PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT		Filed pursuant to Rule 424 (b)(2)
(To Prospectus Dated May 6, 2009)		Registration No. 333-158162

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(1)	Excluding fair value of interest rate swaps of $94.5 million.

(2)	Our long-term debt is guaranteed by our vessel owning subsidiaries and is secured by first priority ship mortgages over our vessels and pledges on the share capital of our vessel owning subsidiaries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Matters discussed in this prospectus may constitute forward-looking statements.  The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business.  Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

 

Ship Finance International Limited, or the Company, desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement pursuant to this safe harbor legislation.  This prospectus and any other written or oral statements made by us or on our behalf may include forward-looking statements, which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance.  The words “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “potential,” “may,” “should,” “expect” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

 

The forward-looking statements in this document are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties.  Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

 

In addition to these important factors and matters discussed elsewhere herein, important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies, fluctuations in currencies and interest rates, general market conditions including fluctuations in charterhire rates and vessel values, changes in demand in the markets in which we operate, changes in demand resulting from changes in the petroleum production levels of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, and world wide oil consumption and storage, developments regarding the technologies relating to oil exploration, changes in market demand in countries which import commodities and finished goods and changes in the amount and location of the production of those commodities and finished goods, increased inspection procedures and more restrictive import and export controls, changes in our operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, performance of our charterers and other counterparties with whom we deal, timely delivery of vessels under construction within the contracted price, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents, piracy or political events, and other important factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus, in any applicable prospectus supplement and in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008, as well as those described from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

This prospectus contains assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions and beliefs about future events.  These statements are intended as forward-looking statements.  We may also from time to time make forward-looking statements in our periodic reports that we will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, other information sent to our security holders, and other written materials.  We caution that assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions and beliefs about future events may and often do vary from actual results and the differences can be material.

 

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.  In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this prospectus might not occur, and our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

 

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table sets forth our unaudited ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the preceding five fiscal years.

 

(Dollars in thousands)		For the years ended December 31,
		2008				2007				2006				2005				2004
Earnings
Net income		$	181,611				167,707				180,798				209,546				262,659
Add: Fixed charges			128,795				131,525				113,588				111,935				95,933
			310,406				299,232				294,386				321,481				358,592
Less: Interest capitalized			1,603				1,124				-				-				-
Total earnings		$	308,803				298,108				294,386				321,481				358,592
Fixed charges
Interest expensed and capitalized		$	125,018				128,167				110,519				95,411				86,448
Amortization and write-off of capitalized expenses relating to indebtedness			3,777				3,358				3,069				16,524				9,485
Total fixed charges		$	128,795				131,525				113,588				111,935				95,933
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges			2.40				2.27				2.59				2.87				3.74

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For purposes of computing the consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of net income available to common shareholders plus interest expense and any amortization and write-off of capitalized expenses relating to indebtedness.  Fixed charges consist of interest expense and capitalized interest, the interest portion of rental expense and amortization and write-off of capitalized expenses relating to indebtedness.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless we specify otherwise in any prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of securities offered by this prospectus for capital expenditures, repayment of indebtedness, working capital, to make vessel or other acquisitions and for general corporate purposes.

 

CAPITALIZATION

Each prospectus supplement will include information on the Company’s consolidated capitalization.

 

ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

Ship Finance International Limited is a Bermuda exempted company and our executive offices are located outside of the U.S. in Hamilton, Bermuda. A majority of our directors, officers and the experts named in the prospectus reside outside the U.S. In addition, a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of our directors, officers and experts are located outside of the U.S. As a result, you may have difficulty serving legal process within the U.S. upon us or any of these persons. You may also have difficulty enforcing, both in and outside the U.S., judgments you may obtain in U.S. courts against us or these persons in any action, including actions based upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal or state securities laws.

Furthermore, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of Bermuda would enter judgments in original actions brought in those courts predicated on U.S. federal or state securities laws.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following is a description of the material terms of our amended Memorandum of Association and Bye-laws.

Purpose

 

The Memorandum of Association of the Company has previously been filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Ship Finance International Limited’s Registration Statement on Form F-4 (File No. 333-115705), filed on May 21, 2004 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated by reference herein.

