-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, ORJoeJGIE4+AX6H+zK8MocOODOHNkDBC3ZzeYzq3aEj1+JxqcBYJJeUb5/ANNjOI DfmwPLnn+vkvm8iKP60gJg== 0000950124-02-002294.txt : 20020709 0000950124-02-002294.hdr.sgml : 20020709 20020709172913 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950124-02-002294 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-4 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 11 FILED AS OF DATE: 20020709 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WHITWORTH MANAGEMENT INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092151 IRS NUMBER: 880233834 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NV FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-02 FILM NUMBER: 02699095 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WESTERN HOMES CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092147 IRS NUMBER: 752276910 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-03 FILM NUMBER: 02699096 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: VICTORY INVESTMENT CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092138 IRS NUMBER: 730961344 STATE OF INCORPORATION: OK FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-04 FILM NUMBER: 02699097 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: U S A MOBILE HOMES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092131 IRS NUMBER: 930980361 STATE OF INCORPORATION: OR FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-05 FILM NUMBER: 02699098 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: TRADING POST MOBILE HOMES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092129 IRS NUMBER: 610945344 STATE OF INCORPORATION: KY FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-06 FILM NUMBER: 02699099 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: MODULINE INTERNATIONAL INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000067385 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: MOBILE HOMES [2451] IRS NUMBER: 910828539 STATE OF INCORPORATION: WA FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-24 FILM NUMBER: 02699117 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 2482030700 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HOMES OF KENTUCKIANA LLC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001176510 IRS NUMBER: 611329519 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-32 FILM NUMBER: 02699125 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 CAMBRIDGE CT STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2483409090 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HOMES AMERICA OF WYOMING INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092204 IRS NUMBER: 880233834 STATE OF INCORPORATION: WY FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-33 FILM NUMBER: 02699126 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HOMES AMERICA OF UTAH INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092202 IRS NUMBER: 870540727 STATE OF INCORPORATION: UT FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-34 FILM NUMBER: 02699127 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HOMES AMERICA OF OKLAHOMA INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092200 IRS NUMBER: 731489573 STATE OF INCORPORATION: OK FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-35 FILM NUMBER: 02699128 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HOMES AMERICA OF CALIFORNIA INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092199 IRS NUMBER: 330697358 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-36 FILM NUMBER: 02699129 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HOMES AMERICA OF ARIZONA INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092196 IRS NUMBER: 860895662 STATE OF INCORPORATION: AZ FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-37 FILM NUMBER: 02699130 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HOMES AMERICA FINANCE INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092195 IRS NUMBER: 880351418 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NV FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-38 FILM NUMBER: 02699131 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HOMEPRIDE FINANCE CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092194 IRS NUMBER: 383454767 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-39 FILM NUMBER: 02699132 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HEARTLAND HOMES LP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001176509 IRS NUMBER: 383635803 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-40 FILM NUMBER: 02699133 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 CAMBRIDGE CT STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2483409090 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: GRAND MANOR INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092191 IRS NUMBER: 383281658 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-41 FILM NUMBER: 02699134 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: GEM HOMES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092190 IRS NUMBER: 760164265 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-43 FILM NUMBER: 02699136 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: GATEWAY PROPERTIES CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092188 IRS NUMBER: 460426796 STATE OF INCORPORATION: SD FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-44 FILM NUMBER: 02699137 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: GATEWAY MOBILE & MODULAR HOMES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092186 IRS NUMBER: 470709908 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-45 FILM NUMBER: 02699138 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: GATEWAY ACCEPTANCE CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092185 IRS NUMBER: 460372684 STATE OF INCORPORATION: SD FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-46 FILM NUMBER: 02699139 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FLEMING COUNTY INDUSTRIES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092183 IRS NUMBER: 611078339 STATE OF INCORPORATION: KY FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-47 FILM NUMBER: 02699140 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FACTORY HOMES OUTLET INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092179 IRS NUMBER: 880283245 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-48 FILM NUMBER: 02699141 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CRESTPOINTE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092174 IRS NUMBER: 752140765 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-50 FILM NUMBER: 02699143 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CREST RIDGE HOMES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092171 IRS NUMBER: 383213167 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-51 FILM NUMBER: 02699144 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CLIFF AVE INVESTMENTS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092160 IRS NUMBER: 460365898 STATE OF INCORPORATION: SD FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-52 FILM NUMBER: 02699145 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CHANDELEUR HOMES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092157 IRS NUMBER: 383213165 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-54 FILM NUMBER: 02699147 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: A1 CHAMPION GP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001176508 IRS NUMBER: 383639742 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-69 FILM NUMBER: 02699163 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 CAMBRIDGE CT STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2483409090 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: DUTCH HOUSING INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000877514 IRS NUMBER: 383157863 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-49 FILM NUMBER: 02699142 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CHAMPION ENTERPRISES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000814068 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: MOBILE HOMES [2451] IRS NUMBER: 382743168 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1225 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156 FILM NUMBER: 02699093 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 CAMBRIDGE COURT STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2483409090 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000019144 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: MOBILE HOMES [2451] IRS NUMBER: 381427299 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 0228 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-01 FILM NUMBER: 02699094 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 5573 NORTH ST CITY: DRYDEN STATE: MI ZIP: 48428 BUSINESS PHONE: 3137962211 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: OKAHUMPKA CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092187 IRS NUMBER: 592175753 STATE OF INCORPORATION: FL FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-07 FILM NUMBER: 02699100 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: STAR FLEET INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092184 IRS NUMBER: 351840506 STATE OF INCORPORATION: IN FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-08 FILM NUMBER: 02699101 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SOUTHERN SHOWCASE HOUSING INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092182 IRS NUMBER: 561686678 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NC FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-09 FILM NUMBER: 02699102 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SOUTHERN SHOWCASE FINANCE INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092180 IRS NUMBER: 562084038 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-10 FILM NUMBER: 02699103 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SERVICE CONTRACT CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092178 IRS NUMBER: 382719552 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-11 FILM NUMBER: 02699104 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SAN JOSE ADVANTAGE HOMES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092177 IRS NUMBER: 770411951 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-12 FILM NUMBER: 02699105 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: REGENCY SUPPLY CO INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092176 IRS NUMBER: 752155269 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-13 FILM NUMBER: 02699106 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: REDMAN RETAIL INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092175 IRS NUMBER: 752021720 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-14 FILM NUMBER: 02699107 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: REDMAN MANAGEMENT SERVICES BUSINESS TRUST CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092173 IRS NUMBER: 756469645 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-15 FILM NUMBER: 02699108 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: REDMAN INVESTMENT INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092170 IRS NUMBER: 752208257 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-16 FILM NUMBER: 02699109 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: REDMAN INDUSTRIES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000082666 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: MOBILE HOMES [2451] IRS NUMBER: 752246805 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-17 FILM NUMBER: 02699110 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNINVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 4832 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: REDMAN HOMES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092166 IRS NUMBER: 751364957 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-18 FILM NUMBER: 02699111 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: REDMAN HOMES MANAGEMENT CO INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092164 IRS NUMBER: 752573061 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-19 FILM NUMBER: 02699112 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: REDMAN BUSINESS TRUST CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092161 IRS NUMBER: 756469646 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-20 FILM NUMBER: 02699113 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: PRAIRIE RIDGE INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001122148 IRS NUMBER: 462935648 STATE OF INCORPORATION: KS FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-21 FILM NUMBER: 02699114 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 CAMBRIDGE COURT STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2483409090 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 CAMBRIDGE COURT STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: PHILADELPHIA HOUSING CENTER INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092156 IRS NUMBER: 640863980 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MS FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-22 FILM NUMBER: 02699115 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: NORTHSTAR CORP/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092198 IRS NUMBER: 460433873 STATE OF INCORPORATION: SD FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-23 FILM NUMBER: 02699116 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: MANUFACTURED HOUSING OF LOUISIANA INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092149 IRS NUMBER: 721416792 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-25 FILM NUMBER: 02699118 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: LAMPLIGHTER HOMES OREGON INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092146 IRS NUMBER: 930976577 STATE OF INCORPORATION: OR FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-26 FILM NUMBER: 02699119 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: LAMPLIGHTER HOMES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092143 IRS NUMBER: 911219267 STATE OF INCORPORATION: WA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-27 FILM NUMBER: 02699120 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ISEMAN CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092134 IRS NUMBER: 460365899 STATE OF INCORPORATION: SD FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-28 FILM NUMBER: 02699121 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: IDA INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092124 IRS NUMBER: 731384625 STATE OF INCORPORATION: OK FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-29 FILM NUMBER: 02699122 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HOMES OF MERIT INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092122 IRS NUMBER: 383284410 STATE OF INCORPORATION: FL FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-30 FILM NUMBER: 02699123 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HOMES OF LEGEND INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092119 IRS NUMBER: 383284410 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-31 FILM NUMBER: 02699124 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DRIVE SUITE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: GENESIS HOME CENTERS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001123325 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-42 FILM NUMBER: 02699135 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 CAMBRIDGE COURT STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 CAMBRIDGE COURT STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CHI INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092155 IRS NUMBER: 742813105 STATE OF INCORPORATION: OK FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-53 FILM NUMBER: 02699146 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 CAMBRIDGE COURT STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 CAMBRIDGE COURT STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: CARNIVAL HOMES INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19990729 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CHAMPION RETAIL INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092167 IRS NUMBER: 383392154 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-55 FILM NUMBER: 02699148 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 CAMBRIDGE COURT STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 CAMBRIDGE COURT STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: CHAMPION HOME CENTERS INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19990729 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CHAMPION MOTOR COACH INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092172 IRS NUMBER: 382721632 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-56 FILM NUMBER: 02699149 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CHAMPION HOME COMMUNITIES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092169 IRS NUMBER: 381947966 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-57 FILM NUMBER: 02699150 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CHAMPION GP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001123323 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-58 FILM NUMBER: 02699151 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 CAMBRIDGE COURT STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 CAMBRIDGE COURT STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CHAMPION FINANCIAL CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092162 IRS NUMBER: 382742043 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-59 FILM NUMBER: 02699152 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI MANUFACTURED HOUSING INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092158 IRS NUMBER: 650561149 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MS FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-60 FILM NUMBER: 02699153 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CARE FREE HOMES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092153 IRS NUMBER: 870633793 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-61 FILM NUMBER: 02699154 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CAC FUNDING CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000822038 IRS NUMBER: 382756292 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-62 FILM NUMBER: 02699156 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BUILDERS CREDIT CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092144 IRS NUMBER: 382725018 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-63 FILM NUMBER: 02699157 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AUBURN CHAMP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092136 IRS NUMBER: 383264202 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-64 FILM NUMBER: 02699158 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ART RICHTER INSURANCE INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092133 IRS NUMBER: 880285995 STATE OF INCORPORATION: KY FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-65 FILM NUMBER: 02699159 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AMERICAN TRANSPORT INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092130 IRS NUMBER: 880285995 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NV FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-66 FILM NUMBER: 02699160 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ALPINE HOMES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092126 IRS NUMBER: 841138020 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CO FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-67 FILM NUMBER: 02699161 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: A 1 HOMES GROUP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001092120 IRS NUMBER: 383416642 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92156-68 FILM NUMBER: 02699162 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 BUSINESS PHONE: 2482030700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2701 UNIVERSITY DR STREET 2: STE 300 CITY: AUBURN HILLS STATE: MI ZIP: 48326 S-4 1 k69724sv4.htm FORM S-4 sv4
 

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 9, 2002
Registration No. 333-[           ]


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form S-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

Champion Enterprises, Inc.

Champion Home Builders Co.
Subsidiary Guarantors Listed on Schedule A Hereto
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
     
Champion Enterprises, Inc.
Michigan
  Champion Home Builders Co.
Michigan
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  (State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
38-2743168
  38-2744984
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
  (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

6711

(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)

2701 Cambridge Court, Suite 300

Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326
(248) 340-9090
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of
Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

John J. Collins, Jr.

Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
2701 Cambridge Court, Suite 300
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326
(248) 340-9090
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code,
of Agent for Service)

Copy to:

D. Richard McDonald

Dykema Gossett PLLC
39577 Woodward Avenue, Suite 300
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
(248) 203-0700

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

     If the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.    o

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

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

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

                 


Proposed Maximum Proposed Maximum
Title of Each Class of Amount to be Offering Price Per Aggregate Offering Amount of
Securities to be Registered Registered Unit(1) Price(1) Registration Fee

11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007
  $150,000,000   100%   $150,000,000   $13,800

Guarantees of the 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007
  (2)   (2)   (2)   (2)


(1)  Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(f).
(2)  Pursuant to Rule 457(n), no separate fee is payable for the guarantees.

     The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.




 

SCHEDULE A

OTHER REGISTRANTS — SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS

                         
State or Other Primary Standard
Jurisdiction of Industrial
Incorporation or Classification Code IRS Employer
Name of Registrant Organization Number Identification Number




A-1 Champion GP, Inc. 
    Michigan       5271       38-3639742  
A-1 Homes Group, L.P.
    Texas       5271       38-3416642  
Alpine Homes, Inc. 
    Colorado       5271       84-1138020  
American Transport, Inc. 
    Nevada       4213       88-0285995  
Art Richter Insurance, Inc. 
    Kentucky       6411       61-0718629  
Auburn Champ, Inc. 
    Michigan       2451       38-3264202  
Builders Credit Corporation
    Michigan       2451       38-2725018  
CAC Funding Corporation
    Michigan       2451       38-2756279  
Care Free Homes, Inc. 
    Michigan       5271       87-0633793  
Central Mississippi Manufactured Housing, Inc. 
    Mississippi       5271       65-0561149  
Champion Financial Corporation
    Michigan       2451       38-2742043  
Champion GP, Inc. 
    Michigan       5271       38-3548969  
Champion Home Communities, Inc. 
    Michigan       2451       38-1947996  
Champion Motor Coach, Inc. 
    Michigan       3713       38-2721632  
Champion Retail, Inc. 
    Michigan       5271       38-3392154  
Chandeleur Homes, Inc. 
    Michigan       2451       38-3213165  
CHI, Inc. 
    Kansas       5271       74-2813105  
Cliff Ave. Investments, Inc. 
    South Dakota       5271       46-0365898  
Crest Ridge Homes, Inc. 
    Michigan       2451       38-3213167  
Crestpointe Financial Services, Inc. 
    Delaware       2451       75-2140765  
Dutch Housing, Inc. 
    Michigan       2451       38-3157863  
Factory Homes Outlet, Inc. 
    Idaho       5271       88-0283245  
Fleming County Industries, Inc. 
    Kentucky       2451       61-1078339  
Gateway Acceptance Corp.
    South Dakota       5271       46-0372684  
Gateway Mobile & Modular Homes, Inc. 
    Nebraska       5271       47-0709908  
Gateway Properties Corp.
    South Dakota       5271       46-0426796  
Gem Homes, Inc. 
    Delaware       2451       76-0164265  
Genesis Home Centers, Limited Partnership
    Michigan       5271       38-3548972  
Grand Manor, Inc. 
    Michigan       2451       38-3281658  
Heartland Homes, L.P.
    Texas       5271       38-3635803  
HomePride Finance Corp.
    Michigan       5271       38-3454767  
Homes America Finance, Inc. 
    Nevada       5271       88-0351418  
Homes America of Arizona, Inc. 
    Arizona       5271       86-0895662  
Homes America of California, Inc. 
    California       5271       33-0697358  
Homes America of Oklahoma, Inc. 
    Oklahoma       5271       73-1489573  
Homes America of Utah, Inc. 
    Utah       5271       87-0540727  
Homes America of Wyoming, Inc. 
    Wyoming       5271       88-0233834  
Homes of Kentuckiana, L.L.C. 
    Kentucky       5271       61-1329519  
Homes of Legend, Inc. 
    Michigan       2451       38-3284410  
Homes of Merit, Inc. 
    Florida       2451       59-1438488  
I.D.A., Inc. 
    Oklahoma       5271       73-1384625  


 

                         
State or Other Primary Standard
Jurisdiction of Industrial
Incorporation or Classification Code IRS Employer
Name of Registrant Organization Number Identification Number




Iseman Corp.
    South Dakota       5271       46-0365899  
Lamplighter Homes, Inc. 
    Washington       5271       91-1219267  
Lamplighter Homes (Oregon), Inc. 
    Oregon       5271       93-0976577  
Manufactured Housing of Louisiana, Inc. 
    Michigan       5271       72-1416792  
Moduline International, Inc. 
    Washington       2451       91-0828539  
Northstar Corporation
    South Dakota       5271       46-0433873  
Philadelphia Housing Center, Inc. 
    Mississippi       5271       64-0863980  
Prairie Ridge, Inc. 
    Kansas       5271       46-2935648  
Redman Business Trust
    Delaware       2451       75-6469646  
Redman Homes Management Company, Inc. 
    Delaware       2451       75-2573061  
Redman Homes, Inc. 
    Delaware       2451       75-1364957  
Redman Industries, Inc. 
    Delaware       2451       75-2246805  
Redman Investment, Inc. 
    Delaware       2451       75-2208257  
Redman Management Services Business Trust
    Delaware       2451       75-6469645  
Redman Retail, Inc. 
    Delaware       5271       75-2021720  
Regency Supply Company, Inc. 
    Delaware       2451       75-2155269  
San Jose Advantage Homes, Inc. 
    California       5271       77-0411951  
Service Contract Corporation
    Michigan       2451       38-2719552  
Southern Showcase Finance, Inc. 
    Michigan       5271       56-2084038  
Southern Showcase Housing, Inc. 
    North Carolina       5271       56-1686678  
Star Fleet, Inc. 
    Indiana       4213       35-1840506  
The Okahumpka Corporation
    Florida       2451       59-2175753  
Trading Post Mobile Homes, Inc. 
    Kentucky       5271       61-0945344  
U.S.A. Mobile Homes, Inc. 
    Oregon       5271       93-0980361  
Victory Investment Company
    Oklahoma       5271       73-0961344  
Western Homes Corporation
    Delaware       2451       75-2276910  
Whitworth Management, Inc. 
    Nevada       5271       88-0233834  

      The address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of the principal offices of the other registrants listed above is 2701 Cambridge Court, Suite 300, Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326; the telephone number at that address is (248) 340-9090.


 

The information in this Prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED [                    ], 2002

PROSPECTUS

Champion Home Builders Co.

OFFER TO EXCHANGE

$150,000,000 principal amount of its 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007

which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933,
for any and all of its outstanding 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007


The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m.,

New York City time, on [                    ], 2002, unless extended.

      We are offering to exchange 11 1/4% senior notes due 2007, or the “exchange notes,” for our currently outstanding 11 1/4% senior notes due 2007, or the “outstanding notes.” The exchange notes are substantially identical to the outstanding notes, except that the exchange notes have been registered under the federal securities laws and will not bear any legend restricting their transfer. The exchange notes will represent the same debt as the outstanding notes, and we will issue the exchange notes under the same indenture.

      The exchange notes will be senior unsecured obligations of ours and will be effectively senior to outstanding 7 5/8% senior notes due 2009 of our parent, Champion Enterprises, Inc., and any other debt issued by Champion Enterprises, Inc. The exchange notes will be fully guaranteed by our parent, Champion Enterprises, Inc. on a senior subordinated basis. In addition, the exchange notes will be guaranteed by each of our parent’s other existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries on a senior basis.

      The principal features of the exchange offer are as follows:

  •  The exchange offer expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                    , 2002, unless extended.
 
  •  We will exchange all outstanding notes that are validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. You should read the section called “The Exchange Offer” on page 20 for information on how to exchange outstanding notes for exchange notes.
 
  •  You may withdraw tenders of outstanding notes at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.
 
  •  We believe that the exchange of outstanding notes will not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but you should see “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations” on page 66 for more information.
 
  •  We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer.
 
  •  The terms of the exchange notes are substantially identical to those of the outstanding notes, except that the exchange notes are registered under the Securities Act and the transfer restrictions and registration rights applicable to the outstanding notes do not apply to the exchange notes.

      Broker-dealers receiving exchange notes in exchange for outstanding notes acquired for their own account through market-making or other trading activities must deliver a prospectus in any resale of the exchange notes.


       Investing in the exchange notes involves risks. See “Risk Factors”

beginning on page 8.


       Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 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 [                    ], 2002.


 

      Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. The letter of transmittal delivered with this prospectus states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of exchange notes received in exchange for outstanding notes where such outstanding notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the completion of the exchange offer, we will make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See “Plan of Distribution.”

TABLE OF CONTENTS

         
Page

Where You Can Find More Information
    iii  
Forward-Looking Statements
    iv  
Prospectus Summary
    1  
Risk Factors
    8  
Use Of Proceeds
    15  
Capitalization
    16  
Selected Financial Data Including Ratio Of Earnings To Fixed Charges
    17  
The Exchange Offer
    20  
Description Of Other Indebtedness And Financing Transactions
    28  
Description Of The Notes
    29  
Registration Rights Agreement
    65  
Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
    66  
Plan Of Distribution
    69  
Legal Matters
    69  
Experts
    70  
Part II — Information Not Required In Prospectus
    II-1  
Signatures
    II-4  
Exhibit Index
       

In this prospectus:

  •  “Champion Home Builders” and “issuer” refer only to Champion Home Builders Co., the issuer of the notes, and not its subsidiaries.
 
  •  “Champion,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Champion Enterprises, Inc., and its subsidiaries, including the issuer.
 
  •  “Champion Enterprises” refers only to Champion Enterprises, Inc. and not its subsidiaries.
 
  •  “Outstanding notes” refers to the 11 1/4% senior notes due 2007 that were issued on April 22, 2002 and “exchange notes” refers to the 11 1/4% senior notes due 2007 offered pursuant to this prospectus. We sometimes refer to the outstanding notes and the exchange notes collectively as the “notes.”


 

We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus as if we had authorized it. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which it relates, nor does this prospectus constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.

ii


 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

      Champion Home Builders, Champion Enterprises and the guarantor subsidiaries have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, a registration statement on Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933 and the rules and regulations thereunder, which we refer to collectively as the Securities Act, covering the notes to be issued in the exchange offer (File No. 333-                    ). This prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. Any statement made in this prospectus concerning the contents of any contract, agreement or other document is not necessarily complete. If we have filed any contract, agreement or other document as an exhibit to the registration statement, you should read the exhibit for a more complete understanding of the document or matter involved.

      The indenture governing the outstanding notes provides that Champion Home Builders will furnish to the holders of the notes copies of the periodic reports required to be filed by Champion Home Builders, if it were required to file such information, with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder, which we refer to collectively as the Exchange Act. Alternatively, we may provide, and intend to provide, copies of the periodic reports we are required to file under the Exchange Act, so long as the reports satisfy the Exchange Act financial reporting requirements relating to guaranteed securities. Even if neither we nor Champion Home Builders is subject to the periodic reporting and informational requirements of the Exchange Act, we will make such filings to the extent that such filings are accepted by the SEC.

      We file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information filed by us at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. Our filings with the SEC are also available to the public at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.

      This prospectus incorporates by reference important business and financial information about us that is not included or delivered with this prospectus. Such information is included in the following documents filed by us with the SEC, each of which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus:

  •  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2001;
 
  •  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2002;
 
  •  Current Reports on Form 8-K filed April 5, 2002 (three filings), April 17, 2002 (two filings), April 25, 2002, May 16, 2002, May 23, 2002, June 18, 2002 and June 27, 2002; and
 
  •  Proxy Statement dated March 27, 2002 for the 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 30, 2002.

      In addition, all reports and other documents we subsequently file pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act will be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus and to be part of this prospectus from the date we subsequently file the reports and documents.

      Any statements contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus are deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent modified or superseded by another statement contained in any subsequently filed document also incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute part of this prospectus.

      You may also request a copy of any of these filings, at no cost, by contacting us at Champion Enterprises, Inc., 2701 Cambridge Court, Suite 300, Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326, Attention: Chief Financial Officer, telephone: (248) 340-9090. You may also obtain copies of these filings, at no cost, by accessing our website at http://www.championhomes.net. To obtain timely delivery of any copies of filings requested, please write or telephone no later than                     , 2002, five business days prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.

iii


 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

      This prospectus contains and incorporates by reference both historical and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but only predictions and generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee” or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals also are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated.

      Factors that could materially affect these forward-looking statements can be found in our periodic reports filed with the SEC. You are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements, including the factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” below and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this prospectus are made only as of the date of this prospectus and we undertake no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events might or might not occur. We cannot assure you that projected results or events will be achieved.

iv


 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

The Company

Overview

      We are the leading producer of manufactured homes in the United States, with a wholesale market share of approximately 19% in 2001 and 17% in the first quarter of 2002. We currently operate 46 manufacturing facilities in 16 states and in two provinces in western Canada. We are also the fourth largest retailer in the manufactured housing industry, and currently own and operate 181 manufactured housing retail locations in 27 states. We sell most of our homes through our company-owned and approximately 3,000 independent retail locations throughout the United States and Western Canada.

      The address of our principal executive office is 2701 Cambridge Court, Suite 300, Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326. The telephone number at this office is (248) 340-9090.

Industry Overview

      The U.S. manufactured housing industry experienced a period of substantial growth in the 1990’s as total wholesale shipments increased from 171,000 homes in 1991 to a peak of 373,000 homes in 1998. This growth was driven by the introduction of new multi-section designs that appealed to a broader range of customers and an increase in the availability of consumer financing, including financing for lower-income and higher-risk borrowers. In response to the increased demand for manufactured homes, during this period, manufacturers expanded production capacity and the number of retail locations increased.

      By 1999, consumer lenders in the sector had begun to tighten underwriting standards and curtail credit availability as a result of higher than anticipated rates of loan defaults and losses upon repossession and resale of the homes collateralizing defaulted loans. As a result, based on industry data, we estimate that approximately 37% of all industry retail locations have closed since mid-1999 and that industry manufacturers have closed approximately 100 homebuilding facilities, representing approximately 30% of the industry’s manufacturing facilities. In addition, we estimate that inventories of new manufactured homes in the retail marketplace declined by approximately 40% from June 1999 to December 2001.

      According to industry data, in the fourth quarter of 2001, after 10 consecutive quarters of wholesale shipment year-over-year contraction, the industry experienced a 3.5% growth in wholesale shipments of manufactured homes built in sections in compliance with the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, or the HUD Code. However, wholesale shipments in the first quarter of 2002 were comparable to the first quarter of 2001.

Competitive Strengths

      We possess a number of strengths that we believe enable us to effectively compete in our industry, including:

  •  being the leading producer and the fourth largest retailer of manufactured housing in the United States, enabling us to respond effectively to our customers design and delivery needs and to lead industry innovation;
 
  •  being a low cost producer due to our purchasing power as the largest manufacturer in the industry and by continually developing new manufacturing techniques and best practices to improve our manufacturing processes and increase our efficiency;
 
  •  having what we believe is the most extensive distribution channel in the industry with 181 company-owned retail centers; approximately 3,000 independent retail locations, including approximately 600 independent retailers in our Champion Home Center distribution network; and our Genesis Homes division that builds and sells homes directly to over 400 small and medium-sized builders and developers;

1


 

  •  having operational and geographic diversity by offering what we believe to be the broadest range of products in the industry in terms of both price and design with manufacturing facilities in 16 states and two western Canadian provinces and with company-owned retail locations in 27 states;
 
  •  having decentralized operations allowing us to respond more effectively to local market preferences and conditions and encouraging regional and local management autonomy;
 
  •  having a focused business model pursuant to which we focus on manufactured and modular housing and ancillary business such as community development and consumer finance that complement our manufacturing and retail operations; and
 
  •  having an experienced management team that has successfully managed manufactured housing operations during various industry cycles.

Business Strategy

      The major components of our business strategy consist of:

  •  strengthening our position as the industry leader by increasing sales through our traditional retail distribution channel;
 
  •  ensuring a quality home buying experience for our customers by using enhanced customer satisfaction measures and quality-control procedures;
 
  •  expanding the Genesis Homes division through which we build and sell homes directly to small and medium-sized builders and developers; and
 
  •  establishing a consumer financing business through our recent acquisition of the manufactured housing loan origination business of CIT Group, Inc.

The Offering

      On April 22, 2002, Champion Home Builders completed an offering of $150 million in aggregate principal amount of its 11 1/4% senior notes due 2007, which was exempt from registration under the Securities Act. We used the net proceeds of the offering to provide working capital for our existing business segments and our new consumer financing business, to finance the acquisition of the manufactured housing loan origination business of CIT, to repay a portion of our debt, including a significant portion of our floor plan payable, and for general corporate purposes.

 
Outstanding Notes Champion Home Builders sold the outstanding notes to Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and First Union Securities, Inc., the initial purchasers, on April 22, 2002. The initial purchasers subsequently resold the outstanding notes to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.
 
Registration Rights Agreement In connection with the sale of the outstanding notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers. Under the terms of that agreement we agreed to:
 
• file a registration statement within 90 days after the issuance of the outstanding notes relating to an offer to exchange the notes for publicly tradable notes with substantially identical terms;
 
• use our best efforts to cause the registration statement to become effective within 180 days after the issuance of the outstanding notes;

2


 

 
• consummate the exchange offer within 30 days after our registration statement is declared effective; and
 
• use our best efforts to file a shelf registration statement for the resale of the outstanding notes if we cannot effect an exchange offer within the time periods listed above and in other limited circumstances.
 
Holders of outstanding notes will not have any remedy for our failure to comply with these obligations on a timely basis, other than the payment of additional interest of 0.25% up to 1.0% per year over the set interest rate during the period of the default. The exchange offer is being made pursuant to the registration rights agreement.

The Exchange Offer

      The following is a brief summary of terms of the exchange offer. For a more complete description of the exchange offer, see “The Exchange Offer.”

 
Securities Offered $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 11 1/4% senior notes due 2007.
 
Exchange Offer Champion Home Builders is offering to exchange $1,000 principal amount of its 11 1/4% senior notes due 2007, which have been registered under the Securities Act, for each $1,000 principal amount of its currently outstanding 11 1/4% senior notes due 2007. We will accept any and all outstanding notes validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                          , 2002. Holders may tender some or all of their outstanding notes pursuant to the exchange offer. However, notes may be tendered only in integral multiples of $1,000 in principal amount. The form and terms of the exchange notes are the same as the form and terms of the outstanding notes except that:
 
• the exchange notes have been registered under the federal securities laws and will not bear any legend restricting their transfer;
 
• the exchange notes bear a different CUSIP number than the outstanding notes; and
 
• the holders of the exchange notes will not be entitled to certain rights under the registration rights agreement, including the provisions for an increase in the interest rate on the outstanding notes in some circumstances relating to the timing of the exchange offer.
 
See “The Exchange Offer.”
 
Transferability of exchange notes We believe that you will be able to freely transfer the exchange notes without registration or any prospectus delivery requirement so long as you may accurately make the representations listed under “Exchange Offer — Transferability of the Exchange Notes.”
 
Expiration Date The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on [                         ], 2002, unless we decide to extend the exchange offer.

3


 

 
Conditions to the exchange offer The exchange offer is subject to certain customary conditions, some of which may be waived by us. See “The Exchange Offer — Conditions to the Exchange Offer.”
 
Procedures for tendering outstanding notes If you wish to accept the exchange offer, you must complete, sign and date the letter of transmittal in accordance with the instructions contained in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal. You should then mail or otherwise deliver the letter of transmittal, together with the outstanding notes to be exchanged and any other required documentation, to the exchange agent at the address set forth in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal.
 
By executing the letter of transmittal, you will represent to us that, among other things:
 
• you are acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of business;
 
• you have no arrangement or understandings with any person to participate in a distribution of the exchange notes within the meaning of the Securities Act;
 
• you are not an “affiliate” of Champion Home Builders or any of the guarantors, as that term is defined under Rule 405 of the Securities Act or, if you are an affiliate, you will comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent applicable;
 
• if you are not a broker-dealer, that you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, the distribution of the exchange notes; and
 
• if you are a broker-dealer, that you will receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for outstanding notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and that you will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes.
 
See “The Exchange Offer — Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes.”
 
Effect of not tendering Any outstanding notes that are not tendered or that are tendered but not accepted will remain subject to the restrictions on transfer. Since the outstanding notes have not been registered under the federal securities laws, they bear a legend restricting their transfer absent registration or the availability of a specific exemption from registration. Upon the completion of the exchange offer, we will have no further obligations, except under limited circumstances, to provide for registration of the outstanding notes under the federal securities laws. See “The Exchange Offer — Consequences of Failing to Exchange Outstanding Notes.”
 
Interest on the exchange notes and the outstanding notes The exchange notes will bear interest from the most recent payment date to which interest has been paid on the outstanding notes or, if no interest has been paid, from April 22, 2002. Interest

4


 

on the outstanding notes accepted for exchange will cease to accrue upon the issuance of the exchange notes.
 
Withdrawal rights Tenders of outstanding notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on [                              ], 2002.
 
Federal tax consequences There will be no federal income tax consequences to you if you exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”
 
Use of proceeds We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer.
 
Exchange agent Bank One Trust Company, N.A., the trustee under the indenture, is serving as exchange agent in connection with the exchange offer.

Terms of the Exchange Notes

      The following is a brief summary of the terms of the exchange notes. The financial terms and covenants of the exchange notes are the same as the outstanding notes. For a more complete description of the terms of the exchange notes, see “Description of the Exchange Notes.”

 
Issuer Champion Home Builders Co.
 
Securities Offered $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007.
 
Maturity Date April 15, 2007
 
Interest Payment Dates Interest will accrue from the date of issuance and will be payable semi-annually on each April 15 and October 15, commencing October 15, 2002.
 
Optional Redemption We may redeem any or all of the exchange notes at any time at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) the principal amount of the exchange notes and (2) the make-whole amount described in this prospectus, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest.
 
Change of Control Upon a change of control as described in the section “Description of Notes,” you will have the right to require us to purchase some or all of your exchange notes at 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. We can give no assurance that upon such an event, we will have sufficient funds to purchase any of your exchange notes.
 
Guarantees The exchange notes will be guaranteed:
 
• by our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries and any other restricted subsidiaries that guarantee the issuer’s indebtedness on a senior basis; and
 
• by Champion Enterprises on a senior subordinated basis.
 
Ranking The exchange notes are the general unsecured obligations of the issuer. Your right to payment under the exchange notes will be:
 
• equal in right and payment to existing and future indebtedness of the issuer that is not by its terms expressly subordinated to the exchange notes;

5


 

 
• effectively senior to all of the obligations of Champion Enterprises, including its outstanding 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009; and
 
• senior to existing and future subordinated obligations of the issuer, including the issuer’s subordinated guarantee of Champion Enterprises’ obligations under the 7 5/8% senior notes due 2009.
 
The guarantee of each of the subsidiary guarantors will also be the general unsecured obligations of the subsidiary guarantors. Your right to payment under any subsidiary guarantee will be:
 
• equal in right of payment to existing and future unsecured indebtedness of the subsidiary guarantor that is not by its terms expressly subordinated to the subsidiary guarantee;
 
• effectively junior to existing and future secured indebtedness of the subsidiary guarantor to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness; and
 
• senior to existing and future subordinated obligations of the subsidiary guarantors, including the subsidiary guarantors’ subordinated guarantees of Champion Enterprises’ obligations under the 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009.
 
As of March 30, 2002, after giving effect to this offering and the related transactions, we would have had approximately $359.5 million of debt outstanding (including the outstanding notes), of which $39.5 million would have been secured debt.
 
Certain Covenants The indenture related to the exchange notes, among other things, restricts our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to:
 
• incur additional indebtedness, contingent liabilities and liens;
 
• issue additional preferred stock;
 
• pay dividends or make other distributions on our common stock;
 
• redeem or repurchase our common stock and redeem, repay or repurchase subordinated debt;
 
• make investments in subsidiaries that are not restricted subsidiaries;
 
• enter into joint ventures;
 
• use assets as security in other transactions;
 
• sell certain assets or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
 
• restrict the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions on their common stock;
 
• engage in new lines of business;
 
• consolidate with or merge with or into other companies;
 
• enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; and
 
• guarantee or secure indebtedness of Champion Enterprises.

6


 

 
For more details, see the section “Description of Notes” under the heading “Certain Covenants.”
 
Absence of a Public Market for the Exchange Notes The exchange notes are new securities, for which there is currently no established trading market, and none may develop. Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to the development or liquidity of any market for the exchange notes. The initial purchasers of the outstanding notes have advised us that they intend to make a market in the exchange notes. However, they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making activities with respect to the exchange notes at any time without notice. We do not intend to apply for listing of the exchange notes on any securities exchange.

Risk Factors

      See “Risk Factors” for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in the exchange notes.

7


 

RISK FACTORS

      In addition to the information contained elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this offering circular, the following risk factors should be carefully considered by each prospective investor in evaluating an investment in the notes.

If you do not properly tender your outstanding notes, your ability to transfer such outstanding notes will be adversely affected.

      We will only issue exchange notes in exchange for outstanding notes that are timely received by the exchange agent, together with all required documents, including a properly completed and signed letter of transmittal. Therefore, you should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery of the outstanding notes and you should carefully follow the instructions on how to tender your outstanding notes. Neither we nor the exchange agent are required to tell you of any defects or irregularities with respect to your tender of the outstanding notes. If you do not tender your outstanding notes or if we do not accept your outstanding notes because you did not tender your outstanding notes properly, then, after we consummate the exchange offer, you may continue to hold outstanding notes that are subject to the existing transfer restrictions. In addition, if you tender your outstanding notes for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the exchange notes, you will be required to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. If you are a broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for your own account in exchange for outstanding notes that you acquired as a result of market-making activities or any other trading activities, you will be required to acknowledge that you will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. After the exchange offer is consummated, if you continue to hold any outstanding notes, you may have difficulty selling them because there will be less outstanding notes outstanding. In addition, if a large amount of outstanding notes are not tendered or are tendered improperly, the limited amount of exchange notes that would be issued and outstanding after we consummate the exchange offer could lower the market price of such exchange notes.

Significant Leverage — Our significant debt could adversely affect our financial health and prevent us from fulfilling our debt obligations. If we are unable to pay our debt obligations when due, we could be in default under our debt agreements and our lenders could accelerate our debt or take other actions which could restrict our operations.

      As of March 30, 2002, on a pro forma basis giving effect to the subsequent events that occurred in April and May 2002, as described in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2002 and incorporated by reference into this prospectus, we would have had long-term debt of approximately $346 million and floor plan payables of approximately $14 million. This indebtedness could, among other things:

  •  limit our ability to obtain future financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, surety bonds or other requirements;
 
  •  require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness and reduce our ability to use our cash flows for other purposes;
 
  •  limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the manufactured housing industry;
 
  •  place us at a competitive disadvantage to some of our competitors with less indebtedness; and
 
  •  make us more vulnerable in the event of a continued downturn in our business or in general economic conditions.

      In addition, our future cash flows may be insufficient to meet our debt service and other obligations. Our business may not generate sufficient cash flows from operations and proceeds may not be available to us from

8


 

sales of manufactured home loans and contracts in connection with the warehouse facility and asset-backed securitization transactions in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our debt or to fund other liquidity needs. The factors that affect our ability to generate cash can also affect our ability to raise additional funds through the sale of equity securities, the refinancing of debt or the sale of assets.

      We may need to refinance all or a portion of our debt on or before maturity. We may not be able to refinance any of our debt on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we are unable to refinance our debt obligations, we could be in default under our debt agreements and our lenders could accelerate our debt or take other actions which could restrict our operations.

General Industry Conditions — The current downturn in the manufactured housing industry has adversely affected our operating results. If the current downturn does not reverse, our sales could decline and we may suffer further losses.

      The manufactured housing industry experienced declining wholesale shipments from mid-1999 to October 2001 and has again experienced declining wholesale shipments in February through April 2002, tightened consumer credit standards, excess retail locations and inventory, reduced consumer financing availability, high consumer repossession levels and higher interest rates on manufactured housing loans. Based on reports published by the National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards, or NCSBCS, industry wholesale shipments of manufactured housing decreased 23% from 2000 to 2001 and 28% from 1999 to 2000. Based on data reported by Statistical Surveys, Inc. and other sources, we estimate that industry retail sales of new homes declined approximately 15% for the quarter ended March 30, 2002 as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2001, 25% from 2000 to 2001 and 17% from 1999 to 2000. In addition, we estimate approximately 3,500 retail locations, or approximately 37% of industry locations, and approximately 100 manufacturing facilities, or approximately 30% of industry manufacturing facilities, have closed since mid-1999. Largely as a result of these industry conditions, in 2001 and 2000, we reported pretax losses of $41.3 million and $30.6 million, respectively, excluding goodwill impairment charges in 2000. For the quarter ended March 31, 2002 we reported pretax losses of $18.5 million as compared to pretax losses of $41.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2001. If the current downturn in the industry continues, our sales could continue to decline and we may incur further losses.

Fluctuations in Operating Results — The cyclical and seasonal nature of the housing market causes our revenues and operating results to fluctuate. We expect this fluctuation to continue in the future, which could result in operating losses during downturns.

      The manufactured housing industry is highly cyclical and is influenced by many national and regional economic and demographic factors, including:

  •  consumer confidence;
 
  •  interest rates;
 
  •  availability of financing for homebuyers and retailers;
 
  •  population and employment trends;
 
  •  income levels;
 
  •  housing demand; and
 
  •  general economic conditions, including inflation and recessions.

      In addition, the housing industry is affected by seasonality. Sales during the period from March to November are traditionally higher than in other months. As a result of the foregoing economic, demographic and seasonal factors, our revenues and operating results fluctuate, and we expect them to continue to fluctuate in the future. Moreover, we may experience operating losses during cyclical and seasonal downturns in the housing market.

9


 

Consumer Financing Availability — Tightened credit standards, curtailed lending activity and increased interest rates among chattel, or home-only, retail lenders have reduced our sales. If chattel financing were to become further curtailed or unavailable, we may experience further sales declines.

      The consumers who buy our homes have historically secured retail financing from third-party lenders. The availability, terms and costs of retail financing depend on the lending practices of financial institutions, governmental policies and economic and other conditions, all of which are beyond our control. A consumer seeking to finance the purchase of a manufactured home without land will generally pay a higher interest rate and have a shorter loan maturity than a consumer seeking to finance the purchase of land and the home. Manufactured home chattel financing is at times more difficult to obtain than financing for site-built homes. Since 1999, home-only lenders have tightened the credit underwriting standards and increased interest rates for loans to purchase manufactured homes, which has reduced lending volumes and caused our sales to decline. In 2001, Conseco Finance Corp. provided approximately 28% of the total home-only financing and 14% of total consumer financing for new homes in the industry. If chattel financing were to become further curtailed or unavailable, we may experience further sales declines.

Wholesale Financing Availability — Reduced number of floor-plan lenders and reduced amount of credit allowed to industry retailers may result in lower inventory levels and lower sales at our independent retailers and fewer sales centers, which could also affect our level of wholesale shipments to these retailers.

      Independent retailers of our manufactured homes generally finance their inventory purchases with wholesale floor-plan financing provided by lending institutions. The availability of wholesale financing is affected primarily by the number of floor-plan lenders and their lending limits. During the past five years some wholesale lenders have exited the industry or curtailed their floor-plan operations while a smaller number have entered or expanded their floor plan operations. Conseco has historically been the largest floor-plan lender, providing about 25% of the industry’s wholesale financing. Conseco discontinued approving and funding new floor-plan loan requests commencing April 2002. Reduced availability of floor-plan lending may affect our independent retailers’ inventory levels of new homes, their number of retail sales centers and related wholesale demand. Retail sales to consumers at our independent retailers could also be affected by reduced retail inventory levels or reduced number of sales centers.

 
Contingent Liabilities — We have, and will continue to have, significant contingent repurchase and other obligations, some of which may become actual obligations that we must repay.

