As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2006

Registration No. 333-          

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

General Cable Corporation*

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

*(and certain subsidiaries identified as Co-Registrants in the Table of Co-Registrants appearing below)

 

 

 

Copies to:

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:  From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.  

 

If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.  o

 

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.  þ

 

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 earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o

 

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o

 

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  þ

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  o

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

footnotes on the following page

 

footnotes to table on the previous page

 

 

TABLE OF CO-REGISTRANTS

 

 

The address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of each Co-Registrant’s principal executive offices is 4 Tesseneer Drive, Highland Heights, Kentucky 41076, (859) 572-8000.

 

The name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of the agent for service of process of each Co-Registrant is Robert J. Siverd, Esq., c/o General Cable Corporation, 4 Tesseneer Drive, Highland Heights, Kentucky 41076, (859) 572-8000.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED NOVEMBER 8, 2006

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

 

$315,000,000

 

 

General Cable Corporation

 

     % Senior Convertible Notes due 2013

 

 

 

 

The Offering:

 

      The notes will bear interest at the rate of     % per year. We will pay interest on the notes on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on May 15, 2007. The notes will mature on November 15, 2013. The notes will be our unsecured senior obligations and will rank equal in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness and senior to any future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the notes. The notes will be effectively subordinated to our secured indebtedness. The notes will be guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by each of our subsidiaries that is a borrower or a guarantor under any U.S. senior credit facility or under our 9.5% senior notes due 2010.

 

Convertibility of the Notes:

 

      Holders may convert their notes based on a conversion rate of      shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (which is equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $      per share), subject to adjustment, only under the following circumstances: (1) if the closing price of our common stock reaches, or the trading price of the notes falls below, specified thresholds, (2) if specified distributions to holders of our common stock occur, (3) if a fundamental change occurs or (4) during the period from, and including, October 15, 2013 to, but excluding, the stated maturity date.

 

      Upon conversion, in lieu of shares of our common stock, for each $1,000 principal amount of notes converted, a holder will receive an amount in cash equal to the lesser of $1,000 or the conversion value, determined in the manner set forth in this prospectus, of the number of shares of our common stock equal to the conversion rate. If the conversion value exceeds $1,000, we will also deliver, at our election, cash or common stock or a combination of cash and common stock with respect to such excess amount. If a holder elects to convert its notes in connection with certain fundamental changes, we will pay, to the extent described in this prospectus, a make whole premium by increasing the conversion rate applicable to such notes.

 

      Our common stock is quoted on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BGC.” On November 6, 2006, the closing price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $39.93 per share.

 

      Purchase of Notes by Us for Cash at the Option of Holders Upon a Fundamental Change:

 

      If we experience a fundamental change, holders may require us to purchase for cash all or a portion of their notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change purchase date.

 

      Investing in the notes involves risks that are described in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 10 of this prospectus.

 

 

      The underwriters may also purchase up to an additional $45,000,000 principal amount of notes from us at the public offering price, plus accrued interest from November   , 2006, less the underwriting discount, within 13 days from the date of this prospectus to cover over-allotments, if any.

 

      Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

      The notes will be ready for delivery in book-entry form only through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company on or about November   , 2006.

 

 

The date of this prospectus is November   , 2006.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

This prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about us that is not included in or delivered with this prospectus. Information incorporated by reference is available without charge to prospective investors upon written request to us at General Cable Corporation, 4 Tesseneer Drive, Highland Heights, Kentucky 41076-9753, Attention: Chief Financial Officer, or by telephone at (859) 572-8000.

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized any other person to provide you with different or additional information. If anyone provides you with different or additional information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer or sale of securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate as of the date appearing on the front cover of this prospectus only. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

 

We have not taken any action to permit an offering of the notes outside the United States or to permit the possession or distribution of this prospectus outside the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about and observe any restrictions relating to the offering of the notes and the distribution of this prospectus outside of the United States.

 

You must comply with all applicable laws and regulations in force in any applicable jurisdiction and you must obtain any consent, approval or permission required by you for the purchase, offer or sale of the notes under the laws and regulations in force in the jurisdiction to which you are subject or in which you make your purchase, offer or sale, and neither we nor the underwriters will have any responsibility therefor.

 

We reserve the right to withdraw this offering of notes at any time. We and the underwriters also reserve the right to reject any offer to purchase, in whole or in part, for any reason, or to sell less than the amount of notes offered hereby.

 

Certain persons participating in this offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the notes or our common stock. Such transactions may include stabilization and the purchase of notes to cover short positions. For a description of these activities, see “Underwriting.”

 

This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are those that predict or describe future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters. You can generally identify forward-looking statements as statements containing the words “believe,” “expect,” “will,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “assume,” “seek to” or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We commonly use forward-looking statements throughout this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein regarding the following subjects:

 

 

Actual results may differ materially from those statements as a result of factors, risks and uncertainties over many of which we have no control. These factors include, without limitation:

 

 

 

You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements because the matters they describe are subject to risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our forward-looking statements are based on the information currently available to us and are applicable only as of the date on the cover of this prospectus or, in the case of forward-looking statements incorporated by reference, as of the date of the filing that includes the statement. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these matters or how they may affect us. Over time, our actual results, performance or achievements will likely differ from the anticipated results, performance or achievements that are expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, and such difference might be significant and materially adverse to our stockholders and holders of the notes. Such factors include, without limitation, the following:

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

	•	North American electric utility;
	•	International electric utility;
	•	North American portable power and control;
	•	North American electrical infrastructure;
	•	International electrical infrastructure;
	•	Transportation and industrial harnesses;
	•	Telecommunications; and
	•	Networking

						For the Nine Fiscal
		For the Fiscal Year				Months Ended
		Ended December 31, 2005				September 29, 2006
		Percentage of				Percentage of
Reportable Segment		Net Sales				Net Sales
North American electric utility			24	%			22	%
International electric utility			12	%			16	%
North American portable power and control			10	%			8	%
North American electrical infrastructure			8	%			9	%
International electrical infrastructure			19	%			24	%
Transportation and industrial harnesses			5	%			3	%
Telecommunications			13	%			10	%
Networking			9	%			8	%
Total net sales			100	%			100	%

		Three Fiscal Months Ended								Nine Fiscal Months Ended
		September 30,				September 29,				September 30,				September 29,
		2005				2006				2005				2006
Net sales		$	600.5			$	948.4			$	1,763.3			$	2,739.8
Net income			4.2				37.1				25.0				100.0
Earnings per common share — assuming dilution		$	0.07			$	0.71			$	0.49			$	1.93

Notes Offered		$315.0 million in aggregate principal amount of senior convertible notes due 2013, or $360.0 million in aggregate principal amount if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional notes. See “Underwriting — Option.”
Maturity Date		November 15, 2013.
Interest and Payment Dates		% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning May 15, 2007.
Guarantees		The notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured senior basis, by each of our subsidiaries that is a borrower or guarantor under any U.S. senior credit facility or under our 9.5% senior notes due 2010. See “Description of Notes — Guarantees.”
Conversion Rights		Holders may convert their notes prior to the close of business on the business day before the stated maturity date based on the applicable conversion rate only under the following circumstances:
		•     during any calendar quarter beginning after March 31, 2007, and only during such calendar quarter, if the closing price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in the 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is more than 130% of the conversion price per share (which conversion price per share is equal to $1,000 divided by the then applicable conversion rate);
		•     during the five business day period after any period of five consecutive trading days in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes for each day of that period was less than 98% of the product of the closing price of our common stock for each day of that period and the then applicable conversion rate;
		•     if specified distributions to holders of our common stock are made, or specified corporate transactions occur;
		•     if a fundamental change occurs; or
		•     at any time beginning on October 15, 2013 and ending at the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date.
		The initial conversion rate is           shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes. This is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $      per share of common stock.
		Upon conversion of each $1,000 principal amount of notes, a holder will receive, in lieu of common stock, an amount in cash equal to the lesser of (1) $1,000 or (2) the conversion value,

		determined in the manner set forth in this prospectus, of a number of shares equal to the conversion rate. If the conversion value exceeds $1,000, we will also deliver, at our election, cash or common stock or a combination of cash and common stock with respect to the value of such excess amount.
Make Whole Premium		If a holder elects to convert its notes in connection with certain transactions occurring on or before the maturity date that constitute a fundamental change, we will pay, as and to the extent described in this prospectus, a make whole premium on notes converted in connection with such transactions by increasing the conversion rate applicable to the notes.
		The amount of the increase in the applicable conversion rate, if any, will be based on the price of our common stock paid, or deemed paid, in the transaction and the effective date of the fundamental change. A description of how the increase in the applicable conversion rate will be determined and a table showing the increase that would apply at various common stock prices and fundamental change effective dates are set forth under “Description of Notes — Determination of Make Whole Premium.”
Purchase of Notes by Us for Cash at the Option of Holders Upon a Fundamental Change		Upon specified fundamental change events, holders will have the option to require us to purchase for cash all or any portion of their notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change purchase date. See “Description of Notes — Purchase of Notes by Us for Cash at the Option of Holders Upon a Fundamental Change.”
Ranking		The notes will be our unsecured senior obligations and will:
		•     rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness;
		•     be senior in right of payment to any of our future subordinated debt;
		•     be effectively subordinated to all of our existing and any future secured debt, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt; and
		•     be effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, of our subsidiaries that do not guarantee the notes.
		As of September 29, 2006, after giving effect to this offering and the use of proceeds of this offering as described in “Use of Proceeds,” we would have had on a pro forma basis $58.4 million of secured debt and $644.9 million of senior unsecured debt outstanding, and our non-guarantor subsidiaries would have had outstanding $800.1 million of liabilities, excluding intercompany liabilities.
		The terms of the indenture under which the notes are issued do not limit our ability or the ability of our subsidiaries to incur additional debt, including secured debt.

Use of Proceeds		We estimate that the net proceeds from the offering of the notes will be $306.9 million ($350.9 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional notes).
		We intend to use (1) approximately $61.4 million of the net proceeds from this offering to repay outstanding amounts of principal and interest under our senior secured credit facility; and (2) $      million to fund the net cost of convertible note hedge transactions to be entered into with one or more of the participating underwriters or their affiliates. The remainder of the net proceeds of this offering will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include funding the potential expansion of our business in the United States and into foreign countries, and the potential acquisition of other complementary businesses. Amounts used to repay our senior secured credit facility may be reborrowed. See “Use of Proceeds.”
DTC Eligibility		The notes will be issued in fully registered book-entry form and will be represented by one or more permanent global notes without coupons. Global notes will be deposited with a custodian for, and registered in the name of a nominee of, The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, in New York, New York. Beneficial interests in global notes will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC and its direct and indirect participants, and your interest in the global notes may not be exchanged for certificated notes, except in limited circumstances described in this prospectus. See “Description of Notes — Global Notes; Book-Entry Form.”
Form and Denomination		The notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $1,000 and in any integral multiple of $1,000.
Trading		The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or quoted through any automated quotation system. The notes will be new securities for which there is currently no public market.
NYSE Trading Symbol for Common Stock		Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BGC.”
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations		See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” for a discussion of the tax considerations applicable to the purchase, ownership and conversion of the notes.
Risk Factors		See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 10 of this prospectus and other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus for a discussion of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in the notes.

														Nine Fiscal Months Ended
		Years Ended December 31,												September 30,				September 29,
		2003				2004				2005(1)				2005				2006
														(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)
Statement of Operations Information: (in millions, except per share information)
Net sales:
North American electric utility		$	380.9			$	463.5			$	563.6			$	419.9			$	589.1
International electric utility			179.3				242.2				286.0				202.3				426.5
North American portable power and control			128.1				175.2				226.0				167.3				225.6
North American electrical infrastructure			131.5				147.4				198.0				143.8				238.6
International electrical infrastructure			241.4				373.8				453.0				334.7				656.7
Transportation and industrial harnesses			101.4				114.1				112.8				87.3				87.9
Telecommunications			221.4				280.1				319.1				244.4				281.6
Networking			154.4				174.4				222.3				163.6				233.8
Total net sales			1,538.4				1,970.7				2,380.8				1,763.3				2,739.8
Cost of sales			1,365.0				1,756.0				2,110.1				1,564.7				2,390.7
Gross profit			173.4				214.7				270.7				198.6				349.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses			127.7				158.2				172.2				129.1				170.7
Operating income			45.7				56.5				98.5				69.5				178.4
Other income (expense)			1.5				(1.2	)			(0.5	)			—				0.7
Interest expense, net			(43.1	)			(35.9	)			(37.0	)			(28.9	)			(28.8	)
Other financial costs			(6.0	)			—				—				—				—
Income (loss) from continuing operations
before taxes			(1.9	)			19.4				61.0				40.6				150.3
Income tax benefit (provision)			(2.9	)			18.1				(21.8	)			(15.6	)			(50.3	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations			(4.8	)			37.5				39.2				25.0				100.0
Income on disposal of discontinued operations			—				0.4				—				—				—
Net income (loss)		$	(4.8	)		$	37.9			$	39.2			$	25.0			$	100.0
Less: Series A preferred stock dividends			(0.6	)			(6.0	)			(22.0	)			(4.5	)			(0.3	)
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders		$	(5.4	)		$	31.9			$	17.2			$	20.5			$	99.7
Earnings (loss) of continuing operations per common share — basic		$	(0.16	)		$	0.81			$	0.42			$	0.52			$	2.00
Earnings (loss) of continuing operations per common share — assuming dilution		$	(0.16	)		$	0.75			$	0.41			$	0.49			$	1.93
Earnings (loss) of discontinued operations per common share — basic		$	—			$	0.01			$	—			$	—			$	—
Earnings (loss) of discontinued operations per common share — assuming dilution		$	—			$	0.01			$	—			$	—			$	—
Earnings (loss) per common share — basic		$	(0.16	)		$	0.82			$	0.42			$	0.52			$	2.00
Earnings (loss) per common share — assuming dilution		$	(0.16	)		$	0.75			$	0.41			$	0.49			$	1.93
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic			33.6				39.0				41.1				39.5				49.8
Weighted average shares outstanding — assuming dilution			33.6				50.3				41.9				50.9				51.9

