424B2 1 dp40915_424b2-lirn.htm FORM 424B2
Registration Statement No. 333-180300-03
Filed Under the Securities Act of 1933, Rule 424(b)(2)
Product Supplement No. EQUITY INDICES LIRN-2
(To Prospectus dated March 23, 2012
and Prospectus Supplement dated March 23, 2012)
October 7, 2013
 
Leveraged Index Return Notes® “LIRNs®” Linked to One or More Equity Indices
 
·      LIRNs are unsecured senior notes issued by Credit Suisse AG, acting through one of its branches (“Credit Suisse”).  Any payments due on LIRNs, including any repayment of principal, will be subject to the credit risk of Credit Suisse.
 
·      LIRNs do not guarantee the return of principal at maturity, and we will not pay interest on LIRNs.  Instead, the return on LIRNs will be based on the performance of an underlying “Market Measure,” which will be an equity index or a basket of equity indices.
 
·      LIRNs provide an opportunity to earn a multiple of the positive performance of the Market Measure, and may provide a limited protection against the risk of losses.  You will be exposed to any negative performance of the Market Measure below the Threshold Value (as defined below) on a 1-to-1 basis. If specified in the applicable term sheet, your LIRNs may be “Capped LIRNs.”  In the case of Capped LIRNs, the Redemption Amount will not exceed a specified cap (the “Capped Value”).
 
·      If the value of the Market Measure increases from its Starting Value to its Ending Value (each as defined below), you will receive at maturity a cash payment per unit (the “Redemption Amount”) that equals the principal amount plus a multiple of that increase, and in the case of Capped LIRNs, up to the Capped Value.
 
·      If the value of the Market Measure does not change or decreases from its Starting Value to its Ending Value but not below the Threshold Value, then the Redemption Amount will equal the principal amount. However, if the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value, you will be subject to 1-to-1 downside exposure to the decrease of the Market Measure below the Threshold Value.  In such case, you may lose all or a significant portion of the principal amount of your LIRNs.
 
·      This product supplement describes the general terms of LIRNs, the risk factors to consider before investing, the general manner in which they may be offered and sold, and other relevant information.
 
·      For each offering of LIRNs, we will provide you with a pricing supplement (which we refer to as a “term sheet”) that will describe the specific terms of that offering, including the specific Market Measure, the Capped Value if applicable, the Threshold Value, and certain risk factors.  The term sheet will identify, if applicable, any additions or changes to the terms specified in this product supplement.
 
·      LIRNs will be issued in denominations of whole units.  Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, each unit will have a principal amount of $10. The term sheet may also set forth a minimum number of units that you must purchase.
 
·      Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, LIRNs will not be listed on a securities exchange or quotation system.
 
·      Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”) and one or more of its affiliates may act as our agents to offer LIRNs and will act in a principal capacity for your account.
 
LIRNs are unsecured and are not savings accounts, deposits, or other obligations of a bank. LIRNs are not insured by the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) or any other governmental agency of the United States, Switzerland, or any other jurisdiction.  Potential purchasers of LIRNs should consider the information in “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-6 of this product supplement.  You may lose all or a significant portion of your investment in LIRNs.
 
None of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), any state securities commission, or any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this product supplement, the prospectus supplement, or the prospectus.  Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Merrill Lynch & Co.
 
 
 
 

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
SUMMARY
PS-3
RISK FACTORS
PS-6
SUPPLEMENTAL USE OF PROCEEDS AND HEDGING
PS-16
DESCRIPTION OF LIRNS
PS-17
SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
PS-25
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
PS-26
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
PS-33
 
___________________________
 
LIRNs® and “Leveraged Index Return Notes®” are registered service marks of Bank of America Corporation, the parent corporation of MLPF&S.
 
 
 
PS-2

 
 
 
SUMMARY
 
The information in this “Summary” section is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed explanation set forth elsewhere in this product supplement, the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus, as well as the applicable term sheet.  Neither we nor MLPF&S have authorized any other person to provide you with any information different from the information set forth in these documents.  If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information about LIRNs, you should not rely on it. You should assume that the information in this product supplement, the prospectus supplement, and prospectus, together with the term sheet, is accurate only as of the date on their respective front covers.
 
Key Terms:
 
General:
LIRNs are senior debt securities issued by Credit Suisse, and are not guaranteed or insured by the FDIC or any other governmental agency of the United States, Switzerland, or any other jurisdiction and are not secured by collateral.  They rank equally with all of our other unsecured senior debt from time to time outstanding. Any payments due on LIRNs, including any repayment of principal, are subject to our credit risk.
 
The return on LIRNs will be based on the performance of a Market Measure and there is no guaranteed return of principal at maturity. Therefore, you may lose all or a significant portion of your investment if the value of the Market Measure decreases from the Starting Value to an Ending Value that is less than the Threshold Value.
 
Each issue of LIRNs will mature on the date set forth in the applicable term sheet.  We cannot redeem LIRNs at any earlier date.  We will not make any payments on LIRNs until maturity, and you will not receive interest payments.
 
Market Measure:
The Market Measure may consist of one or more of the following:
 
·U.S. broad-based equity indices;
·U.S. sector or style-based equity indices;
·non-U.S. or global equity indices; or
·any combination of the above.
 
The Market Measure may consist of a group, or “Basket,” of the foregoing.  We refer to each equity index included in any Basket as a “Basket Component.”  If the Market Measure to which your LIRNs are linked is a Basket, the Basket Components will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.
 
Market Measure Performance:
The performance of the Market Measure will be measured according to the percentage change of the Market Measure from its Starting Value to its Ending Value.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet:
 
The “Starting Value will equal the closing level of the Market Measure on the date when LIRNs are priced for initial sale to the public (the “pricing date”).
If the Market Measure consists of a Basket, the Starting Value will be equal to 100.  See “Description of LIRNs—Basket Market Measures.”
 
The “Threshold Value” will be a value of the Market Measure that equals a specified percentage (100% or less) of the Starting Value. The Threshold Value will be determined on the pricing date and set forth in the term sheet. If the Threshold Value is equal to 100% of the Starting Value, you will be exposed to any decrease in the
 
 
 
 
PS-3

 

 
 
value of the Market Measure from the Starting Value to the Ending Value on a 1-to-1 basis, and you may lose all of your investment in LIRNs.
 
The “Ending Value” will equal the average of the closing levels of the Market Measure on each calculation day during the Maturity Valuation Period (each as defined below).
 
If a Market Disruption Event (as defined below) occurs and is continuing on a calculation day, or if certain other events occur, the calculation agent will determine the Ending Value as set forth in the section “Description of LIRNs—The Starting Value and the Ending Value—Ending Value.”
 
If the Market Measure consists of a Basket, the Ending Value will be determined as described in “Description of LIRNs—Basket Market Measures—Ending Value of the Basket.”
 
Participation Rate:
The rate at which investors participate in the increase in the value of the Market Measure, as calculated below.  The Participation Rate will be equal to or greater than 100%, and will be set forth in the term sheet. If the Participation Rate is 100%, your participation in any upside performance of the Market Measure will not be leveraged.
 
Capped Value:
For Capped LIRNs, the maximum Redemption Amount.  Your investment return in Capped LIRNs, if any, is limited to the amount represented by the Capped Value specified in the term sheet.  We will determine the applicable Capped Value on the pricing date of each issue of Capped LIRNs.
 
Is the Ending Value greater than or equal to the Threshold Value?
Redemption Amount at Maturity:
At maturity, you will receive a Redemption Amount, as calculated below, that is greater than the principal amount if the value of the Market Measure increases from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.  In the case of Capped LIRNs, the Redemption Amount will not exceed the Capped Value.  If the value of the Market Measure does not change or decreases from the Starting Value to the Ending Value but not below the Threshold Value, then the Redemption Amount will equal the principal amount. If the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value, you will be subject to 1-to-1 downside exposure to the decrease of the Market Measure below the Threshold Value, and will receive a Redemption Amount that is less than the principal amount.
 
Any payments due on LIRNs, including repayment of principal, are subject to our credit risk as issuer of LIRNs.
 
The Redemption Amount, denominated in U.S. dollars, will be calculated as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
PS-4

 
 
 
Principal at Risk:
You may lose all or a significant portion of the principal amount of the LIRNs.  Further, if you sell your LIRNs prior to maturity, you may find that the market value per LIRN is less than the price that you paid for the LIRNs.
Calculation Agent:
The calculation agent will make all the determinations associated with LIRNs, such as determining the Starting Value, the Threshold Value, the Ending Value, and the Redemption Amount.  We may act as the calculation agent, or we may appoint MLPF&S or one of its affiliates to act as the calculation agent for LIRNs.  Alternatively, we and MLPF&S or one of its affiliates may act as joint calculation agents for LIRNs. See the section entitled “Description of LIRNs—Role of the Calculation Agent.”
Agents:
MLPF&S and one or more of its affiliates will act as our agents in connection with each offering of LIRNs and will receive an underwriting discount based on the number of units of LIRNs sold.  None of the agents is your fiduciary or advisor solely as a result of the making of any offering of LIRNs, and you should not rely upon this product supplement, the term sheet, or the accompanying prospectus or prospectus supplement as investment advice or a recommendation to purchase LIRNs.
Listing:
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, LIRNs will not be listed on a securities exchange or quotation system.
 
This product supplement relates only to LIRNs and does not relate to any equity index that comprises the Market Measure described in any term sheet.  You should read carefully the entire prospectus, prospectus supplement, and product supplement, together with the applicable term sheet, to understand fully the terms of your LIRNs, as well as the tax and other considerations important to you in making a decision about whether to invest in any LIRNs.  In particular, you should review carefully the section in this product supplement entitled “Risk Factors,” which highlights a number of risks of an investment in LIRNs, to determine whether an investment in LIRNs is appropriate for you.  If information in this product supplement is inconsistent with the prospectus or prospectus supplement, this product supplement will supersede those documents.  However, if information in any term sheet is inconsistent with this product supplement, that term sheet will supersede this product supplement.
 
