FORM S-3
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2009
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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NAVIGATORS CAPITAL TRUST I |
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC.
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NAVIGATORS CAPITAL TRUST II |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
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Delaware
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Delaware |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
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13-3138397
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To be applied for |
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To be applied for |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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c/o The Navigators Group, Inc. |
One Penn Plaza
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One Penn Plaza |
New York, New York 10119
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New York, New York 10119 |
(212) 244-2333
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(212) 244-2333 |
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
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(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including |
area code, of registrants principal executive offices)
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area code, of registrants principal executive offices) |
Bruce J. Byrnes
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer
The Navigators Group, Inc.
One Penn Plaza
New York, New York 10119
(212) 244-2333
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
Copy to:
William S. Lamb, Esq.
Sheri E. Bloomberg, Esq.
Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP
1301 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019
Telephone: (212) 259-8000
Facsimile: (212) 259-8500
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. ý
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule
462(b) 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 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. o
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
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large
accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer
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Accelerated filer o |
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Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller
reporting company) |
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Smaller reporting company o |
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Proposed |
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Maximum |
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Proposed maximum |
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Title of each class of |
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Amount to be |
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aggregate price |
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aggregate offering |
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Amount of |
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securities to be registered |
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registered |
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per unit (1) |
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price (2) |
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registration fee |
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Debt Securities of The Navigators
Group, Inc. |
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Common Stock, par value $0.10 per
share, of The Navigators Group, Inc. |
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Preferred Stock, par value $0.10 per
share, of The Navigators Group, Inc. |
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Depositary Shares of The Navigators
Group, Inc. (3) |
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Warrants of The Navigators Group,
Inc. (4) |
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Units of The Navigators Group, Inc. (5) |
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Stock Purchase Contracts of The
Navigators Group, Inc. |
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Stock Purchase Units of The Navigators
Group, Inc. (6) |
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Preferred Securities of Navigators
Capital Trust I and Navigators Capital
Trust II (7) |
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Guarantees of The Navigators Group,
Inc. with respect to Trust Preferred
Securities of Navigators Capital Trust
I and Navigators Capital Trust II(8) |
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Total |
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$500,000,000 |
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100 |
% |
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$500,000,000 |
(9) |
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$27,900 |
(10) |
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(1) |
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The proposed maximum aggregate price per unit will be determined from time to time by the
registrants in connection with the issuance by the registrants of the securities registered. |
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(2) |
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The proposed maximum aggregate offering price has been estimated for the sole purpose of
computing the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the Securities Act) and is exclusive of accrued interest, distributions and
dividends, if any. |
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There is being registered hereunder an indeterminate number of depositary shares evidenced by
depositary receipts as may be issued in the event that The Navigators Group, Inc. elects to
offer fractional interests in the debt securities or shares of either common stock or
preferred stock registered hereby. No separate consideration will be received for the
depositary shares. |
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Warrants may be sold separately or with debt securities, preferred stock or common stock or
units of two or more of these types of securities. |
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Each unit may consist of a combination of any two or more of the securities being registered
hereby or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. Treasury securities. |
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Any stock purchase unit to be offered hereunder will consist of a stock purchase contract and
(i) common stock; (ii) preferred stock; (iii) debt securities, (iv) other stock purchase
contracts; (v) depositary shares, (vi) preferred securities or debt obligations of third
parties, including U.S. Treasury Securities, or (vii) preferred securities of our subsidiary
trusts. |
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Trust preferred securities may be sold severally from time to time by Navigators Capital
Trust I and Navigators Capital Trust II. |
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The Navigators Group, Inc. is registering under this registration statement guarantees and
all other obligations that it may have with respect to trust preferred securities issued by
Navigators Capital Trust I or Navigators Capital Trust II. No separate consideration will be
received for any guarantee or any such other obligation. Pursuant to Rule 457(n) under the
Securities Act, no separate registration fee will be paid in respect of any such guarantee or
any such other obligation. |
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(9) |
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Exclusive of accrued interest, distributions and dividends, if any. |
(10) |
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Pursuant to Rule 457(p) under the Securities Act, unused filing fees of $33,442.61 have
already been paid with respect to unsold securities that were previously registered pursuant
to a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (333-135801) filed on July 17, 2006, and are being
offset against the filing fee due for this registration statement. |
The registrants hereby amend this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary
to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically
states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with
Section 8(a) of the Securities Act or until this registration statement shall become effective on
such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may
determine.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 17, 2009
PROSPECTUS
$ 500,000,000
The Navigators Group, Inc.
Debt Securities, Common Stock, Preferred Stock,
Depositary Shares, Warrants, Units,
Stock Purchase Contracts and
Stock Purchase Units
Navigators Capital Trust I
Navigators Capital Trust II
Trust Preferred Securities
Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed
by The Navigators Group, Inc.,
as Described in this Prospectus
and the Accompanying Prospectus Supplement
By this prospectus, we, in conjunction with our trusts, may offer from time to time up to
$500,000,000 of any combination of the securities described in this prospectus.
We will provide the specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. We
can only use this prospectus to offer and sell any specific security by also including a prospectus
supplement for that security. You should read this prospectus and the prospectus supplements
carefully before you invest.
Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol NAVG.
Investing in our securities or the securities of our trusts involves risks. See Risk
Factors on page 3 of this prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this
prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is , 2009
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we and Navigators Capital Trust I and
Navigators Capital Trust II, which we refer to as the trusts, have filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) using a shelf registration process. Under this shelf process, we and
the trusts may sell the securities described in the prospectus from time to time. This prospectus
provides you with a general description of the securities we and the trusts may offer. We and the
trusts may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus through one or more
supplements to this prospectus. Any statement made in this prospectus will be modified or
superseded by any inconsistent statement made in a prospectus supplement. The rules of the SEC
allow us to incorporate by reference information into this prospectus. This information
incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and information that we
file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. See The
Navigators Group, Inc. Filings. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus
supplement together with additional information described under the heading Where You Can Find
More Information.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations, other
than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and, if given or made, such
information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized by The Navigators
Group, Inc. or the trusts, or any underwriter, agent, dealer or remarketing firm. Neither the
delivery of this prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall under any circumstances create any
implication that there has been no change in the affairs of The Navigators Group, Inc. or the
trusts since the date hereof or that the information contained or incorporated by reference herein
is correct as of any time subsequent to the date of such information. This prospectus does not
constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities by anyone in any
jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making
such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to
make such offer or solicitation.
References to the Company, we, us and our in this prospectus are references to The
Navigators Group, Inc. and not to any of our subsidiaries, unless we state otherwise or the context
otherwise requires.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We and the trusts have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC to register the
securities covered by this prospectus. This prospectus forms a part of that registration statement
and does not contain all of the information in the registration statement or the exhibits to the
registration statement.
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the Exchange Act). Accordingly, we file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy
statements and other information with the SEC. You may review a copy of those reports, statements
or other information at the SECs public reference room, which is located at 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the
public reference room. These SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document
retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
We have not included any separate financial statements for the trusts. They were omitted
because the trusts are our wholly owned subsidiaries with no independent operations, and we
guarantee the fee obligations relating to the trust securities.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference information into this prospectus, which means
that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to other documents filed
separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of
this prospectus,
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except for any information superseded by information contained directly in this prospectus or
in later filed documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. This prospectus
incorporates by reference the documents set forth below that we have previously filed with the SEC.
These documents contain important business and financial information about us that is not included
in or delivered with this prospectus.
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC. FILINGS
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(File No. 001-15886) |
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Period or Date Filed |
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Annual Report on Form 10-K and the
portions of our Proxy Statement dated
April 7, 2009 for our 2009 Annual
Meeting incorporated by reference into
our Annual Report
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Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2008 |
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Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q
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Quarter ended March 31, 2009 |
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Current Reports on Form 8-K
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Filed on April 7 and June 16, 2009 |
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Description of our common stock
contained in our Form 8-A
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Filed on May 20, 1987 |
We are also incorporating by reference all other documents subsequently filed by us pursuant
to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the termination of this
offering.
You can request a copy of these filings, without charge, by writing or telephoning The
Navigators Group, Inc., Attn: Bruce J. Byrnes, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief
Compliance Officer, Reckson Executive Park, 6 International Drive, Rye Brook, New York 10573,
Telephone: (914) 934-8999. In addition, we make available through our website at www.navg.com
under the Financial Information link, free of charge, our Annual Report on Form 10-K including
exhibits, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q including exhibits, current reports on Form 8-K including
exhibits, and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material
is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.
NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the statements in this prospectus and the documents we incorporate by reference are
forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Whenever used in this prospectus, the words estimate, expect, believe or similar expressions
or their negative are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements are derived from information that we currently have and assumptions that we make. We
cannot assure that anticipated results will be achieved, since actual results may differ materially
because of both known and unknown risks and uncertainties which we face. We undertake no
obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
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continued volatility in the financial markets and the current recession; |
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risks arising from the concentration of our business in marine and energy, general
liability and professional liability insurance, including the risk that market
conditions for these lines could change adversely or that we could experience large
losses in these lines; |
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cyclicality in the property/casualty insurance business generally, and the marine
insurance business specifically; |
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risks that we face in entering new markets and diversifying the products and
services that we offer, including risks arising from the development of our new
specialty lines or our ability to manage effectively the rapid growth in our lines of
business; |
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changing legal, social and economic trends and inherent uncertainties in the loss
estimation process, which could adversely impact the adequacy of loss reserves and the
allowance for reinsurance recoverables; |
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risks inherent in the preparation of our financial statements, which requires us to
make many estimates and judgments; |
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our ability to continue to obtain reinsurance covering our exposures at appropriate
prices and/or in sufficient amounts; |
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the counterparty credit risk of our reinsurers, including the other participants in
the marine pool, and other risks associated with the collection of reinsurance
recoverable amounts from our reinsurers, who may not pay on losses in a timely fashion,
or at all; |
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the effects of competition from banks and other insurers; |
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unexpected turnover of our professional staff and our ability to attract and retain
qualified employees; |
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increases in interest rates during periods in which we must sell fixed-income
securities to satisfy liquidity needs may result in realized investment losses; |
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exposure of our investment portfolio to market-wide risks and fluctuations, as well
as to risks inherent in particular types of securities; |
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exposure to significant capital market risks related to changes in interest rates,
credit spreads, equity prices and foreign exchange rates which may adversely affect our
results of operations, financial condition or cash flows; |
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capital may not be available in the future, or may not be available on favorable
terms; |
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our ability to maintain or improve our ratings to avoid the possibility of
downgrades in our claims-paying and financial strength ratings significantly adversely
affecting us, including reducing the number of insurance policies we write generally,
or causing clients who require an insurer with a certain rating level to use
higher-rated insurers; |
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risks associated with continued or increased premium levies by Lloyds of London
(Lloyds) for the Lloyds Central Fund and cash calls for trust fund deposits, or a
significant downgrade of Lloyds rating by A.M. Best Company; |
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changes in the laws, rules and regulations that apply to our insurance companies; |
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the inability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us in sufficient amounts,
which would harm our ability to meet our obligations; |
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weather-related events and other catastrophes (including acts of terrorism)
impacting our insureds and/or reinsurers, including, without limitation, the impact of
Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma in 2005 and Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008 and
the possibility that our estimates of losses from such hurricanes will prove to be
materially inaccurate; |
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volatility in the market price of our common stock; and |
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other risks that we or the trusts identify in current and future filings with the
SEC, including without limitation the risks described under the caption Risk Factors
in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. |
In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, any forward-looking events discussed
in this prospectus may not occur. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their respective dates.
iv
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC.
We are an international insurance holding company focusing on specialty products within the
overall property/casualty insurance market. The Companys underwriting segments consist of
insurance company operations and operations at Lloyds (the Lloyds Operations). Our largest
product line and most long-standing area of specialization is ocean marine insurance. We have also
developed specialty niches in professional liability insurance and in specialty liability insurance
primarily consisting of contractors liability and primary and excess liability coverages.