		December 31,												September 29,
		2003				2004				2005(1)				2006
														(Unaudited)
Balance Sheet Information:
(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents		$	25.1			$	36.4			$	72.2			$	80.4
Working capital(2)		$	236.6			$	298.0			$	378.6			$	465.9
Property, plant and equipment, net		$	333.3			$	356.0			$	366.4			$	400.4
Total assets		$	1,060.1			$	1,239.3			$	1,523.2			$	1,959.8
Total debt		$	340.4			$	374.9			$	451.6			$	449.6
Net debt(3)		$	315.3			$	338.5			$	379.4			$	369.2
Shareholders’ equity		$	240.1			$	301.4			$	293.3			$	439.2

														Nine Fiscal Months Ended
		Year Ended December 31,												September 30,				September 29,
		2003				2004				2005(1)				2005				2006
														(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)
Other Financial Information: (in millions, except ratio and metals data)
Cash flows of operating activities		$	(14.5	)		$	12.5			$	121.0			$	74.9			$	94.1
Cash flows of investing activities		$	(19.7	)		$	(36.3	)		$	(130.5	)		$	(29.2	)		$	(73.5	)
Cash flows of financing activities		$	27.2			$	28.8			$	52.5			$	(25.2	)		$	(14.6	)
Depreciation and amortization		$	33.4			$	35.4			$	51.0			$	43.6			$	38.3
Capital expenditures		$	(19.1	)		$	(37.0	)		$	(42.6	)		$	(25.7	)		$	(46.5	)
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(4)			—				1.2	x			1.4	x			1.8	x			5.5	x
Average daily COMEX price per pound of copper cathode		$	0.81			$	1.29			$	1.68			$	1.57			$	3.06
Average daily selling price per pound of aluminum rod		$	0.69			$	0.85			$	0.92			$	0.90			$	1.20

(1)		This period includes the preliminary opening balance sheet for Silec, the wire and cable business of Safran SA, and Beru S.A. as of December 31, 2005. Due to the purchase dates, the effects of the acquisitions on the statement of operations’ information were not material.
(2)		Working capital means current assets less current liabilities.
(3)		Net debt means our total debt less cash and cash equivalents.
(4)		For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of income from continuing operations before income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges include: (i) interest expense, whether expensed or capitalized; (ii) amortization of debt issuance cost; (iii) the portion of rental expense representative of the interest factor; and (iv) the amount of pretax earnings required to cover preferred stock dividends and any accretion in the carrying value of the preferred stock. For the year ended December 31, 2003, earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $2.1 million.

Convertible Note Hedge and Warrant Transactions

 

We will enter into convertible note hedges with one or more of the participating underwriters or their affiliates. The convertible note hedges are comprised of purchased call options and sold warrants. The purchased call options are expected to reduce our exposure to potential dilution upon the conversion of the notes. We will also enter into warrant transactions with such participating underwriters or their affiliates. We anticipate that the sold warrants will have an exercise price that is approximately 76% higher than the closing price of our common stock on the date the notes are priced. The sold warrants are expected to provide us with some protection against increases in our stock price over the conversion price per share. If the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in whole or in part, the parties will amend these transactions accordingly. We will use an aggregate of approximately $      million of the net proceeds of the offering of the notes to fund the net cost of these hedging transactions. See “Use of Proceeds.” In connection with these transactions, the participating underwriters, or their affiliates:

 

 

These activities may have the effect of increasing, or preventing a decline in, the market price of our common stock concurrently with or following the pricing of the notes. In addition, any hedging transactions by the participating underwriters or any of their affiliates following the pricing of the notes, including during any conversion reference period, may have an adverse impact on the trading price of our common stock. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Notes — Our convertible note hedge and warrant transactions may affect the value of the notes and the trading price of our common stock” and “Underwriting — Other Relationships.”

 

These activities may have the effect of increasing, or preventing a decline in, the market price of our common stock concurrently with or following the pricing of the notes. In addition, any hedging transactions by the participating underwriters, or their affiliates, following the pricing of the notes, including during any conversion reference period, may have an adverse impact on the trading price of our common stock. The participating underwriters, or their affiliates, are likely to modify their hedge positions from time to time prior to conversion or maturity of the notes by purchasing and selling shares of our common stock, other of our securities, or other instruments, including over-the-counter derivative instruments, that they may wish to use in connection with such hedging. In particular, such hedging modifications may occur during a conversion reference period, which may have a negative effect on the conversion value of those notes. In addition, we intend to exercise our purchased call options whenever notes are converted, although we are not required to do so. In order to unwind any hedge positions with respect to our exercise of the purchased call options, the participating underwriters or their affiliates would expect to sell shares of common stock in secondary market transactions or unwind various over-the-counter derivative transactions with respect to our common stock during the conversion reference period for the converted notes.

 

The effect, if any, of any of these transactions and activities on the market price of our common stock or the notes will depend in part on market conditions and cannot be ascertained at this time, but any of these activities could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock and the value of the notes and, as a result, the number of shares and value of the common stock you will receive upon conversion of the notes.

 

A downgrade in our financial strength or credit ratings could limit our ability to conduct our business or offer and sell additional debt securities, and could hurt our relationships with creditors.

 

Nationally recognized statistical rating agencies rate the financial strength of our debt, including the notes. Ratings are not recommendations to buy or sell our securities. The interest rate we are to pay on the notes may be determined by our credit ratings. We may in the future incur indebtedness with interest rates that may be affected by changes in our credit ratings. Each of the rating agencies reviews its ratings periodically, and previous ratings for our debt may not be maintained in the future. A downgrade of our debt ratings could affect our ability to raise additional debt with terms and conditions similar to our current debt, and accordingly, likely increase our cost of capital. In addition, a downgrade of these ratings could make it more difficult for us to raise capital to refinance any maturing debt obligations, to support business growth and to maintain or improve the current financial strength of our business and operations.

 

The make whole premium that may be payable upon conversion in connection with a change of control may not adequately compensate you for the lost option value of your notes as a result of such change of control.

 

If you convert notes in connection with a change of control occurring on or prior to the maturity date, we may be required to pay a make whole premium by increasing the conversion rate applicable to the notes. While the increase in the conversion rate is designed to compensate you for the lost option value of your notes as a result of a change of control, such increase is only an approximation of such lost value and may not adequately compensate you for such loss. In addition, even if a change of control occurs, in certain instances described under “Description of Notes — Determination of Make Whole Premium,” there will be no such increase in the conversion rate.

 

Federal and state statutes allow courts, under certain circumstances, to void our subsidiaries’ guarantees of the notes under fraudulent transfer laws.

 

Fraudulent conveyance laws permit a court to avoid or nullify the guarantees of the notes by our subsidiaries if the court determines that such guarantees were made by a fraudulent conveyance. Generally, if a court were to find that:

 

 

 

 

the court could, subject to applicable statutes of limitations, avoid the challenged obligation in whole or in part. The court could also subordinate claims with respect to the challenged obligation to all other debts of the debtor. The court’s determination as to whether the above is true at any relevant time will vary depending upon the factual findings and law applied in any such proceeding.

 

Generally, a debtor will be considered insolvent if:

 

 

Also, a debtor generally will be considered to have been left with unreasonably small capital if its remaining capital, including its reasonably projected cash flow, was reasonably likely to be insufficient for its foreseeable needs, taking into account its foreseeable business operations and reasonably foreseeable economic conditions.

 

A court could void our subsidiaries’ guarantees of the notes under state fraudulent transfer laws. Although the guarantees provide you with a direct claim against the assets of our subsidiaries under the federal bankruptcy law and comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer laws, the guarantee could be voided, or claims with respect to a guarantee could be subordinated to all other debts of that guarantor. In addition, a court could void any payments by that guarantor pursuant to its guarantee and require that such payments be returned to the guarantor or to a fund for the benefit of the other creditors of the guarantor. If a court voided the guarantee of the notes by a subsidiary as a result of a fraudulent conveyance, or held the guarantee unenforceable for any other reason, as a holder of notes, you would no longer have a claim as a creditor against the assets of that subsidiary.

 

Any fraudulent transfer challenges, even if ultimately unsuccessful, could lead to a disruption of our business and an alteration in the manner in which that business is managed. As a result, our ability to meet our obligations under the notes or in connection with our other debt may be adversely affected.

 

Illiquidity and an absence of a public market for the notes could cause recipients of the notes to be unable to resell the notes for an extended period of time.

 

Immediately following the consummation of this offering, there will not be a public market for the notes, and we have not sought to have the notes listed on a stock exchange or quoted on any automated quotation system. The underwriters have informed us that they intend to make a market in the notes after we have completed this offering. However, the underwriters may cease their market-making activities at any time. Further, despite these efforts, an active trading market for the notes may not develop or, if such a market develops, it could be very illiquid. Holders of the notes may experience difficulty in reselling, or an inability to sell, the notes.

 

If a trading market for the notes is established, the liquidity of any such trading market, and the market prices quoted for the notes, may be adversely affected by changes in:

 

 

 

Moreover, historically, the market for non-investment grade debt has been subject to disruptions that have caused substantial fluctuation in the prices of these securities. You should be aware that you may be required to bear the financial risk of an investment in the notes for an indefinite period of time.

 

If you hold notes, you are not entitled to any rights with respect to our common stock, but you are subject to all changes made with respect to our common stock.

 

If you hold notes, you are not entitled to any rights with respect to our common stock (including, without limitation, voting rights and rights to receive any dividends or other distributions on our common stock), but you are subject to all changes affecting the common stock. You will only be entitled to rights on the common stock if and when we deliver shares of common stock to you upon conversion of your notes. For example, in the event that an amendment is proposed to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated by-laws requiring stockholder approval and the record date for determining the stockholders of record entitled to vote on the amendment occurs prior to delivery of the common stock, you will not be entitled to vote on the amendment, although you will nevertheless be subject to any changes in the powers, preferences or special rights of our common stock.

 

In connection with any conversion rate adjustments, you may be deemed to receive a taxable distribution without the receipt of any cash.

 

The conversion rate of the notes will be adjusted in certain circumstances. Under Section 305(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, adjustments, or failures to make adjustments, that have the effect of increasing your proportionate interest in our assets or earnings may in some circumstances result in a deemed distribution to you. Certain of the possible conversion rate adjustments provided in the notes (including, without limitation, adjustments in respect of taxable dividends to holders of our common stock) will result in deemed distributions to the holders of notes even though they have not received any cash or property as a result of such adjustments. Any deemed distributions will be taxable as a dividend, return of capital or capital gain in accordance with the earnings and profits rules under the Code. If you are a non-U.S. holder, such deemed dividend may be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

We could enter into various transactions, such as acquisitions, refinancings, recapitalizations or other highly leveraged transactions, which would not constitute a fundamental change under the terms of the notes, but which could nevertheless increase the amount of our outstanding debt at such time, or adversely affect our capital structure or credit ratings, or otherwise adversely affect holders of the notes.

 

Under the terms of the notes, a variety of acquisition, refinancing, recapitalization or other highly leveraged transactions would not be considered fundamental change transactions. As a result, we could enter into any such transactions without being required to make an offer to repurchase the notes even though the transaction could increase the total amount of our outstanding debt, adversely affect our capital structure or credit ratings or otherwise materially adversely affect the holders of the notes. In addition, if such transaction is not considered a fundamental change under the terms of the notes, holders may not be able to convert their notes or be eligible to receive a make whole premium adjustment in connection with such conversion.

The issuance of shares of common stock upon conversion of the notes may have a dilutive effect on our existing security holders, and this future potential dilution may encourage short selling by market participants.

 

The issuance of shares of our common stock upon the conversion of the notes may dilute the ownership interests of our existing security holders. The issuance of shares of our common stock upon conversion of the notes may also have the effect of reducing our net income per share to unexpected levels and could reduce the market price of our common stock unless revenue growth or cost savings sufficient to offset the effect of such issuance can be achieved. In addition, the existence of the notes may encourage short selling by market participants due to this potential dilution.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

Our net sales, net income and growth depend largely on the economic strength of the geographic markets that we serve, and if these markets become weaker, we could suffer decreased sales and net income.

 

Many of our customers use our products as components in their own products or in projects undertaken for their customers. Our ability to sell our products is largely dependent on general economic conditions, including how much our customers and end-users spend on power transmission and distribution infrastructures, industrial manufacturing assets, new construction and building, information technology and maintaining or reconfiguring their communications networks. In the early 2000’s, many companies significantly reduced their capital equipment and information technology budgets, and construction activity that necessitates the building or modification of communication networks and power transmission and distribution infrastructures slowed considerably as a result of a weakening of the U.S. and foreign economies. As a result, our net sales and financial results declined significantly in those years. Beginning in 2004 and continuing throughout 2005 and the first nine fiscal months of 2006, we have seen an improvement in these markets; however, if they were to weaken, we could suffer decreased sales and net income.

 

The markets for our products are highly competitive, and if we fail to invest in product development, productivity improvements and customer service and support, the sale of our products could be adversely affected.

 

The markets for copper, aluminum and fiber optic wire and cable products are highly competitive, and some of our competitors may have greater financial resources than ours. We compete with at least one major competitor with respect to each of our business segments. Many of our products are made to common specifications and therefore may be fungible with competitors’ products. Accordingly, we are subject to competition in many markets on the basis of price, delivery time, customer service and our ability to meet specific customer needs.

 

We believe that competitors will continue to improve the design and performance of their products and to introduce new products with competitive price and performance characteristics. We expect that we will be required to continue to invest in product development, productivity improvements and customer service and support in order to compete in our markets. Furthermore, an increase in imports of products competitive with our products could adversely affect our sales.

 

Our business is subject to the economic, political and other risks of maintaining facilities and selling products in foreign countries.

