0001193125-12-147059.txt : 20120403 0001193125-12-147059.hdr.sgml : 20120403 20120403071833 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-12-147059 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-3ASR PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 9 FILED AS OF DATE: 20120403 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20120403 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20120403 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001051470 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: COMMUNICATION SERVICES, NEC [4899] IRS NUMBER: 760470458 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-3ASR SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-180526 FILM NUMBER: 12735337 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1220 AUGUSTA DRIVE STREET 2: SUITE 500 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77057 BUSINESS PHONE: 7135703000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1220 AUGUSTA DRIVE STREET 2: SUITE 500 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77057 S-3ASR 1 d324974ds3asr.htm FORM S-3 Form S-3
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 3 , 2012

Registration No. 333-            

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Under

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware     76-0470458

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

   

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

1220 Augusta Drive

Suite 500

Houston, Texas 77057

(713) 570-3000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Jay A. Brown

Chief Financial Officer

Crown Castle International Corp.

1220 Augusta Drive

Suite 500

Houston, Texas 77057

(713) 570-3000

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

With copies to:

 

Stephen L. Burns, Esq.

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP

Worldwide Plaza

825 Eighth Avenue

New York, New York 10019

(212) 474-1000

 

E. Blake Hawk, Esq.

General Counsel

Crown Castle International Corp.

1220 Augusta Drive

Suite 500

Houston, Texas 77057

(713) 570-3000

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:     From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box:    ¨

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

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:    ¨

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large Accelerated Filer    x

  Accelerated Filer     ¨

Non-Accelerated Filer    ¨

  Smaller Reporting Company    ¨

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to Be Registered

  Amount to Be Registered/
Proposed Maximum Offering
Price per  Unit/Proposed
Maximum Aggregate Offering
Price
 

Amount of

Registration Fee

Debt Securities (1)

       

Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per share (1)

       

Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (1)

       

Warrants (1)

       

 

 

(1) An unspecified aggregate initial offering price and number or amount of the securities of each identified class is being registered as may from time to time be offered at unspecified prices. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable on exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities. In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant is deferring payment of all registration fees. Securities registered hereunder may be sold either separately or as units comprising more than one type of security registered hereunder.

 

 

 


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PROSPECTUS

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.

Debt Securities

Preferred Stock

Common Stock

Warrants

 

 

The securities covered by this prospectus may be sold from time to time by Crown Castle International Corp. In addition, selling security holders to be named in a prospectus supplement may offer and sell from time to time securities in such amounts as are set forth in such prospectus supplement. We may, and any selling security holder may, offer the securities independently or together in any combination for sale directly to purchasers or through underwriters, dealers or agents to be designated at a future date. Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of securities by any selling security holder.

When we offer securities, we will provide you with a prospectus supplement describing the specific terms of the specific issue of securities, including the offering price of the securities. You should carefully read this prospectus and the prospectus supplement relating to the specific issue of securities, together with the documents we incorporate by reference, before you decide to invest in any of these securities.

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CCI.”

The securities may be offered and sold to or through underwriters, dealers or agents as designated from time to time, or directly to one or more other purchasers or through a combination of such methods. See “Plan of Distribution” on page 23. If any underwriters, dealers or agents are involved in the sale of any of the securities, their names, and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangements between or among them, will be set forth, or will be calculable from the information set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors ” on page 3 of this prospectus. You should carefully review the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

The date of this prospectus is April 3, 2012.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

     1   

THE COMPANY

     2   

RISK FACTORS

     3   

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     4   

SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS

     5   

USE OF PROCEEDS

     6   

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

     7   

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

     8   

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

     18   

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

     22   

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     23   

LEGAL MATTERS

     25   

EXPERTS

     26   

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     27   


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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to in this prospectus as the “SEC,” using the “shelf” registration process. Under the shelf registration process, we, or certain of our security holders, may from time to time sell the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we or a selling security holder may offer. Each time we, or, under certain circumstances, our security holders, sell securities in a manner not described herein, we will provide you with a prospectus supplement containing specific information about the terms of the offering and the means of distribution. A prospectus supplement may include other special considerations applicable to such offering of securities. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement. You should carefully read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

The prospectus supplement will describe: the terms of the securities offered, any initial public offering price, the price paid to us for the securities, the net proceeds to us, the manner of distribution and any underwriting compensation and the other specific material terms related to the offering of the applicable securities. For more detail on the terms of the securities, you should read the exhibits filed with or incorporated by reference in our registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

In this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “Crown Castle,” “we,” “our,” “our company,” “the Company” and “us” refer to Crown Castle International Corp., a Delaware corporation, whose shares of common stock are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CCI,” and its subsidiaries.

References to “securities” include any security that we or our security holders might sell under this prospectus or any prospectus supplement.

We prepare our financial statements in U.S. dollars and prepare our financial statements, including all of the financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or “U.S. GAAP.” Our fiscal year ends on December 31. In this prospectus, except where otherwise indicated, references to “$” or “dollars” are to the lawful currency of the United States.

This prospectus contains summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein. Please refer to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of the documents referred to herein have been filed, or will be filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and you may obtain copies of those documents as described below under “Where You Can Find More Information.”

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The distribution of this prospectus and the sale of these securities in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons in possession of this prospectus are required to inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where such offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus only. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

 

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THE COMPANY

We own, operate and lease shared wireless infrastructure, including: (1) towers and other structures, such as rooftops (collectively, “towers”), (2) small cell solutions and technologies (collectively, “Small Cells”), including distributed antenna systems (“DAS”) (a network of antennas for the benefit of wireless carriers which is connected by fiber to communication hubs designed to facilitate wireless communications), and (3) interests in land, including ground lease related assets, under third party towers in various forms (“third party land interests”) (unless the context otherwise suggests or requires, references herein to “wireless infrastructure” include towers, Small Cells and third party land interests). As of December 31, 2011, we owned, leased or managed approximately 23,800 towers, including approximately 22,200 towers in the United States, including Puerto Rico, and approximately 1,600 towers in Australia. As of December 31, 2011, we owned, leased or managed approximately 800 DAS antenna locations, primarily located outdoors, and approximately 150 third party land interests. As of December 31, 2011, we owned in fee or had perpetual or long-term easements in the land and other property interests on which approximately 34% of our site rental gross margin is derived, and we leased, subleased or licensed the land interests on which approximately 65% of our site rental gross margin is derived. In addition, as of December 31, 2011, we managed approximately 600 towers owned by third parties. Our customers include many of the world’s major wireless communication companies, including Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile in the United States and Telstra, Optus and a joint venture between Vodafone and Hutchison in Australia.

Our core business is renting space or physical capacity on our towers, Small Cells and, to a lesser extent, third party land interests (collectively, “site rental business”) under long-term contracts in various forms. Our wireless infrastructure can accommodate multiple customers for antennas and other equipment necessary for the transmission of signals for wireless communication devices. Our site rental revenues are derived from this core business, which we are seeking to grow by adding more tenants on our wireless infrastructure. Revenues derived from our site rental business represented approximately 91% of our 2011 consolidated revenues.

Our tower portfolios consist primarily of towers in various metropolitan areas. As of December 31, 2011, approximately 54% and 71% of our towers in the United States and Puerto Rico were located in the 50 and 100 largest United States basic trading areas, respectively, with a significant presence in 92 of the top 100 United States basic trading areas. In Australia, 58% of our towers are located in seven major metropolitan areas.

To a lesser extent, we also provide certain network services relating to our wireless infrastructure, primarily consisting of antenna installation and subsequent augmentation, as well as additional site development services relating to existing and new antenna installations on our wireless infrastructure.

Our principal executive offices are located at 1220 Augusta Drive, Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77057, and our telephone number is (713) 570-3000. We maintain an internet website at www.crowncastle.com. The information contained in or connected to our website is not a part of this prospectus.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves risks. Potential investors are urged to read and consider the risk factors and other disclosures relating to an investment in securities issued by Crown Castle described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, as updated by annual, quarterly and other reports and documents we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and that are incorporated by reference herein. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider those risks as well as other information we include or incorporate by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. If any of the events or developments described actually occurred, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer. The risks and uncertainties we have described are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial may also affect our business operations. To the extent a particular offering implicates additional risks, we will include a discussion of those risks in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus include certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, business strategies, operating efficiencies or synergies, competitive positions, growth opportunities for existing products, plans and objectives of management, markets for our stock and other matters. Statements contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference that are not historical facts are identified as “forward-looking statements” for the purpose of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. These forward-looking statements, including those relating to future business prospects, revenues and income, wherever they occur in this prospectus or documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of our senior management and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in this prospectus. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements include those factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 3 of this prospectus and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, as updated by annual, quarterly and other reports and documents we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and that are incorporated by reference herein.

Words such as “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “expect,” “likely” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are found at various places throughout this prospectus and the other documents incorporated by reference. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this prospectus or the date of the other documents incorporated by reference herein. Readers also should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and that the risk factors as listed in our filings with the SEC should not be considered a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Readers should also realize that if underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from our projections. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of future events or developments.

 

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SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS

We may register securities covered by this prospectus for re-offers and resales by any selling security holders to be named in a prospectus supplement. Because we are a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act, we may add secondary sales of securities by any selling security holders by filing a prospectus supplement with the SEC. We may register these securities to permit selling security holders to resell their securities when they deem appropriate. A selling security holder may resell all, a portion or none of their securities at any time and from time to time. We may register those securities for sale through an underwriter or other plan of distribution as set forth in a prospectus supplement. See “Plan of Distribution.” Selling security holders may also sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of some or all of their securities in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. We may pay all expenses incurred with respect to the registration of the securities owned by the selling security holders, other than underwriting fees, discounts or commissions, which will be borne by the selling security holders. We will provide you with a prospectus supplement naming the selling security holders, the amount of securities to be registered and sold and other terms of the securities being sold by a selling security holder.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities for general corporate purposes, repayment of indebtedness, the financing of possible acquisitions and investments or for such other purposes as may be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from any sales of our securities by any selling security holder to be named in a prospectus supplement.

 

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED

CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges, the excess (deficiency) of our earnings to cover fixed charges, our ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends and the excess (deficiency) of our earnings to cover combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

     —          —          —          —          1.3   

(Deficiency) Excess of Earnings to Cover Fixed Charges

   $ (318,409   $ (153,219   $ (190,523   $ (338,105   $ 179,542   

Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

     —          —          —          —          1.2   

(Deficiency) Excess of Earnings to Cover Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

   $ (339,214   $ (174,025   $ (211,329   $ (358,911   $ 156,602   

For purposes of computing the ratios of earnings to fixed charges and earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends, earnings represent income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense, the interest component of operating lease expense, amortization of deferred financing costs and dividends on preferred stock.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

The following description of the terms of the debt securities sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which these general provisions may apply to those debt securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those debt securities. Accordingly, for a description of the terms of a particular issue of debt securities, reference must be made to both the prospectus supplement relating thereto and to the following description.

We may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series. The debt securities will be general obligations of Crown Castle. In the event that any series of debt securities will be subordinated to other indebtedness that we have outstanding or may incur, the terms of the subordination will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the subordinated debt securities. Debt securities will be issued under one or more indentures between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, or another trustee named in the prospectus supplement. A copy of the form of indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement filed with the SEC. The following discussion of certain provisions of the indenture is a summary only and should not be considered a complete description of the terms and provisions of the indenture. Accordingly, the following discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the indenture, including the definition of certain terms used below.

General

The debt securities represent direct, general obligations of Crown Castle and:

 

   

may rank equally with other unsubordinated debt or may be subordinated to other debt we have or may incur;

 

   

may be issued in one or more series with the same or various maturities;

 

   

may be issued at a price of 100% of their principal amount or at a premium or discount;

 

   

may be issued in registered or bearer form and certificated or uncertificated form; and

 

   

may be represented by one or more global notes registered in the name of a designated depositary’s nominee, and if so, beneficial interests in the global note will be shown on and transfers will be made only through records maintained by the designated depositary and its participants.

The aggregate principal amount of debt securities that we may authenticate and deliver is unlimited. The debt securities may be issued in one or more series as we may authorize from time to time. You should refer to the applicable prospectus supplement for the following terms of the debt securities of the series with respect to which that prospectus supplement is being delivered:

 

   

the title of the debt securities of the series (which shall distinguish the debt securities of that particular series from the debt securities of any other series);

 

   

the price or prices of the debt securities of the series;

 

   

any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of the series that may be authenticated and delivered under the indenture (except for debt securities authenticated and delivered upon registration or transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other debt securities of the series);

 

   

the date or dates on which the principal and premium with respect to the debt securities of the series are payable;

 

   

the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which the debt securities of the series shall bear interest (if any) or the method of determining such rate or rates, the date or dates from which such interest, if any, shall accrue, the interest payment dates on which such interest, if any, shall be payable or the method by which such dates will be determined, the record dates for the determination of holders

 

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thereof to whom such interest is payable (in the case of securities in registered form), and the basis upon which interest will be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;

 

   

the currency or currencies in which debt securities of the series shall be denominated, if other than U.S. dollars, the place or places, if any, in addition to or instead of the corporate trust office of the trustee (in the case of securities in registered form) or the principal New York office of the trustee (in the case of securities in bearer form), where the principal, premium and interest with respect to debt securities of the series shall be payable or the method of such payment, if by wire transfer, mail or other means;

 

   

the price or prices at which, the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which debt securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at our option or otherwise;

 

   

whether debt securities of the series are to be issued as securities in registered form or securities in bearer form or both and, if securities in bearer form are to be issued, whether coupons will be attached to them, whether securities in bearer form of the series may be exchanged for securities in registered form of the series, and the circumstances under which and the places at which any such exchanges, if permitted, may be made;

 

   

if any debt securities of the series are to be issued as securities in bearer form or as one or more global securities representing individual securities in bearer form of the series, whether certain provisions for the payment of additional interest or tax redemptions shall apply; whether interest with respect to any portion of a temporary bearer security of the series payable with respect to any interest payment date prior to the exchange of such temporary bearer security for definitive securities in bearer form of the series shall be paid to any clearing organization with respect to the portion of such temporary bearer security held for its account and, in such event, the terms and conditions (including any certification requirements) upon which any such interest payment received by a clearing organization will be credited to the persons entitled to interest payable on such interest payment date; and the terms upon which a temporary bearer security may be exchanged for one or more definitive securities in bearer form of the series;

 

   

the obligation, if any, to redeem, purchase or repay debt securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a holder of such debt securities and the price or prices at which, the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, debt securities of the series shall be redeemed, purchased or repaid, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligations;

 

   

the terms, if any, upon which the debt securities of the series may be convertible into or exchanged for any issuer’s common stock, preferred stock, other debt securities or warrants for common stock, preferred stock, indebtedness or other securities of any kind and the terms and conditions upon which such conversion or exchange shall be effected, including the initial conversion or exchange price or rate, the conversion or exchange period and any other additional provisions;

 

   

if other than denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which debt securities of the series shall be issuable;

 

   

if the amount of principal, premium or interest with respect to the debt securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index or pursuant to a formula, the manner in which such amounts will be determined;

 

   

if the principal amount payable at the stated maturity of debt securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to such stated maturity, the amount that will be deemed to be such principal amount as of any such date for any purpose, including the principal amount thereof which will be due and payable upon any maturity other than the stated maturity or which will be deemed to be outstanding as of any such date (or, in any such case, the manner in which such deemed principal amount is to be determined), and if necessary, the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in U.S. dollars;

 

   

any changes or additions to the provisions of the indenture dealing with defeasance;

 

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if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of debt securities of the series that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof or provable in bankruptcy;

 

   

the terms, if any, of the transfer, mortgage, pledge or assignment as security for the debt securities of the series of any properties, assets, moneys, proceeds, securities or other collateral, including whether certain provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or the Trust Indenture Act, are applicable and any corresponding changes to provisions of the indenture as then in effect;

 

   

any addition to or change in the events of default with respect to the debt securities of the series and any change in the right of the trustee or the holders to declare the principal, premium and interest, if any, with respect to such debt securities due and payable;

 

   

if the debt securities of the series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of a global security, the terms and conditions, if any, upon which such global security may be exchanged in whole or in part for other individual debt securities in definitive registered form, the depositary (as defined in the applicable prospectus supplement) for such global security and the form of any legend or legends to be borne by any such global security in addition to or in lieu of the legend referred to in the indenture;

 

   

any trustee, authenticating or paying agent, transfer agent or registrar;

 

   

the applicability of, and any addition to or change in, the covenants and definitions then set forth in the indenture or in the terms then set forth in the indenture relating to permitted consolidations, mergers or sales of assets;

 

   

the terms, if any, of any guarantee of the payment of principal, premium and interest with respect to debt securities of the series and any corresponding changes to the provisions of the indenture as then in effect;

 

   

the subordination, if any, of the debt securities of the series pursuant to the indenture and any changes or additions to the provisions of the indenture relating to subordination;

 

   

with regard to debt securities of the series that do not bear interest, the dates for certain required reports to the trustee; and

 

   

any other terms of the debt securities of the series (which terms shall not be prohibited by the provisions of the indenture).

The prospectus supplement will also describe any material U.S. federal income tax consequences or other special considerations applicable to the series of debt securities to which such prospectus supplement relates, including those applicable to:

 

   

securities in bearer form;

 

   

debt securities with respect to which payments of principal, premium or interest are determined with reference to an index or formula (including changes in prices of particular securities, currencies or commodities);

 

   

debt securities with respect to which principal or interest is payable in a foreign or composite currency;

 

   

debt securities that are issued at a discount below their stated principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below market rates, or original issue discount debt securities; and

 

   

variable rate debt securities that are exchangeable for fixed rate debt securities.

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, securities in registered form may be transferred or exchanged at the office of the trustee at which its corporate trust business is principally administered in the United States or at the office of the trustee or the trustee’s agent in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and State of New York, at which its corporate agency business is conducted, subject to the

 

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limitations provided in the indenture, without the payment of any service charge, other than any tax or governmental charge payable in connection therewith. Securities in bearer form will be transferable only by delivery. Provisions with respect to the exchange of securities in bearer form will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities in bearer form.

All funds that we pay to a paying agent for the payment of principal, premium or interest with respect to any debt securities that remain unclaimed at the end of two years after that principal, premium or interest shall have become due and payable will be repaid to us, and the holders of those debt securities or any related coupons will thereafter look only to us for payment thereof.

Global Securities

The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities. A global security is a debt security that represents, and is denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, all outstanding debt securities of a series, or any portion thereof, in either case having the same terms, including the same original issue date, date or dates on which principal and interest are due, and interest rate or method of determining interest. A global security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary, which will be identified in the prospectus supplement relating to such debt securities. Global securities may be issued in either registered or bearer form and in either temporary or definitive form. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual debt securities represented thereby, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary to a nominee of the depositary, by a nominee of the depositary to the depositary or another nominee of the depositary, or by the depositary or any nominee of the depositary to a successor depositary or any nominee of such successor.

The terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of debt securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such debt securities. We anticipate that the following provisions will generally apply to depositary arrangements, in all cases subject to any restrictions or limitations described in the prospectus supplement relating to such debt securities.

Upon the issuance of a global security, the depositary for such global security will credit, on its book entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the individual debt securities represented by such global security to the accounts of persons that have accounts with the depositary, referred to as participants. Such accounts shall be designated by the dealers or underwriters with respect to such debt securities or, if such debt securities are offered and sold directly by us or through one or more agents, by us or such agents. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to participants or persons that hold beneficial interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in such global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary (with respect to interests of participants) or records maintained by participants (with respect to interests of persons other than participants). The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such limitations and laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security.

So long as the depositary for a global security, or its nominee, is the registered owner or holder of such global security, such depositary or nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the individual debt securities represented by such global security for all purposes under the indenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to have any of the individual debt securities represented by such global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of any of such debt securities in definitive form, and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the indenture.

Payments of principal, premium, and interest with respect to individual debt securities represented by a global security will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner or

 

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holder of such global security. Neither we, the trustee, any paying agent or registrar for such debt securities nor any agent of ours or the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for:

 

   

any aspect of the records relating to or payments made by the depositary, its nominee or any participants on account of beneficial interests in the global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial interests;

 

   

the payment to the owners of beneficial interests in the global security of amounts paid to the depositary or its nominee; or

 

   

any other matter relating to the actions and practices of the depositary, its nominee or its participants.

Neither we, the trustee, any paying agent or registrar for such debt securities or any agent of ours or the trustee will be liable for any delay by the depositary, its nominee or any of its participants in identifying the owners of beneficial interests in the global security, and we and the trustee may conclusively rely on, and will be protected in relying on, instructions from the depositary or its nominee for all purposes.

We expect that the depositary for a series of debt securities or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium or interest with respect to a definitive global security representing any of such debt securities, will immediately credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such global security, as shown on the records of the depositary or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such global security held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers and registered in “street name.” Such payments will be the responsibility of such participants. Receipt by owners of beneficial interests in a temporary global security of payments of principal, premium or interest with respect thereto will be subject to the restrictions described in an applicable prospectus supplement. See “Limitations on Issuance of Securities in Bearer Form” below.

If the depositary for a series of debt securities is at any time unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as depositary, we shall appoint a successor depositary. If a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue individual debt securities of such series in exchange for the global security representing such series of debt securities. In addition, we may at any time and in our sole discretion determine to no longer have debt securities of a series represented by a global security and, in such event, will issue individual debt securities of such series in exchange for the global security representing such series of debt securities. Furthermore, if we so specify with respect to the debt securities of a series, an owner of a beneficial interest in a global security representing debt securities of such series may, on terms acceptable to us, the trustee, and the depositary for such global security, receive individual debt securities of such series in exchange for such beneficial interests. In any such instance, an owner of a beneficial interest in a global security will be entitled to physical delivery of individual debt securities of the series represented by such global security equal in principal amount to such beneficial interest and to have such debt securities registered in its name (if the debt securities are issuable as securities in registered form). Individual debt securities of such series so issued will generally be issued:

 

   

as securities in registered form in denominations, unless otherwise specified by us, of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof if the debt securities are issuable as securities in registered form;

 

   

as securities in bearer form in the denomination or denominations specified by us if the debt securities are issuable as securities in bearer form; or

 

   

as either securities in registered form or securities in bearer form as described above if the debt securities are issuable in either form.

Limitations on Issuance of Securities in Bearer Form

The debt securities of a series may be issued as securities in registered form (which will be registered as to principal and interest in the register maintained by the registrar for such debt securities) or securities in bearer

 

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form (which will be transferable only by delivery). If such debt securities are issuable as securities in bearer form, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe certain special limitations and considerations that will apply to such debt securities.

Certain Covenants

If debt securities are issued, the indenture, as supplemented for a particular series of debt securities, will contain certain covenants for the benefit of the holders of such series of debt securities, which will be applicable (unless waived or amended) so long as any of the debt securities of such series are outstanding, unless stated otherwise in the prospectus supplement. The specific terms of the covenants, and summaries thereof, will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of debt securities.

Subordination

Debt securities of a series may be subordinated, which we refer to as subordinated debt securities, to senior indebtedness (as defined in the applicable prospectus supplement) to the extent set forth in the prospectus supplement relating thereto. To the extent we conduct operations through subsidiaries, the holders of debt securities (whether or not subordinated debt securities) will be structurally subordinated to the creditors of our subsidiaries.

Events of Default

Each of the following constitutes an event of default under the form of indenture with respect to any series of debt securities:

 

   

default in payment of the principal or premium, if any, on the debt securities of that series, when such amount becomes due and payable at maturity, upon acceleration, required redemption or otherwise;

 

   

failure to pay interest on the debt securities of that series within 30 days of the due date;

 

   

failure to comply with the obligations described under “—Mergers and Sales of Assets” below;

 

   

failure to comply for 60 days after notice with any of our other agreements in the debt securities of that series or the indenture or supplemental indenture related to that series of debt securities; or

 

   

certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization affecting us.

A prospectus supplement may omit, modify or add to the foregoing events of default.

A default under the fourth clause above will not constitute an event of default until the trustee or the holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities notify us of the default and we do not cure such default within the time specified after receipt of such notice.

If any event of default (other than an event of default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) occurs and is continuing with respect to a particular series of debt securities, either the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding by written notice to us (and to the trustee if such notice is given by the holders), may declare the principal amount of (or in the case of original issue discount debt securities, the portion thereby specified in the terms thereof), premium, if any, and accrued interest on the debt securities of that series to be immediately due and payable. In the case of certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal amount of, premium, if any, and accrued interest on the debt securities of that series shall automatically become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holders.

The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of any series then outstanding by notice to the trustee under the indenture may on behalf of the holders of all of such series of debt securities waive any existing default or event of default and its consequences under the applicable indenture except a continuing default or event of default in the payment of interest on, or the principal of, the debt securities of such series.

 

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Subject to the provisions of the indenture relating to the duties of the trustee in case an event of default shall occur and be continuing, the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture or debt securities at the request or direction of any of the holders of any series of debt securities, unless such holders have offered to the trustee indemnity or security satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense. Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the trustee, the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to such series of debt securities. The trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the indenture or that the trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other holder of such series of debt securities or that would involve the trustee in personal liability. Prior to taking any action under the indenture, the trustee is entitled to indemnification satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against all losses and expenses caused by taking or not taking such action.

Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest when due, no holder of debt securities of a series has any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the indenture or debt securities, or for the appointment of a receiver or a trustee, or for any other remedy thereunder, unless:

 

   

such holder has previously given to the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default with respect to such series of debt securities;

 

   

the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made written request, and such holder or holders have offered reasonable security or indemnity against any loss, liability or expense, to the trustee to institute such proceeding as trustee; and

 

   

the trustee has failed to institute such proceeding, and has not received from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series a direction inconsistent with such request, within 60 days after such notice, request and offer.

However, such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of a debt security of such series for the enforcement of payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on such debt security on or after the applicable due date specified in such debt security.

The indenture provides that if a default with respect to a series of debt securities occurs and is continuing and is known to the trustee, the trustee must mail to each holder of such debt securities notice of the default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a default in the principal or premium, if any, upon acceleration, redemption or otherwise with respect to any debt security of a series when such amount becomes due and payable, the trustee may withhold notice if and so long as a committee of its trust officers in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interests of the holders.

The indenture requires us to furnish to the trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a statement by certain of our officers as to whether or not we, to their knowledge, are in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of the indenture and, if so, specifying all such known defaults.

Street name and other indirect holders should consult their banks and brokers for information on their requirements for giving notice or taking other actions upon a default.

Modification and Waiver

Modifications and amendments of the indenture, any supplemental indenture and any series of debt securities may be made by us and the trustee with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series affected by such modification or amendment.

 

 

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No such modification or amendment may, without the consent of each holder affected thereby,

 

   

make any change to the percentage of principal amount of debt securities of any series the holders of which must consent to an amendment;

 

   

reduce the principal amount of, premium, if any, or interest on, or extend the stated maturity or interest payment periods, of any debt security;

 

   

make any debt security payable in money or securities other than that stated in such debt security;

 

   

make any change that adversely affects such holder’s right to require us to purchase a debt security, if any;

 

   

impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment with respect to the debt securities;

 

   

in the case of any subordinated debt security or coupons appertaining thereto, make any change in the provisions of the indenture relating to subordination that adversely affects the rights of any holder under such provisions;

 

   

except as provided under “—Satisfaction and Discharge of the Indenture; Defeasance”, release any security that may have been granted with respect to the debt securities; or

 

   

waive a default in payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities of a series or modify any provisions of the indenture relating to modification or amendment thereof.