We conduct operations through our insurance company subsidiaries and our Lloyds Operations.
Our insurance company subsidiaries consist of Navigators Insurance Company, which includes a United
Kingdom Branch (the U.K. Branch), and Navigators Specialty Insurance Company, which underwrites
specialty and professional liability insurance on an excess and surplus lines basis fully reinsured
by Navigators Insurance Company. Our Lloyds Operations include Navigators Underwriting Agency Ltd.
(NUAL), a Lloyds underwriting agency which manages Lloyds Syndicate 1221 (Syndicate 1221).
Our Lloyds Operations primarily underwrite marine and related lines of business, professional
liability insurance, and construction coverages for onshore energy business at Lloyds through
Syndicate 1221. We participate in the capacity of Syndicate 1221 through our wholly-owned Lloyds
corporate member (we utilized two wholly-owned Lloyds corporate members prior to the 2008
underwriting year). In July 2008, the Company opened an underwriting office in Stockholm, Sweden
to write professional liability business. In September 2008, Syndicate 1221 began to underwrite
insurance coverage in China through the Navigators Underwriting Division of Lloyds Reinsurance
Company (China) Ltd. The Companys focus in China is on opportunities in professional and general
liability lines of business.
Our business strategy reflects certain factors that management believes are fundamental to
understanding how we are managed. First, underwriting profit is consistently emphasized as a
primary goal, above premium growth. Our assessment of our trends and potential growth in
underwriting profit is the dominant factor in our decisions with respect to whether or not to
expand a business line, enter into a new niche, product or territory or, conversely, to contract
capacity in any business line. Second, we focus on managing the costs of our operations. We
believe that careful monitoring of the costs of existing operations and assessment of costs of
potential growth opportunities are important to our profitability. In addition, access to capital
has a significant impact on our outlook for our operations. Our insurance company subsidiaries
operations and ability to grow their business and take advantage of market opportunities are
particularly constrained by regulatory capital requirements and rating agency assessments of
capital adequacy.
For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and the year ended December 31, 2008, our net earned
premium was $164.9 million and $644.0 million, respectively. For the same periods, our net income
was $12.0 million and $51.7 million, respectively.
We are a Delaware corporation with our principal executive offices located at One Penn Plaza,
New York, New York 10119. Our telephone number at that location is (212) 244-2333.
THE TRUSTS
Navigators Capital Trust I and Navigators Capital Trust II are statutory trusts formed on July
16, 2009 under Delaware law pursuant to declarations of trust between the trustees named therein
and The Navigators Group, Inc., and the filing of certificates of trust with the Secretary of State
of the State of Delaware. The amended and restated declaration of trust for each of the trusts, a
form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a
part, states the terms and
1
conditions for such trust to issue and sell their respective trust preferred securities and
trust common securities, which we refer to as the trust securities.
The trusts exist solely to:
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issue and sell their respective trust securities; |
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use the proceeds from the sale of their respective trust securities to purchase and
hold a series of our debt securities; |
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maintain their status as grantor trusts for federal income tax purposes; and |
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engage in other activities that are necessary or incidental to these purposes. |
We will purchase all of the trust common securities of the trusts. The trust common
securities will have terms substantially identical to, and will rank equal in priority for payment
with, the trust preferred securities. However, if we default on our subordinated debt securities,
then cash distributions and liquidation, redemption and other amounts payable on the trust common
securities will be subordinate to the trust preferred securities in priority of payment.
The trustees appointed by us as holder of all of the trust common securities will conduct the
trusts business and affairs. We will be entitled to appoint, remove or replace any of, or increase
or reduce the number of, the trustees. The duties and obligations of the trustees shall be governed
by the declaration of trust of each trust. A majority of the trustees of each trust will be our
employees or officers. One trustee of each trust will be a financial institution which will be
unaffiliated with us and which will act as property trustee and as indenture trustee for purposes
of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the Trust Indenture Act), pursuant to the terms
set forth in a prospectus supplement. We refer to this trustee as the Property Trustee. In
addition, unless the Property Trustee maintains a principal place of business in the State of
Delaware, and otherwise meets the requirements of applicable law, one trustee of each trust will
have its principal place of business or reside in the State of Delaware. We will pay all fees and
expenses related to the trusts and the offering of the trust securities. We will guarantee payment
of distributions and payments on redemption or liquidation with respect to the trust preferred
securities of each trust to the extent the applicable the trust has funds available therefor.
The place of business and the telephone number of each of the trusts is the same as our
principal executive offices and telephone number.
Please read the prospectus supplement relating to the trust preferred securities for further
information concerning the trusts and the trust preferred securities.
2
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table shows the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the Company and its
subsidiaries for the periods indicated:
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For the three months |
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For the year ended |
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ended March 31, |
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December 31, |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (1)(2) |
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4.0x |
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6.6x |
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12.5x |
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12.9x |
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15.8x |
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2.2x |
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(1) |
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We have authority to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.10 per
share; however, there are currently no shares outstanding and we do not have a preferred stock
dividend obligation. Therefore, the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends is equal to the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and is not disclosed separately. |
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For purposes of this computation, earnings consist of income from continuing operations
before income taxes, plus fixed charges to the extent that such charges are included in the
determination of income. Fixed charges consist of interest expense, letters of credit costs,
amortization of financing costs and one-third of rental expense under operating leases which
is estimated to be representative of the interest factor of such rentals. |
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities or the securities of our trusts involves risks. You should
carefully consider the risks described in our filings with the SEC referred to above in Where You
Can Find More Information as well as those included in any prospectus supplement hereto. For
example, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 contains a discussion
of significant risks under the caption Risk Factors which could be relevant to your investment in
the securities. Our subsequent filings with the SEC may contain amended and updated discussions of
significant risks.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement accompanying this
prospectus, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate
purposes, which may include investments in, or advances to, our insurance subsidiaries. Unless
otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus, each
trust will invest all proceeds received from the sale of its trust preferred securities in a
particular series of subordinated debt securities to be issued by us.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The following is a general description of the debt securities that we may issue from time to
time. The particular terms relating to each debt security will be set forth in a prospectus
supplement.
The debt securities will be our direct obligations. The senior debt securities will be our
unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of our other senior debt. The senior debt
securities will be issued under a senior indenture.
Our subordinated debt securities are to be issued under an indenture that we sometimes refer
to in this prospectus as the subordinated indenture. The subordinated debt securities will have
a junior position to all of our senior debt.
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The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture will be qualified under the Trust
Indenture Act, and the senior indenture is and the subordinated indenture will be between us and
The Bank of New York Mellon (successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as trustee.
Pursuant to the terms of our Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated April 3, 2009
(the Credit Facility), with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and a syndicate of
lenders, during the term of the Credit Facility, which expires on April 2, 2010, we may not issue
any of the debt securities without the prior written consent of the lenders.
Because a significant part of our operations are conducted through our insurance subsidiaries,
a significant portion of our cash flow, and consequently, our ability to service debt, including
the debt securities, is dependent upon the earnings of those subsidiaries and the transfer of funds
by those subsidiaries to us in the form of dividends or other transfers, supplemented with
borrowings. Our insurance subsidiaries may only declare and pay dividends to us if they are
permitted to do so under the insurance laws and regulations of the states where they are domiciled.
Some of our subsidiaries may finance their operations by borrowing from external creditors;
lending agreements between some of the operating subsidiaries and external creditors may restrict
the amount of net assets available for cash dividends and other payments to us.
In addition, holders of the debt securities of the Company will have a junior position to
claims of creditors of our subsidiaries, including policyholders, trade creditors, debt holders,
secured creditors, taxing and regulatory authorities, guarantee holders and any preferred
stockholders. As of the date of this prospectus, excluding trade creditors, the claims of
policyholders and short-term borrowings, none of our subsidiaries has incurred any material amount
of indebtedness or other obligations that would effectively rank senior to our debt securities.
Any claims we have as an unsecured creditor of our subsidiary would be subordinate to any security
interest in the assets of that subsidiary and any indebtedness of that subsidiary senior to the
indebtedness held by us.
We have summarized below the material provisions of the two indentures. The summary is not
complete and is subject in all respects to the provisions of, and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to, the forms of indentures, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of
which this prospectus forms a part. The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are
substantially identical, except for certain covenants of ours and provisions relating to
subordination. You should read the indentures for provisions that may be important to you.
Terms Applicable to All Debt Securities
No Limit on Debt Amounts
The indentures do not limit the amount of debt that can be issued under the indentures. These
amounts are set from time to time by our board of directors.
Prospectus Supplements
The applicable prospectus supplement will summarize the specific terms for the debt securities
and the related offering including, with respect to each series of debt securities, some or all of
the following:
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title and form of the securities; |
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offering price; |
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any limit on the amount that may be issued; |
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maturity date(s); |
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ranking of the securities; |
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interest rate or the method of computing the interest rate (including, if
applicable, any provisions relating to the resetting of such rate and any maximum rate
applicable to any reset rate); |
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dates on which interest will accrue, or how the dates will be determined, the
interest payment dates and any related record dates; |
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terms and conditions on which the debt securities may be redeemed, in whole or in
part, at our option; |
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date(s), if any, on which, and the price(s) at which, we are obligated to redeem, or
at the holders option to purchase, in whole or in part, the debt securities and
related terms and provisions; |
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details of any required sinking fund payments; |
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the currency or currencies in which the debt securities will be denominated or
payable, if other than U.S. dollars; |
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any index, formula or other method by which payments on the debt securities will be
determined, and any special voting or defeasance provisions in connection with a
determination, if the amount of payments are to be determined with reference to an
index, formula or other method; |
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the persons to whom payments of interest will be made; |
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any provisions granting special rights to holders when a specified event occurs; |
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any changes to or additional events of default or covenants; |
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any special tax implications of the debt securities, including under what
circumstances, if any, and with what procedures and documentation we will pay
additional amounts on the debt securities held by a non-U.S. person in respect of
taxes, assessments or similar charges withheld or deducted and, if so, the terms
related to any option we will have to redeem those debt securities rather than pay
those additional amounts; |
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whether or not the debt securities will be issued in global form and who the
depositary will be; |
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any restrictions on the registration, transfer or exchange of the debt securities; |
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the place or places where debt securities may be surrendered for registration of
transfer or for exchange, where notices and demands to or upon us in respect of the
debt securities and the indentures may be served; |
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terms, if any, on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into
or exchangeable for our shares of common stock, including provisions as to whether
conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option; |
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if the debt securities are convertible or exchangeable, the events or circumstances
that will result in adjustments to the conversion or exchange price and the formulae
for determining the adjusted price; |
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subordination terms of any subordinated debt securities; and |
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any other terms that are not inconsistent with the indenture applicable to a series
of debt securities, including any terms that may be required by or advisable under
United States laws or regulations or advisable (as determined by us) in connection with
the marketing of that series of debt securities. |
Unless otherwise provided in an applicable indenture relating to debt securities, 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 a transfer or exchange, other than exchanges
not involving any transfer, like the issuance of definitive securities in replacement of temporary
securities or the issuance of new securities upon surrender of a security that is redeemed or
purchased in part.
A series of debt securities may be issued under the relevant indenture as original issue
discount securities, which are securities that are offered and sold at a substantial discount from
their stated principal amount. In addition, debt securities offered and sold at their stated
principal amount may under some circumstances, pursuant to applicable Treasury Regulations, be
treated as issued at an original issue discount for federal income tax purposes. Federal income
tax consequences and other special considerations applicable to any such original issue discount
securities (or other debt securities treated as issued at an original issue discount) will be
described in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities.