 

During the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2006, approximately 42% of our sales and approximately 59% of our assets were in markets outside North America. Our operations outside North America generated approximately $73.4 million of our cash flows from operations and the North American operations generated $20.7 million of cash flows from operations during this period. Our financial results may be adversely affected by significant fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies or by the enactment of exchange controls or foreign governmental or regulatory restrictions on the transfer of funds. In addition, negative tax consequences relating to repatriating certain foreign currencies, particularly cash

generated by our operations in Spain, may adversely affect our cash flows. Furthermore, our foreign operations are subject to risks inherent in maintaining operations abroad, such as economic and political destabilization, international conflicts, restrictive actions by foreign governments, nationalizations, changes in regulatory requirements, the difficulty of effectively managing diverse global operations, adverse foreign tax laws and the threat posed by potential international disease pandemics in countries that do not have the resources necessary to deal with such outbreaks. Over time, we intend to expand our foreign operations, which would serve to exacerbate these risks and their potential effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.

 

Volatility in the price of copper and other raw materials, as well as fuel and energy, could adversely affect our businesses.

 

The costs of copper and aluminum, the most significant raw materials we use, have been subject to considerable volatility over the years. Volatility in the price of copper, aluminum, polyethylene, petrochemicals and other raw materials, as well as fuel, natural gas and energy, will in turn lead to significant fluctuations in our cost of sales. Additionally, sharp increases in the price of copper can also reduce demand if customers decide to defer their purchases of copper wire and cable products or seek to purchase substitute products. Moreover, we do not engage in activities to hedge the underlying value of our copper and aluminum inventory. Although we attempt to recover copper and other raw material price increases in the selling price of our products, there is no assurance that we can do so successfully or at all in the future.

 

Interruptions of supplies from our key suppliers may affect our results of operations and financial performance.

 

Interruptions of supplies from our key suppliers, including as a result of catastrophes such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods or terrorist activities, could disrupt production or impact our ability to increase production and sales. All copper rod used in our North American operations is now externally sourced, and our largest supplier of copper rod accounted for approximately 66% of our North American purchases during the first nine fiscal months of 2006. Any unanticipated problems with our copper rod suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our business. Additionally, we use a limited number of sources for most of the other raw materials that we do not produce. We do not have long-term or volume purchase agreements with most of our suppliers, and may have limited options in the short-term for alternative supply if these suppliers fail to continue the supply of material or components for any reason, including their business failure, inability to obtain raw materials or financial difficulties. Moreover, identifying and accessing alternative sources may increase our costs.

 

Failure to negotiate extensions of our labor agreements as they expire may result in a disruption of our operations.

 

As of September 29, 2006, approximately 61% of our employees were represented by various labor unions. From January 1, 2001 to September 29, 2006, we have experienced only three strikes, which were settled on satisfactory terms. The only strike that occurred in 2005 was at our Lincoln, Rhode Island manufacturing facility, and it lasted approximately two weeks. This strike did not have a significant impact on our financial results for 2005. There have been no strikes during the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2006.

 

We are party to labor agreements with unions that represent employees at many of our manufacturing facilities. Labor agreements, consisting of two separate contracts, expired at one facility in 2006 and were successfully renegotiated. Labor agreements are to expire at two facilities in 2007. We cannot predict what issues may be raised by the collective bargaining units representing our employees and, if raised, whether negotiations concerning such issues will be successfully concluded. A protracted work stoppage could result in a disruption of our operations which could, in turn, adversely affect our ability to deliver certain products and our financial results.

Our inability to continue to achieve productivity improvements may result in increased costs.

 

Part of our business strategy is to increase our profitability by lowering costs through improving our processes and productivity. In the event we are unable to continue to implement measures improving our manufacturing techniques and processes, we may not achieve desired efficiency or productivity levels and our manufacturing costs may increase. In addition, productivity increases are related in part to factory utilization rates. Our decreased utilization rates from 2002 to 2004 adversely impacted productivity. However, we have experienced an increase in utilization rates in 2005 and 2006.

 

Changes in industry standards and regulatory requirements may adversely affect our business.

 

As a manufacturer and distributor of wire and cable products for customers that operate in various industries, we are subject to a number of industry standard-setting authorities, such as Underwriters Laboratories, the Telecommunications Industry Association, the Electronics Industries Association and the Canadian Standards Association. In addition, many of our products are subject to the requirements of federal, state and local or foreign regulatory authorities. Changes in the standards and requirements imposed by such authorities could have an adverse effect on us. In the event that we are unable to meet any such new or modified standards when adopted, our business could be adversely affected.

 

In addition, changes in the legislative environment could affect the growth and other aspects of important markets served by us. In September 2005, President George W. Bush signed into law the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This law was enacted to establish a comprehensive, long-range national energy policy. Among other things, it provides tax credits and other incentives for the production of traditional sources of energy, as well as alternative energy sources, such as wind, wave, tidal and geothermal power generation systems. Although we are studying the impact that this legislation may have on us and our financial results, we cannot presently predict this impact. We also cannot predict the impact, either positive or negative, that changes in laws or industry standards that may be adopted in the future could have on our financial results, cash flows or financial position.

 

Advancing technologies, such as fiber optic and wireless technologies, may make some of our products less competitive.

 

Technological developments could have a material adverse effect on our business. For example, a significant increase in the rate of installations using fiber optic systems or an increase in the cost of copper-based systems would have a material adverse effect on our business. While we do manufacture and sell fiber optic cables, any acceleration in the erosion of our sales of copper cables due to increased market demand for fiber optic cables would most likely not be offset by an increase in sales of our fiber optic cables.

 

Also, advancing wireless technologies, as they relate to network and communications systems, represent an alternative to certain copper cables we manufacture and may reduce customer demand for premise wiring. Traditional telephone companies are facing increasing competition within their respective territories from, among others, voice over Internet protocol, or “VoIP,” providers and wireless carriers. Wireless communications depend heavily on a fiber optic backbone and do not depend as much on copper-based systems. An increase in the acceptance and use of VoIP and wireless technology, or introduction of new wireless or fiber-optic based technologies, may have a material adverse effect on the marketability of our products and our profitability. Our sales of copper premise cables currently face downward pressure from wireless and VoIP technology, and a significant increase in the acceptance and use of these technologies would heighten this pressure and the negative impact it may have on our results of operations.

 

We are substantially dependent upon distributors and retailers for non-exclusive sales of our products and they could cease purchasing our products at any time.

 

During 2005 and the first nine fiscal months of 2006, approximately 39% and 34%, respectively, of our domestic net sales were made to independent distributors and four and three, respectively, of our ten largest customers were distributors. Distributors accounted for a substantial portion of sales of our communications- and industrial-related products. During 2005 and the first nine fiscal months of 2006, approximately 11% and 10%,

respectively, of our domestic net sales were to retailers, and the two largest retailers, The Home Depot and AutoZone, accounted for approximately 3% and 2%, respectively, of our worldwide net sales in 2005 and 2% and 1%, respectively, of such sales in the first nine fiscal months of 2006.

 

These distributors and retailers are not contractually obligated to carry our product lines exclusively or for any period of time. Therefore, these distributors and retailers may purchase products that compete with our products or cease purchasing our products at any time. The loss of one or more large distributors or retailers could have a material adverse effect on our ability to bring our products to end users and on our results of operations. Moreover, a downturn in the business of one or more large distributors or retailers could adversely affect our sales and could create significant credit exposure.

 

In each of our markets, we face pricing pressures that could adversely affect our results of operations and financial performance.

 

We face pricing pressures in each of our markets as a result of significant competition or over-capacity, and price levels for most of our products declined from 2002 through early 2004. While we will work toward reducing our costs to respond to the pricing pressures that may continue, we may not be able to achieve proportionate reductions in costs. As a result of over-capacity and economic and industry downturn in the communications and industrial markets in particular, pricing pressures increased in 2002 and 2003, and continued into 2004. While we generally have been successful in raising prices to recover increased raw material costs since the second quarter of 2004, pricing pressures continued throughout 2005 and the first nine fiscal months of 2006, and are expected for the foreseeable future. Further pricing pressures, without offsetting cost reductions, would adversely affect our financial results.

 

If either of our uncommitted accounts payable or accounts receivable financing arrangements for our European operations is cancelled, our liquidity will be negatively impacted.

 

Our European operations participate in arrangements with several European financial institutions that provide extended accounts payable terms to us. In general, the arrangements provide for accounts payable terms of up to 180 days. As of September 29, 2006, the arrangements had a maximum availability limit of the equivalent of approximately $250 million, of which approximately $223.1 million was drawn. We do not have firm commitments from these European financial institutions requiring them to continue to extend credit and they may decline to advance additional funding. We also have approximately $56 million available under an uncommitted, Euro-denominated facility in Europe, which allows us to sell at a discount, with limited recourse, a portion of our accounts receivable to a financial institution. As of September 29, 2006, we have drawn approximately $8 million from this accounts receivable facility. We do not have a firm commitment from this institution to purchase our accounts receivable. Should the availability under these arrangements be reduced or terminated, we would be required to negotiate longer payment terms with our suppliers or repay the outstanding obligations with our suppliers under these arrangements over 180 days and seek alternative financing arrangements which could increase our interest expense. We cannot assure you that such longer payment terms or alternate financing will be available on favorable terms or at all. Failure to obtain alternative financing arrangements in such case would negatively impact our liquidity.

 

We may be required to take additional charges in connection with plant closures and our inventory accounting practices.

 

During 2004, we closed two electrical infrastructure manufacturing locations, refocused operations at another electrical infrastructure manufacturing location and ceased operations at our copper rod mill. We incurred net charges of $7.4 million ($4.7 million of which were cash) in 2004 related to the electrical infrastructure manufacturing plants and a net gain of $0.3 million related to the rod mill, all of which are now completely closed.

 

In 2005, we closed our telecommunications manufacturing plant located in Bonham, Texas. At that time, we also closed our fiber optic military and premise cable manufacturing plant located in Dayville, Connecticut, and relocated production from this plant to our acquired facility in Franklin, Massachusetts,

which produces copper as well as some fiber optic communications products. The total cost of these closures was approximately $19.1 million (of which approximately $7.5 million were cash payments). Total costs recorded during 2005 with respect to these closures were $18.6 million (of which approximately $7.5 million were cash payments), including a $0.5 million gain from the sale of a previously closed manufacturing plant. We continuously evaluate our ability to more efficiently utilize existing manufacturing capacity which may require additional future charges.

 

As a result of volatile copper prices, the replacement cost of our copper inventory exceeded its historic LIFO cost by approximately $107 million and $38 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and by approximately $256 million at September 29, 2006. If we are not able to recover the LIFO value of our inventory at a profit in some future period when replacement costs were lower than the LIFO value of the inventory, we would be required to take a charge to recognize on our income statement all or a portion of the higher LIFO value of the inventory. During 2003, we recorded a $0.5 million charge for the liquidation of LIFO inventory in North America as we significantly reduced our inventory levels. During 2004, we increased inventory quantities and therefore there was not a liquidation of LIFO inventory impact in this period. During 2005, we reduced our copper inventory quantities in North America, which resulted in a $1.1 million gain since LIFO inventory quantities were reduced in a period when replacement costs where higher than the LIFO value of the inventory. During the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2006, we increased inventory quantities and therefore there was not a liquidation of LIFO inventory impact in this period. If LIFO inventory quantities are reduced in a future period when replacement costs exceed the LIFO value of the inventory, we would experience an increase in reported earnings. Conversely, if LIFO inventory quantities are reduced in a future period when replacement costs are lower than the LIFO value of the inventory, we would experience a decline in reported earnings.

 

We are subject to certain asbestos litigation and unexpected judgments or settlements that could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

 

There are approximately 7,100 pending non-maritime asbestos cases involving our subsidiaries. The majority of these cases involve plaintiffs alleging exposure to asbestos-containing cable manufactured by our predecessors. In addition to our subsidiaries, numerous other wire and cable manufacturers have been named as defendants in these cases. Our subsidiaries have also been named, along with numerous other product manufacturers, as defendants in approximately 33,300 suits in which plaintiffs alleged that they suffered an asbestos-related injury while working in the maritime industry. These cases are referred to as MARDOC cases and are currently managed under the supervision of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. On May 1, 1996, the District Court ordered that all pending MARDOC cases be administratively dismissed without prejudice and the cases cannot be reinstated, except in certain circumstances involving specific proof of injury. We cannot assure you that any judgments or settlements of the pending non-maritime and/or MARDOC asbestos cases or any cases which may be filed in the future will not have a material adverse effect on our financial results, cash flows or financial position. Moreover, certain of our insurers may be financially unstable and in the event one or more of these insurers enter into insurance liquidation proceedings, we will be required to pay a larger portion of the costs incurred in connection with these cases.

 

Environmental liabilities could potentially adversely impact us and our affiliates.

 

We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign environmental protection laws and regulations governing our operations and the use, handling, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances currently or formerly used by us and our affiliates. A risk of environmental liability is inherent in our and our affiliates’ current and former manufacturing activities in the event of a release or discharge of a hazardous substance generated by us or our affiliates. Under certain environmental laws, we could be held jointly and severally responsible for the remediation of any hazardous substance contamination at our facilities and at third party waste disposal sites and could also be held liable for any consequences arising out of human exposure to such substances or other environmental damage. We and our affiliates have been named as potentially responsible parties in proceedings that involve environmental remediation. There can be no assurance that the costs of complying with environmental, health and safety laws and requirements in our current operations or the

liabilities arising from past releases of, or exposure to, hazardous substances, will not result in future expenditures by us that could materially and adversely affect our financial results, cash flows or financial condition.

 

It may be difficult to enforce judgments against us in foreign jurisdictions.

 

Since a significant portion of our assets are located outside the United States, any judgments obtained in the United States against us, including judgments with respect to the payment of principal, premium, interest or other amounts payable with respect to the notes, may be not collectible within the United States. If holders of notes intend to enforce a judgment obtained in the United States against our assets located outside the United States, they may be subject to additional procedures and other difficulties which would not be required for enforcement of judgments in the United States.