The purposes and powers of the Company are set forth in Items 6(1) and 7(a) through (h) of our Memorandum of Association and in the Second Schedule of the Bermuda Companies Act of 1981.  These purposes include exploring, drilling, moving, transporting and refining petroleum and hydro-carbon products, including oil and oil products; acquiring, owning, chartering, selling, managing and operating ships and aircraft; the entering into of any guarantee, contract, indemnity or suretyship to assure, support, secure, with or without the consideration or benefit, the performance of any obligations of any person or persons; and the borrowing and raising of money in any currency or currencies to secure or discharge any debt or obligation in any manner.

Our Bye-laws

At the 2007 Annual General Meeting of the Company, the shareholders voted to amend the Company’s Bye-laws to ensure conformity with recent revisions to the Bermuda Companies Act 1981, as amended. These amended Bye-laws of the Company, as adopted by the Company’s shareholders on September 28, 2007 have been filed as Exhibit 1 to the Company’s 6-K filed on October 22, 2007, and are hereby incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

Bermuda law permits the Bye-laws of a Bermuda company to contain provisions excluding personal liability of a director, alternate director, officer, member of a committee authorized under Bye-law 98, resident representative or their respective heirs, executors or administrators to the company for any loss arising or liability attaching to him by virtue of any rule of law in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust of which the officer or person may be guilty.  Bermuda law also grants companies the power generally to indemnify directors, alternate directors and officers of the Company and any members authorized under Bye-law 98, resident representatives or their respective heirs, executors or administrators if any such person was or is a party or threatened to be made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, alternate director or officer of the Company or member of a committee authorized under Bye-law 98, resident representative or their respective heirs, executors or administrators or was serving in a similar capacity for another entity at the company’s request.

Our shareholders have no pre-emptive, subscription, redemption, conversion or sinking fund rights. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders. Shareholders have no cumulative voting rights. Shareholders are entitled to dividends if and when they are declared by our Board of Directors, subject to any preferred dividend right of holders of any preference shares. Directors to be elected by shareholders require a simple majority of votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present. For all other matters, unless a different majority is required by law or our Bye-laws, resolutions to be approved by shareholders require approval by a simple majority of votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present.

Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, shareholders will be entitled under Bermuda law to receive, ratably, our net assets available after the payment of all our debts and liabilities and any preference amount owed to any preference shareholders. The rights of shareholders, including the right to elect directors, are subject to the rights of any series of preference shares we may issue in the future.

 

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Under our Bye-laws, annual meetings of shareholders will be held at a time and place selected by our Board of Directors each calendar year. Special meetings of shareholders may be called by our Board of Directors at any time and, pursuant to Bermuda law, special meetings must be called at the request of shareholders holding at least 10% of our paid-up share capital carrying the right to vote at general meetings. Under our Bye-laws, five days’ notice of an annual meeting or any special meeting must be given to each shareholder entitled to vote at that meeting. Under Bermuda law, accidental failure to give notice will not invalidate proceedings at a meeting. Our Board of Directors may set a record date at any time before or after any date on which such notice is dispatched.

Special rights attaching to any class of our shares may be altered or abrogated with the consent in writing of not less than 75% of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the holders of such shares voting in person or by proxy.

Our Bye-laws do not prohibit a director from being a party to, or otherwise having an interest in, any transaction or arrangement with the Company or in which the Company is otherwise interested.  Our Bye-laws provide our Board of Directors the authority to exercise all of the powers of the Company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge all or any part of our property and assets as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation.  Our directors are not required to retire because of their age, and our directors are not required to be holders of our common shares.  Directors serve for one year terms, and shall serve until re-elected or until their successors are appointed at the next annual general meeting.