Covenants
We will agree in the indentures to:
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pay the principal, interest and any premium on the debt securities when due; |
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maintain an office or agency in the State of New York or other place of payment
specified in the debt securities or the relevant indenture, where debt securities may
be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and
demands to or upon us in respect of the debt securities and the relevant indenture may
be served; |
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prepare and file or deliver certain reports, as more fully specified in the relevant
indenture, with the trustee under the relevant indenture, the SEC, and/or registered
holders of debt securities, as the case may be; |
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deliver to the trustee under the relevant indenture, as more fully specified in that
indenture, officers certificates relating to our compliance under the relevant
indenture and the occurrence of any default or event of default under that indenture; |
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file with the trustee under the relevant indenture and the SEC, in accordance with,
and as may be required by, the rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by
the SEC, the additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance
by us with the conditions and covenants provided for in the relevant indenture; |
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unless our board of directors determines that it is no longer desirable in the
conduct of our business and our significant subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and that
there will be no adverse impact in any material respect to the holders of debt
securities, subject to those exceptions as more fully specified in the relevant
indenture, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full
force and effect: |
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our existence as a corporation or other permitted entity, and
the corporate, partnership or other existence of each of our significant
subsidiaries, in accordance with their respective organizational documents; and |
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the rights, licenses and franchises of us and certain of our
subsidiaries; and |
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not at any time seek application of any applicable stay, extension or usury law that
may affect the covenants or the performance under the indentures. |
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
With respect to the senior indenture, we will not consolidate or amalgamate with or merge into
any other entity or transfer all or substantially all of our properties or assets unless:
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we are the surviving entity; or |
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the successor or surviving entity is organized or existing under the laws of the
United States of America, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia or Bermuda and
assumes all of our obligations under the debt securities and the indentures pursuant to
supplemental indentures in forms reasonably satisfactory to the trustee(s) under the
indentures; and, in either case, |
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after giving effect to such transaction, no event of default under the indentures
and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an event of
default, will have happened and be continuing. |
With respect to the subordinated indenture, we will not consolidate or amalgamate with or
merge into any other entity or transfer all or substantially all of our properties or assets
unless:
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we are the surviving entity; or |
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the successor or surviving entity is organized or existing under the laws of the
United States of America, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia, the United
Kingdom or Bermuda and assumes all of our obligations under the debt securities and the
indentures pursuant to supplemental indentures in forms reasonably satisfactory to the
trustee(s) under the indentures; and, in either case, |
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after giving effect to such transaction, no event of default under the indentures
and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an event of
default, will have happened and be continuing. |
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Upon any such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or transfer, the successor will be
substituted for us under the indentures. In the case of a sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance
or other disposition (other than a lease) of all or substantially all of our properties or assets
that meets the requirements stated in the immediately preceding paragraph, we will be relieved of
all obligations and covenants under the indentures and the debt securities.
Satisfaction and Discharge
Upon our request, the relevant indenture will no longer be effective with respect to any
series for almost all purposes if either:
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all outstanding securities of that series have been delivered to the trustee for
cancellation, we have paid all sums payable in respect of that series and we have
delivered to the trustee a certificate and opinion of legal counsel that all conditions
precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been fulfilled; or |
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the only securities that are still outstanding have, or within one year will, become
due and payable or are to be called for redemption, we have deposited with the trustee
funds that are sufficient to make all future payments, no default or event of default
will have occurred and be continuing on the date of that deposit and that deposit will
not result in a breach of any other instrument by which we are bound, we have paid all
other sums payable in respect of that series, and we have delivered to the trustee a
certificate and opinion of counsel that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and
discharge have been fulfilled. |
Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
Under each indenture, we may elect, with respect to a series of debt securities at the option
of our board of directors and subject to the satisfaction of the conditions described below,
either:
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to be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the
outstanding debt securities of the applicable series and to have satisfied all of our
other obligations under the debt securities of the applicable series and under the
provisions of the relevant indenture, which we refer to as legal defeasance; or |
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to be released from some of our obligations under the relevant indenture, which we
refer to as covenant defeasance. |
We can exercise legal or covenant defeasance if we put in place the following arrangements:
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we must irrevocably deposit with the applicable indenture trustee (or another
trustee meeting certain eligibility requirements and agreeing to be bound by the
applicable provisions of the relevant indenture pursuant to the terms of an irrevocable
trust agreement), in trust, for the benefit of the holders of the applicable series of
debt securities: |
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cash in United States dollars; |
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non-callable and non-redeemable direct obligations of the
United States of America or of an agency or instrumentality controlled or
supervised by the United States of America, in each instance, the payment of
which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of
the United States of America; or |
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a combination of the foregoing that, in each case, is
sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent
public accountants, to pay the principal of, and interest and premium, if any,
on, the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series on their stated
maturity or applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and any mandatory
sinking fund payments applicable to that particular series of the debt
securities on the day on which the payments are due; |
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we must deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel confirming that the holders of
the outstanding securities of the applicable series will not recognize income, gain or
loss for federal income tax purposes solely as a result of the defeasance; |
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no default or event of default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of
the deposit of the amounts to be held in trust for the benefit of the holders (other
than a default or event of default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied
to the deposit) or in the case of any insolvency-related defaults, at any time in the
period ending on the 91st day after the date of the deposit (or greater period of time
in which any such deposit of trust funds may remain subject to bankruptcy or insolvency
laws that apply to the deposit by us); and |
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we must deliver to the trustee an officers certificate and an opinion of counsel,
each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to legal defeasance
or covenant defeasance, as the case may be, have been complied with. |
After satisfying the conditions for legal defeasance, the applicable debt securities will be
deemed outstanding only for limited purposes as more fully set forth in the relevant indenture.
After legal defeasance, the holders of outstanding debt securities will have to rely solely on the
deposits we make to the trustee for repayment of the debt securities.
After satisfying the conditions for covenant defeasance, the debt securities of the applicable
series will be deemed not outstanding for the purposes of the covenants from which we have been
released, but will continue to be deemed outstanding for all other purposes under the relevant
indenture.
The applicable prospectus supplement may further describe additional provisions, if any,
permitting legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, including any modifications to the provisions
described above, with respect to the debt securities of or within a particular series.
Information Concerning the Trustee
The Bank of New York Mellon is the successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as trustee under
the senior indenture, and is to be named as the trustee under the subordinated indenture. The
prospectus supplement with respect to particular debt securities will describe any changes in our
relationship with the trustee at the time that any debt securities are offered.
The Bank of New York Mellon administers its corporate trust business in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York, at its offices located at 101 Barclay Street, Floor 8W, New York,
New York 10286.
Form, Exchange, Transfer
Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, debt securities will be issued in
registered form without coupons. They may also be issued in global form with accompanying
book-entry procedures as outlined below.
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A holder of debt securities of any series can exchange the debt securities for other debt
securities of the same series, in any authorized denomination and with the same terms and aggregate
principal amount. They are transferable at the corporate trust office or corporate trust agency
office of the trustee or at any transfer agent designated by us for that purpose. 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 a
transfer or exchange, other than exchanges not involving any transfer, such as the issuance of
definitive securities in replacement of temporary securities or the issuance of new securities upon
surrender of a security that is redeemed or purchased in part.
Global Securities
The registered debt securities may be issued in the form of one or more fully registered
global securities that will be deposited with and registered in the name of a depositary or with a
nominee for a depositary identified in the prospectus supplement. The specific terms of the
depositary arrangement with respect to any debt securities to be represented by a registered global
security will be described in the prospectus supplement.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be limited to persons
that have accounts with the depositary for such registered global security (participants) or
persons that may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a registered global
security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the
participants accounts with the principal amounts of the debt securities represented by the
registered global security beneficially owned by such participants. Ownership of beneficial
interests in such registered global security will be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership
interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary for such registered
global security or on the records of participants for interests of persons holding through
participants.
So long as the depositary for a registered global security, or its nominee, is the registered
owner of a registered global security, the depositary or the nominee will be considered the sole
owner or holder of the debt securities represented by the registered global security for all
purposes. Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security
will not:
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be entitled to have the debt securities represented by such registered global
security registered in their names; |
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receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of such debt securities in
definitive forms; or |
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be considered the owners or holders of the debt securities. |
If the depositary notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the
global security or if at any time the depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under
the Exchange Act, if so required by applicable law or regulation, and, in either case, we do not
appoint a successor depositary within 90 days, we will issue debt securities in certificated form
in exchange for the global security. In addition, we may at any time in our sole discretion decide
not to have any debt securities represented by a global security. In such event we will issue debt
securities in certificated form in exchange for a global security. The debt securities in
certificated form shall be in the same minimal denominations and be of the same aggregate principal
amount and tenor as the portion of each global security to be exchanged.
Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must
rely on the procedures of the depositary for such registered global security and, if such person is
not a participant,
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on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest, to exercise
any rights of a holder under the applicable indenture. We understand that under existing industry
practices, if we request any action of holders, or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a
registered global security desires to take any action that a holder is entitled to take under the
applicable indenture, the depositary would authorize the participants holding the relevant
beneficial interests to take such action, and such participants would authorize beneficial owners
owning through such participants to take such action.
Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments on debt securities represented by a
registered global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to
such depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of such registered
global security. Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any
aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in
such registered global security.
We expect that the depositary for any debt securities represented by a registered global
security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium or interest, will immediately credit
participants accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial
interests in such registered global security as shown on the records of such depositary. We also
expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such a registered global
security held by the participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary
practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or
registered in street name.
We may at any time determine not to have any of the debt securities of a series represented by
one or more registered global securities and, in such event, will issue debt securities of such
series in definitive form in exchange for all of the registered global security or securities
representing such debt securities. Any debt securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a
registered global security will be registered in such name or names as the depositary shall
instruct the relevant trustee. We expect that such instructions will be based upon directions
received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in
such registered global security.
If provided in a prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt securities, the debt
securities of that series may also be issued in the form of one or more global securities that will
be deposited with a common depositary identified in the prospectus supplement. The specific terms
and procedures, including the specific terms of the depositary arrangement, with respect to any
portion of a series of debt securities to be represented by a global security will be described in
the prospectus supplement.
Particular Terms of the Senior Debt Securities
Ranking of Senior Debt Securities
The senior debt securities will constitute part of our senior debt and rank equally with all
other senior debt that is unsecured. The senior debt securities will be senior to our subordinated
debt.
Events of Default
The following are events of default under a series of senior debt securities:
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we fail to pay the principal, any premium, or any sinking fund payment, on any
senior debt securities of that series when due; |
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we fail to pay interest on any senior debt securities of that series within 30 days
following the due date; |
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we fail to observe or perform any other covenant, representation, warranty or other
agreement in the senior indenture applicable to that series and that failure continues
for 60 days after we receive notice to comply from the trustee or holders of at least
25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding senior debt securities of all
series affected by that failure, treating all those series as a single class; and |
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certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency relating to us, whether voluntary or not. |
The prospectus supplement for a particular series may describe additional or different events
of default that apply to that series. An event of default with respect to one series of senior
debt securities does not necessarily constitute an event of default with respect to any other
series of senior debt securities.
If a default or an event of default occurs and is continuing, and if a responsible officer of
the trustee under the indenture has actual knowledge thereof, the trustee will mail to the holders
of senior debt securities of the affected series a notice to that effect within 90 days after it
occurs. Except in the case of a default in the payment of principal or interest, the trustee under
the senior indenture may withhold notice if and so long as a committee of the trustees responsible
officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the holders.
If an event of default with respect to one or more series of senior debt securities occurs and
is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then
outstanding senior debt securities of all series with respect to which the event of default occurs
and is continuing, treating all those series as a single class, may declare the principal of,
premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on, all the senior debt securities of those series
to be immediately due and payable by written notice to us and the trustee (if the notice is given
by holders). The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding
senior debt securities of all series covered by such declaration may annul or rescind the
declaration and any related payment default that resulted from the declaration, but not any other
payment default. Certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency will result in all outstanding series
of senior debt securities becoming due and payable immediately without any further action on the
part of the trustee or the holders.
