part 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 2200 21,852,164 13.a
(1) Noninterest-bearing(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 6631 9,474,510 13.a.1
(2) Interest-bearing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . RCON 6636 12,377,654 13.a.2
b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II). . . . . . . . . . RCFN 2200 13,756,280 13.b.
(1) Noninterest bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFN 6631 330,030 13.b.1
(2) Interest-bearing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFN 6636 13,426,250 13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
to repurchase: RCFD 2800 3.827,159 14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury RCON 2840 40,307 15.a
b. Trading Liabilities(from Schedule RC-D) . . . . . . . . RCFD 3548 4,985,577 15.b
16. Other borrowed money:
a. With original maturity of one year or less. . . . . . . RCFD 2332 2,337,018 16.a
b. With original maturity of than one year through three years A547 265,393 16.b
. c. With a remaining maturity of more than three years . . A548 322,175 16.c
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding. . RCFD 2920 562,251 18
19. Subordinated notes and debentures (2). . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3200 1,700,000 19
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G) . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2930 929,875 20
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20) . . . . . . RCFD 2948 50,618,199 21
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus. . . . . . . RCFD 3838 0 23
24. Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3230 200,858 24
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) . RCFD 3839 2,948,616 25
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves. . . . . . . . . RCFD 3632 1,059,214 26.a.
b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 8434 12,788 26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments. . . . RCFD 3284 (2,252) 27
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27). . . . . RCFD 3210 4,219,224 28
29. Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28) RCFD 3300 54,837,423 29
Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1. Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below
that best describes the most comprehensive level of auditing work
performed for the bank by independent external
Number
auditors as of any date during 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 6724 ... N/A. M.1.
1 = Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance 4. = Directors' examination of the bank performed by other
with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified external auditors (may be required by state chartering
public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank authority)
2 = Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company 5 = Review of the bank's financial statements by external
conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing auditors
standards by a certified public accounting firm which 6 = Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
submits a report on the consolidated holding company auditors
(but not on the bank separately) 7 = Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
3 = Directors' examination of the bank conducted in 8 = No external audit work
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
state chartering authority)
_______________________________
</TABLE>
(1) Includes total demand deposits and noninterest-bearing time and savings
deposits.
(2) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.
6
<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
--------
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2)______
_______________________________
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
(EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION 36-0899825
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0126
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
(NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
_______________________________
TDS CAPITAL I
(EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE TO BE APPLIED FOR
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
SUITE 4000
30 NORTH LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60602
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
PREFERRED SECURITIES
(TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)
<PAGE>
ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION. FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:
(a) NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR
SUPERVISING AUTHORITY TO WHICH IT IS SUBJECT.
Comptroller of Currency, Washington, D.C.,
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
Washington, D.C., The Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.
(b) WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE
CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.
The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate
trust powers.
ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR. IF THE OBLIGOR
IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH
SUCH AFFILIATION.
No such affiliation exists with the trustee.
ITEM 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS. LIST BELOW ALL EXHIBITS FILED AS A
PART OF THIS STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY.
1. A copy of the articles of association of the
trustee now in effect.*
2. A copy of the certificates of authority of the
trustee to commence business.*
3. A copy of the authorization of the trustee to
exercise corporate trust powers.*
4. A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee.*
5. Not Applicable.
6. The consent of the trustee required by
Section 321(b) of the Act.
7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the
trustee published pursuant to law or the
requirements of its supervising or examining
authority.
2
<PAGE>
8. Not Applicable.
9. Not Applicable.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, the trustee, The First National Bank of Chicago, a national banking
association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of
Chicago and the State of Illinois, on this 15th day of October, 1997.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
TRUSTEE
By /s/ John R. Prendiville
------------------------
John R. Prendiville
Vice President
* EXHIBIT 1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE HEREIN INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO EXHIBITS
BEARING IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL
BANK OF CHICAGO, FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON
FORM S-3 OF SUNAMERICA, INC., FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25, 1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).
3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 6
THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT
October 15, 1997
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Gentlemen:
In connection with the qualification of an indenture between TDS Capital
I and The First National Bank of Chicago, the undersigned, in accordance with
Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, hereby
consents that the reports of examinations of the undersigned, made by Federal
or State authorities authorized to make such examinations, may be furnished
by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its
request therefor.
Very truly yours,
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
By /s/ John R. Prendiville
-------------------------
John R. Prendiville
Vice President
4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 7
Legal Title of Bank: The First National Bank of Chicago Page RC-1
Call Date: 06/30/97
ST-BK: 17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address: One First National Plaza, Ste 0303
City, State Zip: Chicago, IL 60670
FDIC Certificate No.: 0/3/6/1/8
CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL AND STATE-CHARTERED
SAVINGS BANKS FOR JUNE 30, 1997
All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise
indicated, report the amount outstanding as of the last business day of the
quarter.
SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN C400
THOUSANDS RCFD BIL MIL THOU
----------------- ---- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
1. Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule
RC-A):
a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1) . . . . 0081 4,415,563 1.a.
b. Interest-bearing balances(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0071 7,049,275 1.b.
2. Securities
a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A) . . 1754 0 2.a.
b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D). 1773 4,455,173 2.b.
3. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to
resell 1350 4,604,233 3.
4. Loans and lease financing receivables:
a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule
RC-C). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2122 24,185,099 4.a.
b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3123 423,419 4.b.
c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3128 0 4.c.
d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c). . . . . . . . . . . . . 2125 23,761,680 4.d.
5. Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3545 6,930,216 5.
6. Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) . . . . 2145 705,704 6.
7. Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . 2150 7,960 7.
8. Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
companies (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2130 64,504 8.
9. Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding . . 2155 562,251 9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2143 283,716 10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2160 1,997,778 11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2170 54,837,423 12.
</TABLE>
_______________
(1) Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits.
(2) Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.
5
<PAGE>
Legal Title of Bank: The First National Bank of Chicago Page RC-2
Call Date: 06/30/97
ST-BK: 17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address: One First National Plaza, Ste 0303
City, State Zip: Chicago, IL 60670
FDIC Certificate No.: 0/3/6/1/8
SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
THOUSANDS BIL MIL THOU
----------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
from Schedule RC-E, part 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 2200 21,852,164 13.a
(1) Noninterest-bearing(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 6631 9,474,510 13.a.1
(2) Interest-bearing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 6636 12,377,654 13.a.2
b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II). . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFN 2200 13,756,280 13.b.
(1) Noninterest bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFN 6631 330,030 13.b.1
(2) Interest-bearing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFN 6636 13,426,250 13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
to repurchase: RCFD 2800 3,827,159 14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury RCON 2840 40,307 15.a
b. Trading Liabilities(from Schedule RC-D) . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3548 4,985,577 15.b
16. Other borrowed money:
a. With original maturity of one year or less. . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2332 2,337,018 16.a
b. With original maturity of than one year through three years. A547 265,393 16.b
c. With a remaining maturity of more than three years . . . . . A548 322,175 16.c
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding. . . . . RCFD 2920 562,251 18
19. Subordinated notes and debentures (2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3200 1,700,000 19
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G) . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2930 929,875 20
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20) . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2948 50,618,199 21
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus. . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3838 0 23
24. Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3230 200,858 24
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) . . . . RCFD 3839 2,948,616 25
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves. . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3632 1,059,214 26.a.
b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 8434 12,788 26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments. . . . . . . RCFD 3284 (2,252) 27
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27). . . . . . . . RCFD 3210 4,219,224 28
29. Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28). . RCFD 3300 54,837,423 29
Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1. Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below
that best describes the most comprehensive level of auditing work Number
performed for the bank by independent external auditors as of any ------
date during 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 6724 N/A M.1.
1 = Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance 4 = Directors' examination of the bank performed by other
with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified external auditors (may be required by state chartering
public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank authority)
2 = Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company 5 = Review of the bank's financial statements by external
conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing auditors
standards by a certified public accounting firm which 6 = Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
submits a report on the consolidated holding company auditors
(but not on the bank separately) 7 = Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
3 = Directors' examination of the bank conducted in 8 = No external audit work
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
state chartering authority)
</TABLE>
_______________
(1) Includes total demand deposits and noninterest-bearing time and savings
deposits.
(2) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.
6
<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
--------
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2)______
---------------------
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
(EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION 36-0899825
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0126
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
(NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
---------------------
TDS CAPITAL II
(EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE TO BE APPLIED FOR
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
SUITE 4000
30 NORTH LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60602
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
PREFERRED SECURITIES
(TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)
<PAGE>
ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION. FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:
(a) NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR
SUPERVISING AUTHORITY TO WHICH IT IS SUBJECT.
Comptroller of Currency, Washington, D.C.,
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
Washington, D.C., The Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.
(b) WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE
CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.
The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate
trust powers.
ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR. IF THE OBLIGOR
IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH
SUCH AFFILIATION.
No such affiliation exists with the trustee.
ITEM 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS. LIST BELOW ALL EXHIBITS FILED AS A
PART OF THIS STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY.
1. A copy of the articles of association of the
trustee now in effect.*
2. A copy of the certificates of authority of the
trustee to commence business.*
3. A copy of the authorization of the trustee to
exercise corporate trust powers.*
4. A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee.*
5. Not Applicable.
6. The consent of the trustee required by
Section 321(b) of the Act.
7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the
trustee published pursuant to law or the
requirements of its supervising or examining
authority.
2
<PAGE>
8. Not Applicable.
9. Not Applicable.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, the trustee, The First National Bank of Chicago, a national banking
association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of
Chicago and the State of Illinois, on this 15th day of October, 1997.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
TRUSTEE
By /s/ John R. Prendiville
------------------------
John R. Prendiville
Vice President
* EXHIBIT 1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE HEREIN INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO EXHIBITS
BEARING IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL
BANK OF CHICAGO, FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON
FORM S-3 OF SUNAMERICA, INC., FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25, 1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).