Without the consent of any holder, we and the trustee may amend the indenture for one or more of the following purposes:

 

   

to evidence the succession of another person pursuant to the provisions of the indenture relating to consolidations, mergers and sales of assets and the assumption by such successor of the covenants, agreements and obligations in the indenture and in the debt securities;

 

   

to surrender any right or power conferred upon us by the indenture, to add to our covenants such further covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the protection of the holders of all or any series of debt securities as our boards of directors shall consider to be for the protection of the holders of such debt securities, and to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and continuance, of a default in respect of any of such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions a default or an event of default under the indenture (provided, however, that with respect to any such additional covenant, restriction, condition or provision, such supplemental indenture may provide for a period of grace after default, which may be shorter or longer than that allowed in the case of other defaults, may provide for an immediate enforcement upon such default, may limit the remedies available to the trustee upon such default or may limit the right of holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of any series of debt securities to waive such default);

 

   

to cure any ambiguity or correct or supplement any provision contained in the indenture, in any supplemental indenture or in any debt securities that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision contained therein;

 

   

to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property to or with the trustee, or to make such other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising under the indenture as shall not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any holders of debt securities of any series;

 

   

to modify or amend the indenture in such a manner as to permit the qualification of the indenture or any supplemental indenture under the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect;

 

   

to add to or change any of the provisions of the indenture to provide that securities in bearer form may be registerable as to principal, to change or eliminate any restrictions on the payment of principal or premium with respect to securities in registered form or of principal, premium or interest with respect to securities in bearer form; or to permit securities in registered form to be exchanged for securities in

 

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bearer form, so as to not adversely affect the interests of the holders of debt securities or any coupons of any series in any material respect or permit or facilitate the issuance of debt securities of any series in uncertificated form;

 

   

in the case of subordinated debt securities, to make any change in the provisions of the indenture relating to subordination that would limit or terminate the benefits available to any holder of senior indebtedness under such provisions (but only if each such holder of senior indebtedness consents to such change);

 

   

to add guarantees with respect to the debt securities or to secure the debt securities;

 

   

to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder;

 

   

to add to, change, or eliminate any of the provisions of the indenture with respect to one or more series of debt securities, so long as any such addition, change or elimination not otherwise permitted under the indenture shall (a) neither apply to any debt security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor modify the rights of the holders of any such debt security with respect to such provision or (b) become effective only when there is no such debt security outstanding;

 

   

to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor or separate trustee with respect to the debt securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of the indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the indenture by more than one trustee; or

 

   

to establish the form or terms of debt securities and coupons of any series, as described under “—General” above.

Mergers and Sales of Assets

The indenture provides that we may not consolidate with or merge into any other person or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets to another person, unless among other items: (a) the resulting, surviving or transferee person (if other than us) is organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and such person expressly assumes, by supplemental indenture, all of our obligations under all of the debt securities and the indenture; (b) we or such successor person shall not immediately thereafter be in default under the indenture; and (c) we shall have provided the trustee with an opinion of counsel and officer’s certificate confirming compliance with the indenture. Upon the assumption of our obligations by such a person in such circumstances, subject to certain exceptions, we shall be discharged from all obligations under all debt securities and the indenture (except in the case of a lease).

Satisfaction and Discharge of the Indenture; Defeasance

Unless otherwise provided for in the prospectus supplement, the indenture shall generally cease to be of any further effect with respect to a series of debt securities if (a) we have delivered to the trustee for cancellation all debt securities of such series (with certain limited exceptions) or (b) all debt securities and coupons of such series not theretofore delivered to the trustee for cancellation shall have become due and payable, or are by their terms to become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year, and we shall have deposited with the trustee as trust funds the entire amount sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption all such debt securities and coupons (and if, in either case, we shall also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable under the indenture by us).

In addition, we shall have a “legal defeasance option” (pursuant to which we may terminate, with respect to the debt securities of a particular series, all of our obligations under such debt securities and the indenture with respect to such debt securities) and a “covenant defeasance option” (pursuant to which we may terminate, with respect to the debt securities of a particular series, our obligations with respect to such debt securities under

 

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certain specified covenants contained in the indenture). If we exercise our legal defeasance option with respect to a series of debt securities, payment of such debt securities may not be accelerated because of an event of default. If we exercise our covenant defeasance option with respect to a series of debt securities, payment of such debt securities may not be accelerated because of an event of default related to the specified covenants.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the procedures we must follow in order to exercise our defeasance options.

Regarding the Trustee

The indenture provides that, except during the continuance of an event of default, the trustee will perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in the indenture. During the existence of an event of default, the trustee will exercise such rights and powers vested in it under the indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.

The indenture and provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are incorporated by reference therein contain limitations on the rights of the trustee, should it become one of our creditors, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received by it in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions with us or any of our affiliates; provided, however, that if it acquires any conflicting interest (as defined in the indenture or in the Trust Indenture Act), it must eliminate such conflict or resign.

Governing Law

The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following descriptions set forth certain general terms of our common stock and our authorized but unissued preferred stock. The descriptions set forth below are not complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by, our certificate of incorporation and by-laws, the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL, and, for any series of preferred stock, the certificate of designations relating to such particular series of preferred stock. The particular terms of any series of preferred stock offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which these general provisions may apply to that series of preferred stock will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of preferred stock. Copies of our certificate of incorporation and by-laws have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement filed with the SEC. You are urged to read our certificate of incorporation and by-laws in their entirety.

Our authorized capital stock consists of 600,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share. As of March 26, 2012, there were 292,929,097 shares of our common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. Our common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “CCI.”

Common Stock

Voting Rights

Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote. The common stock votes together as a single class on all matters presented for a vote of the stockholders, except as provided under the DGCL.

Dividends and Liquidation Rights

Each share of common stock is entitled to receive dividends if, as and when declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose, subject to approval of certain holders of preferred stock. In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, after satisfaction of amounts payable to our creditors and distribution of any preferential amounts to the holders of outstanding preferred stock, if any, holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in the assets available for distribution to the stockholders.

Other Provisions

There are no preemptive rights to subscribe for any additional securities which we may issue, and there are no redemption provisions or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. All outstanding shares of common stock are legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

Preferred Stock

Under our certificate of incorporation, we may issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series. Our board of directors is authorized, without any vote or action by our stockholders, to create one or more series of preferred stock up to the limit of our authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock and to fix their designations, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions, including the voting rights, dividend rights, dividend rate, conversion rights, terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption price or prices, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series.

Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws

Stockholders’ rights and related matters are governed by the DGCL, our certificate of incorporation and our by-laws. Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and by-laws, which are summarized below, may have the effect, either alone or in combination with each other, of discouraging or making more difficult a tender offer or takeover attempt that is opposed by our board of directors but that a stockholder might consider to be in its best interest. Such provisions may also adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock. We

 

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believe that such provisions are necessary to enable us to develop our business in a manner that will foster our long-term growth without disruption caused by the threat of a takeover not deemed by our board of directors to be in our best interests and those of our stockholders.

Classified Board of Directors and Related Provisions

Our certificate of incorporation provides that our directors, other than those directors who may be elected by holders of any series of preferred stock are divided into three classes of directors as nearly equal in number as possible. The term for each class is three years. Class terms expire on a rolling basis, so that one class of directors is elected each year. The classified board provisions will prevent a party who acquires control of a majority of our outstanding voting stock from obtaining control of our board of directors until the second annual stockholders meeting following the date such party obtains the controlling interest. Voting stock is defined in our certificate of incorporation as the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote in a general vote of our stockholders as a single class with shares of common stock.

No Stockholder Action by Written Consent; Special Meeting

The certificate of incorporation prohibits stockholders from taking action by written consent in lieu of an annual or special meeting, and, thus, stockholders may only take action at an annual or special meeting called in accordance with our by-laws. The by-laws provide that special meetings of stockholders may only be called by our secretary, chief executive officer or president at the direction of our board of directors under a resolution adopted by the board or by the chief executive officer.

These provisions could have the effect of delaying consideration of a stockholder proposal until the next annual meeting. These provisions would also prevent the holders of a majority of the voting power of our capital stock entitled to vote from unilaterally using the written consent procedure to take stockholder action.

Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations

Our by-laws establish advance notice procedures for stockholder proposals and the nomination, other than by or at the direction of the board of directors, of candidates for election as directors. These procedures provide that the notice of stockholder proposals and stockholder nominations for the election of directors at an annual meeting must be in writing and received by our secretary at least 90 days but not more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of our preceding year’s annual meeting. However, if the date of our annual meeting is more than 30 days earlier than, or more than 90 days later than, the anniversary date of our preceding year’s annual meeting, notice by a stockholder will be considered timely if it is delivered not earlier than the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting was made. The notice of nominations for the election of directors must set forth certain information concerning the stockholder giving the notice and each nominee.

By requiring advance notice of nominations by stockholders, these procedures will afford our board of directors an opportunity to consider the qualifications of the proposed nominees and, to the extent deemed necessary or desirable by the board of directors, to inform stockholders about these qualifications. By requiring advance notice of other proposed business, these procedures will provide our board of directors with an opportunity to inform stockholders of any business proposed to be conducted at a meeting, together with any recommendations as to the board of directors’ position on action to be taken on such business. This should allow stockholders to better decide whether to attend a meeting or to grant a proxy for the disposition of any such business.

Dilution

Our certificate of incorporation provides that our board of directors is authorized to create and issue, whether or not in connection with the issuance and sale of any of its stock or other securities or property, rights

 

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entitling the holders to purchase from us shares of stock or other securities of us or of any other corporation. Our board of directors is authorized to issue these rights even though the creation and issuance of these rights could have the effect of discouraging third parties from seeking, or impairing their right to seek, to:

 

   

acquire a significant portion of our outstanding securities;

 

   

engage in any transaction which might result in a change of control of the corporation; or

 

   

enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding with another party to accomplish these transactions or for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of any of our securities.

Amendments

Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws provide that we may amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in our certificate of incorporation or a preferred stock designation. However, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the then outstanding voting stock, voting together as a single class, is required to amend, repeal or adopt any provision inconsistent with certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation, including the provisions discussed above relating to the classification of our board of directors, the issuance of stockholder rights, prohibiting stockholder action by written consent, and prohibiting the calling of special meetings by stockholders.

Our by-laws may be amended by either the holders of 80% of the voting power of the voting stock or by the majority of the board, but the board may alter, amend or repeal or adopt new by-laws in conflict with certain of the by-law provisions only by a two-thirds vote of the entire board.

Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law

We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL which generally prohibit certain transactions between a Delaware corporation and an interested stockholder for a period of three years after the date such interested stockholder acquired its stock, unless:

 

   

the business combination is approved by the corporation’s board of directors prior to the date the interested stockholder acquired shares;

 

   

the interested stockholder acquired at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation in the transaction in which it became an interested stockholder; or

 

   

the business combination is approved by a majority of the board of directors and by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock owned by disinterested stockholders at an annual or special meeting.

A business combination is defined broadly to include mergers, consolidations, sales or other dispositions of assets having an aggregate value of 10% or more of the consolidated assets of the corporation, and certain transactions that would increase the interested stockholder’s proportionate share ownership in the corporation. In general, Section 203 defines an interested stockholder as an entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by such entity or person.

Limitations of Directors’ Liability

Our certificate of incorporation provides that none of our directors will be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director except for liability:

 

   

for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders,

 

   

for acts of omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law,

 

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under Section 174 of the DGCL, or

 

   

for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

The effect of these provisions will be to eliminate our rights and the rights of our stockholders (through stockholders’ derivatives suits on behalf of us) to recover monetary damages against a director for breach of fiduciary duty as a director (including breaches resulting from grossly negligent behavior), except in the situations described above. These provisions will not limit the liability of directors under federal securities laws and will not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as an injunction or rescission based upon a director’s breach of his duty of care.

Transfer Agent

The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the common stock is BNY Mellon Shareowner Services.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants for the purchase of debt securities, preferred stock or common stock. Warrants may be issued independently or together with debt securities, preferred stock or common stock offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from any such offered securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants. The following summary of certain provisions of the warrants does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the provisions of the warrant agreement that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of such warrants.

The prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of warrants will describe the terms of such warrants, including the following:

 

   

the title of such warrants;

 

   

the offering price for such warrants, if any;

 

   

the aggregate number of such warrants;

 

   

the designation and terms of the securities purchasable upon exercise of such warrants;

 

   

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

 

   

if applicable, the date from and after which such warrants and any securities issued therewith will be separately transferable;

 

   

the principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of a warrant and the price at which such principal amount of debt securities may be purchased upon exercise (which price may be payable in cash, securities, or other property) and the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of a warrant and the price at which such shares may be purchased upon exercise;

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

whether the warrants represented by the warrant certificates or debt securities that may be issued upon exercise of the warrants will be issued in registered or bearer form;

 

   

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

 

   

the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable;

 

   

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

 

   

the antidilution provisions of such warrants, if any;

 

   

the redemption or call provisions, if any, applicable to such warrants; and

 

   

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

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We and any selling security holder may offer and sell the securities covered by this prospectus from time to time, in one or more transactions, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to market prices, at a fixed price or prices subject to change, at varying prices determined at the time of sale or at negotiated prices, by a variety of methods, including the following:

 

   

through agents;

 

   

to or through underwriters;

 

   

in “at the market offerings,” within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act, to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange or otherwise;

 

   

through brokers or dealers;

 

   

directly by us or any selling security holders to purchasers, including through a specific bidding, auction or other process; or

 

   

through a combination of any of these methods of sale.

Registration of the securities covered by this prospectus does not mean that those securities necessarily will be offered or sold.

In effecting sales, brokers or dealers engaged by us may arrange for other brokers or dealers to participate. Broker-dealer transactions may include:

 

   

purchases of the securities by a broker-dealer as principal and resales of the securities by the broker-dealer for its account pursuant to this prospectus;

 

   

ordinary brokerage transactions; or

 

   

transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers.

In addition, we and any selling security holder may sell any securities covered by this prospectus in private transactions or under Rule 144 of the Securities Act rather than pursuant to this prospectus.

We may sell offered securities through agents designated by us from time to time. Any agent in the offer or sale of the securities for which this prospectus is delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by us to that agent will be set forth, in the prospectus supplement. Unless indicated in the prospectus supplement, the agents will have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment.

In connection with the sale of securities covered by this prospectus, broker-dealers may receive commissions or other compensation from us in the form of commissions, discounts or concessions. Broker-dealers may also receive compensation from purchasers of the securities for whom they act as agents or to whom they sell as principals or both. Compensation as to a particular broker-dealer may be in excess of customary commissions or in amounts to be negotiated. In connection with any underwritten offering, underwriters may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from us or from purchasers of the securities for whom they act as agents. Underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Any underwriters, broker-dealers agents or other persons acting on our behalf that participate in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any profit on the sale of the securities by them and any discounts, commissions or concessions received by any of those underwriters, broker-dealers agents or other persons may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.

 

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In connection with the distribution of the securities covered by this prospectus or otherwise, we or any selling stockholder may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions. In connection with such transactions, broker-dealers or other financial institutions may engage in short sales of our securities in the course of hedging the positions they assume with us or any selling stockholder. We or any selling stockholder may also sell securities short and deliver the securities offered by this prospectus to close out our short positions. We or any selling security holder may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of securities offered by this prospectus, which securities such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus, as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction. We or any selling security holder may also from time to time pledge our securities pursuant to the margin provisions of our customer agreements with our brokers. Upon our default, the broker may offer and sell such pledged securities from time to time pursuant to this prospectus, as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction.

At any time a particular offer of the securities covered by this prospectus is made, a revised prospectus or prospectus supplement, if required, will be distributed which will set forth the aggregate amount of securities covered by this prospectus being offered and the terms of the offering, including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers, brokers or agents, any discounts, commissions, concessions and other items constituting compensation from us and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers. Such prospectus supplement, and, if necessary, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, will be filed with the SEC to reflect the disclosure of additional information with respect to the distribution of the securities covered by this prospectus. In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if applicable, the securities sold under this prospectus may only be sold through registered or licensed broker-dealers. In addition, in some states the securities may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from registration or qualification requirements is available and is complied with.

In connection with an underwritten offering, we and any selling stockholder would execute an underwriting agreement with an underwriter or underwriters. Unless otherwise indicated in the revised prospectus or applicable prospectus supplement, such underwriting agreement would provide that the obligations of the underwriter or underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent, and that the underwriter or underwriters with respect to a sale of the covered securities will be obligated to purchase all of the covered securities, if any such securities are purchased. We or any selling security holder may grant to the underwriter or underwriters an option to purchase additional securities at the public offering price, less any underwriting discount, as may be set forth in the revised prospectus or applicable prospectus supplement. If we or any selling security holder grants any such option, the terms of that option will be set forth in the revised prospectus or applicable prospectus supplement.

Underwriters, agents, brokers or dealers may be entitled, pursuant to relevant agreements entered into with us, to indemnification by us or any selling security holder against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act that may arise from any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact, or any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact in this prospectus, any supplement or amendment hereto, or in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, or to contribution with respect to payments which the underwriters, agents, brokers or dealers may be required to make.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the securities offered in this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement and certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, New York, New York. If the securities are being distributed in an underwritten offering, certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by counsel identified in the related prospectus supplement.

 

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EXPERTS

Our consolidated financial statements and schedule as of December 31, 2011, and for the year ended December 31, 2011, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

Our consolidated financial statements and schedule as of December 31, 2010, and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2010, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and through the investor relations section of our website at http://investor.crowncastle.com. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room.

We are “incorporating by reference” into this prospectus specific documents that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents that are considered part of this prospectus. Information that we file subsequently with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below, and any future documents that we file with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act until the termination of the offerings of all of the securities covered by this prospectus has been completed. This prospectus is part of a registration statement filed with the SEC.

We are “incorporating by reference” into this prospectus the following documents filed with the SEC (excluding any portions of such documents that have been “furnished” but not “filed” for purposes of the Exchange Act):

 

   

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011;

 

   

our Definitive Proxy Statement filed April 11, 2011;

 

   

our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed January 12, 2012, February 3, 2012 and February 24, 2012; and

 

   

the “Description of Capital Stock” section of our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on August 4, 1998, the “Description of Capital Stock” section of our Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on July 10, 2000, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 filed with the SEC on July 17, 2000, the “Description of Crown Castle Capital Stock” section of our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on November 6, 2006, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Form S-4 filed with the SEC on November 29, 2006, the “Description of Capital Stock” section of our Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on January 16, 2009, and any other amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.

We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request and without charge, a copy of the documents referred to above that we have incorporated in this prospectus by reference. You can request copies of such documents if you write or call us at the following address or telephone number: Investor Relations, Crown Castle International Corp., 1220 Augusta Drive, Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77057, (713) 570-3000, or you may visit the investor relations section of our website at http://investor.crowncastle.com for copies of any such document.

This prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or information incorporated by reference herein or therein, contains summaries of certain agreements that we have filed as exhibits to various SEC filings, as well as certain agreements that we will enter into in connection with the offering of securities covered by any particular accompanying prospectus supplement. The descriptions of these agreements contained in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or information incorporated by reference herein or therein do not purport to be complete and are subject to, or qualified in their entirety by reference to, the definitive agreements. Copies of the definitive agreements will be made available without charge to you by making a written or oral request to us.

 

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Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein, in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein or in any accompanying prospectus supplement, modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified and superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

 

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The following table sets forth the estimated costs and expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, payable by Crown Castle International Corp. (the “registrant”) in connection with the sale or distribution of the securities registered under this registration statement. All of the amounts shown are estimates.

 

     Amount  

SEC Registration Fee

   $         0

Printing and Engraving Expenses

     40,000   

Legal Fees and Expenses

     250,000   

Rating Agency Fees

     500,000   

Accounting Fees and Expenses

     300,000   

Trustee Fees

     40,000   

Miscellaneous

     45,000   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,175,000   
  

 

 

 

 

* Under Rules 456(b) and 457(r) of the Securities Act, applicable SEC registration fees have been deferred and will be paid at the time of any particular offering of securities under this registration statement, and are therefore not estimable at this time.

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Pursuant to the DGCL, a corporation may indemnify any person in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than a derivative action by or in the right of such corporation) who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such corporation, or serving at the request of such corporation in such capacity for another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of such corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

The DGCL also permits indemnification by a corporation under similar circumstances for expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such persons in connection with the defense or settlement of a derivative action or suit, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to such corporation unless the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper.

To the extent a director, officer, employee or agent is successful in the defense of such an action, suit or proceeding, the corporation is required by the DGCL to indemnify such person for actual and reasonable expenses incurred thereby. Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by such persons in defending any action, suit or proceeding may be paid in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to be so indemnified.

The DGCL provides that the indemnification described above shall not be deemed exclusive of other indemnification that may be granted by a corporation pursuant to its by-laws, disinterested directors’ vote, stockholders’ vote, agreement or otherwise.

 

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The DGCL also provides corporations with the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation in a similar capacity for another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability as described above.

Accordingly, the certificate of incorporation of the registrant provides that the registrant shall, to the maximum extent permitted under the DGCL, indemnify each person who is or was a director or officer of the registrant. The registrant may, by action of the board of directors, indemnify other employees and agents of the registrant, directors, officers, employees or agents of a subsidiary, and each person serving as a director, officer, partner, member, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, at the request of the registrant, with the same scope and effect as the indemnification of directors and officers of the registrant. However, the registrant shall be required to indemnify any person seeking indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the board of directors or is a proceeding to enforce such person’s claim to indemnification pursuant to the rights granted by the certificate of incorporation or otherwise by the registrant. The registrant may also enter into one or more agreements with any person which provide for indemnification greater or different than that provided in the certificate of incorporation.

Furthermore, a director of the registrant shall not be liable to the registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (1) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the registrant or its stockholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3) under Section 174 of the DGCL, or (4) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

The registrant’s by-laws provide that each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any manner in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (“Proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she or a person of whom he or she is the legal representative is or was a director or officer of the registrant or, while a director or officer of the registrant, a director, officer, employee or agent of a subsidiary, another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise shall be indemnified and held harmless by the registrant to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. Such indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators; provided, however, that the registrant shall indemnify any such person seeking indemnification in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such Proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the board of directors or is a Proceeding to enforce such person’s claim to indemnification pursuant to the rights granted by the registrant’s by-laws. The registrant shall pay the expenses incurred by any person described in the first two sentences of this paragraph in defending any such Proceeding in advance of its final disposition upon, to the extent such an undertaking is required by applicable law, receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the registrant as authorized in the registrant’s by-laws or otherwise.

The registrant’s by-laws further provide that the indemnification and the advancement of expenses incurred in defending a Proceeding prior to its final disposition provided by, or granted pursuant to, the registrant’s by-laws shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the certificate of incorporation, other provision of the registrant’s by-laws or otherwise. The registrant may also maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any person who is or was a director, officer, partner, member, employee or agent of the registrant or a subsidiary or of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the registrant would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.

 

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The registrant’s by-laws further provide that the registrant may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the board of directors, grant rights to indemnification, and rights to be paid by the registrant the expenses incurred in defending any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition, to any person who is or was an employee or agent (other than a director or officer) of the registrant or a subsidiary thereof and to any person who is or was serving at the request of the registrant or a subsidiary thereof as a director, officer, partner, member, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans maintained or sponsored by the registrant or a subsidiary thereof, to the fullest extent of the provisions of the registrant’s by-laws with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of directors and officers of the registrant.

The registrant carries liability insurance for its directors and officers.

Item 16. Exhibits

See Exhibit Index.

Item 17. Undertakings

(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

provided, however, that clauses (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those clauses is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act that is part of the registration statement;

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;

(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:

(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

 

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(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) under the Securities Act as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B under the Securities Act relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) under the Securities Act for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B under the Securities Act, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which the prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date;

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act;

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c) For an offering in which the securities to be registered are to be offered to existing security holders pursuant to warrants or rights and any securities not taken by security holders are to be reoffered to the public, the undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supplement the prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set forth the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by the underwriters during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities to be purchased by the underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof. If any public offering by the underwriters is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the prospectus, a post-effective amendment will be filed to set forth the terms of such offering.

 

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(d) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(e) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

(1) for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A under the Securities Act and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and

(2) for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(f) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the Trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act, in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on this 3rd day of April, 2012.

 

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.,
by   /s/     Jay A. Brown
 

Name: Jay A. Brown

Title: Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

The officers and directors of Crown Castle International Corp. whose signatures appear below hereby constitute and appoint W. Benjamin Moreland and E. Blake Hawk, or either of them, to act severally as attorneys-in-fact and agents, with power of substitution and resubstitution, for each of them in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this report and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on this 3rd day of April, 2012.

 

Signatures

  

Title

/s/ W. Benjamin Moreland

W. Benjamin Moreland

   President and Chief Executive Officer, Director (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Jay A. Brown

Jay A. Brown

   Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ Rob A. Fisher

Rob A. Fisher

   Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ J. Landis Martin

J. Landis Martin

   Chairman of the Board of Directors

/s/ Cindy Christy

Cindy Christy

   Director

/s/ Ari Q. Fitzgerald

Ari Q. Fitzgerald

   Director

/s/ Robert E. Garrison II

Robert E. Garrison II

   Director

/s/ Dale N. Hatfield

Dale N. Hatfield

   Director

/s/ Lee W. Hogan

Lee W. Hogan

   Director

/s/ Edward C. Hutcheson Jr.

Edward C. Hutcheson Jr.

   Director

/s/ John P. Kelly

John P. Kelly

   Director

/s/ Robert F. McKenzie

Robert F. McKenzie

   Director


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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

        Incorporated by Reference        

Exhibit
Number

 

Exhibit Description

  Form  

File No.