      In connection with a floor plan arrangement for our wholesale shipments to independent retailers, the financial institution that provides the retailer financing customarily requires us to enter into a separate repurchase agreement with the financial institution. Under this separate agreement, for a period of 12 to 15 months from the date of our sale to the retailer, upon default by the retailer and repossession of the home by the financial institution, we are generally obligated to purchase from the lender the related floor plan loan or the home at a price equal to the unpaid principal amount of the loan, plus certain administrative and handling expenses, reduced by the amount of any damage to the home and any missing appliances. Our maximum aggregate potential contingent repurchase obligation at March 30, 2002 was approximately $310 million, before any resale value of the homes, compared to $360 million a year earlier. During the first quarter of 2002, we paid $1.8 million and incurred losses of $0.3 million under repurchase agreements related to 66 homes. We may be required to honor some or all of our contingent repurchase obligations in the future and we may suffer additional losses with respect to, and as a consequence of, these repurchase agreements.

      At March 30, 2002, we also had contingent debt obligations totaling $33 million (net of $44 million of cash collateral at May 10, 2002) with respect to letters of credit and surety bonds. In addition, certain of our subsidiaries were guarantors of $9.4 million of debt of unconsolidated subsidiaries. If we were required to fund a material amount of these contingent obligations, our liquidity would be adversely affected.

10


 

 
Dependence upon Independent Retailers — If we are unable to establish or maintain relationships with independent retailers who sell our homes, our sales could decline.

      During 2001, approximately 79% of our wholesale shipments of homes were made to independent retail locations throughout the United States and western Canada. As is common in the industry, independent retailers may sell manufactured homes produced by competing manufacturers. We may not be able to establish relationships with new independent retailers or maintain good relationships with independent retailers that sell our homes. Even if we do establish and maintain relationships with independent retailers, these retailers are not obligated to sell our manufactured homes exclusively, and may choose to sell our competitors’ homes instead. The independent retailers with whom we have relationships can cancel these relationships on short notice. In addition, these retailers may not remain financially solvent as they are subject to the same industry, economic, demographic and seasonal trends that we face. If we do not establish and maintain relationships with solvent independent retailers in one or more of our markets, sales in those markets could decline.

 
Effect on Liquidity — Current industry conditions and our recent operating results have limited our sources of capital. If this situation does not improve and if we are unable to locate alternative sources of capital, we may be unable to expand our business.

      We depend on our cash balances, cash flows from operations, floor plan facilities and surety bond and insurance programs, and will depend on anticipated proceeds from sales of manufactured home loans and contracts in connection with the warehouse facility and asset-backed securitization transactions, to finance our operating requirements, capital expenditures and other needs. The downturn in the manufactured housing industry combined with our recent operating results and other changes have decreased sources of floor plan financing and required us to cash collateralize a portion of our surety bond and insurance program needs and our letters of credit.

      If the availability under our floor plan borrowings, anticipated proceeds from sales of manufactured home loans and contracts in connection with the warehouse facility and asset-backed securitization transactions or cash flow from operations is insufficient to finance our operations and alternative capital is not available or surety bonds become unavailable to us, we may be unable to expand our operations, and our business, results of operations and financial position could suffer.

 
Entry into Consumer Finance Business — We face risks as a new entrant to the consumer finance business.

      Although CIT has operated a consumer finance business in the manufactured home sector for over 50 years, and we will acquire substantially all of CIT’s current loan origination personnel in this business, we have limited experience operating a consumer finance business and will largely depend on these CIT personnel. Our previous loan origination business, which we operated through our subsidiary, HomePride Finance Corp., experienced operational control inadequacies, which resulted in the origination of some loans that did not qualify for sale to intended third-party institutions. We terminated HomePride’s loan origination business in 2001. Our ability to increase our loan portfolio in connection with our new consumer finance business will depend in part upon our ability to effectively market our consumer finance services to buyers of our manufactured homes and in the same general economic conditions affecting the consumer finance and manufactured housing industries. We may incur losses as we develop our loan portfolio and integrate our consumer finance business into our existing operations. Moreover, due to our limited operating history and limited participation in the securitization market, the manufactured home loans and contracts that we seek to securitize may receive lower ratings and may be subject to stricter underwriting standards than those of our competitors that have an established consumer finance record. As a result, we may be required to bear a larger portion of the risk of loss on the financing agreements and may pay higher interest rates than our competitors. If we are unable to operate our consumer finance business profitably, we may be unable to recover accumulated operating losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our results and financial position.

11


 

 
Funding for Our New Consumer Finance Business — We face numerous risks associated with the securitization programs through which we intend primarily to fund our new finance operations.

      In connection with our new business as an originator of consumer financing for factory-built homes, we will require continual access to significant, long-and short-term sources of cash to fund our originations of these manufactured home loans and contracts, interest payments, over-collateralization requirements for loan securitizations and other expenses. We expect eventually to finance up to $500 million in manufactured home loans and contracts annually.

      We expect to fund our consumer finance business with a portion of the proceeds from the outstanding notes, cash from operations and proceeds from sales of manufactured home loans and contracts in connection with the warehouse facility and, ultimately, from asset-backed securitization transactions in the capital markets. Adverse changes in the securitization market, interest rates, the market for factory-built homes or general economic conditions could impair our ability to originate, borrow against, purchase and sell manufactured home loans and contracts on a favorable or timely basis. This could prevent the accumulation of a sufficient number of manufactured home loans and contracts on terms required to securitize the manufactured home loans and contracts in asset-backed securitization transactions, in which case we could be forced to sell at a significant discount or hold manufactured home loans and contracts. Our inability to sell the manufactured home loans and contracts would increase our exposure to the risk of default and delinquency by the borrowers thereunder. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could require us to make cash payments in excess of the funds generated by our loan originations and under loans otherwise acquired by our consumer finance business, which could have a material adverse effect on our results and financial position. If we were unable to make such payments, our business and operations could be severely disrupted.

      If our cash requirements increase beyond those generated by our business and we are unable to increase proceeds available from sales of manufactured home loans and contracts in connection with the warehouse facility or access the securitization markets, we may be unable to maintain or increase the volume of our consumer finance business. Our warehouse facility has a one-year term. Although we expect to be able to obtain a replacement facility when that warehouse facility expires, such facility may not be available on favorable terms, if at all. To the extent that we are unable to arrange any facility or other financing, our loan origination activities would be curtailed, which could have a material adverse effect on our results and financial position.

 
Operation of Our Consumer Finance Business — We face risks of loss related to manufactured home loans and contracts, including risks associated with defaults, delinquencies and prepayments, many of which will be outside our control.

      We expect to face numerous additional risks in connection with our finance operations, many of which will be outside our control. Many purchasers of manufactured homes may be deemed to be relatively high credit risks due to various factors, including the lack of or impaired credit histories and limited financial resources. Accordingly, the loans we originate may bear relatively high interest rates and may involve higher default and delinquency rates and servicing costs. In the event that we foreclose on delinquent loans, our ability to sell the underlying collateral to recover or mitigate our loan losses will be subject to market valuations of the collateral. These values may be affected by factors such as the amount of available inventory of manufactured homes on the market and general economic conditions.

      Prepayments of our managed receivables, whether due to refinancing, repayments or foreclosures, in excess of management’s estimates could adversely affect our future cash flow as a result of the resulting loss of any servicing fee revenue and net interest income on such prepaid receivables. Prepayments can result from a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including changes in interest rates and general economic conditions.

      The foregoing risks become more acute in any economic slowdown or recession. Periods of economic slowdown or recession may be accompanied by decreased demand for consumer credit and declining asset values. In the home equity mortgage and factory-built housing businesses, any material decline in real estate values reduces the ability of borrowers to use home equity to support borrowing and increases the loan-to-

12


 

value ratios of loans previously made, thereby weakening collateral coverage and increasing the possibility of a loss in the event of a default. Delinquencies, foreclosures and losses generally increase during economic slowdowns or recessions. Loss of employment, increases in cost-of-living or other adverse economic conditions would likely impair the ability of our consumer borrowers to meet their payment obligations, which could impair our ability to continue to fund our finance operations.
 
Competition — The manufactured housing industry is very competitive. If we are unable to effectively compete, our growth could be limited and our sales could decline.

      The manufactured housing industry is highly competitive at both the manufacturing and retail levels, with competition based upon several factors, including price, product features, reputation for service and quality, merchandising, terms of retailer promotional programs and the terms of retail customer financing. Numerous companies produce manufactured homes in our markets. A number of our manufacturing competitors also have their own retail distribution systems and consumer finance operations. In addition, there are many independent manufactured housing retail locations in most areas where we have retail operations. Because barriers to entry for manufactured housing retailers are very low, we believe that it is easy for new retailers to enter into our markets as competitors. In addition, our products compete with other forms of low to moderate-cost housing, including site-built homes, panelized homes, apartments, townhouses and condominiums. If we are unable to effectively compete in this environment, our retail sales and wholesale shipments could be reduced. As a result, our growth could be limited and our sales could decline.

 
Zoning — If the manufactured housing industry is not able to secure favorable local zoning ordinances, our sales could decline and our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

      Limitations on the number of sites available for placement of manufactured homes or on the operation of manufactured housing communities could reduce the demand for manufactured homes and our sales. Manufactured housing communities and individual home placements are subject to local zoning ordinances and other local regulations relating to utility service and construction of roadways. In the past, property owners often have resisted the adoption of zoning ordinances permitting the location of manufactured homes in residential areas, which we believe has restricted the growth of the industry. Manufactured homes may not receive widespread acceptance and localities may not adopt zoning ordinances permitting the development of manufactured home communities. If the manufactured housing industry is unable to secure favorable local zoning ordinances, our sales could decline and our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

 
Dependence upon Walter R. Young and Other Key Personnel — The loss of any of our executive officers could reduce our ability to achieve our business plan and could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.

      We depend on the continued services and performance of our executive officers, including our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Walter R. Young. If we lose the services of Mr. Young or any of our executive officers, it could limit our ability to achieve our business plan and could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.

 
Certain Elements of Our Business Strategy May Not Succeed — Our business strategy may not adequately address the issues currently facing our company and the manufactured housing industry or correctly identify future trends in the industry. Any failure of our business strategy could cause our sales to decline.

      Since mid-1999, retail sales and wholesale shipments of new manufactured homes have decreased as a result of high consumer repossession levels, tightened consumer credit standards, excess retail locations and inventory, a reduced number of consumer lenders in the traditional chattel lending portion of the industry and higher interest rates on chattel loans. As a result, our operating results have been adversely affected and we have closed a significant number of manufacturing facilities and retail sales centers. We are implementing

13


 

strategies designed to address these issues. These strategies may not be successful because the reasons for the decline in demand or future trends in the industry may not be correctly identified, and our operating results may not improve. In addition, factors beyond our control, such as increased competition, reductions in consumer demand or continued economic downturn, may offset any improved operating results that are attributable to our strategy. Any failure of our business strategy could cause our sales to decline.
 
Restrictive Covenants — The terms of our debt place restrictions on us and our subsidiaries, reducing operational flexibility.

      The documents governing the terms of certain of our indebtedness contain covenants that place restrictions on us and our subsidiaries. The terms of our debt agreements include covenants that restrict our and our subsidiaries’ ability to:

  •  incur additional indebtedness, contingent liabilities and liens;
 
  •  issue additional preferred stock;
 
  •  pay dividends or make other distributions on our common stock;
 
  •  redeem or repurchase common stock and redeem, repay or repurchase subordinated debt;
 
  •  make investments in subsidiaries that are not restricted subsidiaries;
 
  •  enter into joint ventures;
 
  •  use assets as security in other transactions;
 
  •  sell certain assets or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
 
  •  restrict the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions on their common stock;
 
  •  engage in new lines of business;
 
  •  guarantee or secure indebtedness;
 
  •  consolidate with or merge with or into other companies; and
 
  •  enter into transactions with affiliates.

      If we fail to comply with any of these covenants, the trustees could cause our debt to become due and payable prior to maturity. If this debt were to be accelerated, our assets might not be sufficient to repay our debt in full.

 
Fraudulent Conveyance Issues — Federal and state laws allow courts, under specific circumstances, to void guarantees and to require you to return payments received from guarantors.

      Although you will be direct creditors of the guarantors of the exchange notes by virtue of the guarantees, existing or future creditors of any guarantor could avoid or subordinate such guarantor’s guarantee under the fraudulent conveyance laws if they were successful in establishing that:

  •  the guarantee was incurred with fraudulent intent; or
 
  •  the guarantor did not receive fair consideration or reasonably equivalent value for issuing its guarantee and:

  •  was insolvent at the time of the guarantee;
 
  •  was rendered insolvent by reason of the guarantee;
 
  •  was engaged in a business or transaction for which its assets constituted unreasonably small capital to carry on its business; or
 
  •  intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debt beyond its ability to pay such debt as it matured.

14


 

      The measures of insolvency for purposes of determining whether a fraudulent conveyance occurred would vary depending upon the laws of the relevant jurisdiction and upon the valuation assumptions and methodology applied by the court. Generally, however, a company would be considered insolvent for purposes of the foregoing if:

  •  the sum of the company’s debts, including contingent, unliquidated and unmatured liabilities, is greater than all of such company’s property at a fair valuation; or
 
  •  if the present fair saleable value of the company’s assets is less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability on its existing debts as they become absolute and matured.

      We cannot assure you that you will be able to successfully file a claim under any of the guarantees if we default on our obligations under the notes.

 
Lack of Market for the Notes — You may not be able to sell your exchange notes if a trading market for the exchange notes does not develop.

      We cannot assure you that there will be an active trading market for the exchange notes because:

  •  the exchange notes will be new securities for which there currently is no trading market, and none may develop;
 
  •  the liquidity of any market for the exchange notes will depend on the number of holders of the exchange notes, the interest of securities dealers in making a market for the exchange notes and other factors;
 
  •  while the initial purchasers have advised us that they intend to make a market in the notes, they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue any such market-making at any time; and
 
  •  we do not intend to list the exchange notes on any securities exchange.

      If an active trading market does not develop or is not maintained, the market price and liquidity of the exchange notes may be adversely affected. If the exchange notes are traded, they may trade at a discount from their initial offering price depending upon prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities, general economic conditions, our performance and business prospects, and certain other factors.

USE OF PROCEEDS

      We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of the exchange notes in the exchange offer. We will receive in exchange, outstanding notes in like principal amount. We will retire or cancel all of the outstanding notes tendered in the exchange offer.

      On April 22, 2002 we issued and sold the outstanding notes. The net proceeds from the sale of the outstanding notes were approximately $144 million after deducting the expenses of the offering, including discounts and commissions. We used the net proceeds to provide working capital for our existing business segments and our new consumer financing business, to finance the acquisition of the manufactured housing loan origination business of CIT, to repay a portion of our debt, including $50.0 million of our floor-plan payable, and $30.0 million in principal amount of our 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009 for a cost of $23.8 million, and for general corporate purposes.

15


 

CAPITALIZATION

      The following table sets forth our capitalization as of March 30, 2002:

  •  on an actual basis, and
 
  •  on an as adjusted basis to give effect to the following events, as if each such event had occurred on March 30, 2002:

  •  our receipt of net proceeds of $144.6 million from the offering of the outstanding notes and the use of a portion of the proceeds to repay $50.0 million of our floor-plan payable and to repurchase $30.0 million in principal amount of our 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009 at a cost of $23.8 million;
 
  •  our receipt of net proceeds of $23.9 million from the April 2002 issuance of 25,000 shares of our convertible preferred stock in a private placement to an institutional investor and the use of the proceeds to cash-collateralize letters of credit;
 
  •  our application of $11.1 million of cash on hand to cash-collateralize letters of credit; and
 
  •  our acquisition of the manufactured housing loan origination business of CIT for a purchase price of $4.5 million.

      The information presented in the table below should be read in conjunction with “Use of Proceeds,” as well as “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2002 and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2001 which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

                     
Actual As Adjusted


(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 25,280     $ 80,563 (1)
Restricted cash
          34,942 (2)
     
     
 
Debt:
               
 
Floor-plan payable
  $ 63,713     $ 13,713  
 
11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007
          150,000  
 
7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009(3)
    200,000       170,000 (1)
 
Other debt(4)
    25,765       25,765  
     
     
 
   
Total debt
    289,478       359,478 (2)
     
     
 
Series B-1 redeemable convertible preferred stock
    20,000       20,000  
Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock
          25,000  
Shareholders’ equity
    262,652       265,167  
     
     
 
   
Total capitalization
  $ 572,130     $ 669,645  
     
     
 


(1)  Approximately $23.8 million of the proceeds of the offering of the outstanding notes was used by us to repurchase $30.0 million of our 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009 in open market transactions.
 
(2)  We used the proceeds of the April 2002 private placement of our convertible preferred stock, together with cash on hand, to cash-collateralize letters of credit. In connection with such payment, we terminated our existing credit facility, although we may obtain a new working capital facility in the future.
 
(3)  The 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009 were issued by Champion Enterprises and are effectively subordinated to the notes.
 
(4)  Other debt consists primarily of industrial revenue bond financing and capitalized leases.

16


 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA INCLUDING RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

      The following table summarizes our financial data for the period and as of the dates presented. We derived the income statement, balance sheet and other financial data as of and for each of the fiscal years ended January 3, 1998, January 2, 1999, January 1, 2000, December 30, 2000 and December 29, 2001 from our audited consolidated financial statements. You should read this selected financial data in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2002 and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2001 which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

      The selected financial data as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2001 and March 30, 2002 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, the interim consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flow for those periods. The results for the three months ended March 30, 2002 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year.

                                                             
Three Months
Fiscal Year Ended


1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2001 2002







(Dollars in thousands)
Income Statement Data
                                                       
Net sales
                                                       
 
Manufacturing
  $ 1,733,162     $ 1,986,317     $ 2,068,627     $ 1,564,026     $ 1,296,315     $ 260,510     $ 266,652  
 
Retail
    60,624       561,659       787,011       606,708       452,910       108,402       80,125  
   
Less intercompany
    (39,300 )     (215,000 )     (291,000 )     (249,000 )     (201,000 )     (42,600 )     (40,400 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net sales
    1,754,486       2,332,976       2,564,638       1,921,734       1,548,225       326,312       306,377  
Cost of sales
    1,503,028       1,931,397       2,164,868 (1)     1,619,903       1,283,216       281,504       261,868  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Gross margin
    251,458       401,579       399,770       301,831       265,009       44,808       44,509  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    135,028       231,295       292,188 (1)     305,286       283,673       79,563       58,238  
Goodwill impairment charges(2)
                      189,700                    
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating income (loss)
    116,430       170,284       107,582       (193,155 )     (18,664 )     (34,755 )     (13,729 )
Net interest income (expense)
    941       (13,486 )     (25,540 )     (27,177 )     (22,624 )     (6,428 )     (4,817 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Pre-tax income (loss) — continuing operations
    117,371       156,798       82,042       (220,332 )     (41,288 )     (41,183 )     (18,546 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) — continuing operations
    70,771       94,198       50,042       (147,332 )     (27,888 )     (26,083 )     (11,846 )
Income — discontinued operations
    4,500                                      
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 75,271     $ 94,198     $ 50,042     $ (147,332 )   $ (27,888 )   $ (26,083 )     (11,846 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Other Financial Data
                                                       
EBITDA(3)
  $ 133,521     $ 197,195     $ 179,072     $ 51,991     $ 35,329     $ (15,819 )   $ (7,870 )
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(4)
    91.4 x     9.4 x     3.4 x                        —  
Cash flows from (used for) operating activities
    99,248       105,789       99,936       114,712       67,034       (14,373 )     (31,744 )
Cash flows used for investing activities
    (39,585 )     (309,303 )     (139,301 )     (22,114 )     (24,490 )     (10,563 )     (5,901 )
Cash flows from (used for) financing activities
    (26,518 )     157,811       28,384       (55,302 )     (23,231 )     (6,178 )     (6,531 )
Depreciation and amortization
    17,091       26,911       37,890       40,306       36,043       9,336       5,859  
Capital expenditures
    38,266       49,120       50,390       15,035       6,972       1,416       1,474  

17


 

                                                           
Three Months
Fiscal Year Ended


1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2001 2002







(Dollars in thousands)
Other Statistical Information
                                                       
Number of employees at period-end
    11,300       14,000       15,000       12,000       10,600       11,500       10,000  
Homes sold:
                                                       
 
Wholesale
    64,285       70,359       71,761       52,442       39,551       8,210       7,745  
 
Retail — new
    983       11,738       15,853       11,483       7,578       1,824       1,194  
 
Retail — used
    87       2,867       4,102       2,863       1,897       513       347  
 
Wholesale multi-section mix
    58 %     63 %     66 %     71 %     77 %     76 %     82 %
Locations at period end:
                                                       
 
Manufacturing facilities
    55       60       60       53       49       51       47  
 
Retail sales centers
    22       246       280       260       218       230       214  
Balance Sheet Data
                                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 60,280     $ 23,828     $ 12,847     $ 50,143     $ 69,456     $ 19,029     $ 25,280  
Working capital(5)
    46,094       (8,065 )     24,536       33,680       53,110       24,926       44,804  
Net property, plant and equipment
    143,519       190,963       222,898       207,277       177,430       193,760       172,836  
Total assets
    501,250       1,021,672       1,182,940       942,056       858,152       916,662       840,698  
Total debt
    3,100       258,146       395,594       340,823       296,892       334,417       289,478  
Redeemable convertible preferred stock
                            20,000             20,000  
Shareholders’ equity
    280,416       405,246       444,262       296,809       272,034       271,321       262,652  


(1)  Cost of sales and SG&A expenses include non-recurring charges of $26.5 million and $7.1 million, respectively, related to the 1999 bankruptcy of our former largest independent retailer.
 
(2)  As a result of a recoverability analysis performed in 2000, in the fourth quarter of 2000 we recorded non-cash pre-tax goodwill impairment charges of $189.7 million, consisting of $180.0 million for seven retail companies that were acquired in 1998 and 1999 and $9.7 million for two manufacturing companies that were acquired in 1996 and 1998.
 
(3)  EBITDA consists of net income or loss before income taxes, net interest, income from discontinued operations, depreciation and amortization and non-recurring items. Non-recurring items consist of goodwill impairment charges, costs and losses associated with closed operations, property insurance gains, and losses due to bankruptcy of our former largest independent retailer. Costs and losses associated with closed operations consist of asset impairment charges, lease termination costs, severance costs and, for closed retail locations, operating results during the year in which the locations were closed. EBITDA as defined by us may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Although EBITDA is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, we believe it is a generally recognized measure of performance used in the housing industry and by analysts who issue reports on companies in the housing industry. Nevertheless, EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss), net cash provided by operating

18


 

activities or any other measure for determining our operating performance or liquidity that is calculated in accordance with GAAP.

                                                             
Champion Enterprises, Inc.
EBITDA Reconciliation

Three Months
Fiscal Year Ended


1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2001 2002







(Dollars in thousands)
Net income (loss)
  $ 75,271     $ 94,198     $ 50,042     $ (147,332 )   $ (27,888 )   $ (26,083 )   $ (11,846 )
Reconciliation to EBITDA:
                                                       
 
Income taxes
    46,600       62,600       32,000       (73,000 )     (13,400 )     (15,100 )     (6,700 )
 
Interest expense, net
    (941 )     13,486       25,540       27,177       22,624       6,428       4,817  
 
Income from discontinued operations
    (4,500 )                                    
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Operating income (loss)
    116,430       170,284       107,582       (193,155 )     (18,664 )     (34,755 )     (13,279 )
 
Depreciation and amortization
    17,091       26,911       37,890       40,306       36,043       9,336       5,859  
 
Nonrecurring items:
                                                       
   
Goodwill impairment charges
                      189,700                    
   
Costs and losses associated with closed operations
                      17,040       17,950       9,600        
   
Property insurance gains
                      (6,900 )                  
   
Losses due to bankruptcy of Company’s former largest independent retailer
                33,600       5,000                    
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
EBITDA
  $ 133,521     $ 197,195     $ 179,072     $ 51,991     $ 35,329     $ (15,819 )   $ (7,870 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

(4)  No rates are presented for the years ended December 30, 2000 and December 29, 2001 and for the three month periods ended March 31, 2001 and March 30, 2002 as the earnings for such periods were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $218.4 million, $40.2 million, $41.2 million and $19.0 million, respectively.
 
(5)  Working capital is defined as current assets minus current liabilities.

19


 

THE EXCHANGE OFFER

Purpose of the Exchange Offer

      We sold the outstanding notes to Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and First Union Securities, Inc., the initial purchasers, on April 22, 2002. The initial purchasers subsequently resold the outstanding notes to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act. In connection with the issuance of the outstanding notes we entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the outstanding notes. The registration rights agreement requires us to register the exchange notes under the federal securities laws and offer to exchange the exchange notes for the outstanding notes. The exchange notes will be issued without a restrictive legend and generally may be resold without registration under the federal securities laws. We are effecting the exchange offer to comply with the registration rights agreement.

      The registration rights agreement requires us to:

  •  file a registration statement for the exchange offer and the exchange notes within 90 days after the issue date of the outstanding notes;
 
  •  use our best efforts to cause the registration statement to become effective under the Securities Act within 180 days after the issue date of the outstanding notes;
 
  •  consummate the exchange offer within 30 days after the date that the registration is declared effective; and
 
  •  file a shelf registration statement for the resale of the outstanding notes if we cannot effect an exchange offer within the time periods listed above and other limited circumstances.

      These requirements under the registration rights agreement will be satisfied when we complete the exchange offer. However, if we fail to comply with these and other deadlines for registering the issuance of the exchange notes and completion of the exchange offer, we must pay additional interest on the outstanding notes. We have also agreed to keep the registration statement for the exchange offer effective for at least 20 business days (or longer, if required by applicable law) after the date on which notice of the exchange offer is mailed to holders. See “Registration Rights Agreement.”

      Under the registration rights agreement, our obligations to register the exchange notes will terminate upon the completion of the exchange offer. However, under certain circumstances specified in the registration rights agreement, we may be required to file a “shelf” registration statement for a continuous offer in connection with the outstanding notes pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act.

      This summary includes only the material terms of the registration rights agreement. Please read the section captioned “Registration Rights Agreement” for more details regarding the registration rights agreement. For a full description, you should refer to the complete copy of the registration rights agreement, which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement for the exchange offer and the exchange notes. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

      Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes, where such outstanding notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. See “Plan of Distribution.”

Transferability of the Exchange Notes

      Based on an interpretation of the Securities Act by the staff of the SEC, as set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that exchange notes issued in the exchange offer may be offered for resale,

20


 

resold or otherwise transferred by holders of the exchange notes, without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, if:

  •  the holder is not our “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act;
 
  •  the exchange notes are acquired in the ordinary course of the holders’ business; and
 
  •  the holders have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the exchange notes.

However, the SEC has not specifically considered this exchange offer in the context of issuing a no-action letter. We cannot assure you that the staff of the SEC would make a similar determination with respect to the exchange offer as in the other circumstances. Each holder, other than a broker-dealer, must acknowledge that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of exchange notes and has no arrangement or understanding to participate in a distribution of exchange notes. If any holder is an affiliate of ours, is engaged in or intends to engage in or has any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the exchange notes to be acquired in the exchange offer, that holder:

  •  will not be able to rely on the applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC, and
 
  •  must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction.

      Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes where such outstanding notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. See “Plan of Distribution.” In addition, to comply with state securities laws, the exchange notes may not be offered or sold in any state unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in such state or an exemption from registration or qualification, with which there has been compliance, is available. The offer and sale of the exchange notes to “qualified institutional buyers,” as defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act, is generally exempt from registration or qualification under the state securities laws. We currently do not intend to register or qualify the sale of exchange notes in any state where an exemption from registration or qualification is required and not available.

Terms of the Exchange Offer

      Upon the terms and conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the accompanying letter of transmittal, we will accept for exchange outstanding notes which are properly tendered on or before the expiration date and not withdrawn as permitted below. As used in this prospectus, the term “expiration date” means 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on [                    ], 2002. However, if we, in our sole discretion, have extended the period of time for which the exchange offer is open, the term “expiration date” means the latest time and date to which we extend the exchange offer.

      As of the date of this prospectus, $150 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes is outstanding. This prospectus, together with the letter of transmittal, is first being sent on or about, [                    ], 2002, to all holders of outstanding notes known to us. Our obligation to accept outstanding notes for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer is subject to the conditions set forth below under “— Conditions to the Exchange Offer.”

      Outstanding notes tendered in the exchange offer must be in denominations of principal amount of $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000.

      Our acceptance of the tender of outstanding notes by a tendering holder will form a binding agreement upon the terms and subject to the conditions provided in this prospectus and in the accompanying letter of transmittal.

21


 

Extensions, Delay in Acceptance, Termination or Amendment

      We reserve the right to extend the period of time during which the exchange offer is open. If we extend the exchange offer by giving oral or written notice of an extension to the holders of outstanding notes as described below, we will delay acceptance for exchange of any outstanding notes. During any extension period, all outstanding notes previously tendered will remain subject to the exchange offer and may be accepted for exchange by us. Any outstanding notes not accepted for exchange will be returned to the tendering holder after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer. We will notify you of any extension by means of a press release or other public announcement no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

      We reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer, and not to accept for exchange any outstanding notes not previously accepted for exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions of the exchange offer specified below under “— Conditions to the Exchange Offer.” We will give oral or written notice of any extension, amendment, non-acceptance or termination to the holders of the outstanding notes as promptly as practicable. If we materially change the terms of the exchange offer, we will resolicit tenders of the outstanding notes.

Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes

      Only a holder of outstanding notes may tender such outstanding notes in the exchange offer. To tender in the exchange offer, a holder must:

  •  complete, sign and date the letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal; have the signature on the letter of transmittal guaranteed if the letter of transmittal so requires; and mail or deliver such letter of transmittal or facsimile to the exchange agent prior to the expiration date; or
 
  •  comply with the automated tender offer program procedures of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), described below.

      In addition, either:

  •  the exchange agent must receive outstanding notes along with the letter of transmittal;
 
  •  the exchange agent must receive, prior to the expiration date, a timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of such outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC according to the procedure for book-entry transfer described below, and either a properly transmitted agent’s message or a letter of transmittal; or
 
  •  the holder must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

      To be tendered effectively, the exchange agent must receive physical delivery of the letter of transmittal and other required documents at its address provided below under “— The Exchange Agent” prior to the expiration date.

      The tender by a holder that is not withdrawn prior to the expiration date will constitute an agreement between the holder and the Company in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions described in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal.

      The method of delivery of outstanding notes, the letter of transmittal and all other required documents to the exchange agent is at the holder’s election and risk. Rather than mail these items, we recommend that holders use an overnight or hand delivery service. In all cases, holders should allow sufficient time to assure delivery to the exchange agent before the expiration date. Holders should not send the letter of transmittal or outstanding notes to the Company. Holders may request their brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies or other nominees to effect the above transactions for you.

22


 

How to Tender — Beneficial Owners

      Beneficial owners of outstanding notes that are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee wishing to tender those notes should contact the registered holder promptly and instruct it to tender on the beneficial owner’s behalf. Beneficial owners who wish to tender on their own behalf must, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering their outstanding notes, either:

  •  make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the outstanding notes in their name; or
 
  •  obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder of outstanding notes.

      The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time and may not be completed prior to the expiration date.

When Endorsements or Bond Powers Are Needed

      If the letter of transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder of any outstanding notes, the outstanding notes must be endorsed or accompanied by a properly completed bond power. The bond power must be signed by the registered holder as the registered holder’s name appears on the outstanding notes and a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States, or an eligible guarantor institution must guarantee the signature on the bond power.

      If the letter of transmittal or any outstanding notes or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or other acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, those persons should so indicate when signing. Unless waived by the Company, they should also submit evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to deliver the letter of transmittal.

Tendering Through DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program

      The exchange agent and DTC have confirmed that any financial institution that is a participant in DTC’s system may use DTC’s automated tender offer program to tender. Participants in the program may, instead of physically completing and signing the letter of transmittal and delivering it to the exchange agent transmit their acceptance of the exchange offer electronically. They may do so by causing DTC to transfer the outstanding notes to the exchange agent in accordance with its procedures for transfer. DTC will then send an agent’s message to the exchange agent.

      The term “agent’s message” means a message transmitted by DTC, received by the exchange agent and forming part of the book-entry confirmation, to the effect that:

  •  DTC has received an express acknowledgment from a participant in its automated tender offer program that is tendering outstanding notes that are the subject of such book-entry confirmation;
 
  •  such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal or, in the case of an agent’s message relating to guaranteed delivery, that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the applicable notice of guaranteed delivery; and
 
  •  the agreement may be enforced against such participant.

Determinations Under the Exchange Offer

      We will determine in our sole discretion all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, time of receipt, acceptance of tendered outstanding notes and withdrawal of tendered outstanding notes. Our determination will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any outstanding notes not properly tendered or any outstanding notes our acceptance of which would, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful. We also reserve the right to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular outstanding notes. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, including the instructions in the letter of transmittal, will be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection

23


 

with tenders of outstanding notes must be cured within such time as we shall determine. Neither the Company, the exchange agent or any other person will be under any duty to give notification of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of outstanding notes, and they will incur no liability for failure to give such notification. Tenders of outstanding notes will not be deemed made until such defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. Any outstanding notes received by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned to the tendering holder, unless otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, as soon as practicable following the expiration date.

Signatures and Signature Guarantees

      Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed unless the outstanding notes surrendered for exchange are tendered:

  •  by a registered holder of the outstanding notes who has not completed the box entitled “Special Issuance Instructions” on the letter of transmittal, or
 
  •  for the account of an “eligible institution.”

      If signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal are required to be guaranteed, the guarantees must be made by an “eligible institution.” An “eligible institution” is a financial institution — including most banks, savings and loan associations and brokerage houses — that is a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchange Medallion Program.

Representations to the Company

      By tendering, you will represent to us that, among other things,

  •  any exchange notes received by you are being acquired in the ordinary course of business;
 
  •  you have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the exchange notes within the meaning of the Securities Act;
 
  •  you are not an “affiliate”, as defined in the Securities Act, of ours, or if you are an affiliate, you will comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act;
 
  •  if you are not a broker-dealer, that you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, the distribution of the exchange notes; and
 
  •  if you are a broker-dealer, that you will receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for outstanding notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and that you will be required to acknowledge that you will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes.

      If any holder or other person acting on behalf of the holder is an “affiliate” of ours, as defined under Rule 405 of the Securities Act, or is engaged in, or intends to engage in, or has an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes that holder or other person can not rely on the applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC and must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction.

Acceptance of Outstanding Notes for Exchange; Delivery of Exchange Notes

      For each outstanding note accepted for exchange, the holder of the outstanding note will receive an exchange note having a principal amount equal to that of the tendered outstanding note. The exchange notes will bear interest from the most recent date to which interest has been paid on the outstanding notes or, if no interest has been paid on the outstanding notes, from April 22, 2002. Accordingly, registered holders of exchange notes on the relevant record date for the first interest payment date following the completion of the

24


 

exchange offer will receive interest accruing from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from April 22, 2002. Outstanding notes accepted for exchange will cease to accrue interest from and after the date of completion of the exchange offer. Holders of outstanding notes whose outstanding notes are accepted for exchange will not receive any payment for accrued interest on the outstanding notes otherwise payable on any interest payment date the record date for which occurs on or after completion of the exchange offer and will be deemed to have waived their rights to receive the accrued interest on the outstanding notes.

      In all cases, issuance of exchange notes for outstanding notes will be made only after timely receipt by the exchange agent of:

  •  outstanding notes or a timely book-entry confirmation of such; and
 
  •  a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal and all other required documents or a properly transmitted agent’s message.

      Unaccepted or non-exchanged outstanding notes will be returned without expense to the tendering holder of the outstanding notes. In the case of outstanding notes tendered by book-entry transfer pursuant to the book-entry procedures described below, the non-exchanged outstanding notes will be credited to an account maintained with the book-entry transfer facility, as promptly as practicable after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

Book-Entry Transfer

      The exchange agent will make a request to establish an account with respect to the outstanding notes at DTC for purposes of the exchange offer promptly after the date of this prospectus. Any financial institution participating in DTC’s system may make book-entry delivery of outstanding notes by causing DTC to transfer such outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC in accordance with DTC’s procedures for transfer. Holders of outstanding notes who are unable to deliver confirmation of the book-entry tender of their outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC or all other documents required by the letter of transmittal to the exchange agent on or prior to the expiration date must tender their outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

      If a registered holder of outstanding notes desires to tender the outstanding notes, and the outstanding notes are not immediately available, or time will not permit the holder’s outstanding notes or other required documents to reach the exchange agent before the expiration date, or the procedure for book-entry transfer (including delivery of an agent’s message) described above cannot be completed on a timely basis, a tender may nonetheless be made if:

  •  the tender is made through a member firm of a registered national securities exchange of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States, or an eligible institution;
 
  •  prior to the expiration date, the exchange agent receives from such member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States, or eligible institution either a properly completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed delivery by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery or a properly transmitted agent’s message and notice of guaranteed delivery:

  •  setting forth the holder’s name and address, the registered number(s) of the holder’s outstanding notes and the principal amount of outstanding notes tendered;
 
  •  stating that the tender is being made;
 
  •  guaranteeing that within three New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) trading days after the date of execution of the notice of guaranteed delivery, the certificates for all physically tendered outstanding notes, in proper form for transfer, or a book-entry confirmation, as the case may be, together with a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal with any necessary signature guarantees,

25


 

  or agent’s message in lieu of such letter, and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal will be deposited by the eligible institution with the exchange agent; and
 
  •  the certificates for all physically tendered outstanding notes, in proper form for transfer, or a book-entry confirmation, as the case may be, together with a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal with any required signature guarantees, or agent’s message in lieu of such letter, and all other documents required by the letter of transmittal, are received by the exchange agent within three NYSE trading days after the execution of the notice of guaranteed delivery.

Withdrawal Rights

      Except as otherwise provided in the prospectus, tenders of outstanding notes may be withdrawn at any time before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

      For a withdrawal to be effective, the exchange agent must receive a written notice of withdrawal at the address or, in the case of eligible institutions, at the facsimile number, set forth below under “— Exchange Agent” before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. Any notice of withdrawal must:

  •  specify the name of the person, referred to as the depositor, having tendered the outstanding notes to be withdrawn;
 
  •  identify the notes to be withdrawn, including the certificate number or numbers and principal amount of the outstanding notes;
 
  •  contain a statement that the holder is withdrawing his election to have the outstanding notes exchanged;
 
  •  be signed by the holder in the same manner as the original signature on the letter of transmittal by which the outstanding notes were tendered, including any required signature guarantees, or be accompanied by documents of transfer to have the trustee with respect to the outstanding notes register the transfer of the outstanding notes in the name of the person withdrawing the tender; and
 
  •  specify the name in which the outstanding notes are registered, if different from that of the depositor.

      If outstanding notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described above, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at the book-entry transfer facility to be credited with the withdrawn outstanding notes and otherwise comply with the procedures of the facility. We will determine all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility, including time of receipt, of notices of withdrawal. Our determination shall be final and binding on all parties. Any outstanding notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange. No exchange notes will be issued unless the outstanding notes so withdrawn are validly retendered. Any outstanding notes that have been tendered for exchange, but which are not exchanged for any reason, will be returned to the tendering holder without cost to the holder. In the case of outstanding notes tendered by book-entry transfer, the outstanding notes will be credited to an account maintained with the book-entry transfer facility for the outstanding notes, as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the exchange offer. Properly withdrawn outstanding notes may be retendered by following the procedures described under “— Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes” above at any time on or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

      Notwithstanding any other provision of the exchange offer, we shall not be required to accept for exchange, or to issue exchange notes in exchange for, any outstanding notes, and may terminate or amend the exchange offer, if at any time before the acceptance of the outstanding notes for exchange or the exchange of the exchange notes for the outstanding notes, we determine that the exchange offer violates any law, statute, rule, regulation or interpretation by the staff of the SEC or any order of any governmental agency or court of competent jurisdiction.

      In addition, we will not be obligated to accept for exchange the outstanding notes of any holder that has not made to us (1) the representations described under “— Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes” and

26


 

“Plan of Distribution” and (2) such other representations as may be reasonably necessary under applicable SEC rules, regulations or interpretations to make available to us an appropriate form for registration of the new exchange notes under the Securities Act.

      These conditions to the exchange offer are for our sole benefit and may be asserted by us regardless of the circumstances giving rise to any of these conditions, or may be waived by us in whole or in part in our sole discretion. Our failure at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights will not be deemed a waiver of any right.

      In addition, we will not accept for exchange any outstanding notes tendered, and no exchange notes will be issued in exchange for any outstanding notes, if at such time any stop order is threatened or in effect relating to the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part or the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

Exchange Agent

      We have appointed Bank One Trust Company, N.A. as the exchange agent for the exchange offer. You should direct all executed letters of transmittal to the exchange agent at the address set forth below. You should direct questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of the letter of transmittal and requests for notices of guaranteed delivery to the exchange agent addressed as follows:

DELIVERY TO:

Bank One Trust Company, N.A., Exchange Agent

     
By Mail or Overnight Courier By Hand Delivery
Bank One Trust Company, N.A.
1111 Polaris Parkway
Suite N1-0H1-0184
Columbus, Ohio 43240
  Bank One Trust Company, N.A.
1111 Polaris Parkway
Suite N1-0H1-0184
Columbus, Ohio 43240

or

Bank One, N.A.
c/o Transfer Agent Drop Services
55 Water Street, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10041
By Facsimile Transmission:
(614) 248-9987

For information or confirmation by telephone call: (800) 346-5153

      If you deliver the letter of transmittal to an address other than as set forth above, then your delivery or transmission will not constitute a valid delivery of the letter of transmittal.

Fees and Expenses

      The principal solicitation for this exchange offer is being made by mail; however, additional solicitation may be made by telephone, facsimile or in person by our officers, regular employees and affiliates. We will not pay any additional compensation to any officers or employees who engage in this solicitation. We will not make any payment to brokers, dealers, or others soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer. We will, however, pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the exchange offer.

      Holders who tender outstanding notes in the exchange offer will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees with respect to the exchange of notes. Tendering holders will also not be required to pay transfer taxes in the exchange offer. We will pay all charges and expenses in connection with the exchange offer. However, we will not pay any taxes incurred in connection with a holder’s request to have exchange

27


 

notes or non-exchanged notes issued in the name of a person other than the registered holder. See “— Transfer Taxes” in this section below.

      The estimated cash expenses to be incurred in connection with the exchange offer will be paid by us. We estimate these expenses in the aggregate to be approximately $100,000.

Accounting Treatment

      We will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes upon the consummation of the exchange offer. We will amortize the expense of the exchange offer over the term of the exchange notes under generally accepted accounting principles.

Transfer Taxes

      Holders who tender their outstanding notes for exchange will not be obligated to pay any related transfer taxes, except that holders who instruct us to register exchange notes in the name of, or request that outstanding notes not tendered or not accepted in the exchange offer be returned to, a person other than the registered tendering holder will be responsible for the payment of any applicable transfer taxes.

Consequences of Failing to Exchange Outstanding Notes

      Holders of outstanding notes who do not exchange their outstanding notes for exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer will remain subject to the existing restrictions on transfer of the outstanding notes. Accordingly, the outstanding notes not tendered may be resold only:

  •  to us or our subsidiaries;
 
  •  pursuant to a registration statement which has been declared effective under the Securities Act;
 
  •  for so long as the outstanding notes are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, to a person the seller reasonably believes is a qualified institutional buyer that purchases for its own account or for the account of a qualified institutional buyer to whom notice is given that the transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A; or
 
  •  pursuant to any other available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act (in which case we and the trustee shall have the right to require the delivery of an opinion of counsel, certifications and/or other information satisfactory to us and the trustee), subject in each of the foregoing cases to any requirements of law that the disposition of the seller’s property or the property of such investor account or accounts be at all times within its or their control and in compliance with any applicable state securities laws.

      Upon completion of the exchange offer, due to the restrictions on transfer of the outstanding notes and the absence of such restrictions applicable to the exchange notes, it is likely that the market, if any, for outstanding notes will be relatively less liquid than the market for exchange notes. Consequently, holders of outstanding notes who do not participate in the exchange offer could experience significant diminution in the value of their outstanding notes, compared to the value of the exchange notes.

DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS AND FINANCING TRANSACTIONS

7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009

      On May 3, 1999, Champion Enterprises completed an offering of $200 million of unsecured senior notes due 2009 with interest payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 at an annual rate of 7 5/8%. In April and May 2002, we repurchased a total of $30.0 million in principal amount of the 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009. The 7 5/8% senior notes due 2009 will be effectively subordinated to the exchange notes. Champion Enterprises’ only material asset is its common equity investment in Champion Home Builders, the issuer of the outstanding notes and of the exchange notes. Champion Enterprises used the net proceeds of $197.3 million from the offering of the 2009 senior notes primarily to reduce bank debt incurred in connection with various acquisitions completed primarily in 1998 and 1999. The indenture governing the 2009 senior notes contains covenants that limit Champion Enterprises’ ability to incur liens that secure our indebtedness and to

28


 

engage in sale and lease-back transactions. Champion Enterprises may redeem the 2009 senior notes at any time, in whole or in part, at the greater of (1) their principal amount or (2) the discounted present value of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest. Champion Home Builders and the subsidiaries that guarantee the outstanding notes and that will guarantee the exchange notes will guarantee the 2009 senior notes of Champion Enterprises on a subordinated basis.

Floor-Plan Financing

      A small portion of the homes purchased by our company-owned retailers are financed by third-party lending institutions which provide our retailers with a credit line for the purchase price of the current inventory of homes secured by a lien on such homes. The retailer draws on the credit line to finance display models as well as to finance the initial purchase of a home from the manufacturer until the home buyer obtains permanent financing or otherwise pays the retailer for the home. At March 30, 2002, our company- owned retailers had $63.7 million in outstanding floor-plan financing. In May 2002, we prepaid approximately $50.0 million of our floor-plan payable. As of June 1, 2002, we have $13.0 million in outstanding floor-plan financing. Champion Enterprises guarantees, but does not provide any additional collateral to secure, the obligations of our company-owned retailers, under floor-plan financing arrangements.

      In accordance with trade practice, we enter into various repurchase agreements with those lending institutions providing wholesale floor-plan financing to both our independent and our company-owned retailers. Under these repurchase agreements, upon default by the retailer and the repossession of the home by the lending institution, we are generally obligated to purchase the loan or repurchase the home from the lending institution at an amount equal to the unpaid loan balance for the home, plus certain administrative and handling expenses, reduced by the amount of any damage to the home. Any homes that we repurchase are then available for resale by us.

Warehouse Facility and Asset-Backed Securities Transactions

      HomePride Finance Corp., our finance company, will sell, on a true sale basis, designated fixed-rate manufactured housing loans and contracts to a bankruptcy-remote, special purpose subsidiary of ours, which, in turn, will sell such manufactured housing loans and contracts to a bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entity owned by a third party. The third party entity has entered into a committed 364-day $150 million warehouse facility with Credit Suisse First Boston, New York Branch. This warehouse facility provides for the sale of undivided interests in the manufactured housing loans and contracts to Credit Suisse, or a commercial paper company administered by Credit Suisse, and is secured by the manufactured housing loans and contracts. The proceeds from this warehouse facility are used by the third party entity to pay a portion of its purchase price of such manufactured housing loans and contracts to our special purpose entity and, in turn, our special purpose entity uses such proceeds to pay a portion of its purchase price of such manufactured housing loans and contracts to HomePride. The warehouse facility has been structured to achieve a minimum credit rating of A2 by Moody’s and A by Standard & Poor’s. It is expected that pools of such manufactured housing loans and contracts will, from time to time, be sold by the third party entity to other bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entities for the purpose of securitizing these pools of manufactured housing loans and contracts in the asset-backed securities market. Champion Enterprises has provided a 10% limited guarantee to the lenders under the warehouse facility. Even though the third party entity will not be our subsidiary, under generally accepted accounting principles, its results of operations and financial condition will be included in our consolidated financial statements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

      The form and terms of the exchange notes and the outstanding notes are identical in all material respects, except that transfer restrictions and registration rights applicable to the outstanding notes do not apply to the exchange notes.

      The outstanding notes are, and the exchange notes will be, issued under an Indenture, dated as of April 22, 2002 (the “Indenture”) by and among Champion Home Builders Co., as the Issuer, Champion Enterprises, Inc., as parent guarantor, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as

29


 

trustee (the “Trustee”). The terms of the notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the “Trust Indenture Act”). The notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders of notes are referred to the Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act for a statement of those terms. The following description is only a summary of the material provisions of the Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. We urge you to read the Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement because they, not this description, define your rights as holders of the notes.

      The definitions of certain terms used in the following summary are set forth below under “Certain Definitions.” For purposes of this summary, the term “Parent” refers only to Champion Enterprises, Inc. and not to any of its Subsidiaries and the term “Issuer” refers only to Champion Home Builders Co., a direct, wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent, and not to any of its Subsidiaries.

Brief Description of the Exchange Notes

      The exchange notes:

  •  are unsecured senior obligations of the Issuer, pari passu in right of payment to existing and future Indebtedness of the Issuer that is not by its terms expressly subordinated to the notes;
 
  •  are effectively senior to all of the obligations of Parent, including Parent’s outstanding 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009;
 
  •  are senior in right of payment to any future Subordinated Obligations of the Issuer, including the Issuer’s subordinated guarantee of Parent’s obligations under its outstanding 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009; and
 
  •  are Guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by Parent and are Guaranteed on a senior basis by all of the Issuer’s existing and future domestic Restricted Subsidiaries and all other Persons, other than Parent, that provide Guarantees in connection with any Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantors outstanding at any time.

Principal, Maturity and Interest

      The Issuer issued the outstanding notes and will issue the exchange notes with an initial maximum aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million. The notes will mature on April 15, 2007. The Issuer may issue additional notes from time to time after the Offering under the Indenture, subject to the provisions of the Indenture described below under the “Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock” covenant. The notes and any additional notes subsequently issued under the Indenture would be treated as a single class for all purposes under the Indenture, including, without limitation, waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase. Unless the context otherwise requires, for all purposes of the Indenture and this “Description of Notes,” references to the notes include any Additional Notes actually issued.

      Interest on the notes will accrue at the rate of 11 1/4% per annum and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15, commencing on October 15, 2002, to Holders of record on the immediately preceding April 1 and October 1. Interest on the notes will accrue from the date of original issuance or, if interest has been paid, from the date it was most recently paid. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

Optional Redemption

      The Issuer, at its option, may at any time redeem all or any portion of the notes at a redemption price plus accrued interest to the date of redemption equal to the greater of

        (1) 100% of their principal amount, or
 
        (2) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the date of redemption on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the applicable Treasury Yield plus 50 basis points.

30


 

      “Treasury Yield” means, with respect to any redemption date applicable to the notes, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the applicable Comparable Treasury Price for such redemption date.

      “Comparable Treasury Issue” means, with respect to the notes, the United States Treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the notes that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of the notes.

      “Independent Investment Banker” means, with respect to the notes offered hereby, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation or its successor or, if such firm is unwilling or unable to select the applicable Comparable Treasury Issue, an independent investment banking institution of national standing appointed by the Trustee.

      “Comparable Treasury Price” means, with respect to any redemption date applicable to the notes,

        (1) the average of the applicable Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption date after excluding the highest and lowest such applicable Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or
 
        (2) if the Trustee obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such Quotations.

      “Reference Treasury Dealer” means, with respect to the notes offered hereby, each of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation or its successor and four primary U.S. Government securities dealers in New York City (each a “Primary Treasury Dealer”) appointed by the Trustee in consultation with the Issuer; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a Primary Treasury Dealer, the Issuer shall substitute therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer.

      “Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations” means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date for the notes, the average, as determined by the Trustee, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue for the notes (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Trustee by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third Business Day preceding such redemption date.

      Holders of the notes to be redeemed will receive notice thereof by first-class mail at least 30 and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption.

      The Issuer is not required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the notes. However, under certain circumstances, the Issuer may be required to offer to purchase notes as described under the captions “— Change of Control” and “— Asset Sales” below. The Issuer may at any time and from time to time purchase notes in the open market or otherwise.

 
Change of Control

      Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder of notes will have the right to require the Issuer to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of such Holder’s notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer”) at an offer price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date of purchase (the “Change of Control Payment”). Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Issuer will mail a notice to each Holder describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering to repurchase notes 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 (the “Change of Control Payment Date”), pursuant to the procedures required by the Indenture and described in such notice. The Issuer will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the notes as a result of a Change of Control.

31


 

      On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuer will, to the extent lawful,

        (1) accept for payment all notes or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer,
 
        (2) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all notes or portions thereof so tendered, and
 
        (3) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the notes so accepted together with an officers’ certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of notes or portions thereof being purchased by the Issuer.

      The Paying Agent will promptly mail to each Holder of notes so tendered the Change of Control Payment for such notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the notes surrendered, if any; provided, however, that each such new note will be in a principal amount of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. The Issuer will publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.

      The Change of Control provisions described above will be applicable whether or not any other provisions of the Indenture are applicable. Except as described above with respect to a Change of Control, the Indenture does not contain provisions that permit the Holders of the notes to require that the Issuer repurchase or redeem the notes in the event of a takeover, recapitalization or similar transaction.

      Any future agreements governing Working Capital Financing Lines, credit agreements or other agreements relating to senior Indebtedness to which the Issuer becomes a party may provide that certain change of control events with respect to the Issuer would constitute a default thereunder.

      The Issuer will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in the Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Issuer and purchases all notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer.

 
Asset Sales

      Parent will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, consummate an Asset Sale unless:

        (1) Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value (evidenced in the case of an Asset Sale in which the consideration exceeds $5.0 million by a resolution of Board of Directors of Parent set forth in an officers’ certificate delivered to the Trustee) of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of; and
 
        (2) at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents; provided, however, that the amount of

        (a) any liabilities (as shown on Parent’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet) of Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities and liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee thereof) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a customary novation agreement that releases Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary from further liability; and
 
        (b) any securities, notes or other obligations received by Parent or any such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are contemporaneously (but not later than 30 days after receipt) converted by Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash (to the extent of the cash received)

  shall, in the case of either (a) or (b) above, be deemed to be cash for purposes of this provision.

32


 

      Within 210 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale, Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary may apply such Net Proceeds, at its option,

        (I) to repay Indebtedness under any Working Capital Financing Lines Incurred by the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor and to correspondingly permanently reduce the commitments with respect thereto in the case of revolving borrowings; provided, however, that such commitments will not be required to be reduced below the then current Borrowing Base;
 
        (II) to the acquisition of a controlling interest in another business, the making of a capital expenditure or the acquisition of other long-term assets, in each case, in Permitted Businesses; or
 
        (III) to repurchase notes in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.

      Any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested as provided in clauses (I), (II) or (III) above shall be deemed to constitute “Excess Proceeds.” When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $15.0 million, the Issuer shall be required to make an offer (an “Asset Sale Offer”) to all Holders of notes, as well as all holders of pari passu Indebtedness that has the benefit of provisions requiring the Issuer to make a similar offer, to purchase the maximum principal amount of notes and other pari passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds, at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes and other pari passu Indebtedness to be purchased or the lesser amount required under the agreements governing such pari passu Indebtedness, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of purchase, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. To the extent that the aggregate amount of notes and other pari passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuer may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of notes and pari passu Indebtedness surrendered by Holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Issuer shall select the notes and other pari passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis based on the principal amount of notes and other pari passu Indebtedness so tendered. Upon completion of such offer to purchase, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero.

Ranking

 
Senior Indebtedness of Parent versus Notes

      The Indebtedness evidenced by the notes will be Guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by Parent, which Guarantee will be subordinate in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all senior Indebtedness of Parent, including the obligations of Parent under its 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2009. The Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors will Guarantee the 2009 notes on a subordinated basis to the notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees. However, because substantially all of Parent’s operations are conducted through its Subsidiaries, claims of creditors of such Subsidiaries, including claims under the notes or Subsidiary Guarantees, or Guarantees issued by such Subsidiaries generally will have priority with respect to the assets and earnings of such Subsidiaries over the claims of Parent’s creditors, including holders of the 2009 notes. Accordingly, the notes will be effectively senior to creditors (including trade creditors) of Parent, including holders of its 2009 notes. Parent’s only material asset is its common equity investment in the Issuer.

 
Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors versus Notes

      The Indebtedness evidenced by the outstanding notes and by the exchange notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees will be unsecured and will rank pari passu in right of payment to the senior Indebtedness of the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors, as the case may be, including all Indebtedness Incurred under any Working Capital Financing Lines and Floor Plan Financing Lines. The notes will be Guaranteed on a senior basis by the Subsidiary Guarantors.

      As of March 30, 2002, after giving pro forma effect to the transactions described under “Use of Proceeds” above, the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries would have had approximately $356.0 million of senior Indebtedness, including $36.0 million of secured Indebtedness. Although the Indenture contains limitations on the amount of additional Indebtedness that Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, including the Issuer,

33


 

may incur, under certain circumstances the amount of such Indebtedness could be substantial and, in any case, such Indebtedness may be senior Indebtedness of Parent. See “— Certain Covenants — Limitation on Indebtedness” below.

      The notes are unsecured obligations of the Issuer. Secured Indebtedness and other secured obligations of the Issuer (including obligations with respect to Working Capital Financing Lines and Floor Plan Financing Lines) will be effectively senior to the notes to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt or other obligations.

 
Liabilities of Subsidiaries versus Notes

      A substantial portion of the Issuer’s operations are conducted through its Subsidiaries. Claims of creditors of such Subsidiaries that are not Subsidiary Guarantors, including trade creditors and creditors holding Indebtedness or Guarantees issued by such Subsidiaries generally will have priority with respect to the assets and earnings of such Subsidiaries over the claims of the Issuer’s creditors, including holders of the notes. Accordingly, the notes will be effectively subordinated to creditors (including trade creditors) of the Issuer’s Subsidiaries that are not Subsidiary Guarantors.

      Several of the Issuer’s Subsidiaries, including Moduline Industries (Canada), Ltd. and Champion Development Corp. and its Subsidiaries, will not be Subsidiary Guarantors. In addition, any Special Purpose Vehicles the Issuer may form in the future will not be Guarantors.

      As of March 30, 2002, Subsidiaries that will not be Subsidiary Guarantors had approximately $3.5 million principal amount of Indebtedness outstanding. Although the Indenture limits the Incurrence of Indebtedness and Preferred Stock by certain of Parent’s and the Issuer’s Subsidiaries, such limitation is subject to a number of significant qualifications. Moreover, the Indenture does not impose any limitation on the Incurrence by such Subsidiaries of liabilities that are not considered Indebtedness under the Indenture. See “— Certain Covenants — Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock.”

Subsidiary Guarantees

      Each of Parent’s existing and future Restricted Subsidiaries (other than the Issuer or any Foreign Subsidiary of Parent), and any other Person (including Foreign Subsidiaries of Parent), that provides a Guarantee in connection with any Indebtedness of Parent, the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor outstanding at any time, will jointly and severally Guarantee, on a senior unsecured basis, the Issuer’s obligations under the notes. The obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guaranty will be limited as necessary to prevent such Subsidiary Guaranty from constituting a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law. These Restricted Subsidiaries will also Guarantee Parent’s 2009 notes on a subordinated basis to the notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees.

      The Subsidiary Guarantors are: A-1 Champion GP, Inc.; A-1 Homes Group, L.P.; Alpine Homes, Inc.; American Transport, Inc.; Art Richter Insurance, Inc.; Auburn Champ, Inc.; Builders Credit Corporation; CAC Funding Corporation; Care Free Homes, Inc.; Central Mississippi Manufactured Housing, Inc.; Champion Financial Corporation; Champion GP, Inc.; Champion Retail, Inc.; Champion Home Communities, Inc.; Champion Motor Coach, Inc.; Chandeleur Homes, Inc.; CHI, Inc.; Cliff Ave. Investments, Inc.; Crest Ridge Homes, Inc.; Crestpointe Financial Services, Inc.; Dutch Housing, Inc.; Factory Homes Outlet, Inc.; Fleming County Industries, Inc.; Gateway Acceptance Corp.; Gateway Mobile & Modular Homes, Inc.; Gateway Properties Corp.; Gem Homes, Inc.; Genesis Home Centers, Limited Partnership; Grand Manor, Inc.; Heartland Homes, L.P.; HomePride Finance Corp.; Homes America Finance, Inc.; Homes America of Arizona, Inc.; Homes America of California, Inc.; Homes America of Oklahoma, Inc.; Homes America of Utah, Inc.; Homes America of Wyoming, Inc.; Homes of Kentuckiana, L.L.C.; Homes of Legend, Inc.; Homes of Merit, Inc.; I.D.A., Inc.; Iseman Corp.; Lamplighter Homes, Inc.; Lamplighter Homes (Oregon), Inc.; Manufactured Housing of Louisiana, Inc.; Moduline International, Inc.; Northstar Corporation; Philadelphia Housing Center, Inc.; Prairie Ridge, Inc.; Redman Business Trust; Redman Homes Management Company, Inc.; Redman Homes, Inc.; Redman Industries, Inc.; Redman Investment, Inc.; Redman Management Services Business Trust; Redman Retail, Inc.; Regency Supply Company, Inc.; San Jose

34


 

Advantage Homes, Inc.; Service Contract Corporation; Southern Showcase Finance, Inc.; Southern Showcase Housing, Inc.; Star Fleet, Inc.; The Okahumpka Corporation; Trading Post Mobile Homes, Inc.; U.S.A. Mobile Homes, Inc.; Victory Investment Company; Western Homes Corporation; and Whitworth Management, Inc.

Certain Covenants

 
Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock

      Parent will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, Incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) and Parent shall not issue any Disqualified Stock, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue any shares of Preferred Stock; provided, however, that Parent may Incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock and the Issuer and any Restricted Subsidiaries which are Subsidiary Guarantors may Incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) if Parent’s Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for its most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is Incurred or such Disqualified Stock is issued would have been at least 2.25 to 1, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been Incurred, or the Disqualified Stock had been issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such four-quarter period.

      The provisions of the first paragraph of this covenant shall not apply to the Incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness (collectively, “Permitted Debt”) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby:

        (1) the Incurrence by Parent, the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor of Indebtedness under Working Capital Financing Lines, the proceeds of which may be used only for working capital purposes and to fund interest and mandatory principal payments when due on Indebtedness; provided, however, that the aggregate principal amount of all such Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (1), does not exceed the then current Borrowing Base;
 
        (2) the Incurrence by Parent and the Restricted Subsidiaries of the Existing Indebtedness;
 
        (3) the Incurrence by the Issuer of Indebtedness represented by the outstanding notes, the exchange notes and any exchange notes with respect to Additional Notes Incurred in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and the Incurrence by Parent of its Guarantee and by the Subsidiary Guarantors of the Subsidiary Guarantees in respect of the outstanding notes, exchange notes and any Additional Notes Incurred in accordance with the terms of the Indenture;
 
        (4) the Incurrence by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness Incurred under any Warehouse Facility, provided that (A) such Warehouse Facility is rated A2 (or the equivalent successor ranking) or better by Moody’s or A (or the equivalent successor rating) or better by S&P and (B) the amount of such Indebtedness (excluding funding drafts issued thereunder) outstanding at any time pursuant to this clause (4) may not exceed 90% of the principal amount of Financial Assets consisting of obligations for the payment of money (including capitalized lease obligations) securing Indebtedness thereunder plus 90% of the value of other assets or property (other than supporting obligations and collateral supporting or securing such Financial Assets) securing Indebtedness thereunder; provided, however, that the aggregate principal amount of all such Indebtedness outstanding at any time and Incurred pursuant to this clause (4) does not exceed $200.0 million;
 
        (5) the Incurrence by Parent, the Issuer or any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to refund, refinance or replace Indebtedness (other than intercompany Indebtedness) that was Incurred under the first paragraph of this covenant or clauses (2), (3) or (4) of this paragraph or this clause (5);
 
        (6) subject to the provisions of the “No Senior Guarantees of Parent Indebtedness” below, the Incurrence by Parent, the Issuer or any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries of intercompany

35


 

  Indebtedness or Preferred Stock between or among Parent, the Issuer and any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries that are Subsidiary Guarantors; provided, however, that

        (a) if the Issuer is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations with respect to the notes and the Indenture,
 
        (b) if Parent is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of Parent’s Guarantee of the notes,
 
        (c) if a Subsidiary Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of such Subsidiary Guarantor’s Subsidiary Guarantee; and
 
        (d) (I) any subsequent event or issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in any such Indebtedness or Preferred Stock being held by a Person other than Parent, the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor and (II) any sale or other transfer of any such Indebtedness or Preferred Stock to a Person that is not Parent, the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor shall be deemed, in each case, to constitute an Incurrence of such Indebtedness or Preferred Stock by Parent, the Issuer or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, that was not permitted by this clause (6);

        (7) the Incurrence by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of Hedging Obligations in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices for the purpose of fixing or hedging currency, commodity or interest rate risk (including with respect to any floating rate Indebtedness that is permitted by the terms of the Indenture to be outstanding in connection with the conduct of their respective businesses) and not for speculative purposes;
 
        (8) the Incurrence by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of Guarantees of Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary that was permitted to be Incurred by another provision of this “— Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock” covenant; provided, however, that neither the Issuer nor any Subsidiary Guarantor may Guarantee any Indebtedness of Parent other than with respect to a Guarantee that is subordinated in right of payment in full to the notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees;
 
        (9) the Incurrence of Indebtedness of Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurred in respect of performance bonds, bankers’ acceptances and letters of credit in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices, including Indebtedness evidenced by letters of credit or surety bonds issued in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices to support the insurance or self-insurance obligations of Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary (including to secure workers’ compensation and other similar insurance coverages), but excluding letters of credit issued in respect of or to secure money borrowed;
 
        (10) the Incurrence by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness under repurchase agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with customary industry practices in connection with floor-plan financing arrangements;
 
        (11) the Incurrence by Parent, the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor of Indebtedness under Floor Plan Financing Lines in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices;
 
        (12) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary Incurred and outstanding on or prior to the date on which such Subsidiary was acquired by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Indebtedness Incurred in connection with, or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to consummate, the transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which such Subsidiary became a Subsidiary or was acquired by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary); provided, however, that on the date of such acquisition and after giving pro forma effect thereto, Parent would have been able to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the first paragraph of this “Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock” covenant; and

36


 

        (13) the Incurrence by Parent, the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor of additional Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) at any time outstanding, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to refund, refinance or replace any other Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (13), not to exceed $30.0 million.

      For purposes of determining compliance with this covenant, in the event that an item of proposed Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Debt described in clauses (1) through (13) above as of the date of Incurrence thereof or is entitled to be Incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant as of the date of Incurrence thereof, the Issuer shall, in its sole discretion, classify (or later reclassify in whole or in part, in its sole discretion) such item of Indebtedness in any manner that complies with this covenant. The accrual of interest, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, and the payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock shall not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness or an issuance of Disqualified Stock for the purposes of this covenant.

 
No Senior Guarantees of Parent Indebtedness

      The Issuer will not, and Parent will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, Guarantee any Indebtedness Incurred by Parent (other than (1) the Subsidiary Guarantees with respect to the outstanding notes, exchange notes and any Additional Notes issued in accordance with the Indenture and (2) Guarantees that are expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of the notes and Subsidiary Guarantees) and Parent will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, incur any Liens or otherwise secure any Indebtedness Incurred by Parent (other than the Subsidiary Guarantees with respect to the notes).

 
Restricted Payments

      Parent will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to make a Restricted Payment if at the time of such Restricted Payment and after giving pro forma effect thereto:

        (1) a Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or would result therefrom);
 
        (2) the Parent would not have been entitled, assuming such Restricted Payment had been made at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, to Incur an additional $1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of the “Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock” covenant; or
 
        (3) the aggregate amount of such Restricted Payment and all other Restricted Payments since the Issue Date would exceed the sum of (without duplication):

        (a) 50% of Parent’s Consolidated Net Income accrued during the period (treated as one accounting period) from the beginning of the fiscal quarter immediately following the fiscal quarter during which the Issue Date occurs to the end of the most recent fiscal quarter ending prior to the date of such Restricted Payment for which financial statements are publicly available (or, in case such Consolidated Net Income shall be a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit); plus
 
        (b) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by Parent after the Issue Date from the issuance or sale of Parent’s Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) or from the issuance or sale of Disqualified Stock to the extent that it has been converted or exchanged into Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of Parent (in each case, other than an issuance or sale to a Subsidiary of Parent) and 100% of any cash capital contribution received by Parent from its shareholders subsequent to the Issue Date; plus
 
        (c) the amount by which Indebtedness of Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary is reduced on Parent’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet upon the conversion or exchange (other than by a Subsidiary of Parent) subsequent to the Issue Date of any such Indebtedness

37


 

  convertible or exchangeable for Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of Parent (less the amount of any cash, or the fair value of any other property, distributed by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary upon such conversion or exchange); plus
 
        (d) an amount equal to the sum of

        (I) the net reduction in the Investments (other than Permitted Investments) made by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in any Person resulting from repurchases, repayments or redemptions of such Investments by such Person, proceeds realized on the sale of such Investment and proceeds representing the return of capital, in each case received by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary; and
 
        (II) to the extent such Person is an Unrestricted Subsidiary of Parent, the portion (proportionate to the equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time such Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated a Restricted Subsidiary of Parent; provided, however, that the foregoing sum shall not exceed, in the case of any such Person or Unrestricted Subsidiary, the amount of Investments (excluding Permitted Investments) previously made (and treated as a Restricted Payment) by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, in such Person or Unrestricted Subsidiary; plus

        (e) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by Parent subsequent to the Issue Date from any Person (other than a Subsidiary of Parent) upon the exercise of any options, warrants or rights to purchase Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of Parent.

      The preceding provisions will not prohibit:

        (A) any Restricted Payment made out of the net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, or made by exchange for, Capital Stock of Parent (other than Disqualified Stock and other than Capital Stock issued or sold to a Subsidiary of Parent) or a substantially concurrent cash capital contribution received by Parent from its shareholders; provided, however, that (x) such Restricted Payment shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments and (y) the net cash proceeds from such sale or such cash capital contribution (to the extent so used for such Restricted Payment) shall be excluded from the calculation of amounts under clause (3)(b) above;
 
        (B) any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value of Subordinated Obligations made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Indebtedness which is permitted to be Incurred pursuant to the “Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock” covenant; provided, however, that such purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments;
 
        (C) dividends paid within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof if at such date of declaration such dividend would have complied with this covenant; provided, however, that at the time of payment of such dividend, no other Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or result therefrom); provided further, however, that such dividend shall be included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments;
 
        (D) so long as no Default under clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Event of Default” has occurred and is continuing, the repurchase or other acquisition of shares of Capital Stock of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries from employees, former employees, directors or former directors of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (or permitted transferees of such employees, former employees, directors or former directors), pursuant to the terms of the agreements (including employment agreements) or plans (or amendments thereto) approved by the Board of Directors of Parent under which such individuals purchase or sell or are granted the option to purchase or sell, shares of such Capital Stock; provided, however, that the aggregate amount of such repurchases and other acquisitions shall not exceed $2.0 million in any calendar year; provided further, however, that such repurchases and other acquisitions shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments;

38


 

        (E) Restricted Payments that, when taken together with all other Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (E) in an aggregate amount since the Issue Date, do not exceed $2.0 million;
 
        (F) Restricted Payments made in connection with Refinancing Indebtedness with the proceeds of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness;
 
        (G) Restricted Payments in connection with purchase price adjustments, contingent purchase price payments or other earnout payments, contingent or otherwise, with respect to transactions consummated by Parent or its Subsidiaries prior to the Issue Date;
 
        (H) the payment of any dividend or other distribution by a Restricted Subsidiary of Parent to holders of its Equity Interests on a pro rata basis;
 
        (I) any payments by Parent with respect to the Existing Preferred Stock, in accordance with the terms of the Existing Preferred Stock; and
 
        (J) Restricted Payments from any Restricted Subsidiary to Parent for the purpose of satisfying Parent’s ordinary course obligations, including general corporate expenses and obligations and obligations under the 2009 Notes; provided, however, that at the time of payment of such Restricted Payment, no Default under clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Event of Default” shall have occurred and be continuing (or result therefrom); provided further, however, that such Restricted Payments shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments.

 
Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries

      Parent will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:

        (1) pay

        (a) dividends or make any other distributions to Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary (I) on its Capital Stock or (II) with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or
 
        (b) any Indebtedness owed to Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary;

        (2) make loans or advances to Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary; or
 
        (3) transfer any of its properties or assets to Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary;

  except for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

        (a) Existing Indebtedness as in effect on the Issue Date, including Indebtedness under the Indenture, and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings thereof; provided, however, that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacement or refinancings are no more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in the Existing Indebtedness as in effect on the Issue Date;
 
        (b) any encumbrance or restriction contained in any Working Capital Financing Lines or Warehouse Facilities permitted under the “Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock” covenant or in any agreement pursuant to which any such Working Capital Financing Lines or Warehouse Facilities were Incurred; or
 
        (c) the Indenture and the notes;
 
        (d) applicable law or by judicial or regulatory action;
 
        (e) any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person acquired by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the extent such

39


 

  Indebtedness was Incurred in connection with or in contemplation of such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the property or assets of the Person, so acquired; provided, however, that, in the case of Indebtedness, such Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of the Indenture to be Incurred;
 
        (f) by reason of customary non-assignment provisions in contracts or leases entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices;
 
        (g) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices that impose restrictions of the nature described in clause (3) above on the property so acquired;
 
        (h) Indebtedness of the Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantors, provided that such Indebtedness was permitted to be Incurred pursuant to the Indenture;
 
        (i) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, provided, however, that the restrictions contained in the agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being refinanced;
 
        (j) customary restrictions on transfers of property subject to a Lien permitted under the Indenture;
 
        (k) customary restrictions contained in an agreement for the sale or disposition of Capital Stock or assets of a Restricted Subsidiary or an agreement entered into for the sale of specified assets (in either case, so long as such encumbrance or restriction, by its terms, terminates on the earlier of the termination of such agreement or the consummation of such agreement and so long as such restriction applies only to the Capital Stock or assets to be sold);
 
        (l) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices, provided that such restrictions do not materially impair the Issuer’s ability to pay interest on and repay the notes as and when the same become due and payable;
 
        (m) provisions with respect to the pro rata disposition or distributions of assets or property in accordance with joint venture agreements and similar agreements;
 
        (n) any encumbrance or restriction in effect on the Issue Date; or
 
        (o) any encumbrance or restriction contained in agreements and related documents governing or pertaining to Securitization Transactions.

 
Transactions with Affiliates

      Parent will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or Guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of any such Person (each of the foregoing, an “Affiliate Transaction”), unless:

        (1) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to Parent or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person; and
 
        (2) Parent delivers to the Trustee

        (a) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $2.0 million, a resolution of its Board of Directors set forth in an officers’ certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (1) above and that

40


 

  such Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a majority of the disinterested members of its Board of Directors, and
 
        (b) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $10.0 million, an opinion as to the fairness to the Holders of such Affiliate Transaction from a financial point of view issued by an investment banking firm (or, if an investment banking firm is generally not qualified to give such an opinion, by an appraisal firm) of national standing;

  provided, however, that none of the following shall be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions:

        (I) any employment agreement entered into by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices and any contract, agreement or understanding with, or for the benefit of, or plan for the benefit of, employees of Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries generally (in their capacities as such), which contract, agreement, understanding or plan is entered into, made or adopted in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices and with the approval of Parent’s Board of Directors;
 
        (II) transactions between or among Parent and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries that are Subsidiary Guarantors;
 
        (III) any sale or other issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of Parent;
 
        (IV) Restricted Payments that are permitted by the covenant described above under the “Restricted Payments” covenant;
 
        (V) fees and compensation paid to members of the Board of Directors of Parent and of its Restricted Subsidiaries in their capacity as such, to the extent such fees and compensation are reasonable and customary;
 
        (VI) advances to employees for moving, entertainment and travel expenses, drawing accounts and similar expenditures in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices;
 
        (VII) advancements of fees and expenses, and indemnity payments to or provided on behalf of, officers, directors or employees of Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, either (i) in the ordinary course of business or (ii) as determined in any other case by the Board of Directors of Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary, to the extent that in either case (i) or (ii) such fees, expenses and indemnities are reasonable and customary; and
 
        (VIII) transactions between Parent and/or any Restricted Subsidiary and a Special Purpose Vehicle in connection with Securitization Transactions.

 
Liens

      Parent will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, incur or permit to exist any Lien (the “Initial Lien”) of any nature whatsoever on any of its properties (including Capital Stock of a Subsidiary), other than Permitted Liens, without effectively providing that the notes shall be secured equally and ratably with or prior to pari passu obligations and prior to all Subordinated Obligations so secured for so long as such obligations are so secured.

      Any Lien created for the benefit of the Holders of the notes pursuant to the preceding sentence shall provide by its terms that such Lien shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon the release and discharge of the Initial Lien.

41


 

 
Sale and Leaseback Transactions

      Parent will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Sale/ Leaseback Transaction with respect to any property unless:

        (1) Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary would be entitled to Incur Indebtedness in an amount equal to the Attributable Debt with respect to such Sale/ Leaseback Transaction pursuant to the “Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock” covenant;
 
        (2) the Net Proceeds received by Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such Sale/ Leaseback Transaction are at least equal to the fair value (as determined by the Board of Directors of Parent) of such property; and
 
        (3) the Net Proceeds of such transaction are applied in compliance with provisions described under “Mandatory Redemptions; Offers to Purchase; Open Market Purchases — Asset Sales.”

 
Merger and Consolidation

      The Issuer will not merge, consolidate or amalgamate with or into any other Person or sell, transfer, assign, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets in any one transaction or series of transactions other than a merger of a Restricted Subsidiary into the Issuer where the Issuer is the surviving Person or the Restricted Subsidiary is the Surviving Person and it shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental thereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Issuer under the notes and the Indenture.

      Parent will not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease, in one transaction or a series of transactions, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all its assets to, any Person, unless:

        (1) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the “Successor Company”) shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and the Successor Company (if not Parent) shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental thereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of Parent under its Guarantee of the notes and the Indenture;
 
        (2) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction (and treating any Indebtedness that becomes an obligation of the Successor Company or any Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by such Successor Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing;
 
        (3) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction, the Successor Company would have had a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 2.0 to 1;
 
        (4) Parent 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 the Indenture;

provided, however, that clause (3) will not be applicable to Parent merging with an Affiliate other than the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer solely for the purpose and with the sole effect of reincorporating Parent in another U.S. jurisdiction.

      The Successor Company will be the successor to Parent and shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, Parent under the Indenture and the Guarantee and Parent, except in the case of a lease, shall be released from the obligations under the Guarantee and the Indenture.

      Parent will not permit any Subsidiary Guarantor to consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease, in one transaction or a series of transactions, all or substantially all of its assets to any Person other than to the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor unless:

        (1) except in the case of a Subsidiary Guarantor that has been disposed of in its entirety to another Person (other than to Parent or an Affiliate of Parent), whether through a merger, consolidation or sale of

42


 

  Capital Stock or assets, if in connection therewith Parent provides an officers’ certificate to the Trustee to the effect that Parent will, and will cause the Restricted Subsidiaries to, comply with the obligations under the provisions described under “Mandatory Redemption; Offers to Purchase; Open Market Purchases — Asset Sales” and the “Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock” covenant in respect of such disposition, the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (if not such Subsidiary) shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction under which such Subsidiary was organized or under the laws of the United States of America, or any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and such Person shall expressly assume, by a Guaranty Agreement, in a form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of such Subsidiary, if any, under its Subsidiary Guarantee;
 
        (2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction or transactions on a pro forma basis (and treating any Indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the resulting, surviving or transferee Person as a result of such transaction as having been issued by such Person at the time of such transaction), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and
 
        (3) the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such Guaranty Agreement, if any, complies with the Indenture.

 
Future Subsidiary Guarantors

      Parent will cause each existing and future Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Issuer or any Foreign Subsidiary of Parent), and any other Person (including Foreign Subsidiaries of Parent), that provides a Guarantee in connection with any Indebtedness of Parent, the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor outstanding at any time, to execute and deliver to the Trustee a Guaranty Agreement pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary or Person, as the case may be, will Guarantee payment of the notes on a senior basis and on the same terms and conditions as those set forth in the Indenture; provided that (i) if a Subsidiary Guarantor ceases to be a guarantor under the Indebtedness of the Parent, the Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to which it became a Subsidiary Guarantor in accordance with this covenant, such Subsidiary Guarantor shall be deemed released from all obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee (so long as such Subsidiary Guarantor has not provided any other Guarantee in connection with any other Indebtedness of the Parent, the Issuer or any other Subsidiary Guarantor outstanding at any time ranking pari passu or junior in right of payment with the notes or the Subsidiary Guarantee of the notes) and (ii) a Subsidiary Guarantor shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged under the circumstances described under “Merger and Consolidation” in respect of a disposition of a such Subsidiary Guarantor.

 
Business Activities

      Parent will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, engage in any line of business other than a Permitted Business, except to such extent as would not be material to Parent and the Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

 
Reports

      The Indenture will provide that whether or not the Issuer is required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, so long as any notes are outstanding, the Issuer will furnish to each of the Holders of notes

        (1) all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Issuer were required to file such financial information, including a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” that describes the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer any consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries, and, with respect to the annual information only, reports thereon by the Issuer’s independent public accountants (which shall be firm(s) of established national reputation) and
 
        (2) all information that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if the Issuer were required to file such reports;

43


 

provided, however, that comparable reports and filings by the Parent will satisfy the Issuer’s obligations under this “Reports” covenant if such reports satisfy the requirements under the rules and regulations of the SEC with respect to the presentation of financial information of the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors.

      In addition, whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, Parent and the Issuer shall file a copy of all such information and reports with the SEC for public availability within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations (unless the SEC will not accept such a filing) and make such information available to securities analysts and prospective investors upon request.

Defaults

      Each of the following is an Event of Default:

        (1) a default in the payment of interest on the notes when due, continued for 30 days;
 
        (2) a default in the payment of principal of and premium, if any, on any note when due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon declaration or otherwise;
 
        (3) the failure by either Parent or the Issuer to comply with its obligations under the “Merger and Consolidation” covenant or failure by Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with the “No Senior Guarantees of Parent Indebtedness” covenant above;
 
        (4) the failure by either Parent or the Issuer to comply for 30 days after notice with any of its obligations in the covenants described above under “Mandatory Redemption; Offers to Purchase; Open Market Purchases — Change of Control” or “— Asset Sales” (other than a failure to purchase notes) or under the “Incurrence of Indebtedness” covenant, “Restricted Payments” covenant, “Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries” covenant, “Affiliate Transactions” covenant, “Liens” covenant, “Sale and Leaseback Transactions” covenant, “Future Guarantors” covenant or “Business Activities” covenant;
 
        (5) the failure by either Parent or the Issuer, as applicable, to comply for 60 days after notice with its obligations under the “Reports” covenant or other obligations under the Indenture, other than with respect to the provisions relating to clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4) above;
 
        (6) Indebtedness of Parent, the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary is not paid within any applicable grace period after final maturity or is accelerated by the holders thereof because of a default and the total amount of such Indebtedness unpaid or accelerated exceeds $20.0 million and such default continues for ten days after notice (the “cross acceleration provision”);
 
        (7) any final judgment or decree for the payment of money in excess of $10.0 million (net of applicable insurance coverage) is entered against Parent, the Issuer or a Significant Subsidiary and remains undischarged, unwaived or unstayed for a period of 60 consecutive days following the date on which the right to appeal such judgment has expired or becomes subject to an enforcement proceeding (the “judgment default provision”);
 
        (8) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of Parent, the Issuer or a Significant Subsidiary (the “bankruptcy provisions”); or
 
        (9) Parent’s Guarantee of the notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee ceases to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of the Indenture or such Guarantee or Subsidiary Guarantee) or Parent or any Subsidiary Guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations under its Guarantee or Subsidiary Guarantee, as applicable (the “guarantee provisions”).

      However, a default under clauses (4), (5), (6) or (7) will not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the holders of 25% in principal amount of the notes outstanding notify the Issuer of the default and Parent or the Issuer does not cure such default within the time specified after receipt of such notice.

      If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the notes outstanding may declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest on all the notes

44


 

to be due and payable. Upon such a declaration, such principal and interest shall be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of Parent, the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary occurs and is continuing, the principal of and interest on all the notes will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any holders of the notes. Under certain circumstances, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the notes outstanding may rescind any such acceleration with respect to the notes and its consequences.

      Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee, in case an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the notes unless such holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity or security against any loss, liability or expense. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium (if any) or interest when due, no holder of a note may pursue any remedy with respect to the Indenture or the notes unless:

        (1) such holder has previously given the Trustee notice that an Event of Default is continuing;
 
        (2) holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the notes outstanding have requested the Trustee to pursue the remedy;
 
        (3) such holders have offered the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against any loss, liability or expense;
 
        (4) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt thereof and the offer of security or indemnity; and
 
        (5) holders of a majority in principal amount of the notes outstanding have not given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.

      Subject to certain restrictions, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the notes outstanding are given the right to 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. 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 a note or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability.

      If a Default occurs, is continuing and is known to the Trustee, the Trustee must mail to each holder of the notes notice of the Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default in the payment of principal of or interest on any note, the Trustee may withhold notice if and so long as a committee of its trust officers determines that withholding notice is not opposed to the interest of the holders of the notes. In addition, the Issuer is required to deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a certificate indicating whether the signers of the certificate know of any Default that occurred during the previous year. The Issuer is also required to deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days after its occurrence, written notice of any event which would constitute certain Defaults, its status and what action Parent or the Issuer is taking or proposes to take in respect of the event.

      In the case of any Event of Default occurring by reason of any willful action or inaction taken or not taken by or on behalf of Parent or the Issuer with the intention of avoiding payment of the premium that the Issuer would have had to pay upon an optional redemption of the notes or otherwise, an equivalent premium shall also become and be immediately due and payable to the extent permitted by law upon acceleration of the notes.

Amendments and Waivers

      Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture may be amended with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange for the notes) and any past default or compliance with any provisions may also be waived with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the notes then outstanding.

45


 

However, without the consent of each holder of a note affected thereby, an amendment may not, among other things:

        (1) reduce the amount of notes whose holders must consent to an amendment;
 
        (2) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on any note;
 
        (3) reduce the principal of or extend the Stated Maturity of any note;
 
        (4) reduce the amount payable upon the redemption of any note or change the time at which any note may be redeemed as described under “— Optional Redemption” above;
 
        (5) make any note payable in money other than that stated in the note;
 
        (6) impair the right of any holder of the notes to receive payment of principal of and interest on such holder’s notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such holder’s notes, Parent’s Guarantee of the notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee;
 
        (7) make any change in the amendment provisions which require each holder’s consent or in the waiver provisions;
 
        (8) make any change in the ranking or priority of any note that would adversely affect the holders; or
 
        (9) make any change in Parent’s Guarantee of the notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee that would adversely affect the holders.

      Notwithstanding the preceding, without the consent of any holder of the notes, Parent, the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Trustee may amend the Indenture, Parent’s Guarantee of the notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee:

        (a) to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency;
 
        (b) to provide for the assumption by a successor Person of the obligations of the Issuer under the Indenture or Parent under its Guarantee of the notes;
 
        (c) to provide for uncertificated notes in addition to or in place of certificated notes (provided that the uncertificated notes are issued in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Code, or in a manner such that the uncertificated notes are described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Code);
 
        (d) to add Guarantees, including Subsidiary Guarantees, with respect to the notes or to release Subsidiary Guarantors from Subsidiary Guarantees as provided by the terms of the Indenture or to secure the notes;
 
        (e) to add to the covenants of Parent or the Restricted Subsidiaries for the benefit of the holders of the notes or to surrender any right or power conferred upon Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary;
 
        (f) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder of the notes; or
 
        (g) to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.

      The consent of the holders of the notes is not necessary under the Indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment.

      After an amendment under the Indenture becomes effective, the Issuer is required to mail to holders of the notes a notice briefly describing such amendment; provided, however, that, if the amendment relates solely to the addition of one or more Subsidiary Guarantors, such notice shall not be required. However, the failure to give such notice to all holders of the notes, or any defect therein, will not impair or affect the validity of the amendment.