3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 6
THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT
October 15, 1997
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Gentlemen:
In connection with the qualification of an indenture between TDS Capital
II and The First National Bank of Chicago, the undersigned, in accordance with
Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, hereby
consents that the reports of examinations of the undersigned, made by Federal
or State authorities authorized to make such examinations, may be furnished
by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its
request therefor.
Very truly yours,
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
By /s/ John R. Prendiville
-------------------------
John R. Prendiville
Vice President
4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 7
Legal Title of Bank: The First National Bank of Chicago Page RC-1
Call Date: 06/30/97
ST-BK: 17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address: One First National Plaza, Ste 0303
City, State Zip: Chicago, IL 60670
FDIC Certificate No.: 0/3/6/1/8
CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL AND STATE-CHARTERED
SAVINGS BANKS FOR JUNE 30, 1997
All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise
indicated, report the amount outstanding as of the last business day of the
quarter.
SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN C400
THOUSANDS RCFD BIL MIL THOU
----------------- ---- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
1. Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule
RC-A):
a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1) . . . . 0081 4,415,563 1.a.
b. Interest-bearing balances(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0071 7,049,275 1.b.
2. Securities
a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A) . . 1754 0 2.a.
b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D). 1773 4,455,173 2.b.
3. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to
resell 1350 4,604,233 3.
4. Loans and lease financing receivables:
a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule
RC-C). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2122 24,185,099 4.a.
b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3123 423,419 4.b.
c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3128 0 4.c.
d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c). . . . . . . . . . . . . 2125 23,761,680 4.d.
5. Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3545 6,930,216 5.
6. Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) . . . . 2145 705,704 6.
7. Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . 2150 7,960 7.
8. Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
companies (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2130 64,504 8.
9. Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding . . 2155 562,251 9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2143 283,716 10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2160 1,997,778 11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2170 54,837,423 12.
</TABLE>
_______________
(1) Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits.
(2) Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.
5
<PAGE>
Legal Title of Bank: The First National Bank of Chicago Page RC-2
Call Date: 06/30/97
ST-BK: 17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address: One First National Plaza, Ste 0303
City, State Zip: Chicago, IL 60670
FDIC Certificate No.: 0/3/6/1/8
SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
THOUSANDS BIL MIL THOU
----------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
from Schedule RC-E, part 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 2200 21,852,164 13.a
(1) Noninterest-bearing(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 6631 9,474,510 13.a.1
(2) Interest-bearing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 6636 12,377,654 13.a.2
b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II). . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFN 2200 13,756,280 13.b.
(1) Noninterest bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFN 6631 330,030 13.b.1
(2) Interest-bearing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFN 6636 13,426,250 13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
to repurchase: RCFD 2800 3,827,159 14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury RCON 2840 40,307 15.a
b. Trading Liabilities(from Schedule RC-D) . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3548 4,985,577 15.b
16. Other borrowed money:
a. With original maturity of one year or less. . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2332 2,337,018 16.a
b. With original maturity of than one year through three years. A547 265,393 16.b
c. With a remaining maturity of more than three years . . . . . A548 322,175 16.c
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding. . . . . RCFD 2920 562,251 18
19. Subordinated notes and debentures (2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3200 1,700,000 19
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G) . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2930 929,875 20
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20) . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2948 50,618,199 21
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus. . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3838 0 23
24. Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3230 200,858 24
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) . . . . RCFD 3839 2,948,616 25
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves. . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3632 1,059,214 26.a.
b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 8434 12,788 26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments. . . . . . . RCFD 3284 (2,252) 27
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27). . . . . . . . RCFD 3210 4,219,224 28
29. Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28). . RCFD 3300 54,837,423 29
Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1. Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below
that best describes the most comprehensive level of auditing work Number
performed for the bank by independent external auditors as of any ------
date during 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 6724 N/A M.1.
1 = Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance 4 = Directors' examination of the bank performed by other
with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified external auditors (may be required by state chartering
public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank authority)
2 = Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company 5 = Review of the bank's financial statements by external
conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing auditors
standards by a certified public accounting firm which 6 = Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
submits a report on the consolidated holding company auditors
(but not on the bank separately) 7 = Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
3 = Directors' examination of the bank conducted in 8 = No external audit work
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
state chartering authority)
</TABLE>
_______________
(1) Includes total demand deposits and noninterest-bearing time and savings
deposits.
(2) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.
6
<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
--------
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2)______
---------------------
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
(EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION 36-0899825
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0126
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
(NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
---------------------
TDS CAPITAL III
(EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE TO BE APPLIED FOR
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
SUITE 4000
30 NORTH LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60602
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
PREFERRED SECURITIES
(TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)
<PAGE>
ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION. FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:
(a) NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR
SUPERVISING AUTHORITY TO WHICH IT IS SUBJECT.