Neither we nor any agent is making an offer to sell LIRNs in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. This product supplement and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus are not an offer to sell these LIRNs to anyone and are not soliciting an offer to buy these LIRNs from anyone in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
 
Certain capitalized terms used and not defined in this product supplement have the meanings ascribed to them in the prospectus supplement and prospectus.  Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this product supplement to “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references are to Credit Suisse. Credit Suisse, a corporation established under the laws of, and licensed as a bank in, Switzerland, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Credit Suisse Group AG.
 
You are urged to consult with your own attorneys and business and tax advisors before making a decision to purchase any LIRNs.
 
 
 
PS-5

 
 
RISK FACTORS
 
Your investment in LIRNs is subject to significant investment risks, many of which differ from those of a conventional debt security.  Your decision to purchase LIRNs should be made only after carefully considering the risks, including those discussed below, in light of your particular circumstances.  LIRNs are not an appropriate investment for you if you are not knowledgeable about the material terms of LIRNs or investments in equity or equity-based securities in general.
 
General Risks Relating to LIRNs
 
Your investment may result in a loss; there is no guaranteed return of principal.  There is no fixed principal repayment amount on LIRNs at maturity.  The return on LIRNs will be based on the performance of a Market Measure and therefore, you may lose all or a significant portion of your investment if the value of the Market Measure decreases from the Starting Value to an Ending Value that is less than the Threshold Value. If the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value, then you will receive a Redemption Amount at maturity that will be less than the principal amount of your LIRNs.
 
Your return on LIRNs may be less than the yield on a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security of comparable maturity.  There will be no periodic interest payments on LIRNs as there would be on a conventional fixed-rate or floating-rate debt security having the same maturity.  Any return that you receive on LIRNs may be less than the return you would earn if you purchased a conventional debt security with the same maturity date.  As a result, your investment in LIRNs may not reflect the full opportunity cost to you when you consider factors, such as inflation, that affect the time value of money.
 
Your investment return, if any, is limited to the return represented by the Capped Value, if applicable, and may be less than a comparable investment directly in the Market Measure.  The appreciation potential of Capped LIRNs is limited to the Capped Value.  You will not receive a Redemption Amount greater than the Capped Value, regardless of the appreciation of the Market Measure.  In contrast, a direct investment in the Market Measure (or the securities included in the Market Measure) would allow you to receive the full benefit of any appreciation in the value of the Market Measure (or those underlying securities).
 
In addition, unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, the Ending Value will not reflect the value of dividends paid or distributions made on the securities included in the Market Measure or any other rights associated with those securities.  Thus, any return on LIRNs will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the securities underlying the Market Measure.
 
Additionally, the Market Measure may consist of one or more equity indices that include components traded in a non-U.S. currency.  If the value of that currency strengthens against the U.S. dollar during the term of your LIRNs, you may not obtain the benefit of that increase, which you would have received if you had owned the securities included in the index or indices.
 
Payments on LIRNs are subject to our credit risk, and actual or perceived changes in our creditworthiness are expected to affect the value of LIRNs.  LIRNs are our senior unsecured debt securities.  As a result, your receipt of the Redemption Amount at maturity is dependent upon our ability to repay our obligations on the maturity date, regardless of whether the Market Measure increases from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.  No assurance can be given as to what our financial condition will be on the maturity date. If we become unable to
 

 
PS-6

 

meet our financial obligations as they become due, you may not receive the amounts payable under the terms of LIRNs.
 
In addition, our credit ratings are an assessment by ratings agencies of our ability to pay our obligations.  Consequently, our perceived creditworthiness and actual or anticipated decreases in our credit ratings or increases in the spread between the yield on our securities and the yield on U.S. Treasury securities (the “credit spread”) prior to the maturity date may adversely affect the market value of LIRNs.  However, because your return on LIRNs depends upon factors in addition to our ability to pay our obligations, such as the value of the Market Measure, an improvement in our credit ratings will not reduce the other investment risks related to LIRNs.
 
Our initial estimated value of the LIRNs will be determined based on our proprietary pricing models, and may not be comparable to estimated values of similar notes of other issuers. The initial estimated value of the LIRNs, which will be set forth in the applicable term sheet, is an estimate only, determined as of a particular point in time by reference to our proprietary pricing models. These pricing models consider certain factors, such as our internal funding rate on the pricing date, interest rates, volatility and time to maturity of the LIRNs, and they rely in part on certain assumptions about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. Because our pricing models may differ from other issuers’ valuation models, and because funding rates taken into account by other issuers may vary materially from the rates used by us (even among issuers with similar creditworthiness), our estimated value may not be comparable to estimated values of similar notes of other issuers.
 
Our internal funding rate for market-linked notes is typically lower than our secondary market credit rates. Because we will use our internal funding rate to determine the value of the theoretical bond component, the initial estimated value of the LIRNs may be greater than if we used our secondary market credit rates in valuing the LIRNs.
 
The public offering price you pay for the LIRNs will exceed the initial estimated value. This is due to, among other transaction costs, the inclusion in the public offering price of the underwriting discount and an expected hedging related charge.
 
Assuming no change in market conditions or other relevant factors after the pricing date, the market value of your LIRNs may be lower than the price you paid for them and lower than the initial estimated value. This is due to, among other things, the inclusion in the public offering price of the underwriting discount and an expected hedging related charge and the internal funding rate we use in pricing the LIRNs. These factors, together with customary bid ask spreads, other transaction costs and various credit, market and economic factors over the term of the LIRNs, including changes in the value of the Market Measure, are expected to reduce the price at which you may be able to sell the LIRNs in any secondary market and will affect the value of the LIRNs in complex and unpredictable ways.
 
The initial estimated value does not represent a minimum or maximum price at which we, MLPF&S or any of our affiliates would be willing to purchase your LIRNs in any secondary market (if any exists) at any time. MLPF&S has advised us that any repurchases by them or their affiliates are expected to be made at prices determined by reference to their pricing models and at their discretion, and these prices will include MLPF&S’s trading commissions and mark-ups.  If you sell your LIRNs to a dealer other than MLPF&S, the dealer may impose its own discount or commission. MLPF&S has also advised us that, at its discretion and for your benefit, assuming no changes in market conditions after the pricing date, any purchase price paid by MLPF&S in the secondary market may exceed the initial estimated value of the LIRNs for a short initial period after the issuance of the LIRNs. That
 

 
PS-7

 

higher price reflects costs that are expected to be included in the public offering price of the LIRNs, and that higher price may also be initially used for account statements or otherwise. There is no assurance that any party will be willing to purchase your LIRNs at any price in any secondary market.
 
We cannot assure you that there will be a trading market for your LIRNs.  If a secondary market exists, we cannot predict how LIRNs will trade, or whether that market will be liquid or illiquid.  The development of a trading market for LIRNs will depend on various factors, including our financial performance and changes in the value of the Market Measure.  The number of potential buyers of your LIRNs in any secondary market may be limited. There is no assurance that any party will be willing to purchase your LIRNs at any price in any secondary market.
 
We anticipate that one or more of the agents will act as a market-maker for LIRNs that it offers, but none of them is required to do so and may cease to do so at any time.  Any price at which an agent may bid for, offer, purchase, or sell any LIRNs may be higher or lower than the applicable public offering price, and that price may differ from the values determined by pricing models that it may use, whether as a result of dealer discounts, mark-ups, or other transaction costs.  These bids, offers, or transactions may affect the prices, if any, at which those LIRNs might otherwise trade in the market.  In addition, if at any time any agent were to cease acting as a market-maker for any issue of LIRNs, it is likely that there would be significantly less liquidity in that secondary market.  In such a case, the price at which those LIRNs could be sold likely would be lower than if an active market existed.
 
Unless otherwise stated in the term sheet, we will not list LIRNs on any securities exchange.  Even if an application were made to list your LIRNs, we cannot assure you that the application will be approved or that your LIRNs will be listed and, if listed, that they will remain listed for their entire term.  The listing of LIRNs on any securities exchange will not necessarily ensure that a trading market will develop, and if a trading market does develop, that there will be liquidity in the trading market.
 
The Redemption Amount will not reflect changes in the value of the Market Measure that occur prior to the Maturity Valuation Period.  Changes in the value of the Market Measure during the term of LIRNs before the Maturity Valuation Period will not be reflected in the calculation of the Redemption Amount.  To calculate the Redemption Amount, the calculation agent will compare only the Ending Value to the Starting Value or the Threshold Value, as applicable.  No other values of the Market Measure will be taken into account.  As a result, even if the value of the Market Measure has increased at certain times during the term of LIRNs, you will receive a Redemption Amount that is less than the principal amount if the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value.
 
If your LIRNs are linked to a Basket, changes in the levels of one or more of the Basket Components may be offset by changes in the levels of one or more of the other Basket Components.  The Market Measure of your LIRNs may be a Basket.  In such a case, changes in the levels of one or more of the Basket Components may not correlate with changes in the levels of one or more of the other Basket Components.  The levels of one or more Basket Components may increase, while the levels of one or more of the other Basket Components may decrease or not increase as much.  Therefore, in calculating the value of the Market Measure at any time, increases in the level of one Basket Component may be moderated or wholly offset by decreases or lesser increases in the levels of one or more of the other Basket Components.  If the weightings of the applicable Basket Components are not equal, adverse changes in the levels of the Basket Components which are more heavily weighted could have a greater impact upon your LIRNs.
 

 
PS-8

 

The respective publishers of the applicable indices may adjust those indices in a way that affects their levels, and these publishers have no obligation to consider your interests.  The publisher of each index to which your LIRNs are linked (each, an “Index Publisher”) can add, delete, or substitute the components included in that index or make other methodological changes that could change its level.  A new security included in an index may perform significantly better or worse than the replaced security, and the performance will impact the level of the applicable index.  Additionally, an Index Publisher may alter, discontinue, or suspend calculation or dissemination of an index.  Any of these actions could adversely affect the value of your LIRNs.  The Index Publishers will have no obligation to consider your interests in calculating or revising any index.
 