The senior indenture entitles the trustee to be indemnified by the holders before proceeding
to exercise any right or power at the request of any of the holders.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding senior debt securities of all
series with respect to which an event of default occurs and is continuing, treating all those
series as a single class, may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for
any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust power conferred on it, except that:
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the direction cannot conflict with any law or regulation or the indenture; |
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the trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the trustee that is not
inconsistent with the direction; and |
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the trustee need not take any action that might involve it in personal liability or
be unduly prejudicial to the holders of the senior debt securities not joining in the
action. |
A holder may pursue a remedy directly under the indenture or the series of senior debt
securities, but before doing so, the following must occur:
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the holder must give to the trustee written notice that an event of default has
occurred and is continuing; |
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the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding senior debt
securities of all affected series, treating all those series as a single class, must
make a written request to the trustee to pursue the remedy; |
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the holder, or holders, must offer and, if requested, provide to the trustee an
indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against any loss, liability or expense from the
taking of the action; |
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the trustee does not comply with the request within 30 days after receipt of such
notice, request and offer and, if requested, provision of indemnity; and |
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during the 30 day period, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the then
outstanding senior debt securities of all those series, treating all those series as a
single class, do not give the trustee a direction inconsistent with the written
request. |
However, holders have an absolute right to receipt of principal, premium, if any, and interest
on or after the respective due dates and to institute suit for the enforcement of those payments.
The right of a holder of senior debt securities to bring suit for the enforcement of any payments
of principal, premium, if any, and interest on senior debt securities on or after the respective
due dates may not be impaired or affected without the consent of that holder.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the senior debt securities then outstanding
of all affected series, treating all such series as a single class, may by notice to the trustee on
behalf of all holders of the senior debt securities of such series waive any past defaults, except:
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a continuing default in payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest
on, or any sinking fund payment on, senior debt securities of the series; and |
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a continuing default in respect of a covenant or provision of the indenture that
cannot be amended or modified without the consent of each holder of senior debt
securities affected. |
We will periodically file statements with the trustee regarding our compliance with covenants
in the senior indenture.
Modifications and Amendments
Except as provided below or more fully specified in the senior indenture, the senior indenture
may be amended or supplemented by us and the trustee with the consent of holders of a majority in
principal amount of all series of senior debt securities affected by the amendment or supplement,
treating all such series as a single class. In addition, the record holders of a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding senior debt securities of all series affected by the waiver,
treating all such series as a single class, may, with respect to those series, waive defaults
under, or compliance with, the provisions of the senior indenture. However, some amendments or
waivers require the consent of each holder of any senior debt security affected. Without the
consent of each holder, an amendment or waiver may not:
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reduce the principal amount of the senior debt securities of any series whose
holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver; |
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reduce the principal or change the fixed maturity of the principal of, any premium
on, or any mandatory sinking fund obligation of any senior debt securities of any
series or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of the senior debt
securities; |
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reduce the rate, or change the time for payment, of interest, including default
interest, on any senior debt security of any series; |
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waive a default or event of default in the payment of principal of, or interest or
premium on, the senior debt securities of any series, except a rescission of
acceleration of the senior debt securities by the holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the senior debt securities of any series and a waiver of the
payment default that resulted from that acceleration; |
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make any senior debt security of any series payable in currency other than that
stated in the senior debt securities of that series; |
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make any change in the provisions of the senior indenture relating to waivers of
past defaults or the rights of the holders of senior debt securities to receive
payments of principal of, or interest or premium on, the senior debt securities; |
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waive a redemption payment with respect to any senior debt security; |
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make any change in the right of any holders of senior debt securities regarding
waivers of defaults or impair or affect the right of any holder of a senior debt
security of any series to receive payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest
on that security on or after the due date expressed in that security or to bring suit
for the enforcement of any payment on or after the due date; or |
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make any change in the above amendment and waiver provisions. |
We and the trustee under the senior indenture may amend or supplement the senior indenture or
the senior debt securities issued thereunder without the consent of any holder:
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to evidence the succession of another person to us, or successive successions, and
the assumption by the successors of our covenants, agreements and obligations under the
indenture; |
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to add other covenants, restrictions or conditions for the protection of the holders
of all or any series of senior debt securities; |
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to add events of default; |
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to provide for the issuance of senior debt securities in coupon form and to provide
for exchangeability of those senior debt securities under the indenture in fully
registered form; |
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to provide for the issuance of, and to establish the form, terms and conditions of,
senior debt securities of any series; |
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to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee; |
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to cure any ambiguity, or to correct or supplement any provision in the indenture
that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision contained in the
indenture or in any supplemental indenture, or to make any other provisions with
respect to matters or questions arising under that indenture, so long as the interests
of holders of senior debt securities of any series are not adversely affected in any
material respect under that indenture; |
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to make any change that does not adversely affect in any material respect the
interests of any holder; or |
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to comply with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the
qualification of the senior indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, as amended. |
Particular Terms of the Subordinated Debt Securities
Ranking of Subordinated Debt Securities
The subordinated debt securities issued pursuant to the subordinated indenture will be
subordinated and junior in right of payment to any senior debt securities issued by us, as well as
certain other indebtedness incurred by us to the extent set forth in the prospectus supplement.
Subordination
Unless the prospectus supplement indicates otherwise, the following provisions will apply to
the subordinated debt securities. Our obligations under the subordinated debt securities will be
subordinated in right of payment to our obligations under our senior debt. For this purpose,
senior debt generally includes any indebtedness that does not expressly provide that it is on a
parity with or subordinated in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities, as well as any
other indebtedness that the subordinated debt is expressly junior to, as set forth in the
prospectus supplement. Specifically, senior debt includes obligations under any credit facility
with banks or other institutional lenders and obligations under the senior debt securities
described in this prospectus. Senior debt will not include:
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any indebtedness to any of our subsidiaries or other affiliates; |
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any trade payables; or |
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any indebtedness that we may incur in violation of the subordinated indenture. |
If we distribute our assets to creditors upon any dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or
reorganization or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar proceedings, we must first pay
all amounts due or to become due on all senior debt before we pay the principal of, or any premium
or interest on, the subordinated debt securities.
We may not make any payment on the subordinated debt securities if a default in the payment of
the principal, any premium, interest on, or other obligations, including any repurchase or
redemption obligation, in respect of designated senior debt occurs and continues beyond any
applicable grace period. We may not make any payment on the subordinated debt securities if (1) any
other default occurs and continues with respect to designated senior debt that permits holders of
the designated senior debt to accelerate its maturity and (2) the trustee receives a notice of
default from us, a holder of designated senior debt or other person permitted to give notice. We
may not resume payments on the subordinated debt securities until the defaults are cured or
specified time periods pass, unless the maturity of the senior debt is actually accelerated.
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The term designated senior debt means our obligations under any particular senior debt if
the amount of that senior debt is at least the amount specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement or by board resolution and the debt instrument expressly provides that the senior debt
will be designated senior debt with respect to the subordinated debt securities.
We expect that the terms of some of our senior debt will provide that an event of default
under the subordinated debt securities or an acceleration of their maturity will constitute an
event of default under the senior debt. In that case, if the maturity of the subordinated debt
securities is accelerated because of an event of default, we may not make any payment on the
subordinated debt securities until we have paid all senior debt or the acceleration has been
rescinded. If the payment of the subordinated debt securities is accelerated because of an event
of default, we must promptly notify the holders of senior debt of the acceleration.
If we experience a bankruptcy, dissolution or reorganization, holders of senior debt may
receive more, ratably, and holders of the subordinated debt securities may receive less, ratably,
than our other creditors.
The subordinated indenture does not limit the amount of additional senior debt that we may
incur. We expect from time to time to incur additional indebtedness constituting senior debt.
The subordination provisions may not be amended without the consent of each holder of senior
debt that would be affected by the amendment.
Events of Default
The following are events of default under a series of subordinated debt securities:
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we fail to pay the principal of, or any premium or sinking fund payment on, any
subordinated debt securities of that series when due; |
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we fail to pay interest on any subordinated debt securities of that series within 30
days following the due date; |
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we fail to observe or perform any other covenant, representation, warranty or other
agreement in the subordinated indenture applicable to that series and that failure
continues for 60 days after we receive notice to comply from the trustee or holders of
at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding subordinated debt
securities of all series affected by that failure, treating all those series as a
single class; and |
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certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency relating to us, whether voluntary or not. |
The prospectus supplement for a particular series may describe additional or different events
of default that apply to that series. An event of default with respect to one series of
subordinated debt securities does not necessarily constitute an event of default with respect to
any other series of subordinated debt securities.
If a default or an event of default occurs and is continuing, and if a responsible officer of
the trustee under the subordinated indenture has actual knowledge of the default or event of
default, the trustee will mail to the holders of subordinated debt securities of the affected
series a notice to that effect within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a default in
the payment of principal or interest, the trustee under the subordinated indenture may withhold
notice if and so long as a committee of the
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trustees responsible officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the
interests of the holders.
If an event of default with respect to one or more series of subordinated debt securities
occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount
of the then outstanding subordinated debt securities of all series with respect to which the event
of default occurs and is continuing, treating all those series as a single class, may declare the
principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest (subject to applicable subordination
provisions in the subordinated indenture) on, all the subordinated debt securities of those series
to be immediately due and payable by written notice to us and the trustee (if the notice is given
by holders). The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding
subordinated debt securities of all series covered by such declaration may annul and rescind the
declaration and any related payment default that resulted from the declaration but not any other
payment default. Certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency will result in all outstanding series
of subordinated debt securities becoming due and payable immediately without any further action on
the part of the trustee or the holders.
The subordinated indenture entitles the trustee to be indemnified by the holders before
proceeding to exercise any right or power at the request of any of the holders.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding subordinated debt securities
of all series with respect to which an event of default occurs and is continuing, treating all
those series as a single class, may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust power conferred on it, except that:
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the direction cannot conflict with any law or regulation or the subordinated
indenture; |
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the trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the trustee that is not
inconsistent with the direction; and |
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the trustee need not take any action that might involve it in personal liability or
be unduly prejudicial to the holders of the subordinated debt securities not joining in
the action. |
A holder may pursue a remedy directly under the subordinated indenture or the series of
subordinated debt securities, but before doing so, the following must occur:
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the holder must give to the trustee written notice that an event of default has
occurred and is continuing; |
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the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding subordinated
debt securities of all affected series, treating all those series as a single class,
must make a written request to the trustee to pursue the remedy; |
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the holder or holders must offer and, if requested, provide to the trustee an
indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against any loss, liability or expense from the
taking of the action; |
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the trustee does not comply with the request within 30 days after receipt of the
request and offer and, if requested, the provision of indemnity; and |
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during the 30 day period, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the then
outstanding subordinated debt securities of all those series, treating all those series
as a single class, do not give the trustee a direction inconsistent with the written
request. |
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However, holders have an absolute right to receipt of principal, premium, if any, and interest
on or after the respective due dates and to institute suit for the enforcement of those payments.
The right of a holder of subordinated debt securities to bring suit for the enforcement of any
payments of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, subordinated debt securities on or
after the respective due dates may not be impaired or affected without the consent of that holder.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the subordinated debt securities then
outstanding of all affected series, treating all such series as a single class, may by notice to
the trustee on behalf of all holders of the subordinated debt securities of such series waive any
past defaults, except:
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a continuing default in payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest
on, or any sinking fund payment on, subordinated debt securities of that series; and |
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a continuing default in respect of a covenant or provision of the subordinated
indenture that cannot be amended or modified without the consent of each holder of the
subordinated debt securities affected. |
We will periodically file statements with the trustee regarding our compliance with covenants
in the subordinated indenture.