Comptroller of Currency, Washington, D.C.,
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
Washington, D.C., The Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.
(b) WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE
CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.
The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate
trust powers.
ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR. IF THE OBLIGOR
IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH
SUCH AFFILIATION.
No such affiliation exists with the trustee.
ITEM 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS. LIST BELOW ALL EXHIBITS FILED AS A
PART OF THIS STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY.
1. A copy of the articles of association of the
trustee now in effect.*
2. A copy of the certificates of authority of the
trustee to commence business.*
3. A copy of the authorization of the trustee to
exercise corporate trust powers.*
4. A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee.*
5. Not Applicable.
6. The consent of the trustee required by
Section 321(b) of the Act.
7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the
trustee published pursuant to law or the
requirements of its supervising or examining
authority.
2
<PAGE>
8. Not Applicable.
9. Not Applicable.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, the trustee, The First National Bank of Chicago, a national banking
association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of
Chicago and the State of Illinois, on this 15th day of October, 1997.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
TRUSTEE
By /s/ John R. Prendiville
------------------------
John R. Prendiville
Vice President
* EXHIBIT 1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE HEREIN INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO EXHIBITS
BEARING IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL
BANK OF CHICAGO, FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON
FORM S-3 OF SUNAMERICA, INC., FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25, 1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).
3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 6
THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT
October 15, 1997
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Gentlemen:
In connection with the qualification of an indenture between TDS Capital
III and The First National Bank of Chicago, the undersigned, in accordance
with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, hereby
consents that the reports of examinations of the undersigned, made by Federal
or State authorities authorized to make such examinations, may be furnished
by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its
request therefor.
Very truly yours,
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
By /s/ John R. Prendiville
-------------------------
John R. Prendiville
Vice President
4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 7
Legal Title of Bank: The First National Bank of Chicago Page RC-1
Call Date: 06/30/97
ST-BK: 17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address: One First National Plaza, Ste 0303
City, State Zip: Chicago, IL 60670
FDIC Certificate No.: 0/3/6/1/8
CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL AND STATE-CHARTERED
SAVINGS BANKS FOR JUNE 30, 1997
All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise
indicated, report the amount outstanding as of the last business day of the
quarter.
SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
C400
DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN ----
THOUSANDS RCFD BIL MIL THOU
----------------- ---- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
1. Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule
RC-A):
a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1) . . . . 0081 4,415,563 1.a.
b. Interest-bearing balances(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0071 7,049,275 1.b.
2. Securities
a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A) . . 1754 0 2.a.
b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D). 1773 4,455,173 2.b.
3. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to
resell 1350 4,604,233 3.
4. Loans and lease financing receivables:
a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule
RC-C). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2122 24,185,099 4.a.
b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3123 423,419 4.b.
c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3128 0 4.c.
d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c). . . . . . . . . . . . . 2125 23,761,680 4.d.
5. Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3545 6,930,216 5.
6. Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) . . . . 2145 705,704 6.
7. Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . 2150 7,960 7.
8. Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
companies (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2130 64,504 8.
9. Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding . . 2155 562,251 9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2143 283,716 10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2160 1,997,778 11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2170 54,837,423 12.
</TABLE>
_______________
(1) Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits.
(2) Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.
5
<PAGE>
Legal Title of Bank: The First National Bank of Chicago Page RC-2
Call Date: 06/30/97
ST-BK: 17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address: One First National Plaza, Ste 0303
City, State Zip: Chicago, IL 60670
FDIC Certificate No.: 0/3/6/1/8
SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
THOUSANDS BIL MIL THOU
----------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
from Schedule RC-E, part 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 2200 21,852,164 13.a
(1) Noninterest-bearing(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 6631 9,474,510 13.a.1
(2) Interest-bearing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 6636 12,377,654 13.a.2
b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II). . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFN 2200 13,756,280 13.b.
(1) Noninterest bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFN 6631 330,030 13.b.1
(2) Interest-bearing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFN 6636 13,426,250 13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
to repurchase: RCFD 2800 3,827,159 14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury RCON 2840 40,307 15.a
b. Trading Liabilities(from Schedule RC-D) . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3548 4,985,577 15.b
16. Other borrowed money:
a. With original maturity of one year or less. . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2332 2,337,018 16.a
b. With original maturity of than one year through three years. A547 265,393 16.b
c. With a remaining maturity of more than three years . . . . . A548 322,175 16.c
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding. . . . . RCFD 2920 562,251 18
19. Subordinated notes and debentures (2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3200 1,700,000 19
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G) . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2930 929,875 20
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20) . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2948 50,618,199 21
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus. . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3838 0 23
24. Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3230 200,858 24
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) . . . . RCFD 3839 2,948,616 25
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves. . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3632 1,059,214 26.a.
b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 8434 12,788 26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments. . . . . . . RCFD 3284 (2,252) 27
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27). . . . . . . . RCFD 3210 4,219,224 28
29. Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28). . RCFD 3300 54,837,423 29
Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1. Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below
that best describes the most comprehensive level of auditing work Number
performed for the bank by independent external auditors as of any ------
date during 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 6724 N/A M.1.