Our Bye-laws provide that no director, alternate director, officer, person or member of a committee authorized under Bye-law 98, if any, resident representative, or his heirs, executors or administrators, which we refer to collectively as an indemnitee, is liable for the acts, receipts, neglects, or defaults of any other such person or any person involved in our formation, or for any loss or expense incurred by us through the insufficiency or deficiency of title to any property acquired by us, or for the insufficiency or deficiency of any security in or upon which any of our monies shall be invested, or for any loss or damage arising from the bankruptcy, insolvency, or tortuous act of any person with whom any monies, securities, or effects shall be deposited, or for any loss occasioned by any error of judgment, omission, default, or oversight on his part, or for any other loss, damage or misfortune whatever which shall happen in relation to the execution of his duties, or supposed duties, to us or otherwise in relation thereto.  Each indemnitee will be indemnified and held harmless out of our funds to the fullest extent permitted by Bermuda law against all liabilities, loss, damage or expense (including but not limited to liabilities under contract, tort and statute or any applicable foreign law or regulation and all reasonable legal and other costs and expenses properly payable) incurred or suffered by him as such director, alternate director, officer, committee member or resident representative in his reasonable belief that he has been so appointed or elected notwithstanding any defect in such appointment or election.  In addition, each indemnitee shall be indemnified against all liabilities incurred in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which judgment is given in such indemnitee’s favor, or in which he is acquitted.  We are authorized to purchase insurance to cover any liability an indemnitee may incur under the indemnification provisions of our Bye-laws.

Authorized Capitalization

 

Under our amended Memorandum of Association, our authorized capital consists of 125,000,000 common shares, which may include related purchase rights for our common or preferred shares, having a par value of $1.00 each, of which 74,856,341 are issued and outstanding as of May 4, 2009.

Share History

 

We were formed in October of 2003 with an authorized share capital of $12,000, divided into shares of $1.00 each.  In connection with our partial spin-off from Frontline in June 2004, our authorized share capital was increased to 125,000,000 shares, each having a par value of $1.00, of which 73,925,837 were issued and outstanding immediately after the partial spin-off.  In July 2004, we issued 1,600,000 common shares in a private placement for the price of $15.75 per share.  Immediately following the issuance of these shares our total outstanding shares were 75,525,837.  Between November 2004 and January 2006 the Company purchased and cancelled 2,782,100 shares, leaving issued share capital of 72,743,737 common shares at December 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

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In November 2006, the Board of Directors approved the Ship Finance International Limited Share Option Scheme (the “Option Scheme”). The Option Scheme permits the Board of Directors, at its discretion, to grant options to employees and directors of the Company or its subsidiaries. The fair value cost of options granted is recognized in the statement of operations, with a corresponding amount credited to contributed surplus.

In October 2007, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share repurchase program of up to seven million shares. Initially the program is to be financed through the use of Total Return Swap, or TRS, transactions indexed to the Company’s own shares, whereby the counterparty acquires shares in the Company, and the Company carries the risk of fluctuations in the share price of the acquired shares. The settlement amount for each TRS transaction will be (A) the proceeds on sale of the shares plus all dividends received by the counterparty while holding the shares, less (B) the cost of purchasing the shares and the counterparty’s financing costs. Settlement will be either a payment from or to the counterparty, depending on whether A is more or less than B.  There is no obligation for the Company to purchase any shares from the counterparty and this arrangement has been recorded as a derivative transaction, with the fair value of each TRS recognized as an asset or liability and changes in fair values recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.  The Company did not repurchase any common shares for cancellation in 2008.

In February 2009, we declared a quarterly dividend with respect to the quarter ended December 31, 2008 in the amount of $0.30 on each of our outstanding common shares payable to shareholders of record as of March 9, 2009.  Shareholders of record were paid a dividend on each outstanding common share in cash, or upon the election of the holder of such common share, in newly issued common shares.  As a result of the elections to receive such dividend in additional common shares, on April 17, 2009, we issued an additional 2,112,604 common shares.

Common Shares

 

Each outstanding common share entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred shares, holders of common shares are entitled to receive ratably all dividends, if any, declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for dividends. Upon our dissolution or liquidation or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of preferred shares having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of our common shares will be entitled to receive pro rata our remaining assets available for distribution. Holders of common shares do not have conversion, redemption or preemptive rights to subscribe to any of our securities. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common shares are subject to the rights of the holders of any preferred shares which we may issue in the future.