 

Date of

Filing

  Exhibit
Number
  Filed
Herewith
1.1   Form of Equity Securities Underwriting Agreement.*           *
1.2   Form of Debt Securities Underwriting Agreement.*           *
2.1   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 15, 2011, by and among Crown Castle International Corp., Crown Castle NG Acquisitions Corp., NextG Networks, Inc. and Madison Dearborn Capital Partners V-A, L.P., solely in its capacity as the Representative   10-K   001-16441   February 13, 2012   10.37  
4.1   Composite Certificate of Incorporation of Crown Castle International Corp.           X
4.2   Composite By-laws of Crown Castle International Corp.           X
4.3   Specimen Certificate of Common Stock   S-1/A   333-57283   August 11, 1998   4.6  
4.4   Indenture, dated as of December 2, 2003, between Crown Castle International Corp. and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to the 7.5% Senior Notes due 2013 (including exhibits)   S-4   333-112176   January 23, 2004   4.18  
4.5   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 1, 2005, between Crown Castle International Corp. and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to the 7.5% Notes   8-K   001-16441   June 2, 2005   4.3, 4.4  
4.6   Indenture, dated as of June 1, 2005, relating to the Senior Secured Tower Revenue Notes, by and among JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Indenture Trustee, and Crown Castle Towers LLC, Crown Castle South LLC, Crown Communication Inc., Crown Castle PT Inc., Crown Communication New York, Inc. and Crown Castle International Corp. de Puerto Rico, collectively, as Issuers   8-K   001-16441   June 9, 2005   4.1  
4.7   Indenture Supplement, dated as of January 15, 2010, relating to the Senior Secured Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2010-1, by and among The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Bank of New York as successor to J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as Indenture Trustee, and Crown Castle Towers LLC, Crown Castle South LLC, Crown Communication Inc.,   8-K   001-16441   January 20, 2010   4.1  


Table of Contents
  Crown Castle PT Inc., Crown Communication New York, Inc., Crown Castle International Corp. de Puerto Rico, Crown Castle Towers 05 LLC, Crown Castle PR LLC, Crown Castle MU LLC and Crown Castle MUPA LLC, collectively as Issuers          
4.8   Indenture Supplement, dated as of January 15, 2010, relating to the Senior Secured Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2010-2, by and among The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Bank of New York as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as Indenture Trustee, and Crown Castle Towers LLC, Crown Castle South LLC, Crown Communication Inc., Crown Castle PT Inc., Crown Communication New York, Inc., Crown Castle International Corp. de Puerto Rico, Crown Castle Towers 05 LLC, Crown Castle PR LLC, Crown Castle MU LLC and Crown Castle MUPA LLC, collectively as Issuers   8-K   001-16441   January 20, 2010   4.2  
4.9   Indenture Supplement, dated as of January 15, 2010, relating to the Senior Secured Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2010-3, by and among The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Bank of New York as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as Indenture Trustee, and Crown Castle Towers LLC, Crown Castle South LLC, Crown Communication Inc., Crown Castle PT Inc., Crown Communication New York, Inc., Crown Castle International Corp. de Puerto Rico, Crown Castle Towers 05 LLC, Crown Castle PR LLC, Crown Castle MU LLC and Crown Castle MUPA LLC, collectively as Issuers   8-K   001-16441   January 20, 2010   4.3  
4.10   Indenture Supplement, dated as of August 16, 2010, relating to the Senior Secured Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2010-4, by and among The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Bank of New York as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as Indenture Trustee, and Crown Castle Towers LLC, Crown Castle South LLC, Crown Communication Inc., Crown Castle PT Inc., Crown Communication New York, Inc., Crown Castle International Corp. de Puerto Rico, Crown Castle Towers 05 LLC, Crown Castle PR LLC, Crown Castle MU LLC and Crown Castle MUPA LLC, collectively as Issuers   8-K   001-16441   August 26, 2010   4.1  


Table of Contents
4.11   Indenture Supplement, dated as of August 16, 2010, relating to the Senior Secured Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2010-5, by and among The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Bank of New York as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as Indenture Trustee, and Crown Castle Towers LLC, Crown Castle South LLC, Crown Communication Inc., Crown Castle PT Inc., Crown Communication New York, Inc., Crown Castle International Corp. de Puerto Rico, Crown Castle Towers 05 LLC, Crown Castle PR LLC, Crown Castle MU LLC and Crown Castle MUPA LLC, collectively as Issuers   8-K   001-16441   August 26, 2010   4.2  
4.12   Indenture Supplement, dated as of August 16, 2010, relating to the Senior Secured Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2010-6, by and among The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Bank of New York as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as Indenture Trustee, and Crown Castle Towers LLC, Crown Castle South LLC, Crown Communication Inc., Crown Castle PT Inc., Crown Communication New York, Inc., Crown Castle International Corp. de Puerto Rico, Crown Castle Towers 05 LLC, Crown Castle PR LLC, Crown Castle MU LLC and Crown Castle MUPA LLC, collectively as Issuers   8-K   001-16441   August 26, 2010   4.3  
4.13   Indenture dated January 27, 2009, between Crown Castle International Corp. and Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee   8-K   001-16441   January 29, 2009   4.1  
4.14   Supplemental Indenture dated January 27, 2009, between Crown Castle International Corp. and Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, relating to 9% Senior Notes due 2015   8-K   001-16441   January 29, 2009   4.2  
4.15   Indenture dated April 30, 2009, relating to the 7.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2017, by and among CC Holdings GS V LLC, Crown Castle GS III Corp., the Guarantors named therein and Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee   8-K   001-16441   May 5, 2009   4.1  


Table of Contents
4.16   Indenture dated July 31, 2009, relating to Senior Secured Notes, between Pinnacle Towers Acquisition Holdings LLC, GS Savings Inc., GoldenState Towers, LLC, Pinnacle Towers Acquisition LLC, Tower Ventures III, LLC and TVHT, LLC, as Issuers, Global Signal Holdings III, LLC, as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Indenture Trustee   8-K   001-16441   August 4, 2009   4.1  
4.17   Indenture Supplement dated July 31, 2009, relating to Senior Secured Notes, Series 2009-1, between Pinnacle Towers Acquisition Holdings LLC, GS Savings Inc., GoldenState Towers, LLC, Pinnacle Towers Acquisition LLC, Tower Ventures III, LLC and TVHT, LLC, as Issuers, Global Signal Holdings III, LLC, as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Indenture Trustee   8-K   001-16441   August 4, 2009   4.2  
4.18   Second Supplemental Indenture dated October 23, 2009, relating to 7.125% Senior Notes due 2019, between Crown Castle International Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee   8-K   001-16441   October 28, 2009   4.1  
4.19   Indenture dated as of November 9, 2010, between WCP Wireless Site Funding LLC, WCP Wireless Site RE Funding LLC, WCP Wireless Site Non-RE Funding LLC, WCP Wireless Lease Subsidiary, LLC, MW Cell REIT 1 LLC and MW Cell TRS 1 LLC, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as indenture trustee   8-K   001-16441   February 3, 2012   4.1  
4.20   Series 2010-1 Indenture Supplement dated as of November 9, 2010, between WCP Wireless Site Funding LLC, WCP Wireless Site RE Funding LLC, WCP Wireless Site Non-RE Funding LLC, WCP Wireless Lease Subsidiary, LLC, MW Cell REIT 1 LLC and MW Cell TRS 1 LLC, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as indenture trustee   8-K   001-16441   February 3, 2012   4.2  
4.21   Form of Debt Security*           *
4.22   Form of Indenture between Crown Castle International Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee           X


Table of Contents
4.23   Form of Warrant*           *
4.24   Form of Warrant Agreement*           *
5.1   Opinion of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP           X
12.1   Statement Regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends           X
23.1   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC           X
23.2   Consent of KPMG LLP           X
23.3   Consent of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)           X
24.1   Power of Attorney (included on signature page to this registration statement).           X
25.1   Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee           X

 

* To be filed, if necessary, as an exhibit to a post-effective amendment to this registration statement or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by the registrant in connection with a specific offering, and incorporated herein by reference.
EX-4.1 2 d324974dex41.htm COMPOSITE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP Composite Certificate of Incorporation of Crown Castle International Corp

Exhibit 4.1

COMPOSITE

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.

(giving effect to all amendments through May 24, 2011)

The present name of the corporation is Crown Castle International Corp. The corporation was originally incorporated on April 20, 1995, under the name “Castle Tower Holding Corp.” by the filing of its original Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which certificate was restated on August 21, 1998 (such restated certificate, as subsequently amended, the “Restated Certificate of Incorporation”). This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the corporation, which both restates and further amends the provisions of the corporation’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the corporation is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

ARTICLE I

Name

The name of the corporation (which is hereinafter referred to as the “Corporation”) is:

Crown Castle International Corp.

ARTICLE II

Address

The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle. The name of the Corporation’s registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

ARTICLE III

Purpose

The purpose of the Corporation shall be to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized and incorporated under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

ARTICLE IV

Capitalization

The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is six hundred twenty million (620,000,000), consisting of twenty million (20,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (hereinafter referred to as “Preferred Stock”), and six hundred million (600,000,000) shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (hereinafter referred to as “Common Stock”).


The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the person in whose name any share of its stock is registered as the owner thereof for all purposes and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to, or interest in, such share on the part of any other person, whether or not the Corporation shall have notice thereof, except as expressly provided by applicable law.

A. Undesignated Preferred Stock. The undesignated Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The Board of Directors of the Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “Board of Directors”) is hereby authorized to provide for the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock in series and, by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Delaware (hereinafter referred to as a “Preferred Stock Designation”), to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each such series and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof. The authority of the Board of Directors with respect to each series shall include, but not be limited to, determination of the following:

1. The designation of the series, which may be by distinguishing number, letter or title.

2. The number of shares of the series, which number the Board of Directors may thereafter (except where otherwise provided in the Preferred Stock Designation) increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding).

3. The amounts payable on, and the preferences, if any, of shares of the series in respect of dividends, and whether such dividends, if any, shall be cumulative or noncumulative.

4. Dates at which dividends, if any, shall be payable.

5. The redemption rights and price or prices, if any, for shares of the series.

6. The terms and amount of any sinking fund provided for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series.

7. The amounts payable on, and the preferences, if any, of shares of the series in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation.

8. Whether the shares of the series shall be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of any other class or series, or any other security, of the Corporation or any other corporation, and, if so, the specification of such other class or series or such other security, the conversion or exchange price or prices or rate or rates, any adjustments thereof, the date or dates at which such shares shall be convertible or exchangeable and all other terms and conditions upon which such conversion or exchange may be made.

9. Restrictions on the issuance of shares of the same series or of any other class or series.

10. The voting rights, if any, of the holders of shares of the series.

B. Common Stock.

1. General. The holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each such share upon all questions presented to the stockholders. The holders of the shares of Common Stock shall at all times, except as otherwise provided in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or as required by applicable law, vote together with the holders of any other class or series of stock of the Corporation accorded such general voting rights, as one class.

 

2


Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise required by applicable law, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation) or pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

2. Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, after payment of all preferential amounts required to be paid to the holders of Preferred Stock, the holders of shares of Common Stock then outstanding shall share ratably in any distribution of the remaining assets and funds of the Corporation in proportion to the respective amounts which would otherwise be payable in respect of the shares held by them upon such distribution if all amounts payable on or with respect to such shares were paid in full.

C. Designated Preferred Stock.

1. Series A Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock. Pursuant to authority conferred by this Article IV upon the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors created a series of 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock designated as Series A Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock by filing a Preferred Stock Designation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 21, 1998, which was amended on August 2, 2000, and the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, of the Series A Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock of the Corporation are as set forth in Annex 1 hereto and are incorporated herein by reference.

2. 6.25% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. Pursuant to authority conferred by this Article IV upon the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors created a series of 8,050,000 shares of Preferred Stock designated as 6.25% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock by filing a Preferred Stock Designation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 2, 2000, and the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, of the 6.25% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock of the Corporation are as set forth in Annex 2 hereto and are incorporated herein by reference.

ARTICLE V

By-laws

In furtherance of, and not in limitation of, the powers conferred by law and subject to the other provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and subject to the Amended and Restated By-laws of the Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “By-laws”), the Board of Directors is expressly authorized and empowered:

(1) to adopt, amend or repeal the By-laws; provided, however, that the By-laws adopted by the Board of Directors under the powers hereby conferred may be amended or repealed by the Board of Directors or by the stockholders having voting power with respect thereto; provided, further, that the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock (as hereinafter defined), voting together as a single class, shall be required in order for the stockholders to alter, amend or repeal any provision of the By-laws or to adopt any additional By-law; and

(2) from time to time to determine whether and to what extent, and at what times and places, and under what conditions and regulations, the accounts and books of the Corporation, or any of them, shall be open to inspection of stockholders; and, except as so determined or as expressly provided in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or in any Preferred Stock Designation, no stockholder shall have any right to inspect any account, book or document of the Corporation other than such rights as may be conferred by applicable law.

 

3


The Corporation may in its By-laws confer powers upon the Board of Directors in addition to the foregoing and in addition to the powers and authorities expressly conferred upon the Board of Directors by applicable law.

ARTICLE VI

Action of Stockholders

Except as otherwise specified with respect to any series of Preferred Stock, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation and may not be effected by any consent in writing in lieu of a meeting of such stockholders.

ARTICLE VII

Board of Directors

Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional Directors of the Corporation (hereinafter referred to as “Directors”) under specified circumstances, the number of Directors shall initially be 12 and may hereafter be changed from time to time solely by the Board of Directors.

Unless and except to the extent that the By-laws shall so require, the election of Directors need not be by written ballot.

The Directors, other than those Directors who may be elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock (the “Non-Classified Directors”), shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, initially consisting of 3, 3 and 4 Directors. One class of Directors initially consisting of 3 Directors shall be initially elected for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 1999, another class initially consisting of 3 Directors shall be initially elected for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2000, and another class initially consisting of 4 Directors shall be initially elected for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2001. Members of each class shall hold office until their successors are elected and qualified. At each annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation commencing with the 1999 annual meeting, Directors (other than Non-Classified Directors) elected to succeed those Directors whose terms expire shall be elected at such meeting to hold office for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after their election, with each Director to hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.

Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, vacancies resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause, and newly created Directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of Directors, may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Directors, though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors, and Directors so chosen shall hold office for a term expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders at which the term of office of the class to which they have been elected expires and until such Director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified. No decrease in the number of authorized Directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent Director.

Except for such additional Directors, if any, as are elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, any Director may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock, voting together as a single class.

 

4


ARTICLE VIII

Indemnification

Each person who is or was a Director or officer of the Corporation shall be indemnified by the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware as the same exists or may hereafter be amended or any other applicable laws as presently or hereafter in effect. The Corporation may, by action of the Board of Directors, provide indemnification to other employees and agents of the Corporation, to directors, officers, employees or agents of a subsidiary, and to each person serving as a director, officer, partner, member, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, at the request of the Corporation, with the same scope and effect as the foregoing indemnification of Directors and officers of the Corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall be required to indemnify any person seeking indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors or is a proceeding to enforce such person’s claim to indemnification pursuant to the rights granted by this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or otherwise by the Corporation. Without limiting the generality of the effect of the foregoing, the Corporation may enter into one or more agreements with any person which provide for indemnification greater or different than that provided in this Article VIII. Any amendment or repeal of this Article VIII shall not adversely affect any right or protection existing hereunder in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.

ARTICLE IX

Directors’ Liability

A Director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director, except for liability (1) for any breach of the Director’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3) under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or (4) for any transaction from which the Director derived an improper personal benefit. Any amendment or repeal of this Article IX shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a Director of the Corporation existing hereunder in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.

If the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware shall be amended, to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the liability of Directors, then a Director of the Corporation, in addition to the circumstances in which he is not liable immediately prior to such amendment, shall be free of liability to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as so amended.

ARTICLE X

Stockholder Rights Issuances

The Board of Directors is hereby authorized to create and issue, whether or not in connection with the issuance and sale of any of its stock or other securities or property, rights entitling the holders of securities of the Corporation to purchase from the Corporation shares of stock or other securities of the Corporation or any other corporation, recognizing that, under certain circumstances, the creation and issuance of such rights could have the effect of discouraging third parties from seeking, or impairing their ability to seek, to acquire a significant portion of the outstanding securities of the Corporation, to engage in any transaction which might result in a change of control of the Corporation or to enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding with another party to accomplish the foregoing or for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of any securities of the Corporation. The times at which and the terms upon which such rights are to be issued will be determined by the Board of Directors and set forth in the contracts or instruments that evidence such rights. The authority of the Board of Directors with respect to such rights shall include, but not be limited to, determination of the following:

(A) The initial purchase price per share or other unit of the stock or other securities or property to be purchased upon exercise of such rights.

 

5


(B) Provisions relating to the times at which and the circumstances under which such rights may be exercised or sold or otherwise transferred, either together with or separately from, any other stock or other securities of the Corporation.

(C) Provisions which adjust the number or exercise price of such rights or amount or nature of the stock or other securities or property receivable upon exercise of such rights in the event of a combination, split or recapitalization of any stock of the Corporation, a change in ownership of the Corporation’s stock or other securities or a reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale of assets or other occurrence relating to the Corporation or any stock of the Corporation, and provisions restricting the ability of the Corporation to enter into any such transaction absent an assumption by the other party or parties thereto of the obligations of the Corporation under such rights.

(D) Provisions which deny the holder of the specified percentage of the outstanding stock or other securities of the Corporation the right to exercise such rights and/or cause the rights held by such holder to become void.

(E) Provisions which permit the Corporation to redeem or exchange such rights, which redemption or exchange may be within the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, if the Board of Directors reserves such right to itself.

(F) The appointment of the rights agent with respect to such rights.

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to the contrary, in addition to any other vote required by applicable law, the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock, voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend, repeal or adopt any provision inconsistent with this Article X.

ARTICLE XI

Amendments

Except as may be expressly provided in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Corporation reserves the right at any time and from time to time to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or a Preferred Stock Designation, and any other provisions authorized by the laws of the State of Delaware at the time in force may be added or inserted, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed herein or by applicable law, and all rights, preferences and privileges of whatsoever nature conferred upon stockholders, Directors or any other persons whomsoever by and pursuant to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation in its present form or as hereafter amended are granted subject to the right reserved in this Article XI; provided, however, that any amendment or repeal of Article VIII or Article IX of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection existing thereunder in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to such amendment, alteration, change or repeal, and provided further that no Preferred Stock Designation shall be amended after the issuance of any shares of series of Preferred Stock created thereby, except in accordance with the terms of such Preferred Stock Designation and the requirements of applicable law.

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to the contrary, and in addition to approval by the Board of Directors and any other vote of

 

6


stockholders required by applicable law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock, voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend, repeal or adopt any provision inconsistent with paragraph (1) of Article V, Article VI, Article VII, Article X or this second paragraph of this Article XI. For the purposes of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, “Voting Stock” shall mean the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in a general vote of stockholders of the Corporation as a single class with shares of Common Stock.

 

7


ANNEX 1

THE VOTING POWERS,

DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES AND RELATIVE

PARTICIPATING, OPTIONAL AND OTHER SPECIAL

RIGHTS AND QUALIFICATIONS, LIMITATIONS

AND RESTRICTIONS OF

SERIES A PARTICIPATING CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK

OF

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.

SECTION 1. Designation and Number of Shares. The shares of such series shall be designated as “Series A Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock” (the “Series A Preferred Stock”). The number of shares initially constituting the Series A Preferred Stock shall be 1,000,000; provided, however, that, if more than a total of 1,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be issuable upon the exercise of Rights (the “Rights”) issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement dated as of August 21, 1998, between the Company and ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C., as Rights Agent (the “Rights Agreement”), the Board of Directors of the Company, pursuant to Section 151(g) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, may direct by resolution or resolutions that a certificate be properly executed, acknowledged, filed and recorded, in accordance with the provisions of Section 103 thereof, providing for the total number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock authorized to be issued to be increased (to the extent that the Charter then permits) to the largest number of whole shares (rounded up to the nearest whole number) issuable upon exercise of such Rights.

SECTION 2. Dividends or Distributions. (a) Subject to the superior rights of the holders of shares of any other series of Preferred Stock or other class of capital stock of the Company ranking superior to the shares of Series A Preferred Stock with respect to dividends, the holders of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of the assets of the Company legally available therefor, (1) quarterly dividends payable in cash on the 1st day of February, May, August and November in each year, or such other dates as the Board of Directors of the Company shall approve (each such date being referred to herein as a “Quarterly Dividend Payment Date”), commencing on the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date after the first issuance of a share or a fraction of a share of Series A preferred stock, in the amount of $10 per whole share (rounded to the nearest cent) less the amount of all cash dividends declared on the Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to the following clause (2) since the immediately preceding Quarterly Dividend Payment Date or, with respect to the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, since the first issuance of any share or fraction of a share of Series A Preferred Stock (the total of which shall not, in any event, be less than zero) and (2) dividends payable in cash on the payment date for each cash dividend declared on the Common Shares in an amount per whole share (rounded to the nearest cent) equal to the Formula Number (as hereinafter defined) then in effect times the cash dividends then to be paid on each Common Share. In addition, if the Company shall pay any dividend or make any distribution on the Common Shares payable in assets, securities or other forms of noncash consideration (other than dividends or distributions solely in Common shares), then, in each such case, the Company shall simultaneously pay or make on each outstanding whole share of Series A Preferred Stock a dividend or distribution in like kind equal to the Formula Number then in effect times such dividend or distribution on each Common share. As used herein, the “Formula Number” shall be 10,000; provided, however, that, if at any time after August 21, 1998, the Company shall (i) declare or pay any dividend on the Common Shares payable in shares or make any distribution on the Common Shares in Common Shares, (ii) subdivide (by a stock split or otherwise) the outstanding shares into a larger number of Common Shares or (iii) combine (by a reverse stock split or otherwise) the outstanding Common Shares into a smaller number of Common Shares, then in each such event the Formula Number shall be adjusted to a number determined by multiplying the Formula Number in effect immediately prior to such event by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Common Shares that are outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock that are outstanding immediately prior to such event (and rounding the result to the nearest whole number); and provided further that, if at any time after August 21, 1998, the Company shall issue any shares of its capital stock in a merger, reclassification, or change of the outstanding Common Shares, then in each such event the Formula Number shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect such merger, reclassification or change so that each share of Preferred Stock continues to be the economic equivalent of a Formula Number of Common Shares prior to such merger, reclassification or change.


(b) The Company shall declare a dividend or distribution on the Series A Preferred Stock as provided in Section 2(a) immediately prior to or at the same time it declares a dividend or distribution on the Common Shares (other than a dividend or distribution solely in Common Shares); provided, however, that, in the event no dividend or distribution (other than a dividend or distribution in Common Shares) shall have been declared on the Common Shares during the period between any Quarterly Dividend Payment Date and the next subsequent Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, a dividend of $1 per share on the Series A Preferred Stock shall nevertheless be payable on such subsequent Quarterly Dividend Payment Date. The Board of Directors may fix a record date for the determination of holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock entitled to receive a dividend or distribution declared thereon, which record date shall be the same as the record date for any corresponding dividend or distribution on the Common Shares.

(c) Dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative on outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock from and after the Quarterly Dividend Payment Date next preceding the date of original issue of such shares of Series A Preferred Stock; provided, however, that dividends on such shares which are originally issued after the record date for the determination of holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock entitled to receive a quarterly dividend and on or prior to the next succeeding Quarterly Dividend Payment Date shall begin to accrue and be cumulative from and after such Quarterly Dividend Payment Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends on shares of Series A Preferred Stock which are originally issued prior to the record date for the determination of holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock entitled to receive a quarterly dividend on the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date shall be calculated as if cumulative from and after the last day of the fiscal quarter next preceding the date of original issuance of such shares. Accrued but unpaid dividends shall not bear interest. Dividends paid on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock in an amount less than the total amount of such dividends at the time accrued and payable on such shares shall be allocated pro rata on a share-by-share basis among all such shares at the time outstanding.

(d) So long as any shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding, no dividends or other distributions shall be declared, paid or distributed, or set aside for payment or distribution, on the Common Shares unless, in each case, the dividend required by this Section 2 to be declared on the Series A Preferred Stock shall have been declared.

(e) The holders of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to receive any dividends or other distributions except as provided herein.

SECTION 3. Voting rights. The holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall have the following voting rights:

(a) Each holder of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to a number of votes equal to the Formula Number then in effect, for each share of Series A Preferred Stock held of record on each matter on which holders of the Common Shares or stockholders generally are entitled to vote, multiplied by the maximum number of votes per share which any holder of the Common Shares or stockholders generally then have with respect to such matter (assuming any holding period or other requirement to vote a greater number of shares is satisfied).

(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, by the Charter or by applicable law, the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock and the holders of shares of Common Stock (and any other capital stock of the Company at the time entitled thereto) shall vote together as one class for the election of directors of the Company and on all other matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Company.

(c) Except as provided herein, in Section 11 or by applicable law, holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall have no special voting rights and their consent shall not be required (except to the extent they are entitled to vote with holders of Common Stock as set forth herein) for authorizing or taking any corporate action.

 

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SECTION 4. Certain Restrictions. (a) Whenever quarterly dividends or other dividends or distributions payable on the Series A Preferred Stock as provided in Section 2 are in arrears, thereafter and until all accrued and unpaid dividends and distributions, whether or not declared, on shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding shall have been paid in full, the Company shall not:

(i) declare or pay dividends on, make any other distributions on, or redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares of stock ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the Series A Preferred Stock;

(ii) declare or pay dividends on or make any other distributions on any shares of stock ranking on a parity (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) with the Series A Preferred stock, except dividends paid ratably on the Series A Preferred Stock and all such parity stock on which dividends are payable or in arrears in proportion to the total amounts to which the holders of all such shares are then entitled;

(iii) redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration shares of any stock ranking on a parity (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) with the Series A Preferred Stock; provided that the Company may at any time redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire shares of any such parity stock in exchange for shares of any stock of the Company ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up) to the Series A Preferred Stock; or

(iv) purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares of Series A Preferred Stock, or any shares of stock ranking on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock, except in accordance with a purchase offer made in writing or by publication as determined by the Board of Directors) to all holders of such shares upon such terms as the Board of Directors, after consideration of the respective annual dividend rates and other relative rights and preferences of the respective series and classes, shall determine in good faith will result in fair and equitable treatment among the respective series or classes.

(b) The Company shall not permit any subsidiary of the Company to purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares of stock of the Company unless the Company could, under paragraph (a) of this Section 4, purchase or otherwise acquire such shares at such time and in such manner.

SECTION 5. Liquidation Rights. Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, no distribution shall be made (1) to the holders of shares of stock ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the Series A Preferred Stock unless, prior thereto, the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall have received an amount equal to the accrued and unpaid dividends and distributions thereon, whether or not declared, to the date of such payment, plus an amount equal to the greater of (x) $1,000 per whole share or (y) an aggregate amount per share equal to the Formula Number then in effect times the aggregate amount to be distributed per share to holders of Common Shares or (2) to the holders of stock ranking on a parity (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) with the Series A Preferred Stock, except distributions made ratably on the Series A Preferred Stock and all other such parity stock in proportion to the total amounts to which the holders of all such shares are entitled upon such liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

SECTION 6. Consolidation, Merger, etc. In case the Company shall enter into any consolidation, merger, combination or other transaction in which the Common Shares are exchanged for or changed into other stock or securities, cash or any other property, then in any such case the then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall at the same time be similarly exchanged or changed into an amount per share equal to the Formula Number then in effect times the aggregate amount of stock, securities, cash or any other property (payable in kind), as the case may be, into which or for which each Common Share is exchanged or changed. In the event both this Section 6 and Section 2 appear to apply to a transaction, this Section 6 will control.

 

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SECTION 7. No Redemption; No Sinking Fund. (a) The shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall not be subject to redemption by the Company or at the option of any holder of Series A Preferred Stock; provided, however, that the Company may purchase or otherwise acquire outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock in the open market or by offer to any holder or holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

(b) The shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall not be subject to or entitled to the operation of a retirement or sinking fund.

SECTION 8. Ranking. The Series A Preferred Stock shall rank junior to all other series of Preferred Stock of the Company unless the Board of Directors shall specifically determine otherwise in fixing the powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights of the shares of such series and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof.

SECTION 9. Fractional Shares. The Series A Preferred Stock shall be issuable upon exercise of the Rights issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement in whole shares or in any fraction of a share that is one one-thousandth of a share or any integral multiple of such fraction which shall entitle the holder, in proportion to such holder’s fractional shares, to receive dividends, exercise voting rights, participate in distributions and to have the benefit of all other rights of holders of Series A Preferred Stock. In lieu of fractional shares, the Company, prior to the first issuance of a share or a fraction of a share of Series A Preferred Stock, may elect (a) to make a cash payment as provided in the Rights Agreement for fractions of a share other than one one-thousandths of a share or any integral multiple thereof or (b) to issue depository receipts evidencing such authorized fraction of a share of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to an appropriate agreement between the Company and a depository selected by the Company; provided that such agreement shall provide that the holders of such depository receipts shall have all the rights, privileges and preferences to which they are entitled as holders of the Series A Preferred Stock.