1 = Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance 4 = Directors' examination of the bank performed by other
with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified external auditors (may be required by state chartering
public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank authority)
2 = Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company 5 = Review of the bank's financial statements by external
conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing auditors
standards by a certified public accounting firm which 6 = Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
submits a report on the consolidated holding company auditors
(but not on the bank separately) 7 = Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
3 = Directors' examination of the bank conducted in 8 = No external audit work
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
state chartering authority)
</TABLE>
_______________
(1) Includes total demand deposits and noninterest-bearing time and savings
deposits.
(2) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.
6
<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2)_________
________________________________
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
(EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION 36-0899825
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0126
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
(NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
________________________________
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
IOWA 36-2669023
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
SUITE 4000
30 NORTH LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60602
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
GUARANTEE OF PREFERRED SECURITIES OF
TDS CAPITAL I
(TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)
<PAGE>
ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION. FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:
(a) NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR
SUPERVISING AUTHORITY TO WHICH IT IS SUBJECT.
Comptroller of Currency, Washington, D.C.,
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
Washington, D.C., The Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.
(b) WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE
CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.
The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate
trust powers.
ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR. IF THE OBLIGOR
IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH
SUCH AFFILIATION.
No such affiliation exists with the trustee.
ITEM 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS. LIST BELOW ALL EXHIBITS FILED AS A
PART OF THIS STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY.
1. A copy of the articles of association of the
trustee now in effect.*
2. A copy of the certificates of authority of the
trustee to commence business.*
3. A copy of the authorization of the trustee to
exercise corporate trust powers.*
4. A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee.*
5. Not Applicable.
6. The consent of the trustee required by
Section 321(b) of the Act.
7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the
trustee published pursuant to law or the
requirements of its supervising or examining
authority.
2
<PAGE>
8. Not Applicable.
9. Not Applicable.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, the trustee, The First National Bank of Chicago, a national banking
association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Chicago
and the State of Illinois, on this 15th day of October, 1997.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
TRUSTEE
By /s/ John R. Prendiville
John R. Prendiville
Vice President
* EXHIBIT 1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE HEREIN INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO EXHIBITS
BEARING IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL
BANK OF CHICAGO, FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON
FORM S-3 OF SUNAMERICA, INC., FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25, 1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).
3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 6
THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT
October 15, 1997
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Gentlemen:
In connection with the qualification of a guarantee agreement
between Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. and The First National Bank
of Chicago, the undersigned, in accordance with Section 321(b) of the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, hereby consents that the
reports of examinations of the undersigned, made by Federal or State
authorities authorized to make such examinations, may be furnished by
such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its
request therefor.
Very truly yours,
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
By /s/ John R. Prendiville
John R. Prendiville
Vice President
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Legal Title of Bank: The First National Bank of Chicago Call Date: 06/30/97 ST-BK: 17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address: One First National Plaza, Ste 0303 Page RC-1
City, State Zip: Chicago, IL 60670
FDIC Certificate No.: 0/3/6/1/8
CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR JUNE 30, 1997
All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise indicated, report the amount
outstanding as of the last business day of the quarter.
SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN C400
THOUSANDS RCFD BIL MIL THOU
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
1. Cash and balances due from depository institutions
(from Schedule RC-A):
a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1) . . . . 0081 4,415,563 1.a.
b. Interest-bearing balances(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0071 7,049,275 1.b.
2. Securities
a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A) . . 1754 0 2.a.
b. Available-for-sale securities
(from Schedule RC-B, column D). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1773 4,455,173 2.b.
3. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under
agreements to resell 1350 4,604,233 3.
4. Loans and lease financing receivables:
a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income
(from Schedule RC-C). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2122 24,185,099 4.a.
b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3123 423,419 4.b.
c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3128 0 4.c.
d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c). . . . . . . . . . . . . 2125 23,761,680 4.d.
5. Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3545 6,930,216 5.
6. Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) . . . . 2145 705,704 6.
7. Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . 2150 7,960 7.
8. Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
companies (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2130 64,504 8.
9. Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding . . 2155 562,251 9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2143 283,716 10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2160 1,997,778 11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2170 54,837,423 12.
</TABLE>
___________________
(1) Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits.
(2) Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.
5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Legal Title of Bank: The First National Bank of Chicago Call Date: 06/30/97 ST-BK: 17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address: One First National Plaza, Ste 0303 Page RC-1
City, State Zip: Chicago, IL 60670
FDIC Certificate No.: 0/3/6/1/8
SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
THOUSANDS BIL MIL THOU
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
from Schedule RC-E, part 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 2200 21,852,164 13.a
(1) Noninterest-bearing(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 6631 9,474,510 13.a.1
(2) Interest-bearing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 6636 12,377,654 13.a.2
b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II). . . . . . . . . . . RCFN 2200 13,756,280 13.b.