Preferred Shares

 

The material terms of any series of preferred shares that we offer through a prospectus supplement will be described in that prospectus supplement.  Our Board of Directors is authorized to provide for the issuance of preferred shares in one or more series with designations as may be stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such preferred shares.  At the time that any series of our preferred shares is authorized, our Board of Directors will fix the dividend rights, any conversion rights, any voting rights, redemption provisions, liquidation preferences and any other rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of that series, as well as the number of shares constituting that series and their designation.  Our Board of Directors could, without shareholder approval, cause us to issue preferred stock which has voting, conversion and other rights that could adversely affect the holders of our common shares or make it more difficult to effect a change in control.  Our preferred shares could be used to dilute the share ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of us and thereby hinder a possible takeover attempt which, if our shareholders were offered a premium over the market value of their shares, might be viewed as being beneficial to our shareholders. In addition, our preferred shares could be issued with voting, conversion and other rights and preferences which would adversely affect the voting power and other rights of holders of our common shares.

 

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Warrants

 

We may issue warrants to purchase our debt or equity securities or securities of third parties or other rights, including rights to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate or price of one or more specified commodities, currencies, securities or indices, or any combination of the foregoing.  Warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities and may be attached to, or separate from, such securities.  Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent.  The terms of any warrants to be issued and a description of the material provisions of the applicable warrant agreement will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of any warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:

●	the title of such warrants;

 

●	the aggregate number of such warrants;

 

●	the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued;

 

●	the currency or currencies, in which the price of such warrants will be payable;

 

●	the securities or other rights, including rights to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate or price of one or more specified commodities, currencies, securities or indices, or any combination of the foregoing, purchasable upon exercise of such warrants;

 

●	the price at which and the currency or currencies, in which the securities or other rights purchasable upon exercise of such warrants may be purchased;

 

●	the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;

 

●	if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants which may be exercised at any one time;

 

●	if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such security;

 

●	if applicable, the date on and after which such warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;

 

●	information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

 

●	if applicable, a discussion of any material United States federal income tax considerations; and

 

●	any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such warrants.

 

 

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DESCRIPTION OF OTHER SECURITIES

Debt Securities

 

We may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series, under one or more indentures, each dated as of a date on or prior to the issuance of the debt securities to which it relates.  We may issue senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities pursuant to separate indentures, a senior indenture and a subordinated indenture, respectively, in each case between us and the trustee named in the indenture.  These indentures will be filed either as exhibits to an amendment to this Registration Statement or to a prospectus supplement, or as an exhibit to a Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, report that will be incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement or a prospectus supplement.  We will refer to any or all of these reports as “subsequent filings”.  The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time, are sometimes referred to individually as an “indenture” and collectively as the “indentures”.  Each indenture will be subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act.  The aggregate principal amount of debt securities which may be issued under each indenture will be unlimited and each indenture will contain the specific terms of any series of debt securities or provide that those terms must be set forth in or determined pursuant to, an authorizing resolution, as defined in the applicable prospectus supplement, and/or a supplemental indenture, if any, relating to such series.

 

Certain of our subsidiaries may guarantee the debt securities we offer.  Those guarantees may or may not be secured by liens, mortgages, and security interests in the assets of those subsidiaries.  The terms and conditions of any such subsidiary guarantees, and a description of any such liens, mortgages or security interests, will be set forth in the prospectus supplement that will accompany this prospectus.

 

Our statements below relating to the debt securities and the indentures are summaries of their anticipated provisions, are not complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the applicable indenture and any applicable United States federal income tax considerations as well as any applicable modifications of or additions to the general terms described below in the applicable prospectus supplement or supplemental indenture.

 

General

 

Neither indenture limits the amount of debt securities which may be issued.  The debt securities may be issued in one or more series.  The senior debt securities will be unsecured and will rank on a parity with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.  Each series of subordinated debt securities will be unsecured and subordinated to all present and future senior indebtedness.  Any such debt securities will be described in an accompanying prospectus supplement.