46


 

Defeasance

      At any time, the Issuer may terminate all of its obligations under the notes and the Indenture (“legal defeasance”), except for certain obligations, including those respecting the defeasance trust and obligations to register the transfer or exchange of the notes, to replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen notes and to maintain a registrar and paying agent in respect of the notes.

      In addition, at any time the Issuer may terminate its obligations and the obligations of Parent under the covenants described under “— Certain Covenants” (other than the “Merger and Consolidation” covenant), the operation of the cross acceleration provisions, the bankruptcy provisions with respect to Significant Subsidiaries, the judgment default provisions and the guarantee provisions described under “— Defaults” above and the limitations contained in clauses (2) and (3) under the “Merger and Consolidation” covenant above (“covenant defeasance”).

      The Issuer may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option. If the Issuer exercises its legal defeasance option, payment of the notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default. If the Issuer exercises its covenant defeasance option, payment of the notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default specified in clauses (4), (5), (6), (7), (8) (with respect only to Significant Subsidiaries) or (9) under “— Defaults” above or because of the failure of Parent to comply with clauses (2) and (3) under the “Merger and Consolidation” covenant above. If the Issuer exercises either its legal defeasance option or its covenant defeasance option, Parent will be released from all its Guarantee of the notes and each Subsidiary Guarantor will be released from all its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee.

      In order to exercise either of its defeasance options, the Issuer must irrevocably deposit in trust (the “defeasance trust”) with the Trustee money sufficient or U.S. Government Obligations, the principal of and interest on which when due, will be sufficient, or a combination thereof, sufficient for the payment of principal and interest on the notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be, and must comply with certain other conditions, including delivery to the Trustee of an opinion of counsel to the effect that holders of the notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred (and, in the case of legal defeasance only, such opinion of counsel must be based on a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or other change in applicable U.S. federal income tax law).

Concerning the Trustee

      Bank One Trust Company, N.A. is to be the Trustee under the Indenture and has been appointed by the Issuer as Registrar and Paying Agent with regard to the notes.

      The Indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the Trustee, should it become a creditor of the Issuer, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions; provided, however, if it acquires any conflicting interest (as defined in the Trust Indenture Act) it must either eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue or resign.

      The holders of a majority in principal amount of the notes outstanding will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to certain exceptions. If an Event of Default occurs (and is not cured), the Trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any holder of notes, unless such holder shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense and then only to the extent required by the terms of the Indenture.

47


 

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders

      No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of Parent, the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer under the notes, the Indenture, Parent’s Guarantee of the notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of notes by accepting a note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the Commission that such a waiver is against public policy.

Governing Law

      The Indenture, the notes, Parent’s Guarantee of the notes and each Subsidiary Guarantee will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to applicable principles of conflicts of law to the extent that the application of the law of another jurisdiction would be required thereby.

Certain Definitions

      Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the Indenture. Reference is made to the Indenture for a full disclosure of all such terms, as well as any other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided.

      “Acquired Debt” means, with respect to any specified Person,

        (1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, including, without limitation, Indebtedness Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into or becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person; provided, however, that any such Indebtedness that is redeemed, defeased, retired or otherwise repaid at the time of or immediately following consummation of the transaction by which such Person becomes or merges with or into Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary shall not be Acquired Debt, and
 
        (2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person; provided, however, that any such Indebtedness that is redeemed, defeased, retired or otherwise repaid at the time of or immediately following consummation of the transaction by which such asset is acquired shall not be Acquired Debt.

      “Affiliate” of any specified Person means

        (1) any other Person, directly or indirectly, controlling or controlled by or
 
        (2) 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; provided, however, that beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the voting securities of a Person shall be deemed to be control. The terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

      “Asset Sale” means

        (1) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of any assets or rights (including, without limitation, by way of a sale and leaseback) other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices; provided, however, that the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Parent and Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole will be governed by the provisions described above under “Mandatory Redemption; Offers to Purchase; Open Market Purchases — Change of Control” and under the “Merger and Consolidation” covenant and not by the

48


 

  provisions described above under the caption “Mandatory Redemption; Offers to Purchase; Open Market Purchases — Asset Sales”; and
 
        (2) the issue or sale by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary,

  in the case of either clause (1) or (2), whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions

        (a) that have a fair market value in excess of $1.0 million or
 
        (b) for Net Proceeds in excess of $1.0 million.

      Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the following shall constitute Asset Sales:

        (I) sales, leases, conveyances or other dispositions of assets (i) by Parent or the Issuer to a Subsidiary Guarantor, (ii) by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Issuer or to a Subsidiary Guarantor or (iii) by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor to another Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor;
 
        (II) issuances or sales of Equity Interests (i) by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Issuer, (ii) by a Restricted Subsidiary to a Subsidiary Guarantor or (iii) by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor to another Restricted Subsidiary that is not Subsidiary Guarantor;
 
        (III) Restricted Payments that are permitted by the “Restricted Payments” covenant;
 
        (IV) sales, leases, conveyances or other dispositions of damaged, worn-out or obsolete equipment or assets that, in the Issuer’s reasonable judgment, are no longer either used or useful in the business of Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary;
 
        (V) sales, leases, conveyances or other dispositions of unused equipment and surplus real property for Net Proceeds not to exceed $2.0 million in the aggregate for all such transactions; provided, however, that Parent or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary shall have received at least the fair market value of the property disposed of pursuant to this clause (V);
 
        (VI) sales, conveyances or other dispositions in the ordinary course of business and for value of Financial Assets by Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent in connection with any Securitization Transaction; and
 
        (VII) sales or other dispositions of Cash or Cash Equivalents.

      “Attributable Debt” in respect of a Sale/ Leaseback Transaction means, as at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at the interest rate borne by the notes, compounded annually) of the total obligations of the lessee for net rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in such Sale/ Leaseback Transaction (including any period for which such lease has been extended). The term “net rental payments” under any lease for any period shall mean the sum of the rental and other payments required to be paid in such period by the lessee thereunder, not including, however, any amounts required to be paid by such lessee on account of maintenance and repairs, reconstruction, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges required to be paid by such lessee thereunder or any amounts required to be paid by such lessee thereunder contingent upon the amount of sales, maintenance and repairs, reconstruction, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges. Attributable Debt may be reduced by the present value of the rental obligations, calculated on the same basis, that any sublessee has for all or part of the applicable property.

      “Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the applicable Person or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such Board.

      “Borrowing Base” means the sum of:

        (1) 60% of the lesser of the wholesale invoice and expected sale price of the completed manufactured homes inventory of Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

49


 

        (2) 60% of the lesser of the market value and book value of the other inventory of Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries; and
 
        (3) 75% of the book value of the accounts receivable of Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

provided, however, that the value of any inventory in the case of clauses (1) and (2) and of accounts receivable in the case of clause (3) that is subject to a Lien with respect to Indebtedness other than under Working Capital Financing Lines shall be excluded from the total book value of such inventory and accounts receivable when calculating the Borrowing Base.

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

      “Capital Lease Obligation” means an obligation that is required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP, and the amount of Indebtedness represented by such obligation shall be the capitalized amount of such obligation determined in accordance with GAAP; and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date upon which such lease may be terminated by the lessee without payment of a penalty.

      “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.

      “Cash Equivalents” means:

        (1) United States dollars;
 
        (2) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof having maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition;
 
        (3) certificates of deposit and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances with maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any domestic commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of $500 million and a Thompson Bank Watch Rating of “B” or better;
 
        (4) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2) and (3) above entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (3) above;
 
        (5) commercial paper having the highest rating obtainable from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or one of the two highest ratings from Standard & Poor’s with maturities of not more than six months from the date of acquisition; and
 
        (6) securities issued by any fund with total assets in excess of $500.0 million that invests at least 85% of its assets in investments of the types described in clauses (1) through (5) above.

      “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:

        (1) 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 Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole to any “person” (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act);
 
        (2) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of Parent or the Issuer;
 
        (3) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any “person” (as defined above) 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 the Parent has knowledge that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the

50


 

  occurrence of a subsequent condition), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the total of the Voting Stock of Parent (measured by voting power rather than number of shares);
 
        (4) individuals who on the Issue Date constituted the Board of Directors of Parent (together with any new directors whose election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the shareholders of Parent was approved by a vote of a majority of the directors of Parent then still in office who were either directors on the Issue Date or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute the majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Parent; or
 
        (5) Parent consolidates with, or merges with or into, any Person or sells, assigns, conveys, transfers, leases or otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of its assets to any Person, or any Person consolidates with, or merges with or into, Parent, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of the outstanding Voting Stock of Parent is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where the Voting Stock of Parent 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).

      The use of the term “all or substantially all” in provisions of the Indenture such as clause (5) of the definition of “Change of Control” and under “— Merger and Consolidation” has no clearly established meaning under New York law, which governs the Indenture, and has been the subject of limited judicial interpretation in only a few jurisdictions. Accordingly, there may be a degree of uncertainty in ascertaining whether any particular transaction would involve a disposition of “all or substantially all” of the assets of a person, which uncertainty should be considered by prospective purchasers of the notes.

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

      “Consolidated Cash Flow” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period plus (each to the extent included or deducted, as the case may be, in calculating such Consolidated Net Income and determined in accordance with GAAP) the sum for such period, without duplication, of:

        (1) an amount equal to any extraordinary loss plus any net gain realized in connection with an Asset Sale;
 
        (2) provision for state single business taxes and taxes based on income or profits of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries;
 
        (3) consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, whether paid or accrued and whether or not capitalized (including, without limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers’ acceptance financings, and net payments (if any) pursuant to Hedging Obligations); and
 
        (4) depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses (including amortization of goodwill and other intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period or that will be paid prior to the maturity of the notes and excluding charges for goodwill impairment charges to the extent such amounts have been added to Consolidated Net Income in accordance with clause (4) of the definition thereof) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries; minus
 
        (5) non-cash items increasing such Consolidated Net Income (other than items that were accrued in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provision for taxes on the income or profits of, and the depreciation and amortization and other non-cash charges of, a Restricted Subsidiary shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute Consolidated Cash Flow of Parent only to the extent (and in same proportion) that the

51


 

net income of such Restricted Subsidiary was included in calculating the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and only if a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of determination to be paid as a dividend to Parent by such Restricted Subsidiary without prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained), and without direct or indirect restriction pursuant to the terms of its charter and all agreements, instruments, judgments, decrees, orders, statutes, rules and governmental regulations applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders.

      “Consolidated Net Income” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the net income (loss) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries (for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP); provided, however, that

        (1) the net income (but not loss) of any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions paid in cash to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary Guarantor,
 
        (2) the net income of any Restricted Subsidiary shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that net income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders,
 
        (3) the net income (but not loss) of any Person acquired in a pooling of interests transaction for any period prior to the date of such acquisition shall be excluded, and
 
        (4) any deduction from net income for goodwill impairment charges shall be added to net income for the purpose of calculating Consolidated Net Income, and
 
        (5) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be excluded.

      “Consolidated Tangible Assets” means, with respect to Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, the total consolidated assets of Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, less applicable reserves and all goodwill, trade names, trademarks and any other intangible assets, all as set forth on the consolidated balance sheet of Parent and such Restricted Subsidiaries for the most recently completed fiscal quarter for which financial statements are publicly available and calculated in accordance with GAAP.

      “Credit Facilities” means one or more debt facilities with banks or other institutional lenders, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time.

      “Currency Agreement” means, in respect of a Person, any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or other similar agreement designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in currency values.

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

      “Disqualified Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock which by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable at the option of the holder) or upon the happening of any event:

        (1) matures or is mandatorily redeemable pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise;
 
        (2) is convertible or exchangeable at the option of the holder for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock; or
 
        (3) is mandatorily redeemable or must be purchased upon the occurrence of certain events or otherwise, in whole or in part;

in each case on or prior to the first anniversary of the Stated Maturity of the notes; provided, however, that the Existing Preferred Stock shall not be considered to be Disqualified Stock.

52


 

      “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).

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

      “Existing Indebtedness” means the Indebtedness of Parent, the Issuer and their Restricted Subsidiaries in existence on the Issue Date, until such amounts are repaid.

      “Existing Preferred Stock” means up to 35,000 shares of Parent’s Series C 5% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, with a stated value per share of $1,000, and the related warrant dated March 29, 2002 for 1,082,720 shares of Parent’s common stock, par value $1.00 per share, subject to adjustment, and up to 32,000 shares of Parent’s Series B 5% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, with a stated value of $1,000 per share, each as provided for in the Agreements between Parent and Fletcher International, Ltd. dated June 29, 2001 and March 29, 2002.

      “Financial Assets” means mortgages, instruments, promissory notes, chattel paper, purchase-money obligations, installment sales contracts, rights to receive rent and other rights to payment of money, in each case owing to Parent or any Subsidiary, or any interest in any of the foregoing, together in each case with any collections or other proceeds thereof, any and all lockboxes and collection or deposit accounts related thereto, and any and all collateral, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, leases or other property or claims supporting or securing payment by any obligor thereon or providing for rights against property.

      “Fixed Charges” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum, without duplication, in each case, on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP, of:

        (1) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued (including, without limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers’ acceptance financings, and net payments (if any) pursuant to Hedging Obligations);
 
        (2) the consolidated interest of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period;
 
        (3) any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is Guaranteed by such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a Lien on assets of such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries; and
 
        (4) the product of

        (a) all dividend payments, whether or not in cash, on any series of Preferred Stock of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than dividend payments on Equity Interests payable solely in Equity Interests of the Issuer (other than Disqualified Stock), times
 
        (b) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate of such Person, expressed as a decimal (other than dividend payments that are deductible for income tax purposes, in which case the denominator for such dividend payments shall be one).

      “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means with respect to any Person for any period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period. In the event that Parent, the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, Guarantees or redeems any Indebtedness (other than revolving credit borrowings under any Working Capital Financing Lines or Floor-Plan Financing Plans) or issues Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated but on or prior to the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “Calculation Date”), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, Guarantee or redemption of Indebtedness, or such issuance or redemption of Preferred Stock, as if the same

53


 

had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter reference period. In addition, for purposes of making the computation referred to above,

        (1) acquisitions that have been made by Parent, the Issuer or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers or consolidations and including any related financing transactions, during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to the Calculation Date shall be deemed to have occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period and Consolidated Cash Flow for such reference period shall be calculated without giving effect to clause (3) of the proviso set forth in the definition of Consolidated Net Income;
 
        (2) the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded; and
 
        (3) the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the referent Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date.

      “Floor-Plan Financing Lines” means Indebtedness in the form of mortgage financings or purchase money obligations used solely to fund working capital or the acquisition of the same or similar property; provided, however, that such Indebtedness (i) is provided by a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Issuer, (ii) is secured by otherwise unencumbered retail inventory, related property and equipment and the proceeds thereof of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary and (iii) which otherwise constitutes Non-Recourse Debt.

      “Foreign Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary not created or organized in the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

      “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect as of the Issue Date, including those set forth in:

        (1) the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants;
 
        (2) statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board;
 
        (3) such other statements by such other entity as approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession; and
 
        (4) 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.

      “Guarantee” means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any Person and any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person:

        (1) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation of such Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise); or
 
        (2) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part);

provided, however, that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices. The term “Guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning. The term “Guarantor” shall mean any Person Guaranteeing any obligation.

54


 

      “Guaranty Agreement” means a supplemental indenture, in a form satisfactory to the Trustee, pursuant to which a Person Guarantees the Issuer’s obligations with respect to the notes on the terms provided in the Indenture.

      “Hedging Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person pursuant to any Interest Rate Agreement or Currency Agreement.

      “Holder” or “Noteholder” means the Person in whose name a note is registered on the Registrar’s books.

      “Incur” means issue, assume, Guarantee, incur or otherwise become liable for; provided, however, that any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of Parent (whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be Incurred by such Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Subsidiary. The term “Incurrence” when used as a noun shall have a correlative meaning. The accretion of principal of a non-interest bearing or other discount security shall not be deemed the Incurrence of Indebtedness.

      “Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person on any date of determination (without duplication):

        (1) the principal in respect of

        (a) indebtedness of such Person for money borrowed and
 
        (b) indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments for the payment of which such Person is responsible or liable, including, in each case, any premium on such indebtedness to the extent such premium has become due and payable;

        (2) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person and all Attributable Debt in respect of Sale/Leaseback Transactions entered into by such Person;
 
        (3) all obligations of such Person (contingent or otherwise) issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations of such Person and all obligations of such Person under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices);
 
        (4) all obligations of such Person for the reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of credit, banker’s acceptance or similar credit transaction (other than obligations with respect to letters of credit securing obligations (other than obligations described in clauses (1) through (3) above) entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices of such Person to the extent such letters of credit are not drawn upon or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed no later than the tenth Business Day following payment on the letter of credit);
 
        (5) the amount of all obligations of such Person with respect to the redemption, repayment or other repurchase of any Disqualified Stock or, with respect to any Subsidiary of such Person, the liquidation preference with respect to any Preferred Stock (but excluding, in each case, any accrued dividends);
 
        (6) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (5) of other Persons and all dividends of other Persons for the payment of which, in either case, such Person is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, including by means of any Guarantee;
 
        (7) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (6) of other Persons secured by any Lien on any property or asset of such Person (whether or not such obligation is assumed by such Person), the amount of such obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the value of such property or assets or the amount of the obligation so secured; and
 
        (8) to the extent not otherwise included in this definition, Hedging Obligations of such Person.

      The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and with respect to contingent obligations, the amount of liability required by GAAP to be accrued or reflected on the most recently published balance sheet of such Person.

55


 

      “Interest Rate Agreement” means, in respect of a Person, any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement or other financial agreement or arrangement designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in interest rates.

      “Investments” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of direct or indirect loans (including Guarantees of Indebtedness or other Obligations), advances of assets or capital contributions (excluding commission, travel and entertainment, moving, and similar advances to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities, together with all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP. If Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary, Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the fair market value of the Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary not sold or disposed of in an amount determined as provided in the final paragraph of the covenant described above under the “Restricted Payments” covenant.

      “Issue Date” means the date on which the notes are originally issued.

      “Legal Holiday” is a Saturday, a Sunday, a day on which banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of New York or any day on which the Federal Reserve System Fedwire is not scheduled to be operational.

      “Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof).

      “Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.

      “Net Proceeds” means the aggregate cash proceeds or Cash Equivalents received by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale), net of all costs relating to such Asset Sale (including, without limitation, legal, accounting, investment banking and brokers fees, and sales and underwriting commissions) and any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements) and any reserve for adjustment in respect of the sale price of such asset or assets established in accordance with GAAP.

      “Non-Recourse Debt” means, with respect to any Person, Indebtedness (or any portion thereof) of such Person for which the sole legal recourse for collection of principal, premium, and interest on such Indebtedness is against the specific property identified in the instruments evidencing or securing such Indebtedness, which property was acquired with the proceeds of such Indebtedness or such Indebtedness was Incurred within 180 days after the acquisition of such property, without any liability on the part of any such Person for any deficiency with respect to principal, premium or interest; provided, however, that Indebtedness that is otherwise Non-Recourse Debt will not lose its character as Non-Recourse Debt because there is recourse to the borrower, any guarantor or any other Person for (a) environmental warranties and indemnities or (b) indemnities for and liabilities arising from fraud, misrepresentation, waste, mechanics’ liens and misapplication or non-payment of rents, profits, insurance, condemnation proceeds and other sums actually received by the borrower from secured assets to be paid to the lender.

      “Paying Agent” means, initially, the Trustee.

      “Permitted Business” means the lines of business conducted or proposed to be conducted by Parent and its Subsidiaries on the Issue Date and businesses reasonably related thereto, including financing of products and services to be provided by a Subsidiary of Parent, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of Parent and the Issuer and evidenced by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

56


 

      “Permitted Investments” means an Investment by Parent, the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary:

        (1) in a Restricted Subsidiary or a Person that will, upon the making of such Investment, become a Restricted Subsidiary;
 
        (2) in another Person if as a result of such Investment such other Person is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all its assets to, a Restricted Subsidiary;
 
        (3) in cash and Cash Equivalents;
 
        (4) in Hedging Obligations;
 
        (5) existing on the Issue Date;
 
        (6) through the acquisition of any assets or inventory in fulfillment of the obligations of Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary to repurchase assets or inventory in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices;
 
        (7) in receivables owing to Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary if created or acquired in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms; provided, however, that such trade terms may include such concessionary trade terms as Parent or any such Restricted Subsidiary deems reasonable under the circumstances;
 
        (8) in loans or advances to retailers in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices and not to exceed $5.0 million outstanding at any one time;
 
        (9) in Financial Assets originated by any Person in connection with the financing of the sale or lease of products or services by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary or any similar products or services by another Person provided that the principal amount (including the capitalized portion of leases) of such Financial Assets does not exceed the sales price of the underlying products or services at the time of such Investment;
 
        (10) in payroll, travel and similar advances to cover matters that are expected at the time of such advances ultimately to be treated as expenses for accounting purposes and that are made in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices;
 
        (11) in loans or advances to employees made in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices of Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary may make up to $2.0 million of loans or advances to employees in the ordinary course of business regardless of industry practices of Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary;
 
        (12) in stock, obligations or securities received in settlement of debts owing to Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary or in satisfaction of judgments;
 
        (13) in any Person to the extent such Investment represents the non-cash portion of the consideration received for an Asset Sale as permitted pursuant to the provisions described under “Mandatory Redemption; Offers to Purchase; Open Market Purchases — Asset Sales” above;
 
        (14) acquired by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary

        (a) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by Parent or any such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer of such other Investment or accounts receivable or
 
        (b) as a result of a foreclosure by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default;

        (15) in assets used or useful in, or any Person engaged in, a Permitted Business, provided however, that the fair market value of such assets (measured as of the date made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), together with all other Investments pursuant to this clause (15), shall not exceed 5% of the Consolidated Tangible Assets of Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries at the time of

57


 

  such Investment, and provided further, that no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused by such Investment; and
 
        (16) any Investment made in a Special Purpose Vehicle in connection with a Securitization Transaction or to provide adequate capital to a Special Purpose Vehicle in anticipation of one or more Securitization Transactions.

      “Permitted Liens” means, with respect to any Person:

        (1) pledges or deposits by such Person under worker’s compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith pledges or deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits in connection with self-insurance arrangements, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or United States government bonds to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party, or deposits as security for contested taxes or import duties or for the payment of rent, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices;
 
        (2) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s and mechanics’ Liens;
 
        (3) Liens for taxes, assessments, governmental charges or levies not yet subject to penalties for non-payment or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings;
 
        (4) Liens in favor of issuers of surety bonds or letters of credit issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business; provided, however, that such letters of credit do not constitute Indebtedness;
 
        (5) minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real property or Liens incidental to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which were not Incurred in connection with Indebtedness and which do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person;
 
        (6) Liens securing Indebtedness Incurred to finance the construction, purchase or lease of, or repairs, improvements or additions to, property (including Capital Stock) of such Person; provided, however, that the Lien may not extend to any other property owned by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries at the time the Lien is Incurred, and the Indebtedness (other than any interest thereon) secured by the Lien may not be Incurred more than 360 days (or thereafter if such Lien is created pursuant to a firm commitment to lend entered into within such 360-day period) after the later of the acquisition, completion of construction, repair, improvement, addition or commencement of full operation of the property subject to the Lien;
 
        (7) Liens existing on the Issue Date;
 
        (8) Liens on property or shares of Capital Stock of another Person at the time such other Person becomes a Subsidiary of such Person; provided, however, that such Lien may not extend to any other property owned by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries;
 
        (9) Liens on property at the time such Person or any of its Subsidiaries acquires the property, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person; provided, however, that the Liens may not extend to any other property owned by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries;
 
        (10) Liens securing Indebtedness under Working Capital Financing Lines and Floor-Plan Financing Lines Incurred in accordance with the “Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock” covenant;
 
        (11) Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of a Subsidiary of such Person owing to such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person;

58


 

        (12) Liens securing Hedging Obligations;
 
        (13) Liens to secure any Refinancing (or successive Refinancings) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (6), (7), (8), (9) and (10); provided, however, that:

        (a) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property that secured the original Lien (plus improvements to or on such property); and
 
        (b) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of

        (I) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses (6), (7), (8), (9) or (10) at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien and
 
        (II) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement;

        (14) any Lien incurred or assumed in connection with the issuance by a state or political subdivision thereof of any securities, or any Lien securing any letters of credit issued in support of such securities, the interest on which is exempt from Federal income taxes by virtue of Section 103 of the Code, or any other laws and regulations in effect at the time of such issuance;
 
        (15) Liens in favor of, or required by contracts with, governmental entities;
 
        (16) Liens on assets of a Special Purpose Vehicle arising in connection with a Securitization Transaction;
 
        (17) Liens securing Indebtedness under any Warehouse Facility Incurred in accordance with the “Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock” covenant; provided, however, such Liens may not extend to any assets or property other than Financial Assets; and
 
        (18) Liens arising out of judgments against Parent or its Subsidiaries being contested in good faith by Parent or such Subsidiary.

      For purposes of this definition, the term “Indebtedness” shall be deemed to include interest, fees and expenses on such Indebtedness.

      “Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness or Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of Parent or any Indebtedness of Restricted Subsidiary issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund other Indebtedness of Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than intercompany Indebtedness); provided, however, that:

        (1) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of (or accreted value, if applicable), plus accrued and unpaid interest on, any Indebtedness so extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded (plus the amount of reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith);
 
        (2) except with respect to Existing Indebtedness of Parent, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date later than the date that is six months after the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded;
 
        (3) if the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded is contractually subordinated in right of payment to the notes, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is contractually subordinated in right of payment to, the notes on terms at least as favorable to the Holders of notes as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded; and

59


 

        (4) such Indebtedness is Incurred either (i) except with respect to Existing Indebtedness of Parent, by Parent if Parent is the obligor on Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed replaced, defeased or refunded, or (ii) by a Restricted Subsidiary with respect to Existing Indebtedness of Parent or if a Subsidiary Guarantor is the obligor on the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded or (iii) by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor if a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor is the obligor on the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded.

      “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.

      “Preferred Stock”, as applied to the Capital Stock of any Person, means Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred as to the payment of dividends or distributions, or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such Person.

      “Refinance” means, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay, prepay, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue other Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness. “Refinanced” and “Refinancing” shall have correlative meanings.

      “Restricted Payment” with respect to any Person means:

        (1) the declaration or payment of any dividends or any other distributions of any sort in respect of its Capital Stock (including any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving such Person) or similar payment to the direct or indirect holders of its Capital Stock (other than dividends or distributions payable solely in its Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) and dividends or distributions payable solely to a Restricted Subsidiary (but not to Parent), and other than pro rata dividends or other distributions made by a Subsidiary that is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary to minority stockholders (or owners of an equivalent interest in the case of a Subsidiary that is an entity other than a corporation));
 
        (2) the purchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Capital Stock of Parent held by any Person or of any Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary held by Parent or any Affiliate of Parent (other than a Restricted Subsidiary), including the exercise of any option to exchange any Capital Stock (other than into Capital Stock of Parent that is not Disqualified Stock);
 
        (3) the purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value, prior to scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment of any Subordinated Obligations of such Person (other than the purchase, repurchase or other acquisition of Subordinated Obligations purchased in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of such purchase, repurchase or other acquisition); or
 
        (4) the making of any Investment (other than a Permitted Investment) in any Person.

      “Restricted Subsidiary” means the Issuer and any Subsidiary of Parent that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary or a Special Purpose Vehicle; provided, however, that, on the Issue Date, all Subsidiaries of Parent, other than Champion Development Corp. and its Subsidiaries and Moduline Industries (Canada), Ltd., shall be Restricted Subsidiaries of the Issuer.

      “S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, a division of McGraw Hill, Inc., or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.

      “Sale/ Leaseback Transaction” means an arrangement relating to property now owned or hereafter acquired whereby Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary transfers such property to a Person and Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary leases it from such Person.

      “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

60


 

      “Securitization Transaction” means any sale, conveyance or other disposition by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of any Financial Asset or any interest therein to a Special Purpose Vehicle.

      “Significant Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that would, directly or indirectly, be a “Significant Subsidiary” of Parent within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC.

      “Special Purpose Vehicle” means a bankruptcy-remote entity or trust or other special purpose entity which is formed by Parent, any Subsidiary of Parent or any other Person for the purpose of, and engages in no material business other than, acting as a buyer in a Securitization Transaction or other similar transactions of Financial Assets or other similar assets, financing the purchases it makes as such a buyer and realizing, directly or indirectly, on such Financial Assets or other assets.

      The Board of Directors of Parent may designate any Subsidiary (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be a Special Purpose Vehicle. The Board of Directors of Parent may designate any Special Purpose Vehicle to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that immediately after giving effect to such designation

        (I) Parent could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test of the first paragraph of the “Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock” covenant and
 
        (II) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

      Any such designation by the Board of Directors of Parent shall be evidenced to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors giving effect to such designation and an officers’ certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

      “Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the final payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision (but excluding any provision providing for the repurchase of such security at the option of the holder thereof upon the happening of any contingency unless such contingency has occurred).

      “Subordinated Obligation” means, with respect to a Person, any Indebtedness of such Person (whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter Incurred) which is subordinate or junior in right of payment to the notes, a Guarantee or a Subsidiary Guaranty of such Person, as the case may be, pursuant to a written agreement to that effect.

      “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, 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:

        (1) such Person;
 
        (2) such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person; or
 
        (3) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person.

      “Subsidiary Guarantor” means each Subsidiary of Parent that executes the Indenture as a Guarantor and each other Subsidiary of Parent that thereafter Guarantees the notes pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.

      “Subsidiary Guarantee” means a Guarantee, including any Guaranty Agreement, on the terms set forth in the Indenture by a Subsidiary Guarantor of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to the notes.

      “Unrestricted Subsidiary” means:

        (1) any Subsidiary of Parent that at the time of determination shall be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by Parent’s Board of Directors in the manner provided below;

61


 

        (2) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary;
 
        (3) Champion Development Corp. and its Subsidiaries; and
 
        (4) Moduline Industries (Canada), Ltd.

in each case, unless and until such Subsidiary is designated as a Restricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors of Parent and a resolution of the Board of Directors to such effect is delivered to the Trustee.

      The Board of Directors of Parent may designate any Subsidiary (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Capital Stock or Indebtedness of, or holds any Lien on any property of, Parent or any other Subsidiary of Parent that is not a Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated; provided, however, that either

        (a) the Subsidiary to be so designated has total assets of $1,000 or less or
 
        (b) if such Subsidiary has assets greater than $1,000, such designation would be permitted under the covenant described under the “Restricted Payments” covenant.

      The Board of Directors of Parent may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that immediately after giving effect to such designation

        (I) Parent could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test of the first paragraph of the “Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock” covenant and
 
        (II) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

      Any such designation by the Board of Directors of Parent shall be evidenced to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors giving effect to such designation and an officers’ certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

      “U.S. Government Obligations” means direct obligations (or certificates representing an ownership interest in such obligations) of the United States of America (including any agency or instrumentality thereof) for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged and which are not callable at the Issuer’s option.

      “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.

      “Warehouse Facility” means any Credit Facility entered into, or Guaranteed, by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to finance (i) the origination by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries of Financial Assets in the ordinary course of business or the acquisition in the ordinary course of Parent’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ business of Financial Assets originated by any other Person or (ii) the acquisition of Financial Assets by the obligor thereunder from Parent or a Subsidiary of Parent.

      “Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing

        (1) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying

        (a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by
 
        (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment, by

        (2) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.

      “Wholly Owned Subsidiary” means a Restricted Subsidiary, 100% of the outstanding Capital Stock and other Equity Interests of which is directly or indirectly owned by the Issuer.

62


 

      “Working Capital Financing Lines” means revolving credit Indebtedness, letters of credit (with letters of credit being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the maximum potential liability of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries thereunder) and related Guarantees under Credit Facilities; provided, however, that the proceeds of such Indebtedness may be Incurred only for working capital purposes and to fund interest and mandatory principal payments when due on Indebtedness.

Book-Entry, Delivery and Form

      The exchange notes will be issued in the form of one or more fully registered global notes (the “Global Note”). The Global Note will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company (the “Depositary”) and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of the Depositary (such nominee being referred to herein as the “Global Note Holder”).

      The Depositary is a limited-purpose trust company which was created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively, the “Participants” or the “Depositary’s Participants”) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in such securities between Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. The Depositary’s Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to the Depositary’s system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies (collectively, the “Indirect Participants” or the “Depositary’s Indirect Participants”) that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly. Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of the Depositary only through the Depositary’s Participants or the Depositary’s Indirect Participants.

      The Issuer expects that pursuant to procedures established by the Depositary

        (1) upon deposit of the Global Note, the Depositary will credit the accounts of Participants with portions of principal amount of the Global Note and
 
        (2) ownership of the exchange notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary (with respect to the interests of the Depositary’s Participants), the Depositary’s Participants and the Depositary’s Indirect Participants. You are advised that the laws of some states require that certain Persons take physical delivery in definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer exchange notes will be limited to such extent.

      So long as the Global Note Holder is the registered owner of any exchange notes, the Global Note Holder will be considered the sole owner or holder of such notes outstanding under the Indenture. Except as provided below, owners of notes will not be entitled to have notes registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of notes in definitive form, and will not be considered the Holders thereof under the Indenture for any purpose, including with respect to the giving of any directions, instructions or approvals to the Trustee thereunder. As a result, the ability of a Person having a beneficial interest in notes represented by the Global Note to pledge such interest to Persons or entities that do not participate in the Depositary’s system or to otherwise take actions in respect of such interest may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interest.

      Neither the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Trustee, the Paying Agent nor the Notes Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of notes by the Depositary, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of the Depositary relating to such notes.

      Payments in respect of the principal, premium, if any, and interest on any notes registered in the name of a Global Note Holder on the applicable record date will be payable by the Trustee to or at the direction of such Global Note Holder in its capacity as the registered holder under the Indenture. Under the terms of the Indenture, the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee may treat the Persons in whose names the notes, including the Global Notes, are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving such

63


 

payments and for any and all other liability for the payment of such amounts to beneficial owners of notes (including principal, premium, if any, and interest).

      The Issuer believes, however, that it is currently the policy of the Depositary to immediately credit the accounts of the relevant Participants with such payment, in amounts proportionate to their respective holdings in principal amount of beneficial interests in the relevant security as shown on the records of the Depositary. Payments by the Depositary’s Participants and the Depositary’s Indirect Participants to the beneficial owners of notes will be governed by standing instructions and customary practice and will be the responsibility of the Depositary’s Participants or the Depositary’s Indirect Participants.

      As long as the notes are represented by a Global Note, the Depositary’s nominee will be the holder of the notes and therefore will be the only entity that can exercise a right to repayment or repurchase of the notes. See “Covenants — Repurchase of Notes Upon a Change of Control” and “— Limitations on Dispositions of Assets.” Notice by Participants or Indirect Participants of the exercise of the option to elect repayment of beneficial interests in notes represented by a Global Note must be transmitted to the Depositary in accordance with its procedures on a form required by the Depositary and provided to Participants. In order to ensure that the Depositary’s nominee will timely exercise a right to repayment with respect to a particular note, the beneficial owner of such note must instruct the broker or the Participant or Indirect Participant through which it holds an interest in such note to notify the Depositary of its desire to exercise a right to repayment. Different firms have different cut-off times for accepting instructions from their customers and, accordingly, each beneficial owner should consult the broker or other Participant or Indirect Participant through which it holds an interest in a note in order to ascertain the cut-off time by which such an instruction must be given in order for timely notice to be delivered to the Depositary. The Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors will not be liable for any delay in delivery of notices of the exercise of the option to elect repayment.

 
Certificated Securities

      Subject to certain conditions, any Person having a beneficial interest in the Global Note may, upon request to the Issuer or the Trustee, exchange such beneficial interest for notes in the form of Certificated Securities. Upon any such issuance, the Trustee is required to register such notes in the name of, and cause the same to be delivered to, such Person or Persons (or the nominee of any thereof). In addition, if

        (1) the Issuer notifies the Trustee in writing that the Depositary is no longer willing or able to act as a depositary and the Issuer is unable to locate a qualified successor within 90 days or
 
        (2) the Issuer, at its option, notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of notes in the form of Certificated Securities under the Indenture, then, upon surrender by the relevant Global Note Holder of its Global Note, notes in such form will be issued to each Person that such Global Note Holder and the Depositary identify as the beneficial owner of the related notes.

      Neither the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors nor the Trustee shall be liable for any delay by the related Global Note Holder or the Depositary in identifying the beneficial owners of notes and each such Person may conclusively rely on and shall be protected in relying on, instructions from the Global Note Holder or of the Depositary for all purposes (including with respect to the registration and delivery, and the respective principal amounts, of the notes to be issued).

 
Same-Day Settlement and Payment

      The Indenture will require that payments in respect of the notes (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Global Note Holders.

 
Transfer and Exchange

      A holder may transfer or exchange the notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. The Registrar may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents, and to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Registrar is not

64


 

required to transfer or exchange any note selected for redemption. Also, the Registrar is not required to transfer or exchange any note for a period of 15 days before a selection of the notes to be redeemed.

      The registered Holder of an exchange note will be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

      In connection with the sale of the outstanding notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the original notes, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and First Union Securities, Inc. Under that agreement, we agreed that, subject to certain exceptions, we will:

  •  within 90 days after the date that the outstanding notes are issued, file a registration statement with the SEC with respect to the exchange offer;
 
  •  use our best efforts to cause the exchange offer registration statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act within 180 days after the date that the outstanding notes are issued;
 
  •  as soon as practicable after the effectiveness of the exchange offer registration statement, offer the exchange notes in exchange for surrender of the outstanding notes; and
 
  •  keep the exchange offer open for not less than 20 business days (or longer if required by applicable law) after the date notice of the exchange offer is mailed to the holders of the outstanding notes.

      The exchange offer being made by this prospectus, if consummated within the required time periods, will satisfy our obligations under the registration rights agreement. We understand that there are approximately                      beneficial owners of original notes. This prospectus, together with the letter of transmittal, is being sent to all the beneficial holders known to us. For each outstanding note validly tendered to us in the exchange offer and not withdrawn by the holder of the outstanding note, the holder of the original note will receive an exchange note having a principal amount equal to that of the tendered original note. Interest on each exchange note will accrue from the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the tendered outstanding note in exchange for an exchange note or, if no interest has been paid on the original note, from April 22, 2002, the date of the original issue of the outstanding note.

      In the event that:

  •  applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC do not permit us to effect such an exchange offer; or
 
  •  for any other reason we do not consummate the exchange offer within 210 days of the date that the outstanding notes are issued; or
 
  •  one of the two initial purchasers of the outstanding notes notifies us following consummation of the exchange offer that outstanding notes held by it are not eligible to be exchanged for exchange notes in the exchange offer; or
 
  •  certain holders are prohibited by law or SEC policy from participating in the exchange offer or may not resell the exchange notes acquired by them in the exchange offer to the public without delivering a prospectus,

then, we will, subject to certain exceptions,

  •  promptly file a shelf registration statement covering resales of the notes, with accompanying guarantees by Champion Enterprises and the subsidiary guarantors;
 
  •  use our best efforts to cause the shelf registration statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act; and
 
  •  keep the shelf registration statement effective until the earliest of (A) the time when the notes covered by the shelf registration statement can be sold pursuant to Rule 144 without any limitations under clauses (c), (e), (f) and (h) of Rule 144, (B) two years from the effective date of the shelf

65


 

  registration statement and (C) the date on which all notes registered thereunder are disposed of in accordance therewith.

      We will, in the event that a shelf registration statement is filed, among other things, provide to each holder for whom such shelf registration statement was filed copies of the prospectus which is a part of the shelf registration statement, notify each such holder when the shelf registration statement has become effective and take certain other actions as are required to permit unrestricted resales of the notes. A holder selling such notes pursuant to the shelf registration statement generally would be required to be named as a selling security holder in the related prospectus and to deliver a prospectus to purchasers, will be subject to certain of the civil liability provisions under the Securities Act in connection with such sales and will be bound by the provisions of the registration rights agreement that are applicable to such holder (including certain indemnification obligations).

      We will pay additional cash interest on the applicable notes, subject to certain exceptions,

  •  if we fail to file an exchange offer registration statement with the SEC on or prior to the 90th day after the date that the outstanding notes are issued;
 
  •  if the exchange offer registration statement is not declared effective by the SEC on or prior to the 180th day after the date that the outstanding notes are issued;
 
  •  if the exchange offer is not consummated on or before the 210th day after the date that the outstanding notes are issued;
 
  •  if obligated to file the shelf registration statement, we fail to file the shelf registration statement with the SEC on or prior to the 30th day after such filing obligation arises;
 
  •  if obligated to file a shelf registration statement, the shelf registration statement is not declared effective on or prior to the 180th day after the obligation to file a shelf registration statement arises, or
 
  •  after the exchange offer registration statement or the shelf registration statement, as the case may be, is declared effective, such registration statement thereafter ceases to be effective or usable (subject to certain exceptions) (each such event referred to in the preceding clauses is referred to as a “registration default”;

from and including the date on which any such registration default shall occur to but excluding the date on which all registration defaults have been cured.

      The rate of the additional interest will be 0.25% per annum for the first 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of a registration default, and such rate will increase by an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period until all registration defaults have been cured, up to a maximum additional interest rate of 1.0% per annum. We will pay such additional interest on regular interest payment dates. Such additional interest will be in addition to any other interest payable from time to time with respect to the notes.

      If we effect the exchange offer, we will be entitled to close the exchange offer 20 business days after the commencement thereof provided that we have accepted all notes theretofore validly tendered in accordance with the terms of the exchange offer.

MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

      The following is a general discussion of material United States federal income tax consequences associated with the exchange of the outstanding notes for the exchange notes in the exchange offer and the ownership and disposition of the exchange notes. This summary applies only to a holder of an exchange note who acquired an outstanding note at the initial offering from an initial purchaser for the original offering price and who acquires the exchange notes in the exchange offer. This discussion is based on provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury regulations, and administrative and judicial interpretations of the Code and the regulations, all as currently in effect and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.

66


 

This discussion does not address the tax consequences to subsequent purchasers of the exchange notes and is limited to investors who hold the exchange notes as capital assets. The tax treatment of the holders of the notes may vary depending upon their particular situations. In addition, holders, including insurance companies, tax exempt organizations, financial institutions and broker-dealers, may be subject to special rules not discussed below.

      Each holder should consult its tax advisor regarding the particular tax consequences to the holder of the exchange of the outstanding notes for the exchange notes in the exchange offer and the ownership and disposition of the exchange notes, as well as any tax consequences that may arise under the laws of any relevant foreign, state, local or other taxing jurisdiction.

United States Taxation of United States Holders

      The term United States holder means a holder of an exchange note that is, for United States federal income tax purposes:

  •  a citizen or resident of the United States,
 
  •  a corporation or partnership created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision of the United States,
 
  •  an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, and
 
  •  a trust if a United States court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of that trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust. The term non-U.S. holder means a holder of an exchange note that is not a United States holder.

Exchange Offer

      The exchange of an outstanding note for an exchange note in the exchange offer will not constitute a significant modification of the outstanding note for United States federal income tax purposes. Therefore, the exchange note received will be treated as a continuation of the outstanding note in the hands of the holder. As a result, there will be no United States federal income tax consequences to a United States holder who exchanges an outstanding note for an exchange note in the exchange offer and that holder will have the same adjusted tax basis and holding period in the exchange note as it had in the outstanding note immediately before the exchange.

Stated Interest

      Stated interest payable on an exchange note generally will be included in the gross income of a United States holder as ordinary interest income at the time accrued or received, in accordance with the United States holder’s method of accounting for United States federal income tax purposes.