SECTION 10. Reacquired Shares. Any shares of Series A Preferred Stock purchased or otherwise acquired by the Company in any manner whatsoever shall be retired and canceled promptly after the acquisition thereof. All such shares shall upon their cancellation become authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock, without designation as to series until such shares are once more designated as part of a particular series by the Board of Directors pursuant to the provisions of the Charter.

SECTION 11. Amendment. In addition to any vote required by applicable law, following the Rights becoming exercisable, none of the powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights of the Series A Preferred Stock as provided herein, in the Company’s by-laws or in the Charter shall be mended in any manner which would alter or change the powers, preferences, rights or privileges of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock so as to affect them adversely without (i) at least a Majority of the Rights having been exercised by the holders thereof and (ii) the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66-2/3% of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, having been obtained.

 

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ANNEX 2

THE VOTING POWERS,

DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES AND RELATIVE

PARTICIPATING, OPTIONAL AND OTHER SPECIAL

RIGHTS AND QUALIFICATIONS, LIMITATIONS

and RESTRICTIONS OF

6.25% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock

OF

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.

(a) Designation. 8,050,000 shares of Preferred Stock are hereby designated by the Board of Directors of the Company. Each share of Preferred Stock will have a liquidation preference of $50.00 (the “Liquidation Preference”).

(b) Currency. All shares of Preferred Stock shall be denominated in United States currency, and all payments and distributions thereon or with respect thereto shall be made in United States currency. All references herein to “$” or “dollars” refer to United States currency.

(c) Ranking. The Preferred Stock shall, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, winding up or dissolution, rank junior to (i) each other class or series of capital stock of the Company, other than (A) the Common Stock of the Company and any other class or series of capital stock of the Company which by its terms ranks junior to the Preferred Stock, as to which the Preferred Stock shall rank prior and (B) any other class or series of capital stock of the Company which by its terms ranks on a parity with the Preferred Stock, as to which the Preferred Stock shall rank on a parity or (ii) other equity interests in the Company, in each case, including, without limitation, warrants, rights, calls or options exercisable for or convertible into such capital stock or equity interests, except as provided in the last sentence of this paragraph (c). All equity securities of the Company to which the Preferred Stock ranks prior (whether with respect to dividends or upon liquidation, winding up, dissolution or otherwise), including the Common Stock of the Company, are collectively referred to herein as the “Junior Stock”. All equity securities of the Company to which the Preferred Stock ranks on a parity (whether with respect to dividends or upon liquidation, winding up, dissolution or otherwise) are collectively referred to herein as the “Parity Stock”. All equity securities of the Company to which the Preferred Stock ranks junior (whether with respect to dividends or upon liquidation, winding up, dissolution or otherwise) are collectively referred to herein as the “Senior Stock”. The respective definitions of Junior Stock, Parity Stock and Senior Stock shall also include any warrants, rights, calls or options exercisable for or convertible into any Junior Stock, Parity Stock or Senior Stock, as the case may be. The Preferred Stock shall, with respect to dividend rights and upon liquidation, winding up or dissolution, rank junior to the Company’s 12 3/4% Series B Senior Exchangeable Preferred Stock due 2010, senior to the Company’s Series A Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock, when issued and on a parity with the Company’s Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock and, if and when issued, the Company’s Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.

(d) Dividends. (i) The holders of shares of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors of the Company out of funds legally available therefor, dividends on the shares of Preferred Stock, cumulative from the first date of issuance of any such shares (the “Initial Issuance Date”), at a rate per annum of 6.25% of the Liquidation Preference per share, payable in cash or common stock, subject to paragraph (l). Dividends on the shares of Preferred Stock shall be payable quarterly in equal amounts (subject to paragraph (d)(v) hereunder with respect to shorter periods, including the first such period with respect to newly issued shares of Preferred Stock) in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, or if any such date is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each such date, a “Dividend Payment Date”, and each such quarterly period, a “Dividend Period”), in preference to and in priority over dividends on any Junior Stock. Such dividends shall be paid to the holders of record of the shares of Preferred Stock as they appear on the applicable Record Date. As used herein, the term “Record Date” means, with respect to the dividends payable on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year, respectively, or such other record date, not more than 60 days and not less than 10 days preceding the applicable Dividend Payment Date, as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors


of the Company. Dividends on the shares of Preferred Stock shall be fully cumulative and shall accrue (whether or not declared and whether or not there are funds of the Company legally available for the payment of dividends) from the Initial Issuance Date (or the last Dividend Payment Date for which dividends were paid, as the case may be) based on a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. Accrued and unpaid dividends for any past Dividend Period may be declared and paid at any time, without reference to any Dividend Payment Date, to holders of record on such date, not more than 45 days prior to the payment thereof, as may be fixed by the Board of Directors of the Company.

(ii) No dividend shall be declared or paid or set apart for payment or other distribution declared or made, whether in cash, obligations or shares of capital stock of the Company or other property, directly or indirectly, upon any shares of Junior Stock or Parity Stock, nor shall any shares of Junior Stock or Parity Stock be redeemed, repurchased or otherwise acquired for consideration by the Company through a sinking fund or otherwise, unless all accrued and unpaid dividends through the most recent preceding Dividend Payment Date (whether or not such dividends have been declared and whether or not there are funds of the Company legally available for the payment of dividends) on the shares of Preferred Stock and any Parity Stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid in full; provided, however, that, notwithstanding any provisions in this subparagraph (ii) to the contrary, the Company shall be entitled to (a) declare and pay dividends on shares of Junior Stock payable solely in shares of Junior Stock and on shares of Parity Stock payable solely in shares of Parity Stock or Junior Stock, or in each case by an increase in the liquidation preference of the Junior Stock or Parity Stock and (b) redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire Junior Stock or Parity Stock in exchange for consideration consisting of Parity Stock or Junior Stock, in the case of Parity Stock, or of Junior Stock, in the case of Junior Stock. When dividends are not paid in full, as aforesaid, upon the shares of Preferred Stock, all dividends declared on the Preferred Stock and any other Parity Stock shall be declared and paid either (A) pro rata so that the amount of dividends so declared on the shares of Preferred Stock and each such other class or series of Parity Stock shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio as accrued dividends on the shares of Preferred Stock and such class or series of Parity Stock bear to each other or (B) on another basis that is at least as favorable to the holders of the Preferred Stock entitled to receive such dividends.

(iii) Any dividend payment made on the Preferred Stock shall first be credited against the dividends accrued with respect to the earliest Dividend Period for which dividends have not been paid.

(iv) All dividends paid with respect to shares of Preferred Stock pursuant to this paragraph (d) shall be paid pro rata to the holders entitled thereto.

(v) Dividends (or cash amounts equal to accrued and unpaid dividends) payable on the Preferred Stock for any period shorter or longer than three months shall be computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed (in a 30-day month) since the applicable Dividend Payment Date or from the Initial Issuance Date with respect to newly issued shares, as applicable, and based on a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. No interest shall accrue or be payable in respect of unpaid dividends.

(e) Liquidation Preference. (i) Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, each holder of shares of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to payment out of the assets of the Company available for distribution of an amount equal to the then effective Liquidation Preference per share of Preferred Stock held by such holder, plus all accumulated and unpaid dividends therein to the date of such liquidation, dissolution or winding up, before any distribution is made on any Junior Stock, including, without limitation, Common Stock of the Company. After payment in full of an amount equal to the then effective Liquidation Preference and all accumulated and unpaid dividends to which holders of shares of Preferred Stock are entitled, such holders shall not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets of the Company. If, upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the amounts payable with respect to shares of Preferred Stock and all other Parity Stock are not paid in full, the holders of shares of Preferred Stock and the holders of the Parity Stock shall share equally and ratably in any distribution of assets of the Company in proportion to the full liquidation preference and all accumulated and unpaid dividends to which each such holder is entitled.

 

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(ii) Neither the voluntary sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other consideration) of all or substantially all of the property or assets of the Company nor the consolidation, merger or amalgamation of the Company with or into any entity or the consolidation, merger or amalgamation of any entity with or into the Company shall be deemed to be a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company or a reduction or decrease in the capital stock of the Company.

(f) Redemption at Maturity. (i) On August 15, 2012, the Company shall be obligated to redeem out of lawfully available funds all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock for cash, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice sent by first class mail to each holder’s registered address, at an amount equal to 100.0% of the Liquidation Preference per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends to the date of redemption.

(ii) When shares of Preferred Stock are to be redeemed pursuant to this paragraph (f), the notice of such redemption shall state: (A) the date fixed for redemption; (B) the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed; (C) the redemption price; (D) the place or places where such shares of Preferred Stock are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price; and (E) that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such date fixed for redemption unless the Company shall default in the payment of the redemption price.

Notice having been given as provided in the preceding paragraph, and if on or before the redemption date specified in such notice, an amount in cash sufficient to redeem in full on the redemption date and at the redemption price all shares of Preferred Stock called for redemption shall have been set apart and deposited in trust so as to be available for such purpose and only for such purpose, or shall have been paid to the holders thereof then effective as of the close of business on such redemption date, and unless there shall be a subsequent default in the payment of the redemption price, the shares of Preferred Stock so called for redemption shall cease to accrue dividends, and such shares shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding and shall have the status of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock of the Company, undesignated as to series, and all rights of the holders thereof, as such, as shareholders of the Company (except the right to receive from the Company the redemption price) shall cease. Upon surrender in accordance with such notice of the certificates for any shares so redeemed (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the notice shall so state), such shares shall be redeemed by the Company.

(g) Voting Rights. Except as required under Delaware law, the holders of shares of Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any voting rights as shareholders of the Company except as follows:

(i) The affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, voting with holders of shares of all other series of preferred stock affected in the same way as a single class, in person or by proxy, at a special or annual meeting called for the purpose, or by written consent in lieu of a meeting, shall be required to amend, repeal or change any provisions of this Certificate of Designations in any manner which would adversely affect, alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the Preferred Stock and any such securities affected in the same way; provided, however, that the creation, authorization or issuance of any other class or series of capital stock or the increase or decrease in the amount of authorized capital stock of any such class or series or of the Preferred Stock, shall not require the consent of the holders of the Preferred Stock and shall not be deemed to affect adversely, alter or change the powers, preferences and special rights of the shares of Preferred Stock. With respect to any matter on which the holders are entitled to vote as a separate class, each share of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to one vote.

(ii) If at any time the equivalent of six quarterly dividends payable on the shares of Preferred Stock are accrued and unpaid (whether or not consecutive and whether or not declared), the holders of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock and any Parity Stock or Senior Stock having similar voting rights then exercisable, voting separately as a single class without regard to series, shall be entitled to elect at the next annual meeting of the shareholders of the Company two directors to serve until all dividends accumulated and unpaid on any such voting shares have been paid or declared and funds set aside to provide for payment in full. In exercising any such vote, each outstanding share of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to one vote.

 

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(h) Optional Conversion. (i) Each share of Preferred Stock shall be convertible at any time and from time to time at the option of the holder thereof into fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock. The number of shares of Common Stock deliverable upon conversion of a share of Preferred Stock, adjusted as hereinafter provided, is referred to herein as the “Conversion Ratio”. The Conversion Ratio as of the Initial Issuance Date shall be 1.3559 and shall equal the ratio the numerator of which shall be the Liquidation Preference and the denominator of which shall be the Conversion Price, The Conversion Price shall be $36.875, subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in paragraph (j).

(ii) Conversion of shares of Preferred Stock may be effected by any holder upon the surrender to the Company at the principal office of the Company or at the office of the transfer agent for the Preferred Stock (the “Transfer Agent”), as may be designated by the Board of Directors of the Company, of the certificate or certificates for such shares of Preferred Stock to be converted accompanied by a written notice stating that such holder elects to convert all or a specified whole number of such shares in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph (h) and specifying the name or names in which such holder wishes the certificate or certificates for shares of Common Stock to be issued. In case such notice shall specify a name or names other than that of such holder, such notice shall be accompanied by payment of all transfer taxes payable upon the issuance of shares of Common Stock in such name or names. Other than such taxes, the Company shall pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer taxes that may be payable in respect of any issuance or delivery of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of shares of Preferred Stock pursuant hereto. As promptly as practicable after the surrender of such certificate or certificates and the receipt of such notice relating thereto and, if applicable, payment of all required transfer taxes (or the demonstration to the satisfaction of the Company that such taxes have been paid), the Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered (x) certificates representing the number of validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable full shares of Common Stock to which the holder (or the holder’s transferee) of shares of Preferred Stock being converted shall be entitled and (y) if less than the full number of shares of Preferred Stock evidenced by the surrendered certificate or certificates is being converted, a new certificate or certificates, of like tenor, for the number of shares evidenced by such surrendered certificate or certificates less the number of shares being converted. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made at the close of business on the date of giving such notice and of such surrender of the certificate or certificates representing the shares of Preferred Stock to be converted so that the rights of the holder thereof as to the shares being converted shall cease except for the right to receive shares of Common Stock and accrued and unpaid dividends with respect to the shares of Preferred Stock being converted, in each case in accordance herewith, and the person entitled to receive the shares of Common Stock shall be treated for all purposes as having become the record holder of such shares of Common Stock at such time.

(iii) If a holder of shares of Preferred Stock exercises conversion rights under paragraph (h)(i), upon delivery of the shares for conversion, such shares shall cease to accrue dividends pursuant to paragraph (d) as of the end of the day immediately preceding the date of such delivery, but such shares shall continue to be entitled to receive all accrued dividends which such holder is entitled to receive through the last preceding Dividend Payment Date unless such conversion follows a call for redemption by the Company in which case pro rata dividends shall also be payable through the date of such call. Any such accrued and unpaid dividends shall be payable by the Company as and when such dividends are paid to any remaining holders or, if none, on the date which would have been the next succeeding Dividend Payment Date had there been remaining holders or such later time at which the Company believes it has adequate available capital under applicable law to make such a payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, shares of Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion (other than after notice of redemption has been given with respect to such shares) after the close of business on any record date for the payment of dividends declared and prior to the opening of business on the Dividend Payment Date relating thereto must be accompanied by a payment in cash or common stock (pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (i)) of an amount equal to the dividend declared in respect of such shares.

(iv) In case any shares of Preferred Stock are to be redeemed pursuant to paragraph (f), such right of conversion shall cease and terminate, as to the shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed, at the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the date fixed for redemption unless the Company shall default in the payment of the redemption price therefor, as provided herein.

 

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(v) In connection with the conversion of any shares of Preferred Stock, no fractions of shares of Common Stock shall be required to be issued, but in lieu thereof, the Company may pay a cash adjustment in respect of such fractional interest in an amount equal to such fractional interest multiplied by the Conversion Price. If more than one share of Preferred Stock shall be surrendered for conversion by the same holder at the same time, the number of full shares of Common Stock issuable on conversion thereof shall be computed on the basis of the total number of shares of Preferred Stock so surrendered.

(vi) The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available, free from preemptive rights, for issuance upon the conversion of shares of Preferred Stock such number of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock as will from time to time be sufficient to permit the conversion of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock. Prior to the delivery of any securities which the Company shall be obligated to deliver upon conversion of the Preferred Stock, the Company shall comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations which require action to be taken by the Company. All shares of Common Stock delivered upon conversion of the Preferred Stock will upon delivery be duly and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable, free of all liens and charges and not subject to any preemptive rights.

(i) Mandatory Conversion. (i) At any time on or after August 15, 2003, the Company may cause the Preferred Stock, in whole or from time to time in part, to be automatically converted into that number of shares of Common Stock per share of Preferred Stock equal to the Liquidation Preference per share of Preferred Stock divided by the then prevailing Conversion Price if the Current Market Value of the Common Stock equals or exceeds 120% of the then prevailing Conversion Price for at least 20 trading days in any consecutive 30-day trading period, including the last trading day of such 30-day period; ending on the trading day prior to the issuance of the press release announcing the mandatory conversion referred to in paragraph (i)(ii).

(ii) To exercise a mandatory conversion, the Company shall issue a press release announcing such mandatory conversion prior to the opening of business on the first trading day following any date on which the conditions described in paragraph (i)(i) are met. The Company shall give notice of the mandatory conversion by mail or by publication (with subsequent prompt notice by mail) to the holders of the Preferred Stock not more than four Business Days after the date of the press release announcing the Company’s intention to convert the Preferred Stock. The conversion date will be a date selected by the Company, which date shall not be less than 30 nor more than 60 days after the date on which the Company issues such press release.

(iii) In addition to any information required by applicable law or regulation, notice of mandatory conversion shall state, as appropriate, (a) the Preferred Stock conversion date, (b) the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued upon conversion of each share of Preferred Stock, (c) the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be converted (and, if fewer than all of the shares of Preferred Stock are to be converted the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be converted from such holder), (d) the place(s) where the certificates representing shares of Preferred Stock are to be surrendered for delivery of certificates representing shares of Common Stock and (e) that dividends on the shares to be converted will cease to accumulate on such mandatory conversion date.

(iv) The dividend payment with respect to a share of Preferred Stock called for mandatory conversion on a date during the period from the close of business on any Record Date for the payment of dividends to the close of business on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date shall be payable on such Dividend Payment Date to the record holder of such share on such Record Date if such share has been converted after such Record Date and prior to such Dividend Payment Date. Except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence with respect to a mandatory conversion, no payment or adjustment will be made upon conversion of shares of Preferred Stock for accumulated and unpaid dividends or for dividends with respect to the Common Stock issued upon such conversion.

 

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(v) On and after the mandatory conversion date, dividends will cease to accrue on shares of Preferred Stock and all rights of holders of such shares will terminate except for the right to receive the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof.

(vi) The Company may not authorize or make any mandatory conversion unless, prior to giving the conversion notice, all accumulated and unpaid dividends on the Preferred Stock for the complete Dividend Periods ended prior to the date of such conversion notice shall have been paid in cash or Common Stock. In the event of partial mandatory conversions of the Preferred Stock, the shares to be convened will be determined pro rata or by lot, as determined by the Company, provided that the Company may convert all shares held by holders of fewer than 100 shares of Preferred Stock (or by holders that would hold fewer than 100 shares of Preferred Stock following such conversion) prior to the Company’s conversion of other shares of Preferred Stock.

(j) Conversion Price Adjustments. (i) The Conversion Price shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as follows:

(A) Stock Splits and Combinations. In case the Company shall at any time or from time to time after the Initial Issuance Date (a) pay a dividend in shares of Common Stock to holders of Common Stock, (b) make a distribution in shares of Common Stock to holders of Common Stock, (c) subdivide or split the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (d) combine or reclassify the outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares or (e) issue by reclassification of the shares of Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Company, then, and in each such case, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such event or the record date therefor, whichever is earlier, shall be adjusted so that the holder of any shares of Preferred Stock thereafter surrendered for conversion shall be entitled to receive the number of shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company which such holder would have owned or have been entitled to receive after the occurrence of any of the events described above, had such shares of Preferred Stock been surrendered for conversion immediately prior to the occurrence of such event or the record date therefor, whichever is earlier. An adjustment made pursuant to this subparagraph (A) shall become effective at the close of business on the day upon which such corporate action becomes effective. Such adjustment shall be made successively whenever any event listed above shall occur.

(B) Issuance of Rights or Warrants. In case the Company shall issue to all holders of Common Stock rights or warrants expiring within 45 days entitling such holders to subscribe for or purchase Common Stock at a price per share less than the Current Market Price (as defined below), the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date fixed for determination of shareholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants shall be reduced by multiplying such Conversion Price by a fraction, the numerator of which is the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on such record date and the number of shares of Common Stock that the aggregate offering price of the total number of shares of Common Stock so offered for subscription or purchase would purchase at such Current Market Price and the denominator of which is the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on such record date and the number of additional shares of Common Stock so offered for subscription or purchase. For purposes of this subparagraph (B), the issuance of rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase securities convertible into Common Stock shall be deemed to be the issuance of rights or warrants to purchase the Common Stock into which such securities are convertible at an aggregate offering price equal to the sum of the aggregate offering price of such securities and the minimum aggregate amount (if any) payable upon conversion of such securities into shares of Common Stock. Such adjustment shall be made successively whenever any such event shall occur.

(C) Distribution of Indebtedness, Securities or Assets. In case the Company shall distribute to all holders of Common Stock (whether by dividend or in a merger, amalgamation or consolidation or otherwise) evidences of indebtedness, shares of capital stock of any class or series, other securities, cash or assets (other than Common Stock, rights or warrants referred to in subparagraph (B) above or a dividend payable exclusively in cash and other than as a result of a Fundamental Change (as defined below)), the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date fixed for determination of shareholders entitled to receive such distribution shall be reduced by

 

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multiplying such Conversion Price by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Current Market Price on such record date less the fair market value (as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company, whose determination in good faith shall be conclusive) of the portion of such evidences of indebtedness, shares of capital stock, other securities, cash and assets so distributed applicable to one share of Common Stock and the denominator of which is the Current Market Price. Such adjustment shall be made successively whenever any such event shall occur.

In respect of a dividend or other distribution of shares of capital stock of any class or series, or similar equity interests, of or relating to a subsidiary or other business unit of the Company (a “Spin-Off’), the adjustment to the Conversion Price pursuant to this paragraph (C) shall occur at the earlier of (i) 20 trading days after the effective date of the Spin-Off and (ii) the initial public offering of securities pertaining to the subsidiary or other business unit to which the Spin-Off-relates, if that initial public offering is effected simultaneously with such Spin-Off.

(D) Fundamental Changes. In case any transaction or event (including, without limitation, any merger, consolidation, tender or exchange offer, reclassification, compulsory share exchange or liquidation) shall occur in which all or substantially all outstanding shares of Common Stock are converted into or exchanged for stock, other securities, cash or assets (each, a “Fundamental Change”), the holder of each share of Preferred Stock outstanding immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Change (if any remain outstanding after such Fundamental Change) shall have the right upon any subsequent conversion to receive (but only out of legally available funds, to the extent required by applicable law) the kind and amount of stock, other securities, cash and assets that such holder would have received if such share had been converted immediately prior to such Fundamental Change.

(ii) Anything in this paragraph (j) to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be required to give effect to any adjustment in the Conversion Price unless and until the net effect of one or more adjustments (each of which shall be carried forward until counted toward adjustment), determined as above provided, shall have resulted in a change of the Conversion Price by at least 1%, and when the cumulative net effect of more than one adjustment so determined shall be to change the Conversion Price by at least 1%, such change in the Conversion Price shall thereupon be given effect. In the event that, at any time as a result of the provisions of this paragraph (j), the holder of shares of Preferred Stock upon subsequent conversion shall become entitled to receive any shares of capital stock of the Company other than Common Stock, the number of such other shares so receivable upon conversion of shares of Preferred Stock shall thereafter be subject to adjustment from time to time in a manner and on terms as nearly equivalent as practicable to the provisions contained herein.

(iii) There shall be no adjustment of the Conversion Price in case of the issuance of any stock of the Company in a merger, reorganization, acquisition, reclassification, recapitalization or other similar transaction except as set forth in this paragraph (j).

(iv) In any case in which this paragraph (j) requires that an adjustment as a result of any event become effective from and after a record date, the Company may elect to defer until after the occurrence of such event (A) issuing to the holder of any shares of Preferred Stock converted after such record date and before the occurrence of such event the additional shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion over and above the shares issuable on the basis of the conversion price in effect immediately prior to adjustment and (B) paying to such holder any amount in cash in lieu of a fractional share of Common Stock.

(v) If the Company shall take a record of the holders of its Common Stock for the purpose of entitling them to receive a dividend or other distribution, and shall thereafter and before the distribution to shareholders thereof legally abandon its plan to pay or deliver such dividend or distribution, then thereafter no adjustment in the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the right of conversion granted by this paragraph (j) or in the Conversion Price then in effect shall be required by reason of the taking of such record.

 

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(vi) The Board of Directors of the Company shall have the power to resolve any ambiguity or correct any error in this paragraph (j), and its action in so doing shall be final and conclusive.

(k) Change in Control Put Right. (i) If a Change in Control occurs with respect to the Company, each holder of shares of Preferred Stock (if any shares of Preferred Stock remain outstanding thereafter) shall have the right to require the Company to purchase all or any part of such holder’s shares of Preferred Stock at a purchase price in cash equal to 100% of the Liquidation Preference of such shares, plus all accumulated and unpaid dividends on such shares to the date of purchase. The Company shall have the option to pay for such shares of Preferred Stock in shares of Common Stock valued at 95% of the Average Market Value. Within 30 days following such Change in Control, the Company shall mail a notice to each holder of shares of Preferred Stock (if any remain outstanding thereafter) describing the transaction or transactions that constitute such Change in Control and offering to purchase such holder’s shares of Preferred Stock on the date specified in such notice, which date shall be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed.

(ii) The Company shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-l under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and any other securities laws and regulations to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the purchase of Preferred Stock as a result of a Change in Control with respect to the Company. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with any of the provisions of this paragraph (k), the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall be deemed not to have breached its obligations under this paragraph (k).

(iii) On the date scheduled for payment of the shares of Preferred Stock tendered to the Company for repurchase as provided in this paragraph (k), the Company shall, to the extent lawful, (a) accept for payment all shares of Preferred Stock properly tendered, (b) deposit with the Transfer Agent an amount equal to the purchase price of the shares of Preferred Stock so tendered and (c) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Transfer Agent shares of Preferred Stock so accepted together with an officers’ certificate stating the aggregate Liquidation Preference of the shares of Preferred Stock being purchased by the Company. The Transfer Agent shall promptly mail or deliver to each holder of shares of Preferred Stock so tendered the applicable payment for such shares of Preferred Stock, and the Transfer Agent shall promptly countersign and mail or deliver, or cause to be transferred by book-entry, to each holder new shares of Preferred Stock equal in Liquidation Preference to any unpurchased portion of the shares of Preferred Stock surrendered, if any. The Company shall publicly announce the results of its offer on or as soon as practicable after the payment date for the purchase of shares of Preferred Stock in connection with a Change in Control of the Company.

(iv) The Company shall not be required to make an offer to purchase any shares of Preferred Stock upon the occurrence of a Change in Control of the Company if a third party makes that offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements described in this paragraph (k) and purchases all shares of Preferred Stock validly tendered and not withdrawn.

(v) The right of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock described in this paragraph (k) shall be subject to the obligation of the Company to:

(a) repay its debt obligations in full under its corporate credit facility; and

(b) offer to purchase and purchase all of its debt securities and outstanding shares of Senior Stock that have been tendered for purchase in connection with a Change in Control of the Company.

In addition, the right of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock described in this paragraph (k) shall be subject to the repurchase or repayment of the Company’s future indebtedness and Senior Stock, which the Company shall be required to repurchase or repay in connection with a Change in Control of the Company.

 

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When the Company shall have satisfied the obligations set forth above in this subparagraph (v) and, subject to the legal availability of funds for this purpose, the Company shall purchase all shares of Preferred Stock tendered for purchase by the Company upon a Change in Control of the Company pursuant to this paragraph (k).

(l) Method of Payments. (i) Subject to the restrictions set forth herein, the Company may generally make any payments due on the Preferred Stock:

(a) in cash;

(b) by delivery of Common Stock; or

(c) through any combination of cash and Common Stock.

(ii) If the Company elects to make any such payment, or any portion thereof, in shares of Common Stock, such shares shall be valued for such purpose, in the case of any dividend payment, or portion thereof, at 95% of the Average Market Value.