 

You should read the subsequent filings relating to the particular series of debt securities for the following terms of the offered debt securities:

●	the designation, aggregate principal amount and authorized denominations;

 

●	the issue price, expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount;

 

●	the maturity date;

 

●	the interest rate per annum, if any;

 

●	if the offered debt securities provide for interest payments, the date from which interest will accrue, the dates on which interest will be payable, the date on which payment of interest will commence and the regular record dates for interest payment dates;

 

●	the date, if any, after which and the price or prices at which the offered debt securities may be optionally redeemed or must be mandatorily redeemed and any other terms and provisions of optional or mandatory redemptions;

 

●	any events of default not set forth in this prospectus;

 

 

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●	the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which principal, premium and interest will be payable, if other than the currency of the United States of America;

 

●	whether interest will be payable in cash or additional securities at our or the holder’s option and the terms and conditions upon which the election may be made;

 

●	any restrictive covenants or other material terms relating to the offered debt securities, which may not be inconsistent with the applicable indenture;

 

●	whether the offered debt securities will be issued in the form of global securities or certificates in registered or bearer form;

 

●	any terms with respect to subordination;

 

●	any listing on any securities exchange or quotation system; and

 

●	the applicability of any guarantees.

 

 

Subsequent filings may include additional terms not listed above.  Unless otherwise indicated in subsequent filings with the Commission relating to the indenture, principal, premium and interest will be payable and the debt securities will be transferable at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee.  Unless other arrangements are made or set forth in subsequent filings or in a supplemental indenture, principal, premium and interest will be paid by checks mailed to the holders at their registered addresses.

 

Unless otherwise indicated in subsequent filings with the Commission, the debt securities will be issued only in fully registered form without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof.  No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of the debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with these debt securities.

 

Some or all of the debt securities may be issued as discounted debt securities, bearing no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates, to be sold at a substantial discount below the stated principal amount.  United States federal income tax consequences and other special considerations applicable to any discounted securities will be described in subsequent filings with the Commission relating to those securities.

 

We refer you to applicable subsequent filings with respect to any deletions or additions or modifications from the description contained in this prospectus.

 

Senior Debt

 

We will issue senior debt securities under the senior debt indenture.  These senior debt securities will rank on an equal basis with all our other unsecured debt except subordinated debt.

 

Subordinated Debt

 

We will issue subordinated debt securities under the subordinated debt indenture.  Subordinated debt will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent set forth in the subordinated debt indenture, to all our senior debt (both secured and unsecured).

 

In general, the holders of all senior debt are first entitled to receive payment of the full amount unpaid on senior debt before the holders of any of the subordinated debt securities are entitled to receive a payment on account of the principal or interest on the indebtedness evidenced by the subordinated debt securities in certain events.

 

If we default in the payment of any principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any senior debt when it becomes due and payable after any applicable grace period, then, unless and until the default is cured or waived or ceases to exist, we cannot make a payment on account of or redeem or otherwise acquire the subordinated debt securities.

 

 

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If there is any insolvency, bankruptcy, liquidation or other similar proceeding relating to us or our property, then all senior debt must be paid in full before any payment may be made to any holders of subordinated debt securities.

 

Furthermore, if we default in the payment of the principal of and accrued interest on any subordinated debt securities that is declared due and payable upon an event of default under the subordinated debt indenture, holders of all our senior debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full in cash before holders of such subordinated debt can receive any payments.

 

Senior debt means:

●	the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other amounts owing in respect of our indebtedness for money borrowed and indebtedness evidenced by securities, notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments issued by us, including the senior debt securities or letters of credit;

 

●	all capitalized lease obligations;

 

●	all hedging obligations;

 

●	all obligations representing the deferred purchase price of property; and

 

●	all deferrals, renewals, extensions and refundings of obligations of the type referred to above;

 

 

 but senior debt does not include:

●	subordinated debt securities; and

 

●	any indebtedness that by its terms is subordinated to, or ranks on an equal basis with, our subordinated debt securities.

 

Covenants

 

Any series of offered debt securities may have covenants in addition to or differing from those included in the applicable indenture which will be described in subsequent filings prepared in connection with the offering of such securities, limiting or restricting, among other things:

●	the ability of us or our subsidiaries to incur either secured or unsecured debt, or both;

 

●	the ability to make certain payments, dividends, redemptions or repurchases;

 

●	our ability to create dividend and other payment restrictions affecting our subsidiaries;

 

●	our ability to make investments;

 

●	mergers and consolidations by us or our subsidiaries;

 

●	sales of assets by us;

 

●	our ability to enter into transactions with affiliates;

 

●	our ability to incur liens; and

 

●	sale and leaseback transactions.