 

Growth through acquisition has been a significant part of our strategy and we may not be able to successfully identify, finance or integrate acquisitions.

 

Growth through acquisition has been, and is expected to continue to be, a significant part of our strategy. For example, in December 2005, we completed the acquisition of Silec, the wire and cable manufacturing business of Safran SA, a diverse, global high-technology company based in Paris, France. We also completed the acquisition of the Mexican ignition wire set business of Beru AG, a worldwide leading manufacturer of diesel cold start systems. In August 2006, we completed the acquisition of E.C.N. Cable, a manufacturer of aluminum energy and power cables and bimetallic products.

 

We regularly evaluate possible acquisition candidates. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in identifying, financing and closing acquisitions at favorable prices and terms. Potential acquisitions may require us to issue additional shares of stock or obtain additional or new financing, and such financing may not be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all. The issuance of shares of our common or preferred stock in connection with potential acquisitions may dilute the value of shares held by our then existing equity holders. Further, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in integrating any such acquisitions that are completed. Integration of any such acquisitions may require substantial management, financial and other resources and may pose risks with respect to production, customer service and market share of existing operations. In addition, we may acquire businesses that are subject to technological or competitive risks, and we may not be able to realize the benefits expected from such acquisitions.

 

Terrorist attacks and other attacks or acts of war may adversely affect the markets in which we operate and our profitability.

 

The attacks of September 11, 2001 and subsequent events, including the military actions in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East, have caused and may continue to cause instability in our markets and have led and may continue to lead to, further armed hostilities or further acts of terrorism worldwide, which could cause further disruption in our markets. Acts of terrorism may impact any or all of our facilities and operations, or those of our customers or suppliers and may further limit or delay purchasing decisions of our customers. Depending on their magnitude, acts of terrorism or war could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial results, cash flows and financial position.

 

We carry insurance coverage on our facilities of types and in amounts that we believe are in line with coverage customarily obtained by owners of similar properties. We continue to monitor the state of the insurance market in general and the scope and cost of coverage for acts of terrorism in particular, but we cannot anticipate what coverage will be available on commercially reasonable terms in future policy years. Currently, we do not carry terrorism insurance coverage. If we experience a loss that is uninsured or that exceeds policy limits, we could lose the capital invested in the damaged facilities, as well as the anticipated future net sales from those facilities. Depending on the specific circumstances of each affected facility, it is possible that we could be liable for indebtedness or other obligations related to the facility. Any such loss could materially and adversely affect our business, financial results, cash flows and financial position.

If we fail to retain our key employees, our business may be harmed.

 

Our success has been largely dependent on the skills, experience and efforts of our key employees and the loss of the services of any of our executive officers or other key employees could have an adverse effect on us. The loss of our key employees who have intimate knowledge of our manufacturing process could lead to increased competition to the extent that those employees are hired by a competitor and are able to recreate our manufacturing process. Our future success will also depend in part upon our continuing ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel, who are in great demand.

 

As of December 31, 2004, we had material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, which were remediated in 2005.

 

In connection with the preparation of our 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as of December 31, 2004, we concluded that control deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 constituted material weaknesses within the meaning of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s Auditing Standard No. 2, An Audit of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Performed in Conjunction with an Audit of Financial Statements. As we disclosed in our amended 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K that we filed with the SEC on April 29, 2005, we identified the following material weaknesses:

 

 

Throughout 2005, we implemented numerous improvements to internal control over financial reporting to address these material weaknesses. These improvements included the following:

 

 

 

These improvements have been fully implemented and tested and we have concluded that as of both December 31, 2005 and September 29, 2006, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Nonetheless, a risk exists that there may be weaknesses identified in the future.

 

As we discussed in our amended 2005 annual report on Form 10-K/A, our management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2005 did not include an assessment of certain elements of the internal control over financial reporting of Beru S.A. de C.V., which we acquired on December 30, 2005, and Silec, which we acquired on December 22, 2005. Our management has included these acquired businesses in its internal control assessment process for 2006. Our annual assessment as of December 31, 2006, which will be filed with our 2006 annual report on Form 10-K, will include all elements of the internal control over financial reporting for these acquired entities. To date, we have not identified any issues related to the system of internal controls at these acquired entities. We have not presently determined whether we will include E.C.N. Cable in our internal control assessment process for 2006.

 

Declining returns in the investment portfolio of our defined benefit plans and changes in actuarial assumptions could increase the volatility in our pension expense and require us to increase cash contributions to the plans.

 

Pension expense for the defined benefit pension plans sponsored by us is determined based upon a number of actuarial assumptions, including an expected long-term rate of return on assets and discount rate. During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2005, as a result of worse than expected investment asset performance and changes in certain actuarial assumptions, including the discount rate and mortality rate, we were required to record an additional minimum pension liability on our books to an amount equal to the underfunded status of the plans. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the defined benefit plans were underfunded by approximately $40.9 million and $33.0 million, respectively, based on the actuarial methods and assumptions utilized for purposes of the applicable accounting rules and interpretations. We have experienced volatility in our pension expense and in our cash contributions to our defined benefit pension plan. Pension expense for our defined benefit plans increased from $4.4 million for the first nine fiscal months in 2005 to $5.2 million for the first nine fiscal months in 2006, and our required cash contributions for each period were $9.8 million and $6.8 million, respectively. In the event that actual results differ from the actuarial assumptions or actuarial assumptions are changed, the funded status of our defined benefit plans may change and any such deficiency could result in additional charges to equity and an increase in future pension expense and cash contributions.

 

An ownership change could result in a limitation of the use of our net operating losses.

 

As of December 31, 2005, we had U.S. net operating loss, or NOL, carryforwards of approximately $149 million available to reduce taxable income in future years. Specifically, we have NOL carryforwards of approximately $127 million that were generated between 2000 and 2004. These NOL carryforwards will not begin to expire until 2020. We also have other NOL carryforwards that are subject to an annual limitation

under Section 382 of the Code. These Section 382 limited NOL carryforwards expire in varying amounts from 2007 to 2009. The total Section 382 limited NOL carryforwards that may be utilized prior to expiration is estimated at approximately $21.5 million.

 

Our ability to utilize the NOL carryforwards may be further limited by Section 382 if we undergo an ownership change as a result of the sale of our stock by holders of our equity securities or as a result of subsequent changes in the ownership of our outstanding stock. We would undergo an ownership change if, among other things, the stockholders, or group of stockholders, who own or have owned, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the value of our stock or are otherwise treated as 5% stockholders under Section 382 and the regulations promulgated thereunder increase their aggregate percentage ownership of our stock by more than 50 percentage points over the lowest percentage of our stock owned by these stockholders at any time during the testing period, which is generally the three-year period preceding the potential ownership change. In the event of an ownership change, Section 382 imposes an annual limitation on the amount of post-ownership change taxable income a corporation may offset with pre-ownership change NOL carryforwards and certain recognized built-in losses. The limitation imposed by Section 382 for any post-change year would be determined by multiplying the value of our stock immediately before the ownership change (subject to certain adjustments) by the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate in effect at the time of the ownership change. Any unused annual limitation may be carried over to later years, and the limitation may under certain circumstances be increased by built-in gains which may be present in assets held by us at the time of the ownership change that are recognized in the five-year period after the ownership change.

 

Risks Related to Our Capital Stock

 

In addition to the risks discussed above in “— Risks Related to the Notes” and “— Risks Related to Our Business,” the following risks, among others, are important to an investment in our capital stock:

 

Our stock price has been and continues to be volatile.

 

The value of our securities may fluctuate as a result of various factors, such as:

 

 

In addition, the stock markets have, in recent years, experienced significant price fluctuations. These fluctuations often have been unrelated to the operating performance of the specific companies whose stock is traded. Market fluctuations, as well as economic conditions, have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, the market price of our common stock. Fluctuations in the price of our common stock will affect the value of any outstanding preferred stock.

 

Future sales of shares of our common stock may depress its market price.

 

Sales of substantial numbers of additional shares of common stock, including shares of common stock underlying the notes and shares of our outstanding Series A preferred stock, as well as sales of shares that may be issued in connection with future acquisitions, or the perception that such sales could occur, may have

a harmful effect on prevailing market prices for our common stock and our ability to raise additional capital in the financial markets at a time and price favorable to us. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we have authority to issue 75 million shares of common stock. As of November 2, 2006, there were approximately 51.6 million shares of common stock outstanding (net of treasury shares), approximately 1.6 million shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of currently outstanding stock options and approximately 510,000 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our outstanding Series A preferred stock.

 

Because of the net share settlement feature of the notes, it is not possible to determine precisely how many shares of common stock may be issued pursuant to the conversion of the notes, although the number of shares of common stock issuable pursuant to a conversion of $1,000 in principal amount of notes cannot exceed the conversion rate, which is          shares of common stock, or an effective conversion price of $           per share, subject to adjustment. All of the shares of our common stock to be issued pursuant to conversions of the notes by holders who are not our affiliates will be freely tradable by such holders.

 

Our ability to pay dividends on our common stock is limited.

 

We do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Payment of dividends on our common stock will depend on the earnings and cash flows of our business and that of our subsidiaries, and on our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends or to advance or repay funds to us. Before declaring any dividend, our board of directors will consider factors that ordinarily affect dividend policy, such as earnings, cash flow, estimates of future earnings and cash flow, business conditions, regulatory factors, our financial condition and other matters within its discretion, as well as contractual restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. We may not be able to pay dividends in the future or, if paid, we cannot assure you that the dividends will be in the same amount or with the same frequency as in the past.

 

Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, we may pay dividends, in cash or otherwise, only if we have surplus in an amount at least equal to the amount of the relevant dividend payment. Any payment of cash dividends will depend upon our financial condition, capital requirements, earnings and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Further, our senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing our 9.5% senior notes limit our ability to pay cash dividends, including cash dividends on our common stock. In addition, the certificate of designations for our Series A preferred stock prohibits us from the payment of any cash dividends on our common stock if we are not current on dividend payments with respect to our Series A preferred stock. Agreements governing future indebtedness will likely contain restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends.

 

Issuances of additional series of preferred stock could adversely affect holders of our common stock.

 

Our board of directors is authorized to issue additional series of preferred stock without any action on the part of our stockholders. Our board of directors also has the power, without stockholder approval, to set the terms of any such series of preferred stock that may be issued, including voting rights, conversion rights, dividend rights, preferences over our common stock with respect to dividends or if we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our business and other terms. If we issue preferred stock in the future that has preference over our common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, or if we issue preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of our common stock, the rights of holders of our common stock or the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected.

 

Provisions in our constituent documents could make it more difficult to acquire our company.

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws contain provisions that may discourage, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring us, even if doing so would be beneficial to our stockholders. Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, only our board of directors may call special meetings of stockholders, and stockholders must comply with advance notice requirements for nominating candidates for election to our board of directors or for proposing matters that can

be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings. Directors may be removed by stockholders only for cause and only by the effective vote of at least 662/3% of the voting power of all shares of capital stock then entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class. Additionally, agreements with certain of our executive officers may have the effect of making a change of control more expensive and, therefore, less attractive.

 

Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our board of directors may by resolution establish one or more series of preferred stock, having such number of shares, designation, relative voting rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, liquidation or other rights, preferences and limitations as may be fixed by our board of directors without any further stockholder approval. Such rights, preferences, privileges and limitations as may be established could have the further effect of impeding or discouraging the acquisition of control of our company.

 

Concurrently with the issuance of the notes, we will enter into convertible note hedge and warrant transactions with respect to our common stock with one or more of the participating underwriters or their affiliates. We will amend these transactions in connection with any exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. Each transaction will be comprised of a purchased call option and a warrant. The net cost to us of these transactions will be approximately $      million.

 

The purchased call options will cover approximately           shares of our common stock, which under most circumstances represents the maximum number of shares that underlie the notes. Concurrently with entering into the purchased call options, we will enter into a warrant transaction with the participating underwriters or their affiliates. We will amend the warrant transactions in connection with any exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. Pursuant to the warrant transactions, we will sell to each of the participating underwriters or their affiliates a warrant to purchase in the aggregate approximately           shares of our common stock. In most cases, the warrants may not be exercised prior to the maturity of the notes.

 

The purchased call options and sold warrants will be separate contracts entered into by us with the participating underwriters or their affiliates, will not be part of the terms of the notes and will not affect the rights of holders under the notes. As a holder of the notes, you will not have any rights with respect to the purchased call options or the sold warrants. The purchased call options will be expected to reduce the potential dilution upon conversion of the notes in the event that the market value per share of our common stock at the time of exercise is greater than approximately $          , which corresponds to the initial conversion price of the notes. We anticipate that the sold warrants will have an exercise price that is approximately 76% higher than the closing price of our common stock on the date the notes are priced. The sold warrants are expected to provide us with some protection against increases in our stock price over the conversion price per share.

 

If the market value per share of our common stock at the time of conversion of any notes is above the strike price of the purchased call options, the purchased call options will, in most cases, entitle us to receive from the participating underwriters or their affiliates, in the aggregate the same number of shares of our common stock as we would be required to issue to the holder of the converted notes. Additionally, if the market price of our common stock at the time of exercise of the sold warrants exceeds the strike price of the sold warrants, we will owe the participating underwriters or their affiliates a number of shares of our common stock, not to exceed a maximum of approximately          .

 

For a discussion of hedging arrangements that may be entered into by the participating underwriters or their affiliates in connection with these purchased call options and sold warrants, see “Underwriting — Other Relationships” and “Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Notes — Our convertible note hedge and warrant transactions may affect the value of the notes and the trading price of our common stock.”

 

We estimate that the proceeds from this offering, after deducting estimated fees and expenses, will be $306.9 million. If the underwriters exercise in full their over-allotment option to acquire additional notes, we estimate that our net proceeds from this offering will be $350.9 million.