(iii) The Company shall give the holders of the Preferred Stock notice as to whether each payment shall be made (a) in cash, (b) in shares of Common Stock, or (c) if such payment shall be made in a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, the portion of such payment that shall be made in cash and the portion that shall be made in shares of Common Stock, in each case ten (10) trading days prior to (a) in the case of a payment of any dividend, the Record Date for such dividend, or (b) in the case of any other payment, the date of such payment.

(iv) The Company shall make each dividend payment on the Preferred Stock in cash, except to the extent the Company shall have elected to make all or any portion of such payment in shares of Common Stock.

(v) No fractional shares of Common Stock will be delivered to the holders of the Preferred Stock, but the Company shall instead pay a cash adjustment to each holder that would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share of Common Stock. The amount of such cash adjustment shall be determined based on the proceeds received by the Transfer Agent from the sale of that number of Shares of Common Stock which the Company shall deliver to the Transfer Agent for such purpose, equal to the aggregate of all such fractions (rounded up to the nearest whole share). The Transfer Agent is authorized and directed to sell such shares of Common Stock at the best available prices and distribute the proceeds to the holders of such shares of Preferred Stock in proportion to their respective interests therein. The Company shall pay the expenses of the Transfer Agent with respect to such sale, including brokerage commissions. Any portion of any such payment that is declared and not paid through the delivery of shares of Common Stock shall be paid in cash.

(vi) Shares of Preferred Stock issued and reacquired shall, upon compliance with the applicable requirements of law, have the status of authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock undesignated as to series and may with any and all other authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock be designated or redesignated and issued, as part of any series of Preferred Stock.

(m) Certain Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context otherwise requires:

Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise; provided that beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the Voting Stock of a Person shall be deemed to be control.

 

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Average Market Value” of the Common Stock means the arithmetic average of the Current Market Value of the Common Stock for the five trading days ending on the second Business Day prior to (a) in the case of the payment of any dividend, the Record Date for such dividend and (b) in the case of any other payment, the date of such payment.

Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a United States federal holiday.

Capital Stock” means: (1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock, (2) in the case or an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock; (3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); and (4) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.

Change in Control” means, with respect to the Company, the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any “person” (as such term is used in Section 13 (d)(3) of the Exchange Act) other than a Principal or a Related Party of a Principal; (ii) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (iii) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any “person” (as defined above), other than the Principals and their Related Parties, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that a person shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all securities that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the Voting Stock of the Company (measured by voting power rather than number of shares); provided that transfers of Equity Interests in the Company between or among the beneficial owners of the Company’s Equity Interests and/or Equity Interests in Crown Castle UK Holdings Limited, in each case as of June 26, 2000, shall not be deemed to cause a Change of Control under this clause so long as no single Person together with its Affiliates acquires a beneficial interest in more of the Voting Stock of the Company than is at the time collectively beneficially owned by the Principals and their Related Parties; (iv) the first day on which a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Company are not Continuing Directors; or (v) the Company consolidates with, or merges with or into, any Person, or any Person consolidates with, or merges with or into, the Company, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of the outstanding Voting Stock of the Company is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where: (a) the Voting Stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such transaction is converted into or exchanged for Voting Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the surviving or transferee Person constituting a majority of the outstanding shares of such Voting Stock of such surviving or transferee Person (immediately after giving effect to such issuance); or (b) the Principals and their Related Parties own a majority of such outstanding shares after such transaction.

Continuing Directors” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the board of directors of the Company who: (l) was a member of such board of directors on August 3, 1999; (2) was nominated for election or elected to such board of directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such board of directors at the time of such nomination or election; or (3) is a designee of a Principal or was nominated by a Principal.

Current Market Price” means, with respect to any event set forth in paragraph (j) herein, as applicable, the average of the daily closing prices for the five consecutive trading days selected by the Board of Directors of the Company commencing not more than 20 trading days before, and ending not later than the date of such event and the date immediately preceding the record date fixed in connection with

 

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such event; provided that the Current Market Price of the Company’s Common Stock in connection with a Spin-Off shall mean the average of the daily closing prices of the Company’s Common Stock for the same five consecutive trading days in determining the Fair Market Value of the securities being distributed in such Spin-Off; provided further that if an initial public offering of the securities being distributed in any Spin-Off is to be effected simultaneously with such Spin-Off, the Current Market Price of the Company’s Common Stock shall mean the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on the trading day on which the initial public offering price of such securities is determined.

Current Market Value” of the Common Stock means the average volume-weighted daily trading price of the Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market or such other SEC recognized national securities exchange or trading system which the Company may from time to time designate upon which the greatest number of shares of the Common Stock is then listed or traded, for the trading day in question.

Disqualified Stock” means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable, in each case, at the option of the holder thereof), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is 91 days after the date on which the Company is obligated to redeem the Preferred Stock as set forth in paragraph (f); provided however, that any Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders thereof have the right to require the Company to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a Change in Control or a sale of assets shall not constitute Disqualified Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock provide that CCIC may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock pursuant to such provisions unless such repurchase or redemption complies with the provisions of paragraph (d).

Equity Interests” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

Fair Market Value” of the securities to be distributed to the holders of the Company’s Common Stock in connection with a Spin-Off shall mean the average of the daily closing prices of such securities for the five consecutive trading days selected by the Company’s Board of Directors beginning on the first day of trading of such securities after the effectiveness of such Spin-Off; provided, however, that if an initial public offering of the securities being distributed in any Spin-Off is to be effected simultaneously with such Spin-Off, the Fair Market Value of such securities shall mean the initial public offering price.

Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or agency or political subdivision thereof (including any subdivision or ongoing business of any such entity or substantially all of the assets of any such entity, subdivision or business).

Principals” means Berkshire Fund III, Limited Partnership; Berkshire Fund IV, Limited Partnership; Berkshire Investors LLC; Berkshire Partners LLC; Centenial Fund IV, L.P.; Centenial Fund V, L.P.; Centenial Entrepreneurs Fund V, L.P.; Nassau Capital Partners II, L.P.; and NAS Partners I, L.L.C., and any Related Party of the foregoing.

Related Party” with respect to any Principal means: (1) any controlling stockholder, 80% (or more) owned Subsidiary of such Principal; or (2) any trust, corporation, partnership or other entity, the beneficiaries, stockholders, members, partners, owners or Persons beneficially holding an 80% or more controlling interest of which consist of such Principal and/or such other Persons referred to in the immediately preceding clause (1).

Spin Off” is defined in paragraph (j)(i)(C).

 

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Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person: (1) any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a combination thereof); and (2) any partnership: (a) the sole general partner or the managing general partner of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person; or (b) the only general partners of which are such Person or of one or more Subsidiaries of such Person (or any combination thereof).

Voting Stock” of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled to vote in the election of the board of directors of such Person.

(n) Headings. The headings of the paragraphs of this Certificate of Designations are for convenience of reference only and shall not define, limit or affect any of the provisions hereof.

(o) Notice. Except as may otherwise be provided for herein, all notices referred to herein shall be in writing, and all notices hereunder shall be deemed to have been given upon the earlier of receipt of such notice or three business Days after the mailing of such notice if sent by registered mail (unless first-class mail shall be specifically permitted for such notice under the terms of this certificate) with postage prepaid, addressed: if to the Company, to its offices at 510 Bering Drive, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77057, Attention: General Counsel, or to an agent of the Corporation designated as permitted by this certificate, or, if to any holder of the Preferred Stock, to such holder at the address of such holder of the Preferred Stock as listed in the stock record books of the Company (which may include the records of any Transfer Agent for the Preferred Stock); or to such other address as the Company or holder, as the case may be, shall have designated by notice similarly given.

 

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EX-4.2 3 d324974dex42.htm COMPOSITE BY-LAWS OF CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. Composite By-laws of Crown Castle International Corp.

Exhibit 4.2

COMPOSITE

BY-LAWS

OF

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.

HEREINAFTER CALLED THE “CORPORATION

(giving effect to all amendments through May 24, 2011)

ARTICLE I

Offices and Records

SECTION 1.01. Delaware Office. The principal office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware shall be located in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle.

SECTION 1.02. Other Offices. The Corporation may have such other offices, within or without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) may designate or as the business of the Corporation may from time to time require.

ARTICLE II

Stockholders

SECTION 2.01. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation (the “Stockholders”) shall be held at such date, place and time as may be fixed by resolution of the Board.

SECTION 2.02. Special Meeting. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock of the Corporation (the “Preferred Stock”) with respect to special meetings of the holders thereof, special meetings of Stockholders may be called at any time only by (i) the Secretary (the “Secretary”), the Chief Executive Officer (the “Chief Executive Officer”) or the President (the “President”) of the Corporation at the direction of the Board pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board or (ii) the Chief Executive Officer.

SECTION 2.03. Place of Meeting. The Board may designate the place of meeting for any meeting of Stockholders. If no designation is made by the Board, the place of meeting shall be the principal executive offices of the Corporation.

SECTION 2.04. Notice of Meeting. Unless otherwise provided by applicable law, notice, stating the place, day and hour of the meeting and, in the case of special meetings, the purpose or purposes for which such special meeting is called, shall be prepared and delivered by the Corporation not less than 10 days nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each Stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. Such further notice shall be given as may be required by applicable law. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of Stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting. Any previously scheduled meeting of Stockholders may be postponed, and (unless the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended from time to time (the “Charter”) otherwise provides) any special meeting of Stockholders may be canceled, by resolution of the Board upon public notice given prior to the time previously scheduled for such meeting of Stockholders.


SECTION 2.05. Quorum and Adjournment. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law or by the Charter, the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of the Corporation entitled to vote at the meeting as a single class with shares of common stock of the Corporation (the “Voting Stock”), represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of Stockholders; provided, however, that (i) in the election of Directors of the Corporation (“Directors”), the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of Stockholders and (ii) when specified business is to be voted on by a class or series voting as a class, the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of such class or series shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of such business. The Chairman of the Board (the “Chairman”) or the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of Voting Stock so represented may adjourn the meeting from time to time, whether or not there is such a quorum (or, in the case of specified business to be voted on by a class or series, the Chairman or the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of such class or series so represented may adjourn the meeting with respect to such specified business). No notice of the time and place of adjourned meetings need be given except as required by applicable law. The Stockholders present at a duly organized meeting may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough Stockholders to leave less than a quorum.

SECTION 2.06. Proxies. At all meetings of Stockholders, a Stockholder may vote by proxy as may be permitted by applicable law; provided that no proxy shall be voted after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. Any proxy to be used at a meeting of Stockholders must be filed with the Secretary or his or her representative at or before the time of the meeting.

SECTION 2.07. Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations.

(a) Annual Meetings of Stockholders. (i) Nominations of persons for election to the Board and the proposal of business to be considered by the Stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of Stockholders (A) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting delivered pursuant to Section 2.04 of these Amended and Restated By-laws, as amended from time to time (these “By-laws”), (B) by or at the direction of the Chairman or (C) by any Stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting, who complied with the notice procedures set forth in Section 2.07(a)(ii) and Section 2.07(a)(iii) and who was a Stockholder of record at the time such notice is delivered to the Secretary.

(ii) For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a Stockholder pursuant to Section 2.07(a)(i)(C), the Stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary and, in the case of business other than nominations, such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for Stockholder action. To be timely, a Stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days, or delayed by more than 90 days, from such anniversary date, notice by the Stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which Public Announcement (as defined in Section 2.07(c)(ii)) of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation. In no event shall the Public Announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting commence a new time period for the giving of a Stockholder’s notice as described in this Section 2.07(a). Such Stockholder’s notice shall set forth (A) as to each person whom the Stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a Director, all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of Directors in an election contest, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and Rule 14a-11 thereunder, including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a Director if elected; (B) as to any other business that the Stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend

 

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these By-laws, the language of the proposed amendment), the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such Stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and (C) as to the Stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (1) the name and address of such Stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, and of such beneficial owner, (2) the class and number of shares of the Corporation which are owned beneficially and of record by such Stockholder and such beneficial owner, (3) a representation that the Stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such business or nomination and (4) a representation whether the Stockholder or the beneficial owner, if any, intends or is part of a group which intends (a) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or elect the nominee and/or (b) otherwise to solicit proxies from Stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination. The foregoing notice requirements of this Section 2.07(a) shall be deemed satisfied by a Stockholder if the Stockholder has notified the Corporation of his, her or its intention to present a proposal or nomination at an annual meeting in compliance with applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act and such Stockholder’s proposal or nomination has been included in a proxy statement that has been prepared by the Corporation to solicit proxies for such annual meeting. The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as it may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a Director.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything in the second sentence of Section 2.07(a)(ii) to the contrary, in the event that the number of Directors to be elected to the Board is increased and there is no Public Announcement naming all of the nominees for Director or specifying the size of the increased Board made by the Corporation at least 100 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a Stockholder’s notice required by this Section 2.07(a) shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such Public Announcement is first made by the Corporation.

(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of Stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting pursuant to Section 2.04 of these By-laws. Nominations of persons for election to the Board may be made at a special meeting of Stockholders at which Directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (A) by or at the direction of the Board or (B) by any Stockholder of the Corporation who is entitled to vote at the meeting, who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.07(b) and who is a Stockholder of record at the time such notice is delivered to the Secretary. In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of Stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more Directors to the Board, any such Stockholder may nominate such number of persons for election to such position(s) as are specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if the Stockholder’s notice as required by Section 2.07(a)(ii) shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the 10th day following the day on which Public Announcement of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board to be elected at such meeting is first made by the Corporation. In no event shall the Public Announcement of an adjournment or postponement of a special meeting commence a new time period for the giving of a Stockholder’s notice as described above.

(c) General. (i) Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.07(a) or Section 2.07(b) shall be eligible to be elected as Directors at a meeting of Stockholders and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of Stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.07. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, the Charter or these By-laws, the Chairman shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.07 and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with these By-laws, to declare that such defective proposal or nomination

 

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shall be disregarded. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.07, unless otherwise required by law, if the Stockholder (or a qualified representative of the Stockholder) does not appear at the annual or special meeting of Stockholders to present a nomination or proposed business, such nomination shall be disregarded and such proposed business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 2.07, to be considered a qualified representative of the Stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such Stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such Stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such Stockholder to act for such Stockholder as proxy at the meeting of Stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of Stockholders.

(ii) For purposes of these By-laws, “Public Announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or any document delivered to all Stockholders (including any quarterly income statement).

(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of these By-laws, a Stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.07. Nothing in these By-laws shall be deemed to affect any rights of (a) Stockholders to request inclusion of proposals or nominations in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act or (b) holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect Directors pursuant to any applicable provisions of the Charter.

SECTION 2.08. Procedure for Election of Directors; Voting. Subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of stock to elect Directors separately, at all meetings of the Stockholders at which a quorum is present and Directors are to be elected, each Director shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast with respect to the Director nominee’s election by Stockholders entitled to vote and present in person or represented by proxy; provided, however, if as of the tenth day preceding the date the Corporation first mails its notice of meeting for such meeting to the Stockholders, the number of nominees standing for election at any meeting of the Stockholders exceeds the number of Directors to be elected (such an election being a “Contested Election”), the Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the meeting. For purposes of this paragraph, a majority of the votes cast means that the number of votes cast “for” a nominee must exceed the number of votes cast “against” the nominee (with abstentions and broker non-votes not counted as a vote cast either “for” or “against” a nominee). The Board shall nominate for re-election as a Director an incumbent candidate only if such candidate shall have tendered, prior to the date the Corporation first mails its notice of meeting for the Stockholder meeting at which such candidate is to be re-elected as a Director, an irrevocable resignation that will be effective upon (1) failure to receive the required vote at any election which is not a Contested Election in which such candidate is nominated for re-election and (2) the Board’s subsequent acceptance of such resignation. Following certification of the vote of an election that is not a Contested Election, if an incumbent Director fails to receive the required vote for re-election, the nominating and corporate governance committee of the Board will make a recommendation to the Board as to whether to accept or reject the resignation, or whether other action should be taken. The Board should then act on the nominating and corporate governance committee’s recommendation and publicly disclose its decision and, in the case of rejection of the resignation, the rationale behind it, generally within 90 days following the date of certification of the election results. If the Board accepts a Director’s resignation pursuant to this Section 2.08, then the Directors may fill the resulting vacancy pursuant to Article VII of the Charter or the Board may decrease the size of the Board.

Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, rule or regulation, the Charter or these By-laws, all matters other than the election of Directors submitted to Stockholders at any meeting shall be decided by the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote thereon, and where a separate vote by class is required, a majority of the voting power of the shares of that class present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote thereon.

 

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The vote on any matter, including the election of Directors, shall be by written ballot. Each ballot shall be signed by the Stockholder voting, or by such Stockholder’s proxy, and shall state the number of shares voted.

SECTION 2.09. Inspectors of Elections; Opening and Closing the Polls. (a) To the extent required by applicable law, the Board by resolution shall appoint one or more inspectors, which inspector or inspectors may not be Directors, officers or employees of the Corporation, to act at the meeting and make a written report thereof. One or more persons may be designated as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. To the extent required by applicable law, if no inspector or alternate has been appointed to act, or if all inspectors or alternates who have been appointed are unable to act, at a meeting of Stockholders, the Chairman shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before discharging his or her duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability. The inspectors shall have the duties prescribed by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

(b) The Chairman shall fix and announce at the meeting the date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the Stockholders will vote at the meeting. The Board may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of Stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board, the Chairman shall have the right and authority to convene the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of the Chairman, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board or prescribed by the Chairman, may include the following: (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (iii) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to Stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the Board or the Chairman shall determine; (iv) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (v) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants. The Board or the Chairman shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a matter or business was not properly brought before the meeting and if the Board or the Chairman should so determine, shall so declare to the meeting, and any such matter or business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted or considered. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board or the Chairman, meetings of Stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.

ARTICLE III

Board

SECTION 3.01. General Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board. In addition to the powers and authorities expressly conferred upon them by these By-laws, the Board may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by applicable law or by the Charter or by these By-laws required to be exercised or done by Stockholders.

SECTION 3.02. Number, Tenure and Qualifications. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, the number of Directors shall be fixed from time to time exclusively pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board. However, no decrease in the number of Directors constituting the Board shall shorten the term of any incumbent Director.

SECTION 3.03. Regular Meetings. A regular meeting of the Board shall be held without other notice than this Section 3.03 immediately after, and at the same place as, each annual meeting of Stockholders. The Board may, by resolution, provide the time and place for the holding of additional regular meetings without notice other than such resolution. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Secretary shall act as secretary at all regular meetings of the Board and in the Secretary’s absence a temporary secretary shall be appointed by the chairman of the meeting.

 

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SECTION 3.04. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board shall be called at the request of (i) the Chairman and either the Chief Executive Officer or President or (ii) a majority of the Board. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board may fix the place and time of the meetings. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Secretary shall act as secretary at all special meetings of the Board and in the Secretary’s absence a temporary secretary shall be appointed by the chairman of the meeting.

SECTION 3.05. Notice. Notice of any special meeting shall be mailed to each Director at his or her business or residence not later than five days before the day on which such meeting is to be held or shall be sent to either of such places by telegraph or facsimile or other electronic transmission, or be communicated to each Director personally or by telephone, not later than two days before such day of meeting. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Board need be specified in the notice of such meeting, except for amendments to these By-laws as provided pursuant to Section 8.01 hereof. A meeting may be held at any time without notice if all the Directors are present (except as otherwise provided by applicable law) or if those not present waive notice of the meeting in accordance with Section 6.04 hereof, either before or after such meeting, or as otherwise provided by applicable law.

SECTION 3.06. Action Without Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or of such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, or by electronic transmission, and such writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the records of the proceedings of the Board or of such committee.

SECTION 3.07. Conference Telephone Meetings. Members of the Board, or any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of the Board or such committee by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

SECTION 3.08. Quorum. At all meetings of the Board or any committee, a majority of the Entire Board (as defined in Section 3.09(a)) or the entire committee (assuming no vacancies or unfilled newly-created committee memberships), as the case may be, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the Directors or members, as the case may be, present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board or such committee, as the case may be, except as otherwise provided in the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the Charter or these By-laws. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board or any committee, a majority of the Directors or members, as the case may be, present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice other than announcement at the meeting.

SECTION 3.09. Committees. (a) The Corporation shall have three standing committees: the nominating and corporate governance committee, the audit committee and the compensation committee. Each such standing committee shall have those powers and authority as are delegated to it from time to time pursuant to a resolution adopted by a two-thirds vote of the total number of Directors which the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies or unfilled newly-created directorships (the “Entire Board”).

(b) In addition, the Board may, by resolution adopted by a two-thirds vote of the Entire Board, designate one or more additional committees, with each such committee consisting of one or more Directors and having such powers and authority as the Board shall designate by such resolution.

(c) Any modification to the powers and authority of any committee shall require the adoption of a resolution by a two-thirds vote of the Entire Board.

(d) All acts done by any committee within the scope of its powers and authority pursuant to these By-laws and the resolutions adopted by the Board in accordance with the terms hereof shall be deemed to be, and may be certified as being, done or conferred under authority of the Board. The

 

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Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Corporation (“Assistant Secretary”) is empowered to certify that any resolution duly adopted by any such committee is binding upon the Corporation and to execute and deliver such certifications from time to time as may be necessary or proper to the conduct of the business of the Corporation.

(e) Regular meetings of committees shall be held at such times as such is determined by resolution of the Board or the committee in question and no notice shall be required for any regular meeting other than such resolution. A special meeting of any committee shall be called by resolution of the Board, or by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary upon the request of the chairman of such committee or a majority of the members of such committee. Notice of special meetings shall be given to each member of the committee in the same manner as that provided for in Section 3.05 of these By-laws.

SECTION 3.10. Committee Members. (a) Each member of any committee of the Board shall hold office until such member’s successor is duly elected and has qualified, unless such member sooner dies, resigns or is removed or disqualified. The number of Directors which shall constitute any committee shall be determined by resolution adopted by a two-thirds vote of the Entire Board.

(b) The Board may remove a Director from a committee or change the chairmanship of a committee only by resolution adopted by a two-thirds vote of the Entire Board.

(c) The Board may designate one or more Directors as alternate members of any committee to fill any vacancy on a committee and to fill a vacant chairmanship of a committee, occurring as a result of a member or chairman leaving the committee, whether through death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise; provided that any such designation may only be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Entire Board.

SECTION 3.11. Committee Secretary. The Board may elect a secretary of any such committee. If the Board does not elect such a secretary, the committee shall do so. The secretary of any committee need not be a member of the committee, but shall be selected from a member of the staff of the office of the Secretary, unless otherwise provided by the Board or the committee, as applicable.

SECTION 3.12. Compensation. The Directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board and may be paid compensation as Director or chairman of any committee and for attendance at each meeting of the Board. Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation and payment of expenses for attending committee meetings.

SECTION 3.13. Chairman. The Chairman shall be a member of the Board. The Chairman, if present, shall preside at all meetings of the Board and at all meetings of Stockholders.

ARTICLE IV

Officers

SECTION 4.01. General. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected by the Board and shall consist of: a Chief Executive Officer; a President; a Chief Financial Officer; one or more Executive Vice Presidents; one or more Vice Presidents; a Secretary; one or more Assistant Secretaries; a Treasurer; a Controller; and such other officers as in the judgment of the Board may be necessary or desirable. All officers chosen by the Board shall have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices, subject to the specific provisions of this Article IV. Such officers shall also have powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred by the Board or any committee thereof. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless otherwise prohibited by applicable law, the Charter or these By-laws. The officers of the Corporation need not be Stockholders or Directors.

SECTION 4.02. Election and Term of Office. The elected officers of the Corporation shall be elected annually by the Board at the regular meeting of the Board held after each

 

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annual meeting of Stockholders. If the election of officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as convenient. Each officer shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, removal or disqualification.

SECTION 4.03. Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall supervise, coordinate and manage the Corporation’s business and activities and supervise, coordinate and manage its operating expenses and capital allocation, shall have general authority to exercise all the powers necessary for the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may be prescribed by the Board or these By-laws, all in accordance with basic policies as established by and subject to the oversight of the Board.

SECTION 4.04. President. The President shall be an officer of the Corporation. The President shall supervise, coordinate and manage the Corporation’s business and activities and supervise, coordinate and manage its operating expenses and capital allocation, shall have general authority to exercise all the powers necessary for the President of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may be prescribed by the Board or these By-laws, all in accordance with basic policies as established by and subject to the oversight of the Board, the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer.

SECTION 4.05. Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer (the “Chief Financial Officer”) of the Corporation shall have responsibility for the financial affairs of the Corporation. The Chief Financial Officer shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may be prescribed by the Board or these By-laws, all in accordance with basic policies as established by and subject to the oversight of the Board, the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer and the President.

SECTION 4.06. Vice President. The Vice President (the “Vice President”), or Vice Presidents, of the Corporation, if any shall be appointed, shall have such duties as the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or these By-laws may from time to time prescribe.

SECTION 4.07. Treasurer. The Treasurer (the “Treasurer”) of the Corporation shall have the custody of the Corporation’s funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate account of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation. He shall deposit all moneys and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositaries as may be designated by the Board. He shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, or the President, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements.

SECTION 4.08. Secretary. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of Stockholders and Directors and all other notices required by applicable law or by these By-laws, and in case of his or her absence or refusal or neglect so to do, any such notice may be given by any person thereunto directed by the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Directors or Stockholders, upon whose request the meeting is called as provided in these By-laws. He shall record all the proceedings of the meetings of the Board, any committees thereof and Stockholders in a book to be kept for that purpose, and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President. He shall have the custody of the seal of the Corporation and shall affix the same to all instruments requiring it, when authorized by the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, and attest the same.

SECTION 4.09. Assistant Treasurers and Assistant Secretaries. Assistant Treasurers (the “Assistant Treasurers”) and Assistant Secretaries of the Corporation, if any shall be appointed, shall have such powers and shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them, respectively, by the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President.

SECTION 4.10. Vacancies. A newly created office and a vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, disqualification or removal may be filled only by the Board for the unexpired portion of the term of any such office.

 

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ARTICLE V

Stock Certificates and Transfers

SECTION 5.01. Stock Certificates and Transfers. (a) The interest of each Stockholder shall be evidenced by certificates for shares of stock in such form as the appropriate officers of the Corporation may from time to time prescribe; provided that the Board may provide by resolution or resolutions that all or some of all classes or series of the stock of the Corporation shall be represented by uncertificated shares. Every holder of stock represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or the President or any Vice President and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary representing the number of shares registered in certificate form. Except as otherwise expressly provided by applicable law, the rights and obligations of the holders of uncertificated stock, if any, and the rights and obligations of the holders of certificates representing stock of the same class and series shall be identical.

(b) The certificates of stock shall be signed, countersigned and registered in such manner as the Board may by resolution prescribe, which resolution may permit all or any of the signatures on such certificates to be in facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate has ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

(c) The shares of the stock of the Corporation represented by certificates shall be transferred on the books of the Corporation by the holder thereof in person or by his or her attorney, upon surrender for cancelation of certificates for the same number of shares, with an assignment and power of transfer endorsed thereon or attached thereto, duly executed, with such proof of the authenticity of the signature as the Corporation or its agents may reasonably require. Upon receipt of proper transfer instructions from the registered owner of uncertificated shares such uncertificated shares shall be canceled and issuance of new equivalent uncertificated shares or certificated shares shall be made to the person entitled thereto and the transaction shall be recorded upon the books of the Corporation. Within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of uncertificated stock, the Corporation shall send to the registered owner thereof a written notice containing the information required to be set forth or stated on certificates pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or, unless otherwise provided by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, a statement that the Corporation will furnish without charge to each Stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.