 

 

 

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Modification of the Indentures

 

Each indenture and the rights of the respective holders may be modified by us only with the consent of holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series under the respective indenture affected by the modification, taken together as a class.  But no modification that:

(1)	changes the amount of securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

 

(2)

reduces the rate of or changes the interest payment time on any security or alters its redemption provisions (other than any alteration to any such section which would not materially adversely affect the legal rights of any holder under the indenture) or the price at which we are required to offer to purchase the securities;

 

(3)	reduces the principal or changes the maturity of any security or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation;

 

(4)

waives a default or event of default in the payment of the principal of or interest, if any, on any security (except a rescission of acceleration of the securities of any series by the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securities of that series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);

 

(5)	makes the principal of or interest, if any, on any security payable in any currency other than that stated in the security;

 

(6)	makes any change with respect to holders’ rights to receive principal and interest, the terms pursuant to which defaults can be waived, certain modifications affecting shareholders or certain currency-related issues; or

 

(7)	waives a redemption payment with respect to any security or change any of the provisions with respect to the redemption of any securities

 

will be effective against any holder without his consent.  In addition, other terms as specified in subsequent filings may be modified without the consent of the holders.

 

Events of Default

 

Each indenture defines an event of default for the debt securities of any series as being any one of the following events:

●	default in any payment of interest when due which continues for 30 days;

 

●	default in any payment of principal or premium when due;

 

●	default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment when due;

 

●	default in the performance of any covenant in the debt securities or the applicable indenture which continues for 60 days after we receive notice of the default;

 

●

default under a bond, debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness for borrowed money by us or our subsidiaries (to the extent we are directly responsible or liable therefor) having a principal amount in excess of a minimum amount set forth in the applicable subsequent filing, whether such indebtedness now exists or is hereafter created, which default shall have resulted in such indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, without such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled or cured within 30 days after we receive notice of the default; and

 

●	events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization.

 

 

 

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An event of default of one series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an event of default with respect to any other series of debt securities.

 

There may be such other or different events of default as described in an applicable subsequent filing with respect to any class or series of offered debt securities.

 

In case an event of default occurs and continues for the debt securities of any series, the applicable trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities then outstanding of that series may declare the principal and accrued but unpaid interest of the debt securities of that series to be due and payable.  Any event of default for the debt securities of any series which has been cured may be waived by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding.

 

Each indenture requires us to file annually after debt securities are issued under that indenture with the applicable trustee a written statement signed by two of our officers as to the absence of material defaults under the terms of that indenture.  Each indenture provides that the applicable trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any default if it considers it in the interest of the holders to do so, except notice of a default in payment of principal, premium or interest.

 

Subject to the duties of the trustee in case an event of default occurs and continues, each indenture provides that the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under that indenture at the request, order or direction of holders unless the holders have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity.  Subject to these provisions for indemnification and the rights of the trustee, each indenture provides that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of any series then outstanding have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee as long as the exercise of that right does not conflict with any law or the indenture.

 

Defeasance and Discharge

 

The terms of each indenture provide us with the option to be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities issued thereunder upon the deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money or U.S. government obligations, or both, which through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay any installment of principal, premium and interest on, and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of, the debt securities on the stated maturity of the payments in accordance with the terms of the debt securities and the indenture governing the debt securities.  This right may only be exercised if, among other things, we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling to the effect that such a discharge will not be deemed, or result in, a taxable event with respect to holders.  This discharge would not apply to our obligations to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities, to maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust.

  

Defeasance of Certain Covenants

 

The terms of the debt securities provide us with the right to omit complying with specified covenants and that specified events of default described in a subsequent filing will not apply. In order to exercise this right, we will be required to deposit with the trustee money or U.S. government obligations, or both, which through the payment of interest and principal will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest on, and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of, the debt securities on the stated maturity of such payments in accordance with the terms of the debt securities and the indenture governing such debt securities. We will also be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the deposit and related covenant defeasance should not cause the holders of such series to recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

A subsequent filing may further describe the provisions, if any, of any particular series of offered debt securities permitting a discharge defeasance.