 

We expect to use approximately $61.4 million of the net proceeds from this offering to repay outstanding amounts of principal and interest under our senior secured credit facility, which currently matures in August 2010 and bore a weighted average interest rate of 7.1% for the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2006. We also expect to use the net proceeds of this offering to pay the net cost of $      million of the convertible note hedge and warrant transactions. See “Purchase of Convertible Note Hedges and Sale of Warrants.” We may reborrow amounts under our senior secured credit facility that we repay with the proceeds from this offering, subject to the terms and conditions of that facility. We expect to use the remainder of the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include funding the potential expansion of our business in the United States and into foreign countries and the potential acquisition of other complementary businesses.

 

The following table sets forth our capitalization as of September 29, 2006 on:

 

 

This table should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements, including all related notes, incorporated by reference in this prospectus. See “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.”

 

 

 

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BGC.” The following table sets forth the high and low sales price and dividends declared per share of our common stock during the periods shown.

 

 

On November 6, 2006, the closing sale price of our common stock, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, was $39.93 per share. As of November 2, 2006, there were approximately 2,005 holders of record of our common stock. We believe that as of that date there were at least 2,500 beneficial owners of our common stock.

 

We paid a $0.05 per share dividend on our common stock each quarter beginning in the fourth quarter of 1997 and through the third quarter of 2002. In October 2002, as a result of an amendment to our then existing credit facility, our board of directors suspended the payment of the quarterly cash dividends on our common stock. The future payment of dividends on our common stock is subject to:

 

 

Furthermore, our ability to pay dividends on our common stock will depend upon general business conditions, our financial performance and other factors our board of directors may consider relevant. We do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.

 

The following table sets forth our consolidated ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for each of the periods indicated. The ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends is the same as the ratio of earnings to fixed charges in the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002 as we did not have any preferred stock outstanding in those periods.

 

The table also includes a pro forma ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends, assuming that we offer and sell $315.0 million of notes and use $61.4 million of the proceeds from the sale of the notes to repay principal and interest outstanding under our senior secured credit facility.

 

For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred dividends, earnings consist of pretax income from continuing operations before income taxes and combined fixed charges and preferred dividends. Combined fixed charges and preferred dividends include:

 

 

 

 

We will issue the notes under the indenture, to be dated on or about the closing of this offering, among General Cable Corporation, as issuer, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. We have summarized the material provisions of the notes below. The following description is not complete and is subject to, and qualified by reference to, all of the provisions of the indenture and the notes, which we urge you to read because they, and not this “Description of Notes,” define your rights as a note holder. A copy of the indenture, including a form of the notes, is available upon request to us. As used in this “Description of Notes,” the words “the company,” “we,” “us,” “our” or “General Cable” refer only to General Cable Corporation and do not include any of our current or future subsidiaries. As used in this “Description of Notes,” all references to our common stock are to our common stock, par value $0.01 per share. See “Description of Capital Stock.”

 

General

 

The notes are limited to $315.0 million aggregate principal amount ($360.0 million aggregate principal amount if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional notes solely to cover over-allotments). The notes will mature on November 15, 2013. The notes will be issued in denominations of $1,000 or in integral multiples of $1,000. The notes will be payable at the principal corporate trust office of the paying agent, which initially will be an office or agency of the trustee, or an office or agency maintained by us for such purpose, in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York.

 

The notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by each of our subsidiaries that is a borrower or a guarantor under any U.S. senior credit facility (as defined below) or under our 9.5% senior notes due 2010 (the “9.5% senior notes”). Each guarantee will rank equally in right of payment with the guarantor’s existing and future unsecured indebtedness, including any guarantee by such guarantor of obligations under any U.S. senior credit facility or our 9.5% senior notes, as described under “— Guarantees.”

 

A “U.S. senior credit facility” is one or more debt facilities providing for senior revolving credit loans, senior term loans and/or letters of credit to the company and/or one or more domestic subsidiaries, as borrower or borrowers and guarantors thereunder (including, without limitation, the U.S. Credit Agreement (as defined below)), as amended, amended and restated, supplemented, modified, refinanced, replaced or otherwise restructured, in whole or in part from time to time, including increasing the amount of available borrowings thereunder or adding other domestic subsidiaries as additional borrowers and/or guarantors thereunder, with respect to all or any portion of the indebtedness under such facilities or any successor or replacement facilities and whether with the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders; provided, that no such debt facility that otherwise complies with the definition shall cease to be a U.S. senior credit facility solely as a result of a foreign subsidiary becoming a borrower or guarantor thereunder.

 

The “U.S. Credit Agreement” is the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of November 23, 2005 by and among General Cable Industries, Inc., as borrower, the company and certain other subsidiaries, as guarantors and/or additional borrowers, the lenders party thereto from time to time, Merrill Lynch Capital, a division of Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services, Inc., as collateral agent, joint lead arranger, administrative agent and swingline lender, National City Business Credit, Inc., as syndication agent, Bank of America, N.A., as documentation agent, UBS Securities LLC, as joint lead arranger, UBS AG, Stamford Branch, as issuing bank, and Merrill Lynch Bank USA, as issuing bank, including any notes, guarantees, collateral and security documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time or time.

 

The notes will bear cash interest at the rate of     % per year. Interest on the notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or provided for, or if no interest has been paid, the date the notes are originally issued. Interest will be payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on May 15, 2007, to holders of record at the close of business on the May 1 or the November 1 immediately preceding such interest payment date. Each payment of cash interest on the notes will include interest accrued for the period commencing on and including the immediately preceding interest

payment date (or, if no interest has been paid, the date the notes are originally issued) through the day before the applicable interest payment date (or fundamental change purchase date). Any payment required to be made on any day that is not a business day will be made on the next succeeding business day, and no interest on such payment will accrue or be payable for the period from and after the date on which such payment is due to such next succeeding business day. Interest will be calculated using a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months. A “business day” is any weekday that is not a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York are authorized or obligated to close.

 

Interest will cease to accrue on a note upon its maturity, conversion or purchase by us upon the occurrence of a fundamental change. We may not reissue a note that has matured or been converted, has been purchased by us or otherwise cancelled, except for registration of transfer, exchange or replacement of such note.

 

Holders may, at their option, require us to purchase the notes for cash if we experience a fundamental change, as described under “— Purchase of Notes by Us for Cash at the Option of Holders Upon a Fundamental Change.”

 

Holders may convert their notes prior to maturity based on an initial conversion rate of           shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $           per share, only if the conditions for conversion are satisfied. See “— Conversion Rights.” Notes may be presented for conversion at the office of the conversion agent and for exchange or registration of transfer at the office of the registrar. The conversion agent and the registrar shall initially be the trustee. No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or conversion of notes. However, we may require the holder to pay any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable as a result of any transfer or exchange to a person other than the holder.

 

Contemporaneously with the offering of the notes, we will enter into separate convertible note hedge and warrant transactions. See “Purchase of Convertible Note Hedges and Sale of Warrants.”

 

Ranking

 

The notes will be our unsecured senior obligations and will rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness and senior to any future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the notes. The notes will be effectively subordinated to our existing and any future secured indebtedness, including obligations under our senior secured credit facility, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness and effectively subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of our non-guarantor subsidiaries.

 

The indenture does not limit the amount of additional indebtedness which we can create, incur, assume or guarantee, nor does the indenture limit the amount of indebtedness or other liabilities that our subsidiaries can create, incur, assume or guarantee. We are obligated to pay compensation to the trustee as agreed in writing and to indemnify the trustee against certain losses, liabilities or expenses incurred by it in connection with its duties relating to the notes. The trustee’s claims for such payments will generally be senior to those of the holders of the notes in respect of all funds collected or held by the trustee.

 

Guarantees

 

The notes are guaranteed by each of our subsidiaries that is a borrower or a guarantor under any U.S. senior credit facility or under our 9.5% senior notes.

 

Each guarantee of the notes:

 

 

 

Not all of our subsidiaries will guarantee the notes. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of these non-guarantor subsidiaries, these non-guarantor subsidiaries will pay their debt and other obligations (including trade payables) before they will be able to distribute any of their assets to us. Our non-guarantor subsidiaries generated 43.2% of our consolidated net sales and 76.1% of our consolidated operating income during 2005 and 52.6% of our consolidated net sales and 55.7% of our consolidated operating income for the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2006. Our non-guarantor subsidiaries generated $78.3 million and $71.9 million of our cash flows from operating activities during 2005 and the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2006, respectively, while the company and our guarantor subsidiaries generated $42.7 million and generated $22.2 million, respectively, of cash flows from operating activities during 2005 and the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2006. As of September 29, 2006, our non-guarantor subsidiaries had outstanding $89.8 million of indebtedness and $223.1 million outstanding under our European accounts payable arrangements.

 

The obligations of each guarantor under its guarantee will be limited as necessary, after giving effect to all other liabilities of such guarantors (including, without limitation, certain obligations under a U.S. senior credit facility) and after giving effect to the amount of any contribution received from any other guarantor pursuant to the contribution obligations in the indenture, to prevent that guarantee from constituting a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law. For more details, see “Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Notes — Federal and state statutes allow courts, under certain circumstances, to void our subsidiaries’ guarantees of the notes under fraudulent transfer laws.”

 

If any “Restricted Subsidiary,” as defined in the indenture governing the 9.5% senior notes (a “Restricted Subsidiary”) (including any Restricted Subsidiary formed or acquired after the date of the indenture), shall become a borrower or guarantor under any U.S. senior credit facility or the 9.5% senior notes, then such Restricted Subsidiary shall (i) execute and deliver to the trustee a supplemental indenture in form and substance satisfactory to the trustee pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary shall unconditionally guarantee all of the company’s obligations under the notes and the indenture on the terms set forth in the indenture and (ii) deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that such supplemental indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Restricted Subsidiary and constitutes a legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of such Restricted Subsidiary. If at any time the 9.5% senior notes are not outstanding, all references to “Restricted Subsidiary” shall be changed to and deemed to be a reference to “subsidiary.”

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any guarantee by a subsidiary may provide by its terms that it shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged:

 

(1) upon any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of such subsidiary (including by way of merger or consolidation or any sale of all of the capital stock of that subsidiary) to a person that is not the company or a subsidiary of the company; or

 

(2) if such subsidiary ceases to be a borrower or guarantor under any U.S. senior credit facility or our 9.5% senior notes (other than by reason of a payment under a guarantee by any subsidiary).

 

Interest

 

General

 

The notes will bear interest at a rate of     % per year. We will pay interest semiannually in arrears in cash on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on May 15, 2007, to the holders of record at the close of business on the preceding May 1 and November 1, respectively; provided, however, that accrued and unpaid interest payable upon a purchase by us upon a fundamental change will be paid to the person to whom principal is payable, unless the fundamental change purchase date is after a record date and on or prior to the related interest payment date, in which case accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change purchase date shall be paid on such interest payment date to the record holder as of the record date.

In general, we will not pay accrued and unpaid interest on any notes that are surrendered for conversion. If a holder surrenders a note for conversion after the close of business on the record date for the payment of an installment of interest and before the related interest payment date, then, despite the conversion, we will, on the interest payment date, pay the interest due with respect to the note to the person who was the record holder of the note at the close of business on the record date. A holder who surrenders the note for conversion after the close of business on the record date must pay to the conversion agent upon surrender of the note an amount equal to the interest payable on such next succeeding interest payment date on the portion of the note being converted, provided that no such payment need be made:

 

 

Except as provided below, we will pay interest on:

 

 

At maturity, interest on outstanding certificated notes will be payable at the office of the trustee as set forth in the indenture. We will make payments of interest at maturity on outstanding global notes to DTC in immediately available funds.

 

Conversion Rights

 

General

 

Holders may convert their notes prior to maturity based on an initial conversion rate of           shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $           per share, only if the conditions for conversion described below are satisfied. Holders who convert will receive cash and, if applicable, at our option as described below, shares of our common stock upon conversion. The conversion rate per $1,000 principal amount of notes in effect at any given time is referred to in this prospectus as the “applicable conversion rate” and will be subject to adjustment as described below. The “applicable conversion price” per share of common stock as of any given time is equal to $1,000 divided by the then applicable conversion rate, rounded to the nearest cent. A note for which a holder has delivered a fundamental change purchase notice, as described below, requiring us to purchase the note may be surrendered for conversion only if such notice is withdrawn in accordance with the indenture. A holder may convert fewer than all of such holder’s notes so long as the notes converted are an integral multiple of $1,000 principal amount.

 

Upon conversion of any note, a holder will receive, for each $1,000 principal amount of notes surrendered for conversion:

 

 

The “conversion value” means the average of the daily conversion values, as defined below, for each of the 20 consecutive trading days of the conversion reference period.

 

The “daily conversion value” means, with respect to any trading day, the product of (1) the applicable conversion rate and (2) the volume weighted average price (as defined below) of our common stock on each such trading day; provided that after the consummation of a change of control in which the consideration is comprised entirely of cash, the amount used in clause (2) will be the cash price per share received by holders of our common stock in such change of control.

 

The “conversion reference period” means:

 

 

The “conversion date” with respect to a note means the date on which the holder of the note has complied with all requirements under the indenture to convert such note.

 

The “daily share amount” means, for each trading day during the conversion reference period and each $1,000 principal amount of notes surrendered for conversion, a number of shares (but in no event less than zero) determined by the following formula:

 

(volume weighted average price per share for such trading day X applicable conversion rate)  — $1,000

volume weighted average price per share for such trading day X 20

 

The “volume weighted average price” per share of our common stock on any trading day means such price as displayed on Bloomberg (or any successor service) page BGC ‘equity’ VAP in respect of the period from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on such trading day; or, if such price is not available, the volume weighted average price means the market value per share of our common stock on such day as determined by a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm retained for this purpose by us.