Disposition of the Exchange Notes

      Upon the sale, exchange, retirement at maturity or other taxable disposition of an exchange note, a United States holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized by the holder, except to the extent that amount is attributable to accrued interest, which will be treated as ordinary interest income, and the holder’s adjusted tax basis in the exchange note. The capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the United States holder’s holding period for the exchange note exceeds one year at the time of the disposition.

67


 

United States Taxation of Non-United States Holders

 
Stated Interest

      In general, payments of portfolio interest received by a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to United States federal withholding tax, provided that:

  •  (1) the non-U.S. holder does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our voting stock, (2) the non-U.S. holder is not a controlled foreign corporation that is related to us actually or constructively through stock ownership, and (3) the beneficial owner of the exchange note, under penalty of perjury, either directly or through a financial institution which holds the exchange note on behalf of the non-U.S. holder and holds customers’ securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business, provides us or our agent with the beneficial owner’s name and address and certifies, under penalty of perjury, that it is not a United States holder;
 
  •  the interest received on the exchange note is not effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business within the United States and the non-U.S. holder complies with certain reporting requirements; and
 
  •  the non-U.S. holder is entitled to the benefits of an income tax treaty under which the interest is exempt from United States withholding tax and the non-U.S. holder complies with certain reporting requirement.

Payments of interest not exempt from United States federal withholding tax as described above will be subject to withholding tax at the rate of 30% (subject to reduction under an applicable income tax treaty).

 
Gain on Disposition

      A non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to gain recognized on a sale, redemption or other disposition of an exchange note unless:

  •  the gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States by the non-U.S. holder or
 
  •  in the case of a non-U.S. holder who is a nonresident alien individual, the holder is present in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year and other requirements are met. In addition, an exchange of an outstanding note for an exchange note in the exchange offer will not constitute a taxable exchange of the outstanding note for non-U.S. holders. See “— United States Taxation of United States Holders — Exchange Offers” above.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

      Non-corporate United States holders may be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 30% on payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on, and the proceeds of the disposition of, the notes. In general, backup withholding will be imposed if the United States holder:

  •  fails to furnish its taxpayer identification number, which, for an individual, would be the holder’s Social Security number,
 
  •  furnishes an incorrect taxpayer identification number,
 
  •  is notified by the IRS that the holder has failed to report payments of interest or dividends or
 
  •  under certain circumstances, fails to certify, under penalty of perjury, that the holder has furnished a correct taxpayer identification number and has been notified by the IRS that the holder is subject to backup withholding tax for failure to report interest or dividend payments.

In addition, these payments of principal, premium and interest to United States holders will generally be subject to information reporting. United States holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their

68


 

qualification for exemption from backup withholding and the procedure for obtaining this exemption, if applicable.

      Backup withholding generally will not apply to payments made to a non-U.S. holder of an exchange note who provides the certification described under “United States Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders — Stated Interest” or otherwise establishes an exemption from backup withholding. Payments by a United States office of a broker of the proceeds of a disposition of the exchange notes generally will be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 30% unless the non-United States holder certifies it is a non-U.S. holder under penalties of perjury or otherwise establishes an exemption.

      Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be refunded or credited against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

      Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of exchange notes received in exchange for outstanding notes where such outstanding notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the expiration date of the exchange offer, we will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any resale.

      We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of exchange notes by broker-dealers. Exchange notes received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the exchange notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any broker-dealer or the purchasers of any such exchange notes. Any broker-dealer that resells exchange notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such exchange notes may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any such resale of exchange notes and any commission or concessions received by such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

      For a period of 180 days after the expiration date of the exchange offer, we will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the letter of transmittal. We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer, including the expenses of one counsel for the holders of the notes, other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or dealers and will indemnify the holders of the notes, including any broker-dealers, against various liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

LEGAL MATTERS

      Dykema Gossett PLLC, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan will pass upon the validity of the issuance of the exchange notes.

69


 

EXPERTS

      The Consolidated Financial Statements of Champion Enterprises, Inc. for the year ended December 29, 2001, incorporated in this prospectus by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 27, 2002, have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

70


 



$150,000,000

(Champion Logo)

EXCHANGE OFFER

11 1/4% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007


PROSPECTUS


                    , 2002




 

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 20.     Indemnification of Directors and Officers

      The Company is organized under the Michigan Business Corporation Act (the “MBCA”) which, in general, empowers Michigan corporations to indemnify a person who is a party or threatened to be made a party to any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding (other than actions by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or of another enterprise at such corporation’s request, against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection therewith 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 the corporation or its shareholders and, in the case of a criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. If a director or officer is successful in defending against a derivative action or third-party action, the MBCA requires that a Michigan corporation indemnify such director or officer against expenses incurred in the action.

      The MBCA also empowers Michigan corporations to provide similar indemnity against amounts paid in settlement and expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such a person in actions or suits by or in the right of the corporation except in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person is adjudged to be liable to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that a court determines that, despite the adjudication of the liability but in view of all circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity.

      The Company’s bylaws generally require the Company to indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permissible under Michigan law, require the advancement and reimbursement of expenses under certain circumstances and establish a procedure for determination of when indemnification is proper.

      The MBCA permits Michigan corporations to limit the personal liability of directors for a breach of their fiduciary duty. The Company’s Articles of Incorporation, which limit liability to the maximum extent permitted by law, provide that a director of the Company will not be personally liable to the Company or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of the director’s fiduciary duty. However, the MBCA and the Articles of Incorporation do not eliminate or limit the liability of a director for any of the following: (i) a breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the Company or its shareholders; (ii) acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (iii) declaration of an unlawful dividend, stock purchase or redemption; (iv) a transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit; and (v) an act or omission occurring prior to the date when the provision becomes effective. As a result of the inclusion of such a provision, shareholders of the Company may be unable to recover monetary damages against directors for actions taken by them which constitute negligence or gross negligence or which are in violation of their fiduciary duties, although it may be possible to obtain injunctive or other equitable relief with respect to such actions.

      Under an insurance policy maintained by the Company, the directors and officers of the Company are insured, within the limits and subject to the limitations of the policy, against certain expenses and liabilities incurred in connection with the defense of certain claims, actions, suits or proceedings which may be brought against them by reason of being or having been directors or officers. In addition, a certain registration rights agreement to which the Company is a party provides that the Company will indemnify, to the extent permitted by law, each holder of “registrable securities” (as defined in such agreement) against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses caused by misstatements or omissions in any registration statement, prospectus or preliminary prospectus, except insofar as such misstatements are caused by or contained in information furnished to the Company by such holders.

II-1


 

Item 21.     Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

      (a) Exhibits (see index to exhibits at E-1).

Item 22.     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 of 1933;
 
        (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 the 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 Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent 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 paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3, and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

        (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, 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.

      (b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) 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) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

      (d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

II-2


 

      (e) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 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 Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 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 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 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

II-3


 

SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Champion Enterprises, Inc. has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Auburn Hills, state of Michigan on                     , 2002.

  CHAMPION ENTERPRISES, INC.

  By:  /s/ ANTHONY S. CLEBERG
 
  Anthony S. Cleberg
  Executive Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer

      The registrant and each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Walter R. Young, Anthony S. Cleberg and John J. Collins, Jr., and each of them acting alone, as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, in the name, place and stead of the registrant and each of the undersigned in any and all capacities, to sign and file (i) any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, and (ii) registration statement, and any and all amendments thereto, relating to the offering covered hereby filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as the registrant or any of the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on                     , 2002.

     
Signature Title


 
/s/ WALTER R. YOUNG

Walter R. Young
  Chairman of the Board of Directors
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
/s/ ANTHONY S. CLEBERG

Anthony S. Cleberg
  Executive Vice President, and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
/s/ RICHARD P. HEVELHORST

Richard P. Hevelhorst
  Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
/s/ ROBERT W. ANESTIS

Robert W. Anestis
  Director
 
/s/ ERIC S. BELSKY

Eric S. Belsky
  Director
 
/s/ SELWYN ISAKOW

Selwyn Isakow
  Director

II-4


 

     
Signature Title


 
/s/ BRIAN D. JELLISON

Brian D. Jellison
  Director
 
/s/ ELLEN R. LEVINE

Ellen R. Levine
  Director
 
/s/ GEORGE R. MRKONIC

George R. Mrkonic
  Director

II-5


 

SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Auburn Champ, Inc. has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Auburn Hills, state of Michigan on                     , 2002.

  AUBURN CHAMP, INC.

  By:  /s/ ANTHONY S. CLEBERG
 
  Anthony S. Cleberg
  Chief Financial Officer

      The registrant and each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Walter R. Young, Anthony S. Cleberg and John J. Collins, Jr., and each of them acting alone, as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, in the name, place and stead of the registrant and each of the undersigned in any and all capacities, to sign and file (i) any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, and (ii) registration statement, and any and all amendments thereto, relating to the offering covered hereby filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as the registrant or any of the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on                     , 2002.

     
Signature Title


 
/s/ ANTHONY S. CLEBERG

Anthony S. Cleberg
  Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
/s/ RICHARD HEVELHORST

Richard Hevelhorst
  Chief Accounting Officer and Director
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
/s/ WALTER R. YOUNG

Walter R. Young
  Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
/s/ COLLEEN BAUMAN

Colleen Bauman
  Director

II-6


 

SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, each of the registrants listed below has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Auburn Hills, state of Michigan on                               , 2002.

  REDMAN BUSINESS TRUST, REDMAN HOMES
  MANAGEMENT COMPANY, INC., REDMAN
  MANAGEMENT SERVICES BUSINESS TRUST

  By:  /s/ ANTHONY S. CLEBERG
 
  Anthony S. Cleberg
  Chief Financial Officer

        The registrant and each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Walter R. Young, Anthony S. Cleberg and John J. Collins, Jr., and each of them acting alone, as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, in the name, place and stead of the registrant and each of the undersigned in any and all capacities, to sign and file (i) any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, and (ii) registration statement, and any and all amendments thereto, relating to the offering covered hereby filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as the registrant or any of the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on                     , 2002.

     
Signature Title


 
/s/ WALTER R. YOUNG

Walter R. Young
  Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
/s/ RICHARD HEVELHORST

Richard Hevelhorst
  Chief Accounting Officer and Director
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
/s/ ANTHONY S. CLEBERG

Anthony S. Cleberg
  Chief Financial Officer and Director
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
/s/ JOHN J. COLLINS, JR.

John J. Collins, Jr.
  Director

II-7


 

SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, each of the registrants listed below has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Auburn Hills, state of Michigan on                               , 2002.

  CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS CO., A-1 CHAMPION GP, INC., ALPINE HOMES, INC., AMERICAN TRANSPORT, INC., ART RICHTER INSURANCE, INC., CARE FREE HOMES, INC., CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI MANUFACTURED HOUSING, INC., CHAMPION GP, INC., CHAMPION RETAIL, INC., CHI, INC., CLIFF AVE. INVESTMENTS, INC., FACTORY HOMES OUTLET, INC., GATEWAY ACCEPTANCE CORP., GATEWAY MOBILE & MODULAR HOMES, INC., GATEWAY PROPERTIES CORP., HOMES AMERICA FINANCE, INC., HOMES AMERICA OF ARIZONA, INC., HOMES AMERICA OF CALIFORNIA, INC., HOMES AMERICA OF OKLAHOMA, INC., HOMES AMERICA OF UTAH, INC., HOMES AMERICA OF WYOMING, INC., I.D.A., INC., ISEMAN CORP., LAMPLIGHTER HOMES, INC., LAMPLIGHTER HOMES (OREGON), INC., MANUFACTURED HOUSING OF LOUISIANA, INC., NORTHSTAR CORPORATION, PHILADELPHIA HOUSING CENTER, INC., SAN JOSE ADVANTAGE HOMES, INC., SOUTHERN SHOWCASE FINANCE, INC., SOUTHERN SHOWCASE HOUSING, INC., TRADING POST MOBILE HOMES, INC., U.S.A. MOBILE HOMES, INC., VICTORY INVESTMENT COMPANY, WHITWORTH MANAGEMENT, INC., PRAIRIE RIDGE, INC., CHANDELEUR HOMES, INC., CREST RIDGE HOMES, INC., DUTCH HOUSING, INC., FLEMING COUNTY INDUSTRIES, INC., GRAND MANOR, INC., HOMES OF LEGEND, INC., HOMES OF MERIT, INC, MODULINE INTERNATIONAL, INC., REDMAN HOMES, INC., REDMAN INDUSTRIES, INC., STAR FLEET, INC., WESTERN HOMES CORPORATION

  By:  /s/ ANTHONY S. CLEBERG
 
  Anthony S. Cleberg
  Chief Financial Officer

      The registrant and each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Walter R. Young, Anthony S. Cleberg and John J. Collins, Jr., and each of them acting alone, as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, in the name, place and stead of the registrant and each of the undersigned in any and all capacities, to sign and file (i) any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, and (ii) registration statement, and any and all amendments thereto, relating to the offering covered hereby filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, with

II-8


 

the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as the registrant or any of the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on                               , 2002.

     
Signature Title


 
/s/ ANTHONY S. CLEBERG

Anthony S. Cleberg
  Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
/s/ RICHARD HEVELHORST

Richard Hevelhorst
  Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
/s/ WALTER R. YOUNG

Walter R. Young
  Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
/s/ PHILIP C. SURLES

Philip C. Surles
  Director
 
/s/ JOHN J. COLLINS, JR.

John J. Collins, Jr.
  Director

II-9


 

SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, each of the registrants listed below has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Auburn Hills, state of Michigan on                               , 2002.

  BUILDERS CREDIT CORPORATION, CAC FUNDING CORPORATION, CHAMPION FINANCIAL CORPORATION, CRESTPOINTE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., SERVICE CONTRACT CORPORATION

  BY:  /s/ ANTHONY S. CLEBERG
 
  ANTHONY S. CLEBERG
  Chief Financial Officer

      The registrant and each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Walter R. Young, Anthony S. Cleberg and John J. Collins, Jr., and each of them acting alone, as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, in the name, place and stead of the registrant and each of the undersigned in any and all capacities, to sign and file (i) any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, and (ii) registration statement, and any and all amendments thereto, relating to the offering covered hereby filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as the registrant or any of the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on                               , 2002.

     
Signature Title


 
/s/ RICHARD HEVELHORST

Richard Hevelhorst
  Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
/s/ ANTHONY S. CLEBERG

Anthony S. Cleberg
  Chief Financial Officer and Director
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
/s/ WALTER R. YOUNG

Walter R. Young
  Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
/s/ JOHN J. COLLINS, JR.

John J. Collins, Jr.
  Director

II-10


 

SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, each of the registrants listed below has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Auburn Hills, state of Michigan on                               , 2002.

  GEM HOMES, INC., CHAMPION HOMES COMMUNITIES, INC., CHAMPION MOTOR COACH, INC., REGENCY SUPPLY COMPANY, INC., REDMAN INVESTMENT, INC., REDMAN RETAIL, INC., THE OKAHUMPKA CORPORATION, HOME PRIDE FINANCE CORP.

  BY:  /s/ ANTHONY S. CLEBERG
 
  ANTHONY S. CLEBERG
  Chief Financial Officer

      The registrant and each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Walter R. Young, Anthony S. Cleberg and John J. Collins, Jr., and each of them acting alone, as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, in the name, place and stead of the registrant and each of the undersigned in any and all capacities, to sign and file (i) any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, and (ii) registration statement, and any and all amendments thereto, relating to the offering covered hereby filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as the registrant or any of the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on                               , 2002.

     
Signature Title


 
/s/ RICHARD HEVELHORST

Richard Hevelhorst
  Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
/s/ ANTHONY S. CLEBERG

Anthony S. Cleberg
  Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
/s/ WALTER R. YOUNG

Walter R. Young
  Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
/s/ JOHN J. COLLINS, JR.

John J. Collins, Jr.
  Director

II-11


 

EXHIBIT INDEX

         
Exhibit
Number Description


  1.1     Purchase Agreement dated April 22, 2002 among Champion Home Builders and Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and First Union Securities, Inc., as Initial Purchasers.*
  3.1     Restated Articles of Incorporation of Champion, filed with Champion’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference.
  3.2     Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation of Champion, filed with Champion’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.
  3.3     Certificate of Correction to Articles of Incorporation of Champion, filed with Champion’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference.
  3.4     Bylaws of Champion, as amended through February 22, 1999, filed with Champion’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference.
  4.1     Indenture, dated as of April 22, 2002 among Champion Home Builders, Champion Enterprises, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Bank One Trust Company, as Trustee.*
  4.2     Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 22, 2002 among Champion Home Builders and Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and First Union Securities, as Initial Purchasers.*
  5.1     Opinion of Dykema Gossett PLLC with respect to the new notes.*
  12.1     Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.*
  23.1     Consent of Dykema Gossett PLLC (contained in their opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1).
  23.2     Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.*
  24.1     Power of Attorney (Included on the signature page of this registration statement).
  25.1     Statements of Eligibility of Bank One Trust Company on Form T-1.*
  99.1     Form of Letter of Transmittal.*
  99.2     Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.*