Modifications and Amendments
Except as provided below, or more fully specified in the subordinated indenture, the
subordinated indenture may be amended or supplemented by us and the trustee with the consent of
holders of a majority in principal amount of all series of subordinated debt securities affected by
the amendment or supplement, treating all such series as a single class. In addition, the record
holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding subordinated debt securities of all
series affected by the waiver, treating all such series as a single class, may, with respect to
those series, waive defaults under, or compliance with, the provisions of the subordinated
indenture. However, some amendments or waivers require the consent of each holder of any
subordinated debt security affected. Without the consent of each holder, an amendment or waiver may
not:
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reduce the principal amount of the subordinated debt securities of any series whose
holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver; |
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reduce the principal or change the fixed maturity of the principal of, premium, if
any, or mandatory sinking fund obligation, if any, of, the subordinated debt securities
of any series or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of the
subordinated debt securities; |
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reduce the rate, or change the time for payment, of interest, including default
interest, on the subordinated debt securities of any series; |
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waive a default or event of default in the payment of principal of, or interest or
premium on, the subordinated debt securities of any series, except a rescission of
acceleration of the subordinated debt securities by the holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the subordinated debt securities of any series and a
waiver of the payment default that resulted from that acceleration; |
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make the subordinated debt securities of any series payable in currency other than
that stated in the subordinated debt securities of that series; |
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make any change in the provisions of the subordinated indenture relating to waivers
of past defaults or the rights of the holders of subordinated debt securities to
receive payments of principal of, or interest or premium on, the subordinated debt
securities; |
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waive a redemption payment with respect to any subordinated debt security; |
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make any change in the right of any holders of subordinated debt securities
regarding waivers of defaults or impair or affect the right of any holder of a
subordinated debt security of any series to receive payment of principal, premium, if
any, and interest on that security on or after the due date expressed in that security
or to bring suit for the enforcement of any payment on or after the due date; or |
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make any change in the above amendment and waiver provisions. |
We and the trustee under the subordinated indenture may amend or supplement the subordinated
indenture or the subordinated debt securities without the consent of any holder:
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to evidence the succession of another person to us, or successive successions, and
the assumption by the successors of our covenants, agreements and obligations under the
subordinated indenture; |
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to add other covenants, restrictions or conditions for the protection of the holders
of all or any series of subordinated debt securities; |
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to add events of default; |
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to provide for the issuance of subordinated debt securities in coupon form and to
provide for exchangeability of those subordinated debt securities under the
subordinated indenture in fully registered form; |
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to provide for the issuance of, and to establish the form, terms and conditions of,
the subordinated debt securities of any series; |
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to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee; |
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to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision in the subordinated
indenture that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision contained in
the subordinated indenture or in any supplemental indenture, or to make any other
provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the subordinated
indenture, so long as the interests of holders of subordinated debt securities of any
series are not adversely affected in any material respect under the subordinated
indenture; |
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to make any change that does not adversely affect in any material respect the
interests of any holder; or |
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to comply with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the
qualification of the subordinated indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. |
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The following description of our capital stock is a summary. It summarizes only those aspects
of our capital stock which we believe will be most important to your decision to invest in our
capital stock.
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You should keep in mind, however, that it is our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our
By-laws, as amended, and the Delaware General Corporation Law, and not this summary, which define
your rights as a securityholder. There may be other provisions in these documents which are also
important to you. You should read these documents for a full description of the terms of our
capital stock. Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our By-laws, as amended, are
incorporated by reference as exhibits to the Registration Statement that includes this prospectus.
See Where You Can Find More Information for information on how to obtain copies of these
documents.
Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes us to issue 50,000,000 shares of common
stock, par value of $0.10 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value of $0.10
per share. As of July 14, 2009, there were 17,173,251 shares of common stock outstanding and we
had no preferred stock issued or outstanding.
The particular terms of the common stock or preferred stock offered by any prospectus
supplement and the extent to which the general provisions described below may apply to such common
stock or preferred stock will be outlined in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Common Stock
Voting Rights. Each holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each share held of
record on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders. Our stockholders do not have the
right to cumulate their votes in the election of directors. The quorum required at a stockholders
meeting for consideration of any matter is a majority of the shares entitled to vote on that
matter, represented in person or by proxy. If a quorum is present, directors are elected if they
receive a plurality of the votes present at the meeting and entitled to vote. Except as otherwise
provided in our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, all other matters can be approved by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented at a meeting and entitled to vote on the
matter. See Voting Rights with Respect to Extraordinary Corporate Transactions below for
information on when our Restated Certificate of Incorporation requires a different stockholder
vote.
Dividends. Subject to the prior rights of the holders of shares of preferred stock that may be
issued and outstanding, none of which are currently outstanding, the holders of common stock are
entitled to receive dividends as and when declared by our board of directors. The issuance of
dividends will depend upon, among other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors, our
financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements, future prospects, changes in tax or
other applicable laws relating to the treatment of dividends and regulatory restrictions on the
payment of dividends that apply under applicable insurance laws. Dividends may be paid in cash,
stock or other form. Each such dividend shall be payable to holders of record as they appear on our
stock books on such record dates as shall be fixed by the board of directors.
Liquidation Rights. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company,
the holders of our common stock will share equally in the assets remaining after creditors and
preferred stockholders are paid.
Other Rights. Holders of shares of our common stock have no redemption or conversion rights
and no preemptive or other rights to subscribe for our securities.
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is LaSalle Bank, N.A.
Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol NAVG.
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Preferred Stock
General. Our board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock in series and
will specify the dividend and liquidation preferences, redemption prices and conversion rights of
each series. When we issue preferred stock, all shares will be fully paid and non-assessable. The
holders of our preferred stock will not have preemptive rights.
Rank. With respect to dividend rights and rights on liquidation, winding up and dissolution,
each series of our preferred stock will rank:
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senior to all classes of our common stock and to all equity securities issued by us
that specifically provide that they will rank junior to our preferred stock; |
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equal with all our equity securities that specifically provide that they will rank
equally with our preferred stock; and |
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junior to all our equity securities that specifically provide that they will rank
senior to our preferred stock. |
As used in any amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation for these purposes, the
term equity securities will not include any debt securities convertible or exchangeable for
equity securities.
Dividends. Upon a decision of our board of directors, our preferred stockholders will be
entitled to receive cash dividends at such rates and on such dates as are set forth in the
prospectus supplement relating to their series of preferred stock. This rate may be fixed or
variable or both. We will pay dividends to holders of record of our preferred stock as they appear
on our books on the record dates that are fixed by our board of directors. Dividends on any series
of preferred stock may be cumulative or noncumulative.
We may not declare or pay full dividends or set aside funds for the payment of dividends on
any series of our preferred stock unless we pay or set apart funds for payment of dividends on the
equity securities entitled to receive the same dividends as our preferred stock. If full dividends
are not paid, each series of preferred stock shall share dividends pro rata with these other equity
securities.
Conversion and Exchange. The prospectus supplement for any series of our preferred stock will
state the terms, if any, on which shares of that series are convertible into shares of another
series of preferred stock or common stock or exchangeable for another series of our preferred
stock, common stock or debt securities.
Redemption. A series of our preferred stock may be redeemed at any time, in whole or in part,
at our option or the option of a preferred stockholder. We may have the right to redeem a series
of our preferred stock without your consent pursuant to a sinking fund or otherwise upon the terms
and at the redemption prices set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such series.
In the event of partial redemptions of preferred stock, whether by mandatory or optional
redemption, the shares to be redeemed will be determined by lot or pro rata, as may be determined
by our board of directors, or by any other method determined to be equitable by our board of
directors.
On and after a redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue on shares of our preferred
stock called for redemption and all your rights as a holder of these shares will end (except for
the right to receive the redemption price) unless we fail to properly pay the redemption price.
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Liquidation Preference. If we are liquidated, dissolved or wound up, our preferred
stockholders will be entitled to receive distributions of our assets that are available for
stockholders in the amount set forth in the prospectus supplement for each series of preferred
stock, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. These distributions will be made before any
distribution is made on any securities ranking junior to our preferred stock with respect to
liquidation, including our common stock. If we are liquidated, dissolved or wound up and the
amounts payable on our preferred stock and on any other of our securities ranking equally with
respect to liquidation rights are not paid in full, the preferred stockholders of such series and
the holders of other equally ranking securities will share ratably in any distribution of our
assets in proportion to the full liquidation preferences to which each is entitled. After full
payment of the liquidation preference to which they are entitled, our preferred stockholders will
not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of our assets.
Voting Rights. Our preferred stockholders will not have the right to vote unless the board of
directors states for a particular series of our preferred stock that they have this right or except
as required by law.
Transfer Agent and Registrar. We will describe the transfer agent and registrar for each
series of our preferred stock in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Voting Rights with Respect to Extraordinary Corporate Transactions
Generally, under Delaware law, plans of merger, consolidation or exchange and sales, leases,
exchanges or other dispositions of all, or substantially all, of a corporations property and
assets, other than in the usual and regular course of business, must be approved by the affirmative
vote of at least a majority of all of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the matter and at
least a majority of the outstanding shares of each class or series of shares, if any, entitled to
vote on the matter as a class. A corporations certificate of incorporation may provide for a
greater vote. In order to approve any plan of merger or consolidation or any sale, lease, exchange
or disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, our Restated Certificate of Incorporation
requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 662/3% of the outstanding
shares entitled to vote on the matter, or if no vote is required by Delaware law, 662/3%
of the outstanding shares entitled to vote in the election of directors generally, unless the
transaction falls within two exempt categories, in which case the Delaware law approval
requirements discussed above are effective. This supermajority vote requirement is not applicable
to any action between us and one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries or certain affiliates or to any
action with a third party if it is approved by two-thirds of the members of our board of directors
prior to completion and such approval remains in effect on the date of completion.
Voting Rights with Respect to Amendments to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws
Generally, under Delaware law, a board of directors may propose amendments to a corporations
certificate of incorporation. Proposed amendments must be approved by the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, and a majority of each class of
shares entitled to vote on such amendment as a class, unless the corporations certificate of
incorporation requires a larger percentage. Except for any amendment to the provision relating to
merger approval discussed above under Voting Rights with Respect to Extraordinary Corporate
Transactions, which requires the approval of 662/3% of our outstanding shares, our
Restated Certificate of Incorporation does not require any larger stockholder vote percentage for
an amendment to its provisions.
Delaware law provides that the power to adopt, amend and repeal by-laws shall be in the
stockholders entitled to vote; provided that a corporation may, in its certificate of
incorporation, confer
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upon its directors the power to also adopt, amend and repeal by-laws. Our Restated
Certificate of Incorporation authorizes our board of directors to make, alter, amend or repeal our
By-laws. Amendment of the By-laws by our stockholders requires the affirmative vote of the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote.
Anti-takeover Provisions of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws and Applicable
Law
Some provisions of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws or other applicable
law may delay or make more difficult unsolicited acquisitions or changes of control of our company.
We believe that these provisions will enable us to develop our business in a manner that will
foster long-term growth without disruption caused by the threat of a takeover not thought by our
board of directors to be in our best interest and the best interests of our stockholders.
Those provisions could have the effect of discouraging third parties from making proposals
involving an unsolicited acquisition or change of control of our company, although the proposals,
if made, might be considered desirable by a majority of our stockholders. Those provisions may
also have the effect of making it more difficult for third parties to cause the replacement of our
current management without the concurrence of our board of directors. Those provisions include the
provisions discussed above with respect to extraordinary corporate transactions and amendments to
our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws as well as the following provisions.
Blank Check Preferred Stock. Our board of directors, without stockholder approval, can issue
preferred stock with voting and conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or
other rights of the holders of shares of common stock. This right of issuance could be used as a
method of preventing a party from gaining control of us.