 

A “trading day” is any day on which (i) there is no market disruption event (as defined below) and (ii) the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, or, if our common stock is not listed on the New York Stock Exchange, any day on which the NASDAQ Global Market (formerly known as the NASDAQ National Market) is open for trading, or, if our common stock is neither listed on the New York Stock Exchange nor quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market, any day on which the principal national securities exchange on which our common stock is listed is open for trading, or, if the common stock is not listed on a national securities exchange, any business day. A “trading day” only includes those days that have a scheduled closing time of 4:00 p.m. (New York City time) or the then standard closing time for regular trading on the relevant exchange or trading system.

 

A “market disruption event” means the occurrence or existence for more than one half hour period in the aggregate on any scheduled trading day for our common stock of any suspension or limitation imposed on trading (by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by the New York Stock Exchange or otherwise) in our common stock or in any options, contracts or future contracts relating to our common stock, and such suspension or limitation occurs or exists at any time before 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) on such day.

 

On any day prior to the first trading day of the applicable conversion reference period, we may specify a percentage of the daily share amount that will be settled in cash (referred to as the “cash percentage”). If we elect to specify a cash percentage, the amount of cash that we will deliver in respect of each trading day in the applicable conversion reference period will equal the product of: (1) the cash percentage, (2) the daily share amount for such trading day and (3) the volume weighted average price of our

common stock on such trading day (provided that after the consummation of a change of control in which the consideration is comprised entirely of cash, the amount used in this clause (3) will be the cash price per share received by holders of our common stock in such change of control). The number of shares deliverable in respect of each trading day in the applicable conversion reference period will be a percentage of the daily share amount equal to 100% minus the cash percentage. If we do not specify a cash percentage by the start of the applicable conversion reference period, we must settle 100% of the daily share amount for each trading day in the applicable conversion reference period with shares of our common stock; provided, however, that we will pay cash in lieu of fractional shares otherwise issuable upon conversion of such note.

 

A holder of a note otherwise entitled to a fractional share will receive cash equal to the applicable portion of the arithmetic average of the volume weighted average price of our common stock for each of the 20 consecutive trading days of the conversion reference period, rounding to the nearest whole cent.

 

The conversion value, daily share amount and the number of shares, if any, to be issued upon conversion of the notes will be determined by us at the end of the conversion reference period. Upon conversion of a note, we will pay the cash and deliver the shares of common stock, as applicable, as promptly as practicable after the later of the conversion date and the date all calculations necessary to make such payment and delivery have been made, but in no event later than ten business days after the later of such dates.

 

We may not have sufficient cash to pay, or may not be permitted to pay, the cash portion of the required consideration that we may need to pay if the notes are converted. If we do not have sufficient cash on hand at the time of conversion, we may have to borrow funds under our senior secured credit facility or raise additional funds through other debt or equity financing. Our ability to raise such financing will depend on prevailing market conditions and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. Further, we may not be able to raise such financing within the period required to satisfy our obligation to make timely payment upon any conversion. In addition, the covenants governing our existing or future indebtedness may prohibit us from making these cash payments upon conversion of the notes, or may restrict our ability to make such payments by requiring that we satisfy certain covenants relating to the making of restricted payments. If the covenants governing our existing or future indebtedness do not permit us to pay the cash portion of the conversion consideration, we could seek consent from such lenders to make the payment or attempt to refinance such indebtedness. If we were unable to obtain a consent or refinance the debt, we would be prohibited from paying the cash portion of the conversion consideration, in which case an event of default would occur under the indenture governing the notes. For more details, see “Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Notes — We may not be able to pay the cash portion of the conversion price pursuant to any conversion of the notes.”

 

The ability to surrender notes for conversion will expire at the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the stated maturity date.

 

Conversion Based on Common Stock Price

 

Holders may surrender notes for conversion on any business day in any calendar quarter commencing at any time after March 31, 2007, and only during such calendar quarter, if, as of the last day of the preceding calendar quarter, the closing price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of such preceding calendar quarter is more than 130% of the applicable conversion price per share of common stock on the last day of such preceding calendar quarter, which we refer to as the “conversion trigger price.”

 

The “closing price” of our common stock on any trading day means the reported last sale price per share (or, if no last sale price is reported, the average of the bid and ask prices per share or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and the average ask prices per share) on such date reported by the New York Stock Exchange, or, if our common stock is not listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as reported by the NASDAQ Global Market, or, if our common stock is not quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market, as reported by the principal national securities exchange on which our common stock is listed, or otherwise as provided in the indenture.

The conversion trigger price immediately following issuance of the notes is $          , which is 130% of the initial conversion price per share of common stock. The foregoing conversion trigger price assumes that no events have occurred that would require an adjustment to the conversion rate as described under “— Conversion Procedures” below.

 

The conversion agent will, on our behalf, determine at the beginning of each calendar quarter commencing at any time after March 31, 2007 whether the notes are convertible as a result of the price of our common stock and notify us and the trustee.

 

Conversion Based on Trading Price of Notes

 

Holders may also surrender notes for conversion on any business day during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period in which the “trading price” per $1,000 principal amount of notes, as determined following a request by a holder of notes in accordance with the procedures described below, for each day of that period was less than 98% of the product of the closing price of our common stock and the then applicable conversion rate (referred to as the “trading price condition”).

 

The “trading price” of the notes on any date of determination means the average of the secondary market bid quotations obtained by the trustee for $5,000,000 principal amount of the notes at approximately 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on such determination date from three nationally recognized securities dealers we select, which may include the underwriters; provided that if three such bids cannot reasonably be obtained by the trustee, but two such bids are obtained, then the average of the two bids shall be used, and if only one such bid can reasonably be obtained by the trustee, that one bid shall be used. If the trustee cannot reasonably obtain at least one bid for $5,000,000 principal amount of the notes from a nationally recognized securities dealer or, in our reasonable judgment, the bid quotations are not indicative of the secondary market value of the notes, then the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes will be deemed to be less than 98% of the product of the closing price of our common stock and the then applicable conversion rate.

 

In connection with any conversion upon satisfaction of the trading price condition, the trustee shall have no obligation to determine the trading price of the notes unless we have requested such determination; and we shall have no obligation to make such request unless a holder of the notes provides us with reasonable evidence that the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes would be less than 98% of the product of the closing price of our common stock and the then applicable conversion rate. At such time, we shall instruct the trustee to determine the trading price of the notes beginning on the next trading day and on each successive trading day until the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes is greater than 98% of the product of the closing price of our common stock and the then applicable conversion rate.

 

Conversion Upon Occurrence of Specified Corporate Transactions

 

Conversions Upon Certain Distributions

 

If we elect to:

 

 

we will notify the holders of notes at least 20 days prior to the ex-dividend date for such distribution; provided that if we distribute rights pursuant to a stockholder rights agreement, we will notify the holders of the notes on the business day after we are required to give notice generally to our stockholders pursuant to such stockholder rights agreement if such date is less than 20 days prior to the date of such distribution. Once we have given that notice, holders may surrender their notes for conversion at any time until the earlier of the

close of business on the business day prior to the ex-dividend date or our announcement that such distribution will not take place. A holder may not convert its notes under this conversion provision upon the above specified distributions if the holder will otherwise participate in such distribution. The “ex-dividend” date is the first date upon which a sale of the common stock does not automatically transfer the right to receive the relevant distribution from the seller of the common stock to its buyer.

 

Conversions Upon Specified Events

 

If we are party to any transaction or event (including, but not limited to, any consolidation, merger or binding share exchange, other than changes resulting from a subdivision or combination) pursuant to which all or substantially all shares of our common stock would be converted into cash, securities or other property, a holder may surrender notes for conversion at any time from and after the date that is 15 days prior to the anticipated effective date of the transaction until the earlier of 15 days after the actual date of such transaction or the date that we announce that such transaction will not take place. We will notify holders and the trustee as promptly as practicable following the date we publicly announce such transaction (but in no event less than 15 days prior to the effective date of such transaction or, if such transaction also constitutes a fundamental change, no later than the date we provide notice of the occurrence of the fundamental change).

 

If such transaction also constitutes a fundamental change, the holder will be able to require us to purchase all or a portion of such holder’s notes as described under “— Purchase of Notes by Us for Cash at the Option of Holders Upon a Fundamental Change.” In addition, if a transaction described in clause (1), (2) or (4) of the definition of “change of control” occurs, we will adjust the conversion rate for the notes tendered for conversion in connection with the fundamental change transaction, as described under “— Determination of Make Whole Premium.”

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, notes will not become convertible by reason of a merger, consolidation or other transaction effected with one of our direct or indirect subsidiaries for the purpose of changing our state of incorporation to any other state within the United States or the District of Columbia.

 

Conversion Upon a Fundamental Change

 

We will notify the holders of notes and the trustee at least 15 days prior to the anticipated effective date of any fundamental change, as defined below under “— Purchase of Notes by Us for Cash at the Option of Holders Upon a Fundamental Change,” that we know or reasonably should know will occur (a “fundamental change conversion notice”). If we do not know, or should not reasonably know, that a fundamental change will occur until the date that is within 15 days before the anticipated effective date of such fundamental change, we will notify the holders and the trustee promptly after we have knowledge of such fundamental change. Holders may surrender notes for conversion at any time beginning 15 days before the anticipated effective date of a fundamental change and until the trading day prior to the fundamental change purchase date.

 

Conversion at Maturity

 

Holders may surrender notes for conversion at any time beginning on October 15, 2013 and ending at close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date.

 

Conversion Procedures

 

To convert a note, a holder must:

 

 

On conversion of a note, a holder will receive the payment described under “— Conversion Rights” above. On conversion of a note, a holder will not receive, except as described below, any cash payment representing any accrued and unpaid interest. Instead, accrued and unpaid interest will be deemed paid by the consideration paid upon conversion. Delivery to the holder of the cash consideration and any remaining shares (or any cash in lieu thereof) upon conversion of such holder’s notes as described above under “— Conversion Rights,” together with any cash payment of such holder’s fractional shares, will thus be deemed:

 

 

As a result, accrued and unpaid interest is deemed paid in full rather than cancelled, extinguished or forfeited. Holders of notes surrendered for conversion during the period from the close of business on any regular record date next preceding any interest payment date to the opening of business of such interest payment date will receive the semiannual interest payable on such notes on the corresponding interest payment date notwithstanding the conversion, and such notes upon surrender must be accompanied by funds equal to the amount of such payment; provided that no such payment need be made:

 

 

We will not be required to convert any notes that are surrendered for conversion without payment of interest as required by this paragraph.

 

The conversion rate will not be adjusted for accrued and unpaid interest. For a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations with respect to a holder that receives cash consideration and any remaining shares (and any cash in lieu thereof), upon surrendering notes for conversion, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

We will adjust the conversion rate for certain events, including:

 

(1) the issuance of our common stock as a dividend or distribution to holders of our common stock;

 

(2) subdivisions and combinations of our common stock;

 

(3) the distribution to all holders of our common stock of any rights entitling them to purchase, for a period expiring within 45 days of distribution, common stock, or securities convertible into common stock, at less than, or having a conversion price per share less than, the then current market price of our common stock;

 

(4) the dividend or other distribution to all holders of our common stock of shares of our capital stock, other than common stock, or evidences of our indebtedness or our assets, including securities (but excluding any issuance of those rights referred to in clause (3) above, dividends and distributions in connection with a reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, combination, liquidation, dissolution, winding up, sale or conveyance resulting in a change in the conversion consideration pursuant to the second succeeding paragraph, or dividends or distributions paid exclusively in cash for which adjustment is made pursuant to clause (5) below);

 

(5) dividends or other distributions consisting exclusively of cash to all holders of our common stock; and

 

(6) payments to holders in respect of a tender offer or exchange offer for our common stock by us or any of our subsidiaries to the extent that the cash and fair market value of any other consideration included in the payment per share exceeds the closing price of our common stock on

the trading day following the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender offer or exchange offer.

 

In the event that we pay a dividend or make a distribution to all holders of our common stock consisting of capital stock of, or similar equity interests in, a subsidiary or other business unit of ours, the conversion rate will be adjusted, unless we make an equivalent distribution to holders of notes, based on the market value of the securities so distributed relative to the market value of our common stock, in each case based on the average closing prices of those securities for the ten trading days commencing on and including the fifth trading day after the date on which “ex-dividend trading” commences for such dividend or distribution on the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Global Market or such other national or regional exchange or market on which the securities are then listed or quoted.

 

In the case of the following events (each, a “business combination”):

 

 

in each case as a result of which holders of our common stock are entitled to receive stock, other securities, other property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof) with respect to or in exchange for our common stock, the holders of the notes then outstanding will be entitled thereafter to convert those notes into the kind and amount of shares of stock, other securities or other property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof) which they would have owned or been entitled to receive upon such business combination had such notes been converted into our common stock immediately prior to such business combination, except that a holder will not receive any additional cash or shares of common stock that would have resulted from the adjustment to the conversion rate as described under “— Determination of Make Whole Premium” if such holder does not convert its notes “in connection with” the relevant fundamental change (as defined below under “— Purchase of Notes by Us for Cash at the Option of Holders Upon a Fundamental Change”).

 

In the event holders of our common stock have the opportunity to elect the form of consideration to be received in such business combination, we will make adequate provision whereby the holders of the notes shall have a reasonable opportunity to determine the form of consideration into which all of the notes, treated as a single class, shall be convertible from and after the effective date of such business combination. Such determination shall be based on the weighted average of elections made by holders of the notes who participate in such determination, shall be subject to any limitations to which all of the holders of our common stock are subject, such as pro-rata reductions applicable to any portion of the consideration payable in such business combination and shall be conducted in such a manner as to be completed by the date which is the earlier of (a) the deadline for elections to be made by our stockholders, and (b) two trading days prior to the anticipated effective date. We will provide notice of the opportunity to determine the form of such consideration, as well as notice of the determination made by holders of the notes (and the weighted average of elections), by issuing a press release, or providing other notice deemed appropriate by us, and by providing a copy of such notice to the trustee. In the event the effective date is delayed more than ten days beyond the initially anticipated effective date, holders of the notes shall be given the opportunity to make subsequent similar determinations in regard to such delayed effective date. We may not become a party to any such transaction unless its terms are materially consistent with the preceding. None of the foregoing provisions shall affect the right of a holder of notes to convert its notes prior to the effective date of the business combination.