Exchange rate movements may impact the value of LIRNs.  If any security included in a Market Measure is traded in a currency other than U.S. dollars and, for purposes of the applicable index, is converted into U.S. dollars, then the Redemption Amount may depend in part on the relevant exchange rates.  If the value of the U.S. dollar increases against the currencies of that index, the level of the applicable index may be adversely affected and the Redemption Amount may be reduced.  Exchange rate movements may be particularly impacted by existing and expected rates of inflation and interest rate levels, the balance of payments, and the extent of governmental surpluses or deficits in the countries relevant to the applicable index and the United States.  All of these factors are in turn sensitive to the monetary, fiscal, and trade policies pursued by the governments of those countries and the United States and other countries important to international trade and finance.
 
If you attempt to sell LIRNs prior to maturity, their market value, if any, will be affected by various factors that interrelate in complex ways, and their market value may be less than the principal amount.  The limited protection against the risk of losses provided by the Threshold Value, if any, will only apply if you hold LIRNs to maturity. You have no right to have your LIRNs redeemed prior to maturity. If you wish to liquidate your investment in LIRNs prior to maturity, your only option would be to sell them.  At that time, there may be an illiquid market for your LIRNs or no market at all.  Even if you were able to sell your LIRNs, there are many factors outside of our control that may affect their market value, some of which, but not all, are stated below.  The impact of any one factor may be offset or magnified by the effect of another factor.  The following paragraphs describe a specific factor’s expected impact on the market value of LIRNs, assuming all other conditions remain constant.
 
 
·
Value of the Market Measure.  We anticipate that the market value of LIRNs prior to maturity generally will depend to a significant extent on the value of the Market Measure.  In general, it is expected that the market value of LIRNs will decrease as the value of the Market Measure decreases, and increase as the value of the Market Measure increases.  However, as the value of the Market Measure increases or decreases, the market value of LIRNs is not expected to increase or decrease at the same rate. If you sell your LIRNs when the value of the Market Measure is less than, or not sufficiently above the applicable Starting Value, then you may receive less than the principal amount of your LIRNs.
 
In addition, because the Redemption Amount for Capped LIRNs will not exceed the applicable Capped Value, we do not expect that Capped LIRNs will trade in any secondary market at a price that is greater than the Capped Value.
 
 
·
Volatility of the Market Measure.  Volatility is the term used to describe the size and frequency of market fluctuations.  Increases or decreases in the volatility of the Market Measure may have an adverse impact on the market value of LIRNs.  Even if the value of the Market Measure increases after the applicable pricing date, if you are able to sell your
 

 
PS-9

 

LIRNs before their maturity date, you may receive substantially less than the amount that would be payable at maturity based on that value because of the anticipation that the value of the Market Measure will continue to fluctuate until the Ending Value is determined.
 
 
·
Economic and Other Conditions Generally.  The general economic conditions of the capital markets in the United States, as well as geopolitical conditions and other financial, political, regulatory, and judicial events and related uncertainties that affect stock markets generally, may affect the value of the Market Measure and the market value of LIRNs.  If the Market Measure includes one or more indices that have returns that are calculated based upon securities prices in one or more non-U.S. markets (a “non-U.S. Market Measure”), the value of your LIRNs may also be affected by similar events in the markets of the relevant foreign countries.
 
 
·
Interest Rates.  We expect that changes in interest rates will affect the market value of LIRNs.  In general, if U.S. interest rates increase, we expect that the market value of LIRNs will decrease, and conversely, if U.S. interest rates decrease, we expect that the market value of LIRNs will increase.  In general, we expect that the longer the amount of time that remains until maturity, the more significant the impact of these changes will be on the value of LIRNs.  In the case of non-U.S. Market Measures, the level of interest rates in the relevant foreign countries may also affect their economies and in turn the value of the non-U.S. Market Measure, and, thus, the market value of LIRNs may be adversely affected.
 
 
·
Dividend Yields.  In general, if cumulative dividend yields on the securities included in the Market Measure increase, we anticipate that the market value of LIRNs will decrease; conversely, if those dividend yields decrease, we anticipate that the market value of your LIRNs will increase.
 
 
·
Exchange Rate Movements and Volatility.  If the Market Measure of your LIRNs includes any non-U.S. Market Measures, changes in, and the volatility of, the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the relevant non-U.S. currency or currencies could have a negative impact on the value of your LIRNs, and the Redemption Amount may depend in part on the relevant exchange rates.  In addition, the correlation between the relevant exchange rate and any applicable non-U.S. Market Measure reflects the extent to which a percentage change in that exchange rate corresponds to a percentage change in the applicable non-U.S. Market Measure, and changes in these correlations may have a negative impact on the value of your LIRNs.
 
 
·
Our Financial Condition and Creditworthiness.  Our actual and perceived creditworthiness, including any increases in our credit spreads and any actual or anticipated decreases in our credit ratings, may adversely affect the market value of LIRNs. In general, we expect the longer the amount of time that remains until maturity, the more significant the impact will be on the value of LIRNs.  However, because the value of LIRNs depends upon factors in addition to Credit Suisse’s ability to pay its obligations, such as the value of the applicable Market Measure, a decrease in our credit spreads or an improvement in our credit ratings will not reduce the other investment risks related to LIRNs or necessarily increase the market value of LIRNs.
 
 
·
Time to Maturity.  There may be a disparity between the market value of LIRNs prior to maturity and their value at maturity. This disparity is often called a time “value,” “premium,” or “discount,” and reflects expectations concerning the value of the Market Measure prior to the maturity date. As the time to maturity decreases, this disparity will
 
 
 
PS-10

 
 
likely decrease, such that the value of LIRNs will approach the expected Redemption Amount to be paid at maturity.
 
Trading and hedging activities by us, the agents, and our respective affiliates may affect your return on LIRNs and their market value.  We, the agents, and our respective affiliates may buy or sell the securities included in the Market Measure, futures or options contracts on the Market Measure or its component securities, or other listed or over-the counter derivative instruments linked to the Market Measure or its component securities.  We may execute such purchases or sales for our own or their own accounts, for business reasons, or in connection with hedging our obligations under LIRNs.  These transactions could affect the value of these securities and, in turn, the value of a Market Measure in a manner that could be adverse to your investment in LIRNs.  On or before the applicable pricing date, any purchases or sales by us (including those for the purpose of hedging our obligations under LIRNs) may increase the value of the Market Measure or its component securities.  Consequently, the values of that Market Measure or the securities included in that Market Measure may decrease subsequent to the pricing date of an issue of LIRNs, adversely affecting the market value of LIRNs.
 
We, the agents, or one or more of our respective affiliates may also engage in hedging activities for business reasons generally and in anticipation of the sale of LIRNs.  From time to time, we, the agents, and our respective affiliates may enter into additional hedging transactions or unwind those that we or they have entered into and may liquidate or close out a portion of these holdings at or about the time of maturity of LIRNs, including during the Maturity Valuation Period. These hedging activities may decrease the market value of the Market Measure or its component securities prior to maturity of LIRNs, and may affect the Redemption Amount.
 
Furthermore, we, the agents, and our respective affiliates may purchase or otherwise acquire a long or short position in LIRNs, and may hold or resell LIRNs.  For example, the agents may enter into these transactions in connection with any market making activities in which they engage.  We cannot assure you that these activities will not adversely affect the value of the Market Measure or the market value of your LIRNs prior to maturity or the Redemption Amount.
 
Our trading, hedging and other business activities, and those of the agents, may create conflicts of interest with you.  We, the agents, or one or more of our respective affiliates may engage in trading activities related to the Market Measure and to securities included in the Market Measure that are not for your account or on your behalf.  We, the agents, or one or more of our respective affiliates also may issue or underwrite other financial instruments with returns based upon the applicable Market Measure.  In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the agents and their affiliates may hold and trade our or our affiliates’ debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers.  Certain of the agents or their affiliates may also have a lending relationship with us. In order to hedge such exposure, the agents may enter into transactions such as the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our or our affiliates’ securities, including potentially LIRNs.  Any such short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of LIRNs.  These trading and other business activities may present a conflict of interest between your interest in LIRNs and the interests we, the agents and our respective affiliates may have in our proprietary accounts, in facilitating transactions, including block trades, for our or their other customers, and in accounts under our or their management.  These trading and other business activities, if they influence the value of the Market Measure
 

 
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or secondary trading in your LIRNs, could be adverse to your interests as a beneficial owner of LIRNs.
 
We, the agents, and one or more of our respective affiliates expect to enter into arrangements or adjust or close out existing transactions to hedge our obligations under LIRNs.  We, the agents, or our respective affiliates also may enter into hedging transactions relating to other notes or instruments that we or they issue, some of which may have returns calculated in a manner related to that of a particular issue of LIRNs.  We may enter into such hedging arrangements with one or more of our subsidiaries or affiliates, or with one or more of the agents or their affiliates.  Such a party may enter into additional hedging transactions with other parties relating to LIRNs and the applicable Market Measure.  This hedging activity is expected to result in a profit to those engaging in the hedging activity, which could be more or less than initially expected, or the hedging activity could also result in a loss.  We, the agents, and our respective affiliates will price these hedging transactions with the intent to realize a profit, regardless of whether the value of LIRNs increases or decreases.
 
There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent.  We have the right to appoint and remove the calculation agent.  We may be the calculation agent or act as joint calculation agent for LIRNs and, as such, will determine the Starting Value, the Threshold Value, the Ending Value, and the Redemption Amount. Under some circumstances, these duties could result in a conflict of interest between our status as issuer and our responsibilities as calculation agent.  These conflicts could occur, for instance, in connection with the calculation agent’s determination as to whether a Market Disruption Event has occurred, or in connection with judgments that the calculation agent would be required to make if the publication of an index is discontinued.  See the sections entitled “Description of LIRNs—Market Disruption Events,” “—Adjustments to an Index,” and “—Discontinuance of an Index.” The calculation agent will be required to carry out its duties in good faith and using its reasonable judgment.  However, because we may serve as the calculation agent, potential conflicts of interest could arise.  In addition, we may appoint MLPF&S or one of its affiliates to act as the calculation agent or as joint calculation agent for LIRNs.  As the calculation agent or joint calculation agent, MLPF&S or one of its affiliates will have discretion in making various determinations that affect your LIRNs.  The exercise of this discretion by the calculation agent could adversely affect the value of your LIRNs and may present the calculation agent with a conflict of interest of the kind described under “—Trading and hedging activities by us, the agents, and our respective affiliates may affect your return on LIRNs and their market value” and “—Our trading, hedging and other business activities, and those of the agents, may create conflicts of interest with you” above.
 