Removal of Directors; Special Meetings of the Stockholders. Our By-laws provide that directors
may be removed with or without cause and the subsequent vacancy filled, by the affirmative vote of
a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, at a special meeting called for that
purpose. Special meetings of our stockholders may only be called by our president or secretary or
by resolution of a majority of our board of directors. As a result, unless the specified officers
or board concurs, a stockholder may not be able to propose removal of a director prior to his or
her annual term expiring. Similarly, a stockholder who wishes to present an issue to his or her
fellow stockholders may be required to wait for the annual meeting.
Delaware Section 203. We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law. Generally, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from
engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder during the three years after
the date the person became an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved
in a prescribed manner. A business combination includes a merger, asset sale or a transaction
resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. An interested stockholder is a
person, who together with affiliates and associates, owns (or, in certain cases, within the
preceding three years, did own) 15% or more of the corporations outstanding voting stock. Under
Section 203, a business combination between us and an interested stockholder is prohibited unless
it satisfies one of the following conditions:
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before the stockholder became an interested stockholder, our board of directors
approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the
stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; |
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upon the completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an
interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting
stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding, for purposes of
determining the number of shares outstanding, shares owned by persons who are directors
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the business combination is approved by our board of directors and authorized at an
annual or special meeting of stockholders by at least 662/3% of the
outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder. |
Insurance Holding Company Regulations on Change of Control. We are regulated as an insurance
holding company and are subject to state and foreign laws that restrict the ability of any person
to obtain control of an insurance holding company without prior regulatory approval. Without this
approval or an exemption, no person or entity may acquire control of an insurance subsidiary or
merge with the holding company. Control is generally defined as the direct or indirect power to
direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person and is usually presumed to
exist if a person directly or indirectly owns or controls 10% or more of the voting securities of
another person.
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
The following description of the depositary shares and the terms of the deposit agreement is a
summary. It summarizes only those aspects of the depositary shares and those portions of the
deposit agreement that we believe will be most important to your decision to invest in our
depositary shares. You should keep in mind, however, that it is the deposit agreement, and not
this summary, which defines your rights as a holder of depositary shares. There may be other
provisions in the deposit agreement that are also important to you. You should read the deposit
agreement for a full description of the terms of the depositary shares. The form of the deposit
agreement is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement that includes this prospectus. See
Where You Can Find More Information for information on how to obtain a copy of the deposit
agreement.
The particular terms of the depositary shares offered by any prospectus supplement and the
extent to which the general provisions described below may apply to such depositary shares will be
outlined in the applicable prospectus supplement.
General
We may choose to offer fractional interests in debt securities or fractional shares of our
common stock or preferred stock. If we decide to do so, we will issue fractional interests in debt
securities, common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, in the form of depositary shares.
Each depositary share would represent a fractional interest in a security of a particular series of
debt securities or a fraction of a share of common stock or of a particular series of preferred
stock, as the case may be, and would be evidenced by a depositary receipt.
We will deposit the debt securities or shares of common stock or preferred stock represented
by depositary shares under a deposit agreement between us and a depositary which we will name in
the applicable prospectus supplement. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, as an owner
of a depositary share you will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fraction of a debt
security or share of common stock or preferred stock represented by the depositary share, to all
the rights and preferences of the debt security, common stock or preferred stock, as the case may
be, represented by the depositary share, including, as the case may be, interest, dividend, voting,
conversion, redemption, sinking fund, repayment at maturity, subscription and liquidation rights.
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Interest, Dividends and Other Distributions
The depositary will distribute all payments of interest, cash dividends or other cash
distributions received on the debt securities or preferred stock, as the case may be, to you in
proportion to the number of depositary shares that you own.
In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute property
received by it to you in an equitable manner, unless the depositary determines that it is not
feasible to make a distribution. In that case the depositary may sell the property and distribute
the net proceeds from the sale to you.
Redemption of Depositary Shares
If we redeem a debt security, common stock or series of preferred stock represented by
depositary shares, the depositary will redeem your depositary shares from the proceeds received by
the depositary resulting from the redemption. The redemption price per depositary share will be
equal to the applicable fraction of the redemption price per debt security or share of common stock
or preferred stock, as the case may be, payable in relation to the redeemed series of debt
securities, common stock or preferred stock. Whenever we redeem debt securities or shares of
common stock or preferred stock held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem as of the same
redemption date the number of depositary shares representing, as the case may be, fractional
interests in the debt securities or shares of common stock or preferred stock redeemed. If fewer
than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be
selected by lot, proportionately or by any other equitable method as the depositary may determine.
Exercise of Rights under the Indentures or Voting the Common Stock or Preferred Stock
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which you are entitled to vote, or of any request for
instructions or directions from you as holder of fractional interests in debt securities, common
stock or preferred stock, the depositary will mail to you the information contained in that notice.
Each record holder of the depositary shares on the record date will be entitled to instruct the
depositary how to give instructions or directions with respect to the debt securities represented
by that holders depositary shares or how to vote the amount of the common stock or preferred stock
represented by that holders depositary shares. The record date for the depositary shares will be
the same date as the record date for the debt securities, common stock or preferred stock, as the
case may be. The depositary will endeavor, to the extent practicable, to give instructions or
directions with respect to the debt securities or to vote the amount of the common stock or
preferred stock, as the case may be, represented by the depositary shares in accordance with those
instructions. We will agree to take all reasonable action which the depositary may deem necessary
to enable the depositary to do so. The depositary will abstain from giving instructions or
directions with respect to your fractional interests in the debt securities or voting shares of the
common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, if it does not receive specific instructions
from you.
Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement
We and the depositary may amend the form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary
shares and any provision of the deposit agreement at any time. However, any amendment which
materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of the depositary shares will not be
effective unless the amendment has been approved by the holders of at least a majority of the
depositary shares then outstanding.
The deposit agreement will terminate if:
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all outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed; |
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if applicable, the debt securities and the preferred stock represented by depository
shares have been converted into or exchanged for our common stock; or |
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there has been a complete repayment or redemption of the debt securities or a final
distribution in respect of the common stock or preferred stock, including in connection
with our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, and the repayment, redemption or
distribution proceeds, as the case may be, have been distributed to you. |
Resignation and Removal of Depositary
The depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to do so. We
also may, at any time, remove the depositary. Any resignation or removal will take effect upon the
appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment. We must appoint the
successor depositary within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal. The
successor depositary must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United
States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.
Charges of Depositary
We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the
existence of the depositary arrangements. We will pay charges of the depositary in connection with
the initial deposit of the debt securities or preferred stock, as the case may be, and issuance of
depositary receipts, all withdrawals of depositary shares of debt securities or preferred stock, as
the case may be, by you and any repayment or redemption of the debt securities or preferred stock,
as the case may be. You will pay other transfer and other taxes and governmental charges, as well
as the other charges that are expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be for your account.
Miscellaneous
The depositary will forward all reports and communications from us which are delivered to the
depositary and which we are required or otherwise determine to furnish to holders of debt
securities or preferred stock, as the case may be.
Neither we nor the depositary will be liable under the deposit agreement to you other than for
its gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith. Neither we nor the depositary will be
obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceedings relating to any depositary shares, debt
securities, common stock or preferred stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the
depositary may rely upon written advice of counsel or accountants, or upon information provided by
persons presenting debt securities or shares of common stock or preferred stock for deposit, you or
other persons believed to be competent and on documents which we and the depositary believe to be
genuine.
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
The following description of the warrants and terms of the warrant agreement is a summary. It
summarizes only those aspects of the warrants and those portions of the warrant agreement that we
believe will be most important to your decision to invest in our warrants. You should keep in
mind, however, that it is the warrant agreement and the warrant certificate relating to the
warrants, and not this summary, which defines your rights as a warrantholder. There may be other
provisions in the warrant agreement and the warrant certificate relating to the warrants which are
also important to you. You should read these documents for a full description of the terms of the
warrants. Forms of these documents
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are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that includes this prospectus. See Where
You Can Find More Information for information on how to obtain copies of these documents.
We may issue warrants for the purchase of our debt securities, preferred stock or common stock
or units of two or more of these types of securities. Warrants may be issued independently or
together with debt securities, preferred stock or common stock and may be attached to or separate
from these securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement
that we will describe in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants that we offer.
Debt Warrants
We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of warrants to purchase
debt securities that we may offer, the warrant agreement relating to the debt warrants and the
warrant certificates representing the debt warrants. These terms will include the following:
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the title of the debt warrants; |
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the aggregate number of the debt warrants; |
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the price or prices at which the debt warrants will be issued; |
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the designation, aggregate principal amount and terms of the debt securities
purchasable upon exercise of the debt warrants and the procedures and conditions
relating to the exercise of the debt warrants; |
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if applicable, the number of warrants issued with a specified principal amount of
debt securities or with other securities, including shares of preferred stock or common
stock; |
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the date, if any, on and after which such debt warrants and the related debt
securities will be separately transferable; |
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the principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of each debt
warrant and the price at which such principal amount of debt securities may be
purchased; |
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the date on which the right to exercise such debt warrants shall commence and the
date on which such right shall expire; |
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whether the debt securities purchasable upon exercise of such debt warrants are
original issue discount debt securities, and discussion of applicable federal income
tax considerations; and |
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any other material terms of the debt warrants and terms, procedures and limitations
relating to the exercise of the debt warrants. |
We will also describe in the applicable prospectus supplement any provisions for a change in
the exercise price or the expiration date of the debt warrants and the kind, frequency and timing
of any notice to be given. You may exchange debt warrant certificates for new debt warrant
certificates of different denominations and may exercise debt warrants at the corporate trust
office of the warrant agent or any other office that we indicate in the applicable prospectus
supplement.
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Other Warrants
We may issue other warrants. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the
following terms of those warrants:
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the title of the warrants; |
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the aggregate number of the warrants; |
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the number of securities purchasable upon exercise of each warrant, and the price or
prices at which the warrants will be issued; |
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the securities, which may include preferred stock or common stock, for which the
warrants are exercisable; |
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the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of the warrants; |
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the designation and terms of any related securities issued with the warrants, and
the number of warrants issued with each security; |
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the date, if any, on and after which such warrants and the related securities will
be separately transferable; |
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the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on
which such right shall expire; |
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the maximum or minimum number of warrants which may be exercised at any time; |
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if applicable, a discussion of certain United States federal income tax
considerations; and |
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any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations
relating to the exchange and exercise of such warrants. |
We will also describe in the applicable prospectus supplement any provisions for a change in
the exercise price or the expiration date of the warrants and the kind, frequency and timing of any
notice to be given. You may exchange warrant certificates for new warrant certificates of
different denominations and may exercise warrants at the corporate trust office of the warrant
agent or any other office that we indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Exercise of Warrants
Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the principal amount of debt securities or
other securities, including shares of preferred stock or common stock, at the exercise price as
shall in each case be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in the prospectus supplement
relating to the warrants offered in the applicable prospectus supplement. Warrants may be
exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the
applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business of the expiration date, unexercised
warrants will become void.
Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at
the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable
prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the debt securities or other
securities, including shares of preferred stock or common stock, to be purchased upon such
exercise. If less than all of the
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warrants represented by a warrant certificate are exercised, a new warrant certificate will be
issued for the remaining warrants.
Prior to the exercise of any warrants to purchase debt securities or other securities,
including shares of preferred stock or common stock, holders of the warrants will not have any of
the rights of holders of the debt securities or other securities, including shares of preferred
stock or common stock purchasable upon exercise, including:
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in the case of warrants for the purchase of debt securities, the right to receive
payments of principal of, or any premium or interest on, the debt securities
purchasable upon exercise or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture; or |
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in the case of warrants for the purchase of shares of preferred stock or shares of
common stock, the right to vote or to receive any payments of dividends on the shares
of preferred stock or common stock purchasable upon exercise. |
DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS
The following description of our stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units is a
summary. It summarizes only those aspects of stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units
which we believe will be most important to your decision to invest in such securities. You should
keep in mind, however, that it is the stock purchase contract agreement and the stock purchase unit
agreement, as applicable, and not this summary, which define your rights as a securityholder.