SECTION 5.02. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. No certificate for shares or uncertificated shares of stock in the Corporation shall be issued in place of any certificate alleged to have been lost, destroyed or stolen, except on production of such evidence of such loss, destruction or theft and on delivery to the Corporation of a bond of indemnity in such amount, upon such terms and secured by such surety, as the Board or its designee may in its or his or her discretion require.

ARTICLE VI

Miscellaneous Provisions

SECTION 6.01. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be as specified by the Board.

SECTION 6.02. Dividends. The Board may from time to time declare, and the Corporation may pay, dividends on its outstanding shares in the manner and upon the terms and conditions provided by applicable law and the Charter.

 

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SECTION 6.03. Seal. The corporate seal shall have thereon the name of the Corporation and shall be in such form as may be approved from time to time by the Board.

SECTION 6.04. Waiver of Notice. Whenever any notice is required to be given to any Stockholder or Director of the Corporation under the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, or a waiver thereof by electronic transmission by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such a meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of such a meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual or special meeting of Stockholders or any meeting of the Board or committee thereof need be specified in any waiver of notice of such meeting.

SECTION 6.05. Audits. The accounts, books and records of the Corporation shall be audited upon the conclusion of each fiscal year by an independent certified public accountant selected by the audit committee, and it shall be the duty of the audit committee to cause such audit to be made annually.

SECTION 6.06. Resignations. Any Director or any officer, whether elected or appointed, may resign at any time upon notice of such resignation to the Corporation.

SECTION 6.07. Indemnification and Insurance. (a) Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any manner in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “Proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she or a person of whom he or she is the legal representative is or was a Director or officer of the Corporation or, while a Director or officer of the Corporation, a Director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended or any other applicable laws as presently or hereafter in effect, and such indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators; provided, however, that the Corporation shall indemnify any such person seeking indemnification in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such Proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board or is a Proceeding to enforce such person’s claim to indemnification pursuant to the rights granted by this Section 6.07. The Corporation shall pay to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law the expenses incurred by any person described in the first sentence of this Section 6.07(a) in defending any such Proceeding in advance of its final disposition upon, to the extent such an undertaking is required by applicable law, receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Section 6.07 or otherwise.

(b) The indemnification and the advancement of expenses incurred in defending a Proceeding prior to its final disposition provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Section 6.07 shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Charter, other provision of these By-laws, vote of Stockholders or Disinterested Directors (as defined in Section 6.07(f)(1)) or otherwise. No repeal, modification or amendment of, or adoption of any provision inconsistent with, this Section 6.07, nor to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any modification of law, shall adversely affect any right or protection of any person granted pursuant hereto existing at, or with respect to any events that occurred prior to, the time of such repeal, amendment, adoption or modification.

(c) The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any person who is or was a Director, officer, partner, member, employee or agent of the Corporation or a Subsidiary or of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

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(d) The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board, grant rights to indemnification, and rights to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition, to any person who is or was an employee or agent (other than a Director or officer) of the Corporation or a Subsidiary and to any person who is or was serving at the request of the Corporation or a Subsidiary as a Director, officer, partner, member, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans maintained or sponsored by the Corporation or a Subsidiary, to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Section 6.07 with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of Directors and officers of the Corporation.

(e) If any provision or provisions of this Section 6.07 shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (1) the validity, the legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Section 6.07 (including each portion of any paragraph or clause of this Section 6.07 containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and (2) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Section 6.07 (including each such portion of any paragraph of this Section 6.07 containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

(f) For purposes of these By-laws (including this Section 6.07):

(1) “Disinterested Director” means a Director of the Corporation who is not and was not a party to the proceeding or matter in respect of which indemnification is sought by the claimant.

(2) “Subsidiary” means a corporation, a majority of the capital stock of which is owned directly or indirectly by the Corporation, other than Directors’ qualifying shares, if any.

(g) Any notice, request, or other communication required or permitted to be given to the Corporation under this Section 6.07 shall be in writing and either delivered in person or sent by telecopy, telex, telegram, overnight mail or courier service, or certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the Secretary and shall be effective only upon receipt by the Secretary.

ARTICLE VII

Contracts, Proxies, Etc.

SECTION 7.01. Contracts. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the Charter or these By-laws, any contracts or other instruments may be executed and delivered in the name and on the behalf of the Corporation by such officer or officers of the Corporation as the Board may from time to time direct. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances as the Board may determine. Subject to the control and direction of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Vice-President and any Assistant Treasurer or Assistant Secretary may enter into, execute, deliver and amend bonds, promissory notes, contracts, agreements, deeds, leases, guarantees, loans, commitments, obligations, liabilities and other instruments to be made or executed for or on behalf of the Corporation. Subject to any restrictions imposed by the Board, such officers of the Corporation may delegate such powers to others under his or her jurisdiction, it being understood, however, that any such delegation of power shall not relieve such officer of responsibility with respect to the exercise of such delegated power.

 

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SECTION 7.02. Proxies. Unless otherwise provided by resolution adopted by the Board, the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or the President may from time to time appoint an attorney or attorneys or agent or agents of the Corporation, in the name and behalf of the Corporation, to cast the votes which the Corporation may be entitled to cast as the holder of stock or other securities in any other corporation or entity, any of whose stock or other securities may be held by the Corporation, at meetings of the holders of the stock or other securities of such other corporation or entity, or to consent in writing, in the name of the Corporation as such holder, to any action by such other corporation or entity, and may instruct the person or persons so appointed as to the manner of casting such vote or giving such consent, and may execute or cause to be executed in the name and on behalf of the Corporation and under its corporate seal or otherwise, all such written proxies or other instruments as he may deem necessary or proper in the premises.

ARTICLE VIII

Amendments

SECTION 8.01. Amendments. These By-laws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, or new Amended and Restated By-laws may be adopted by the Stockholders or by the Board at any meeting thereof; provided, however, that notice of such alteration, amendment, repeal or adoption of new Amended and Restated By-laws is contained in the notice of such meeting of Stockholders or in the notice of such meeting of the Board and, in the latter case, such notice is given not less than 24 hours prior to the meeting. Unless a higher percentage is required by the Charter as to any matter which is the subject of these By-laws, all such amendments must be approved by either the holders of 80% of the voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock or by the Board; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may alter, amend or repeal, or adopt new By-laws in conflict with, (i) any provision of these By-laws which requires a two-thirds vote of the Entire Board for action to be taken thereunder and (ii) this proviso to this Section 8.01 of these By-laws only by a resolution adopted by a two-thirds vote of the Entire Board.

 

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EX-4.22 4 d324974dex422.htm FORM OF INDENTURE BETWEEN CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP. & THE BOFNY MELLON <![CDATA[Form of Indenture between Crown Castle International Corp. & The BofNY Mellon]]>

EXHIBIT 4.22

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.

as Issuer

and

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.

as Trustee

INDENTURE

Dated as of             ,         

 

 

 

Table Showing Reflection in Indenture of Certain Provisions

of Trust Indenture Act of 1939,

as amended by the Trust Indenture Reform Act of 1990*

 

 

Reflected in Indenture

 

 

Trust Indenture Act Section

   Indenture Section  

310 (a) (1)

     7.10   

(a) (2)

     7.10   

(a) (3)

     N.A.   

(a) (4)

     N.A.   

(a) (5)

     7.10   

(b)

     7.10   

(c)

     N.A.   

311 (a)

     7.11   

(b)

     7.11   

(c)

     N.A   

312 (a)

     2.06   

(b)

     10.03   

(c)

     10.03   

313 (a)

     7.06   

(b) (1)

     N.A   

(b) (2)

     7.06   

(c)

     7.06; 10.02   

(d)

     7.06   

314 (a)

     4.02; 4.03;10.02(b)   

(b)

     N.A.   


(c) (1)

     10.04   

(c) (2)

     10.04   

(c) (3)

     N.A.   

(d)

     N.A.   

(e)

     10.05   

(f)

     N.A.   

315 (a)

     7.01   

(b)

     7.05; 10.02   

(c)

     7.01   

(d)

     7.01   

(e)

     6.11   

316 (a)

     2.09   

(a) (1)(A)

     6.05   

(a) (1)(B)

     6.04   

(a) (2)

     N.A.   

(b)

     6.07   

(c)

     2.13   

317 (a)(1)

     6.08   

(a) (2)

     6.09   

(b)

     2.05   

318 (a)

     10.01   

(b)

     N.A.   

(c)

     10.01   

 

 

N.A. means not applicable.

* This Cross Reference Table is not part of the Indenture.

 

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  
ARTICLE I   
Definitions And Incorporation By Reference   

SECTION 1.01.

   Definitions      1   

SECTION 1.02.

   Other Definitions      5   

SECTION 1.03.

   Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act      5   

SECTION 1.04.

   Rules of Construction      5   
ARTICLE II   
The Securities   

SECTION 2.01.

   Issuable in Series      6   

SECTION 2.02.

   Establishment of Terms of Series of Securities      6   

SECTION 2.03.

   Execution and Authentication      9   

SECTION 2.04.

   Registrar and Paying Agent      10   

SECTION 2.05.

   Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust      10   

SECTION 2.06.

   Holder Lists      11   

SECTION 2.07.

   Transfer and Exchange      11   

SECTION 2.08.

   Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities      11   

SECTION 2.09.

   Outstanding Securities      12   

SECTION 2.10.

   Treasury Securities      12   

SECTION 2.11.

   Temporary Securities      13   

SECTION 2.12.

   Cancellation      13   

SECTION 2.13.

   Defaulted Interest      13   

SECTION 2.14.

   Global Securities      13   

SECTION 2.15.

   CUSIP Numbers      14   
ARTICLE III   
Redemption   

SECTION 3.01.

   Notices to Trustee      15   

SECTION 3.02.

   Selection of Securities To Be Redeemed      15   

SECTION 3.03.

   Notice of Redemption      15   

SECTION 3.04.

   Effect of Notice of Redemption      16   

SECTION 3.05.

   Deposit of Redemption Price      16   

 

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ARTICLE IV   
Covenants   

SECTION 4.01.

   Payment of Securities      17   

SECTION 4.02.

   SEC Reports      17   

SECTION 4.03.

   Compliance Certificate      17   

SECTION 4.04.

   Further Instruments and Acts      17   
ARTICLE V   
Successor Companies   

SECTION 5.01.

   Merger and Consolidation      17   
ARTICLE VI   
Defaults And Remedies   

SECTION 6.01.

   Events of Default      18   

SECTION 6.02.

   Acceleration      19   

SECTION 6.03.

   Other Remedies      20   

SECTION 6.04.

   Waiver of Past Defaults      20   

SECTION 6.05.

   Control by Majority      20   

SECTION 6.06.

   Limitation on Suits      21   

SECTION 6.07.

   Rights of Holders to Receive Payment      21   

SECTION 6.08.

   Collection Suit by Trustee      21   

SECTION 6.09.

   Trustee May File Proofs of Claim      21   

SECTION 6.10.

   Priorities      22   

SECTION 6.11.

   Undertaking for Costs      22   

SECTION 6.12.

   Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws      22   
ARTICLE VII   
Trustee   

SECTION 7.01.

   Duties of Trustee      23   

SECTION 7.02.

   Rights of Trustee      24   

SECTION 7.03.

   Individual Rights of Trustee      25   

SECTION 7.04.

   Trustee’s Disclaimer      25   

SECTION 7.05.

   Notice of Defaults      25   

SECTION 7.06.

   Reports by Trustee to Holder      25   

SECTION 7.07.

   Compensation and Indemnity      26   

 

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SECTION 7.08.    Replacement of Trustee    26
SECTION 7.09.    Successor Trustee by Merger    27
SECTION 7.10.    Eligibility; Disqualification    27
SECTION 7.11.    Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Issuer    28
ARTICLE VIII
Legal Defeasance And Covenant Defeasance
SECTION 8.01.    Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance    28
SECTION 8.02.    Legal Defeasance and Discharge    28
SECTION 8.03.    Covenant Defeasance    29
SECTION 8.04.    Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance    29
SECTION 8.05.    Deposited Money and Government Securities to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions    31
SECTION 8.06.    Repayment to the Issuer    31
SECTION 8.07.    Reinstatement    31
ARTICLE IX
Amendments
SECTION 9.01.    Without Consent of Holders    32
SECTION 9.02.    With Consent of Holders    33
SECTION 9.03.    Compliance with Trust Indenture Act    34
SECTION 9.04.    Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers    34
SECTION 9.05.    Notation on or Exchange of Securities    34
SECTION 9.06.    Trustee To Sign Amendments    35
SECTION 9.07.    Payment for Consent    35
ARTICLE X
Miscellaneous
SECTION 10.01.    Trust Indenture Act Controls    35
SECTION 10.02.    Notices    35
SECTION 10.03.    Communication by Holders with Other Holders    36
SECTION 10.04.    Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent    36
SECTION 10.05.    Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion    36
SECTION 10.06.    When Securities Disregarded    37
SECTION 10.07.    Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar    37
SECTION 10.08.    Legal Holidays    37

 

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SECTION 10.09.    Governing Law    37
SECTION 10.10.    No Recourse Against Others    37
SECTION 10.11.    Successors    37
SECTION 10.12.    Multiple Originals    38
SECTION 10.13.    Table of Contents; Headings    38
SECTION 10.14.    Severability    38
SECTION 10.15.    Waiver of Jury Trial    38
SECTION 10.16.    Force Majeure    38

 

vi


INDENTURE dated as of             ,             , between CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP., a Delaware corporation (the “Issuer”), and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., a national banking association, as trustee (the “Trustee”).

Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other parties and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the securities issued under this Indenture (the “Securities”):

ARTICLE I

Definitions And Incorporation By Reference

SECTION 1.01. Definitions.

Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person, directly or indirectly, controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

Agent” means any Registrar, Paying Agent or co-registrar.

Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Issuer or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Issuer.

Board Resolution” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Issuer to have been adopted by the Board of Directors or pursuant to authorization by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of the certificate and delivered to the Trustee.

Business Day” means each day which is not a Legal Holiday.

Capital Stock” of any Person means any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) equity of such Person, including any preferred stock, but excluding any debt securities convertible into such equity.

Closing Date” means the date of this Indenture.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Corporate Trust Office” means The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. which at the date hereof is located at 601 Travis Street, 16th floor, Houston, Texas 77002, Attention: Corporate Trust Services, re: Crown Castle International


Corp., or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Issuer, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor Trustee (or such other address as such successor Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Issuer).

Default” means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

Definitive Securities” means a certificated Security registered in the name of the Holder thereof and issued in accordance with Section 2.11 hereof.

Depositary” means, with respect to the Securities issuable in whole or in part in global form, the Person specified pursuant to Section 2.14 hereof as the initial Depositary with respect to the Securities, until a successor shall have been appointed and become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Depositary” shall mean or include such successor.

Dollar” means a dollar or other equivalent unit in such coin or currency of the United States as at the time shall be legal tender for the payment of public and private debt.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Issuer, which at the date hereof ends on December 31.

Foreign Currency” means any currency or currency unit issued by a government other than the government of the United States of America.

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect from time to time, including those principles set forth in (i) the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, (ii) statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, (iii) such other statements by such other entity as approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession and (iv) the rules and regulations of the SEC governing the inclusion of financial statements (including pro forma financial statements) in periodic reports required to be filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, including opinions and pronouncements in staff accounting bulletins and similar written statements from the accounting staff of the SEC. All ratios and computations based on GAAP contained in this Indenture shall be computed in conformity with GAAP.

Global Security” when used with respect to any Series of Securities issued hereunder, means a Security which is executed by the Issuer and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instruction, all in accordance with this Indenture and an indenture supplemental hereto, if any, or Board Resolution and pursuant to an Issuer Order, which shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee and which

 

2


shall represent, and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, all the outstanding Securities of such Series or any portion thereof, in either case having the same terms, including, without limitation, the same original issue date, date or dates on which principal is due, and interest rate or method of determining interest and which shall bear the legend as prescribed by Section 2.14(c).

Global Securities Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.14(c), which is required to be placed on all Global Securities issued under this Indenture.

Government Securities” means direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed by, the United States of America, and the payment for which the United States pledges its full faith and credit.

Guarantee” means a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner (including, without limitation, by way of a pledge of assets or through letters of credit or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any Indebtedness. The term “Guarantor” shall mean any Person Guaranteeing any obligation.

Holder” means the Person in whose name a Security is registered on the Registrar’s books.

Indebtedness” has the meaning specified in the applicable Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers’ Certificate relating to a particular Series of Securities.

Indenture” means this Indenture as amended or supplemented from time to time.

Interest Payment Date” when used with respect to any Series of Securities, means the date specified in such Securities for the payment of any installment of interest on those Securities.

Issuer” means Crown Castle International Corp., a Delaware corporation, until a successor replaces it and, thereafter, means the successor and, for purposes of any provision contained herein and required by the Trust Indenture Act, each other obligor on the indenture securities.

Issuer Order” means a written order signed in the name of the Issuer by two Officers of the Issuer.

Maturity”, when used with respect to any Security or installment of principal thereof, means the date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration or otherwise.

Officer” means the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer, the Controller or the Secretary of the Issuer.

 

3


Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by two Officers of the Issuer, that meets the requirements of Section 10.04 hereof.

Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel, that meets the requirements of Section 10.04 hereof. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer.

Original Issue Discount Security” means (i) any Security that provides for an amount less than the stated principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof and (ii) any other security which is issued with “original issue discount” within the meaning of Section 1273(a) of the Code.

Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.

SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Indenture.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Securities Custodian” means the custodian with respect to a Global Security (as appointed by the Depositary) or any successor thereto, who shall initially be the Trustee.

Series” or “Series of Securities” means each series of debentures, notes or other debt instruments of the Issuer created pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 2.02 hereof.

Significant Subsidiary” means, at any time, any Subsidiary of the Issuer which would be a “Significant Subsidiary” at such time, as such term is defined in Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC, as in effect on the Closing Date.

Stated Maturity”, when used with respect to any Security, means the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which an amount equal to the principal amount of such Security is due and payable.

Subsidiary” of any Person means any corporation, association, partnership or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock or other interests (including partnership interests) entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by (i) such Person, (ii) such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or (iii) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person.

Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. §§77aaa–77bbbb) and the rules and regulations thereunder as in effect on the Closing Date.

 

4


Trust Officer” means any Vice President, Assistant Vice President, Assistant Treasurer or any other officer or assistant officer of the Trustee assigned by the Trustee to administer its corporate trust matters.

Trustee” means the party named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it and, thereafter, means the successor.

SECTION 1.02. Other Definitions.

 

Term

   Defined in Section  

“Bankruptcy Law”

     6.01   

“Covenant Defeasance”

     8.03   

“Custodian”

     6.01   

“Event of Default”

     6.01   

“Legal Defeasance”

     8.02   

“Legal Holiday”

     10.08   

“Notice of Default”

     6.01   

“Paying Agent”

     2.04   

“Registrar”

     2.04   

“Successor Company”

     5.01   

SECTION 1.03. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act. This Indenture is subject to the mandatory provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, which are incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture. The following Trust Indenture Act terms have the following meanings:

“Commission” means the SEC.

“indenture securities” means the Securities.

“indenture security holder” means a Holder.

“indenture to be qualified” means this Indenture.

“indenture trustee” or “institutional trustee” means the Trustee.

“obligor” on the Securities means the Issuer and any other obligor on the Securities.

All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the Trust Indenture Act, defined by Trust Indenture Act reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule have the meanings assigned to them by such definitions.

SECTION 1.04. Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) a term has the meaning assigned to it;

 

5


(2) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;

(3) “or” is not exclusive;

(4) “including” means including without limitation;

(5) words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular; and

(6) the principal amount of any non-interest bearing or other discount security at any date shall be the principal amount thereof that would be shown on a balance sheet of the issuer dated such date prepared in accordance with GAAP.

ARTICLE II

The Securities

SECTION 2.01. Issuable in Series. The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited. The Securities may be issued in one or more Series as the Issuer may authorize from time to time. All Securities of a Series shall be identical except as may be set forth in a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture or an Officers’ Certificate detailing the adoption of the terms thereof pursuant to the authority granted under a Board Resolution. In the case of Securities of a Series to be issued from time to time, the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers’ Certificate may provide for the method by which specified terms (such as interest rate, maturity date, record date or date from which interest shall accrue) are to be determined. Securities may differ between Series in respect of any matters.

SECTION 2.02. Establishment of Terms of Series of Securities. At or prior to the issuance of any Securities within a Series, the following shall be established (as to the Series generally, in the case of Section 2.02(a) and either as to such Securities within the Series or as to the Series generally in the case of Sections 2.02(b) through 2.02(z)) by a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture or an Officers’ Certificate pursuant to authority granted under a Board Resolution:

(a) the title of the Securities of the Series (which shall distinguish the Securities of that particular Series from the Securities of any other Series);

(b) the price or prices of the Securities of the Series;

(c) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the Series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the Series);

(d) the date or dates on which the principal and premium with respect to the Securities of the Series are payable;

 

6


(e) the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which the Securities of the Series shall bear interest, if any, or the method of determining such rate or rates, the date or dates from which such interest, if any, shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest, if any, shall be payable or the method by which such dates will be determined, the record dates, for the determination of holders thereof to whom such interest is payable (in the case of Securities in registered form), and the basis upon which such interest will be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;

(f) the currency or currencies in which Securities of the Series shall be denominated, if other than Dollars, the place or places, if any, in addition to or instead of the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, where the principal, premium and interest with respect to Securities of such Series shall be payable or the method of such payment, if by wire transfer, mail or other means;

(g) the price or prices at which, the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, Securities of the Series may be redeemed, in whole or in part at the option of the Issuer or otherwise;

(h) whether Securities of the Series are to be issued as Securities in registered form or as Securities in bearer form or both and, if Securities in bearer form are to be issued, whether coupons will be attached to them, whether Securities in bearer form of the Series may be exchanged for Securities in registered form of the Series, and the circumstances under which and the places at which any such exchanges, if permitted, may be made;

(i) if any Securities of the Series are to be issued as Securities in bearer form or as one or more Global Securities representing individual Securities in bearer form of the Series, whether certain provisions for the payment of additional interest or tax redemptions shall apply; whether interest with respect to any portion of a temporary bearer Security of the Series payable with respect to any Interest Payment Date prior to the exchange of such temporary bearer Security for definitive Securities in bearer form of the Series shall be paid to any clearing organization with respect to the portion of such temporary bearer Security held for its account and, in such event, the terms and conditions (including any certification requirements) upon which any such interest payment received by a clearing organization will be credited to the Persons entitled to interest payable on such Interest Payment Date; and the terms upon which a temporary Security in bearer form may be exchanged for one or more definitive Securities in bearer form of the Series;

(j) the Issuer’s obligation, if any, to redeem, purchase or repay the Securities of the Series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder of such Securities and the price or prices at which, the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, Securities of the Series shall be redeemed, purchased or repaid, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligations;

(k) the terms, if any, upon which the Securities of the Series may be convertible into or exchanged for the Issuer’s common stock, preferred stock, other debt securities or warrants for common stock, preferred stock, Indebtedness or other securities of any kind and the terms and conditions upon which such conversion or exchange shall be effected, including the initial conversion or exchange price or rate, the conversion or exchange period and any other additional provisions;

 

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(l) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which the Securities of the Series shall be issuable;

(m) if the amount of principal, premium or interest with respect to the Securities of the Series may be determined with reference to an index or pursuant to a formula, the manner in which such amounts will be determined;

(n) if the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of Securities of the Series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to such Stated Maturity, the amount that will be deemed to be such principal amount as of any such date for any purpose, including the principal amount thereof which will be due and payable upon any Maturity other than the Stated Maturity or which will be deemed to be outstanding as of any such date (or, in any such case, the manner in which such deemed principal amount is to be determined), and if necessary, the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in Dollars;

(o) any changes or additions to Article VIII;

(p) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of the Securities of the Series that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.02 or provable in bankruptcy;

(q) the terms, if any, of the transfer, mortgage, pledge or assignment as security for the Securities of the Series of any properties, assets, moneys, proceeds, securities or other collateral, including whether certain provisions of the Trust Indenture Act are applicable and any corresponding changes to provisions of this Indenture as then in effect;

(r) any addition to or change in the Events of Default with respect to any Securities of the Series and any change in the right of the Trustee or the Holders of such Series of Securities to declare the principal, premium and interest, if any, on such Series of Securities due and payable pursuant to Section 6.02;

(s) if the Securities of the Series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of a Global Security, the terms and conditions, if any, upon which such Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for other individual Securities of such Series in definitive registered form, the Depositary for such Global Security and the form of any legend or legends to be borne by any such Global Security in addition to or in lieu of the Global Securities Legend;

(t) any Trustee, authenticating agent, Paying Agent, transfer agent or Registrar;

(u) the applicability of, and any addition to or change in, the covenants and definitions set forth in Articles IV or V which apply to Securities of the Series;

 

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(v) the terms, if any, of any Guarantee of the payment of principal, premium and interest with respect to Securities of the Series and any corresponding changes to the provisions of this Indenture and as then in effect;

(w) the subordination, if any, of the Securities of the Series pursuant to this Indenture and any changes or additions to the provisions of this Indenture then in effect;

(x) with regard to Securities of the Series that do not bear interest, the dates for certain required reports to the Trustee;

(y) any U.S. Federal Income tax consequences applicable to the Securities; and

(z) any other terms of Securities of the Series (which terms shall not be prohibited by the provisions of this Indenture).

All Securities of any one Series need not be issued at the same time and may be issued from time to time, consistent with the terms of this Indenture, if so provided by or pursuant to the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers’ Certificate referred to above, and the authorized principal amount of any Series may not be increased to provide for issuances of additional Securities of such Series, unless otherwise provided in such Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers’ Certificate.

SECTION 2.03. Execution and Authentication. One or more Officers of the Issuer shall sign the Securities on behalf of the Issuer by manual or facsimile signature. The Issuer’s seal, if any, shall be impressed, affixed, imprinted or reproduced on the Securities and may be in facsimile form.

If an Officer whose signature is on a Security no longer holds that office at the time the Security is authenticated, the Security shall nevertheless be valid.

A Security shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Security has been authenticated under this Indenture. A Security shall be dated the date of its authentication, unless otherwise provided by a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture or an Officers’ Certificate.

The Trustee shall at any time, and from time to time, authenticate Securities for original issue in the principal amount provided in the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture hereto or Officers’ Certificate, upon receipt by the Trustee of an Issuer Order, an Officers’ Certificate delivered in accordance with section 10.04 and an Opinion of Counsel which shall state:

(1) that the terms of such Securities have been established by a supplemental indenture or by or pursuant to a Board Resolution in accordance with Sections 2.01 and 2.02 and in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

(2) that such Securities when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Issuer in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will have been duly authorized, executed and delivered, and constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Issuer, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, including concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law; and

(3) that all conditions precedent in respect of the execution and delivery by the Issuer of such Securities have been complied with;

provided, however, that such Opinion of Counsel shall not be required to be furnished in connection with the initial issuance of Securities hereunder.

The aggregate principal amount of Securities of any Series outstanding at any time may not exceed any limit upon the maximum principal amount for such Series set forth in the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture hereto or Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 2.02, except as provided in Section 2.08.

 

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The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to authenticate the Securities. Any such appointment shall be evidenced by an instrument signed by a Trust Officer, a copy of which shall be furnished to the Issuer. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate Securities whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as any Registrar, Paying Agent or agent for service of notices and demands.