(1) Noninterest bearing . . . . . . . . . RCFN 6631 330,030 13.b.1
(2) Interest-bearing. . . . . . . . . RCFN 6636 13,426,250 13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
to repurchase: RCFD 2800 3,827,159 14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury RCON 2840 40,307 15.a
b. Trading Liabilities(from Schedule RC-D) . . . . . . . . RCFD 3548 4,985,577 15.b
16. Other borrowed money:
a. With original maturity of one year or less. . . . . . . RCFD 2332 2,337,018 16.a
b. With original maturity of than one year through
three years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A547 265,393 16.b
c. With a remaining maturity of more than three years. . . A548 322,175
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding. . RCFD 2920 562,251 18
19. Subordinated notes and debentures (2). . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3200 1,700,000 19
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G) . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2930 929,875 20
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20) . . . . . . RCFD 2948 50,618,199 21
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus. . . . . . . RCFD 3838 0 23
24. Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3230 200,858 24
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) . RCFD 3839 2,948,616 25
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves. . . . . . . . . RCFD 3632 1,059,214 26.a.
b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on
available-for-sale securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 8434 12,788 26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments. . . . RCFD 3284 (2,252) 27
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27). . . . . RCFD 3210 4,219,224 28
29. Total liabilities and equity capital
(sum of items 21 and 28) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3300 54,837,423 29
Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1. Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below
that best describes the most comprehensive level of auditing work
performed for the bank by independent external Number
auditors as of any date during 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 6724 / N/A. / M.1.
1 = Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance 4 = Directors' examination of the bank performed by other
with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified external auditors (may be required by state chartering
public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank authority)
2 = Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company 5 = Review of the bank's financial statements by external
conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing auditors
standards by a certified public accounting firm which 6 = Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
submits a report on the consolidated holding company auditors
(but not on the bank separately) 7 = Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
3 = Directors' examination of the bank conducted in 8 = No external audit work
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
state chartering authority)
___________________
(1) Includes total demand deposits and noninterest-bearing time and savings deposits.
(2) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2) ________
__________________________
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
(EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION 36-0899825
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0126
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
(NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
__________________________
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
IOWA 36-2669023
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
SUITE 4000
30 NORTH LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60602
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
GUARANTEE OF PREFERRED SECURITIES OF
TDS CAPITAL II
(TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)
<PAGE>
ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION. FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:
(a) NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR
SUPERVISING AUTHORITY TO WHICH IT IS SUBJECT.
Comptroller of Currency, Washington, D.C.,
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
Washington, D.C., The Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.
(b) WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE
CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.
The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate
trust powers.
ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR. IF THE OBLIGOR
IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH
SUCH AFFILIATION.
No such affiliation exists with the trustee.
ITEM 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS. LIST BELOW ALL EXHIBITS FILED AS A
PART OF THIS STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY.
1. A copy of the articles of association of the
trustee now in effect.*
2. A copy of the certificates of authority of the
trustee to commence business.*
3. A copy of the authorization of the trustee to
exercise corporate trust powers.*
4. A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee.*
5. Not Applicable.
6. The consent of the trustee required by
Section 321(b) of the Act.
7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the
trustee published pursuant to law or the
requirements of its supervising or examining
authority.
2
<PAGE>
8. Not Applicable.
9. Not Applicable.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, the trustee, The First National Bank of Chicago, a national banking
association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Chicago
and the State of Illinois, on this 15th day of October, 1997.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
TRUSTEE
By /s/ John R. Prendiville
John R. Prendiville
Vice President
* EXHIBIT 1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE HEREIN INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO EXHIBITS
BEARING IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL
BANK OF CHICAGO, FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON
FORM S-3 OF SUNAMERICA, INC., FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25, 1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).
3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 6
THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT
October 15, 1997
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Gentlemen:
In connection with the qualification of a guarantee agreement between
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. and The First National Bank of Chicago, the
undersigned, in accordance with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended, hereby consents that the reports of examinations of the
undersigned, made by Federal or State authorities authorized to make such
examinations, may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and
Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.
Very truly yours,
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
By /s/ John R. Prendiville
John R. Prendiville
Vice President
4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Legal Title of Bank: The First National Bank of Chicago Call Date: 06/30/97 ST-BK: 17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address: One First National Plaza, Ste 0303 Page RC-1
City, State Zip: Chicago, IL 60670
FDIC Certificate No.: 0/3/6/1/8
CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR JUNE 30, 1997
All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise
indicated, report the amount outstanding as of the last business day of the quarter.
SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN C400
THOUSANDS RCFD BIL MIL THOU
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
1. Cash and balances due from depository institutions
(from Schedule RC-A):
a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1) . . . . 0081 4,415,563 1.a.
b. Interest-bearing balances(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0071 7.049,275 1.b.
2. Securities
a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A) . . 1754 0 2.a.
b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B,
column D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1773 4,455,173 2.b.
3. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to
resell 1350 4,604,233 3.
4. Loans and lease financing receivables:
a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income
(from Schedule RC-C). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2122 24,185,099 4.a.
b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3123 423,419 4.b.
c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3128 0 4.c.
d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c). . . . . . . . . . . . . 2125 23,761,680 4.d.
5. Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3545 6,930,216 5.
6. Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) . . . . 2145 705,704 6.
7. Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . 2150 7,960 7.
8. Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
companies (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2130 64,504 8.
9. Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding . . 2155 562,251 9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2143 283,716 10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2160 1,997,778 11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2170 54,837,423 12.
___________________
(1) Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits.
(2) Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Legal Title of Bank: The First National Bank of Chicago Call Date: 06/30/97 ST-BK: 17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address: One First National Plaza, Ste 0303 Page RC-2
City, State Zip: Chicago, IL 60670
FDIC Certificate No.: 0/3/6/1/8
SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
THOUSANDS BIL MIL THOU
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
from Schedule RC-E, part 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 2200 21,852,164 13.a
(1) Noninterest-bearing(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 6631 9,474,510 13.a.1
(2) Interest-bearing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 6636 12,377,654 13.a.2
b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II). . . . . . . . . . RCFN 2200 13,756,280 13.b.
(1) Noninterest bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFN 6631 330,030 13.b.1
(2) Interest-bearing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFN 6636 13,426,250 13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
to repurchase: RCFD 2800 3,827,159 14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury RCON 2840 40,307 15.a
b. Trading Liabilities(from Schedule RC-D) . . . . . . . RCFD 3548 4,985,577 15.b
16. Other borrowed money:
a. With original maturity of one year or less. . . . . . RCFD 2332 2,337,018 16.a
b. With original maturity of than one year through
three years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A547 265,393 16.b
c. With a remaining maturity of more than three years . A548 322,175 16.c
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding. RCFD 2920 562,251 18
19. Subordinated notes and debentures (2). . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3200 1,700,000 19
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G) . . . RCFD 2930 929,875 20
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20) . . . . RCFD 2948 50,618,199 21
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus. . . . . RCFD 3838 0 23
24. Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3230 200,858 24
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related
to preferred stock). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3839 2,948,616 25
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves. . . . . . . RCFD 3632 1,059,214 26.a.
b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on
available-for-sale securities . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 8434 12,788 26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments. . RCFD 3284 (2,252) 27
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27). . . RCFD 3210 4,219,224 28
29. Total liabilities and equity capital
(sum of items 21 and 28) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3300 54,837,423 29
Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1. Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below
that best describes the most comprehensive level of auditing work
performed for the bank by independent external Number
auditors as of any date during 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 6724 / N/A / M.1.
1 = Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance 4 = Directors' examination of the bank performed by other
with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified external auditors (may be required by state chartering
public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank authority)
2 = Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company 5 = Review of the bank's financial statements by external
conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing auditors
standards by a certified public accounting firm which 6 = Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
submits a report on the consolidated holding company auditors
(but not on the bank separately) 7 = Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
3 = Directors' examination of the bank conducted in 8 = No external audit work
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
state chartering authority)
___________________
(1) Includes total demand deposits and noninterest-bearing time and savings deposits.
(2) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2)________
________________________
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
(EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION 36-0899825
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0126
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA, SUITE 0286
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0286
ATTN: LYNN A. GOLDSTEIN, LAW DEPARTMENT (312) 732-6919
(NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
________________________
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
IOWA 36-2669023
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
SUITE 4000
30 NORTH LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60602
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
GUARANTEE OF PREFERRED SECURITIES OF
TDS CAPITAL III
(TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES)
<PAGE>
ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION. FURNISH THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:
(a) NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR
SUPERVISING AUTHORITY TO WHICH IT IS SUBJECT.
Comptroller of Currency, Washington, D.C.,
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
Washington, D.C., The Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C.
(b) WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE
CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.
The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate
trust powers.
ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR. IF THE OBLIGOR
IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH
SUCH AFFILIATION.
No such affiliation exists with the trustee.
ITEM 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS. LIST BELOW ALL EXHIBITS FILED AS A
PART OF THIS STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY.
1. A copy of the articles of association of the
trustee now in effect.*
2. A copy of the certificates of authority of the
trustee to commence business.*
3. A copy of the authorization of the trustee to
exercise corporate trust powers.*
4. A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee.*
5. Not Applicable.
6. The consent of the trustee required by
Section 321(b) of the Act.
7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the
trustee published pursuant to law or the
requirements of its supervising or examining
authority.
2
<PAGE>
8. Not Applicable.
9. Not Applicable.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, the trustee, The First National Bank of Chicago, a national banking
association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Chicago
and the State of Illinois, on this 15th day of October, 1997.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
TRUSTEE
By /s/ John R. Prendiville
John R. Prendiville
Vice President
* EXHIBIT 1, 2, 3 AND 4 ARE HEREIN INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO EXHIBITS
BEARING IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF THE FIRST NATIONAL
BANK OF CHICAGO, FILED AS EXHIBIT 25.1 TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON
FORM S-3 OF SUNAMERICA, INC., FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 25, 1996 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-14201).