The U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes are uncertain, and may be adverse to a holder of the notes.  No statutory, judicial, or administrative authority directly addresses the characterization of the notes or securities similar to the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  As a result, significant aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes are not certain.  Under the terms of the notes, you will have agreed with us to treat the notes as prepaid financial contracts, with respect to the Market Measure, as described under "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences."  If the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) were successful in asserting an alternative characterization for the notes, the timing and character of gain or loss with respect to the notes may differ. No ruling will be requested from the IRS with respect to the notes and no assurance can be given that the IRS will agree with the statements made in the section entitled “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”  Additionally, in Notice 2008-2, the IRS and the Treasury Department stated they are considering issuing new regulations or other guidance on whether holders of an instrument such as the notes should be required to accrue income during the term of the instrument. Accordingly, it is possible that
 

 
PS-12

 

regulations or other guidance may be issued that require holders of the notes to recognize income in respect of the notes prior to receipt of any payments thereunder or redemption, sale or exchange thereof.  Any regulations or other guidance that may be issued could result in income and gain (either at maturity or upon redemption, sale or exchange) in respect of the notes being treated as ordinary income.  It is also possible that a Non-U.S. Holder of the notes could be subject to U.S. withholding tax in respect of the notes under such regulations or other guidance.  It is not possible to determine whether such regulations or other guidance will apply to your notes (possibly on a retroactive basis).  More recently, on January 24, 2013, the House Ways and Means Committee released in draft form certain proposed legislation relating to financial instruments.  If enacted as proposed, the effect of that legislation generally would be to require instruments such as the notes acquired after December 31, 2013, to be marked to market on an annual basis with all gains and losses to be treated as ordinary, subject to certain exceptions.  You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the draft legislation and its possible impact on you.
 
YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT WITH YOUR OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING ALL ASPECTS OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF INVESTING IN THE NOTES.
 
Risks Relating to the Market Measures
 
You must rely on your own evaluation of the merits of an investment linked to the applicable Market Measure.  In the ordinary course of their businesses, we, the agents, and our respective affiliates may have expressed views on expected movements in a Market Measure or the securities included in the Market Measure, and may do so in the future.  These views or reports may be communicated to our clients and clients of these entities.  However, these views are subject to change from time to time.  Moreover, other professionals who deal in markets relating to a Market Measure may at any time have significantly different views from our views and the views of these entities.  For these reasons, you are encouraged to derive information concerning a Market Measure or its component securities from multiple sources, and you should not rely on our views or the views expressed by these entities.
 
You will have no rights as a security holder, you will have no rights to receive any of the securities represented by the Market Measure, and you will not be entitled to dividends or other distributions by the issuers of these securities.  LIRNs are our debt securities.  They are not equity instruments, shares of stock, or securities of any other issuer.  Investing in LIRNs will not make you a holder of any of the securities represented by the Market Measure.  You will not have any voting rights, any rights to receive dividends or other distributions, or any other rights with respect to those securities.  As a result, the return on your LIRNs may not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned those securities and received the dividends paid or other distributions made in connection with them.  Additionally, the levels of certain indices reflect only the prices of the securities included in that index and do not take into consideration the value of dividends paid on those securities.  Your LIRNs will be paid in cash and you have no right to receive delivery of any of these securities.
 
If the Market Measure to which your LIRNs are linked includes equity securities traded on foreign exchanges, your return may be affected by factors affecting international securities markets.  The value of securities traded outside of the U.S. may be adversely affected by a variety of factors relating to the relevant securities markets.  Factors which could affect those markets, and therefore the return on your LIRNs, include:
 

 
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·
Market Volatility.  The relevant foreign securities markets may be more volatile than U.S. or other securities markets and may be affected by market developments in different ways than U.S. or other securities markets.
 
 
·
Political, Economic, and Other Factors.  The prices and performance of securities of companies in foreign countries may be affected by political, economic, financial, and social factors in those regions.  Direct or indirect government intervention to stabilize a particular securities market and cross-shareholdings in companies in the relevant foreign markets may affect prices and the volume of trading in those markets.  In addition, recent or future changes in government, economic, and fiscal policies in the relevant jurisdictions, the possible imposition of, or changes in, currency exchange laws, or other laws or restrictions, and possible fluctuations in the rate of exchange between currencies, are factors that could negatively affect the relevant securities markets.  The relevant foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in economic factors such as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, and self-sufficiency.
 
In particular, many emerging nations are undergoing rapid change, involving the restructuring of economic, political, financial and legal systems.  Regulatory and tax environments may be subject to change without review or appeal, and many emerging markets suffer from underdevelopment of capital markets and tax systems.  In addition, in some of these nations, issuers of the relevant securities face the threat of expropriation their assets, and/or nationalization of their businesses.  The economic and financial data about some of these countries may be unreliable.
 
 
·
Publicly Available Information.  There is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies than about U.S. companies that are subject to the reporting requirements of the SEC.  In addition, accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards and requirements in foreign countries differ from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies.
 
Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, we and the agents do not control any company included in any Market Measure and are not responsible for any disclosure made by any other company.  We, the agents, or our respective affiliates currently, or in the future, may engage in business with companies included in a Market Measure, and we, the agents, or our respective affiliates may from time to time own securities of companies included in a Market Measure.  However, none of us, the agents, or any of our respective affiliates have the ability to control the actions of any of these companies or have undertaken any independent review of, or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to, any of these companies, unless (and only to the extent that) the securities of us, the agents, or our respective affiliates are represented by that Market Measure.  In addition, unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, none of us, the agents, or any of our respective affiliates are responsible for the calculation of any index represented by a Market Measure.  You should make your own investigation into the Market Measure.
 
Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, none of the Index Publishers, their affiliates, or any companies included in the Market Measure will be involved in any offering of LIRNs or will have any obligation of any sort with respect to LIRNs.  As a result, none of those companies will have any obligation to take your interests as holders of LIRNs into consideration for any reason, including taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of the securities represented by the Market Measure or the value of LIRNs.
 

 
PS-14

 

Our business activities and those of the agents relating to the companies represented by a Market Measure or LIRNs may create conflicts of interest with you.  We, the agents,  and our respective affiliates, at the time of any offering of LIRNs or in the future, may engage in business with the companies represented by a Market Measure, including making loans to, equity investments in, or providing investment banking, asset management, or other services to those companies, their affiliates, and their competitors.
 
In connection with these activities, any of these entities may receive information about those companies that we will not divulge to you or other third parties.  We, the agents, and our respective affiliates have published, and in the future may publish, research reports on one or more of these companies.  The agents may also publish research reports relating to our or our affiliates’ securities, including LIRNs. This research is modified from time to time without notice and may express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent with purchasing or holding your LIRNs.  Any of these activities may affect the value of the Market Measure and the market value of your LIRNs.  None of us, the agents, or our respective affiliates makes any representation to any purchasers of LIRNs regarding any matters whatsoever relating to the issuers of the securities included in a Market Measure.  Any prospective purchaser of LIRNs should undertake an independent investigation of the companies included in a Market Measure to a level that, in its judgment, is appropriate to make an informed decision regarding an investment in LIRNs.  The composition of the Market Measure does not reflect any investment recommendations from us, the agents, or our respective affiliates.
 
Other Risk Factors Relating to the Applicable Market Measure
 
The applicable term sheet may set forth additional risk factors as to the Market Measure that you should review prior to purchasing LIRNs.
 

 
PS-15

 

SUPPLEMENTAL USE OF PROCEEDS AND HEDGING
 
Unless otherwise specified in any term sheet, we intend to use the proceeds from each offering of LIRNs or our general corporate purposes, which may include the refinancing of our existing indebtedness outside Switzerland.  We may also use some or all of the proceeds from any offering to hedge our obligations under LIRNs.  In addition, we may also invest the proceeds temporarily in short-term securities.  The net proceeds will be applied exclusively outside Switzerland unless Swiss fiscal laws allow such usage in Switzerland without triggering Swiss withholding taxes on interest payments on debt instruments.
 

 
PS-16

 

DESCRIPTION OF LIRNS
 
General
 
LIRNs are part of a series of senior debt securities that we may issue under our senior indenture, dated as of March 29, 2007, as it has been and may be amended from time to time, between Credit Suisse and The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New York), as trustee (the “senior indenture”). This product supplement summarizes financial and other terms that apply generally to LIRNs and, to the extent it is inconsistent with, supersedes the description of the general terms and provisions of LIRNs and debt securities set forth under the headings “Description of Notes” in the prospectus supplement and “Description of Debt Securities” in the prospectus.  These documents should be read in connection with the applicable term sheet.
 
The maturity date of LIRNs and the aggregate principal amount of each issue of LIRNs will be stated in the term sheet.
 
We will not pay interest on LIRNs. LIRNs do not guarantee the return of principal at maturity. LIRNs will be payable only in U.S. dollars.
 
Prior to the maturity date, LIRNs are not redeemable by us or repayable at the option of any holder.  LIRNs are not subject to any sinking fund. LIRNs are not subject to the defeasance provisions described in the prospectus under the caption “Description of Debt Securities—Defeasance.”
 
We will issue LIRNs in denominations of whole units.  Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, each unit will have a principal amount of $10.  The CUSIP number for each issue of LIRNs will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.  You may transfer LIRNs only in whole units.
 
Payment at Maturity
 
At maturity, subject to our credit risk as issuer of LIRNs, you will receive a Redemption Amount, denominated in U.S. dollars.  In no event will the Redemption Amount be less than zero.  The “Redemption Amount” will be calculated as follows:
 
 
·
If the Ending Value is greater than the Starting Value, then the Redemption Amount will equal:
 
 
If your LIRNs are Capped LIRNs, the Redemption Amount will not exceed a “Capped Value” set forth in the term sheet.
 