SECTION 2.04. Registrar and Paying Agent. The Issuer shall maintain, with respect to each Series of Securities, at the place or places specified with respect to such Series pursuant to Section 2.02, an office or agency where Securities of such Series may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (the “Registrar”) and an office or agency where Securities of such Series may be presented for payment (the “Paying Agent”). The Registrar shall keep a register with respect to each Series of Securities and of their transfer and exchange. The Issuer may have one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent and the term “Registrar” includes any co-registrars. The Issuer hereby appoints the Trustee as Registrar and Paying Agent for each Series of Securities unless another Registrar or Paying Agent, as the case may be, is appointed prior to the time Securities of that Series are first issued.

The Issuer shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar or Paying Agent not a party to this Indenture, which shall incorporate the terms of the Trust Indenture Act. The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such agent. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of any such agent. If the Issuer fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation therefor pursuant to Section 7.07. The Issuer or any of its domestically organized Significant Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

The Issuer may remove any Registrar or Paying Agent upon written notice to such Registrar or Paying Agent and to the Trustee; provided, however, that no such removal shall become effective until (1) acceptance of any appointment by a successor as evidenced by an appropriate agreement entered into by the Issuer and such successor Registrar or Paying Agent, as the case may be, and delivered to the Trustee or (2) notification to the Trustee that the Trustee shall serve as Registrar or Paying Agent until the appointment of a successor in accordance with clause (1) above. The Registrar or Paying Agent may resign at any time upon written notice; provided, however, that the Trustee may resign as Registrar or Paying Agent only if the Trustee also resigns as Trustee in accordance with Section 7.08.

SECTION 2.05. Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust. The Issuer shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent will hold in trust, for the benefit of Holders of any Series of Securities, or the Trustee, all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal of or interest on the Series of Securities, and will notify the Trustee of any default by the Issuer in making any such payment. While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. The Issuer at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Issuer or any of its Significant Subsidiaries) shall have no further liability for the money. If the Issuer or any of its Significant Subsidiaries acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of Holders of any Series of Securities all money held by it as Paying Agent.

 

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SECTION 2.06. Holder Lists. The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of Holders of each Series of Securities and shall otherwise comply with Trust Indenture Act Section 312(a). If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee at least ten days before each interest payment date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing a list, in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of Holders of each Series of Securities.

SECTION 2.07. Transfer and Exchange. Where Securities of a Series are presented to the Registrar or a co-registrar with a request to register a transfer or to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Securities of the same Series, the Registrar shall register the transfer or make the exchange if its requirements for such transactions are met. To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Trustee shall authenticate Securities at the Registrar’s request. No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein), but the Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable upon exchanges pursuant to Sections 2.11, 3.06 or 9.05).

Neither the Issuer nor the Registrar shall be required (a) to issue, register the transfer of, or exchange Securities of any Series for the period beginning at the opening of business fifteen days immediately preceding the mailing of a notice of redemption of Securities of that Series selected for redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing or (b) to register the transfer of or exchange Securities of any Series selected, called or being called for redemption as a whole or the portion being redeemed of any such Securities selected, called or being called for redemption in part.

SECTION 2.08. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities. If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Issuer Order, shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same Series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

If there shall be delivered to the Issuer and the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Issuer or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Issuer Order, shall authenticate and make available for delivery, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same Series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

 

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In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Issuer in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.

Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Issuer may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

Every new Security of any Series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Issuer, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of that Series duly issued hereunder.

The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.

SECTION 2.09. Outstanding Securities. The Securities outstanding at any time are all the Securities authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest on a Global Security effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof and those described in this Section as not outstanding.

If a Security is replaced pursuant to Section 2.08, it ceases to be outstanding until the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Security is held by a bona fide purchaser.

If the Paying Agent holds at the Maturity of Securities of a Series money sufficient to pay such Securities payable on that date, then on and after that date such Securities of the Series cease to be outstanding and interest on them ceases to accrue.

A Security does not cease to be outstanding because the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer holds the Security.

In determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding Securities of any Series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that shall be deemed to be outstanding for such purposes shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.02.

SECTION 2.10. Treasury Securities. In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Securities of a Series have concurred in any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, Securities of a Series owned by the Issuer shall be disregarded, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver only Securities of a Series that the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.

 

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SECTION 2.11. Temporary Securities. Until Definitive Securities are ready for delivery, the Issuer may prepare and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Issuer Order, shall authenticate temporary Securities upon the Issuer’s Order. Temporary Securities shall be substantially in the form of Definitive Securities but may have variations that the Issuer considers appropriate for temporary Securities. Without unreasonable delay, the Issuer shall prepare and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Issuer Order, shall authenticate Definitive Securities of the same Series and date of maturity in exchange for temporary Securities. Until so exchanged, temporary Securities shall have the same rights under this Indenture as the Definitive Securities.

SECTION 2.12. Cancellation. The Issuer at any time may deliver Securities to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Securities surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee shall cancel all Securities surrendered for transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall destroy such canceled Securities (subject to the record retention requirement of the Exchange Act) and deliver a certificate of such destruction to the Issuer, unless the Issuer otherwise directs. The Issuer may not issue new Securities to replace Securities that it has paid for or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

SECTION 2.13. Defaulted Interest. If the Issuer defaults in a payment of interest on a Series of Securities, it shall pay the defaulted interest, plus, to the extent permitted by law, any interest payable on the defaulted interest, to the persons who are Holders of the Series on a subsequent special record date. The Issuer shall fix the record date and payment date. At least 30 days before the record date, the Issuer shall mail to the Trustee and to each Holder of the Series a notice that states the record date, the payment date and the amount of interest to be paid. The Issuer may pay defaulted interest in any other lawful manner.

SECTION 2.14. Global Securities.

(a) Terms of Securities. A Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate shall establish whether the Securities of a Series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities.

(b) Transfer and Exchange. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained in Section 2.07 of this Indenture and in addition thereto, any Global Security shall be exchangeable pursuant to Section 2.07 of this Indenture for Securities registered in the names of Holders other than the Depositary for such Security or its nominee only if (i) such Depositary notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security or if at any time such Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and, in either case, the Issuer fails to appoint a successor Depositary within 90 days of such event, (ii) the Issuer executes and delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate to the effect that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable or (iii) an Event of Default with respect to the Securities represented by such Global Security shall have happened and be continuing. Any Global Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be exchangeable for Securities registered in such names as the Depositary shall direct in writing in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security with like tenor and terms.

 

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Except as provided in this Section 2.14(b) a Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary with respect to such Global Security to a nominee of such Depositary, by a nominee of such Depositary to such Depositary or another nominee of such Depositary or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such a successor Depositary.

(c) Legend. Any Global Security issued hereunder shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

“THIS GLOBAL SECURITY IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS SECURITY) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 9.05 OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL SECURITY MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.07 OF THE INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL SECURITY MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.12 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL SECURITY MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ISSUER (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS SECURITY).”

(d) Acts of Holders. The Depositary, as a Holder, may appoint agents and otherwise authorize participants to give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action which a Holder is entitled to give or take under this Indenture.

(e) Payments. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Indenture, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.02, payment of the principal of and interest, if any, on any Global Security shall be made to the Holder thereof.

(f) Consents, Declaration and Directions. Except as provided in Section 2.14(e), the Issuer, the Trustee and any Agent shall treat a person as the Holder of such principal amount of outstanding Securities of such Series represented by a Global Security as shall be specified in a written statement of the Depositary with respect to such Global Security, for purposes of obtaining any consents, declarations, waivers or directions required to be given by the Holders pursuant to this Indenture.

SECTION 2.15. CUSIP Numbers. The Issuer in issuing the Securities may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other elements of identification printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers.

 

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ARTICLE III

Redemption

SECTION 3.01. Notices to Trustee. The Issuer, with respect to any Series of Securities, may elect to redeem and pay the Series of Securities or may covenant to redeem and pay the Series of Securities or any part thereof prior to the Stated Maturity thereof at such time and on such terms provided for in such Series of Securities. If a Series of Securities is redeemable and the Issuer wants or is obligated to redeem prior to the Stated Maturity thereof all or part of the Series of Securities pursuant to the terms of such Securities, it shall notify the Trustee in writing of the redemption date and the principal amount of Securities of the Series to be redeemed and the redemption price. The Issuer shall give such notice to the Trustee at least 30 days before the redemption date unless the Trustee consents to a shorter period.

SECTION 3.02. Selection of Securities To Be Redeemed. Unless otherwise provided for a particular Series of Securities by a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture or an Officers’ Certificate, if fewer than all the Securities of a particular Series are to be redeemed or purchased, the Trustee shall select the Securities of such Series to be redeemed or purchased pro rata or by lot or by a method that complies with applicable legal and securities exchange requirements, if any, and that the Trustee in its sole discretion shall deem to be fair and appropriate and in accordance with methods generally used at the time of selection by fiduciaries in similar circumstances. The Trustee shall make the selection at least 30 days but no more than 60 days before the redemption date from outstanding Securities of a Series not previously called for redemption. Securities and portions thereof that the Trustee selects shall be in principal amounts of $1,000 or integral multiples of $1,000. Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Securities called for redemption also apply to portions of Securities called for redemption. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer of the Securities (or portions thereof) to be redeemed.

SECTION 3.03. Notice of Redemption. Unless otherwise provided for a particular Series of Securities by a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture or an Officers’ Certificate, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a date for redemption of Securities, the Issuer shall mail a notice of redemption by first-class mail to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed at such Holder’s registered address.

The notice shall identify the Securities to be redeemed and shall state:

(1) the redemption date;

(2) the redemption price;

(3) if any Security is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount of such Security to be redeemed and that, after the redemption date upon surrender of such Security, a new Security or Securities in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion shall be issued upon cancellation of the original Security;

(4) the name and address of the Paying Agent;

 

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(5) that Securities called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;

(6) that, upon the satisfaction of any conditions to such redemption set forth in the notice of redemption, and unless the Issuer defaults in making such redemption payment or the Paying Agent is prohibited from making such payment pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, interest on Securities (or portion thereof) called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;

(7) the paragraph of the Securities and/or provision of this Indenture pursuant to which the Securities called for redemption are being redeemed;

(8) the CUSIP or ISIN number, if any, printed on the Securities being redeemed; and

(9) that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP or ISIN number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Securities.

In addition, if such redemption is subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition and, if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the redemption date stated in such notice, or by the redemption date as so delayed.

At the Issuer’s request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption as provided to it in the Issuer’s name and at the Issuer’s expense. In such event, the Issuer shall provide the Trustee with the information required by this Section.

SECTION 3.04. Effect of Notice of Redemption. Once notice of redemption is mailed, Securities called for redemption become due and payable on the redemption date and at the redemption price stated in the notice, subject to the satisfaction of any conditions precedent provided in such notice. Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, such Securities shall be paid at the redemption price stated in the notice.

Failure to give notice or any defect in the notice to any Holder shall not affect the validity of the notice to any other Holder.

SECTION 3.05. Deposit of Redemption Price. Prior to 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the redemption date, the Issuer shall deposit with the Paying Agent (or, if the Issuer or a Subsidiary of the Issuer is the Paying Agent, shall segregate and hold in trust) money sufficient to pay the redemption price of, and accrued interest on, all Securities to be redeemed on that date, other than Securities or portions of Securities called for redemption that have been delivered by the Issuer to the Trustee for cancellation. The Paying Agent shall as promptly as practicable return to the Issuer any money deposited with it by the Issuer in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption price of, and accrued interest on, all Securities to be redeemed. If such money is then held by the Issuer in trust and is not required for such purpose it shall be discharged from such trust. The Issuer at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed by the Paying Agent. Upon complying with this Section, the Paying Agent shall have no further liability for the money delivered to the Trustee.

SECTION 3.06. Securities Redeemed in Part. Upon surrender of a Security that is redeemed in part, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder (at the Issuer’s expense) a new Security equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Security surrendered.

 

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ARTICLE IV

Covenants

SECTION 4.01. Payment of Securities. The Issuer shall promptly make all payments in respect of each Series of Securities on the dates and in the manner provided in such Series of Securities and in this Indenture. Such payments shall be considered made on the date due if on such date the Trustee or the Paying Agent holds, in accordance with this Indenture, money sufficient to make all payments with respect to such Securities then due and the Trustee or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, is not prohibited from paying such money to the Holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.

SECTION 4.02. SEC Reports. Unless otherwise provided for a particular Series of Securities in a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture or an Officers’ Certificate, notwithstanding that the Issuer may not be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Issuer shall provide the Trustee and Holders within the time periods (including any extensions thereof) specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations copies of its annual report and certain information, documents and other reports that are specified in Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act; provided that, with respect to current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K, only such reports that would be required to be filed pursuant to Items 1.01 (Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement), 1.02 (Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement), 1.03 (Bankruptcy or Receivership), 2.01 (Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets), 2.03 (Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement), 2.04 (Triggering Events that Accelerate or Increase a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement), 4.01 (Changes in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant), 4.02 (Non-Reliance on Previously Issued Financial Statements or a Related Audit Report or Completed Interim Review) or 5.01 (Changes in Control of Registrant) shall be provided to the Trustee and the Holders; provided, however, that no such report shall be required to be furnished if the Issuer determines in its good faith judgment that the event to be disclosed in such report is not material to the Holders or the business, assets, operations, financial position or prospects of the Issuer and its Significant Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Issuer’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates). The Issuer also shall comply with the other provisions of Trust Indenture Act Section 314(a).

SECTION 4.03. Compliance Certificate. The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Issuer (commencing with the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2012) an Officers’ Certificate stating that in the course of the performance by the signers of their duties as Officers of the Issuer they would normally have knowledge of any Default and whether or not the signers know of any Default that occurred during such period. If they do, the certificate shall describe the Default, its status and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto. The Issuer also shall comply with Trust Indenture Act Section 314(a)(4).

SECTION 4.04. Further Instruments and Acts. The Issuer shall execute and deliver to the Trustee such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the purpose of this Indenture.

ARTICLE V

Successor Companies

SECTION 5.01. Merger and Consolidation. Unless otherwise provided for a particular Series of Securities in a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture or an Officers’ Certificate, the Issuer shall not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all its properties and assets to, any Person unless:

(i) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the “Successor Company”) shall be a corporation or limited liability company organized and existing under the laws

 

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of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and the Successor Company (if not the Issuer) shall expressly assume, by a supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Issuer under the Securities and this Indenture;

(ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

(iii) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture (if any) comply with this Indenture.

The Successor Company shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Issuer under this Indenture (as modified or supplemented by a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture or an Officers’ Certificate), and the predecessor Issuer, except in the case of a lease of all or substantially all of its assets, shall be released from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on the Securities.

ARTICLE VI

Defaults And Remedies

SECTION 6.01. Events of Default. Unless otherwise provided for a particular Series of Securities by a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture or an Officers’ Certificate, each of the following constitutes an “Event of Default” with respect to each Series of Securities:

(1) the Issuer’s default in any payment of the principal amount of (or, in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities of that Series, the portion thereby specified in the terms of such Security), or premium, if any, on any Security of that Series when such amount becomes due and payable at Stated Maturity, upon acceleration, required redemption or otherwise;

(2) the Issuer’s failure to pay interest on any Security of that Series when such interest becomes due and payable, and such failure continues for a period of 30 days;

(3) the Issuer fails to comply with Section 5.01;

(4) the Issuer fails to comply with any of its covenants or agreements contained in the Securities of that Series or this Indenture (other than those referred to in (1), (2), or (3) above) and such failure continues for 60 days after the notice specified below;

(5) the Issuer or a Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:

(A) commences a voluntary case;

(B) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case;

 

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(C) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for any substantial part of its property; or

(D) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors or takes any comparable action under any foreign laws relating to insolvency; or

(6) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

(A) is for relief against the Issuer or a Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case;

(B) appoints a Custodian of the Issuer or a Significant Subsidiary or for any substantial part of its property; or

(C) orders the winding up or liquidation of the Issuer or a Significant Subsidiary or any similar relief is granted under any foreign laws and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 days.

The foregoing shall constitute Events of Default whatever the reason for any such Event of Default and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or is effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body.

The term “Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, United States Code, or any similar Federal or state law for the relief of debtors. The term “Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, custodian or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

A Default under clause (4) above is not an Event of Default with respect to any Series of Securities until the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of that Series notify the Issuer of the Default and the Issuer does not cure such Default within the time specified in clause (4) after receipt of such notice. Such notice must specify the Default, demand that it be remedied and state that such notice is a “Notice of Default.”

The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days after the occurrence thereof, written notice in the form of an Officers’ Certificate of any event which with the giving of notice or the lapse of time would become an Event of Default under clause (4), its status and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

SECTION 6.02. Acceleration. If an Event of Default with respect to any Series of Securities at the time outstanding (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(5) or (6) with respect to the Issuer) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of that Series by notice to the Issuer (and to the Trustee if such notice is given by the Holders), may declare the principal amount of (or, in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities of that Series, the portion thereby specified in the terms of such Security), premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on all the Securities of that Series to be due and payable. Upon such a declaration, such amounts shall be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(5) or (6) with respect to

 

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the Issuer occurs, the principal amount of (or, in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities of that Series, the portion thereby specified in the terms of such Security), premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on all the Securities of each Series of Security shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of any Series of Securities by notice to the Trustee may rescind an acceleration of that Series of Securities and its consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all existing Events of Default with respect to such Series of Securities have been cured or waived except nonpayment of the principal amount of (or, in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities of that Series, the portion thereby specified in the terms of such Security), premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on all Securities of that Series that has become due solely because of acceleration. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto.

SECTION 6.03. Other Remedies. If an Event of Default with respect to any Series of Securities occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of the principal amount of (or, in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities of that Series, the portion thereby specified in the terms of such Security), premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on the Securities of that Series or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Securities of that Series or this Indenture.

The Trustee may institute and maintain a suit or legal proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Securities of a Series or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default with respect to any Series of Securities shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy. All available remedies are cumulative.

SECTION 6.04. Waiver of Past Defaults. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any Series then outstanding may by notice to the Trustee waive an existing Default and its consequences except (i) a Default in the payment of the principal amount of (or, in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities of that Series, the portion thereby specified in the terms of such Security), premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on a Security of that Series, (ii) a Default arising from the failure to redeem or purchase any Security of that Series when required pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or (iii) a Default in respect of a provision that under Section 9.02 cannot be amended without the consent of each Holder of that Series affected. When a Default is waived, it is deemed cured, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any consequent right.

SECTION 6.05. Control by Majority. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of any Series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to that Series. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or, subject to Section 7.01, that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other Holder of that Series or that would subject the Trustee to personal liability; provided, however, that the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction. Prior to taking any action hereunder, the Trustee shall be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against all losses and expenses caused by taking or not taking such action.

 

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SECTION 6.06. Limitation on Suits. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of the principal amount of (or, in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities, the portion thereby specified in the terms of such Security), premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on a Security of any Series when due, no Holder of a Security of that Series may pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Securities of that Series unless:

(1) the Holder previously gave the Trustee written notice stating that an Event of Default with respect to that Series is continuing;

(2) the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of that Series make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

(3) such Holder or Holders of that Series offer to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;

(4) the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity; and

(5) the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of that Series do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request during such 60-day period.

A Holder of Securities of any Series may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder of that Series or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder of that Series.

SECTION 6.07. Rights of Holders to Receive Payment. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder to receive payment of the principal amount of (or, in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities, the portion thereby specified in the terms of such Security), premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on the Securities held by such Holder, on or after their Maturity, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after their Maturity, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

SECTION 6.08. Collection Suit by Trustee. If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(1) or (2) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Issuer for the whole amount then due and owing (together with interest on any unpaid interest to the extent lawful) and the amounts provided for in Section 7.07 to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses disbursement and advances of the Trustee, its agents and its counsel.

SECTION 6.09. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, their creditors or their property and, unless prohibited by law or applicable regulations, may vote on behalf of the Holders in any election of a trustee in

 

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bankruptcy or other Person performing similar functions, and any Custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and its counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07.

SECTION 6.10. Priorities. If the Trustee collects any money or property pursuant to this Article VI with respect to any Series of Securities, it shall pay out the money or property in the following order:

FIRST: costs and expenses of collection, including all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the compensation, expenses and disbursements of the Trustee, its agents and its counsel and all other amounts due to the Trustee under Section 7.07;

SECOND: to Holders for amounts due and unpaid on the Securities of that Series for the principal amount of (or, in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities of that Series, the portion thereby specified in the terms of such Security), premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Securities of that Series for the principal amount of (or, in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities of that Series, the portion thereby specified in the terms of such Security), premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, respectively; and

THIRD: to the Issuer.

The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section. At least 15 days before such record date, the Trustee shall mail to each Holder and the Issuer a notice that states the record date, the payment date and amount to be paid.

SECTION 6.11. Undertaking for Costs. In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing, by any party litigant in the suit, of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 6.07 or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in principal amount of the Securities of any Series.

SECTION 6.12. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws. The Issuer (to the extent it may lawfully do so) shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim to take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law, wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Issuer (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and shall not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

 

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ARTICLE VII

Trustee

SECTION 7.01. Duties of Trustee. (a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to any Series of Securities, the Trustee shall exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise thereof as a prudent Person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such Person’s own affairs.

(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default with respect to any Series of Securities:

(1) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture with respect to the Securities of that Series, as modified or supplemented by a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture or an Officers’ Certificate and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

(2) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may, with respect to Securities of that Series, conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture. However, the Trustee shall examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or, not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).

(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own grossly negligent action, its own grossly negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:

(1) this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section;

(2) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Trust Officer unless it is proved that the Trustee was grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

(3) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.05.

(d) Every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (g) of this Section.

(e) The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Issuer.

(f) Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from funds except to the extent required by law.

 

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(g) No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers.

(h) Every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section and to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act.

SECTION 7.02. Rights of Trustee. (a) The Trustee may conclusively rely on any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.

(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good, faith in reliance on the Officers’ Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.

(c) The Trustee may act through agents or attorneys and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent or attorney appointed with due care.

(d) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers; provided, however, that the Trustee’s conduct does not constitute willful misconduct or gross negligence.

(e) The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection, and the advice or opinion of counsel with respect to legal matters relating to this Indenture and the Securities, shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect to any action taken, omitted or suffered by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel.

(f) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond, debenture, note or other paper or document.

(g) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice or charged with knowledge of any Default or Event of Default with respect to the Securities of any Series unless a Trust Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received from the Issuer or any Holders of such Securities by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references such Securities and this Indenture.

(h) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and to each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder.

(i) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to

 

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this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by the Trustee in compliance with such request or direction.

(j) The Trustee may from time to time request that the Issuer deliver an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to the Indenture, which Officers’ Certificate may be signed by any persons authorized to sign an Officers’ Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

(k) The permissive right of the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture shall not be construed as a duty to so act.

(l) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.

(m) Any request or direction of the Issuer mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Issuer Order and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution.

SECTION 7.03. Individual Rights of Trustee. The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with the Issuer or its Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Paying Agent, Registrar or co-paying agent may do the same with like rights. However, the Trustee must comply with Sections 7.10 and 7.11.

SECTION 7.04. Trustee’s Disclaimer. The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Securities, it shall not be accountable for the Issuer’s use of the proceeds from the Securities, it will not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent (other than itself as Paying Agent), and it shall not be responsible for any statement in this Indenture, in the Securities, or in any document executed in connection with the sale of the Securities, other than those set forth in a Trustee’s certificate of authentication.

SECTION 7.05. Notice of Defaults. If a Default with respect to Securities of any Series occurs and is continuing and if it is actually known to a Trust Officer of the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to each Holder of that Series notice of the Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default with respect to Securities of any Series in payment of the principal amount of (or, in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities of that Series, the portion thereby specified in the terms of such Security), premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on any Security of that Series, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Trust Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of Holders.

SECTION 7.06. Reports by Trustee to Holder. As promptly as practicable after each May 15 beginning with the first May 15 after the issuance of Securities pursuant to this Indenture, for so long as Securities remain outstanding, the Trustee shall mail to each Holder a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act. The Trustee shall also comply with Section 313(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Holders shall be filed with the SEC and each stock exchange (if any) on which the Securities are listed. The Issuer agrees to notify promptly the Trustee whenever the Securities become listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.

 

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SECTION 7.07. Compensation and Indemnity. The Issuer shall pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation for its services as the Issuer and the Trustee shall from time to time agree in writing. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Issuer shall reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred or made by it, including costs of collection, costs of preparation and mailing of notices to Holders and reasonable costs of counsel retained by the Trustee in connection with the delivery of an Opinion of Counsel or otherwise in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation and expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee’s agents, counsel, accountants and experts. The Issuer shall indemnify the Trustee against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by or in connection with the administration of this trust and the performance of its duties hereunder, including the costs and expenses of enforcing the Indenture (including this Section 7.07) and of defending itself against any claims (whether asserted by any Holder, the Issuer or otherwise). The Trustee shall notify the Issuer of any claim for which it may seek indemnity promptly upon obtaining actual knowledge thereof; provided, however, that any failure so to notify the Issuer shall not relieve the Issuer of its indemnity obligations hereunder. The Issuer need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense incurred by an indemnified party through such party’s own willful misconduct, gross negligence or bad faith.

To secure the Issuer’s payment obligations in this Section, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee other than money or property held in trust to pay the principal of and interest and any liquidated damages on particular Securities.

The Issuer’s payment obligations pursuant to this Section shall survive the satisfaction or discharge of this Indenture, any rejection or termination of this Indenture under any bankruptcy law or the resignation or removal of the Trustee. When the Trustee incurs expenses after the occurrence of a Default specified in Section 6.01(5) or (6) with respect to the Issuer, the expenses are intended to constitute expenses of administration under the Bankruptcy Law.

SECTION 7.08. Replacement of Trustee. The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of any Series by so notifying the Issuer. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of any Series may remove the Trustee and may appoint a successor Trustee with respect to such Series of Securities. The Issuer shall remove the Trustee if:

(1) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10;

(2) the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;

(3) a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or

(4) the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.

If the Trustee resigns, is removed by the Issuer or by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of any Series and such Holders do not reasonably promptly appoint a successor Trustee or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason (the

 

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Trustee in such event being referred to herein as the retiring Trustee), the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee. Within one year after the successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the Company.

A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuer. Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders of that Series of Securities. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, subject to the lien provided for in Section 7.07.

If a successor Trustee does not take office within 30 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee or the Holders of 10% in principal amount of the Securities of that Series may petition, at the expense of the Issuer, any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10, after written notice hereto, the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of that Series of Securities may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

Notwithstanding the replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.08, the Issuer’s obligations under Section 7.07 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

SECTION 7.09. Successor Trustee by Merger. If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all its corporate-trust business or assets to, another corporation or banking association, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.

In case at the time such successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture any of the Securities shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor trustee, and deliver such Securities so authenticated; and if at that time any of the Securities shall not have been authenticated, any such successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Securities either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Securities or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.

SECTION 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification. The Trustee shall at all times satisfy the requirements of Trust Indenture Act Section 310(a). The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $100,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition. The Trustee shall comply with Trust Indenture Act Section 310(b); provided, however, that there shall be excluded from the operation of Trust Indenture Act Section 310(b)(1) any indenture or indentures under which other securities or certificates of interest or participation in other securities of the Issuer are outstanding if the requirements for such exclusion set forth in Trust Indenture Act Section 310(b)(1) are met.

 

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SECTION 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Issuer. The Trustee shall comply with Trust Indenture Act Section 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in Trust Indenture Act Section 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or has been removed shall be subject to Trust Indenture Act Section 311(a) to the extent indicated.