 

 

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Subsidiary Guarantees

 

Certain of our subsidiaries may guarantee the debt securities we offer.  In that case, the terms and conditions of the subsidiary guarantees will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.  Unless we indicate differently in the applicable prospectus supplement, if any of our subsidiaries guarantee any of our debt securities that are subordinated to any of our senior indebtedness, then the subsidiary guarantees will be subordinated to the senior indebtedness of such subsidiary to the same extent as our debt securities are subordinated to our senior indebtedness.

 

Global Securities

 

The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depository identified in an applicable subsequent filing and registered in the name of the depository or a nominee for the depository. In such a case, one or more global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of the series to be represented by the global security or securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities in definitive certificated form, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depository for the global security to a nominee of the depository or by a nominee of the depository to the depository or another nominee of the depository or by the depository or any nominee to a successor depository for that series or a nominee of the successor depository and except in the circumstances described in an applicable subsequent filing.

 

We expect that the following provisions will apply to depository arrangements for any portion of a series of debt securities to be represented by a global security.  Any additional or different terms of the depository arrangement will be described in an applicable subsequent filing.

 

Upon the issuance of any global security, and the deposit of that global security with or on behalf of the depository for the global security, the depository will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the principal amounts of the debt securities represented by that global security to the accounts of institutions that have accounts with the depository or its nominee. The accounts to be credited will be designated by the underwriters or agents engaging in the distribution of the debt securities or by us, if the debt securities are offered and sold directly by us. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to participating institutions or persons that may hold interest through such participating institutions.  Ownership of beneficial interests by participating institutions in the global security will be shown on, and the transfer of the beneficial interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depository for the global security or by its nominee.  Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security by persons that hold through participating institutions will be shown on, and the transfer of the beneficial interests within the participating institutions will be effected only through, records maintained by those participating institutions. The laws of some jurisdictions may require that purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities in certificated form.  The foregoing limitations and such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the global securities.

 

So long as the depository for a global security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of that global security, the depository or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by the global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture.  Unless otherwise specified in an applicable subsequent filing and except as specified below, owners of beneficial interests in the global security will not be entitled to have debt securities of the series represented by the global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of debt securities of the series in certificated form and will not be considered the holders thereof for any purposes under the indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in the global security must rely on the procedures of the depository and, if such person is not a participating institution, on the procedures of the participating institution through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture.

 

 

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The depository may grant proxies and otherwise authorize participating institutions to give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action which a holder is entitled to give or take under the applicable indenture. We understand that, under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or any owner of a beneficial interest in the global security desires to give any notice or take any action a holder is entitled to give or take under the applicable indenture, the depository would authorize the participating institutions to give the notice or take the action, and participating institutions would authorize beneficial owners owning through such participating institutions to give the notice or take the action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.

 

Unless otherwise specified in an applicable subsequent filings, payments of principal, premium and interest on debt securities represented by global security registered in the name of a depository or its nominee will be made by us to the depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the global security.

 

We expect that the depository for any debt securities represented by a global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium or interest, will credit participating institutions’ 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 the depository.  We also expect that payments by participating institutions to owners of beneficial interests in the global security held through those participating institutions will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers registered in street names, and will be the responsibility of those participating institutions. None of us, the trustees or any agent of ours or the trustees will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial interests in a global security, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial interests.

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable subsequent filings, a global security of any series will be exchangeable for certificated debt securities of the same series only if:

●

the depository for such global securities notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository or such depository ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor depository is not appointed by us within 90 days after we receive the notice or become aware of the ineligibility;

 

●	we in our sole discretion determine that the global securities shall be exchangeable for certificated debt securities; or

 

●	there shall have occurred and be continuing an event of default under the applicable indenture with respect to the debt securities of that series.

 

Upon any exchange, owners of beneficial interests in the global security or securities will be entitled to physical delivery of individual debt securities in certificated form of like tenor and terms equal in principal amount to their beneficial interests, and to have the debt securities in certificated form registered in the names of the beneficial owners, which names are expected to be provided by the depository’s relevant participating institutions to the applicable trustee.