 
·
If the Ending Value is equal to or less than the Starting Value, but is equal to or greater than the Threshold Value, then the Redemption Amount will equal the principal amount.
 
 
·
If the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value, then the Redemption Amount will equal:
 

 
PS-17

 
 
 
The Redemption Amount will not be less than zero.
 
 
The “Threshold Value” will be a value of the Market Measure that equals a specified percentage of the Starting Value, which will be less than or equal to 100%. The Threshold Value will be determined on the pricing date and set forth in the term sheet. If the Threshold Value is equal to 100% of the Starting Value, then the Redemption Amount for LIRNs will be less than the principal amount if there is any decrease in the value of the Market Measure from the Starting Value to the Ending Value, and you may lose all of your investment in LIRNs.
 
 
Your participation in any upside potential of the Market Measure underlying your LIRNs will also be impacted by the Participation Rate.  The “Participation Rate” may be equal to or greater than 100%. The Participation Rate applicable to your LIRNs will be set forth in the term sheet. If the applicable term sheet specifies that the Participation Rate is 100%, your participation in any upside performance of the Market Measure will not be leveraged.
 
 
Each term sheet will provide examples of Redemption Amounts based on hypothetical Starting Values, Threshold Values, Ending Values, and, for Capped LIRNs, Capped Values.
 
The term sheet will set forth information as to the specific Market Measure, including information as to the historical values of the Market Measure.  However, historical values of the Market Measure are not indicative of the future performance of the Market Measure or the performance of your LIRNs.
 
An investment in LIRNs does not entitle you to any ownership interest, including any voting rights, dividends paid, interest payments, or other distributions, in the securities of any of the companies included in a Market Measure.
 
The Starting Value and the Ending Value
 
Starting Value
 
Unless otherwise specified in the term sheet, the “Starting Value” will equal the closing level of the Market Measure on the pricing date.
 
Ending Value
 
Unless otherwise specified in the term sheet, the “Ending Value” will equal the average of the closing levels of the Market Measure determined on each calculation day during the Maturity Valuation Period.
 
The “Maturity Valuation Period” means the period consisting of one or more calculation days shortly before the maturity date. The timing and length of the period will be set forth in the term sheet.
 
A “calculation day” means any Market Measure Business Day during the Maturity Valuation Period on which a Market Disruption Event has not occurred.
 
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, a “Market Measure Business Day” means a day on which (1) the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and The NASDAQ
 

 
PS-18

 

Stock Market (the “NASDAQ”), or their successors, are open for trading and (2) the Market Measure or any successor is calculated and published.
 
If (i) a Market Disruption Event occurs on a scheduled calculation day during the Maturity Valuation Period or (ii) any scheduled calculation day is determined by the calculation agent not to be a Market Measure Business Day by reason of an extraordinary event, occurrence, declaration, or otherwise (any such day in either (i) or (ii) being a “non-calculation day”), the closing level of the Market Measure for the applicable non-calculation day will be the closing level of the Market Measure on the next calculation day that occurs during the Maturity Valuation Period.  For example, if the first and second scheduled calculation days during the Maturity Valuation Period are non-calculation days, then the closing level of the Market Measure on the next calculation day will also be the closing level for the Market Measure on the first and second scheduled calculation days during the Maturity Valuation Period.  If no further calculation days occur after a non-calculation day, or if every scheduled calculation day during the Maturity Valuation Period is a non-calculation day, then the closing level of the Market Measure for each following non-calculation day (or for all the scheduled calculation days during the Maturity Valuation Period, if applicable) will be determined (or, if not determinable, estimated) by the calculation agent in a commercially reasonable manner on the last scheduled calculation day during the Maturity Valuation Period, regardless of the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event on that last scheduled calculation day.
 
If the Market Measure consists of a Basket, the Starting Value and the Ending Value of the Basket will be determined as described in “—Basket Market Measures.”
 
Market Disruption Events
 
For an index, “Market Disruption Event” means one or more of the following events, as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion:
 
 
(A)
the suspension of or material limitation on trading, in each case, for more than two consecutive hours of trading, or during the one-half hour period preceding the close of trading, on the primary exchange where the securities included in an index trade (without taking into account any extended or after-hours trading session), in 20% or more of the securities which then comprise the index or any successor index; and
 
(B)
 
 
 
the suspension of or material limitation on trading, in each case, for more than two consecutive hours of trading, or during the one-half hour period preceding the close of trading, on the primary exchange that trades options contracts or futures contracts related to the index (without taking into account any extended or after-hours trading session), whether by reason of movements in price otherwise exceeding levels permitted by the relevant exchange or otherwise, in options contracts or futures contracts related to the index, or any successor index.
 
For the purpose of determining whether a Market Disruption Event has occurred:
 
 
(1)
a limitation on the hours in a trading day and/or number of days of trading will not constitute a Market Disruption Event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of the relevant exchange;
 
(2)
a decision to permanently discontinue trading in the relevant futures or options contracts related to the index, or any successor index, will not constitute a Market Disruption Event;
 

 
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(3)
a suspension in trading in a futures or options contract on the index, or any successor index, by a major securities market by reason of (a) a price change violating limits set by that securities market, (b) an imbalance of orders relating to those contracts, or (c) a disparity in bid and ask quotes relating to those contracts will constitute a suspension of or material limitation on trading in futures or options contracts related to the index;
 
(4)
a suspension of or material limitation on trading on the relevant exchange will not include any time when that exchange is closed for trading under ordinary circumstances; and
 
(5)
if applicable to indices with component securities listed on the NYSE, for the purpose of clause (A) above, any limitations on trading during significant market fluctuations under NYSE Rule 80B, or any applicable rule or regulation enacted or promulgated by the NYSE or any other self-regulatory organization or the SEC of similar scope as determined by the calculation agent, will be considered “material.”
 
Adjustments to an Index
 
After the applicable pricing date, an Index Publisher may make a material change in the method of calculating an index or in another way that changes the index such that it does not, in the opinion of the calculation agent, fairly represent the level of the index had those changes or modifications not been made.  In this case, the calculation agent will, at the close of business in New York, New York, on each date that the closing level is to be calculated, make adjustments to the index.  Those adjustments will be made in good faith as necessary to arrive at a calculation of a level of the index as if those changes or modifications had not been made, and calculate the closing level of the index, as so adjusted.
 
Discontinuance of an Index
 
After the pricing date, an Index Publisher may discontinue publication of an index to which an issue of LIRNs is linked.  The Index Publisher or another entity may then publish a substitute index that the calculation agent determines, in its sole discretion, to be comparable to the original index (a “successor index”).  If this occurs, the calculation agent will substitute the successor index as calculated by the relevant Index Publisher or any other entity and calculate the Ending Value as described under “—The Starting Value and the Ending Value” or “—Basket Market Measure,” as applicable.  If the calculation agent selects a successor index, the calculation agent will give written notice of the selection to the trustee, to us, and to the holders of LIRNs.
 
If an Index Publisher discontinues publication of the index before the end of the Maturity Valuation Period and the calculation agent does not select a successor index, then on each day that would have been a calculation day, until the earlier to occur of:
 
 
·
the determination of the Ending Value; and
 
 
·
a determination by the calculation agent that a successor index is available,
 
the calculation agent will compute a substitute level for the index in accordance with the procedures last used to calculate the index before any discontinuance as if that day were a calculation day.  The calculation agent will make available to holders of the LIRNs information regarding those levels by means of Bloomberg L.P., Thomson Reuters, a website, or any other means selected by the calculation agent in its reasonable discretion.
 

 
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If a successor index is selected or the calculation agent calculates a level as a substitute for an index, the successor index or level will be used as a substitute for all purposes, including for the purpose of determining whether a Market Disruption Event exists.
 
Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements, any modification or discontinuance of the publication of any index to which your LIRNs are linked may adversely affect trading in LIRNs.
 
Basket Market Measures
 
If the Market Measure to which your LIRNs are linked is a Basket, the Basket Components will be set forth in the term sheet.  We will assign each Basket Component a weighting (the “Initial Component Weight”) so that each Basket Component represents a percentage of the Starting Value of the Basket on the pricing date.  We may assign the Basket Components equal Initial Component Weights, or we may assign the Basket Components unequal Initial Component Weights.  The Initial Component Weight for each Basket Component will be stated in the term sheet.
 
Determination of the Component Ratio for Each Basket Component
 
The “Starting Value” of the Basket will be equal to 100.  We will set a fixed factor (the “Component Ratio”) for each Basket Component on the pricing date, based upon the weighting of that Basket Component.  The Component Ratio for each Basket Component will be calculated on the pricing date and will equal:
 
 
·
the Initial Component Weight (expressed as a percentage) for that Basket Component, multiplied by 100; divided by
 
 
·
the closing level of that Basket Component on the pricing date.
 
Each Component Ratio will be rounded to eight decimal places.
 
The Component Ratios will be calculated in this way so that the Starting Value of the Basket will equal 100 on the pricing date.  The Component Ratios will not be revised subsequent to their determination on the pricing date, except that the calculation agent may in its good faith judgment adjust the Component Ratio of any Basket Component in the event that Basket Component is materially changed or modified in a manner that does not, in the opinion of the calculation agent, fairly represent the value of that Basket Component had those material changes or modifications not been made.
 
The following table is for illustration purposes only, and does not reflect the actual composition, Initial Component Weights, or Component Ratios, which will be set forth in the term sheet.
 

 
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Example: The hypothetical Basket Components are Index ABC, Index XYZ, and Index RST, with their Initial Component Weights being 50.00%, 25.00% and 25.00%, respectively, on a hypothetical pricing date:
 
Basket Component
Initial Component
Weight
Hypothetical Closing
Level(1)
Hypothetical
Component Ratio(2)
Initial Basket
Value
Contribution
Index ABC                                                               
50.00%
500.00
0.10000000
50.00
Index XYZ                                                               
25.00%
2,420.00
0.01033058
25.00
Index RST                                                               
25.00%
1,014.00
0.02465483
25.00
Starting Value                                                                                                  
100.00
_________________________
 
(1)
This column sets forth the hypothetical closing level of each Basket Component on the hypothetical pricing date.
   