ARTICLE VIII

Legal Defeasance And Covenant Defeasance

SECTION 8.01. Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance. The Issuer may, at the option of its Board of Directors evidenced by resolutions set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, at any time, elect to have either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof be applied to all outstanding Securities of any Series upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article VIII.

Unless otherwise provided for in a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture or an Officers’ Certificate, when (a) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee for cancellation all Securities of a Series or (b) all outstanding Securities of a Series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation shall have become due and payable, or are by their terms to become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year, and the Issuer shall have deposited with the Trustee as trust funds the entire amount sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption of all outstanding Securities of the Series, and if, in either case, the Issuer shall also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable under the Indenture by the Issuer, then the Indenture shall cease to be of further effect with respect to such Securities of such Series. The Trustee shall acknowledge satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture on demand of the Issuer accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel and at the cost and expense of the Issuer.

SECTION 8.02. Legal Defeasance and Discharge. Upon the Issuer’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.02 with respect to any Series of Securities, the Issuer shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect to all outstanding Securities of that Series on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, “Legal Defeasance”). For this purpose, Legal Defeasance means that the Issuer shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Securities of that Series, which shall thereafter be deemed to be “outstanding” only for the purposes of Section 8.05 hereof and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in (a) and (b) below, and to have satisfied all its other obligations under such Securities and this Indenture with respect to such Securities of such Series (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following provisions which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:

(a) the rights of Holders of outstanding Securities of that Series to receive solely from the trust fund described in Section 8.04 hereof, and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of (or, in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities of that Series, the portion thereby specified in the terms of such Security), premium, if any, and interest on such Securities when such payment are due;

 

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(b) the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such Securities of that Series under Article II;

(c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and the Issuer’s obligations in connection therewith; and this Article VIII.

(d) Subject to compliance with this Article VIII, the Issuer may exercise its option under this Section 8.02 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 8.03 hereof.

SECTION 8.03. Covenant Defeasance. Upon the Issuer’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03 with respect to any Series of Securities, the Issuer shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be released from its obligations under the covenants contained in a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture or an Officers’ Certificate with respect to the outstanding Securities of that Series on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 are satisfied (hereinafter, “Covenant Defeasance”), and the Securities of that Series shall thereafter be deemed not “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but shall continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder (it being understood that such Securities shall not be deemed outstanding for accounting purposes). For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the outstanding Securities of that Series, the Issuer may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default with respect to such Securities under Section 6.01 hereof, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Securities shall be unaffected thereby. In addition, upon the Issuer’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03 hereof with respect to any Series of Securities, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof and Sections 6.01(3) and 6.01(4) hereof shall not constitute Events of Default with respect to such Securities.

SECTION 8.04. Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance. The following shall be the conditions to the application of either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof to the outstanding Securities:

In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance with respect to any Series of Securities:

(1) the Issuer must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of that Series of Securities, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized independent registered public accounting firm, to pay the principal amount of (or, in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities of that Series, the portion thereby specified in the terms of such Security), premium, if any, and interest on the outstanding Securities of that Series on the stated date for payment thereof or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be;

 

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(2) in the case of an election under Section 8.02 hereof, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that:

(a) the Issuer has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling; or

(b) since the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of the outstanding Securities of that Series will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same time as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

(3) in the case of an election under Section 8.03 hereof, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the Holders of the outstanding Securities of that Series will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

(4) no Default or Event of Default with respect to that Series of Securities shall have occurred and be continuing either:

(a) on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default with respect to that Series of Securities resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit); or

(b) insofar as Sections 6.01(5) or 6.01(6) hereof are concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 91st day after the date of deposit;

(5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture) to which the Issuer or any of its Significant Subsidiaries are a party or by which the Issuer or any of its Significant Subsidiaries are bound;

(6) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that on the 91st day following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally;

(7) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuer with the intent of preferring the Holders of that Series of Securities over any other creditors of the Issuer or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any other creditors of the Issuer or others; and

 

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(8) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.

SECTION 8.05. Deposited Money and Government Securities to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions. Subject to Section 8.06 hereof, all money and non-callable Government Securities (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 8.05, the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 8.04 hereof in respect of any outstanding Series of Securities shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Issuer acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Securities of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

The Issuer shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or non-callable Government Securities deposited pursuant to Section 8.04 hereof or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the outstanding Securities of that Series.

Anything in this Article VIII to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Issuer from time to time upon the request of the Issuer any money or non-callable Government Securities held by it as provided in Section 8.04 hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized independent registered public accounting firm expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under Section 8.04(1) hereof), are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

SECTION 8.06. Repayment to the Issuer. Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Issuer, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Security and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, and premium, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Issuer on its request or (if then held by the Issuer) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter look only to the Issuer for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Issuer as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Issuer cause to be published once, in the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal (national edition), notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such notification or publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Issuer.

SECTION 8.07. Reinstatement. If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any U.S. dollars or non-callable Government Securities in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03 thereof, as the case may be, by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the Issuer’s

 

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obligations under this Indenture and the Securities shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof, as the case may be; provided, however, that, if the Issuer makes any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Security following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuer shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

ARTICLE IX

Amendments

SECTION 9.01. Without Consent of Holders. The Issuer and the Trustee may amend this Indenture or the Securities without notice to or consent of any Holder:

(1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Issuer pursuant to Article V and the assumption by such successor of the Issuer’s covenants, agreements and obligations in this Indenture and in the Securities;

(2) to surrender any right or power conferred upon the Issuer by this Indenture, to add to the covenants of the Issuer such further covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the protection of the Holders of all or any Series of Securities as the Board of Directors of the Issuer shall consider to be for the protection of the Holders of such Securities, and to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and continuance, of a default in respect of any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions a Default or an Event of Default under this Indenture; provided, however, that with respect to any such additional covenant, restriction, condition or provision, such amendment may provide for a period of grace after default, which may be shorter or longer than that allowed in the case of other Defaults, may provide for an immediate enforcement upon such Default, may limit the remedies available to the Trustee upon such Default or may limit the right of Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any Series to waive such default;

(3) to cure any ambiguity or correct or supplement any provision contained in this Indenture, in any supplemental indenture or in any Securities that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision contained therein;

(4) to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property to or with the Trustee, or to make such other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising under this Indenture as shall not adversely affect the interests of any Holders of Securities of any Series;

(5) to modify or amend this Indenture in such a manner as to permit the qualification of this Indenture or any supplemental indenture under the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect;

(6) to add or to change any of the provisions of this Indenture to provide that Securities in bearer form may be registrable as to principal, to change or eliminate any restrictions on the payment of principal or premium with respect to Securities in registered form or of principal, premium or interest with respect to Securities in bearer form, or to permit Securities in registered form to be exchanged for Securities in bearer form, so as to not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities or any coupons of any Series in any material respect or permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities of any Series in uncertificated form;

 

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(7) in the case of subordinated Securities, to make any change in the provisions of this Indenture or any supplemental indenture relating to subordination that would limit or terminate the benefits available to any holder of senior Indebtedness under such provisions (but only if each such holder of senior Indebtedness consents to such change);

(8) to add Guarantees with respect to the Securities or to secure the Securities;

(9) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder;

(10) to add to, change, or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture with respect to one or more Series of Securities, so long as any such addition, change or elimination not otherwise permitted under this Indenture shall (A) neither apply to any Security of any Series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor modify the rights of the Holders of any such Security with respect to the benefit of such provision or (B) become effective only when there is no such Security outstanding;

(11) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor or separate Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more Series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of this Indenture by more than one Trustee; or

(12) to establish the form or terms of Securities and coupons of any Series pursuant to Article II.

SECTION 9.02. With Consent of Holders. The Issuer and the Trustee may amend this Indenture or the Securities of any Series without notice to any Holder but with the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Securities of each Series then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange for the Securities) affected by such amendment. However, without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment may not:

(1) make any change to the percentage of principal amount of the outstanding Securities of any Series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any amendment, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture;

(2) reduce the principal amount of, premium, if any, or interest on, or extend the Stated Maturity or interest payment periods of any Security;

(3) make any Security payable in money or securities other than those stated in the Security;

(4) make any change that adversely affects such Holder’s right to require the Issuer to purchase the Securities in accordance with the terms thereof and this Indenture;

 

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(5) impair the right of any Holder to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment with respect to the Securities;

(6) in the case of any subordinated Securities, or coupons appertaining thereto, make any change in the provisions of this Indenture relating to subordination that adversely affects the rights of any Holder under such provisions; or

(7) make any change in Section 6.04 or 6.07 or the second sentence of this Section 9.02.

It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. After an amendment under this Section becomes effective, the Issuer shall mail to all affected Holders a notice briefly describing such amendment. The failure to give such notice to all such Holders, or any defect therein, shall not impair or affect the validity of an amendment under this Section.

SECTION 9.03. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act. Every amendment to this Indenture or the Securities shall comply with the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.

SECTION 9.04. Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers. A consent to an amendment or a waiver by a Holder of a Security shall bind the Holder and every subsequent Holder of that Security or portion of the Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Security, even if notation of the consent or waiver is not made on the Security. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent or waiver as to such Holder’s Security or portion of the Security if the Trustee receives the notice of revocation before the date the amendment or waiver becomes effective. After an amendment or waiver becomes effective, it shall bind every Holder. An amendment or waiver becomes effective once both (i) the requisite number of consents have been received by the Issuer or the Trustee and (ii) such amendment or waiver has been executed by the Issuer and the Trustee.

The Issuer may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to give their consent or take any other action described above or required or permitted to be taken pursuant to this Indenture. If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding the immediately preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to give such consent or to revoke any consent previously given or to take any such action, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date. No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 120 days after such record date.

SECTION 9.05. Notation on or Exchange of Securities. If an amendment changes the terms of a Security, the Trustee may require the Holder of the Security to deliver it to the Trustee. The Trustee may place an appropriate notation on the Security regarding the changed terms and return it to the Holder. Alternatively, if the Issuer or the Trustee so determines, the Issuer in exchange for the Security shall issue and the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Issuer Order, authenticate a new Security that reflects the changed terms. Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Security shall not affect the validity of such amendment.

 

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SECTION 9.06. Trustee To Sign Amendments. The Trustee shall sign any amendment authorized pursuant to this Article IX if the amendment does not affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. If it does, the Trustee may but need not sign it. In signing such amendment the Trustee shall receive indemnity satisfactory to it, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such amendment is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and that such amendment is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Issuer enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions, and complies with the provisions hereof (including Section 9.03).

SECTION 9.07. Payment for Consent. Neither the Issuer nor any Affiliate of the Issuer shall, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to any Holder for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture or the Securities unless such consideration is offered to be paid to all Holders of such Series of Securities, ratably, that so consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.

ARTICLE X

Miscellaneous

SECTION 10.01. Trust Indenture Act Controls. If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision which is required to be included in this Indenture by the Trust Indenture Act, the required provision shall control.

SECTION 10.02. Notices. Unless otherwise provided herein, any notice or communication shall be in writing and delivered in person or mailed by first-class mail addressed as follows:

If to the Issuer:

Crown Castle International Corp.

1220 Augusta Drive

Suite 500

Houston, TX 77057

Fax: (713) 570-3150

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

with a copy to:

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP

825 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10019

Fax: (212) 474-3700

Attention: Stephen L. Burns, Esq.

 

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If to the Trustee:

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

601 Travis Street, 16th Floor

Houston, TX 77002

Fax: (713) 483-6959

Attention: Corporate Trust Services, re: Crown Castle International Corp.

The Issuer or the Trustee by notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

Any notice or communication mailed to a Holder shall be mailed to the Holder at the Holder’s address as it appears on the registration books of the Registrar and shall be sufficiently given if so mailed within the time prescribed.

Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders. If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

The Trustee agrees to accept and act upon instructions and directions pursuant to this Indenture sent by unsecured e-mail, pdf, facsimile transmission or other similar unsecured electronic methods; provided, however, that the Trustee shall have received an incumbency certificate listing persons designated to give such instructions or directions and containing specimen signatures of such designated persons, which such incumbency certificate shall be amended and replaced whenever a person is to be added or deleted from the listing.

SECTION 10.03. Communication by Holders with Other Holders. Holders may communicate pursuant to Trust Indenture Act Section 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Securities. The Issuer, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of Trust Indenture Act Section 312(c).

SECTION 10.04. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. Upon any request or application by the Issuer to the Trustee to take or refrain from taking any action under this Indenture, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee:

(1) an Officers’ Certificate of the Issuer in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and

(2) an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with.

SECTION 10.05. Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion. Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a covenant or condition provided for in this Indenture shall include:

(1) a statement that the individual making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;

 

36


(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

(3) a statement that, in the opinion of such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

(4) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such individual, such covenant or condition has been complied with.

SECTION 10.06. When Securities Disregarded. In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Securities have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Securities owned by the Issuer, or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Issuer shall be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding, except that, for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Securities which the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. Subject to the foregoing, only Securities outstanding at the time shall be considered in any such determination.

SECTION 10.07. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar. The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or a meeting of Holders. The Registrar and the Paying Agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.

SECTION 10.08. Legal Holidays. A “Legal Holiday” is a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions in New York State are authorized or required by law to close. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period. If a regular record date is a Legal Holiday, the record date shall not be affected.

SECTION 10.09. Governing Law. THIS INDENTURE AND THE SECURITIES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK BUT WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.

SECTION 10.10. No Recourse Against Others. A director, officer, employee or shareholder, as such, of the Issuer shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer under the Securities or this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation. By accepting a Security, each Holder shall waive and release all such liability. The waiver and release shall be part of the consideration for the issuance of the Securities.

SECTION 10.11. Successors. All agreements of the Issuer in this Indenture and the Securities shall bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.

 

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SECTION 10.12. Multiple Originals. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. One signed copy of the Indenture is enough to prove this Indenture.

SECTION 10.13. Table of Contents; Headings. The table of contents, cross-reference sheet and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

SECTION 10.14. Severability. If any provision in this Indenture is deemed unenforceable, it shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision set forth herein, or of the Indenture as a whole.

SECTION 10.15. Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE ISSUER AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLE WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUR OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE SECURITIES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

SECTION 10.16. Force Majeure. In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.,
By:  

 

 

Name:

Title:

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,

as Trustee

By:  

 

 

Name:

Title:

 

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EX-5.1 5 d324974dex51.htm OPINION OF CRAVATH, SWAINE & MOORE LLP <![CDATA[Opinion of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP]]>

Exhibit 5.1

April 3, 2012

Crown Castle International Corp.

Registration Statement on Form S-3

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Crown Castle International Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the preparation and filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), relating to the registration under the Securities Act and the proposed issuance and sale from time to time pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of debt securities (“Debt Securities”) of the Company to be issued under an Indenture (the “Indenture”), to be entered into between the Company and a trustee (the “Trustee”), preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”) of the Company, common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”) of the Company, including Common Stock as may from time to time be issued upon conversion of Debt Securities or Preferred Stock, and/or warrants to purchase Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, or Common Stock (the “Warrants”) of the Company (the Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Warrants are collectively referred to herein as the “Securities”).

In connection with this opinion, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such corporate records, certificates of corporate officers and government officials and such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion, including: (a) the amended and restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company; (b) the amended and restated By-laws of the Company; (c) resolutions adopted by the board of directors of the Company on March 27, 2012; (d) the Registration Statement; and (e) the form of Indenture to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. As to various questions of fact material to this opinion, we have relied upon representations of officers or directors of the Company and documents furnished to us by the Company without independent verification of their accuracy. We have also assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, and assuming that (i) the Registration Statement and any supplements and amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments) will have become effective and will comply with all applicable laws; (ii) the Registration Statement and any supplements and amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments) will be effective and will comply with all applicable laws at the time the Securities are offered or issued as contemplated by the Registration Statement; (iii) a prospectus supplement will have been prepared and filed with the Commission describing the Securities offered thereby and will comply with all applicable laws; (iv) all Securities will be issued and sold in compliance with all applicable Federal and state securities laws and in the manner stated in the Registration Statement and the appropriate prospectus supplement; (v) none of the terms of any Security to be established subsequent to the date hereof, nor the issuance and delivery of such Security, nor the compliance by the Company with the terms of such Security will violate any applicable law or


will result in a violation of any provision of any instrument or agreement then binding upon the Company or any restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; (vi) a definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement and any other necessary agreement with respect to any Securities offered or issued will have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; and (vii) any Securities issuable upon conversion, exchange, or exercise of any Security being offered or issued will be duly authorized, created, and, if appropriate, reserved for issuance upon such conversion, exchange, or exercise, we are of opinion that:

(1) with respect to Debt Securities to be issued under the Indenture, when (A) the Trustee is qualified to act as Trustee under the Indenture, (B) the Trustee has duly executed and delivered the Indenture, (C) the Indenture has been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company to the Trustee, (D) the Indenture has been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, (E) the board of directors of the Company, a duly constituted and acting committee thereof or any officers of the Company delegated such authority (such board of directors, committee or officers being hereinafter referred to as the “Board”) has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of a particular series of Debt Securities, the terms of the offering thereof, and related matters, and (F) such Debt Securities have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture and the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the Board upon payment of the consideration therefor provided for therein, such Debt Securities will be validly issued and will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally from time to time in effect and subject to general principles of equity, including concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law);

(2) with respect to shares of Preferred Stock, when (A) the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of a particular series of Preferred Stock, the terms of the offering thereof, and related matters, including the adoption of a Certificate of Designation relating to such Preferred Stock (a “Certificate”) and the filing of such Certificate with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, (B) such Certificate has been properly filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware and (C) certificates representing such shares of Preferred Stock have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered either (i) in accordance with the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting, or similar agreement approved by the Board upon payment of the consideration therefor (which consideration is not less than the par value of the Preferred Stock) provided for therein or (ii) upon conversion or exercise of any other Security, in accordance with the terms of such Security or the instrument governing such Security providing for such conversion or exercise as approved by the Board, for the consideration approved by the Board (which consideration is not less than the par value of the Preferred Stock), then such shares of Preferred Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable;


(3) with respect to shares of Common Stock, when both (A) the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance of and the terms of the offering, and related matters, of (i) the Debt Securities or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, convertible or exchangeable into Common Stock and (ii) the shares of Common Stock, and related matters and (B) certificates representing the shares of Common Stock have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered either (i) in accordance with the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting, or similar agreement approved by the Board upon payment of the consideration therefor (which consideration is not less than the par value of the Common Stock) provided for therein or (ii) upon conversion or exercise of such Debt Security or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, in accordance with the terms of such Security or the instrument governing such Security providing for such conversion or exercise as approved by the Board, for the consideration approved by the Board (which consideration is not less than the par value of the Common Stock), then the shares of Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable; and

(4) with respect to the Warrants, when (A) the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the creation of and the issuance and terms of the Warrants, the terms of the offering thereof, and related matters, (B) a warrant agreement or agreements relating to the Warrants have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company, the warrant agent appointed by the Company and each other party thereto and (C) the Warrants or certificates representing the Warrants have been duly executed, countersigned, registered, and delivered in accordance with the appropriate warrant agreement or agreements and the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the Board upon payment of the consideration therefor provided for therein, the Warrants will be validly issued and will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium, or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally from time to time in effect and subject to general principles of equity, including concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

We express no opinion herein as to any provision of the Indenture or the Debt Securities that (a) relates to the subject matter jurisdiction of any Federal court of the United States of America, or any Federal appellate court, to adjudicate any controversy related thereto, (b) contains a waiver of an inconvenient forum, (c) relates to the waiver of rights to jury trial or (d) provides for indemnification, contribution or limitations on liability. We also express no opinion as to (i) the enforceability of the provisions of the Indenture or the Debt Securities to the extent that such provisions constitute a waiver of illegality as a defense to performance of contract obligations or any other defense to performance which cannot, as a matter of law, be effectively waived, (ii) whether a state court outside the State of New York or a Federal court of the United States would give effect to the choice of New York law provided for therein or (iii) the effect of any provision in the amended and restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company of the type permitted by Section 102(b)(2) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.


Courts in the United States have not customarily rendered judgments for money damages denominated in any currency other than United States dollars. Section 27(b) of the Judiciary Law of the State of New York provides, however, that a judgment or decree in an action based upon an obligation denominated in a currency other than United States dollars shall be rendered in the foreign currency of the underlying obligation and converted into United States dollars at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of the entry of the judgment or decree. We express no opinion as to whether a Federal court would render a judgment other than in United States dollars.

We are admitted to practice only in the State of New York and express no opinion as to matters governed by any laws other than the laws of the State of New York, the Delaware General Corporation Law and the Federal laws of the United States of America.

We understand that we may be referred to as counsel who has passed upon the validity of the Debt Securities and the issuance of the Preferred Stock, Common Stock or Warrants on behalf of the Company in the prospectus and in a supplement to the prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement relating to the Securities filed with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, and we hereby consent to such use of our name in said Registration Statement and to the use of this opinion for filing with said Registration Statement as Exhibit 5.1 thereto. In giving this consent, we do not hereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the Rules and Regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

 

Very truly yours,
/s/ CRAVATH, SWAINE & MOORE LLP

Crown Castle International Corp.

1220 Augusta Drive, Suite 500

Houston, Texas 77057

Attention of E. Blake Hawk, Esq.

EX-12.1 6 d324974dex121.htm STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES & EARNINGS <![CDATA[Statement Regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges & Earnings]]>

EXHIBIT 12.1

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND

EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  

Computation of earnings:

          

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 179,807      $ (338,105   $ (190,523   $ (153,219   $ (317,003

Add:

          

Fixed charges (as computed below)

     620,871        600,295        551,288        458,477        454,731   

Subtract:

          

Interest capitalized

     (265     —          —          —          (1,406
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 800,413      $ 262,190      $ 360,765      $ 305,258      $ 136,322   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Computation of fixed charges and combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends and losses on purchases of preferred stock:

          

Interest expense

   $ 404,968      $ 406,222      $ 386,447      $ 332,058      $ 329,610   

Amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized interest expense related to indebtedness

     102,883        84,047        59,435        22,056        20,649   

Interest capitalized

     265        —          —          —          1,406   

Interest component of operating lease expense

     112,755        110,026        105,406        104,363        103,066   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fixed charges

     620,871        600,295        551,288        458,477        454,731   

Dividends on preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock

     22,940        20,806        20,806        20,806        20,805   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends and losses on purchases of preferred stock

   $ 643,811      $ 621,101      $ 572,094      $ 479,283      $ 475,536   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

     1.3        —          —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Deficiency) excess of earnings to cover fixed charges

   $ 179,542      $ (338,105   $ (190,523   $ (153,219   $ (318,409
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends and losses on purchases of preferred stock

     1.2        —          —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Deficiency) excess of earnings to cover combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends and losses on purchases of preferred stock

   $ 156,602      $ (358,911   $ (211,329   $ (174,025   $ (339,214
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
EX-23.1 7 d324974dex231.htm CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPER LLC Consent of PricewaterhouseCooper LLC

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated February 13, 2012 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in Crown Castle International Corp.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

/s/    PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Pittsburgh, PA

April 3, 2012

EX-23.2 8 d324974dex232.htm CONSENT OF KPMG LLP Consent of KPMG LLP

Exhibit 23.2

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

Crown Castle International Corp.:

We consent to the use of our report dated February 15, 2011, with respect to the consolidated balance sheet of Crown Castle International Corp. as of December 31, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), cash flows, and redeemable convertible preferred stock and equity for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2010, and the related financial statement schedule for 2010 and 2009, incorporated herein by reference and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.

/s/    KPMG LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

April 2, 2012

EX-25.1 9 d324974dex251.htm STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY ON FORM T-1 OF THE BOFNY MELLON TRUST COMPANY Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 of The BofNY Mellon Trust Company

Exhibit 25.1

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM T-1

 

 

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY

UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A

CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE

ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO

SECTION 305(b)(2)  ¨

 

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

TRUST COMPANY, N.A.

(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

  95-3571558

(Jurisdiction of incorporation

if not a U.S. national bank)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

400 South Hope Street

Suite 400

Los Angeles, California

  90071
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

 

CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   76-0470458

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

1220 Augusta Drive

Suite 500

Houston, Texas

  77057
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

 

Debt Securities

(Title of the indenture securities)

 

 

 


1. General information. Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

 

  (a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

 

Name

  

Address

Comptroller of the Currency

United States Department of the Treasury

   Washington, DC 20219
Federal Reserve Bank    San Francisco, CA 94105
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation    Washington, DC 20429

 

  (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Yes.

 

2. Affiliations with Obligor.

If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.

None.

 

16. List of Exhibits.

Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Commission, are incorporated herein by reference as an exhibit hereto, pursuant to Rule 7a-29 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the “Act”) and 17 C.F.R. 229.10(d).

 

  1. A copy of the articles of association of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., formerly known as The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121948 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-152875).

 

  2. A copy of certificate of authority of the trustee to commence business. (Exhibit 2 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121948).

 

  3. A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise corporate trust powers (Exhibit 3 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-152875).

 

- 2 -


  4. A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-162713).

 

  6. The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act (Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-152875).

 

  7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.

 

- 3 -


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the trustee, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., a banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Houston, and State of Texas, on the 29th day of March, 2012.

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
By:  

/s/ Rafael Martinez

Name:        Rafael Martinez
Title:        Senior Associate

 

- 4 -


EXHIBIT 7

Consolidated Report of Condition of

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.

of 700 South Flower Street, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90017

At the close of business December 31, 2011, published in accordance with Federal regulatory authority instructions.

 

            Dollar Amounts
in Thousands
 

ASSETS

     

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:

     

Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin

        648   

Interest-bearing balances

        396   

Securities:

     

Held-to-maturity securities

        0   

Available-for-sale securities

        808,707   

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell:

     

Federal funds sold

        95,500   

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

        0   

Loans and lease financing receivables:

     

Loans and leases held for sale

        0   

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

     0      

LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses

     0      

Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowance

        0   

Trading assets

        0   

Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)

        7,620   

Other real estate owned

        0   

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies

        1   

Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures

        0   

Intangible assets:

     

Goodwill

        856,313   

Other intangible assets

        187,688   

Other assets

        175,314   
     

 

 

 

Total assets

      $ 2,132,187   
     

 

 

 

 

1


LIABILITIES

     

Deposits:

     

In domestic offices

        506   

Noninterest-bearing

     506      

Interest-bearing

     0      

Not applicable

     

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

     

Federal funds purchased

        0   

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

        0   

Trading liabilities

        0   

Other borrowed money:

     

(includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases)

        268,691   

Not applicable

     

Not applicable

     

Subordinated notes and debentures

        0   

Other liabilities

        228,471   

Total liabilities

        497,668   

Not applicable

     

EQUITY CAPITAL

     

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus

        0   

Common stock

        1,000   

Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock)

        1,121,520   

Not available

     

Retained earnings

        506,347   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

        5,652   

Other equity capital components

        0   

Not available

     

Total bank equity capital

        1,634,519   

Noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated subsidiaries

        0   

Total equity capital

        1,634,519   
     

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity capital

        2,132,187   
     

 

 

 

I, Karen Bayz, CFO and Managing Director of the above-named bank do hereby declare that the Reports of Condition and Income (including the supporting schedules) for this report date have been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Karen Bayz         )          CFO and Managing Director

We, the undersigned directors (trustees), attest to the correctness of the Report of Condition (including the supporting schedules) for this report date and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true and correct.

 

Timothy Vara, President    )   
Frank P. Sulzberger, MD    )   

Directors (Trustees)

William D. Lindelof, MD    )   

 

2