There may be other provisions in these documents which are also important to you. You should read
these documents for a full description of the terms of our capital stock. The stock purchase
contract agreement and the stock purchase unit agreement, as well as other applicable documents,
are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the Registration Statement that includes this
prospectus. See Where You Can Find More Information for information on how to obtain copies of
these documents.
We may issue stock purchase contracts, including contracts obligating you to purchase from us,
and us to sell to you, a specified number of shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock or
other property at a future date or dates. The consideration per share of common stock or preferred
stock and the number of shares of each may be fixed at the time the stock purchase contracts are
issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the stock purchase
contracts. The stock purchase contracts may be issued separately or as part of units, often known
as stock purchase units, consisting of a stock purchase contract and any combination of:
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other stock purchase contracts; |
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preferred securities issued by trusts, all of whose common securities are owned by
us or by one of our subsidiaries; |
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depositary shares representing fractional interests in debt securities or shares of
common stock or preferred stock; or |
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preferred securities or debt obligations of third parties, including United States
Treasury securities, |
which may secure your obligations to purchase the common stock, preferred stock or other property
under the stock purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may require us to make periodic
payments to you or vice versa, and these payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis. The
stock purchase contracts may require you to secure your obligations in a specified manner.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the stock purchase contracts
and stock purchase units, including, if applicable, collateral or depositary arrangements.
DESCRIPTION OF TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
The following outlines some of the general terms and provisions of the trust preferred
securities. Further terms of the trust preferred securities and the amended and restated
declarations of trust will be stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. The prospectus
supplement will also indicate whether the general terms described in this section apply to that
particular series of trust preferred securities. The following description and any description of
the trust preferred securities and amended and restated declarations of trust in a prospectus
supplement may not be complete and are subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to
the terms and provisions of the amended and restated declarations of trust, forms of which have
been or will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a
part.
General
Each of the trusts may issue only one series of trust preferred securities. We will describe
these trust preferred securities in a prospectus supplement. The declaration of trust of the trusts
will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act and will contain the terms of the
trust preferred securities.
The trust preferred securities will have terms, such as distributions, redemption, voting,
liquidation rights and such other preferred, deferred or other special rights or such restrictions
that are discussed in the declaration of trust or made part of the declaration of trust by the
Trust Indenture Act or the Delaware Statutory Trust Act.
The prospectus supplement for the trust preferred securities of a trust will include the
specific terms of the series of trust preferred securities being issued, including:
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the distinctive designation of the trust preferred securities; |
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the number of trust preferred securities issued by such trust; |
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the total and per security liquidation amount of the trust preferred securities; |
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the annual distribution rate (or method of determining such rate) for trust
preferred securities and the date or dates upon which such distributions will be
payable; |
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whether distributions on trust preferred securities will be cumulative and, in the
case of trust preferred securities having cumulative distribution rights, the date or
dates or method of determining the date or dates from which distributions on trust
preferred securities will be cumulative; |
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the amount or amounts which will be paid out of the assets of such trust to the
holders of trust preferred securities upon voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
winding-up or termination of the trust; |
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the obligation or right of the trust to purchase or redeem trust preferred
securities and the price or prices at which, the period or periods within which, and
the terms and conditions upon which, trust preferred securities will be purchased or
redeemed pursuant to such obligation; |
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the voting rights, if any, of holders of trust preferred securities in addition to
those required by law, including the number of votes per trust preferred security and
any requirement for approval by the holders of such trust preferred securities, as a
condition to specified action or amendments to the declaration of trust; |
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the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the preferred securities issued by the
trust may be converted into our common stock, including conversion price per share; |
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the rights, if any, to defer distributions on the trust preferred securities by
extending the interest payment period on the related debt securities; |
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the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the debt securities purchased by such
trust may be distributed to holders of trust preferred securities; |
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whether the preferred securities are to be issued in book-entry form and represented
by one or more global certificates; |
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if applicable, any securities exchange upon which the trust preferred securities
will be listed; and |
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any other relevant rights, preferences, privileges, limitations or restrictions of
trust preferred securities not inconsistent with the declaration of trust of the trust
or with applicable law. |
We will guarantee distributions on trust preferred securities to the extent set forth below
under Description of the Trust Guarantee. Certain United States federal income tax considerations
applicable to trust preferred securities will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to
the trust preferred securities.
In connection with the issuance of preferred securities, each of the trusts will issue one
series of common securities. The declaration of trust of each of the trusts authorizes it to issue
one series of common securities having such terms including distributions, redemption, voting,
liquidation rights or such restrictions as shall be set forth therein. The terms of the common
securities issued by each of the trusts will be substantially identical to the terms of the trust
preferred securities issued by such trust and the common securities will rank equally, and payments
will be made thereon on a pro rata basis with the trust preferred securities. If an event of
default occurs and is continuing, the rights of the holders of such common securities to payments
in respect of distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and maturity will be
subordinated to the rights of the holders of the trust preferred securities. Except in certain
limited circumstances, the common securities issued by each of the trusts will also carry the right
to vote and to appoint, remove or replace any of the trustees of such trust. We will own all of the
common securities of the trusts.
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DESCRIPTION OF TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES
The following outlines some of the general terms and provisions of the trust preferred
securities guarantees. Further terms of the guarantees will be stated in the applicable prospectus
supplement. The prospectus supplement will also indicate whether the general terms described in
this section apply to those guarantees. The following description and any description of the
guarantees in a prospectus supplement may not be complete and is subject to and qualified in its
entirety by reference to the terms and provisions of the guarantee agreements, forms of which have
been or will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a
part, and the Trust Indenture Act.
The Navigators Group, Inc. will execute and deliver the guarantees for the benefit of the
holders of the trust preferred securities. Each guarantee will be held by the guarantee trustee for
the benefit of holders of the trust preferred securities to which it relates.
Each guarantee will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. The Bank of
New York Mellon will act as indenture trustee under each guarantee for purposes of the Trust
Indenture Act.
General
We will irrevocably and unconditionally agree to pay in full, on a subordinated basis, to the
holder of the trust preferred securities issued by a trust, the guarantee payments described in the
next paragraph when due, regardless of any defense, right of set off or counterclaim that such
trust may have.
We will make the following payments on the trust preferred securities issued by a trust, to
the extent not paid by or on behalf of such trust:
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any accrued and unpaid distributions which the trust is required to pay on the trust
preferred securities if the trust has sufficient funds to make such payments; |
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the amount payable upon redemption of the trust preferred securities, to the extent
of funds held by the trust, for any preferred securities called for redemption by the
trust; and |
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upon the liquidation of a trust, the lesser of |
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the aggregate of the liquidation amount and all accrued and
unpaid distributions on the trust preferred securities to the date of payment,
to the extent of funds held by such trust, and |
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the amount of assets of the trust remaining available for
distribution to holders of trust preferred securities after the liquidation
(other than in connection with the distribution of subordinated debt securities
to the holders of the preferred securities of the trust in exchange for
preferred securities as provided in the applicable declaration of trust). |
We will make these payments either by directly paying the required amounts to the holders of
the trust preferred securities or by causing the trust to make these payments.
Because each of these guarantees is a guarantee of payment and not of collection, you may
proceed directly against us as guarantor. You do not have to first proceed against the trust before
attempting to collect from us, and we waive any right or remedy to require that any action be
brought against a trust or any other person or entity before proceeding against us. Our obligations
will not be discharged except by payment of the guarantee payments in full.
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If we fail to make interest payments on the subordinated debt securities or pay amounts
payable upon the redemption, acceleration or maturity of the subordinated debt securities held by a
trust, the trust will have insufficient funds to pay distributions on or to pay amounts payable
upon the redemption or repayment of such preferred securities. The guarantees do not cover payment
of distributions or the amount payable upon redemption or repayment in respect of preferred
securities when a trust does not have sufficient funds to pay these distributions or amounts.
We have through each of the guarantees, and certain back-up obligations, consisting of our
obligations to provide certain indemnities in respect of, and pay and be responsible for, certain
expenses, costs, liabilities and debts of the trust as set forth in the declaration, indenture and
subordinated debentures, taken together, fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of the trusts
obligations under the preferred securities. No single document standing alone or operating in
conjunction with fewer than all of the other documents constitutes any such guarantee. It is only
the combined operation of these documents that has the effect of providing full and unconditional
guarantees of the trusts obligations under the preferred securities.
Amendments and Assignment
Except with respect to any changes that do not adversely affect the rights of holders of trust
preferred securities (in which case no vote will be required), the guarantee may be amended only
with the prior approval of the holders of not less than 50% in aggregate stated liquidation amount
of the outstanding trust preferred securities issued by the applicable trust. All guarantees and
agreements contained in each guarantee will bind our successors, assignees, receivers, trustees and
representatives and will inure to the benefit of the holders of the related trust preferred
securities of the applicable trust then outstanding.
Termination of the Guarantees
The guarantee will terminate and will have no further force and effect as to the trust
preferred securities upon full payment of the redemption price of all trust preferred securities,
upon distribution of the subordinated debt securities to the holders of the trust preferred
securities or upon full payment of the amounts payable in accordance with the declaration upon
liquidation of the trust. The guarantee will continue to be effective or will be reinstated, as the
case may be, if at any time any holder of trust preferred securities must restore payment of any
sums paid under the trust preferred securities or the guarantee.
Status of the Guarantees; Subordination
The guarantees will constitute our unsecured obligation and will rank:
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subordinate and junior in right of payment to all our liabilities, except any
liabilities that may be made pari passu expressly by their terms; |
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pari passu with the most senior preferred or preference stock issued by us and with
any guarantee entered into by us in respect of any preferred or preference stock or
preferred securities of any affiliate of ours; and |
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senior to our common stock. |
Upon our bankruptcy, liquidation or winding up, our obligations under each of the guarantees
will rank junior to all our other liabilities (except as described above) and, therefore, we may
not have enough funds for payments under the guarantees.
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The declarations of trust provide that each holder of preferred securities by acceptance
thereof agrees to the subordination provisions and other terms of the applicable guarantee.
Information Concerning the Guarantee Trustee
The guarantee trustee, prior to the occurrence of a default under the guarantee, undertakes to
perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in the guarantee and, after such a
default, shall exercise the same degree of care as a prudent individual would exercise in the
conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to such provision, the guarantee trustee is under no
obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the guarantee at the request of any holder
of preferred securities unless it is offered security and indemnity satisfactory to the guarantee trustee against the costs,
expenses and liabilities that might be incurred thereby.
Governing Law
Each guarantee will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
New York.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell any series of debt securities, common stock, preferred stock and depositary shares
being offered directly to one or more purchasers, through agents, to or through underwriters or
dealers, or through a combination of any such methods of sale. The distribution of the securities
may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at fixed prices, which may be
changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing
market prices or at negotiated prices. The prospectus supplement will set forth the terms of the
offering, including the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, the purchase price of such
securities and the proceeds to us and/or a trust from such sale, any underwriting discounts and
commissions or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters or agents compensation, any
initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or paid to dealers or any
securities exchange on which such securities may be listed. Any initial public offering price,
discounts or concessions allowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
Any discounts, concessions or commissions received by underwriters or agents and any profits
on the resale of securities by them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). Unless otherwise set forth in
the applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of underwriters to purchase the offered
securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent, and such underwriters will be obligated
to purchase all such securities, if any are purchased. Unless otherwise indicated in the
applicable prospectus supplement, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period
of its appointment.
We may also offer and sell securities, if so indicated in the applicable prospectus
supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption
or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more firms referred to as remarketing
firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. Any remarketing firm will
be identified and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and its compensation will be
described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be
underwriters under the Securities Act in connection with the securities they remarket.