(2)
The hypothetical Component Ratio equals the Initial Component Weight (expressed as a percentage) of each Basket Component multiplied by 100, and then divided by the closing level of that Basket Component on the hypothetical pricing date, with the result rounded to eight decimal places.
 
Unless otherwise stated in the term sheet, if a Market Disruption Event occurs on the pricing date as to any Basket Component, the calculation agent will establish the closing level of that Basket Component (the “Basket Component Closing Level”), and thus its Component Ratio, based on the closing level of that Basket Component on the first Market Measure Business Day following the pricing date on which no Market Disruption Event occurs for that Basket Component.  In the event that a Market Disruption Event occurs for that Basket Component on the pricing date and on each day to and including the second scheduled Market Measure Business Day following the pricing date, the calculation agent (not later than the close of business in New York, New York on the second scheduled Market Measure Business Day following the pricing date) will estimate the Basket Component Closing Level, and thus the applicable Component Ratio, in a manner that the calculation agent considers commercially reasonable.  The final term sheet will provide the Basket Component Closing Level, a brief statement of the facts relating to the establishment of the Basket Component Closing Level (including the applicable Market Disruption Event(s)), and the applicable Component Ratio.
 
For purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event has occurred as to any Basket Component, “Market Disruption Event” will have the meaning stated above in “—Market Disruption Events.”
 
Ending Value of the Basket
 
The calculation agent will calculate the value of the Basket by summing the products of the Basket Component Closing Level on a calculation day and the Component Ratio for each Basket Component.  The value of the Basket will vary based on the increase or decrease in the level of each Basket Component.  Any increase in the level of a Basket Component (assuming no change in the level of the other Basket Component or Basket Components) will result in an increase in the value of the Basket.  Conversely, any decrease in the level of a Basket
 

 
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Component (assuming no change in the level of the other Basket Component or Basket Components) will result in a decrease in the value of the Basket.
 
The “Ending Value” of the Basket will be the average value of the Basket on each calculation day during the Maturity Valuation Period.
 
Unless otherwise specified in the term sheet, if, for any Basket Component (an “Affected Basket Component”), (i) a Market Disruption Event occurs on a scheduled calculation day during the Maturity Valuation Period or (ii) any scheduled calculation day is determined by the calculation agent not to be a Market Measure Business Day by reason of an extraordinary event, occurrence, declaration, or otherwise (any such day in either (i) or (ii) being a “non-calculation day”), the calculation agent will determine the value of the Basket Components for such non-calculation day, and as a result, the Ending Value, as follows:
 
 
·
The closing level of each Basket Component that is not an Affected Basket Component will be its closing level on such non-calculation day.
 
The closing level of each Basket Component that is an Affected Basket Component for the applicable non-calculation day will be determined in the same manner as described in the fifth paragraph of subsection “—Ending Value,” provided that references to “Market Measure” will be references to “Basket Component.”
 
Role of the Calculation Agent
 
The calculation agent has the sole discretion to make all determinations regarding LIRNs as described in this product supplement, including determinations regarding the Starting Value, the Threshold Value, the Ending Value, the Market Measure, the Redemption Amount, any Market Disruption Events, a successor index, Market Measure Business Days, business days, calculation days, non-calculation days and calculations related to the discontinuance of any index.  Absent manifest error, all determinations of the calculation agent will be final and binding on you and us, without any liability on the part of the calculation agent.
 
We may act as the calculation agent, or we may appoint MLPF&S or one of its affiliates to act as the calculation agent for LIRNs. Alternatively, we and MLPF&S or one of its affiliates may act as joint calculation agents for LIRNs.  When we refer to a “calculation agent” in this product supplement or in any term sheet, we are referring to the applicable calculation agent or joint calculation agents, as the case may be.  We may change the calculation agent at any time without notifying you.  The identity of the calculation agent will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.
 
Purchases
 
We may at any time purchase LIRNs, which may, in our sole discretion, be held, sold or cancelled.
 
Cancellation
 
Upon the purchase and surrender for cancellation of any LIRNs by us, such LIRNs will be cancelled by the trustee.
 

 
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Book-Entry, Delivery and Form
 
We will issue LIRNs in the form of one or more fully registered global securities, or the global notes, in denominations of $10 or integral multiples of $10 greater than $10 or such other denominations specified in the applicable term sheet. We will deposit LIRNs with, or on behalf of, DTC, as the depositary, and will register LIRNs in the name of Cede & Co., DTC’s nominee. Your beneficial interests in the global notes will be represented through book-entry accounts of financial institutions acting on behalf of beneficial owners as direct and indirect participants in DTC. Except as set forth below, the global notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee.
 
As long as LIRNs are represented by the global notes, we will pay the redemption amount on LIRNs, if any, to or as directed by DTC as the registered holder of the global notes. Payments to DTC will be in immediately available funds by wire transfer. DTC will credit the relevant accounts of their participants on the applicable date.
 
For a further description of procedures regarding global securities representing book-entry securities, we refer you to “Description of Certain Provisions Relating to Debt Securities and Contingent Convertible Securities—Book-Entry System” in the accompanying prospectus and “Description of Notes—Book-Entry, Delivery and Form” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
 
Events of Default and Acceleration
 
Events of default are defined in the senior indenture.  If such event occurs and is continuing, unless otherwise stated in the term sheet, the amount payable to a holder of LIRNs upon any acceleration permitted under the senior indenture will be equal to the Redemption Amount described under the caption “—Payment at Maturity,” determined as if LIRNs matured on the date of acceleration.
 
If a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, bankruptcy or insolvency of, or any analogous proceeding is filed with respect to the issuer, then depending on applicable bankruptcy law, your claim may be limited to an amount that could be less than the amount payable upon default and acceleration as described above.  In case of a default in payment of LIRNs, whether at their maturity or upon acceleration, and whether in an insolvency proceeding or otherwise, LIRNs will not accrue any default or other interest rate.
 
Listing
 
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, LIRNs will not be listed on a securities exchange or quotation system.

 
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SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
MLPF&S and one or more of its affiliates may act as our agents for any offering of LIRNs.  The agents may act on either a principal basis or an agency basis, as set forth in the applicable term sheet.  Each agent will be a party to a distribution agreement described in the “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” beginning on page S-7 of the accompanying prospectus supplement.
 
Each agent will receive an underwriting discount that is a percentage of the aggregate principal amount of LIRNs sold through its efforts, which will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.  You must have an account with the applicable agent in order to purchase LIRNs.
 
None of the agents is acting as your fiduciary or advisor solely as a result of the making of any offering of LIRNs, and you should not rely upon this product supplement, the term sheet, or the accompanying prospectus or prospectus supplement as investment advice or a recommendation to purchase any LIRNs.  You should make your own investment decision regarding LIRNs after consulting with your legal, tax, and other advisors.
 
MLPF&S and its affiliates may use this product supplement, the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus, together with the applicable term sheet, in market-making transactions for any LIRNs after their initial sale solely for the purpose of providing investors with the description of the terms of LIRNs that were made available to investors in connection with the initial distribution of LIRNs. Secondary market investors should not, and will not be authorized to rely on these documents for information regarding Credit Suisse or for any purpose other than that described in the immediately preceding sentence.
 

 
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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
The following discussion summarizes material U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of the notes that may be relevant to holders of the notes that acquire their notes from us as part of the original issuance of the notes.  This discussion applies only to holders that hold their notes as capital assets within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).  Further, this discussion does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your individual circumstances or if you are subject to special rules, such as if you are:
 
•           a financial institution,
 
•           a mutual fund,
 
•           a tax-exempt organization,
 
•           a grantor trust,
 
•           certain U.S. expatriates,
 
•           an insurance company,
 
•           a dealer or trader in securities or foreign currencies,
 
•           a person (including traders in securities) using a mark-to-market method of accounting,
 
•           a person who holds notes as a hedge or as part of a straddle with another position, constructive sale, conversion transaction or other integrated transaction, or
 
•           an entity that is treated as a partnership  for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
 
 
The discussion is based upon the Code, law, regulations, rulings and decisions, in each case, as available and in effect as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.  Tax consequences under state, local and foreign laws are not addressed herein.  No ruling from the IRS has been or will be sought as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the notes, and the following discussion is not binding on the IRS.
 
You should consult your tax advisor as to the specific tax consequences to you of owning and disposing of the notes, including the application of federal, state, local and foreign income and other tax laws based on your particular facts and circumstances.
 
Characterization of the Notes
 
There are no statutory provisions, regulations, published rulings, or judicial decisions addressing the characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes of the notes or securities with terms that are substantially the same as those of your notes.  Thus, the characterization of the notes is not certain.  Our special tax counsel, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, has advised that the notes should be treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as prepaid financial contracts, with respect to the Market Measure, that are eligible for open transaction treatment.  In the absence of an administrative or judicial ruling to the contrary, we and, by
 

 
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acceptance of the notes, you agree to treat the notes for all tax purposes in accordance with such characterization.  In light of the fact that we agree to treat the notes as prepaid financial contracts, the balance of this discussion assumes that the notes will be so treated.
 
You should be aware that the characterization of the notes as described above is not certain, nor is it binding on the IRS or the courts.  Thus, it is possible that the IRS would seek to characterize your notes in a manner that results in tax consequences to you that are different from those described below.  For example, the IRS might assert that notes with a term of more than one year constitute debt instruments that are “contingent payment debt instruments” that are subject to special tax rules under the applicable Treasury regulations governing the recognition of income over the term of your notes.  If the notes were to be treated as contingent payment debt instruments, you would be required to include in income on an economic accrual basis over the term of the notes an amount of interest that is based upon the yield at which we would issue a non-contingent fixed-rate debt instrument with other terms and conditions similar to your notes, or the comparable yield.  The characterization of the notes as contingent payment debt instruments under these rules is likely to be adverse.  However, if the notes had a term of one year or less, the rules for short-term debt obligations would apply rather than the rules for contingent payment debt instruments.  Under Treasury regulations, a short-term debt obligation is treated as issued at a discount equal to the difference between all payments on the obligation and the obligation’s issue price.  A cash method U.S. Holder that does not elect to accrue the discount in income currently should include the payments attributable to interest on the notes as income upon receipt.  Under these rules, any contingent payment would be taxable upon receipt by a cash basis taxpayer as ordinary interest income.  You should consult your tax advisor regarding the possible tax consequences of characterization of the notes as contingent payment debt instruments or short-term debt obligations.  It is also possible that the IRS would seek to characterize the notes as options, and thus as Code section 1256 contracts in the event that they are listed on a securities exchange.  In such case, the notes would be marked-to-market at the end of the year and 40% of any gain or loss would be treated as short-term capital gain or loss, and the remaining 60% of any gain or loss would be treated as long-term capital gain or loss.  We are not responsible for any adverse consequences that you may experience as a result of any alternative characterization of the notes for U.S. federal income tax or other tax purposes.
 