Filed herewith.
EX-1.1 5 k69724exv1w1.txt PURCHASE AGREEMENT DATED APRIL 22, 2002 EXHIBIT 1.1 $150,000,000 CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS CO. 11 1/4% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007 PURCHASE AGREEMENT April 12, 2002 Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, FIRST UNION SECURITIES, INC. c/o Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation Eleven Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010-3629 Ladies and Gentlemen: 1. Champion Home Builders Co., a Michigan corporation (the "COMPANY"), proposes, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein, to issue and sell to Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and First Union Securities, Inc., the several initial purchasers named in Schedule A hereto (the initial "PURCHASERS") U.S.$150,000,000 principal amount of its 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007 ("OFFERED SECURITIES"), to be issued under an indenture dated as of April 22, 2002 (the "INDENTURE"), between the Company, Champion Enterprises, Inc. (the "PARENT") and the subsidiaries listed on the signature pages hereto ("SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS," and together with Parent, the "GUARANTORS") and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee. The Company, the Parent and the Subsidiary Guarantors are collectively referred to herein as the "ISSUERS." The Securities Act of 1933 is herein referred to as the "SECURITIES ACT." Holders (including subsequent transferees) of the Offered Securities will have the registration rights set forth in the registration rights agreement (the "REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT"), to be dated the Closing Date, among the Issuers and the Purchasers, for so long as such Offered Securities constitute "TRANSFER RESTRICTED SECURITIES" (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement). Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuers will agree to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "COMMISSION") under the circumstances set forth therein, (i) a registration statement under the Securities Act (the "EXCHANGE OFFER REGISTRATION STATEMENT") relating to the Company's 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007 (the "EXCHANGE SECURITIES"), in a like aggregate principal amount as the Company issued under the Indenture, identical in all material respects to the Offered Securities (except that the Exchange Securities will not contain certain restrictions on transfer) and registered under the Securities Act to be offered in exchange for the Offered Securities (such offer to exchange being referred to as the "EXCHANGE OFFER") and the Guarantees (the "GUARANTEES") thereof and (ii) a shelf registration statement pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (the "SHELF REGISTRATION STATEMENT" and, together with the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, the "REGISTRATION STATEMENTS") relating to the resale by certain holders of the Offered Securities and to use its best efforts to cause such Registration Statements to be declared and remain effective and usable for the periods specified in the Registration Rights Agreement and to consummate the Exchange Offer. The Offered Securities and the Exchange Securities are referred to collectively as the "SECURITIES." The Issuers hereby agree with the Purchasers as follows: 2. Representations and Warranties of the Issuers. The Company and the Parent, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to, and agree with, and each Subsidiary Guarantor, solely with respect to itself, represents and warrants to, and agrees with the Purchasers that: (a) A preliminary offering circular and an offering circular relating to the Offered Securities to be offered by the Purchasers have been prepared by the Company. Such preliminary offering circular (the "PRELIMINARY OFFERING CIRCULAR") and offering circular (the "OFFERING CIRCULAR"), as supplemented as of the date of this Agreement, and any other document approved in writing by the Company for use in connection with the contemplated resale of the Offered Securities are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "OFFERING DOCUMENT." On the date of this Agreement, the Offering Document does not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The preceding sentence does not apply to statements in or omissions from the Offering Document based upon written information furnished to the Company by the Purchasers specifically for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information is that described as such in Section 7(b) hereof. Except as disclosed in the Offering Document, on the date of this Agreement, Parent's Annual Report on Form 10-K most recently filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "COMMISSION") and all subsequent reports (collectively, the "EXCHANGE ACT REPORTS") which have been filed by Parent with the Commission or sent to its stockholders pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "EXCHANGE ACT") do not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Such documents, when they were filed with the Commission, conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. (b) Each of Parent and the Company has been duly incorporated and is an existing corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Michigan, with power and authority (corporate and other) to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Offering Document; and each of Parent and the Company is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in good standing in all other jurisdictions in which its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to so qualify or to be in good standing would, individually or in the aggregate not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), business, properties or results of operations of Parent and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole (a "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT"). (c) The entities listed on Schedule B hereto are the only direct or indirect subsidiaries of Parent. (d) Each "significant subsidiary" of Parent other than the Company (as such term is defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X) and each Subsidiary Guarantor which is not a "significant subsidiary" (each a "SUBSIDIARY" and, collectively, the "SUBSIDIARIES") has been duly incorporated or organized and is an existing corporation or limited liability company, as the case may be, in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, with power and authority (corporate and other) to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Offering Document; and each Subsidiary is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in good standing in all other jurisdictions in which its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to so qualify or to be in good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect; all of the issued and outstanding capital stock or limited liability company interests, as the case may be, of each Subsidiary and of the Company has been duly authorized and validly issued and is fully paid and nonassessable; and the capital stock or limited liability company interests, as the case may be, of each Subsidiary and of the Company owned by the Parent, directly or through subsidiaries, is owned free from liens, encumbrances and defects. 2 (e) The Indenture has been duly authorized by the Company and the Guarantors; the Offered Securities have been duly authorized by the Company; when the Offered Securities are delivered and paid for pursuant to this Agreement, the Indenture will have been duly executed and delivered, and, assuming due authorization, valid execution and delivery thereof by the Trustee, the Indenture and such Offered Securities will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company and the Guarantors, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles; and the Offered Securities will conform to the description thereof contained in the Offering Document. (f) On the Closing Date (AS DEFINED BELOW), the Indenture will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "TIA" or "TRUST INDENTURE ACT"), and the rules and regulations of the Commission applicable to an indenture which is qualified thereunder. (g) Each Guarantee has been duly authorized by each applicable Guarantor and, upon endorsement on the Offered Securities in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture and delivery of the Offered Securities to the Purchasers against payment therefor pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement, will be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture, will conform to the description thereof contained in the Offering Document and will be valid and binding obligations of each such Guarantor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles. (h) On the Closing Date, the Exchange Securities will have been duly authorized by the Company; and when the Exchange Securities are issued, executed and authenticated in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer and the Indenture, the Exchange Securities will be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture and will be the valid and legally binding obligations of each of the Issuers, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles. (i) The Guarantees to be endorsed on the Exchange Securities by each Guarantor have been duly authorized by such Guarantor; and, when issued, will have been duly executed and delivered by each such Guarantor and will conform to the description thereof contained in the Offering Document. When the Exchange Securities have been issued, executed and authenticated in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer and the Indenture, the Guarantee of each Guarantor endorsed thereon will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of such Guarantor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles. (j) The Registration Rights Agreement has been duly authorized by the Company and each of the Guarantors and, on the Closing Date, will have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and each of the Guarantors. When the Registration Rights Agreement has been duly executed and delivered, the Registration Rights Agreement will be a valid and binding agreement of the Company and each of the Guarantors, enforceable against the Company and each Guarantor in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles and except as rights to indemnity and contribution thereunder may be limited by state or federal securities laws or the public policy underlying such laws. On the Closing Date, the Registration Rights Agreement will conform as to legal matters to the description thereof in the Offering Circular. 3 (k) None of Parent, the Company or any Subsidiary is in violation of its respective charter or by-laws or in default in the performance of any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, loan agreement, mortgage, lease or other agreement or instrument that is material to Parent, the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to which Parent, the Company or any Subsidiary is a party or by which Parent, the Company or any Subsidiary or their respective property is bound. (l) The execution, delivery and performance of the Indenture, this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement and the issuance and sale of the Offered Securities and compliance with the terms and provisions thereof will not result in a breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under, (i) any statute, any rule, regulation or order of any governmental agency or body or any court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over Parent, the Company or any Subsidiary or any of their properties, or (ii) any agreement or instrument to which the Company or any such Subsidiary is (or will be on the Closing Date) a party or by which Parent, the Company or any such Subsidiary is (or will be on the Closing Date) bound or to which any of the properties of Parent, the Company or any such Subsidiary is (or will be on the Closing Date) subject, including, without limitation, the Warehouse Facility (as defined below) or (iii) the charter or by-laws of Parent, the Company or any such Subsidiary, except, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), for such breaches, violations or defaults that would not have a Material Adverse Effect, and the Company has full power and authority to authorize, issue and sell the Offered Securities as contemplated by this Agreement. (m) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and each of the Guarantors. (n) There are no contracts, agreements or understandings between the Company or any Guarantor and any person granting such person the right to require the Company or such Guarantor to include any securities of the Company or such Guarantor in the Registration Statements. (o) No "nationally recognized statistical rating organization" as such term is defined for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the Securities Act has indicated to the Company or any Guarantor that it is considering (i) the downgrading, suspension, or withdrawal of, or any review for a possible change that does not indicate the direction of the possible change in, any rating so assigned or (ii) any change in the outlook for any rating of the Company, any Guarantor or any securities of the Company or any Guarantor. (p) Except as disclosed in the Offering Document, there are no contracts, agreements or understandings between the Company or any Guarantor and any person that would give rise to a valid claim against the Company or such Guarantor or the Purchasers for a brokerage commission, finder's fee or other like payment in connection with the transaction contemplated hereby. (q) Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties and due compliance with the covenants and agreements of the Purchasers contained in Section 4 hereof, no consent, approval, authorization, or order of, or filing with, any governmental agency or body or any court is required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in connection with the issuance and sale of the Offered Securities by the Company other than such as may be required under state securities or blue sky laws. (r) Except as disclosed in the Offering Document, Parent, the Company and the Subsidiaries have good and marketable title to all material real properties and all other properties and assets owned by them, in each case free from liens, encumbrances and defects that would materially affect the value thereof or materially interfere with the use made or to be made thereof 4 by them; and except as disclosed in the Offering Document, Parent, the Company and the Subsidiaries hold any leased real or personal property under valid and enforceable leases with no exceptions that would materially interfere with the use made or to be made thereof by them. (s) Parent, the Company and the Subsidiaries possess adequate certificates, authorities or permits issued by appropriate governmental agencies or bodies necessary to conduct the business now operated, or contemplated to be operated upon the acquisition and integration of the manufactured housing loan origination business of CIT Group, Inc., by them except where the failure to so possess such certificates, authorities or permits would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect and have not received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate, authority or permit that could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. (t) No labor dispute with the employees of Parent, the Company or any Subsidiary exists or, to the knowledge of the Issuers, is imminent that might, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. (u) Parent, the Company and the Subsidiaries own, possess or can acquire on reasonable terms, adequate trademarks, trade names and other rights to inventions, know-how, patents, copyrights, confidential information and other intellectual property (collectively, "INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS") necessary to conduct the business now operated by them, or presently employed by them, and have not received any notice of infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others with respect to any intellectual property rights that could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. (v) Except as disclosed in the Offering Document, none of Parent, the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is in violation of any statute, any rule, regulation, decision or order of any governmental agency or body or any court, domestic or foreign, relating to the use, disposal or release of hazardous or toxic substances or relating to the protection or restoration of the environment or human exposure to hazardous or toxic substances (collectively, "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS"), owns or operates any real property contaminated with any substance that is subject to any environmental laws, is liable for any off-site disposal or contamination pursuant to any environmental laws, or is subject to any claim relating to any environmental laws, which violation, contamination, liability or claim would individually or in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect; and the Issuers are not aware of any pending investigation which might lead to such a claim. (w) Except as disclosed in the Offering Document, there are no pending actions, suits or proceedings against or affecting Parent, the Company, any of the Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties that, if determined adversely to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, would individually or in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect, or would materially and adversely affect the ability of the Issuers to perform their respective obligations under the Indenture, the Registration Rights Agreement or this Agreement, or which are otherwise material in the context of the sale of the Offered Securities; and, to the knowledge of the Issuers, no such actions, suits or proceedings are threatened or contemplated. (x) The industry, market and statistical data and estimates included in the Offering Document are based on or derived from sources that the Issuers believe to be reliable and accurate. (y) The financial statements included in the Offering Document present fairly the financial position of the Parent and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the dates shown and their results of operations and cash flows for the periods shown, and such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States applied on a consistent basis. 5 (z) Except as disclosed in the Offering Document, since the date of the latest audited financial statements included in the Offering Document there has been no material adverse change, nor any development or event involving a prospective material adverse change, in the condition (financial or other), business, properties or results of operations of Parent, the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, and, except as disclosed in or contemplated by the Offering Document, there has been no dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by Parent on any class of its capital stock. (aa) None of the Issuers is an open-end investment company, unit investment trust or face-amount certificate company that is required to be registered under Section 8 of the United States Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT"); and none of the Issuers is or, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Offered Securities and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Offering Document, will be, an "investment company" as defined in the Investment Company Act. (bb) No securities of the same class (within the meaning of Rule 144A(d)(3) under the Securities Act) as the Offered Securities are listed on any national securities exchange registered under Section 6 of the Exchange Act or quoted in a U.S. automated inter-dealer quotation system. (cc) No registration under the Securities Act of the Offered Securities or the Guarantees is required for the sale of the Offered Securities and the Guarantees to the Purchasers as contemplated hereby or for the Exempt Resales (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties and due compliance with the covenants and agreements of the Purchasers set forth in Section 4 hereof; and it is not necessary to qualify an indenture in respect of the Offered Securities under the United States Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "TRUST INDENTURE ACT"). (dd) The offer and sale of 25,000 shares of Series C Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, no par value (the "PREFERRED SHARES"), to Fletcher International Ltd. on April 2, 2002 for an aggregate purchase price of $1,000 per share (the "PREFERRED SHARES OFFERING"), is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof. (ee) Each of Parent, the Company and the Subsidiaries (i) makes and keeps accurate books and records and (ii) maintains internal accounting controls that provide reasonable assurance that (A) transactions are executed in accordance with management's authorization, (B) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of its financial statements, (C) access to its assets is permitted only in accordance with management's authorization and (D) the reported accountability for its assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals. (ff) No form of general solicitation or general advertising (as defined in Regulation D under the Securities Act) was used by the Company, the Guarantors or any of their respective representatives (other than the Purchasers, as to whom the Company and the Guarantors make no representation) in connection with the offer and sale of the Offered Securities contemplated hereby, including, but not limited to, articles, notices or other communications published in any newspaper, magazine, or similar medium or broadcast over television or radio, or any seminar or meeting whose attendees have been invited by any general solicitation or general advertising. No securities of the same class as the Offered Securities have been issued and sold by the Company within the six-month period immediately prior to the date hereof. (gg) None of the Company, the Guarantors nor any of their respective affiliates or any person acting on its or their behalf (other than the Purchasers, as to whom the Company and the Guarantors make no representation) has engaged or will engage in any directed selling efforts 6 within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act ("REGULATION S") with respect to the Offered Securities or the Guarantees. (hh) The sale of the Offered Securities pursuant to Regulation S is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration provisions of the Securities Act. (ii) Parent is subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and files reports with the Commission on the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval (EDGAR) system. (jj) On the Closing Date, the warehouse facility in an aggregate amount of $150.00 million to be issued to a third party borrower by Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, New York Branch, and the ancillary agreements attached as exhibits thereto (collectively, the "WAREHOUSE FACILITY"), in connection with the Issuers' acquisition and operation of the manufactured housing loan origination business of CIT Group, Inc., will have been duly authorized, executed and delivered and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the other parties thereto, will constitute the valid and legally binding obligation of such third party borrower, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles. 3. Purchase, Sale and Delivery of Offered Securities. On the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, but subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company agrees to sell to the Purchasers, and the Purchasers agree to purchase from the Company, at a purchase price of 97.214% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest from April 22, 2002 to the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) the Offered Securities. The Company will deliver against payment of the purchase price the Offered Securities in the form of one or more permanent global Securities in definitive form (the "GLOBAL SECURITIES") deposited with the Trustee as custodian for The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee for DTC. Interests in any permanent Global Securities will be held only in book-entry form through DTC, except in the limited circumstances described in the Offering Document. Payment for the Offered Securities shall be made by the Purchasers in Federal (same day) funds by wire transfer to an account at a bank acceptable to the Purchasers at the office of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP at 10:00 A.M. (New York time), on April 22, 2002, or at such other time not later than seven full business days thereafter as the Purchasers and the Company determine, such time being herein referred to as the "Closing Date", against delivery to the Trustee as custodian for DTC of the Global Securities representing all of the Offered Securities. The Global Securities will be made available for checking at the above office at least 24 hours prior to the Closing Date. 4. Representations by Purchasers; Resale by Purchasers. (a) The Purchasers represent and warrant to the Issuers that they are "accredited investors" within the meaning of Regulation D under the Securities Act. (b) The Purchasers acknowledge that the Offered Securities have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except in accordance with Regulation S or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Purchasers represent and agree that they have offered and sold the Offered Securities, and will offer and sell the Offered Securities only in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 144A under the Securities Act ("RULE 144A"). Accordingly, neither the Purchasers nor their affiliates, nor any persons acting on its or their behalf, have engaged or will engage in any directed selling efforts with respect to the Offered Securities, and the Purchasers, their affiliates and all persons acting on their behalf have 7 complied and will comply with the offering restrictions requirement of Regulation S and Rule 144A. (c) The Purchasers agree that they and each of their affiliates have not entered and will not enter into any contractual arrangement with respect to the distribution of the Offered Securities except with the prior written consent of Parent or the Company. (d) The Purchasers agree that they and each of their affiliates will not offer or sell the Offered Securities in the United States by means of any form of general solicitation or general advertising within the meaning of Rule 502(c) under the Securities Act, including, but not limited to (i) any advertisement, article, notice or other communication published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio, or (ii) any seminar or meeting whose attendees have been invited by any general solicitation or general advertising. The Purchasers agree, with respect to resales made in reliance on Rule 144A of any of the Offered Securities, to deliver either with the confirmation of such resale or otherwise prior to settlement of such resale a notice to the effect that the resale of such Offered Securities has been made in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided by Rule 144A. (e) The Purchasers (i) have not offered or sold and prior to the expiry of a period of six months from the Closing Date, will not offer or sell any Securities to persons in the United Kingdom except to persons whose ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their businesses or otherwise in circumstances which have not resulted and will not result in an offer to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of the Public Offers of Securities Regulations 1995; (ii) have only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated any invitations or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the "FSMA") received by it in connection with the issue or sale of any Securities in circumstances in which section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the Issuers; and (iii) have complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the Securities in, form or otherwise involving the United Kingdom. 5. Certain Agreements of the Issuers. The Parent and the Company, jointly and severally, agree with the Purchasers that: (a) The Company will advise the Purchasers promptly of any proposal to amend or supplement the Offering Document, will furnish the Purchasers with copies of any such amendment or supplement in a reasonable amount of time prior to its use and will use its best efforts to reflect in such document such comments as the Purchasers or their counsel may reasonably propose. If, at any time prior to the completion of the resale of the Offered Securities by the Purchasers, any event occurs as a result of which the Offering Document as then amended or supplemented would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, the Company promptly will notify the Purchasers of such event and promptly will prepare, at its own expense, an amendment or supplement which will correct such statement or omission. Neither the Purchasers' consent to, nor their delivery to offerees or investors of, any such amendment or supplement shall constitute a waiver of any of the conditions set forth in Section 6. (b) The Company will furnish to the Purchasers copies of any preliminary offering circular, the Offering Document and all amendments and supplements to such documents, in each case as soon as available and in such quantities as the Purchasers request, and the Company will furnish to the Purchasers on the date hereof three copies of the Offering Document signed by a 8 duly authorized officer of the Company, one of which will include the independent accountants' reports therein manually signed by such independent accountants. At any time when Parent or the Company is not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company will promptly furnish or cause to be furnished to the Purchasers and, upon request of holders and prospective purchasers of the Offered Securities to such holders and purchasers, copies of the information required to be delivered to holders and prospective purchasers of the Offered Securities pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act (or any successor provision thereto) in order to permit compliance with Rule 144A in connection with resales by such holders of the Offered Securities. The Company shall pay the expenses of printing and distributing to the Purchasers all such documents. (c) The Company will endeavor, in cooperation with the Purchasers and their counsel, to qualify the Offered Securities for sale and determine their eligibility for investment under the laws of such jurisdictions in the United States and Canada as the Purchasers designate and will continue such qualifications in effect so long as required for the resale of the Offered Securities by the Purchasers, provided that the Company will not be required to qualify as a foreign corporation or to file a general consent to service of process in any such state. (d) During the period of two years after the Closing Date, the Company shall, upon request, furnish to the Purchasers and any holder of Offered Securities a copy of the restrictions on transfer applicable to the Offered Securities. (e) During the period of two years after the Closing Date, the Issuers shall not, and shall not permit any of their respective affiliates (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act) to, resell any of the Offered Securities that have been reacquired by any of them. (f) During the period of two years after the Closing Date, no Issuer will be or become, an open-end investment company, unit investment trust or face-amount certificate company that is or is required to be registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act. (g) The Company shall pay all expenses incidental to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement and the Indenture, including (i) the fees and expenses of the Trustee and its professional advisers; (ii) all expenses in connection with the execution, issue, authentication, packaging and initial delivery of the Securities, the preparation and printing of this Agreement, the Offered Securities, the Indenture, the Offering Document and amendments and supplements thereto, and any other document relating to the issuance, offer, sale and delivery of the Offered Securities; (ii) the cost of listing and qualifying the Offered Securities for trading in The Portal(SM) Market ("PORTAL") and any expenses incidental thereto; (iii) the cost of any advertising approved by the Issuers in connection with the issue of the Offered Securities; (iv) for any expenses (including fees and disbursements of counsel) incurred in connection with qualification of the Securities for sale under the laws of such jurisdictions in the United States and Canada as the Purchasers designate and the printing of memoranda relating thereto, (v) for any fees charged by investment rating agencies for the rating of the Offered Securities, and (vi) for expenses incurred in distributing preliminary offering circulars and the Offering Document (including any amendments and supplements thereto) to the Purchasers. The Issuers shall also pay or reimburse the Purchasers (to the extent incurred by them) for all travel expenses of the Purchasers and the Issuers' officers and employees and any other expenses of the Purchasers and the Issuers in connection with attending or hosting meetings with prospective purchasers of the Offered Securities from the Purchasers. (h) In connection with the offering, until the Purchasers shall have notified the Company of the completion of the resale of the Offered Securities, neither the Issuers nor any of their respective affiliates have or will, either alone or with one or more other persons, bid for or purchase for any account in which it or any of its affiliates has a beneficial interest any Offered 9 Securities or attempt to induce any person to purchase any Offered Securities; and neither they nor any of their respective affiliates will make bids or purchases for the purpose of creating actual, or apparent, active trading in, or of raising the price of, the Offered Securities. 6. Conditions of the Obligations of the Purchasers. The obligations of the Purchasers to purchase and pay for the Offered Securities will be subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties on the part of the Issuers herein, to the accuracy of the statements of officers of the Issuers made pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by the Issuers of their respective obligations hereunder and to the following additional conditions precedent: (a) The Purchasers shall have received a letter, dated the date of this Agreement, of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP confirming that they are independent public accountants within the meaning of the Securities Act and the applicable published rules and regulations thereunder ("RULES AND REGULATIONS") and to the effect that: (i) in their opinion the financial statements examined by them and included in the Offering Document and in the Exchange Act Reports comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act and the related published Rules and Regulations; (ii) on the basis of the review referred to in clause (i) above, inquiries of officials of Parent who have responsibility for financial and accounting matters and other specified procedures, nothing came to their attention that caused them to believe that: (A) at the date of the latest available balance sheet read by such accountants, or at a subsequent specified date not more than three business days prior to the date of this Agreement, there was any change in the capital stock or any increase in short-term or long-term indebtedness of Parent and its consolidated subsidiaries or, at the date of the latest available balance sheet read by such accountants, there was any decrease in consolidated net assets, as compared with amounts shown on the latest balance sheet included in the Offering Document; or (B) for the period from the closing date of the latest income statement included in the Offering Document to the closing date of the latest available income statement read by such accountants there were any decreases, as compared with the corresponding period of the previous year, in consolidated net sales, net operating income or consolidated net income; except in all cases set forth in clauses (A) and (B) above for changes, increases or decreases which the Offering Document discloses have occurred or may occur or which are described in such letter; and (iii) they have compared specified dollar amounts (or percentages derived from such dollar amounts) and other financial information contained in the Offering Document (to the extent that such dollar amounts, percentages and other financial information are derived from the general accounting records of Parent and its subsidiaries subject to the internal controls of Parent's accounting system or are derived directly from such records by analysis or computation) with the results obtained from inquiries, a reading of such general accounting records and other procedures specified in such letter and have found such dollar amounts, percentages and other financial information to be in agreement with such results, except as otherwise specified in such letter. 10 (b) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, there shall not have occurred (i) any change, or any development or event involving a prospective change, in the condition (financial or other), business, properties or results of operations of Parent or its subsidiaries taken as one enterprise which, in the judgment of the Purchasers, is material and adverse and makes it impractical or inadvisable to proceed with completion of the offering or the sale of and payment for the Offered Securities; (ii) any downgrading in the rating of any debt securities of Parent or the Company by any "nationally recognized statistical rating organization" (as defined for purposes of Rule 436(g) under the Securities Act), or any public announcement that any such organization has under surveillance or review its rating of any debt securities of Parent or the Company (other than an announcement with positive implications of a possible upgrading, and no implication of a possible downgrading, of such rating) or any announcement that Parent or the Company has been placed on negative outlook; (iii) any change in U.S. or international financial, political or economic conditions or currency exchange rates or exchange controls as would, in the judgment of the Purchasers, be likely to prejudice materially the success of the proposed issue, sale or distribution of the Offered Securities, whether in the primary market or in respect of dealings in the secondary market; (iv) any material suspension or limitation of trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange, or any setting of minimum prices for trading on such exchange, or any suspension of trading of any securities of Parent or the Company on any exchange or in the over-the-counter market; (v) any banking moratorium declared by U.S. Federal or New York authorities; (vi) any major disruption of settlements of securities or clearance services in the United States; or (vii) any attack on, outbreak or escalation of hostilities or act of terrorism involving the United States, any declaration of war by Congress or any other national or international calamity or emergency if, in the judgment of the Purchasers, the effect of any such attack, outbreak, escalation, act, declaration, calamity or emergency makes it impractical or inadvisable to proceed with completion of the offering or sale of and payment for the Offered Securities. (c) The Purchasers shall have received an opinion, dated the Closing Date, of (i) Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, special counsel for the Issuers, substantially in the form of Exhibit A, (ii) Dykema Gossett PLLC, special counsel for the Issuers, substantially in the form of Exhibit B, and (iii) regulatory counsel to the Company, substantially in the form of Exhibit C. (d) The Purchasers shall have received from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, counsel for the Purchasers, such opinion or opinions, dated the Closing Date, with respect to the incorporation of the Company, the validity of the Offered Securities, the Offering Circular, the exemption from registration for the offer and sale of the Offered Securities by the Company to the Purchasers and the resales by the Purchasers as contemplated hereby and other related matters as the Purchasers may require, and the Company shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as they request for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon such matters with reference to same in the Offering Circular. In rendering such opinion, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP may rely as to the incorporation of the Company and all other matters governed by Michigan law upon the opinion of Dykema Gossett PLLC, referred to above. (e) The Purchasers shall have received a certificate, dated the Closing Date, of the President or any Vice President and a principal financial or accounting officer of each of Parent (as to itself and the Subsidiary Guarantors) and the Company (as to itself) in which such officers, to the best of their knowledge after reasonable investigation, shall state that the representations and warranties of Parent and the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors in this Agreement are true and correct, that the Issuers have complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on their part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date, and that, subsequent to the date of the most recent financial statements in the Offering Document, there has been no material adverse change, nor any development or event involving a prospective material adverse change, in the condition (financial or other), business, properties or results of operations 11 of Parent and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole except as set forth in or contemplated by the Offering Document or as described in such certificate. (f) The Purchasers shall have received a letter, dated the Closing Date, of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP which meets the requirements of subsection (a) of this Section, except that the specified date referred to in such subsection will be a date not more than three days prior to the Closing Date for the purposes of this subsection. (g) The Issuers shall have completed and delivered to the Purchasers definitive documentation with respect to (i) the Warehouse Facility and (ii) Parent's acquisition of CIT Group Inc.'s manufactured housing loan origination business. (h) The Issuers shall have completed and delivered to the Purchasers definitive documentation with respect to the mergers and related transactions to (i) establish the Company as the only direct subsidiary of Parent and (ii) transfer Parent's cash management operations to the Company. The Company will furnish the Purchasers with such conformed copies of such opinions, certificates, letters and documents as the Purchasers reasonably request. The Purchasers may waive compliance with any conditions to the obligations of the Purchasers hereunder. 7. Indemnification and Contribution. (a) The Issuers, jointly and severally, will indemnify and hold harmless the Purchasers, their partners, directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls such Purchasers within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which the Purchasers may become subject, under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the Offering Document, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any related preliminary offering circular, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, including any losses, claims, damages or liabilities arising out of or based upon the Company's failure to perform its obligations under Section 5(a) of this Agreement, and will reimburse the Purchasers for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Purchasers in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the Issuers will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement in or omission or alleged omission from any of such documents in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Issuers by the Purchasers specifically for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information consists of the information described as such in subsection (b) below; provided further, that the foregoing indemnity with respect to any untrue statement contained in or omission from any preliminary offering circular shall not inure to the benefit of the Purchasers (or any person controlling the Purchasers) from whom the person asserting any such loss, claim, damage or liability purchased any of the Offered Securities that are the subject thereof if such person was not sent or given a copy of the Offering Document (or the Offering Document as amended or supplemented) at or prior to the written confirmation of the initial resale of such Offered Securities to such person and the untrue statement contained in or omission from such preliminary offering circular was corrected in the Offering Document (or the Offering Document as amended or supplemented). (b) The Purchasers will indemnify and hold harmless the Issuers, their directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Issuers within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which an Issuer may become subject, under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the Offering Document, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any 12 related preliminary offering circular, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Issuers by the Purchasers specifically for use therein, and will reimburse any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Issuers in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action as such expenses are incurred, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by the Purchasers consists of paragraphs 3, 5, 8, 9 and 10 under the caption "Plan of Distribution"; provided, however, that the Purchasers shall not be liable for any losses, claims, damages or liabilities arising out of or based upon the Company's failure to perform its obligations under Section 5(a) of this Agreement. (c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 7 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under subsection (a) or (b) above, notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof; but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party will not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under subsection (a) or (b) above, except to the extent actually prejudiced thereby. In case any such action is brought against any indemnified party and it notifies the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it may wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party (who shall not, except with the consent of the indemnified party, be counsel to the indemnifying party), and after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party will not be liable to such indemnified party under this Section 7 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened action in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on any claims that are the subject matter of such action and does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. (d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in subsection (a) or (b) above (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Issuers on the one hand and the Purchasers on the other from the offering of the Offered Securities or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Issuers on the one hand and the Purchasers on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Issuers on the one hand and the Purchasers on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Issuers bear to the total discounts and commissions received by the Purchasers. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Issuers or the Purchasers and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission. The amount paid by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in the first sentence of this subsection (d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any action or claim which is the subject of this subsection (d). Notwithstanding the provisions of 13 this subsection (d), the Purchasers shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total discounts, fees and commissions received by the Purchasers exceeds the amount of any damages which the Purchasers have otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. (e) The obligations of the Issuers under this Section 7 shall be in addition to any liability which the Issuers may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each person, if any, who controls the Purchasers within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act; and the obligations of the Purchasers under this Section shall be in addition to any liability which the Purchasers may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each person, if any, who controls the Issuers within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act. 8. Survival of Certain Representations and Obligations. The respective indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and other statements of the Issuers or their respective officers and of the Purchasers set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation, or statement as to the results thereof, made by or on behalf of the Purchasers, the Issuers or any of their respective representatives, officers or directors or any controlling person, and will survive delivery of and payment for the Offered Securities. If for any reason the purchase of the Offered Securities by the Purchasers is not consummated, the Issuers shall remain responsible for the expenses to be paid or reimbursed by it pursuant to Section 5 and the respective obligations of the Issuers and the Purchasers pursuant to Section 7 shall remain in effect. If the purchase of the Offered Securities by the Purchasers is not consummated for any reason other than solely because of the occurrence of any event specified in clauses (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) or (vii) of Section 6(b), the Issuers will reimburse the Purchasers for all out-of-pocket expenses (including fees and disbursements of counsel) reasonably incurred by them in connection with the offering of the Offered Securities. 9. Notices. All communications hereunder will be in writing and, if sent to the Purchasers will be mailed, delivered or telegraphed and confirmed to the Purchasers, c/o CSFBC at Eleven Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010-3629, Attention: Investment Banking Department -- Transactions Advisory Group, or, if sent to the Issuers, will be mailed, delivered or telegraphed and confirmed to the Parent at 2701 Cambridge Ct., Suite 300, Auburn Hills, MI 48236, Attention: Treasurer. 10. Successors. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and the controlling persons referred to in Section 7, and no other person will have any right or obligation hereunder, except that holders of Offered Securities shall be entitled to enforce the agreements for their benefit contained in the second and third sentences of Section 5(b) hereof against the Company as if such holders were parties thereto. 11. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same Agreement. 12. Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. The Issuers hereby submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal and state courts in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York in any suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. 14 If the foregoing is in accordance with the Purchasers' understanding of our agreement, kindly sign and return to us one of the counterparts hereof, whereupon it will become a binding agreement between the Issuers and the Purchasers in accordance with its terms. Very truly yours, CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS CO. By: ______________________________ Name: Title: 15 CHAMPION ENTERPRISES, INC. By: _____________________________ Name: Title: A-1 CHAMPION GP, INC. A-1 HOMES GROUP, L.P. ALPINE HOMES, INC. AMERICAN TRANSPORT, INC. ART RICHTER INSURANCE, INC. AUBURN CHAMP, INC. BUILDERS CREDIT CORPORATION CAC FUNDING CORPORATION CARE FREE HOMES, INC. CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI MANUFACTURED HOUSING, INC. CHAMPION FINANCIAL CORPORATION CHAMPION GP, INC. CHAMPION RETAIL, INC. CHAMPION HOME COMMUNITIES, INC. CHAMPION MOTOR COACH, INC. CHANDELEUR HOMES, INC. CHI, INC. CLIFF AVE. INVESTMENTS, INC. CREST RIDGE HOMES, INC. CRESTPOINTE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. DUTCH HOUSING, INC. FACTORY HOMES OUTLET, INC. FLEMING COUNTY INDUSTRIES, INC. GATEWAY ACCEPTANCE CORP. GATEWAY MOBILE & MODULAR HOMES, INC. GATEWAY PROPERTIES CORP. GEM HOMES, INC. GENESIS HOME CENTERS, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP GRAND MANOR, INC. HEARTLAND HOMES, L.P. HOMEPRIDE FINANCE CORP. HOMES AMERICA FINANCE, INC. HOMES AMERICA OF ARIZONA, INC. HOMES AMERICA OF CALIFORNIA, INC. HOMES AMERICA OF OKLAHOMA, INC. HOMES AMERICA OF UTAH, INC. HOMES AMERICA OF WYOMING, INC. HOMES OF KENTUCKIANA, L.L.C. HOMES OF LEGEND, INC. HOMES OF MERIT, INC. I.D.A., INC. ISEMAN CORP. LAMPLIGHTER HOMES, INC. LAMPLIGHTER HOMES (OREGON), INC. MANUFACTURED HOUSING OF LOUISIANA, INC. 16 MODULINE INTERNATIONAL, INC. NORTHSTAR CORPORATION PHILADELPHIA HOUSING CENTER, INC. PRAIRIE RIDGE, INC. REDMAN BUSINESS TRUST REDMAN HOMES MANAGEMENT COMPANY, INC. REDMAN HOMES, INC. REDMAN INDUSTRIES, INC. REDMAN INVESTMENT, INC. REDMAN MANAGEMENT SERVICES BUSINESS TRUST REDMAN RETAIL, INC. REGENCY SUPPLY COMPANY, INC. SAN JOSE ADVANTAGE HOMES, INC. SERVICE CONTRACT CORPORATION SOUTHERN SHOWCASE FINANCE, INC. SOUTHERN SHOWCASE HOUSING, INC. STAR FLEET, INC. THE OKAHUMPKA CORPORATION TRADING POST MOBILE HOMES, INC. U.S.A. MOBILE HOMES, INC. VICTORY INVESTMENT COMPANY WESTERN HOMES CORPORATION WHITWORTH MANAGEMENT, INC., each as SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR, By: -------------------------- Name: Title: 17 The foregoing Purchase Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted as of the date first above written. CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON CORPORATION FIRST UNION SECURITIES, INC. By: Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation By: -------------------------- Name: Title: 18 SCHEDULE A
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF PURCHASERS OFFERED SECURITIES ---------- Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation............................. $135,000,000 First Union Securities, Inc........................................ $ 15,000,000 ------------ Total.................................... $150,000,000 ============
19 SCHEDULE B Subsidiaries A-1 Champion GP, Inc. A-1 Homes Group, L.P. Alpine Homes, Inc. American Transport, Inc. Art Richter Insurance, Inc. Auburn Champ, Inc. Builders Credit Corporation CAC Funding Corporation Care Free Homes, Inc. Cedar River Development, L.L.C. Central Mississippi Manufactured Housing, Inc. Champion Development Corp. Champion Financial Corporation Champion GP, Inc. Champion Home Communities, Inc. Champion Motor Coach, Inc. Champion Retail, Inc. Champion-Phoenix Development Corp. Chandeleur Homes, Inc. CHI, Inc. Cliff Ave. Investments, Inc. Comal Farms Homes, L.P. Comal Farms, Ltd. Comal Management, L.L.C. Covington Estates Limited Partnership Covington Homes, L.L.C. CR Forest, L.L.C. Creekside of North Carolina, L.L.C. Crest Ridge Homes, Inc. Crestpointe Financial Services, Inc. Dutch Housing, Inc. Factory Homes Outlet, Inc. FC Napannee, L.L.C. Fleming County Industries, Inc. Foley Grove, L.L.C. Forest Communities Corp. Forest Development, L.L.C. Forest Homes, L.L.C. Forest Management, L.L.C. Forest Manager Corp. Gateway Acceptance Corp. 20 Gateway Mobile & Modular Homes, Inc. Gateway Properties Corp. Gem Homes, Inc. Genesis Home Centers, Limited Partnership Grand Manor, Inc.; Heartland Homes, L.P. Hidden Meadows, L.L.C. Holmchamp, L.L.C. HomePride Finance Corp. Homes America Finance, Inc. Homes America of Arizona, Inc. Homes America of California, Inc. Homes America of Oklahoma, Inc. Homes America of Utah, Inc. Homes America of Wyoming, Inc. Homes of Kentuckiana, L.L.C. Homes of Legend, Inc. Homes of Merit, Inc. I.D.A., Inc. Iseman Corp. Lamplighter Homes (Oregon), Inc. Lamplighter Homes, Inc. Manufactured Housing of Louisiana, Inc. Moduline Industries, Ltd. Moduline International, Inc. Napanee Manager, L.L.C. Northstar Corporation Philadelphia Housing Center, Inc. Phoenix Woodlake Homes, L.P. Phoenix Woodlake Management, L.L.C. Phoenix Woodlake, Ltd. Prairie Ridge, Inc. Prairie Wind of Kansas, L.L.C. Redman Business Trust Redman Homes Management Company, Inc. Redman Homes, Inc. Redman Industries, Inc. Redman Investment, Inc. Redman Management Services Business Trust Redman Retail, Inc. Regency Supply Company, Inc. 21 San Jose Advantage Homes, Inc. Service Contract Corporation Southern Showcase Finance, Inc. Southern Showcase Housing, Inc. Star Fleet, Inc. Sunchamp, L.L.C. The Okahumpka Corporation Trading Post Mobile Homes, Inc. U.S.A. Mobile Homes, Inc. Victory Investment Company Western Homes Corporation Whitworth Management, Inc., 22 EXHIBIT A Opinion of Shadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP SUBJECT TO OPINION COMMITTEE REVIEW April , 2002 -- Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation First Union Securities, Inc. c/o Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation Eleven Madison Avenue New York, New York 10010 Re: % Senior Notes due 2007 of Champion Home Builders Co. Ladies and Gentlemen: We have acted as special counsel to Champion Home Builders Co., a Michigan corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the purchase by you, as Initial Purchasers (the "Initial Purchasers"), and the sale by the Company to you of $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's ___% Senior Notes due 2007 (the "Securities") to be issued under an Indenture, dated as of April _, 2002 (the "Indenture"), among the Company, the Guarantors (as defined herein) and Bank One Trust Company, NA, as Trustee (the "Trustee"), pursuant to a Purchase Agreement, dated April __, 2002 (the "Purchase Agreement"), among you, the Company and the Guarantors. The Indenture provides for the Securities to be guaranteed by Champion Enterprises, Inc., a Michigan corporation (the "Parent"), and certain subsidiaries of the Company named in the Indenture (the "Subsidiary Guarantors" and, together with the Parent, the "Guarantors"). This opinion is being furnished pursuant to Section 6(c)(i) of the Purchase Agreement. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement. In our examination, we have assumed the legal capacity of all natural persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such copies. In making our examination of executed documents, we have assumed that the parties thereto, including the Company and the Guarantors, had the power, corporate or other, to enter into and perform all obligations thereunder and have also assumed the due authorization by all requisite action, corporate or other, and the execution and delivery by such parties of such documents and, except to the extent expressly set forth in paragraphs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 below, the validity and binding effect thereof on such parties. We have also assumed that each of the Company, the Parent and the Subsidiary Guarantors has been duly organized and is validly existing in good standing under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of incorporation or organization and that each of the Company, the Parent and the Subsidiary Guarantors has complied with all aspects of applicable laws of jurisdictions other than the federal laws of the United States of America and the State of New York in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (as defined herein). As to any facts material to the opinions expressed herein which we did not independently establish or verify, we have relied upon statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and others and of public officials, including the facts set forth in the Officers' Certificate described below. 23 In rendering the opinions set forth herein, we have examined and relied on originals or copies of the following: (a) the final confidential offering circular, dated April _, 2002 (the "Offering Circular"), relating to the issuance and sale of the Securities; (b) an executed copy of the Purchase Agreement; (c) an executed copy of the Registration Rights Agreement, dated April _, 2002 (the "Registration Rights Agreement"), among the Initial Purchasers, the Company and the Guarantors; (d) specimens of the Securities; (e) an executed copy of the Indenture; (f) the certificate of __________________, [Chief Executive Officer] of the Parent, and _____________________, [Chief Financial Officer] of the Parent, dated the date hereof, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A hereto (the "Officers' Certificate"); (g) the certificate of ___________________, Secretary of the Company, dated the date hereof; and (h) copies of each of the Applicable Contracts (as defined below). We have also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such records of the Company and such agreements, certificates and receipts of public officials, certificates of officers or other representatives of the Company and others, and such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinions set forth below. The Purchase Agreement, the Securities, the Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement are referred to herein collectively as the "Transaction Documents." "Applicable Contracts" means those agreements or instruments identified in Schedule I hereto. "Applicable Laws" means those laws, rules and regulations of the State of New York and the federal laws of the United States of America, in each case, which, in our experience, are normally applicable to transactions of the type contemplated by the Purchase Agreement and the other Transaction Documents (other than the United States federal securities laws, state and foreign securities or blue sky laws, antifraud laws and the rules and regulations of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.), without our having made any special investigation as to the applicability of any specific law, rule or regulation, and which are not the subject of a specific opinion herein referring expressly to a particular law or laws. "Governmental Authorities" means any court, regulatory body, administrative agency or governmental body of the State of New York or the United States of America having jurisdiction over the Company under Applicable Laws. "Governmental Approval" means any consent, approval, license, authorization or validation of, or filing, qualification or registration with, any Governmental Authority required to be made or obtained by the Company pursuant to Applicable Laws, other than any consent, approval, license, authorization, validation, filing, qualification or registration which may have become applicable solely as a result of the involvement of any other party (other than the Company) in the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement and the other Transaction Documents or because of such parties' legal or regulatory status or because of any other facts specifically pertaining to such parties. "Applicable Orders" means those judgments, orders or decrees identified on Schedule II hereto. The opinions set forth below are subject to the following qualifications, assumptions and limitations: 24 (a) in rendering the opinion set forth in paragraph 5 below, we have assumed that the Trustee's certificates of authentication of the Securities have been manually signed by one of the Trustee's authorized officers and that the Securities, in the form delivered to you today, conform to the specimens thereof examined by us; (a) we do not express any opinion as to the effect on the opinions expressed herein of (i) the compliance or noncompliance of any party to the Purchase Agreement (other than the Company) with any state, federal or other laws or regulations applicable to it or them or (ii) the legal or regulatory status or the nature of the business of any party; (b) we have assumed that the execution and delivery by the Company and the Guarantors of each of the Transaction Documents and the performance by the Company and the Guarantors of their respective obligations thereunder do not and will not violate, conflict with or constitute a default under (i) any agreement or instrument to which the Company and the Guarantors or any of their respective properties are subject (except that we do not make the assumption set forth in this clause (i) with respect to the Applicable Contracts ), (ii) any law, rule, or regulation to which the Company and the Guarantors or any of their respective properties is subject (except that we do not make the assumption set forth in this clause (ii) with respect to Applicable Laws), (iii) any judicial or regulatory order or decree of any governmental authority (except that we do not make the assumption set forth in this clause (iii) with respect to Applicable Orders) or (iv) any consent, approval, license, authorization or validation of, or filing, recording or registration with any governmental authority (except that we do not make the assumption set forth in this clause (iv) with respect to Governmental Approvals as to which we express our opinion in paragraph 4 below); (c) enforcement of any agreements or instruments may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law); (d) we do not express any opinion as to the applicability or effect of any fraudulent transfer, preference or similar law on each of the Transaction Documents, or any transactions contemplated thereby; (e) we do not express any opinion as to the enforceability of any rights to contribution or indemnification which may be violative of the public policy underlying any law, rule or regulation (including any federal or state securities law, rule or regulation); and (f) we express no opinion on the enforceability of any provision in a Transaction Document purporting to prohibit, restrict or condition assignability to the extent such restriction on assignability is governed by sections 9-406 through 9-409 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect on the date hereof in the State of New York. Members of our firm are admitted to the bar in the State of New York, and we do not express any opinion as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the federal laws of the United States of America to the extent referred to specifically herein. Insofar as the opinions expressed herein relate to matters governed by laws other than those set forth in the preceding sentence, we have assumed, but without having made any independent investigation, that such laws do not affect any of the opinions set forth herein. The opinions expressed herein are based on laws in effect on the date hereof, which laws are subject to change with possible retroactive effect. Based upon the foregoing and subject to the limitations, qualifications, exceptions and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that: 25 1. The Indenture is a valid and binding agreement of the Company and the Guarantors, enforceable against the Company and the Guarantors in accordance with its terms. 2. The Registration Rights Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Company and the Guarantors, enforceable against the Company and the Guarantors in accordance with its terms. 3. The execution and delivery by the Company and the Guarantors of each of the Transaction Documents to which its is a party and the consummation by the Company and the Guarantors of the transactions contemplated thereby, including the issuance and sale of the Securities, will not (i) constitute a violation of, or a breach or default under, the terms of any Applicable Contract or (ii) violate or conflict with, or result in any contravention of, any Applicable Law or any Applicable Order. We do not express any opinion, however, as to whether the execution, delivery or performance by the Company and the Guarantors of each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party will constitute a violation of, or a default under, any covenant, restriction or provision with respect to financial ratios or tests or any aspect of the financial condition or results of operations of the Parent or any of its subsidiaries. 4. No Governmental Approval, which has not been obtained or taken and is not in full force and effect, is required to authorize, or is required in connection with, the execution or delivery of each of the Transaction Documents by the Company or the Guarantors or the consummation by the Company or the Guarantors of the transactions contemplated thereby. 5. When issued and delivered by the Company against payment therefor in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Securities will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits of the Indenture and enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms. 6. When the Securities are issued and delivered by the Company against payment therefor in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement, each Guarantee will constitute the valid and binding obligation of each applicable Guarantor, enforceable against such Guarantor in accordance with its terms. 7. When the Exchange Securities have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered in exchange for the Securities in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the Registration Rights Agreement and the Exchange Offer (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), the Exchange Securities will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, entitled to the benefits of the Indenture and enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms. 8. The statements in the Offering Circular under the caption "Description of the Notes", insofar as such statements purport to summarize certain provisions of the documents referred to therein fairly summarize such provisions in all material respects. 9. The statements set forth in the Offering Circular under the caption "Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations", insofar as such statements purport to summarize certain provisions of the laws referred to therein, fairly summarize such provisions in all material respects. 10. The Company is not and, solely after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Securities and the application of the proceeds thereof as described under the caption "Use of Proceeds" in the Offering Memorandum, will not be subject to registration and regulation as an "investment company," as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. 11. Assuming (i) the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company and the Guarantors set forth in Section 2 of the Purchase Agreement and of you in Section 4 of the Purchase Agreement, (ii) the due performance by the Company and the Guarantors of the 26 covenants and agreements set forth in Section 5 of the Purchase Agreement and the due performance by you of the covenants and agreements set forth in Section 4 of the Purchase Agreement, (iii) your compliance with the offering and transfer procedures and restrictions described in the Offering Circular, (iv) the accuracy of the representations and warranties made in accordance with the Purchase Agreement and the Offering Circular by purchasers to whom you initially resell the Securities and (v) that purchasers to whom you initially resell the Securities receive a copy of the Offering Circular prior to or simultaneously with the confirmation of such sale, the offer, sale and delivery of the Securities to you in the manner contemplated by the Purchase Agreement and the Offering Circular and the initial resale of the Securities by you in the manner contemplated in the Offering Circular and the Purchase Agreement, do not require registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and the Indenture does not require qualification under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, it being understood that we do not express any opinion as to any subsequent resale of any Security. In addition, we have participated in conferences with officers and other representatives of the Company, counsel for the Company, representatives of the independent accountants of the Company and you and your counsel at which the contents of the Offering Circular and related matters were discussed. Although we are not passing upon, and do not assume any responsibility for, the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements contained in the Offering Circular and have made no independent check or verification thereof (except to the limited extent referred to in paragraphs 8 and 9 above), on the basis of the foregoing, no facts have come to our attention that have led us to believe that the Offering Circular, as of its date and as of the date hereof, contained or contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that we express no opinion or belief with respect to the financial statements, schedules and other financial and statistical data included therein or excluded therefrom. For purposes of the foregoing, we note that the Offering Circular has been prepared in the context of a Rule 144A transaction and not as part of a registration statement under the Securities Act and does not contain all the information that would be required in a registration statement under the Securities Act. This opinion is being furnished only to you in connection with the Purchase Agreement and is solely for your benefit and is not to be used, circulated, quoted or otherwise referred to for any other purpose or relied upon by any other person for any other purpose without our prior written consent. Very truly yours, 27 Schedule I Applicable Contracts 12. Indenture dated as of May 3, 1999 between the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Bank One Trust Company, NA (formerly The First National Bank of Chicago), as Trustee. 13. Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 30, 1999 between the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Bank One Trust Company, NA (formerly The First National Bank of Chicago), as Trustee. 14. Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 4, 1999 between the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Bank One Trust Company, NA, as Trustee. 15. Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 10, 2000 between the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Bank One Trust Company, NA, as Trustee. 16. Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 5, 2000, among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Bank One Trust Company, NA, as Trustee. 17. Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 28, 1999 between the Company; Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation; Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation; and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as initial purchasers. 28 Schedule II Applicable Orders None. 29 EXHIBIT B Opinion of Dykema Gossett PLLC (1) LAW OFFICES (Dykema Gossett PLLC Letterhead) APRIL __, 2002 DG DRAFT 4/12/02 Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation First Union Securities, Inc. c/o Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation Eleven Madison Avenue New York, New York 10010-3629 Re: CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS CO. Ladies and Gentlemen: We have acted as counsel for Champion Home Builders Co., a Michigan corporation (the "Company") and Champion Enterprises, Inc., (a Michigan corporation, the "Parent"), in connection with the sale by the Company of 11 1/2 % Senior Notes due 2007 in an aggregate principal amount of $150,000,000 (the "Notes") pursuant to a Purchase Agreement, dated April 12, 2002 (the "Purchase Agreement") between the several Purchasers, the Company, Parent and the Subsidiary Guarantors. This Opinion Letter is being rendered pursuant to Section 6(c) of the Purchase Agreement. Except as otherwise indicated herein, capitalized terms used in this Opinion Letter are defined as set forth in the Purchase Agreement or the Accord (as defined below). This Opinion Letter is governed by, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, the Legal Opinion Accord (the "Accord") of the American Bar Association Section of Business Law (1991). As a consequence, it is subject to a number of qualifications, exceptions, definitions, limitations on coverage and other limitations, all as more particularly described in the Accord, and this Opinion Letter should be read in conjunction therewith. This Opinion Letter is limited to matters governed by the laws of the State of Michigan. In accordance with the Accord, we have relied on certain Public Authority Documents and certificates of officials of the Company, Parent the Subsidiary Guarantors. In addition, we have relied upon the representations and warranties made by the Company, Parent and the Subsidiary Guarantors in Section 2 of the Purchase Agreement, excluding, however, representations and warranties that constitute legal conclusions covered by this Opinion Letter. The General Qualifications set forth in the Accord shall apply to the opinions set forth in paragraph (9). With respect to the opinions set forth in paragraph (9), we express no opinion concerning the Indenture, dated as of May 3, 1999, among Parent, certain subsidiary 30 guarantors, and The First National Bank of Chicago (the "1999 Indenture"). We note that the opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is being separately provided to you. Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that: (1) Each of Parent and the Company has been validly incorporated and is an existing corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Michigan, with corporate power and authority to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Offering Document. (2) Each Subsidiary Guarantor has been duly incorporated and is an existing corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, with corporate power and authority to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Offering Document. (3) The Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and each of the Guarantors. (4) The Exchange Securities have been duly authorized by the Company and the Guarantors. (5) The Guarantees have been duly authorized and endorsed on the Offered Securities by the Guarantors. (6) The Guarantee to be endorsed on the Exchange Securities by each Guarantor has been duly authorized by such Guarantor. (7) The Registration Rights Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and each of the Guarantors. (8) The Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and each of the Guarantors. (9) The execution, delivery and performance of the Indenture, the Registration Rights Agreement and the Agreement and the issuance and sale of the Offered Securities and compliance with the terms and provisions thereof, will not result in a breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under, (x) any statute, rule, regulation or order of any governmental agency or body or any court having jurisdiction over Parent, the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor or any of their properties, or (y) any agreement or instrument to which the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor is a party (other than the 1999 Indenture) and is filed with the Commission as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2001, or (z) the charter of bylaws or other organizational documents of Parent, the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor except, in the case of clauses (x) and (y), for such breaches, violations or defaults that would have not have a Material Adverse Effect, and the Company has full corporate power and authority to authorize, issue and sell the Offered Securities as contemplated by the Agreement. (10) Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties and due compliance with the covenants and agreements of the Purchasers contained in Section 4 of the Agreement, no consent, approval, authorization or order of, or filing with, any governmental agency or body or any court of the State of Michigan is required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Operative Documents in connection with the issuance or sale of the Offered Securities by the Company, except such as may be required under state securities or blue sky laws. (11) Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties and due compliance with the covenants and agreements of Fletcher International Ltd. contained in the Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2002, with Parent, the offer and sale of the Preferred Shares in connection with the Preferred Share Offering did not require registration under the Securities Act. 31 This Opinion is being rendered solely for your benefit and the benefit of Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee under the Indenture, and no other person or entity shall be entitled to rely on matters set forth herein, or shall be entitled to quote or refer to any portion thereof, without the express written consent of the undersigned. Sincerely, DYKEMA GOSSETT PLLC D. Richard McDonald 32 EXHIBIT C Opinion of Regulatory Counsel RE: HOMEPRIDE FINANCE CORP. Ladies and Gentlemen: We have acted as special consumer credit regulatory counsel to HomePride Finance Corp, regarding certain statements in the Champion Home Builders Co. Preliminary Confidential Offering Circular ("Offering Circular"), dated as of April 12, 2002. In our opinion, the statements in the Champion Home Builders Co. Preliminary Confidential Offering Circular ("Offering Circular"), dated as of April 12, 2002, under the caption "Government Regulation", insofar as such statements constitute a summary of the legal matters, documents or proceedings referred to therein, accurately summarize the matters referred to therein in all material respects. We are members of the Bar of the State of New York and do not express any opinion with respect to the applicability of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York (without regard to conflicts of laws principles) and the federal laws of the United States of America. In reaching the conclusions set forth herein, we have not undertaken any independent investigation of any records maintained by any party to the transactions contemplated by Offering Circular. We also have not reviewed of any of the documents related to the transactions contemplated by Offering Circular, other than the portions of the Offering Circular under the caption "Consumer Finance Business." This opinion is based upon laws, regulations, and administrative interpretations currently in effect, and upon reported decisions through April 12, 2002. Unless HomePride instructs us otherwise in writing and we agree to do so, we undertake no obligation to inform you of any changes in such laws, regulations or interpretations which may result in any inaccuracy in this opinion. This opinion is issued to the named addressees, and may not be furnished or quoted to, or relied upon by any other person or entity for any purpose without our prior express written permission. Very truly yours, McNamee, Lochner, Titus & Williams, P.C. Marc J. Lifset 33
EX-4.1 6 k69724exv4w1.txt INDENTURE, DATED APRIL 22, 2002 EXHIBIT 4.1 ================================================================================ CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS CO. INDENTURE RELATING TO 11 1/4% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007 GUARANTEED BY THE GUARANTORS NAMED HEREIN DATED AS OF APRIL 22, 2002 BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, N.A., TRUSTEE ================================================================================ TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE........................................1 Section 1.01. Definitions..................................................................1 Section 1.02. Other Definitions...........................................................24 Section 1.03. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act...........................24 Section 1.04. Rules of Construction.......................................................25 ARTICLE 2. THE NOTES........................................................................25 Section 2.01. Form and Dating.............................................................25 Section 2.02. Execution and Authentication................................................27 Section 2.03. Registrar and Paying Agent..................................................27 Section 2.04. Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.........................................28 Section 2.05. Holder Lists................................................................28 Section 2.06. Transfer and Exchange.......................................................28 Section 2.07. Replacement Notes...........................................................40 Section 2.08. Outstanding Notes...........................................................40 Section 2.09. Treasury Notes..............................................................41 Section 2.10. Temporary Notes.............................................................41 Section 2.11. Cancellation................................................................41 Section 2.12. Defaulted Interest..........................................................42 Section 2.13. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers......................................................42 ARTICLE 3. REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT........................................................42 Section 3.01. Notices to Trustee..........................................................42 Section 3.02. Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed...........................................42 Section 3.03. Notice of Redemption........................................................43 Section 3.04. Effect of Notice of Redemption..............................................44 Section 3.05. Deposit of Redemption Price.................................................44 Section 3.06. Notes Redeemed in Part......................................................44 Section 3.07. Optional Redemption.........................................................44 Section 3.08. Repurchase at the Option of Holders.........................................46