 

In the event that the Depository Trust Company, or DTC, acts as depository for the global securities of any series, the global securities will be issued as fully registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co., DTC’s partnership nominee.

 

 

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DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act.  DTC holds securities that its participating institutions deposit with DTC.  DTC also facilitates the settlement among participating institutions of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in participating institutions’ accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates.  Direct participating institutions include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its direct participating institutions and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC system is also available to others, such as securities brokers and dealers and banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participating institution, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and its participating institutions are on file with the Commission.

 

To facilitate subsequent transfers, the debt securities may be registered in the name of DTC’s nominee, Cede & Co.  The deposit of the debt securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. will effect no change in beneficial ownership.  DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the debt securities.  DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the direct participating institutions to whose accounts debt securities are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners.  The participating institutions remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

 

Delivery of notices and other communications by DTC to direct participating institutions, by direct participating institutions to indirect participating institutions, and by direct participating institutions and indirect participating institutions to beneficial owners of debt securities are governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect.

 

Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. consents or votes with respect to the debt securities.  Under its usual procedures, DTC mails a proxy to the issuer as soon as possible after the record date.  The proxy assigns Cede & Co.’s consenting or voting rights to those direct participating institution to whose accounts the debt securities are credited on the record date.

 

If applicable, redemption notices shall be sent to Cede & Co.  If less than all of the debt securities of a series represented by global securities are being redeemed, DTC’s practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each direct participating institution in that issue to be redeemed.

 

To the extent that any debt securities provide for repayment or repurchase at the option of the holders thereof, a beneficial owner shall give notice of any option to elect to have its interest in the global security repaid by us, through its participating institution, to the applicable trustee, and shall effect delivery of the interest in a global security by causing the direct participating institution to transfer the direct participating institution’s interest in the global security or securities representing the interest, on DTC’s records, to the applicable trustee. The requirement for physical delivery of debt securities in connection with a demand for repayment or repurchase will be deemed satisfied when the ownership rights in the global security or securities representing the debt securities are transferred by direct participating institutions on DTC’s records.

 

DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository for the debt securities at any time.  Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depository is not appointed, debt security certificates are required to be printed and delivered as described above.

 

We may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through the securities depository.  In that event, debt security certificates will be printed and delivered as described above.

 

The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for its accuracy.

 

 

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Purchase Contracts

 

We may issue purchase contracts for the purchase or sale of:

●	debt or equity securities issued by us or securities of third parties, a basket of such securities, an index or indices of such securities or any combination of the above as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement;

 

●	currencies; or

 

●	commodities.

 

 

Each purchase contract will entitle the holder thereof to purchase or sell, and obligate us to sell or purchase, on specified dates, such securities, currencies or commodities at a specified purchase price, which may be based on a formula, all as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.  We may, however, satisfy our obligations, if any, with respect to any purchase contract by delivering the cash value of such purchase contract or the cash value of the property otherwise deliverable or, in the case of purchase contracts on underlying currencies, by delivering the underlying currencies, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.  The applicable prospectus supplement will also specify the methods by which the holders may purchase or sell such securities, currencies or commodities and any acceleration, cancellation or termination provisions or other provisions relating to the settlement of a purchase contract.

 

The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders thereof or vice versa, which payments may be deferred to the extent set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, and those payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis.  The purchase contracts may require the holders thereof to secure their obligations in a specified manner to be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.  Alternatively, purchase contracts may require holders to satisfy their obligations thereunder when the purchase contracts are issued.  Our obligation to settle such pre-paid purchase contracts on the relevant settlement date may constitute indebtedness.  Accordingly, pre-paid purchase contracts will be issued under either the senior indenture or the subordinated indenture.

 

Units

 

As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units consisting of one or more purchase contracts, warrants, debt securities, preferred shares, common shares or any combination of such securities.  The applicable prospectus supplement will describe:

●	the terms of the units and of the purchase contracts, warrants, debt securities, preferred shares and common shares comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances the securities comprising the units may be traded separately;

 

●	a description of the terms of any unit agreement governing the units; and

 

●	a description of the provisions for the payment, settlement, transfer or exchange or the units.