You should consult your tax advisor as to the tax consequences of such characterization and any possible alternative characterizations of your notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
 
U.S. Holders
 
For purposes of this discussion, the term “U.S. Holder,” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, means a beneficial owner of notes that is (1) a citizen or resident of the United States, (2) a corporation (or an entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (3) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (4) a trust, if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (b) such trust has in effect a valid election to be treated as a domestic trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  If a partnership (or an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds notes, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of such partnership and a partner in such partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership.  If you are a partnership, or a partner of a partnership, holding notes, you should
 

 
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consult your tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you from the partnership’s purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes.
 
In accordance with the agreed-upon tax treatment described above, upon receipt of the Redemption Amount from us, a U.S. Holder will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received from us and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the note at that time.  For notes with a term of more than one year, such gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder has held the note for more than one year at maturity.  For notes with a term of one year or less, such gain or loss will be short-term capital gain or loss.
 
Upon the sale or other taxable disposition of a note, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or other taxable disposition and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the note (generally its cost).  For notes with a term of more than one year, such gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder has held the note for more than one year at the time of disposition.  For notes with a term of one year or less, such gain or loss will be short-term capital gain or loss.
 
Medicare Tax
 
For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, certain U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates, and trusts must pay a 3.8% tax (the “Medicare Tax”) on the lesser of the U.S. person’s (1) “net investment income” or “undistributed net investment income” in the case of an estate or trust and (2) the excess of modified adjusted gross income over a certain specified threshold for the taxable year.  “Net investment income” generally includes income from interest, dividends, and net gains from the disposition of property (such as the notes) unless such income or net gains are derived in the ordinary course of a trade or business (other than a trade or business that is a passive activity with respect to the taxpayer or a trade or business of trading in financial instruments or commodities).  Net investment income may be reduced by allowable deductions properly allocable to such gross income or net gain.  Any interest earned or deemed earned on the notes and any gain on sale or other taxable disposition of the notes will be subject to the Medicare Tax.  If you are an individual, estate, or trust, you are urged to consult with your tax advisor regarding application of Medicare Tax to your income and gains in respect of your investment in the notes.
 
Notes Held Through Foreign Entities
 
Under the “Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act” (“FATCA” or the “Act”) and recently finalized regulations, a 30% withholding tax is imposed on “withholdable payments” and certain “passthru payments” made to “foreign financial institutions” (as defined in the regulations or an applicable intergovernmental agreement) (and their more than 50% affiliates) unless the payee foreign financial institution agrees, among other things, to disclose the identity of any U.S. individual with an account at the institution (or the institution’s affiliates) and to annually report certain information about such account.  The term “withholdable payments” generally includes (1) payments of fixed or determinable annual or periodical gains, profits, and income (“FDAP”), in each case, from sources within the United States, and (2) gross proceeds from the sale of any property of a type which can produce interest or dividends from sources within the United States.  “Passthru payments” means any withholdable payment and any foreign passthru payment.  To avoid becoming subject to the 30% withholding tax on payments to them, we and other foreign financial institutions may be required to report information to the IRS regarding the holders of the notes and, in the case of holders who (i) fail to provide the relevant information, (ii) are foreign financial institutions who have not agreed to comply with these information reporting requirements, or (iii) hold the notes directly or indirectly through such non-compliant foreign financial institutions, we may be required to
 

 
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withhold on a portion of payments under the notes.  FATCA also requires withholding agents making withholdable payments to certain foreign entities that do not disclose the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of any substantial U.S. owners (or certify that they do not have any substantial United States owners) to withhold tax at a rate of 30%.  We will treat payments on the notes as withholdable payments for these purposes.
 
Withholding under FATCA will apply to all withholdable payments and certain passthru payments without regard to whether the beneficial owner of the payment is a U.S. person, or would otherwise be entitled to an exemption from the imposition of withholding tax pursuant to an applicable tax treaty with the United States or pursuant to U.S. domestic law.  Unless a foreign financial institution is the beneficial owner of a payment, it will be subject to refund or credit in accordance with the same procedures and limitations applicable to other taxes withheld on FDAP payments provided that the beneficial owner of the payment furnishes such information as the IRS determines is necessary to determine whether such beneficial owner is a United States owned foreign entity and the identity of any substantial United States owners of such entity.
 
Pursuant to the recently finalized regulations described above and IRS Notice 2013-43, and subject to the exceptions described below, FATCA’s withholding regime generally will apply to (i) withholdable payments (other than gross proceeds of the type described above) made after June 30, 2014 (other than certain payments made with respect to a “preexisting obligation,” as defined in the regulations); (ii) payments of gross proceeds of the type described above with respect to a sale or disposition occurring after December 31, 2016; and (iii) foreign passthru payments made after the later of December 31, 2016, or six months after the date that final regulations defining the term ”foreign passthru payment” are published.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of FATCA discussed above generally will not apply to (a) any obligation (other than an instrument that is treated as equity for U.S. tax purposes or that lacks a stated expiration or term) that is outstanding on July 1, 2014 (a “grandfathered obligation”); (b) any obligation that produces withholdable payments solely because the obligation is treated as giving rise to a dividend equivalent pursuant to Code section 871(m) and the regulations thereunder that is outstanding at any point prior to six months after the date on which obligations of its type are first treated as giving rise to dividend equivalents; and (c) any agreement requiring a secured party to make payments with respect to collateral securing one or more grandfathered obligations (even if the collateral is not itself a grandfathered obligation).  Thus, if you hold your notes through a foreign financial institution or foreign entity, a portion of any of your payments made after June 30, 2014, may be subject to 30% withholding.
 
Non-U.S. Holders Generally
 
Except as provided under “Notes Held Through Foreign Entities” and “Substitute Dividend and Dividend Equivalent Payments,” payments made with respect to the notes to a holder of the notes that is not a U.S. Holder (a “Non-U.S. Holder”) and that has no connection with the United States other than holding its notes will not be subject to U.S. withholding tax, provided that such Non-U.S. Holder complies with applicable certification requirements.  Any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of the notes by a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless (1) such gain is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of such Non-U.S. Holder or (2) in the case of an individual, such individual is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and certain other conditions are met.  Any effectively connected gains described in clause (1) above realized by a Non-U.S. Holder that is, or is taxable as, a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may also, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
 

 
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Non-U.S. Holders that are subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a net income basis with respect to their investment in the notes should refer to the discussion above relating to U.S. Holders.
 
Substitute Dividend and Dividend Equivalent Payments
 
The Act and recently proposed and temporary regulations treat a “dividend equivalent” payment as a dividend from sources within the United States.  Under the Act, unless reduced by an applicable tax treaty with the United States, such payments generally will be subject to U.S. withholding tax.  A “dividend equivalent” payment is (i) a substitute dividend payment made pursuant to a securities lending or a sale-repurchase transaction that (directly or indirectly) is contingent upon, or determined by reference to, the payment of a dividend from sources within the United States, (ii) a payment made pursuant to a “specified notional principal contract” that (directly or indirectly) is contingent upon, or determined by reference to, the payment of a dividend from sources within the United States, and (iii) any other payment determined by the IRS to be substantially similar to a payment described in the preceding clauses (i) and (ii).  Proposed regulations provide criteria for determining whether a notional principal contract will be a specified notional principal contract, effective for payments made after December 31, 2013.
 
Proposed regulations address whether a payment is a dividend equivalent.  The proposed regulations provide that an equity-linked instrument that provides for a payment that is a substantially similar payment is treated as a notional principal contract for these purposes.  An equity-linked instrument is a financial instrument or combination of financial instruments that references one or more underlying securities to determine its value, including a futures contract, forward contract, option, or other contractual arrangement.  The proposed regulations consider any payment, including the payment of the purchase price or an adjustment to the purchase price, to be a substantially similar payment (and, therefore, a dividend equivalent payment) if made pursuant to an equity-linked instrument that is contingent upon or determined by reference to a dividend (including payments pursuant to a redemption of stock that gives rise to a dividend) from sources within the United States.  The rules for equity-linked instruments under the proposed regulations will be effective for payments made after the rules are finalized.  Where the notes reference an interest in a fixed basket of securities or a “customized index,” each security or component of such basket or customized index is treated as an underlying security in a separate notional principal contract for purposes of determining whether such notional principal contract is a specified notional principal contract or an amount received is a substantially similar payment.
 
We will treat any portion of a payment or deemed payment on the notes that is substantially similar to a dividend as a dividend equivalent payment, which will be subject to U.S. withholding tax unless reduced by an applicable tax treaty and a properly executed IRS Form W-8 (or other qualifying documentation) is provided.  Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding whether payments or deemed payments on the notes constitute dividend equivalent payments.
 
U.S. Federal Estate Tax Treatment of Non-U.S. Holders
 
The notes may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax if an individual Non-U.S. Holder holds a note at the time of his or her death.  The gross estate of a Non-U.S. Holder domiciled outside the United States includes only property situated in the United States.  Individual Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of holding the notes at death.
 