3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 6
THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED
BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT
October 15, 1997
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Gentlemen:
In connection with the qualification of a guarantee agreement between
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. and The First National Bank of Chicago, the
undersigned, in accordance with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended, hereby consents that the reports of examinations of the
undersigned, made by Federal or State authorities authorized to make such
examinations, may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and
Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.
Very truly yours,
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
By /s/ John R. Prendiville
John R. Prendiville
Vice President
4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Legal Title of Bank: The First National Bank of Chicago Call Date: 06/30/97 ST-BK: 17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address: One First National Plaza, Ste 0303 Page RC-1
City, State Zip: Chicago, IL 60670
FDIC Certificate No.: 0/3/6/1/8
CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR JUNE 30, 1997
All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise indicated, report the amount
outstanding as of the last business day of the quarter.
SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN C400
THOUSANDS RCFD BIL MIL THOU
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
1. Cash and balances due from depository institutions
(from Schedule RC-A):
a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1) . . . . 0081 4,415,563 1.a.
b. Interest-bearing balances(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0071 7,049,275 1.b.
2. Securities
a. Held-to-maturity securities(from Schedule RC-B, column A) . . 1754 0 2.a.
b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B,
column D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1773 4,455,173 2.b.
3. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under
agreements to resell 1350 4,604,233 3.
4. Loans and lease financing receivables:
a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income
(from Schedule RC-C). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2122 24,185,099 4.a.
b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3123 423,419 4.b.
c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3128 0 4.c.
d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and
reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c). . . . . . . . . . . . . 2125 23,761,680 4.d.
5. Trading assets (from Schedule RD-D). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3545 6,930,216 5.
6. Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) . . . . 2145 705,704 6.
7. Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . 2150 7,960 7.
8. Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated
companies (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2130 64,504 8.
9. Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding . . 2155 562,251 9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2143 283,716 10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2160 1,997,778 11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2170 54,837,423 12.
___________________
(1) Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits.
(2) Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Legal Title of Bank: The First National Bank of Chicago Call Date: 06/30/97 ST-BK: 17-1630 FFIEC 031
Address: One First National Plaza, Ste 0303 Page RC-2
City, State Zip: Chicago, IL 60670
FDIC Certificate No.: 0/3/6/1/8
SCHEDULE RC-CONTINUED
DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN
THOUSANDS BIL MIL THOU
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C
from Schedule RC-E, part 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 2200 21,852,164 13.a
(1) Noninterest-bearing(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 6631 9,474,510 13.a.1
(2) Interest-bearing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCON 6636 12,377,654 13.a.2
b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and
IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II). . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFN 2200 13,756,280 13.b.
(1) Noninterest bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFN 6631 330,030 13.b.1
(2) Interest-bearing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFN 6636 13,426,250 13.b.2
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
to repurchase: RCFD 2800 3,827,159 14
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury RCON 2840 40,307 15.a
b. Trading Liabilities(from Schedule RC-D) . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3548 4,985,577 15.b
16. Other borrowed money:
a. With original maturity of one year or less. . . . . . . . . RCFD 2332 2,337,018 16.a
b. With original maturity of than one year
through three years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A547 265,393 16.b
c. With a remaining maturity of more than three years . . . . A548 322,175 16.c
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptance executed and outstanding. . . . RCFD 2920 562,251 18
19. Subordinated notes and debentures (2). . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3200 1,700,000 19
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G) . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 2930 929,875 20
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20) . . . . . . . . RCFD 2948 50,618,199 21
22. Not applicable
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus. . . . . . . . . RCFD 3838 0 23
24. Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3230 200,858 24
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) . . . RCFD 3839 2,948,616 25
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves. . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 3632 1,059,214 26.a.
b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on
available-for-sale securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 8434 12,788 26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments. . . . . . RCFD 3284 (2,252) 27
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27). . . . . . . RCFD 3210 4,219,224 28
29. Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28). RCFD 3300 54,837,423 29
Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1. Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below
that best describes the most comprehensive level of auditing work
performed for the bank by independent external Number
auditors as of any date during 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . RCFD 6724 / N/A. / M.1.
1 = Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance 4 = Directors' examination of the bank performed by other
with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified external auditors (may be required by state chartering
public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank authority)
2 = Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company 5 = Review of the bank's financial statements by external
conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing auditors
standards by a certified public accounting firm which 6 = Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
submits a report on the consolidated holding company auditors
(but not on the bank separately) 7 = Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
3 = Directors' examination of the bank conducted in 8 = No external audit work
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
state chartering authority)
___________________
(1) Includes total demand deposits and noninterest-bearing time and savings deposits.
(2) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.
</TABLE>