 

In addition, the indenture provides that upon conversion of the notes, the holders of such notes will receive, to the extent that we deliver shares of common stock upon such conversion, the rights related to such common stock pursuant to any future shareholder rights plan, whether or not such rights have separated from

the common stock at the time of such conversion. However, there will not be any adjustment to the conversion privilege or conversion rate as a result of:

 

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a holder of notes exercising its right of conversion after the distribution of rights pursuant to any rights plan in effect at the time of such conversion is not entitled to receive the rights that would otherwise be attributable, but for the date of conversion, to the shares of common stock to be received upon such conversion, if any, the conversion rate will be adjusted as though the rights were being distributed to holders of common stock on the date the rights become separable from such stock. If such an adjustment is made and such rights are later redeemed, invalidated or terminated, then a corresponding reversing adjustment will be made to the conversion rate on an equitable basis.

 

The indenture permits us to increase the conversion rate, to the extent permitted by law and subject to stockholder approval requirements, if any, of any relevant national securities exchange or automated dealer quotation system, for any period of at least 20 days. In that case we will give at least 15 days’ notice of such increase. We may also make such increase in the conversion rate, in addition to those set forth above, as our board of directors deems advisable to avoid or diminish any income tax to holders of our common stock resulting from any dividend or distribution of stock (or rights to acquire stock) or from any event treated as such for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, adjustments to the conversion rate, or failures to make certain adjustments, that have the effect of increasing the beneficial owners’ proportionate interests in our assets or earnings may in some circumstances result in a taxable deemed distribution to the beneficial owners. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.” We will not be required to adjust the conversion rate unless the adjustment would result in a change of at least 1% of the conversion rate. However, we will carry forward any adjustments that are less than 1% of the conversion rate and take them into account when determining subsequent adjustments. We will not make any adjustments if holders of notes are permitted to participate in the transactions described above in clauses (1) through (6) that would otherwise require adjustment of the conversion rate. Except as stated above, the conversion rate will not be adjusted for the issuance of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock or carrying the right to purchase our common stock or any such security.

 

Upon determining that the holders are or will be entitled to convert their notes in accordance with these provisions, we will promptly issue a press release or otherwise publicly disclose this information and use our reasonable efforts to post such information on our website.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the conversion rate shall not exceed           shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes, other than on account of adjustments to the conversion rate in the manner set forth in clauses (1) through (4) above under “— Conversion Rights — Conversion Procedures” above.

 

Determination of Make Whole Premium

 

If a transaction described in clauses (1), (2) or (4) of the definition of change of control (as set forth under “— Purchase of Notes by Us for Cash at the Option of Holders Upon a Fundamental Change”) occurs on or prior to the maturity date, and a holder elects to convert its notes in connection with such transaction, we will pay a make whole premium by increasing the applicable conversion rate for the notes surrendered for conversion if and as required below. A conversion of notes will be deemed for these purposes to be “in connection with” such a transaction if the notice of conversion is received by the conversion agent from and including the effective date of such transaction and prior to and including the close of business on the business day prior to the fundamental change purchase date of such transaction as described under “— Purchase of Notes by Us for Cash at the Option of Holders Upon a Fundamental Change.” Any make whole premium will

have the effect of increasing the amount of any cash, securities or other assets otherwise due to the holders of notes upon conversion.

 

Any increase in the applicable conversion rate will be determined by reference to the table below and is based on the date on which such fundamental change transaction becomes effective (the “effective date”) and the price (the “stock price”) paid, or deemed paid, per share of our common stock in such transaction, subject to adjustment as described below. If the holders of our common stock receive only cash in the fundamental change transaction, the stock price shall be the cash amount paid per share of common stock. Otherwise, the stock price shall be the average of the closing sale prices of our common stock for each of the ten consecutive trading days prior to but excluding the effective date.

 

The following table sets forth the amount, if any, by which the applicable conversion rate will increase for each hypothetical stock price and effective date set forth below:

 

Make Whole Premium (Increase in Applicable Conversion Rate)

 

 

 

* The original issue date of the notes.

 

The actual stock price and effective date may not be set forth in the table above, in which case:

 

 

The stock prices set forth in the first column of the table above will be adjusted as of any date on which the conversion rate of the notes is adjusted as set forth under “— Conversion Rights — Conversion Procedures” above. The adjusted stock prices will equal the stock prices applicable immediately prior to such adjustment multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the conversion rate immediately prior to the adjustment giving rise to the stock price adjustment and the denominator of which is the conversion rate as so adjusted. The conversion rate adjustment amounts set forth in the table above will be adjusted in the same manner as the conversion rate as set forth above under “— Conversion Rights — Conversion Procedures,”

other than by operation of an adjustment to the conversion rate by virtue of the make whole premium as described above.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the conversion rate shall not exceed           shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes, other than on account of adjustments to the conversion rate in the manner set forth in clauses (1) through (4) above under “— Conversion Rights — Conversion Procedures” above.

 

Our obligation to increase the conversion rate could be considered a penalty, in which case the enforceability thereof would be subject to general principles of reasonableness of economic remedies and may not be enforceable.

 

Purchase of Notes by Us for Cash at the Option of Holders Upon a Fundamental Change

 

In the event of a fundamental change, as defined below, each holder of notes will have the right to require us to purchase for cash all of such holder’s notes, or any portion thereof in integral multiples of $1,000, on the date, which we refer to as the “fundamental change purchase date,” that is 30 business days after the later of the effective date of the fundamental change and the date we give notice of the fundamental change, at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change purchase date. If such fundamental change purchase date is after a record date but prior to an interest payment date, however, then the interest payable on such date will be paid to the holder of record of the notes on the relevant regular record date.

 

Within 30 days after we know or reasonably should know of the occurrence of a fundamental change, we are required to give notice to all holders of record of notes, as provided in the indenture, stating among other things, the occurrence of a fundamental change and of their resulting purchase right (an “issuer fundamental change notice”). We must also deliver a copy of our notice to the trustee and the paying agent.

 

In order to exercise the purchase right upon a fundamental change, a holder must deliver by the close of business on the business day prior to the fundamental change purchase date a “fundamental change purchase notice” stating, among other things:

 

 

If the notes are not in certificated form, a fundamental change purchase notice must comply with appropriate DTC procedures.

 

A holder may withdraw any fundamental change purchase notice by a written notice of withdrawal delivered to the paying agent prior to the close of business on the business day prior to the fundamental change purchase date. If a holder of notes delivers a fundamental change purchase notice, it may not thereafter surrender those notes for conversion unless the fundamental change purchase notice is withdrawn. The notice of withdrawal shall state:

 

 

If the notes are not in certificated form, a withdrawal notice must comply with appropriate DTC procedures.

In connection with any purchase offer pursuant to a fundamental change purchase notice, we will, if required:

 

 

Payment of the fundamental change purchase price for a note for which a fundamental change purchase notice has been delivered by a holder and not validly withdrawn is conditioned upon delivery of the note, together with necessary endorsement, to the paying agent at any time after delivery of the fundamental change purchase notice. Payment of the fundamental change purchase price for the note will be made promptly following the later of the fundamental change purchase date or the time of delivery of the note, together with necessary endorsements.

 

If the paying agent holds funds sufficient to pay the fundamental change purchase price of the note on, or the business day following, the fundamental change purchase date in accordance with the terms of the indenture, then, immediately after the fundamental change purchase date, whether or not the note is delivered to the paying agent:

 

 

A “fundamental change” will be deemed to occur upon a change of control or a termination of trading, each as defined below.

 

A “change of control” will be deemed to have occurred at such time after the original issuance of the notes when the following has occurred (whether or not approved by our board of directors):

 

(1) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that a person shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all shares that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of voting stock representing 50% or more of the total voting power of all outstanding voting stock of the company; or

 

(2) the company consolidates with, or merges with or into, another person (other than a wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary) or the company and/or one or more of its Restricted Subsidiaries sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of the company and the Restricted Subsidiaries (determined on a consolidated basis) to any person (other than the company or a wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary), other than any such transaction where immediately after such transaction the person or persons that “beneficially owned” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) immediately prior to such transaction, directly or indirectly, voting stock representing a majority of the total voting power of all outstanding voting stock of the company, “beneficially own or owns” (as so determined), directly or indirectly, voting stock representing a majority of the total voting power of the outstanding voting stock of the surviving or transferee person; or

 

(3) during any consecutive two-year period, the continuing directors cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the board of directors of the company; or

 

(4) the adoption of a plan of liquidation or dissolution of the company.

 

For purposes of this definition, “continuing directors” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the board of directors of the company who was (a) a member of such board of directors on the date of the

indenture or (b) nominated for election or elected to such board of directors with the approval of a majority of the continuing directors who were members of such board at the time of such nomination or election.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, it will not constitute a change of control if 100% of the consideration for our common stock (excluding cash payments for fractional shares and cash payments made in respect of dissenters’ appraisal rights) in the transaction or transactions constituting the change of control consists of common stock and any associated rights listed on a United States national securities exchange or quoted on a national automated dealer quotation system, or which will be so traded or quoted when issued or exchanged in connection with the change of control, and as a result of such transaction or transactions the notes become convertible solely into such common stock.

 

A “termination of trading” is deemed to occur if our common stock (or other common stock into which the notes are then convertible) is not listed for trading on a United States national securities exchange, quoted on a national automated dealer quotation system, or approved for trading on an established automated over-the-counter trading market in the United States.

 

Clause (2) of the definition of change of control includes a phrase relating to the conveyance, transfer, lease, or other disposition of “all or substantially all” of our assets. There is no precise established definition of the phrase “substantially all” under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of notes to require us to repurchase such notes as a result of a conveyance, transfer, lease, or other disposition of less than all of our assets may be uncertain.

 

In some circumstances, the fundamental change repurchase feature of the notes may make it more difficult or discourage a takeover of us and thus the removal of incumbent management. The fundamental change repurchase feature, however, is not the result of management’s knowledge of any specific effort to accumulate shares of common stock or to obtain control of us by means of a merger, tender offer, solicitation or otherwise, or part of a plan by management to adopt a series of anti-takeover provisions. Instead, the fundamental change repurchase feature is the result of negotiations between us and the underwriters.

 

We may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, at any time purchase the notes in the open market or by tender at any price or by private agreement. Any note purchased by us will be surrendered to the trustee for cancellation. Any notes surrendered to the trustee may not be reissued or resold and will be canceled promptly.

 

The foregoing provisions would not necessarily protect holders of the notes if highly leveraged or other transactions involving us occur that may materially adversely affect holders. Our ability to repurchase notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change is subject to important limitations. We cannot assure holders that we would have the financial resources, or would be able to arrange financing, to pay the fundamental change purchase price for all the notes that might be delivered by holders of notes seeking to exercise the fundamental change purchase right. Furthermore, payment of the fundamental change purchase price may violate or may be limited by the terms of our existing or future indebtedness. Any failure by us to repurchase the notes when required would result in an event of default under the indenture. Any such default may, in turn, cause a default under other indebtedness. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Notes — We may be unable to purchase the notes upon a fundamental change, which would cause defaults under the notes and our other debt agreements.”

 

Events of Default and Acceleration

 

The following will be events of default under the indenture:

 

 

 

If an event of default shall have happened and be continuing, either the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the notes then outstanding may declare the principal of the notes and any accrued and unpaid interest through the date of such declaration immediately due and payable. Upon any such declaration, such principal, premium, if any, and interest shall become due and payable immediately. In the case of certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency relating to us or any significant subsidiary, the principal amount of the notes together with any accrued interest through the occurrence of such event shall automatically become and be immediately due and payable. Any declaration with respect to the notes may be rescinded or annulled by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes if all defaults and events of default, other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal and interest, have been cured or waived as provided in the indenture, and certain other conditions specified in the indenture are satisfied.

 

Consolidation, Mergers or Sales of Assets

 

The company shall not consolidate with or merge with or into (whether or not the company is the surviving person) any other entity and the company shall not, and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, sell, convey, assign, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the company’s and the Restricted Subsidiaries’ assets (determined on a consolidated basis for the company and the Restricted Subsidiaries) to any person in a single transaction or series of related transactions, unless:

 

(1) either (A) the company shall be the surviving person or (B) the surviving person (if other than the company) shall be a corporation or limited liability company organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and shall, in any such case, expressly assume by a supplemental indenture, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all the notes and the performance and observance of every covenant of the indenture to be performed or observed on the part of the company; and

 

(2) immediately thereafter, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such transaction, no event of default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

For purposes of the foregoing, the transfer (by lease, assignment, sale or otherwise, in a single transaction or series of transactions) of all or substantially all the assets of one or more subsidiaries, the capital

stock of which constitute all or substantially all the assets of the company, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all the assets of the company.

 

There is no precise established definition of the phrase “substantially all” under applicable law. Accordingly, there may be uncertainty as to whether the provisions above would apply to a conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of less than all of our assets.

 

Upon the assumption of our obligations by such corporation in such circumstances, subject to certain exceptions, we shall be discharged from all obligations under the notes and the indenture. Although such transactions are permitted under the indenture, certain of the foregoing transactions occurring could constitute a fundamental change of the company, permitting each holder to require us to purchase the notes of such holder or to convert their notes each as described above. An assumption of our obligations under the notes and the indenture by such corporation might be deemed for U.S. federal income tax purposes to be an exchange of the notes for new notes by the beneficial owners thereof, resulting in recognition of gain or loss for such purposes and possibly other adverse tax consequences to the beneficial owner. You should consult your own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of such an assumption.