 
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IRS Notice on Certain Financial Transactions
 
In Notice 2008-2, the IRS and the Treasury Department stated they are considering issuing new regulations or other guidance on whether holders of an instrument such as the notes should be required to accrue income during the term of the instrument. The IRS and Treasury Department also requested taxpayer comments on (1) the appropriate method for accruing income or expense (e.g., a mark-to-market methodology or a method resembling the noncontingent bond method), (2) whether income and gain on such an instrument should be ordinary or capital, and (3) whether foreign holders should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accrual. Additionally, unofficial statements made by IRS officials have indicated that they will soon be addressing the treatment of prepaid forward contracts in proposed regulations.
 
Accordingly, it is possible that regulations or other guidance may be issued that require holders of the notes to recognize income in respect of the notes prior to receipt of any payments thereunder or sale thereof. Any regulations or other guidance that may be issued could result in income and gain (either at maturity or upon sale) in respect of the notes being treated as ordinary income. It is also possible that a Non-U.S. Holder of the notes could be subject to U.S. withholding tax in respect of the notes under such regulations or other guidance. It is not possible to determine whether such regulations or other guidance will apply to your notes (possibly on a retroactive basis). You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding Notice 2008-2 and its possible impact on you.
 
More recently, on January 24, 2013, the House Ways and Means Committee released in draft form certain proposed legislation relating to financial instruments.  If enacted as proposed, the effect of that legislation generally would be to require instruments such as the notes acquired after December 31, 2013, to be marked to market on an annual basis with all gains and losses to be treated as ordinary, subject to certain exceptions.  You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the draft legislation and its possible impact on you.
 
Information Reporting Regarding Specified Foreign Financial Assets
 
The Act and temporary and proposed regulations generally require individual U.S. Holders (“specified individuals”) and “specified domestic entities” with an interest in any “specified foreign financial asset” to file an annual report on IRS Form 8938 with information relating to the asset, including the maximum value thereof, for any taxable year in which the aggregate value of all such assets is greater than $50,000 on the last day of the taxable year or $75,000 at any time during the taxable year.  Certain individuals are permitted to have an interest in a higher aggregate value of such assets before being required to file a report.  The proposed regulations relating to specified domestic entities apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2011.  Under the proposed regulations, “specified domestic entities” are domestic entities that are formed or used for the purposes of holding, directly or indirectly, specified foreign financial assets.  Generally, specified domestic entities are certain closely held corporations and partnerships that meet passive income or passive asset tests and, with certain exceptions, domestic trusts that have a specified individual as a current beneficiary and exceed the reporting threshold.  Specified foreign financial assets include any depository or custodial account held at a foreign financial institution; any debt or equity interest in a foreign financial institution if such interest is not regularly traded on an established securities market; and, if not held at a financial institution, (1) any stock or security issued by a non-U.S. person, (2) any financial instrument or contract held for investment where the issuer or counterparty is a non-U.S. person, and (3) any interest in an entity which is a non-U.S. person.
 

 
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Depending on the aggregate value of your investment in specified foreign financial assets, you may be obligated to file an IRS Form 8938 under this provision if you are an individual U.S. Holder.  Pursuant to a recent IRS Notice, reporting by domestic entities of interests in specified foreign financial assets will not be required before the date specified by final regulations, which will not be earlier than taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012.  Penalties apply to any failure to file IRS Form 8938.  Additionally, in the event a U.S. Holder (either a specified individual or specified domestic entity) does not file such form, the statute of limitations on the assessment and collection of U.S. federal income taxes of such U.S. Holder for the related tax year may not close before the date which is three years after the date such information is filed. You should consult your tax advisor as to the possible application to you of this information reporting requirement and related statute of limitations tolling provision.
 
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
 
A holder of the notes (whether a U.S. Holder or a Non-U.S. Holder) may be subject to backup withholding with respect to certain amounts paid to such holder unless it provides a correct taxpayer identification number, complies with certain certification procedures establishing that it is not a U.S. Holder or establishes proof of another applicable exemption, and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules.  Backup withholding is not an additional tax.  You can claim a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability for amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules, and amounts in excess of your liability are refundable if you provide the required information to the IRS in a timely fashion.  A holder of the notes may also be subject to information reporting to the IRS with respect to certain amounts paid to such holder unless it (1) is a Non-U.S. Holder and provides a properly executed IRS Form W-8 (or other qualifying documentation) or (2) otherwise establishes a basis for exemption.
 

 
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ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
 
Each fiduciary of a pension, profit-sharing, or other employee benefit plan subject to ERISA (a “Plan”), should consider the fiduciary standards of ERISA in the context of the Plan’s particular circumstances before authorizing an investment in LIRNs.  Accordingly, among other factors, the fiduciary should consider whether the investment would satisfy the prudence and diversification requirements of ERISA and would be consistent with the documents and instruments governing the Plan.
 
In addition, we, the agents, and certain of our respective subsidiaries and affiliates may be each considered a party in interest within the meaning of ERISA, or a disqualified person (within the meaning of the Code), with respect to many Plans, as well as many individual retirement accounts and Keogh plans (also “Plans”).  Prohibited transactions within the meaning of ERISA or the Code would likely arise, for example, if LIRNs are acquired by or with the assets of a Plan with respect to which we or any of our affiliates is a party in interest, unless LIRNs are acquired under an exemption from the prohibited transaction rules.  A violation of these prohibited transaction rules could result in an excise tax or other liabilities under ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the Code for such persons, unless exemptive relief is available under an applicable statutory or administrative exemption.
 
Under ERISA and various PTCEs issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, exemptive relief may be available for direct or indirect prohibited transactions resulting from the purchase, holding, or disposition of LIRNs.  Those exemptions are PTCE 96-23 (for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), PTCE 95-60 (for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTCE 91-38 (for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds), PTCE 90-1 (for certain transactions involving insurance company separate accounts), PTCE 84-14 (for certain transactions determined by independent qualified asset managers), and the exemption under Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA and Section 4975(d)(20) of the Code for certain arm’s-length transactions with a person that is a party in interest solely by reason of providing services to Plans or being an affiliate of such a service provider (the “Service Provider Exemption”).
 
Because we may be considered a party in interest with respect to many Plans, LIRNs may not be purchased, held, or disposed of by any Plan, any entity whose underlying assets include plan assets by reason of any Plan’s investment in the entity (a “Plan Asset Entity”) or any person investing plan assets of any Plan, unless such purchase, holding, or disposition is eligible for exemptive relief, including relief available under PTCE 96-23, 95-60, 91-38, 90-1, or 84-14 or the Service Provider Exemption, or such purchase, holding, or disposition is otherwise not prohibited.  Any purchaser, including any fiduciary purchasing on behalf of a Plan, transferee or holder of LIRNs will be deemed to have represented, in its corporate and its fiduciary capacity, by its purchase and holding of LIRNs that either (a) it is not a Plan or a Plan Asset Entity and is not purchasing such LIRNs on behalf of or with plan assets of any Plan or with any assets of a governmental, church, or foreign plan that is subject to any federal, state, local, or foreign law that is substantially similar to the provisions of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or (b) its purchase, holding, and disposition are eligible for exemptive relief or such purchase, holding, and disposition are not prohibited by ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (or in the case of a governmental, church, or foreign plan, any substantially similar federal, state, local, or foreign law).
 
Further, any person acquiring or holding LIRNs on behalf of any plan or with any plan assets shall be deemed to represent on behalf of itself and such plan that (x) the plan is paying no more than, and is receiving no less than, adequate consideration within the meaning of Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA in connection with the transaction or any redemption of LIRNs, (y)
 

 
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none of us, MLPF&S, or any other agent directly or indirectly exercises any discretionary authority or control or renders investment advice (as defined above) or otherwise acts in a fiduciary capacity with respect to the assets of the plan within the meaning of ERISA and (z) in making the foregoing representations and warranties, such person has applied sound business principles in determining whether fair market value will be paid, and has made such determination acting in good faith.
 
The fiduciary investment considerations summarized above generally apply to employee benefit plans maintained by private-sector employers and to individual retirement accounts and other arrangements subject to Section 4975 of the Code, but generally do not apply to governmental plans (as defined in Section 3(32) of ERISA), certain church plans (as defined in Section 3(33) of ERISA), and foreign plans (as described in Section 4(b)(4) of ERISA).  However, these other plans may be subject to similar provisions under applicable federal, state, local, foreign, or other regulations, rules, or laws (“similar laws”).  The fiduciaries of plans subject to similar laws should also consider the foregoing issues in general terms as well as any further issues arising under the applicable similar laws.
 
In addition, any purchaser, that is a Plan or a Plan Asset Entity or that is acquiring LIRNs on behalf of a Plan or a Plan Asset Entity, including any fiduciary purchasing on behalf of a Plan or Plan Asset entity, will be deemed to have represented, in its corporate and its fiduciary capacity, by its purchase and holding of LIRNs that (a) none of us, MLPF&S, or any of our respective affiliates is a “fiduciary” (under Section 3(21) of ERISA, or under any final or proposed regulations thereunder, or with respect to a governmental, church, or foreign plan under any substantially similar applicable law or regulation) with respect to the acquisition, holding or disposition of LIRNs, or as a result of any exercise by us or our affiliates of any rights in connection with LIRNs, (b) no advice provided by us or any of our affiliates has formed a primary basis for any investment decision by or on behalf of such purchaser in connection with LIRNs and the transactions contemplated with respect to LIRNs, and (c) such purchaser recognizes and agrees that any communication from us or any of our affiliates to the purchaser with respect to LIRNs is not intended by us or any of our affiliates to be impartial investment advice and is rendered in its capacity as a seller of such LIRNs and not a fiduciary to such purchaser.  Purchasers of LIRNs have exclusive responsibility for ensuring that their purchase, holding, and disposition of LIRNs do not violate the prohibited transaction rules of ERISA or the Code or any similar regulations applicable to governmental or church plans, as described above.
 
This discussion is a general summary of some of the rules which apply to benefit plans and their related investment vehicles.  This summary does not include all of the investment considerations relevant to Plans and other benefit plan investors such as governmental, church, and foreign plans and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion.  Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties that may be imposed upon persons involved in non-exempt prohibited transactions, it is particularly important that fiduciaries or other persons considering purchasing LIRNs on behalf of or with “plan assets” of any Plan or other benefit plan investor consult with their legal counsel prior to directing any such purchase.
 
 
PS-34