We may authorize underwriters, dealers or other persons acting as agents for us to solicit
offers by certain institutions to purchase securities from us, pursuant to contracts providing for
payment and delivery on a future date. Institutions with which such contracts may be made include
commercial and
34
savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and
charitable institutions and others, but in all cases such institutions must be approved by us. The
obligations of any purchaser under any such contract will be subject to the conditions that the
purchase of the offered securities shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws
of the jurisdiction to which such purchaser is subject. The underwriters and such other agents
will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of such contracts.
We may authorize underwriters, dealers or other persons acting as agents for us to make sales
in privately negotiated transactions and/or any other method permitted by law, including sales
deemed to be an at-the-market offering as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act,
which includes sales made directly on or through The NASDAQ Global Select Market, the existing
trading market for our common stock, or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an
exchange.
In connection with the offering of securities, we may grant to the underwriters an option to
purchase additional securities to cover over-allotments at the initial public offering price, with
an additional underwriting commission, as may be set forth in the accompanying prospectus
supplement. If we grant any over-allotment option, the terms of such over-allotment option will be
set forth in the prospectus supplement for such securities.
The securities may be a new issue of securities that have no established trading market. Any
underwriters to whom securities are sold for public offering and sale may make a market in such
securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market
making at any time without notice. Such securities may or may not be listed on a national
securities exchange. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of or the existence of trading
markets for any securities.
We may indemnify agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Our agents, underwriters, dealers and
remarketing firms, or their affiliates, may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform
services for us, in the ordinary course of business.
LEGAL OPINION
Unless we otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities
offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, New York, New York, special
counsel to us. Unless we state otherwise in a prospectus supplement, certain matters of Delaware
law relating to the validity of the preferred securities of the trusts will be passed upon for the
trusts by Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A., special Delaware counsel to the trusts. Dewey & LeBouef
LLP will rely as to matters of Delaware law on Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement schedules of The
Navigators Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 and for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 2008, and managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, have been incorporated by reference
herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm,
incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
35
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
The following table sets forth the expenses (other than underwriting discounts and
commissions) expected to be incurred with the Offerings described in this Registration Statement.
All amounts are estimated except the SEC registration fee.
|
|
|
|
|
Registration Fee |
|
|
$27,900 |
|
*Printing Costs for Registration Statement, prospectus and
related documents |
|
|
$75,000 |
|
*Accounting Fees and Expenses |
|
|
$150,000 |
|
*Legal Fees and Expenses |
|
|
$250,000 |
|
*Trustees Fees |
|
|
$10,000 |
|
*Rating Agencies Fees |
|
|
$75,000 |
|
*FINRA |
|
|
$15,000 |
|
*Miscellaneous |
|
|
$20,000 |
|
|
|
|
*Total |
|
|
$622,900 |
|
|
|
|
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the DGCL) provides that a Delaware
corporation may indemnify any person who is, or is threatened to be made, a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of such corporation), by
reason of the fact that such person is or was an officer, director, employee or agent of such
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses
(including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided
such person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the corporations best interests and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. Section 145 also provides that a
Delaware corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a
party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation
by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such
corporation or enterprise or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a director,
officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may include
expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection
with the defense or settlement of such action or suit, provided such person acted in good faith and
in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporations best interest,
except that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if such person is adjudged to
be liable to the corporation. Where an officer or director is successful on the merits or
otherwise in the defense of any action referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him
against the expenses which such officer or director has actually and reasonably incurred.
Section 145 of the DGCL also provides, in general, that a corporation shall have the power to
purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director or officer of the
II-1
corporation against any liability asserted against the person in any such capacity, or arising
out of the persons status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to
indemnify the person against such liability under the provisions of the law.
Article Seventh of the Companys Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, provides
that the Company shall indemnify all persons who it may indemnify to the full extent allowable
under the DGCL.
Article V, Section 10 of the Companys By-laws provides that the Company shall indemnify any
person who is a party to any action, suit, or proceeding by reason of the fact that he, his
testator or intestate, is or was a director, officer or employee of the Company or of any company
which he served as such at the Companys request, against reasonable expenses (including attorneys
fees) actually and necessarily incurred by him in connection with the defense of such action, suit,
or proceeding, or in connection with the appeal thereof, except in relation to matters as to which
it shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding that such officer, director or employee is
liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duties.
The Companys By-laws further provide that the indemnification described therein is not
exclusive, and shall not exclude any other rights to which those seeking to be indemnified may be
entitled under law.
In addition, the Company maintains directors and officers liability insurance under which
our directors and officers are insured against loss (as defined in the policy) as a result of
claims brought against them for their wrongful acts in such capacities.
II-2
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
Description |
Number |
|
|
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to Debt Securities.* |
1.2
|
|
Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to Common Stock.* |
1.3
|
|
Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to Preferred Stock.* |
1.4
|
|
Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to Depositary Shares.* |
1.5
|
|
Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to Trust Preferred
Securities and Trust Preferred Securities Guarantees.* |
1.6
|
|
Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to Warrants.* |
1.7
|
|
Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to Stock Purchase Contracts.* |
1.8
|
|
Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to Stock Purchase Units.* |
3.1
|
|
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The Navigators Group, Inc.,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Form S-8 filed July
26, 2002 (File No. 333-97183). |
3.2
|
|
Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our Form
S-8 filed July 26, 2002 (File No. 333-97183). |
3.3
|
|
Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed August 2, 2006 (File No.
000-15886). |
3.4
|
|
By-laws of The Navigators Group, Inc., as amended, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3 of our Form S-1 filed May 13, 1986 (File No.
33-5667). |
4.1
|
|
Form of Indenture for Senior Debt Securities, between The Navigators
Group, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (successor to JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A.), as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.3 of our Form S-3 filed September 23, 2005 (File No. 333-128516). |
4.2
|
|
Form of Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities, between The
Navigators Group, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee. |
4.3
|
|
Certificate of Trust of Navigators Capital Trust I. |
4.4
|
|
Declaration of Trust of Navigators Capital Trust I. |
4.5
|
|
Certificate of Trust of Navigators Capital Trust II. |
4.6
|
|
Declaration of Trust of Navigators Capital Trust II. |
4.7
|
|
Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (substantially
identical, except for names and dates, for Navigators Capital
Trust I and Navigators Capital Trust II). |
4.8
|
|
Form of Trust Preferred Security Certificate (substantially
identical, except for names and dates, for Navigators Capital
Trust I and Navigators Capital Trust II) (included in Exhibit 4.7). |
4.9
|
|
Form of Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement
(substantially identical, except for names and dates, for Navigators
Capital Trust I and Navigators Capital Trust II). |
4.10
|
|
Form of Deposit Agreement.* |
4.11
|
|
Form of Depositary Receipt (included in Exhibit 4.10).* |
4.12
|
|
Form of Warrant Agreement.* |
4.13
|
|
Form of Warrant Certificate (included in Exhibit 4.12).* |
4.14
|
|
Form of Unit Agreement.* |
4.15
|
|
Form of Stock Purchase Contract Agreement.* |
4.16
|
|
Form of Stock Purchase Unit Agreement.* |
4.17
|
|
Form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of
Preferred Stock of The Navigators Group, Inc.* |
5.1
|
|
Opinion of Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP. |
5.2
|
|
Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. |
12.1
|
|
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. |
II-3
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
Description |
Number |
|
|
23.1
|
|
Consent of KPMG LLP. |
23.2
|
|
Consent of Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1). |
23.3
|
|
Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. (included in Exhibit 5.2). |
24.1
|
|
Powers of Attorney (included in the signature page hereto). |
25.1
|
|
Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of
The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee for the Senior Indenture for
the Senior Debt Securities. |
25.2
|
|
Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of
The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee for the Subordinated
Indenture for the Subordinated Debt Securities. |
25.3
|
|
Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of
The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee for the Preferred Securities
Guarantee of The Navigators Group, Inc. with respect to the
Preferred Securities of Navigators Capital Trust I. |
25.4
|
|
Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of
The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee for the Preferred Securities
Guarantee of The Navigators Group, Inc. with respect to the
Preferred Securities of Navigators Capital Trust II. |
25.5
|
|
Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of
The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee under the Declaration of
Trust and the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of
Navigators Capital Trust I. |
25.6
|
|
Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of
The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee under the Declaration of
Trust and the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of
Navigators Capital Trust II. |
|
|
|
* To be filed by amendment or by an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K pursuant to Item
601 of Regulation S-K. |
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
Each of the undersigned registrants hereby undertakes:
|
(1) |
|
To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement: |
|
(i) |
|
To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration
statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of
securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not
exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of
the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of a
prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the
aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change
in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the Calculation of
Registration Fee table in the effective registration statement; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution
not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change
to such information in the registration statement; |
II-4
provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) do not apply if the information
required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports
filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrants pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement or is contained in a
form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
|
(2) |
|
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
|
|
(3) |
|
To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the
securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. |
|
|
(4) |
|
That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any
purchaser: |
|
(i) |
|
Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule
424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the
date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration
statement; and |
|
|
(ii) |
|
Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule
424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on
Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or
(x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of
the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the
registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is
first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of
securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in
Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that
date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of
the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration
statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or
prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document
incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration
statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to
a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date,
supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement
or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such
document immediately prior to such effective date. |
|
(5) |
|
That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the
Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the
undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the
undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the
underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are
offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the
undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to
offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: |
|
(i) |
|
Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned
registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; |
II-5
|
(ii) |
|
Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared
by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the
undersigned registrant; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering
containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its
securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and |
|
|
(iv) |
|
Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made
by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser. |
|
(6) |
|
That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each
filing of the Companys annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plans annual
report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference
in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
|
|
(7) |
|
To file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the
trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in
accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2)
of the Trust Indenture Act. |
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted
to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrants pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than
the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted
by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered,
the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be
governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II-6
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, The Navigators Group, Inc. certifies that
it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3
and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Rye Brook, State of New York, on this 17th day of July,
2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
THE NAVIGATORS GROUP, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Francis W. McDonnell |
|
|
Name: |
|
Francis W. McDonnell |
|
|
Title: |
|
Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Francis W.
McDonnell, Bruce J. Byrnes and Emily B. Miner as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, each acting
alone, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for such person and in such persons
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments, including any
post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes, each acting
alone, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, as amended, this Registration Statement
has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
SIGNATURE |
|
TITLE |
|
DATE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chairman
|
|
July 17, 2009 |
Terence N. Deeks |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Stanley A. Galanski
Stanley A. Galanski
|
|
Director, President and Chief
Executive Officer (Principal
Executive Officer)
|
|
July 17, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Francis W. McDonnell
Francis W. McDonnell
|
|
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
|
|
July 17, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Thomas C. Connolly
Thomas C. Connolly
|
|
Vice President and Treasurer
Navigators Management Company
(Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|
July 17, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ H. J. Mervyn Blakeney
|
|
Director
|
|
July 17, 2009 |
H. J. Mervyn Blakeney |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
II-7
|
|
|
|
|
SIGNATURE |
|
TITLE |
|
DATE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
July 17, 2009 |
Peter A. Cheney |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
July 17, 2009 |
W. Thomas Forrester |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
July 17, 2009 |
John F. Kirby |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
July 17, 2009 |
Marc M. Tract |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
July 17, 2009 |
Robert F. Wright |
|
|
|
|
II-8
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, Navigators Capital Trust I and Navigators
Capital Trust II certify that they have reasonable grounds to believe that they meet all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and have duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Rye Brook, State of New
York, on this 17th day of July, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
NAVIGATORS CAPITAL TRUST I
By: The Navigators Group, Inc., as Sponsor
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Francis W. McDonnell |
|
|
Name: |
Francis W. McDonnell |
|
|
Title: |
Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer |
|
|
|
NAVIGATORS CAPITAL TRUST II
By: The Navigators Group, Inc., as Sponsor
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Francis W. McDonnell |
|
|
Name: |
Francis W. McDonnell |
|
|
Title: |
Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer |
|
|
II-9