 

Modification and Waiver

 

We, the guarantors and the trustee may amend the indenture or the notes with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the notes then outstanding. However, the consent of the holder of each outstanding note affected is required to:

 

 

Without providing notice to or obtaining the consent of any holder of notes, we, the trustee and the guarantors may amend the indenture:

 

 

 

The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes may, on behalf of all the holders of all notes:

 

 

Discharge of the Indenture

 

We may satisfy and discharge our obligations under the indenture by delivering to the trustee for cancellation all outstanding notes or by depositing (or causing a guarantor to deposit) with the trustee, the paying agent or the conversion agent, if applicable, after the notes have become due and payable, whether at stated maturity or a fundamental change purchase date, or upon conversion or otherwise, cash or shares of common stock (as applicable under the terms of the indenture) sufficient to pay all amounts due under the outstanding notes and paying all other sums payable under the indenture.

 

Calculations in Respect of Notes

 

We are responsible for making all calculations called for under the notes, except for those necessary to determine if the notes are convertible based on the price of our common stock (which are made by the conversion agent on our behalf). See “— Conversion Rights — Conversion Based on Common Stock Price.” These calculations include, but are not limited to, determination of the average trading prices of the notes and of our common stock. We will make all these calculations in good faith and, absent manifest error, our calculations are final and binding on holders of notes. We will provide a schedule of our calculations to the trustee upon the trustee’s request and the trustee is entitled to conclusively rely upon the accuracy of our calculations without independent verification.

Governing Law

 

The indenture, the notes and the guarantees will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

Information Concerning the Trustee

 

U.S. Bank National Association will be the trustee, registrar, paying agent and conversion agent under the indenture for the notes.

 

Global Notes; Book-Entry Form

 

We will initially issue the notes in the form of one or more global securities. The global security will be deposited with the trustee as custodian for DTC and registered in the name of a nominee of DTC. Except as set forth below, the global security may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to DTC or another nominee of DTC. You will hold your beneficial interests in the global security directly through DTC if you have an account with DTC or indirectly through organizations that have accounts with DTC. Notes in definitive certificated form (called “certificated securities”) will be issued only in limited circumstances described below.

 

DTC has advised us that it is:

 

 

DTC was created to hold securities of institutions that have accounts with DTC (called “participants”) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among its participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers, which may include the underwriters, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC’s book-entry system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies (called, the “indirect participants”) that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, whether directly or indirectly.

 

We expect that pursuant to procedures established by DTC upon the deposit of the global security with DTC, DTC will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the principal amount of notes represented by such global security to the accounts of participants. The accounts to be credited shall be designated by the underwriters. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security will be shown on, and the transfer of those beneficial interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to participants’ interests), the participants and the indirect participants.

 

The laws of some jurisdictions may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. These limits and laws may impair the ability to transfer or pledge beneficial interests in the global security.

 

Owners of beneficial interests in global securities who desire to convert their interests should contact their brokers or other participants or indirect participants through whom they hold such beneficial interests to obtain information on procedures, including proper forms and cut off times, for submitting requests for conversion. So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner or holder of a global security, DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the notes represented by the global security for all purposes under the indenture and the notes. In addition, no owner of a beneficial interest

in a global security will be able to transfer that interest except in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC and the applicable procedures of its participants and indirect participants.

 

Except as set forth below, as an owner of a beneficial interest in the global security, you will not be entitled to have the notes represented by the global security registered in your name, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated securities and will not be considered to be the owner or holder of any notes under the global security. We understand that under existing industry practice, if an owner of a beneficial interest in the global security desires to take action that DTC, as the holder of the global security, is entitled to take, DTC would authorize the participants to take such action. Additionally, in such case, the participants would authorize beneficial owners through such participants to take such action or would otherwise take such action upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.

 

We will make payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the notes represented by the global security registered in the name of and held by DTC or its nominee to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner and holder of the global security. Neither we, the trustee nor any paying agent will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial interests in the global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial interests.

 

We expect that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on the global security, will credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global security as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants or indirect participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global security held through such participants or indirect participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of such participants or indirect participants. We will not have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial interests in the global security for any note or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial interests or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and its participants or indirect participants or the relationship between such participants or indirect participants and the owners of beneficial interests in the global security owning through such participants.

 

Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in same-day funds.

 

DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes only at the direction of one or more participants to whose account the DTC interests in the global security is credited and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of notes as to which such participant has or participants have given such direction. However, if DTC notifies us that it is unwilling to be a depositary for the global security or ceases to be a clearing agency or there is an event of default under the notes, DTC will exchange the global security for certificated securities which it will distribute to its participants. Although DTC is expected to follow the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of interests in the global security among participants of DTC, it is under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for the performance by DTC or the participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their respective operations.

 

Authorized Capital Stock

 

Our authorized capital stock consists of 75,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, of which 2,070,000 shares have been designated as Series A preferred stock. As of November 2, 2006, there were approximately 51.6 million shares of common stock outstanding (net of treasury shares) held of record by approximately 2,005 stockholders. As of November 2, 2006, there were 101,949 shares of Series A preferred stock outstanding held of record by one stockholder. The following description of our capital stock and provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws are only summaries, and we encourage you to review complete copies of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws, which we have filed previously with the SEC. See “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” and “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

Common Stock

 

Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive, as, when and if declared by our board of directors, dividends and other distributions in cash, stock or property from our assets or funds legally available for those purposes subject to any dividend preferences that may be attributable to preferred stock, if any. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters on which stockholders may vote. Holders of common stock are not entitled to cumulative voting for the election of directors. There are no preemptive, conversion, redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in the assets available for distribution, subject to any prior rights of any holders of preferred stock, if any, then outstanding.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors, without any vote or action by the holders of common stock, to issue up to 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock from time to time in one or more series. Our board of directors is authorized to determine the number of shares and designation of any additional series of preferred stock and the dividend rights, dividend rate, conversion rights and terms, voting rights, redemption rights and terms, liquidation preferences, sinking fund terms and other rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of any series of preferred stock. Issuances of preferred stock would be subject to the applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange or other organizations on whose systems the preferred stock may then be quoted or listed. Depending upon the terms of preferred stock established by our board of directors, any or all series of preferred stock could have preferences over the common stock with respect to dividends and other distributions and upon liquidation. Issuance of any such shares with voting powers, or issuance of additional shares of common stock, would dilute the voting power of the outstanding common stock.

 

We believe that the availability of our preferred stock, in each case issuable in series, and additional shares of common stock could facilitate certain financings and acquisitions and provide a means for meeting other corporate needs which might arise. The authorized shares of our preferred stock, as well as authorized but unissued shares of common stock will be available for issuance without further action by our stockholders, unless stockholder action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange on which any series of our capital stock may then be listed.

 

These provisions give our board of directors the power to approve the issuance of a series of preferred stock, or an additional series of common stock, that could, depending on its terms, either impede or facilitate the completion of a merger, tender offer or other takeover attempt. For example, the issuance of new shares of preferred stock might impede a business combination if the terms of those shares include voting rights which would enable a holder to block business combinations. Also, the issuance of new shares might facilitate a business combination if those shares have general voting rights sufficient to cause an applicable percentage vote requirement to be satisfied.

Series A Preferred Stock

 

Ranking

 

The Series A preferred stock ranks senior to all of our “junior stock,” which is our common stock, and each other class or series of our capital stock that has terms which do not expressly provide that such class or series will rank senior to or on parity with the Series A preferred stock.

 

Dividends

 

Dividends accrue on the Series A preferred stock at the rate of 5.75% per year and are payable quarterly in arrears on February 24, May 24, August 24 and November 24 of each year, starting on February 24, 2004. Dividends are payable in cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and common stock. If we do not pay a dividend on a dividend payment date, then, until all accumulated dividends have been declared and paid or declared and set apart for payment, we may not take any of the following actions with respect to any of our junior stock:

 

 

Liquidation Preference

 

Upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, each holder of shares of Series A preferred stock will be entitled to payment, out of our assets legally available for distribution, of an amount equal to the liquidation preference, initially $50.00 per share, plus an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid and accumulated dividends on those shares to, but excluding, the date of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, before any distribution is made on any junior stock, including our common stock. If the amounts payable with respect to shares of Series A preferred stock and all other parity stock are not paid in full, the holders of shares of Series A preferred stock and the holders of the parity stock will share equally and ratably in any distribution of our assets in proportion to the full liquidation preference and the amount equal to all accrued and unpaid and accumulated dividends to which each such holder is entitled. Neither the voluntary sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer, for cash, shares of stock, securities or other consideration, of all or substantially all of our property or assets nor our consolidation, merger or amalgamation with or into any other entity, or the consolidation, merger or amalgamation of any other entity with or into us will be deemed to be our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up.

 

Voting Rights

 

Holders of the Series A preferred stock are not entitled to any voting rights except as required by law and as set forth in this section. So long as any shares of Series A preferred stock remain outstanding, we shall not, without the consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of Series A preferred stock outstanding at the time:

 

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase in the authorized number of shares of common stock or Series A preferred stock or the authorization and issuance of junior stock or other parity stock, including those with voting or redemption rights that are different than the voting or redemption rights of the Series A preferred stock, shall not be deemed to be an amendment that alters or changes such powers, preferences or special rights in any manner materially adverse to the interests of the holders of the Series A preferred stock.

If and whenever six full quarterly dividends, whether or not consecutive, payable on the Series A preferred stock are not paid, the number of directors constituting our board of directors will be increased by two and the holders of the Series A preferred stock, voting together as a single class, will be entitled to elect those additional directors. In the event of such a non-payment, any holder of the Series A preferred stock may request that we call a special meeting of the holders of Series A preferred stock for the purpose of electing the additional directors and we must call such meeting within 20 days of request. If we fail to call such a meeting upon request, then any holder of Series A preferred stock can call such a meeting. If all accumulated dividends on the Series A preferred stock have been paid in full and dividends for the current quarterly dividend period have been paid, the holders of our Series A preferred stock will no longer have the right to vote on directors and the term of office of each director so elected will terminate and the number of our directors will, without further action, be reduced by two.

 

In any case where the holders of our Series A preferred stock are entitled to vote, each holder of our Series A preferred stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of Series A preferred stock.

 

Number of Directors; Removal; Vacancies

 

The amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the amended and restated by-laws provide that the number of directors shall not be less than three nor more than nine and shall be determined from time to time exclusively by a vote of a majority of our board of directors then in office. The amended and restated certificate of incorporation also provides that our board of directors shall have the exclusive right to fill vacancies, including vacancies created by expansion of our board of directors. Furthermore, except as may be provided in a resolution or resolutions of our board of directors providing for any class or series of preferred stock with respect to any directors elected by the holders of such class or series, directors may be removed by our stockholders only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of at least 662/3% of the voting power of all of the shares of our capital stock then entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class. These provisions, in conjunction with the provision of the amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizing our board of directors to fill vacant directorships, could prevent stockholders from removing incumbent directors without cause and filling the resulting vacancies with their own nominees.

 

Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our board of directors is divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms. Each class is to be as nearly equal in number as reasonably possible. The initial term of office of Class I directors expired at our 1998 annual meeting of stockholders, the initial term of Class II directors expired at our 1999 annual meeting of stockholders, and the initial term of Class III directors expired at our 2000 annual meeting of stockholders. Directors elected to succeed directors whose terms have expired have a term of office lasting three years and until their successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal.

 

No Stockholder Action by Written Consent; Special Meetings

 

The amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, except as may be provided in a resolution or resolutions of our board of directors providing for any class or series of preferred stock, stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and cannot be taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting. The amended and restated certificate of incorporation also provides that special meetings of the stockholders can only be called pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of our board of directors then in office. Stockholders are not permitted to call a special meeting of stockholders.

 

Advance Notice for Raising Business or Making Nominations at Meetings

 

The amended and restated by-laws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before a meeting of our stockholders and for nominations by stockholders of candidates for election as directors at an annual meeting or a special meeting at which directors are to be elected. Subject to any other applicable requirements, including, without limitation, Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, only such business may be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as has been brought before the meeting by, or at the direction of, our board of directors, or by a stockholder who has given to our secretary timely written

notice, in proper form, of the stockholder’s intention to bring that business before the meeting. The presiding officer at such meeting has the authority to make such determinations. Only persons who are nominated by, or at the direction of, our board of directors, or who are nominated by a stockholder who has given timely written notice, in proper form, to the Secretary prior to a meeting at which directors are to be elected will be eligible for election as directors.

 

To be timely, notice of nominations or other business to be brought before an annual meeting must be received by our Secretary at our principal executive offices no later than 60 days prior to the date of such annual meeting. Similarly, notice of nominations or other business to be brought before a special meeting must be delivered to our Secretary at the principal executive office no later than the close of business on the 15th day following the day on which notice of the date of a special meeting of stockholders was given. The notice of any nomination for election as a director must set forth:

 

 

The person submitting the notice of nomination, and any person acting in concert with such person, must provide their names and business addresses, the name and address under which they appear on our books (if they so appear), and the class and number of shares of our capital stock that are beneficially owned by them.

 

Amendments to Amended and Restated By-Laws

 

The amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our board of directors or the holders of at least 662/3% of the voting power of all shares of our capital stock then entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, have the power to amend or repeal our amended and restated by-laws.

 

Amendment of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

 

Any proposal to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision of the amended and restated certificate of incorporation, except as may be provided in a resolution or resolutions of our board of directors providing for any class or series of preferred stock and which relate to such class or series of preferred stock, requires approval by the affirmative vote of both a majority of the members of our board of directors then in office and a majority vote of the voting power of all of the shares of our capital stock entitled to vote generally in the

election of directors, voting together as a single class. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any proposal to amend, alter, change or repeal the provisions of the amended and restated certificate of incorporation relating to:

 

 

requires approval by the affirmative vote of 662/3% of the voting power of all of the shares of our capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

 

Delaware Business Combination Statute

 

Certain provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws and of Delaware law could make it harder for someone to acquire us through a tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. We are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which defines a person who owns (or within three years, did own) 15% or more of a company’s voting stock as an “interested stockholder.” Section 203 prohibits a public Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period commencing three years from the date in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless:

 

 

Section 203 could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover attempts against us, and accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us through a tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise.

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock and our Series A preferred stock is Mellon Investor Services LLC.