i ARTICLE 4. COVENANTS........................................................................48 Section 4.01. Payment of Notes............................................................48 Section 4.02. Maintenance of Office or Agency.............................................48 Section 4.03. Reports.....................................................................49 Section 4.04. Compliance Certificate......................................................49 Section 4.05. Taxes.......................................................................50 Section 4.06. Stay, Extension and Usury Laws..............................................50 Section 4.07. Restricted Payments.........................................................50 Section 4.08. Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries................................................................53 Section 4.09. Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock..................55 Section 4.10. No Guarantees of Parent Indebtedness........................................58 Section 4.11. Transactions with Affiliates................................................58 Section 4.12. Liens.......................................................................59 Section 4.13. Future Subsidiary Guarantors................................................60 Section 4.14. Corporate Existence.........................................................60 Section 4.15. Asset Sales.................................................................60 Section 4.16. Change of Control...........................................................62 Section 4.17. Business Activities.........................................................63 Section 4.18. Sale and Leaseback Transactions.............................................63 Section 4.19. Payments for Consent........................................................63 ARTICLE 5. SUCCESSORS.......................................................................63 Section 5.01. Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Assets....................................63 Section 5.02. Successor Company Substituted...............................................64 Section 5.03. Subsidiary Guarantors.......................................................64 ARTICLE 6. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES............................................................65 Section 6.01. Events of Default...........................................................65 Section 6.02. Acceleration................................................................67 Section 6.03. Other Remedies..............................................................67 Section 6.04. Waiver of Past Defaults.....................................................67 Section 6.05. Control by Majority.........................................................68 Section 6.06. Limitation on Suits.........................................................68 Section 6.07. Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment...............................68 Section 6.08. Collection Suit by Trustee..................................................68
ii Section 6.09. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim............................................69 Section 6.10. Priorities..................................................................69 Section 6.11. Undertaking for Costs.......................................................70 Section 6.12. Restoration of Rights and Remedies..........................................70 Section 6.13. Rights and Remedies Cumulative..............................................70 Section 6.14. No Avoidance of Premium.....................................................70 Section 6.15. Delay or Omission Not Waiver................................................70 ARTICLE 7. TRUSTEE..........................................................................71 Section 7.01. Duties of Trustee...........................................................71 Section 7.02. Rights of Trustee...........................................................72 Section 7.03. Individual Rights of Trustee................................................72 Section 7.04. Trustee's Disclaimer........................................................73 Section 7.05. Notice of Defaults..........................................................73 Section 7.06. Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes..................................73 Section 7.07. Compensation and Indemnity..................................................73 Section 7.08. Replacement of Trustee......................................................74 Section 7.09. Successor Trustee by Merger, etc............................................75 Section 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification...............................................75 Section 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuer............................76 ARTICLE 8. NOTE GUARANTEES..................................................................76 Section 8.01. Note Guarantees.............................................................76 Section 8.02. Additional Guarantees.......................................................77 Section 8.03. Limitation on Guarantor Liability...........................................78 Section 8.04. Merger and Consolidation of Guarantors......................................78 Section 8.05. Release.....................................................................78 ARTICLE 9. AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER.................................................79 Section 9.01. Without Consent of Holders of Notes.........................................79 Section 9.02. With Consent of Holders of Notes............................................80 Section 9.03. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.........................................81 Section 9.04. Revocation and Effect of Consents...........................................81 Section 9.05. Notation on or Exchange of Notes............................................81 Section 9.06. Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc.............................................81 Section 10.02. Covenant Defeasance.........................................................83 Section 10.03. Application of Trust Money..................................................84
iii Section 10.04. Repayment to Issuer.........................................................84 ARTICLE 11. MISCELLANEOUS....................................................................85 Section 11.01. Trust Indenture Act Controls................................................85 Section 11.02. Notices.....................................................................85 Section 11.03. Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes.......................................................................86 Section 11.04. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent..........................87 Section 11.05. Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion...............................87 Section 11.06. Rules by Trustee and Agents.................................................87 Section 11.07. No personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders................................................................87 Section 11.08. Governing Law...............................................................88 Section 11.09. No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements...............................88 Section 11.10. Successors..................................................................88 Section 11.11. Severability................................................................88 Section 11.12. Counterpart Originals.......................................................88 Section 11.13. Table of Contents, Headings, etc............................................88
EXHIBITS Exhibit A: FORM OF NOTE Exhibit B: FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER Exhibit C: FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE Exhibit D: FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE iv CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE* TRUST INDENTURE ACT TIA Section Indenture Section - ------------ ----------------- 310 (a)(1)........................................................7.10 (a)(2) .......................................................7.10 (a)(3)........................................................N.A. (a)(4)........................................................N.A. (a)(5)........................................................7.10 (i)(b)........................................................7.10 (ii)(c).......................................................N.A. 311 (a)...........................................................7.11 (b)...........................................................7.11 (iii)(c)......................................................N.A. 312 (a)...........................................................2.06 (b)...........................................................10.03 (iv)(c).......................................................10.03 313 (a)...........................................................7.06 (b)(2)........................................................7.07 (v)(c)........................................................7.06;10.02 (vi)(d).......................................................7.06 314 (a)...........................................................4.03; 4.04(a); 10.02 (c)(1)........................................................10.04 (c)(2)........................................................10.04 (c)(3)........................................................N.A. (vii)(e)......................................................10.05 (f)...........................................................N.A. 315 (a)...........................................................7.01 (b)...........................................................7.05,10.02 (A)(c)........................................................7.01 (d)...........................................................7.01 (e)...........................................................6.11 316 (a)(last sentence)............................................2.10 (a)(1)(A).....................................................6.05 (a)(1)(B).....................................................6.04 (a)(2)........................................................N.A. (b)...........................................................6.07 (B)(c)........................................................2.12 317 (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 this Indenture. v INDENTURE, dated as of April 22, 2002 (the "Indenture"), among Champion Home Builders, Co., a Michigan corporation (the "Issuer"), Champion Enterprises, Inc. ("Parent"), the Subsidiary Guarantors identified herein (the "Subsidiary Guarantors," and together with Parent, the "Guarantors") and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the "Trustee"). The Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007 (the "Initial Notes") and the 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007 to be issued in exchange for such Initial Notes in the Exchange Offer (the "Exchange Notes" and, together with the Initial Notes and any notes that may be issued in the future in accordance with Section 2.01(d), the "Notes"): ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE Section 1.01. DEFINITIONS. "144A Global Note" means a global note in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of, and registered in the name of, the Depositary or its nominee that shall be issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes sold in reliance on Rule 144A. "Additional Interest" has the meaning set forth in Section 6 of the Registration Rights Agreement. "Additional Notes" means any additional notes that the Issuer may issue pursuant to Section 2.01 of this Indenture. "Acquired Debt" means, with respect to any specified Person, (1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, including, without limitation, Indebtedness Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into or becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person; provided, however, that any such Indebtedness that is redeemed, defeased, retired or otherwise repaid at the time of or immediately following consummation of the transaction by which such Person becomes or merges with or into Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary shall not be Acquired Debt, and (2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person; provided, however, that any such Indebtedness that is redeemed, defeased, retired or otherwise repaid at the time of or immediately following consummation of the transaction by which such asset is acquired shall not be Acquired Debt. "Affiliate" of any specified Person means (1) any other Person, directly or indirectly, controlling or controlled by or (2) 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; provided, however, that beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the voting securities of a Person shall be deemed to be control. The terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing. "Applicable Procedures" means, with respect to any transfer or exchange of or for any beneficial interests in any Global Note, the rules and the procedures of the Depositary that apply to such transfer or exchange. "Asset Sale" means (1) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of any assets or rights (including, without limitation, by way of a sale and leaseback) other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices; provided, however, that the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Parent and Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole shall be governed by the provisions of Section 4.16 and Article 5 and not by the provisions of Section 4.15; and (2) the issue or sale by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary, in the case of either clause (1) or (2), whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (a) that have a fair market value in excess of $1.0 million or (b) for Net Proceeds in excess of $1.0 million. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the following shall constitute Asset Sales: (I) sales, leases, conveyances or other dispositions of assets (i) by Parent or the Issuer to a Subsidiary Guarantor, (ii) by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Issuer or to a Subsidiary Guarantor or (iii) by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor to another Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor; (II) issuances or sales of Equity Interests (i) by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Issuer, (ii) by a Restricted Subsidiary to a Subsidiary Guarantor or (iii) by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor to another Restricted Subsidiary that is not Subsidiary Guarantor; (III) Restricted Payments that are permitted under Section 4.07; (IV) sales, leases, conveyances or other dispositions of damaged, worn-out or obsolete equipment or assets that, in the Issuer's reasonable judgment, are no longer either used or useful in the business of Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary; 2 (V) sales, leases, conveyances or other dispositions of unused equipment and surplus real property for Net Proceeds not to exceed $2.0 million in the aggregate for all such transactions; provided, however, that Parent or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary shall have received at least the fair market value of the property disposed of pursuant to this clause (V); (VI) sales, conveyances or other dispositions in the ordinary course of business and for value of Financial Assets by Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent in connection with any Securitization Transaction; and (VII) sales or other dispositions of Cash or Cash Equivalents. "Attributable Debt" in respect of a Sale/Leaseback Transaction means, as at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at the interest rate borne by the Notes, compounded annually) of the total obligations of the lessee for net rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in such Sale/Leaseback Transaction (including any period for which such lease has been extended). The term "net rental payments" under any lease for any period shall mean the sum of the rental and other payments required to be paid in such period by the lessee thereunder, not including, however, any amounts required to be paid by such lessee on account of maintenance and repairs, reconstruction, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges required to be paid by such lessee thereunder or any amounts required to be paid by such lessee thereunder contingent upon the amount of sales, maintenance and repairs, reconstruction, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges. Attributable Debt may be reduced by the present value of the rental obligations, calculated on the same basis, that any sublessee has for all or part of the applicable property. "Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors. "Beneficial Owner" has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act. The terms "Beneficially Owns" and "Beneficially Owned" have a corresponding meaning. "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of the applicable Person or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such Board. "Board Resolution" means, with respect to Parent or the Issuer, as applicable, a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of Parent or the Issuer, as applicable, to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors of Parent or the Issuer, as applicable, and to be in full force and effect on the date of certification, and delivered to the Trustee. "Borrowing Base" means the sum of: (1) 60% of the lesser of the wholesale invoice and expected sale price of the completed manufactured homes inventory of Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries; (2) 60% of the lesser of the market value and book value of the other inventory of Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries; and 3 (3) 75% of the book value of the accounts receivable of Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the value of any inventory in the case of clauses (1) and (2) and of accounts receivable in the case of clause (3) that is subject to a Lien with respect to Indebtedness other than under Working Capital Financing Lines shall be excluded from the total book value of such inventory and accounts receivable when calculating the Borrowing Base. "Business Day" means each day which is not a Legal Holiday. "Capital Lease Obligation" means an obligation that is required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP, and the amount of Indebtedness represented by such obligation shall be the capitalized amount of such obligation determined in accordance with GAAP; and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date upon which such lease may be terminated by the lessee without payment of a penalty. "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. "Cash Equivalents" means: (1) United States dollars; (2) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof having maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition; (3) certificates of deposit and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition, bankers' acceptances with maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any domestic commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of $500 million and a Thompson Bank Watch Rating of "B" or better; (4) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2) and (3) above entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (3) above; (5) commercial paper having the highest rating obtainable from Moody's or one of the two highest ratings from S&P with maturities of not more than six months from the date of acquisition; and (6) securities issued by any fund with total assets in excess of $500.0 million that invests at least 85% of its assets in investments of the types described in clauses (1) through (5) above. "Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following: 4 (1) 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 Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole to any "person" (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act); (2) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of Parent or the Issuer; (3) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any "person" (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) 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 the Parent has knowledge 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 total of the Voting Stock of Parent (measured by voting power rather than number of shares); (4) individuals who on the Issue Date constituted the Board of Directors of Parent (together with any new directors whose election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the shareholders of Parent was approved by a vote of a majority of the directors of Parent then still in office who were either directors on the Issue Date or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute the majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Parent; or (5) Parent consolidates with, or merges with or into, any Person or sells, assigns, conveys, transfers, leases or otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of its assets to any Person, or any Person consolidates with, or merges with or into, Parent, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of the outstanding Voting Stock of Parent is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where the Voting Stock of Parent 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). "Clearstream" means Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme, Luxembourg. "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. "Consolidated Cash Flow" means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period plus (each to the extent included or deducted, as the case may be, in calculating such Consolidated Net Income and determined in accordance with GAAP) the sum for such period, without duplication, of: (1) an amount equal to any extraordinary loss plus any net gain realized in connection with an Asset Sale; (2) provision for state single business taxes and taxes based on income or profits of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries; 5 (3) consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, whether paid or accrued and whether or not capitalized (including, without limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers' acceptance financings, and net payments (if any) pursuant to Hedging Obligations); and (4) depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses (including amortization of goodwill and other intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period or that shall be paid prior to the maturity of the Notes and excluding charges for goodwill impairment charges to the extent such amounts have been added to Consolidated Net Income in accordance with clause (4) of the definition thereof) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries; minus (5) non-cash items increasing such Consolidated Net Income (other than items that were accrued in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provision for taxes on the income or profits of, and the depreciation and amortization and other non-cash charges of, a Restricted Subsidiary shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute Consolidated Cash Flow of Parent only to the extent (and in same proportion) that the net income of such Restricted Subsidiary was included in calculating the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and only if a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of determination to be paid as a dividend to Parent by such Restricted Subsidiary without prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained), and without direct or indirect restriction pursuant to the terms of its charter and all agreements, instruments, judgments, decrees, orders, statutes, rules and governmental regulations applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders. "Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the net income (loss) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries (for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP); provided, however, that (1) the net income (but not loss) of any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions paid in cash to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary Guarantor, (2) the net income of any Restricted Subsidiary shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that net income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, (3) the net income (but not loss) of any Person acquired in a pooling of interests transaction for any period prior to the date of such acquisition shall be excluded, and (4) any deduction from net income for goodwill impairment charges shall be added to net income for the purpose of calculating Consolidated Net Income, and 6 (5) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be excluded. "Consolidated Tangible Assets" means, with respect to Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, the total consolidated assets of Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, less applicable reserves and all goodwill, trade names, trademarks and any other intangible assets, all as set forth on the consolidated balance sheet of Parent and such Restricted Subsidiaries for the most recently completed fiscal quarter for which financial statements are publicly available and calculated in accordance with GAAP. "Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee" shall be at the address of the Trustee specified in Section 11.02 hereof or such other address as to which the Trustee may give notice to the Issuer, except that for purposes of Section 4.02(b), it shall be the office of the Trustee located at 55 Water Street, 1st Floor, Jeanette Park Entrance, New York, New York 10041. "Credit Facilities" means one or more debt facilities with banks or other institutional lenders, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time. "Currency Agreement" means, in respect of a Person, any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or other similar agreement designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in currency values. "Custodian" means the Trustee, as custodian with respect to the Global Notes, or any successor thereto. "Default" means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default. "Definitive Note" means a certificated Note registered in the name of the Holder thereof and issued in accordance with Section 2.06 hereof, in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto except that such Note shall not bear the Global Note Legend and shall not have the "Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note" attached thereto. "Depositary" means, with respect to the Notes issuable or issued in whole or in part in global form, the person specified in Section 2.03 hereof as the Depositary with respect to the Notes, and any and all successors thereto appointed as depositary hereunder and having become such pursuant to the applicable provision of this Indenture. "Disqualified Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock which by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable at the option of the holder) or upon the happening of any event: (1) matures or is mandatorily redeemable pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise; (2) is convertible or exchangeable at the option of the holder for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock; or (3) is mandatorily redeemable or must be purchased upon the occurrence of certain events or otherwise, in whole or in part; 7 in each case on or prior to the first anniversary of the Stated Maturity of the Notes; provided, however, that the Existing Preferred Stock shall not be considered to be Disqualified Stock. "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). "Euroclear" means Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Brussels office, as operator of the Euroclear System. "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. "Exchange Notes" means the Notes to be issued in the Exchange Offer pursuant to Section 2.06 hereof. "Exchange Offer Registration Statement" has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement. "Exchanging Dealer" has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement. "Existing Indebtedness" means the Indebtedness of Parent, the Issuer and their Restricted Subsidiaries in existence on the Issue Date, until such amounts are repaid. "Existing Preferred Stock" means up to 35,000 shares of Parent's Series C 5% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, with a stated value per share of $1,000, and the related warrant dated April 2, 2002 for 1,082,720 shares of Parent's common stock, par value $1.00 per share, subject to adjustment, and up to 32,000 shares of Parent's Series B 5% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, with a stated value of $1,000 per share, each as provided for in the Agreements between Parent and Fletcher International, Ltd. dated June 29, 2001 and March 29, 2002. "Financial Assets" means mortgages, instruments, promissory notes, chattel paper, purchase-money obligations, installment sales contracts, rights to receive rent and other rights to payment of money, in each case owing to Parent or any Subsidiary, or any interest in any of the foregoing, together in each case with any collections or other proceeds thereof, any and all lockboxes and collection or deposit accounts related thereto, and any and all collateral, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, leases or other property or claims supporting or securing payment by any obligor thereon or providing for rights against property. "Fixed Charges" means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum, without duplication, in each case, on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP, of: (1) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued (including, without limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers' acceptance financings, and net payments (if any) pursuant to Hedging Obligations); 8 (2) the consolidated interest of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period; (3) any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is Guaranteed by such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a Lien on assets of such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries; and (4) the product of (a) all dividend payments, whether or not in cash, on any series of Preferred Stock of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than dividend payments on Equity Interests payable solely in Equity Interests of the Issuer (other than Disqualified Stock), times (b) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate of such Person, expressed as a decimal (other than dividend payments that are deductible for income tax purposes, in which case the denominator for such dividend payments shall be one). "Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" means with respect to any Person for any period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period. In the event that Parent, the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, Guarantees or redeems any Indebtedness (other than revolving credit borrowings under any Working Capital Financing Lines or Floor-Plan Financing Plans) or issues Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated but on or prior to the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the "Calculation Date"), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, Guarantee or redemption of Indebtedness, or such issuance or redemption of Preferred Stock, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter reference period. In addition, for purposes of making the computation referred to above, (1) acquisitions that have been made by Parent, the Issuer or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers or consolidations and including any related financing transactions, during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to the Calculation Date shall be deemed to have occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period and Consolidated Cash Flow for such reference period shall be calculated without giving effect to clause (3) of the proviso set forth in the definition of Consolidated Net Income; (2) the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded; and (3) the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges shall not be obligations of the referent Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date. 9 "Floor-Plan Financing Lines" means Indebtedness in the form of mortgage financings or purchase money obligations used solely to fund working capital or the acquisition of the same or similar property; provided, however, that such Indebtedness (i) is provided by a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Issuer, (ii) is secured by otherwise unencumbered retail inventory, related property and equipment and the proceeds thereof of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary and (iii) which otherwise constitutes Non-Recourse Debt. "Foreign Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary not created or organized in the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia. "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect as of the Issue Date, including those set forth in: (1) the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; (2) statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board; (3) such other statements by such other entity as approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession; and (4) 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. "Global Note Legend" means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(ii), which is required to be placed on all Global Notes issued under this Indenture. "Global Notes" means, individually and collectively, each of the Restricted Global Notes and the Unrestricted Global Notes in the form of Exhibit A hereto issued in accordance with Section 2.01, 2.06(b)(iv), 2.06(c) or 2.06(f) hereof. "Guarantee" means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any Person and any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person: (1) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation of such Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise); or (2) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part); provided, however, that the term "Guarantee" shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices. The 10 term "Guarantee" used as a verb has a corresponding meaning. The term "Guarantor" shall mean any Person Guaranteeing any obligation. "Guaranty Agreement" means a supplemental indenture, in a form satisfactory to the Trustee, pursuant to which a Person Guarantees the Issuer's obligations with respect to the Notes on the terms provided in this Indenture. "Hedging Obligations" of any Person means the obligations of such Person pursuant to any Interest Rate Agreement or Currency Agreement. "Holder" or "Noteholder" means the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the Registrar's books. "Incur" means issue, assume, Guarantee, incur or otherwise become liable for; provided, however, that any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of Parent (whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be Incurred by such Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Subsidiary. The term "Incurrence" when used as a noun shall have a correlative meaning. The accretion of principal of a non-interest bearing or other discount security shall not be deemed the Incurrence of Indebtedness. "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person on any date of determination (without duplication): (1) the principal in respect of (a) indebtedness of such Person for money borrowed and (b) indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments for the payment of which such Person is responsible or liable, including, in each case, any premium on such indebtedness to the extent such premium has become due and payable; (2) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person and all Attributable Debt in respect of Sale/Leaseback Transactions entered into by such Person; (3) all obligations of such Person (contingent or otherwise) issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations of such Person and all obligations of such Person under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices); (4) all obligations of such Person for the reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of credit, banker's acceptance or similar credit transaction (other than obligations with respect to letters of credit securing obligations (other than obligations described in clauses (1) through (3) above) entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices of such Person to the extent such letters of credit are not drawn upon or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed no later than the tenth Business Day following payment on the letter of credit); 11 (5) the amount of all obligations of such Person with respect to the redemption, repayment or other repurchase of any Disqualified Stock or, with respect to any Subsidiary of such Person, the liquidation preference with respect to any Preferred Stock (but excluding, in each case, any accrued dividends); (6) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (5) of other Persons and all dividends of other Persons for the payment of which, in either case, such Person is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, including by means of any Guarantee; (7) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (6) of other Persons secured by any Lien on any property or asset of such Person (whether or not such obligation is assumed by such Person), the amount of such obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the value of such property or assets or the amount of the obligation so secured; and (8) to the extent not otherwise included in this definition, Hedging Obligations of such Person. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and with respect to contingent obligations, the amount of liability required by GAAP to be accrued or reflected on the most recently published balance sheet of such Person. "Indenture" means this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with Article 9 hereof. "Indirect Participant" means a person who holds a beneficial interest in a Global Note through a Participant. "Initial Notes" means $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Notes issued under this Indenture on the date hereof. "Initial Purchasers" means Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and First Union Securities, Inc. "Institutional Accredited Investor" means an "accredited investor" within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act. "Interest Rate Agreement" means, in respect of a Person, any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement or other financial agreement or arrangement designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in interest rates. "Investments" means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of direct or indirect loans (including Guarantees of Indebtedness or other Obligations), advances of assets or capital contributions (excluding commission, travel and entertainment, moving, and similar advances to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities, together with all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP. If Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary sells or otherwise disposes of 12 any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary, Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the fair market value of the Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary not sold or disposed of in an amount determined as provided in Section 4.07(a)(iii)(d). "Issue Date" means the date on which the Initial Notes are originally issued. "Legal Holiday" is a Saturday, a Sunday, a day on which banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of New York or any day on which the Federal Reserve System Fedwire is not scheduled to be operational. "Letter of Transmittal" means the letter of transmittal to be prepared by the Issuer and sent to all Holders of the Notes for use by such Holders in connection with the Exchange Offer. "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof). "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or any successor to the rating agency business thereof. "Net Proceeds" means the aggregate cash proceeds or Cash Equivalents received by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale), net of all costs relating to such Asset Sale (including, without limitation, legal, accounting, investment banking and brokers fees, and sales and underwriting commissions) and any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements) and any reserve for adjustment in respect of the sale price of such asset or assets established in accordance with GAAP. "Non-Recourse Debt" means, with respect to any Person, Indebtedness (or any portion thereof) of such Person for which the sole legal recourse for collection of principal, premium, and interest on such Indebtedness is against the specific property identified in the instruments evidencing or securing such Indebtedness, which property was acquired with the proceeds of such Indebtedness or such Indebtedness was Incurred within 180 days after the acquisition of such property, without any liability on the part of any such Person for any deficiency with respect to principal, premium or interest; provided, however, that Indebtedness that is otherwise Non-Recourse Debt shall not lose its character as Non-Recourse Debt because there is recourse to the borrower, any guarantor or any other Person for (a) environmental warranties and indemnities or (b) indemnities for and liabilities arising from fraud, misrepresentation, waste, mechanics' liens and misapplication or non-payment of rents, profits, insurance, condemnation proceeds and other sums actually received by the borrower from secured assets to be paid to the lender. "Non-U.S. Person" means a Person who is not a U.S. Person. 13 "Note Guarantee" means each of the Parent's Guarantee of the Notes and each Subsidiary Guarantee. "Notes" has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble to this Indenture. "Officer" means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, any Senior Executive Vice President or any Vice President of such Person. "Officers' Certificate" means, with respect to either Parent or the Issuer, a certificate signed on behalf of Parent or the Issuer, as applicable, by at least two Officers of Parent or the Issuer, one of whom must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of Parent or the Issuer, as applicable, that meets the requirements of Sections 11.04 and 11.05, where applicable. "Opinion of Counsel" means an opinion of legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, that meets the requirements of Sections 11.04 and 11.05 hereof. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to Parent, the Issuer, any Subsidiary of the Issuer or the Trustee. "Participant" means, with respect to the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, a person who has an account with the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, respectively, and, with respect to the Depository Trust Company, shall include Euroclear and Clearstream. "Paying Agent" means, initially, the Trustee. "Permitted Business" means the lines of business conducted or proposed to be conducted by Parent and its Subsidiaries on the Issue Date and businesses reasonably related thereto, including financing of products and services to be provided by a Subsidiary of Parent, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of Parent and the Issuer and evidenced by a Board Resolution. "Permitted Investments" means an Investment by Parent, the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary: (1) in a Restricted Subsidiary or a Person that will, upon the making of such Investment, become a Restricted Subsidiary; (2) in another Person if as a result of such Investment such other Person is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all its assets to, a Restricted Subsidiary; (3) in cash and Cash Equivalents; (4) in Hedging Obligations; (5) existing on the Issue Date; 14 (6) through the acquisition of any assets or inventory in fulfillment of the obligations of Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary to repurchase assets or inventory in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices; (7) in receivables owing to Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary if created or acquired in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms; provided, however, that such trade terms may include such concessionary trade terms as Parent or any such Restricted Subsidiary deems reasonable under the circumstances; (8) in loans or advances to retailers in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices and not to exceed $5.0 million outstanding at any one time; (9) in Financial Assets originated by any Person in connection with the financing of the sale or lease of products or services by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary or any similar products or services by another Person provided that the principal amount (including the capitalized portion of leases) of such Financial Assets does not exceed the sales price of the underlying products or services at the time of such Investment; (10) in payroll, travel and similar advances to cover matters that are expected at the time of such advances ultimately to be treated as expenses for accounting purposes and that are made in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices; (11) in loans or advances to employees made in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices of Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary may make up to $2.0 million of loans or advances to employees in the ordinary course of business regardless of industry practices of Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary; (12) in stock, obligations or securities received in settlement of debts owing to Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary or in satisfaction of judgments; (13) in any Person to the extent such Investment represents the non-cash portion of the consideration received for an Asset Sale as permitted pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.15; (14) acquired by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary (a) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by Parent or any such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer of such other Investment or accounts receivable or (b) as a result of a foreclosure by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default; (15) in assets used or useful in, or any Person engaged in, a Permitted Business, provided however, that the fair market value of such assets (measured as of the date made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), together with all other 15 Investments pursuant to this clause (15), shall not exceed 5% of the Consolidated Tangible Assets of Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries at the time of such Investment, and provided further, that no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused by such Investment; and (16) any Investment made in a Special Purpose Vehicle in connection with a Securitization Transaction or to provide adequate capital to a Special Purpose Vehicle in anticipation of one or more Securitization Transactions. "Permitted Liens" means, with respect to any Person: (1) pledges or deposits by such Person under worker's compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith pledges or deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits in connection with self-insurance arrangements, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or United States government bonds to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party, or deposits as security for contested taxes or import duties or for the payment of rent, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices; (2) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers', warehousemen's and mechanics' Liens; (3) Liens for taxes, assessments, governmental charges or levies not yet subject to penalties for non-payment or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings; (4) Liens in favor of issuers of surety bonds or letters of credit issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business; provided, however, that such letters of credit do not constitute Indebtedness; (5) minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real property or Liens incidental to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which were not Incurred in connection with Indebtedness and which do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person; (6) Liens securing Indebtedness Incurred to finance the construction, purchase or lease of, or repairs, improvements or additions to, property (including Capital Stock) of such Person; provided, however, that the Lien may not extend to any other property owned by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries at the time the Lien is Incurred, and the Indebtedness (other than any interest thereon) secured by the Lien may not be Incurred more than 360 days (or thereafter if such Lien is created pursuant to a firm commitment to lend entered into within such 360-day period) after the later of the acquisition, completion of construction, repair, improvement, addition or commencement of full operation of the property subject to the Lien; (7) Liens existing on the Issue Date; 16 (8) Liens on property or shares of Capital Stock of another Person at the time such other Person becomes a Subsidiary of such Person; provided, however, that such Lien may not extend to any other property owned by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries; (9) Liens on property at the time such Person or any of its Subsidiaries acquires the property, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person; provided, however, that the Liens may not extend to any other property owned by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries; (10) Liens securing Indebtedness under Working Capital Financing Lines and Floor-Plan Financing Lines Incurred in accordance with Section 4.09; (11) Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of a Subsidiary of such Person owing to such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person; (12) Liens securing Hedging Obligations; (13) Liens to secure any Refinancing (or successive Refinancings) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (6), (7), (8), (9) and (10); provided, however, that: (a) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property that secured the original Lien (plus improvements to or on such property); and (b) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (I) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses (6), (7), (8), (9) or (10) of this definition at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien and (II) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement; (14) any Lien incurred or assumed in connection with the issuance by a state or political subdivision thereof of any securities, or any Lien securing any letters of credit issued in support of such securities, the interest on which is exempt from Federal income taxes by virtue of Section 103 of the Code, or any other laws and regulations in effect at the time of such issuance; (15) Liens in favor of, or required by contracts with, governmental entities; (16) Liens on assets of a Special Purpose Vehicle arising in connection with a Securitization Transaction; 17 (17) Liens securing Indebtedness under any Warehouse Facility Incurred in accordance with Section 4.09; provided, however, such Liens may not extend to any assets or property other than Financial Assets; and (18) Liens arising out of judgments against Parent or its Subsidiaries being contested in good faith by Parent or such Subsidiary. For purposes of this definition, the term "Indebtedness" shall be deemed to include interest, fees and expenses on such Indebtedness. "Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness or Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of Parent or any Indebtedness of Restricted Subsidiary issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund other Indebtedness of Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than intercompany Indebtedness); provided, however, that: (1) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of (or accreted value, if applicable), plus accrued and unpaid interest on, any Indebtedness so extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded (plus the amount of reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith); (2) except with respect to Existing Indebtedness of Parent, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date later than the date that is six months after the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded; (3) if the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded is contractually subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is contractually subordinated in right of payment to, the Notes on terms at least as favorable to the Holders of Notes as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded; and (4) such Indebtedness is Incurred either (i) except with respect to Existing Indebtedness of Parent, by Parent if Parent is the obligor on Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed replaced, defeased or refunded, or (ii) by a Restricted Subsidiary with respect to Existing Indebtedness of Parent or if a Subsidiary Guarantor is the obligor on the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded or (iii) by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor if a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor is the obligor on the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded. "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. 18 "Preferred Stock", as applied to the Capital Stock of any Person, means Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred as to the payment of dividends or distributions, or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such Person. "Private Placement Legend" means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(i) to be placed on all Notes issued under this Indenture except where otherwise permitted by the provisions of this Indenture. "QIB" means a "qualified institutional buyer" as defined in Rule 144A. "Refinance" means, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay, prepay, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue other Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness. "Refinanced" and "Refinancing" shall have correlative meanings. "Registered Exchange Offer" has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement. "Registration Rights Agreement" means the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 22, 2002, by and among the Issuer, Parent and the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers, as such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time and, with respect to any Additional Notes, one or more registration rights agreements among the Issuer, Parent and the Subsidiary Guarantors and the other parties thereto, as such agreement(s) may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, relating to rights given by the Issuer to the purchasers of Additional Notes to register such Additional Notes under the Securities Act. "Regulation S" means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act. "Regulation S Global Notes" means a Regulation S Temporary Global Note or Regulation S Permanent Global Note, as appropriate. "Regulation S Permanent Global Note" means a permanent Global Note in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note upon expiration of the Restricted Period. "Regulation S Temporary Global Note" means a temporary global Note in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Private Placement Legend and Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes initially sold in reliance on Rule 903 of Regulation S. "Responsible Officer," when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer assigned by the Trustee to administer corporate trust matters and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his or her knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject. 19 "Restricted Definitive Note" means a Definitive Note bearing the Private Placement Legend. "Restricted Global Note" means a permanent Global Note in substantially the form of Exhibit A attached hereto that bears the Global Note Legend and that has the "Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note" attached thereto, and that is deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary, representing Notes that bear the Private Placement Legend. "Restricted Payment" with respect to any Person means: (1) the declaration or payment of any dividends or any other distributions of any sort in respect of its Capital Stock (including any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving such Person) or similar payment to the direct or indirect holders of its Capital Stock (other than dividends or distributions payable solely in its Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) and dividends or distributions payable solely to a Restricted Subsidiary (but not to Parent), and other than pro rata dividends or other distributions made by a Subsidiary that is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary to minority stockholders (or owners of an equivalent interest in the case of a Subsidiary that is an entity other than a corporation)); (2) the purchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Capital Stock of Parent held by any Person or of any Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary held by Parent or any Affiliate of Parent (other than a Restricted Subsidiary), including the exercise of any option to exchange any Capital Stock (other than into Capital Stock of Parent that is not Disqualified Stock); (3) the purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value, prior to scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment of any Subordinated Obligations of such Person (other than the purchase, repurchase or other acquisition of Subordinated Obligations purchased in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of such purchase, repurchase or other acquisition); or (4) the making of any Investment (other than a Permitted Investment) in any Person. "Restricted Period" means the 40-day distribution compliance period as defined in Regulation S. "Restricted Subsidiary" means the Issuer and any Subsidiary of Parent that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary or a Special Purpose Vehicle; provided, however, that, on the Issue Date, all Subsidiaries of Parent, other than Champion Development Corp. and its Subsidiaries and Moduline Industries (Canada), Ltd., shall be Restricted Subsidiaries of the Issuer. "Rule 144" means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act. "Rule 144A" means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act. "Rule 903" means Rule 903 promulgated under the Securities Act. 20 "Rule 904" means Rule 904 promulgated the Securities Act. "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, a division of McGraw Hill, Inc., or any successor to the rating agency business thereof. "Sale/Leaseback Transaction" means an arrangement relating to property now owned or hereafter acquired whereby Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary transfers such property to a Person and Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary leases it from such Person. "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission. "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. "Securitization Transaction" means any sale, conveyance or other disposition by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of any Financial Asset or any interest therein to a Special Purpose Vehicle. "Shelf Registration Statement" means the Shelf Registration Statement as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement. "Significant Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary that would, directly or indirectly, be a "Significant Subsidiary" of Parent within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC. "Special Purpose Vehicle" means a bankruptcy-remote entity or trust or other special purpose entity which is formed by Parent, any Subsidiary of Parent or any other Person for the purpose of, and engages in no material business other than, acting as a buyer in a Securitization Transaction or other similar transactions of Financial Assets or other similar assets, financing the purchases it makes as such a buyer and realizing, directly or indirectly, on such Financial Assets or other assets. The Board of Directors of Parent may designate any Subsidiary (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be a Special Purpose Vehicle. The Board of Directors of Parent may designate any Special Purpose Vehicle to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that immediately after giving effect to such designation (I) Parent could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.09(a), and (II) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing. Any such designation by the Board of Directors of Parent shall be evidenced to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the Board Resolution giving effect to such designation and an officers' certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions. "Stated Maturity" means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the final payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision (but excluding any provision 21 providing for the repurchase of such security at the option of the holder thereof upon the happening of any contingency unless such contingency has occurred). "Subordinated Obligation" means, with respect to a Person, any Indebtedness of such Person (whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter Incurred) which is subordinate or junior in right of payment to the Notes, a Guarantee or a Subsidiary Guaranty of such Person, as the case may be, pursuant to a written agreement to that effect. "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, 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: (1) such Person; (2) such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person; or (3) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person. "Subsidiary Guarantor" means each Subsidiary of Parent that executes this Indenture as a Guarantor and each other Subsidiary of Parent that thereafter Guarantees the Notes pursuant to the terms of this Indenture. "Subsidiary Guarantee" means a Guarantee, including any Guaranty Agreement, on the terms set forth in this Indenture by a Subsidiary Guarantor of the Issuer's obligations with respect to the Notes. "TIA" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. "Unrestricted Global Note" means a permanent Global Note in substantially the form of Exhibit A attached hereto that bears the Global Note Legend and that has the "Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note" attached thereto, and that is deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary, representing Notes that do not bear the Private Placement Legend. "Unrestricted Definitive Note" means one or more Definitive Notes that do not bear and are not required to bear the Private Placement Legend. "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means: (1) any Subsidiary of Parent that at the time of determination shall be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by Parent's Board of Directors in the manner provided below; (2) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary; (3) Champion Development Corp. and its Subsidiaries; and (4) Moduline Industries (Canada), Ltd. 22 in each case, unless and until such Subsidiary is designated as a Restricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors of Parent and a Board Resolution to such effect is delivered to the Trustee. The Board of Directors of Parent may designate any Subsidiary (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Capital Stock or Indebtedness of, or holds any Lien on any property of, Parent or any other Subsidiary of Parent that is not a Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated; provided, however, that either (a) the Subsidiary to be so designated has total assets of $1,000 or less or (b) if such Subsidiary has assets greater than $1,000, such designation would be permitted under Section 4.07. The Board of Directors of Parent may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that immediately after giving effect to such designation (I) Parent could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.09(a), and (II) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing. Any such designation by the Board of Directors of Parent shall be evidenced to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the Board Resolution giving effect to such designation and an officers' certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions. "U.S. Government Obligations" means direct obligations (or certificates representing an ownership interest in such obligations) of the United States of America (including any agency or instrumentality thereof) for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged and which are not callable at the issuer's option. "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. "Warehouse Facility" means any Credit Facility entered into, or Guaranteed, by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to finance (i) the origination by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries of Financial Assets in the ordinary course of business or the acquisition in the ordinary course of Parent's or any of its Subsidiaries' business of Financial Assets originated by any other Person or (ii) the acquisition of Financial Assets by the obligor thereunder from Parent or a Subsidiary of Parent. "Weighted Average Life to Maturity" means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing (1) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying 23 (a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that shall elapse between such date and the making of such payment, by (2) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness. "Wholly Owned Subsidiary" means a Restricted Subsidiary, 100% of the outstanding Capital Stock and other Equity Interests of which is directly or indirectly owned by the Issuer. "Working Capital Financing Lines" means revolving credit Indebtedness, letters of credit (with letters of credit being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the maximum potential liability of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries thereunder) and related Guarantees under Credit Facilities; provided, however, that the proceeds of such Indebtedness may be Incurred only for working capital purposes and to fund interest and mandatory principal payments when due on Indebtedness. Section 1.02. OTHER DEFINITIONS.
Defined in ---------- Term Section - ---- ------- "Affiliate Transaction" Section 4.10 "Asset Sale Offer" Section 4.10 "Authentication Order Section 2.02 "Benefited Party" Section 8.01 "Change of Control Offer" Section 4.14 "Change of Control Payment" Section 4.14 "Change of Control Payment Date" Section 4.14 "Comparable Treasury Issue" Section 3.07 "Comparable Treasury Price" Section 3.07 "DTC" Section 2.03 "Event of Default" Section 6.01 "Excess Proceeds" Section 4.15 "Independent Investment Banker" Section 3.07 "Interest Payment Date" Section 2.03 "Offer Amount" Section 3.02 "Offer Period" Section 3.02 "Paying Agent" Section 2.03 "Payment Default" Section 6.01 "Purchase Date" Section 3.02 "Regular Record Date" Section 2.03 "Reference Treasury Dealer" Section 3.07 "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" Section 3.07 "Registrar" Section 2.03 "Repurchase Offer" Section 3.02 "Treasury Yield" Section 3.07
24 Section 1.03. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF TRUST INDENTURE ACT. (a) Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture. (b) The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the following meanings: "indenture securities" means the Notes; "indenture security holder" means a holder of a Note; "indenture to be qualified" means this Indenture; "indenture trustee" or "institutional trustee" means the Trustee; and "obligor" on the Notes means the Issuer and any successor obligor upon the Notes. (c) All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined in the TIA by reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule under the TIA have the meanings so assigned to them. Section 1.04. Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires: (a) a term has the meaning assigned to it; (b) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP; (c) "or" is not exclusive; (d) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular; (e) "including" means "including without limitation;" (f) references to sections of or rules under the Securities Act shall be deemed to include substitute, replacement or successor sections or rules adopted by the SEC from time to time; and (g) references in this Indenture to "Article" and "Section" shall be to the Articles and Sections of this Indenture unless expressly indicated otherwise. 25 ARTICLE 2. THE NOTES Section 2.01. Form and Dating. (a) General. The Notes and the Trustee's certificate of authentication shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule, agreement or usage. Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Notes shall be in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. The terms and provisions contained in the Notes shall constitute, and are hereby expressly made, a part of this Indenture and, to the extent applicable, the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and to be bound thereby. However, to the extent any provision of any Note conflicts with the express provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture shall govern and be controlling. (b) Form of Notes. Notes issued in global form shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto (including the Global Note Legend thereon and the "Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note" attached thereto). Notes issued in definitive form shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto (but without the Global Note Legend thereon and without the "Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note" attached thereto). Each Global Note shall represent such of the outstanding Notes as shall be specified therein and each shall provide that it shall represent the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges and redemptions. Any endorsement of a Global Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee or the Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in accordance with instructions given by the Holder thereof as required by Section 2.06 hereof. (c) Euroclear and Clearstream Procedures Applicable. The provisions of the "Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System" and "Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear" and the equivalent procedures of Clearstream shall be applicable to transfers of beneficial interests in Global Notes that are held by Participants through Euroclear or Clearstream. (d) Additional Notes. Subject to compliance with the provisions of Section 4.09 of this Indenture, the Issuer may issue Additional Notes under this Indenture. (e) Temporary Global Notes. Notes offered and sold in reliance on Regulation S shall be issued initially in the form of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note, which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Notes represented thereby with the Trustee, at its New York office, as custodian for the Depositary, and registered in the name of the Depositary or the nominee of the Depositary for the accounts of designated agents holding on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. Following the termination of the Restricted Period, beneficial interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall be exchanged for beneficial interests in Regulation S Permanent Global Notes pursuant to the Applicable Procedures. Simultaneously with the authentication of Regulation S Permanent Global Notes, the Trustee shall cancel the 26 Regulation S Temporary Global Note. The aggregate principal amount of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note and the Regulation S Permanent Global Notes may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee and the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, in connection with transfers of interest as hereinafter provided. Section 2.02. Execution and Authentication. (a) One Officer shall sign the Notes for the Issuer by manual or facsimile signature. The Issuer's seal may be reproduced on the Notes and may be in facsimile form. (b) If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time a Note is authenticated, the Note shall nevertheless be valid. (c) A Note shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of a Responsible Officer of the Trustee. The signature of a Responsible Officer of the Trustee on the certificate of authentication on a Note shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Indenture. (d) On the date hereof, the Trustee shall, upon a written order of the Issuer signed by an Officer (an "AUTHENTICATION ORDER"), authenticate the Initial Notes. From time to time, the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, and any documents required by Sections 7.02 and 11.04, authenticate Exchange Notes and, subject to Section 2.01(d), Additional Notes. (e) The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Issuer to authenticate Notes. An authenticating agent may authenticate Notes whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. Section 2.03. Registrar and Paying Agent. (a) The Issuer shall maintain an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange ("REGISTRAR") and an office or agency where Notes may be presented for payment ("PAYING AGENT"). The Registrar shall keep a register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange. The Issuer may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional Paying Agents. The term "Registrar" includes any co-registrar and the term "Paying Agent" includes any additional paying agent. The Issuer may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture. If the Issuer fails to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such. The Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar. (b) The Issuer initially appoints The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") to act as Depositary with respect to the Global Notes. Whenever this Indenture or any other document related hereto or thereto requires or permits actions to be taken based on instructions or directions of Holders of Notes evidencing a specified percentage of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, the Depositary shall be deemed to represent such percentage only to the extent that it has received instructions or directions to that effect from the Holders of the Notes and/or Indirect Participants or Participants owning or representing, respectively, such required percentage of the beneficial interest in the Notes, as shall be 27 conclusively evidenced by the Depositary's delivery of such instructions or directions to the Trustee. (c) The Issuer initially appoints the Trustee to act as the Registrar and Paying Agent and to act as Custodian with respect to the Global Notes. (d) The Global Notes shall be initially registered in the name of Cede & Co., nominee of DTC. Section 2.04. 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 shall hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal of, and premium, Additional Interest, if any, or interest on, the Notes, and shall 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 a Subsidiary of the Issuer) shall have no further liability for the money. If the Issuer or one of its Subsidiaries acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as Paying Agent. Upon any bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings relating to the Issuer, the Trustee shall serve as Paying Agent for the Notes. Section 2.05. 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 all Holders and shall otherwise comply with TIA ss. 312(a). If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee at least five Business Days or such shorter time as the Trustee may allow 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 the Holders of Notes, including the aggregate principal amount of Notes held by each Holder. Section 2.06. Transfer and Exchange. (a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. A Global Note may not be transferred as a whole except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary, by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or to another nominee of the Depositary, or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary. Global Notes shall be exchanged by the Issuer for Definitive Notes if (i) the Depositary (x) notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue to act as depositary for the Global Notes and the Issuer thereupon fails to appoint a successor Depositary, or (y) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and the Issuer fails to appoint a successor, and, in either case, a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Issuer within 90 days after the date of such notice from the Depositary, or (ii) the Issuer in its sole discretion determines that the Global Notes should be exchanged for Definitive Notes and delivers a written notice to such effect to the Trustee or (iii) subject to compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.06, upon the request of a Holder; provided, however, that in no event shall the Regulation S Temporary Global Note be exchanged by the Issuer for Definitive Notes prior to (A) the expiration of the Restricted Period 28 and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Regulation S, as determined by the Issuer. Upon the occurrence of any of the preceding events in (i), (ii) or (iii) above, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, and any documents required by Sections 7.02 and 11.04, Definitive Notes shall be executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee and issued in such names and such amounts as the Depositary shall instruct the Trustee. Global Notes also may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.07 and 2.10 hereof. A Global Note may not be exchanged for another Note other than as provided in Sections 2.06(a), 2.07, 2.10 and 9.05 hereof, although beneficial interests in a Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.06(b), (c), (d) or (f) hereof. (b) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in the Global Notes. The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes shall be effected through the Depositary, in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the Applicable Procedures. Beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes shall be subject to restrictions on transfer comparable to those set forth herein to the extent required by the Securities Act. Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall require compliance with either subparagraph (i) or (ii) below, as applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applicable: (i) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note. Beneficial interests in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Restricted Global Note in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Private Placement Legend; provided, however, that prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Global Note may not be made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than the Initial Purchasers). Beneficial interests in any Unrestricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. No written orders or instructions shall be required to be delivered to the Registrar to effect the transfers described in this Section 2.06(b)(i). (ii) All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. In connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests that are not subject to Section 2.06(b)(i) above, the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar either (A) (1) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in another Global Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2) instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures containing information regarding the Participant account to be credited with such increase or (B), subject to Section 2.06(a), (1) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to cause to be issued a Definitive Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2) instructions given by the Depositary to the Registrar containing information regarding the Person in whose name such Definitive Note shall be registered to effect the transfer or exchange referred to in (B)(1) above; provided, however, that in no event shall 29 Definitive Notes be issued upon the transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note prior to (x) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (y) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Regulation S, as determined by the Issuer. Upon consummation of an Exchange Offer by the Issuer in accordance with Section 2.06(f) hereof, the requirements of this Section 2.06(b)(ii) shall be deemed to have been satisfied upon receipt by the Registrar of the instructions contained in the Letter of Transmittal or in a comparable communication in accordance with the Applicable Procedures delivered by the Holder of such beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes. Upon satisfaction of all of the requirements for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this Indenture and the Notes or otherwise applicable under the Securities Act, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount of the relevant Global Note(s) pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof. (iii) Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Restricted Global Note if the transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(ii) above and the Registrar receives the following: (a) if the transferee shall take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in the 144A Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof; and (b) if the transferee shall take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in either the Regulation S Temporary Global Note or the Regulation S Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof. (iv) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be exchanged by any Holder thereof for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(ii) above and: (a) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder of the beneficial interest to be transferred, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal or comparable communication in accordance with the Applicable Procedures that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuer; 30 (b) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; (c) such transfer is effected by an Exchanging Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or (d) the Registrar receives the following: (A) if the Holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(a) thereof; or (B) if the Holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof; and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (iv)(d), if the Registrar, the Issuer or the Trustee so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar, the Trustee or the Issuer, if applicable, to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. If any such transfer is effected pursuant to subparagraph (iv)(b) or (d) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuer shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, and any documents required by Sections 7.02 and 11.04, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of beneficial interests transferred pursuant to subparagraph (iv)(b) or (d) above. Beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note. (c) Transfer or Exchange of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes for Definitive Notes. (i) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. Restricted Global Notes and beneficial interests therein shall be exchangeable for Definitive Notes in the circumstances described in Section 2.06(a). In all cases, Definitive Notes delivered in exchange for any Restricted Global Note or beneficial interests therein shall be registered in the names, and 31 issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the Depositary (in accordance with the Applicable Procedures). Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the Holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(i) shall bear the Private Placement Legend and shall be subject to all restrictions on transfer contained therein. In the event of a transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes for Definitive Notes, the Trustee and Registrar shall be entitled to rely on directions from Indirect Participants, Participants or the Depositary as to the name of the Holders in which to register the Definitive Notes and as to delivery instructions; none of the Issuer, the Trustee or the Registrar shall be liable for any delay in receipt of or failure to receive such directions and each may conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying on, such instructions. (ii) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A Holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or may transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note only if: (a) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder of such beneficial interest, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the Letter of Transmittal or comparable communication in accordance with the Applicable Procedures that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an "affiliate" (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuer; (b) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; (c) such transfer is effected by an Exchanging Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or (d) the Registrar receives the following: (A) if the Holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note that does not bear the Private Placement Legend, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(b) thereof; or 32 (B) if the Holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note that does not bear the Private Placement Legend, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof; and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (ii)(d), if the Registrar, the Issuer or the Trustee so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar, the Trustee or the Issuer, if applicable, to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. (iii) Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. Unrestricted Global Notes and beneficial interests therein shall be exchangeable for Definitive Notes in the circumstances described in Section 2.06(a). In all cases, Definitive Notes delivered in exchange for any Unrestricted Global Note or beneficial interests therein shall be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(iii) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the Holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(iii) shall not bear the Global Note Legend. (d) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. (i) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes. If any Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note or to transfer such Restricted Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation: (a) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(b) thereof; (b) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof; (c) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with 33 Regulation S, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof; or (d) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof, the Trustee shall cancel the Restricted Definitive Note in accordance with Section 2.11, and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of, in the case of clauses (i)(a) or (d) above, the Restricted Global Note, in the case of clause (i)(b) above, the 144A Global Note, and in the case of clause (i) (c) above, the Regulation S Global Note, in each case, in accordance with Section 2.06(h) hereof. (ii) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. A Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note only if: (a) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal or comparable communication in accordance with the Applicable Procedures that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuer; (b) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; (c) such transfer is effected by a broker-dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or (d) the Registrar receives the following: (A) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(c) thereof; or (B) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof; and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (ii)(d), if the Registrar, the Trustee or the Issuer so requests or if the Applicable 34 Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar, the Trustee or the Issuer, if applicable, to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon satisfaction of the conditions of any of the subparagraphs in this Section 2.06(d)(ii), the Trustee shall cancel the Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note in accordance with Section 2.06(h). (iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. A Holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note at any time. Upon receipt of a request for such an exchange or transfer, the Trustee shall cancel the applicable Unrestricted Definitive Note and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of one of the Unrestricted Global Notes, in accordance with Section 2.06(h). If any such exchange or transfer from a Definitive Note to a beneficial interest is effected pursuant to subparagraphs (ii)(b), (ii)(d) or (iii) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuer shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, and any documents required by Sections 7.02 and 11.04, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of Definitive Notes so transferred. (e) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes. Upon request by a Holder of Definitive Notes and such Holder's compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.06(e), the Registrar shall register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes. Prior to such registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder shall present or surrender to the Registrar the Definitive Notes duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form satisfactory to the Registrar duly executed by such Holder or by his attorney-in-fact, duly authorized in writing. In addition, the requesting Holder shall provide any additional certifications, documents and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 2.06(e). (i) Restricted Definitive Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note may be transferred to and registered in the name of Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note if the Registrar receives the following: (a) if the transfer shall be made pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof; and 35 (b) if the transfer shall be made pursuant to Regulation S, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof; and (c) if the transfer shall be made pursuant to any other exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel provided for by item (3) thereof, if applicable. (ii) Restricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note may be exchanged by the Holder thereof for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or transferred to a Person or Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note if: (a) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuer; (b) any such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; (c) any such transfer is effected by an Exchanging Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or (d) the Registrar receives the following: (A) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(d) thereof; or (B) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof; and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (ii)(d), if the Registrar, the Trustee or the Issuer so requests, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar, the Trustee and the Issuer, if applicable, to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. 36 (iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A Holder of Unrestricted Definitive Notes may transfer such Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note. Upon receipt of a request to register such a transfer, the Registrar shall register the transfer of the Unrestricted Definitive Notes pursuant to the instructions from the Holder thereof. (f) Exchange Offer. Upon the occurrence of the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuer shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, and any documents required by Sections 7.02 and 11.04, the Trustee shall authenticate (i) one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer and (ii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Restricted Definitive Notes accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer. Concurrently with the issuance of such Notes, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Restricted Global Notes to be canceled or reduced accordingly, and the Trustee shall deliver to the Persons designated by the Holders of Definitive Notes so accepted Unrestricted Definitive Notes in the appropriate principal amount. (g) Legends. The following legends shall appear on the face of all Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued under this Indenture unless specifically stated otherwise in the applicable provisions of this Indenture. (i) Private Placement Legend. (a) Except as permitted by subparagraph (b) below, each Global Note and each Definitive Note (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall bear the legend in substantially the following form: "THIS NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "SECURITIES ACT'"), AND THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS NOTE IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS NOTE MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER. THE HOLDER OF THIS NOTE AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUER THAT (A) THIS NOTE MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (I) IN THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (II) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (III) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE) OR (IV) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH OF CASES (I) THROUGH (IV) IN ACCORDANCE 37 WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS NOTE FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN (A) ABOVE." (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Global Note or Definitive Note issued pursuant to subparagraphs (b)(iv), (c)(ii), (c)(iii), (d)(ii), (d)(iii), (e)(ii), (e)(iii) or (f) to this Section 2.06 (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend. (ii) Global Note Legend. Each Global Note shall bear a legend in substantially the following form: "THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) 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 2.06 OR IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 9.05 OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ISSUER." "UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN DEFINITIVE FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) ("DTC"), TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN." (iii) Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend. The Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall bear a legend in substantially the following form: 38 "THE RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE, AND THE CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING ITS EXCHANGE FOR CERTIFICATED NOTES, ARE AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE (AS DEFINED HEREIN). NEITHER THE HOLDER NOR THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE PAYMENT OF INTEREST HEREON." (h) Cancellation or Adjustment of Global Notes. At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or cancelled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note shall be returned to or retained and cancelled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11 hereof. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note or for Definitive Notes, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note shall be increased accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase. (i) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges. (i) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuer shall execute and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order and any documents required by Sections 7.02 and 11.04, with respect to such Notes, the Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes upon the Issuer's order. (ii) No service charge shall be made to a Holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Note or to a Holder of a Definitive Note for any registration of transfer or exchange, 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 taxes or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 2.10, 3.06, 4.15, 4.16 and 9.05 hereof). (iii) In the event of a transfer of a Global Note from a Depositary to a successor Depositary or in the event of a transfer of a Global Note from one nominee name to a different nominee name of any present or successor Depositary, the Trustee and Registrar may rely and shall be protected in relying, in the case of a successor Depositary, on written instructions received from the Issuer as to the change in Depositaries and, in the case of a change in nominee names, on written instructions received from the then current Depositary so appointed by the Issuer. (iv) All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Issuer, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same 39 benefits under this Indenture, as the Global Notes or Definitive Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange. (v) Neither the Registrar nor the Issuer shall be required (A) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange any Notes during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of any selection of Notes for redemption under Section 3.02 hereof and ending at the close of business on the day of selection, (B) to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part or (c) to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a record date and the next succeeding interest payment date. (vi) Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Issuer may deem and treat the Person in whose name any Note is registered on the registry relating to the Notes as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Notes and for all other purposes, and none of the Trustee, any Agent or the Issuer shall be affected by notice to the contrary. (vii) All certifications, certificates and Opinions of Counsel required to be submitted to the Registrar, the Issuer and the Trustee pursuant to this Section 2.06 to effect a registration of transfer or exchange may be submitted by facsimile. Section 2.07. Replacement Notes. (a) If any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Trustee or the Issuer and the Trustee receives evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Note, the Issuer shall issue and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order with respect to such Note, shall authenticate a replacement Note if the Trustee's requirements are met. If required by the Trustee or the Issuer, an indemnity bond must be supplied by the Holder that is sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee and the Issuer to protect the Issuer, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced. The Issuer may charge for its expenses in replacing a Note, including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel. (b) Every replacement Note is an additional obligation of the Issuer and shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with all other Notes duly issued hereunder. Section 2.08. Outstanding Notes. (a) The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for those cancelled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a Global Note effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof, and those described in this Section 2.08 as not outstanding. Except as set forth in Section 2.09 hereof, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer holds the Note. 40 (b) If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.07 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding and interest on the Notes ceases to accrue unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Note is held by a bona fide purchaser. (c) If the principal amount of any Note is considered paid under Section 4.01 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding and interest on it ceases to accrue. (d) If the Paying Agent holds, in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, on a redemption date or maturity date, money for the purposes of and sufficient to pay Notes payable on that date, then on and after that date such Notes shall be deemed to be no longer outstanding and shall cease to accrue interest. Section 2.09. Treasury Notes. In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by the Issuer, any Guarantor or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Issuer or any Guarantor, shall be considered as though not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes that the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. Section 2.10. Temporary Notes. Until certificates representing Notes are ready for delivery, the Issuer may prepare and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order with respect to such Notes, and any documents required by Sections 7.02 and 1104, shall authenticate temporary Notes. Temporary Notes shall be substantially in the form of definitive Notes but may have variations that the Issuer considers appropriate for temporary Notes and as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. Without unreasonable delay, the Issuer shall prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate definitive Notes in exchange for temporary Notes. After the preparation of definitive Notes, the temporary Notes shall be exchangeable for definitive Notes upon surrender of the temporary Notes at the office or agency of the Issuer designated for such purpose pursuant to Section 4.02 without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Notes, the Issuer shall execute and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order with respect to such Notes, and any documents required by Sections 7.02 and 11.04, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount of definitive Notes of authorized denominations. Holders of temporary Notes shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture. Section 2.11. Cancellation. The Issuer at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee upon direction by the Issuer and no one else shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall destroy cancelled Notes (subject to the record retention requirements of the Exchange Act). Certification of the destruction of all cancelled Notes shall 41 be delivered to the Issuer. The Issuer may not issue new Notes to replace Notes that it has paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation. Section 2.12. Defaulted Interest. If the Issuer defaults in a payment of interest on the Notes, it shall pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted interest, to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment. The Issuer shall fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and payment date to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee and the Issuer shall mail or cause to be mailed to Holders a notice that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid. Section 2.13. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers. The Issuer in issuing the Notes may use "CUSIP" and "ISIN" numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use "CUSIP" and "ISIN" numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided, however, that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee of any change in the "CUSIP" and "ISIN" numbers. ARTICLE 3. REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT Section 3.01. NOTICES TO TRUSTEE. If the Issuer elects to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of Section 3.07 hereof, it shall furnish to the Trustee, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date (but in any event prior to the notice provided pursuant to Section 3.03 hereof), an Officers' Certificate setting forth (i) the redemption date, (ii) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and (iii) the redemption price. Section 3.02. SELECTION OF NOTES TO BE REDEEMED. If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed or purchased at any time, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed or purchased among the Holders of the Notes in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed or, if the Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, by lot or in accordance with any other method the Trustee considers fair and appropriate. Any such determination by the Trustee shall be conclusive. In the event of partial redemption by lot, the particular Notes to be redeemed shall be selected, unless otherwise provided herein, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date by the Trustee from the outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption. 42 The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer in writing of the Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Note selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. Notes and portions of Notes selected shall be in amounts of $1,000 or whole multiples of $1,000; except that if all of the Notes of a Holder are to be redeemed, the entire outstanding amount of Notes held by such Holder, even if not a multiple of $1,000, shall be redeemed. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption. Section 3.03. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION. If the Issuer elects to redeem Notes pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.07 hereof, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, the Issuer shall mail or cause to be mailed, by first class mail, a notice of redemption to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address. The notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed and shall state: (a) the redemption date; (b) the redemption price; (c) if any Note is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount of such Note to be redeemed and that, after the redemption date upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion shall be issued upon cancellation of the original Note; (d) the name and address of the Paying Agent; (e) that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price; (f) that, unless the Issuer defaults in making such redemption payment, interest on Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date; and (g) that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Notes. At the Issuer's request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Issuer's name and at its expense; provided, however, that the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee at least 30 days (unless a shorter period shall be agreed to by the Trustee in writing) but not more than 60 days prior to the redemption date, an Officers' Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in the preceding paragraph. Section 3.04. EFFECT OF NOTICE OF REDEMPTION. Once a notice of redemption is mailed in accordance with Section 3.03 hereof, Notes called for redemption shall become irrevocably due and payable on the redemption date at the redemption price. 43 A notice of redemption shall be deemed to be given when mailed, whether or not the Holder receives the notice. In any event, failure to give such notice, or any defect in such notice, shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of the Notes held by Holders to whom such notice was properly given. Section 3.05. DEPOSIT OF REDEMPTION PRICE. On or prior to 10:00 a.m. Eastern time, on the redemption date, the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest, including Additional Interest, if any, on all Notes to be redeemed on that date. The Trustee or the Paying Agent shall promptly return to the Issuer any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Issuer in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption price of, and accrued and unpaid interest, including Additional Interest, if any, on, all Notes to be redeemed. If the Issuer complies with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, on and after the redemption date, interest shall cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption. If a Note is redeemed on or after an interest record date but on or prior to the related interest payment date, then any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid to the person in whose name such Note was registered at the close of business on such record date. If any Note called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender for redemption because of the failure of the Issuer to comply with the preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal from the redemption date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof. Section 3.06. NOTES REDEEMED IN PART. Upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed in part, the Issuer shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order with respect to such Notes, and any documents required by Sections 7.02 and 11.04, the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder at the expense of the Issuer a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Note surrendered. Section 3.07. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION. (a) The Issuer, at its option, may at any time redeem all or any portion of the Notes at a redemption price plus accrued interest, including Additional Interest, if any, to the date of redemption equal to the greater of (i) 100% of their principal amount or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the date of redemption on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the applicable Treasury Yield plus 50 basis points. (b) For purposes of this Section 3.07: (i) "Treasury Yield" means, with respect to any redemption date applicable to the Notes, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent 44 yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the applicable Comparable Treasury Price for such redemption date. (ii) "Comparable Treasury Issue" means, with respect to the Notes, the United States Treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Notes that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of the Notes. (iii) "Independent Investment Banker" means, with respect to the Notes offered hereby, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation or its successor or, if such firm is unwilling or unable to select the applicable Comparable Treasury Issue, an independent investment banking institution of national standing appointed by the Trustee. (iv) "Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date applicable to the Notes: (A) the average of the applicable Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption date after excluding the highest and lowest such applicable Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (B) if the Trustee obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such Quotations. (v) "Reference Treasury Dealer" means, with respect to the Notes offered hereby, each of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation or its successor and four primary U.S. Government securities dealers in New York City (each a "Primary Treasury Dealer") appointed by the Trustee in consultation with the Issuer; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a Primary Treasury Dealer, the Issuer shall substitute therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer. (vi) "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date for the Notes, the average, as determined by the Trustee, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue for the Notes (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Trustee by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third Business Day preceding such redemption date. Section 3.08. REPURCHASE AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS. In the event that, pursuant to Section 4.15 or Section 4.16 hereof, the Issuer shall be required to commence an offer to all Holders to purchase Notes (a "Repurchase Offer"), the Issuer shall follow the procedures specified below. 45 The Repurchase Offer shall remain open for a period of 20 Business Days following its commencement and no longer, except to the extent that a longer period is required by applicable law (the "Offer Period"). No later than five Business Days after the termination of the Offer Period (the "Purchase Date"), the Issuer shall purchase at the purchase price (as determined in accordance with Section 4.15 or 4.16, as applicable, hereof), the aggregate principal amount of Notes required to be purchased pursuant to Section 4.15 or 4.16, as applicable, hereof (the "Offer Amount") or, if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes tendered in response to such Repurchase Offer. Payment for any Notes so purchased shall be made in the same manner as interest payments are made. If the Purchase Date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the related interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid to the person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on such record date, and no additional interest shall be payable to Holders who tender Notes pursuant to such Repurchase Offer. Upon the commencement of a Repurchase Offer, the Issuer shall send, by first class mail, a notice to the Trustee and each of the Holders, with a copy to the Trustee. The notice shall contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes pursuant to such Repurchase Offer. The Repurchase Offer shall be made to all Holders. The notice, which shall govern the terms of such Repurchase Offer, shall state: (a) that the Repurchase Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 3.08 and Section 4.15 or Section 4.16, as the case may be, hereof, and the length of time the Repurchase Offer shall remain open; (b) the Offer Amount, the purchase price and the Purchase Date; (c) that any Note not tendered or accepted for payment shall continue to accrue interest; (d) that, unless the Issuer defaults in making such payment, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Repurchase Offer shall cease to accrue interest after the Purchase Date; (e) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to any Repurchase Offer may elect to have Notes purchased in integral multiples of $1,000 only; (f) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to any Repurchase Offer shall be required to surrender the Note, with the form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect Purchase" on the reverse of the Note completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the Issuer, a Depositary, if appointed by the Issuer, or a Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice before the Purchase Date; (g) that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Issuer, the Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, receives, not later than the expiration of the Offer Period, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Notes the Holder delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Notes purchased; and 46 (h) that, if the aggregate principal amount of Notes surrendered by Holders exceeds the Offer Amount, the Notes shall be selected for purchase pursuant to the terms of Section 3.02, and that Holders whose Notes were purchased only in part shall be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry transfer). On or before the Purchase Date, the Issuer shall, to the extent lawful, (a) accept for payment all Notes or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Repurchase Offer, (b) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Offer Amount in respect of all Notes or portions thereof so tendered and (c) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes so accepted together with an Officers' Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions thereof being purchased by the Issuer and that such Notes or portions thereof were accepted for payment by the Issuer in accordance with the terms of this Section 3.08. The Issuer, the Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall promptly (but in any case not later than five Business days after the Purchase Date) mail or deliver to each tendering Holder an amount equal to the purchase price of the Notes tendered by such Holder and accepted by the Issuer for purchase, and the Issuer shall promptly issue a new Note, and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order with respect to such Note, and any documents required by Sections 7.02 and 11.04, shall authenticate and mail or deliver such new Note to such Holder, in a principal amount equal to any unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered; provided, however, that each such new Note shall be in a principal amount of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. Any Note not so accepted shall be promptly mailed or delivered by the Issuer to the Holder thereof. The Issuer shall publicly announce through PR Newswire, Dow Businesswire or any comparable wire service that distributes releases to the broad financial and investor media, the results of the Repurchase Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Purchase Date. The Issuer shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent that such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes pursuant to the Repurchase Offer. To the extent that the provisions of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act or any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Section 3.08 or Sections 4.15 or 4.16 hereof, the Issuer shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under such Sections. Any redemption pursuant to Article 3 hereof shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2.01. Notes called for redemption become due and payable on the date fixed for redemption. Interest shall cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof being redeemed on and after the redemption date, unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the redemption or repurchase price. 47 Section 3.09. Mandatory Redemption. Except as set forth in Section 3.08 hereof, the Issuer shall not be required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes. ARTICLE 4. COVENANTS Section 4.01. PAYMENT OF NOTES. (a) The Issuer shall pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes. Principal, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if the Paying Agent, if other than the Issuer or a Subsidiary thereof, holds as of 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the due date money deposited by the Issuer in immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then due. The Issuer shall pay all Additional Interest, if any, in the same manner on the dates and in the amounts set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement. (b) The Issuer shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, at the rate equal to 1% per annum in excess of the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful. Section 4.02. MAINTENANCE OF OFFICE OR AGENCY. (a) The Issuer shall maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee, Registrar or co-registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for payment, registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Issuer shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Issuer shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee. (b) The Issuer may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Issuer of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York for such purposes. The Issuer shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency. (c) The Issuer hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as one such office or agency of the Issuer in accordance with Section 2.03. 48 Section 4.03. REPORTS. (a) Whether or not the Issuer is required to do so by the rules and regulations of the SEC, so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Issuer shall furnish each Holder, without cost to such Holder, copies of: (i) all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Issuer were required to file such financial information, including a "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" that describes the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer and any consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries, and, with respect to the annual information only, reports thereon by the Issuer's independent public accountants (which shall be firm(s) of established national reputation) and (ii) all information that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if the Issuer were required to file such reports; provided; however; that comparable reports and filings by the Parent shall satisfy the Issuer's obligations under this Section 4.03 if such reports satisfy the requirements under the rules and regulations of the SEC with respect to the presentation of financial information of the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors. (b) The Issuer shall file a copy of all of the information and reports required to be delivered pursuant to clause (a) of this Section 4.03 with the SEC for public availability, unless the SEC shall not accept such a filing, on or prior to the dates on which the filing of such information and reports would have been required to be made had Parent or the Issuer been subject to the rules and regulations of the SEC, and shall make such information and reports available to securities analysts and prospective investors upon request. Section 4.04. COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE. (a) The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, an Officers' Certificate stating that a review of the activities of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officers with a view to determining whether each of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge the Issuer has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and is not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (or, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto) and that to the best of his or her knowledge no event has occurred and remains in existence by reason of which payments on account of the principal of or interest, if any, on the Notes is prohibited or if such event has occurred, a description of the event and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto. (b) The Issuer shall, so long as any of the Notes are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, forthwith upon any Officer becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, an 49 Officers' Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto. Section 4.05. TAXES. The Issuer shall pay, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to pay, prior to delinquency, all material taxes, assessments, and governmental levies except such as are contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes. Section 4.06. STAY, EXTENSION AND USURY LAWS. The Issuer covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, that 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 covenants that it shall not, by resort to any such law, 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 has been enacted. Section 4.07. RESTRICTED PAYMENTS. (a) Parent shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to make a Restricted Payment if at the time of such Restricted Payment and after giving pro forma effect thereto: (i) a Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or would result therefrom); (ii) the Parent would not have been entitled, assuming such Restricted Payment had been made at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, to Incur an additional $1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.09(a); or (iii) the aggregate amount of such Restricted Payment and all other Restricted Payments since the Issue Date would exceed the sum of (without duplication): (a) 50% of Parent's Consolidated Net Income accrued during the period (treated as one accounting period) from the beginning of the fiscal quarter immediately following the fiscal quarter during which the Issue Date occurs to the end of the most recent fiscal quarter ending prior to the date of such Restricted Payment for which financial statements are publicly available (or, in case such Consolidated Net Income shall be a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit); plus (b) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by Parent after the Issue Date from the issuance or sale of Parent's Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) or from the issuance or sale of Disqualified Stock to the 50 extent that it has been converted or exchanged into Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of Parent (in each case, other than an issuance or sale to a Subsidiary of Parent) and 100% of any cash capital contribution received by Parent from its shareholders subsequent to the Issue Date; plus (c) the amount by which Indebtedness of Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary is reduced on Parent's or such Restricted Subsidiary's most recent balance sheet upon the conversion or exchange (other than by a Subsidiary of Parent) subsequent to the Issue Date of any such Indebtedness convertible or exchangeable for Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of Parent (less the amount of any cash, or the fair value of any other property, distributed by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary upon such conversion or exchange); plus (d) an amount equal to the sum of (I) the net reduction in the Investments (other than Permitted Investments) made by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in any Person resulting from repurchases, repayments or redemptions of such Investments by such Person, proceeds realized on the sale of such Investment and proceeds representing the return of capital, in each case received by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary; and (II) to the extent such Person is an Unrestricted Subsidiary of Parent, the portion (proportionate to the equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time such Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated a Restricted Subsidiary of Parent; provided, however, that the foregoing sum shall not exceed, in the case of any such Person or Unrestricted Subsidiary, the amount of Investments (excluding Permitted Investments) previously made (and treated as a Restricted Payment) by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, in such Person or Unrestricted Subsidiary; plus (e) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by Parent subsequent to the Issue Date from any Person (other than a Subsidiary of Parent) upon the exercise of any options, warrants or rights to purchase Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of Parent. (b) The provisions of clause (a) of this Section 4.07 shall not prohibit: (i) any Restricted Payment made out of the net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, or made by exchange for, Capital Stock of Parent (other than Disqualified Stock and other than Capital Stock issued or sold to a Subsidiary of Parent) or a substantially concurrent cash capital contribution received by Parent from its shareholders; provided, however, that (x) such Restricted Payment shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments and (y) the net cash proceeds from such sale or such cash capital contribution (to the extent so used for such Restricted Payment) shall be excluded from the calculation of amounts under clause (iii)(b) above; 51 (ii) any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value of Subordinated Obligations made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Indebtedness which is permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.09; provided, however, that such purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments; (iii) dividends paid within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof if at such date of declaration such dividend would have complied with this Section 4.07; provided, however, that at the time of payment of such dividend, no other Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or result therefrom); provided further, however, that such dividend shall be included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments; (iv) so long as no Default under clause (a) or (b) of the definition of "Event of Default" has occurred and is continuing, the repurchase or other acquisition of shares of Capital Stock of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries from employees, former employees, directors or former directors of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (or permitted transferees of such employees, former employees, directors or former directors), pursuant to the terms of the agreements (including employment agreements) or plans (or amendments thereto) approved by the Board of Directors of Parent under which such individuals purchase or sell or are granted the option to purchase or sell, shares of such Capital Stock; provided, however, that the aggregate amount of such repurchases and other acquisitions shall not exceed $2.0 million in any calendar year; provided further, however, that such repurchases and other acquisitions shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments; (v) Restricted Payments that, when taken together with all other Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (v) in an aggregate amount since the Issue Date, do not exceed $2.0 million; (vi) Restricted Payments made in connection with Refinancing Indebtedness with the proceeds of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness; (vii) Restricted Payments in connection with purchase price adjustments, contingent purchase price payments or other earnout payments, contingent or otherwise, with respect to transactions consummated by Parent or its Subsidiaries prior to the Issue Date; (viii) the payment of any dividend or other distribution by a Restricted Subsidiary of Parent to holders of its Equity Interests on a pro rata basis; (ix) any payments by Parent with respect to the Existing Preferred Stock, in accordance with the terms of the Existing Preferred Stock; and (x) Restricted Payments from any Restricted Subsidiary to Parent for the purpose of satisfying Parent's ordinary course obligations, including general corporate expenses and obligations and obligations under the 7 5/8% Senior Notes 52 due 2009 of Parent; provided, however, that at the time of payment of such Restricted Payment, no Default under clause (a) or (b) of the definition of "Event of Default" shall have occurred and be continuing (or result therefrom); provided further, however, that such Restricted Payments shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments. Section 4.08. DIVIDEND AND OTHER PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS AFFECTING RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES. (a) Parent shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to: (i) pay (a) dividends or make any other distributions to Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary (I) on its Capital Stock or (II) with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or (b) any Indebtedness owed to Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary; (ii) make loans or advances to Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary; or (iii) transfer any of its properties or assets to Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary. (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary may directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of: (i) Existing Indebtedness as in effect on the Issue Date, including Indebtedness under this Indenture, and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings thereof; provided, however, that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacement or refinancings are no more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in the Existing Indebtedness as in effect on the Issue Date; (ii) any encumbrance or restriction contained in any Working Capital Financing Lines or Warehouse Facilities permitted under Section 4.09 or in any agreement pursuant to which any such Working Capital Financing Lines or Warehouse Facilities were Incurred; or (iii) this Indenture and the Notes; (iv) applicable law or by judicial or regulatory action; 53 (v) any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person acquired by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the extent such Indebtedness was Incurred in connection with or in contemplation of such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the property or assets of the Person, so acquired; provided, however, that, in the case of Indebtedness, such Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be Incurred; (vi) by reason of customary non-assignment provisions in contracts or leases entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices; (vii) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices that impose restrictions of the nature described in clause (a)(iii) above on the property so acquired; (viii) Indebtedness of the Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantors, provided that such Indebtedness was permitted to be Incurred pursuant to this Indenture; (ix) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, provided, however, that the restrictions contained in the agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being refinanced; (x) customary restrictions on transfers of property subject to a Lien permitted under this Indenture; (xi) customary restrictions contained in an agreement for the sale or disposition of Capital Stock or assets of a Restricted Subsidiary or an agreement entered into for the sale of specified assets (in either case, so long as such encumbrance or restriction, by its terms, terminates on the earlier of the termination of such agreement or the consummation of such agreement and so long as such restriction applies only to the Capital Stock or assets to be sold); (xii) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices, provided that such restrictions do not materially impair the Issuer's ability to pay interest on and repay the Notes as and when the same become due and payable; (xiii) provisions with respect to the pro rata disposition or distributions of assets or property in accordance with joint venture agreements and similar agreements; (xiv) any encumbrance or restriction in effect on the Issue Date; or (xv) any encumbrance or restriction contained in agreements and related documents governing or pertaining to Securitization Transactions. 54 Section 4.09. INCURRENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS AND ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED STOCK. (a) Parent shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, Incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) and Parent shall not issue any Disqualified Stock, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue any shares of Preferred Stock; provided, however, that Parent may Incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock and the Issuer and any Restricted Subsidiaries which are Subsidiary Guarantors may Incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) if Parent's Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for its most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is Incurred or such Disqualified Stock is issued would have been at least 2.25 to 1, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been Incurred, or the Disqualified Stock had been issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such four-quarter period. (b) The provisions of clause (a) of this Section 4.09 shall not apply to the Incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness (collectively, "Permitted Debt") so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby: (i) the Incurrence by Parent, the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor of Indebtedness under Working Capital Financing Lines, the proceeds of which may be used only for working capital purposes and to fund interest and mandatory principal payments when due on Indebtedness; provided, however, that the aggregate principal amount of all such Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (i), does not exceed the then current Borrowing Base; (ii) the Incurrence by Parent and the Restricted Subsidiaries of the Existing Indebtedness; (iii) the Incurrence by the Issuer of Indebtedness represented by the Notes, the Exchange Notes and any exchange notes with respect to Additional Notes Incurred in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and the Incurrence by Parent of its Guarantee and by the Subsidiary Guarantors of the Subsidiary Guarantees in respect of the Notes, Exchange Notes and any Additional Notes Incurred in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; (iv) the Incurrence by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness Incurred under any Warehouse Facility, provided that (A) such Warehouse Facility is rated A2 (or the equivalent successor ranking) or better by Moody's or A (or the equivalent successor rating) or better by S&P and (B) the amount of such Indebtedness (excluding funding drafts issued thereunder) outstanding at any time pursuant to this clause (iv) may not exceed 90% of the principal amount of Financial Assets consisting of obligations for the payment of money (including capitalized lease obligations) securing Indebtedness thereunder plus 90% of the value of other assets or property (other than supporting obligations and collateral supporting or securing such Financial Assets) securing Indebtedness thereunder; provided, however, that the aggregate principal amount of all such Indebtedness outstanding at any time and Incurred pursuant to this clause (iv) does not exceed $200.0 million; 55 (v) the Incurrence by Parent, the Issuer or any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to refund, refinance or replace Indebtedness (other than intercompany Indebtedness) that was Incurred under paragraph (a) of this Section 4.09 or clauses (ii), (iii) or (iv) or this clause (v) of this paragraph (b); (vi) subject to the provisions of Section 4.10 hereof, the Incurrence by Parent, the Issuer or any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries of intercompany Indebtedness or Preferred Stock between or among Parent, the Issuer and any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries that are Subsidiary Guarantors; provided, however, that (a) if the Issuer is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all obligations with respect to the Notes and this Indenture, (b) if Parent is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of Parent's Guarantee of the Notes, (c) if a Subsidiary Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of such Subsidiary Guarantor's Subsidiary Guarantee; and (d) (I) any subsequent event or issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in any such Indebtedness or Preferred Stock being held by a Person other than Parent, the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor and (II) any sale or other transfer of any such Indebtedness or Preferred Stock to a Person that is not Parent, the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor shall be deemed, in each case, to constitute an Incurrence of such Indebtedness or Preferred Stock by Parent, the Issuer or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, that was not permitted by this clause (vi); (vii) the Incurrence by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of Hedging Obligations in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices for the purpose of fixing or hedging currency, commodity or interest rate risk (including with respect to any floating rate Indebtedness that is permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be outstanding in connection with the conduct of their respective businesses) and not for speculative purposes; (viii) the Incurrence by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of Guarantees of Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary that was permitted to be Incurred by another provision of this Section 4.09; provided, however, that neither the Issuer nor any Subsidiary Guarantor may Guarantee any Indebtedness of Parent other than with respect to a Guarantee that is subordinated in right of payment in full to the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees; 56 (ix) the Incurrence of Indebtedness of Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurred in respect of performance bonds, bankers' acceptances and letters of credit in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices, including Indebtedness evidenced by letters of credit or surety bonds issued in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices to support the insurance or self-insurance obligations of Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary (including to secure workers' compensation and other similar insurance coverages), but excluding letters of credit issued in respect of or to secure money borrowed; (x) the Incurrence by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness under repurchase agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with customary industry practices in connection with floor-plan financing arrangements; (xi) the Incurrence by Parent, the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor of Indebtedness under Floor Plan Financing Lines in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices; and (xii) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary Incurred and outstanding on or prior to the date on which such Subsidiary was acquired by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Indebtedness Incurred in connection with, or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to consummate, the transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which such Subsidiary became a Subsidiary or was acquired by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary); provided, however, that on the date of such acquisition and after giving pro forma effect thereto, Parent would have been able to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the paragraph (a) of this Section 4.09; (xiii) the Incurrence by Parent, the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor of additional Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) at any time outstanding, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to refund, refinance or replace any other Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (xiii), not to exceed $30.0 million. (c) For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.09, in the event that an item of proposed Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Debt described in clauses (i) through (xiii) above as of the date of Incurrence thereof or is entitled to be Incurred pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section 4.09 as of the date of Incurrence thereof, the Issuer shall, in its sole discretion, classify (or later reclassify in whole or in part, in its sole discretion) such item of Indebtedness in any manner that complies with this Section 4.09. The accrual of interest, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, and the payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock shall not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness or an issuance of Disqualified Stock for the purposes of this Section 4.09. 57 Section 4.10. NO GUARANTEES OF PARENT INDEBTEDNESS. The Issuer shall not, and Parent shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, Guarantee any Indebtedness Incurred by Parent (other than (1) the Subsidiary Guarantees with respect to the Notes, Exchange Notes and any Additional Notes issued in accordance with this Indenture and (2) Guarantees that are expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of the Notes and Subsidiary Guarantees) and Parent shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, incur any Liens or otherwise secure any Indebtedness Incurred by Parent (other than the Subsidiary Guarantees with respect to the Notes and Exchange Notes). Section 4.11. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. (a) Parent shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or Guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of any such Person (each of the foregoing, an "Affiliate Transaction"), unless: (i) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to Parent or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person; and (ii) Parent delivers to the Trustee (a) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $2.0 million, a Board Resolution set forth in an Officers' Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (i) above and that such Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a majority of the disinterested members of its Board of Directors, and (b) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $10.0 million, an opinion as to the fairness to the Holders of such Affiliate Transaction from a financial point of view issued by an investment banking firm (or, if an investment banking firm is generally not qualified to give such an opinion, by an appraisal firm) of national standing; (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (a) of this Section 4.11, none of the following shall be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions: (i) any employment agreement entered into by Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices and any contract, agreement or understanding with, or for the benefit of, or plan for the benefit of, employees of Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries generally (in their capacities as such), which contract, agreement, understanding or plan is entered into, made or adopted in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices and with the approval of Parent's Board of Directors; 58 (ii) transactions between or among Parent and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries that are Subsidiary Guarantors; (iii) any sale or other issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of Parent; (iv) Restricted Payments that are permitted under Section 4.07; (v) fees and compensation paid to members of the Board of Directors of Parent and of its Restricted Subsidiaries in their capacity as such, to the extent such fees and compensation are reasonable and customary; (vi) advances to employees for moving, entertainment and travel expenses, drawing accounts and similar expenditures in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry practices; (vii) advancements of fees and expenses, and indemnity payments to or provided on behalf of, officers, directors or employees of Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, either (i) in the ordinary course of business or (ii) as determined in any other case by the Board of Directors of Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary, to the extent that in either case (i) or (ii) such fees, expenses and indemnities are reasonable and customary; and (viii) transactions between Parent and/or any Restricted Subsidiary and a Special Purpose Vehicle in connection with Securitization Transactions. Section 4.12. LIENS. (a) Parent shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, incur or permit to exist any Lien (the "Initial Lien") of any nature whatsoever on any of its properties (including Capital Stock of a Subsidiary), other than Permitted Liens, without effectively providing that the Notes shall be secured equally and ratably with or prior to pari passu obligations and prior to all Subordinated Obligations so secured for so long as such obligations are so secured. (b) Any Lien created for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes pursuant to clause (a) shall provide by its terms that such Lien shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon the release and discharge of the Initial Lien. Section 4.13. FUTURE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS. Parent shall cause each existing and future Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Issuer or any Foreign Subsidiary of Parent), and any other Person (including Foreign Subsidiaries of Parent), that provides a Guarantee in connection with any Indebtedness of Parent, the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor outstanding at any time, to execute and deliver to the Trustee a Guaranty Agreement pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary or Person, as the case may be, shall Guarantee payment of the Notes on a senior basis and on the same terms and conditions as those set forth in this Indenture; provided that (i) if a Subsidiary Guarantor ceases to be a guarantor under the Indebtedness of the Parent, the Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to which it became a Subsidiary Guarantor in accordance with this Section 4.13, such Subsidiary 59 Guarantor shall be deemed released from all obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee (so long as such Subsidiary Guarantor has not provided any other Guarantee in connection with any other Indebtedness of the Parent, the Issuer or any other Subsidiary Guarantor outstanding at any time ranking pari passu or junior in right of payment with the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantee of the Notes) and (ii) a Subsidiary Guarantor shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged in accordance with Article 5 in respect of a disposition of such Subsidiary Guarantor. Section 4.14. CORPORATE EXISTENCE. Subject to Article 5 hereof, Parent shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect (i) its corporate existence, and the corporate, partnership or other existence of each Restricted Subsidiary, in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of Parent or any such Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of Parent and the Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however, that Parent shall not be required to preserve any such right, license or franchise, or the corporate, partnership or other existence of any Restricted Subsidiary, if the Board of Directors of Parent shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of Parent and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and that the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes. Section 4.15. ASSET SALES. (a) Parent shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, consummate an Asset Sale unless: (i) Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value (evidenced in the case of an Asset Sale in which the consideration exceeds $5.0 million by a Board Resolution of Parent set forth in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee) of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of; and (ii) at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents; provided, however, that the amount of (a) any liabilities (as shown on Parent's or such Restricted Subsidiary's most recent balance sheet) of Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities and liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee thereof) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a customary novation agreement that releases Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary from further liability; and (b) any securities, notes or other obligations received by Parent or any such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are contemporaneously (but not later than 30 days after receipt) converted by Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash (to the extent of the cash received) shall, in the case of either (a) or (b) above, be deemed to be cash for purposes of this clause (ii). 60 (b) Within 210 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale, Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary may apply such Net Proceeds, at its option, (i) to repay Indebtedness under any Working Capital Financing Lines Incurred by the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor and to correspondingly permanently reduce the commitments with respect thereto in the case of revolving borrowings; provided, however, that such commitments shall not be required to be reduced below the then current Borrowing Base; (ii) to the acquisition of a controlling interest in another business, the making of a capital expenditure or the acquisition of other long-term assets, in each case, in Permitted Businesses; or (iii) to repurchase Notes in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. (c) Any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested as provided in sub-clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of clause (b) above shall be deemed to constitute "Excess Proceeds." When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $15.0 million, the Issuer shall be required to make an offer (an "Asset Sale Offer") to all Holders of Notes, as well as all holders of pari passu Indebtedness that has the benefit of provisions requiring the Issuer to make a similar offer, to purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes and other pari passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds, at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes and other pari passu Indebtedness to be purchased or the lesser amount required under the agreements governing such pari passu Indebtedness, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of purchase, in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 3.08 hereof. To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes and other pari passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuer may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes and pari passu Indebtedness surrendered by Holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Issuer shall select the Notes and other pari passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis based on the principal amount of Notes and other pari passu Indebtedness so tendered. Upon completion of such offer to purchase, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero. Section 4.16. CHANGE OF CONTROL. (a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder of Notes shall have the right to require the Issuer to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of such Holder's Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the "Change of Control Offer") at an offer price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date of purchase (the "Change of Control Payment"). Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Issuer shall mail a notice to each Holder describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering to repurchase Notes 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 (the "Change of Control Payment Date"), pursuant to the procedures required by this Indenture and described in such notice. 61 (b) On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuer will, to the extent lawful, (i) accept for payment all Notes or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, (ii) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions thereof so tendered and (iii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes so accepted together with an Officers' Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions thereof being purchased by the Issuer. (c) The Paying Agent shall promptly mail to each Holder of Notes so tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Notes, and the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, if any; provided, however, that each such new Note shall be in a principal amount of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. The Issuer shall publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date. (d) The provisions of Section 3.08 hereof shall be applicable to any Change of Control Offer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Change of Control provisions described above shall be applicable whether or not any other provisions of this Indenture are applicable. Except as described above with respect to a Change of Control, this Indenture does not contain provisions that permit the Holders of the Notes to require that the Issuer repurchase or redeem the Notes in the event of a takeover, recapitalization or similar transaction. (e) Any future agreements governing Working Capital Financing Lines, credit agreements or other agreements relating to senior Indebtedness to which the Issuer becomes a party may provide that certain change of control events with respect to the Issuer would constitute a default thereunder. (f) The Issuer shall not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Issuer and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer. Section 4.17. BUSINESS ACTIVITIES. Parent shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, engage in any line of business other than a Permitted Business, except to such extent as would not be material to Parent and the Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Section 4.18. SALE AND LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS. Parent shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Sale/Leaseback Transaction with respect to any property unless: 62 (a) Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary would be entitled to Incur Indebtedness in an amount equal to the Attributable Debt with respect to such Sale/Leaseback Transaction pursuant to 4.09; (b) the Net Proceeds received by Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such Sale/Leaseback Transaction are at least equal to the fair value (as determined by the Board of Directors of Parent) of such property; and (c) the Net Proceeds of such transaction are applied in compliance with Section 4.15. Section 4.19. PAYMENTS FOR CONSENT. Neither Parent nor any Restricted Subsidiary 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 Notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid or is paid to all Holders that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement. ARTICLE 5. SUCCESSORS Section 5.01. MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, OR SALE OF ASSETS. (a) The Issuer shall not merge, consolidate or amalgamate with or into any other Person or sell, transfer, assign, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets in any one transaction or series of transactions other than a merger of a Restricted Subsidiary into the Issuer where the Issuer is the surviving Person or the Restricted Subsidiary is the Surviving Person and it shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Issuer under the Notes and this Indenture. (b) Parent shall not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease, in one transaction or a series of transactions, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all its assets to, any Person, unless: (i) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the "Successor Company") shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and the Successor Company (if not Parent) shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of Parent under its Guarantee of the Notes and this Indenture; (ii) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction (and treating any Indebtedness that becomes an obligation of the Successor Company or any Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by such 63 Successor Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing; (iii) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction, the Successor Company would have had a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 2.0 to 1; (iv) Parent 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; provided, however, that clause (iii) shall not be applicable to Parent merging with an Affiliate other than the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer solely for the purpose and with the sole effect of reincorporating Parent in another U.S. jurisdiction. Section 5.02. SUCCESSOR COMPANY SUBSTITUTED. Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Parent in accordance with Section 5.01 hereof, the Successor Company shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Indenture referring to "Parent" shall refer instead to the Successor Company and not to the Parent), and may exercise every right and power of Parent under this Indenture and the Guarantee of Parent with the same effect as if such Successor Company had been named as Parent herein and therein, and the predecessor Parent shall, except in the case of a lease, be released of its obligations under this Indenture and the Guarantee of the predecessor Parent. Section 5.03. SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS. Parent shall not permit any Subsidiary Guarantor to consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease, in one transaction or a series of transactions, all or substantially all of its assets to any Person other than to the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor unless: (a) except in the case of a Subsidiary Guarantor that has been disposed of in its entirety to another Person (other than to Parent or an Affiliate of Parent), whether through a merger, consolidation or sale of Capital Stock or assets, if in connection therewith Parent provides an Officers' Certificate to the Trustee to the effect that Parent will, and shall cause the Restricted Subsidiaries to, comply with the obligations under Section 4.15 and Section 4.09 in respect of such disposition, the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (if not such Subsidiary) shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction under which such Subsidiary was organized or under the laws of the United States of America, or any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and such Person shall expressly assume, by a Guaranty Agreement, in a form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of such Subsidiary, if any, under its Subsidiary Guarantee; (b) immediately after giving effect to such transaction or transactions on a pro forma basis (and treating any Indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the resulting, 64 surviving or transferee Person as a result of such transaction as having been issued by such Person at the time of such transaction), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and (c) the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such Guaranty Agreement, if any, complies with this Indenture. ARTICLE 6. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES Section 6.01. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Each of the following events constitutes an "Event of Default": (a) a default in the payment of interest on the Notes when due, continued for 30 days; (b) a default in the payment of principal of and premium, if any, on any Note when due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon declaration or otherwise; (c) the failure by either Parent or the Issuer to comply with its obligations under Article 5 or failure by Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with Section 4.10; (d) the failure by either Parent or the Issuer to comply for 30 days after notice with any of its obligations set forth under Section 4.15 or 4.16 (other than a failure to purchase Notes) or under Section 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.17 or 4.18; (e) the failure by either Parent or the Issuer, as applicable, to comply for 60 days after notice with its obligations under Section 4.03 or other obligations under this Indenture, other than with respect to the provisions relating to clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) above; (f) Indebtedness of Parent, the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary is not paid within any applicable grace period after final maturity or is accelerated by the holders thereof because of a default and the total amount of such Indebtedness unpaid or accelerated exceeds $20.0 million and such default continues for ten days after notice (the "cross acceleration provision"); (g) any final judgment or decree for the payment of money in excess of $10.0 million (net of applicable insurance coverage) is entered against Parent, the Issuer or a Significant Subsidiary and remains undischarged, unwaived or unstayed for a period of 60 consecutive days following the date on which the right to appeal such judgment has expired or becomes subject to an enforcement proceeding (the "judgment default provision"); (h) a court having jurisdiction in the premises enters a decree or order for (i) relief in respect of Parent or any Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, 65 (ii) appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of Parent or any Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property and assets of Parent or any Significant Subsidiary, or (iii) the winding up or liquidation of the affairs of Parent or any Significant Subsidiary, and, in each case, such decree or order shall remain unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or (i) Parent or any Significant Subsidiary: (i) commences a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or consents to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, (ii) consents to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of Parent or such Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property and assets of Parent or such Significant Subsidiary, or (iii) effects any general assignment for the benefit of creditors. (j) any Note Guarantee ceases to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture or such Note Guarantee) or Parent or any Subsidiary Guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations under its Note Guarantee (the "guarantee provisions"); provided, however, that a Default under clauses (d), (e), (f) or (g) of this Section 6.01 shall not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes notify the Issuer of the default and Parent or the Issuer does not cure such default within the time specified after receipt of such notice. Section 6.02. ACCELERATION. (a) If any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in clause (h) or (i) of Section 6.01 hereof), occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes, by written notice to the Issuer (and, if such notice is given by such Holders, to the Trustee), may, and the Trustee at the request of such Holders shall, declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest on the Notes to be due and payable immediately. Upon such declaration of acceleration, such principal of and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, shall be immediately due and payable. (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default specified in clause (h) or (i) of Section 6.01 hereof with respect to Parent, the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary occurs and is continuing, the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes then outstanding shall be due and payable immediately without further action or notice on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. 66 Section 6.03. OTHER REMEDIES. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture. The Trustee may maintain a proceeding to enforce its rights and to pursue its remedies under the Notes and this Indenture even if the Trustee does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder of a Note in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. All remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law. Section 6.04. WAIVER OF PAST DEFAULTS. At any time after declaration of acceleration, but before a judgment or decree for the payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes by written notice to the Issuer and to the Trustee, may waive all past defaults (except a Default in the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note as specified in clause (a) or (b) of Section 6.01 or in respect of a covenant or provision of this Indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding Note affected) and rescind and annul a declaration of acceleration and its consequences if: (a) all existing Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes that have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived; and (b) such rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction. Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereto. Section 6.05. CONTROL BY MAJORITY. Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for enforcing any rights and exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on it. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or that the Trustee determines would involve the Trustee in personal liability or that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders of Notes not joining in the giving of such direction. 67 Section 6.06. LIMITATION ON SUITS. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium (if any) or interest when due, no Holder of a Note may pursue a remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes unless: (a) such Holder has previously given the Trustee notice that an Event of Default is continuing; (b) Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes have made a request in writing to the Trustee to pursue the remedy; (c) such Holders have offered the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against any loss, liability or expense; (d) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt thereof and the offer of security or indemnity; and (e) holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period. A Holder of a Note may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder of a Note or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder of a Note. Section 6.07. RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF NOTES TO RECEIVE PAYMENT. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Note to receive payment of principal, premium and Additional Interest, if any, and interest on the Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Note (including in connection with an offer to purchase), or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, 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(a) or (b) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment in its own name and as Trustee of an express trust against the Issuer for the whole amount of principal of, premium and Additional Interest, if any, and interest remaining unpaid on the Notes and interest on overdue principal and, to the extent lawful, interest and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel. Section 6.09. TRUSTEE MAY FILE PROOFS OF CLAIM. The Trustee is authorized to 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 (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the Holders of the Notes allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer (or any other obligor upon the Notes), its creditors or its property and shall be entitled and empowered to collect, receive and distribute any money or other property payable or 68 deliverable on any such claims and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such 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 to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 hereof. To the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 hereof out of the estate in any such proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a Lien on, and shall be paid out of any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding. Section 6.10. PRIORITIES. If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article 6, it shall pay out the money in the following order: First: to the Trustee, its agents and attorneys for amounts due under Section 7.07 hereof, including payment of all compensation, expense and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee, its agents or attorneys and the costs and expenses of collection; Second: to Holders of Notes for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal, premium and Additional Interest, if any, and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal, premium and Additional Interest, if any and interest, respectively; and Third: to the Issuer or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct. The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders of Notes pursuant to this Section 6.10. 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 a 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 disbursements 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 of a Note pursuant to Section 6.07 hereof, or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes. 69 Section 6.12. RESTORATION OF RIGHTS AND REMEDIES. If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then, and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Issuer, Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted, except that the rights of the Trustee to receive compensation, reimbursement of any of its expenses or indemnification from the Holders in connection with such proceeding in accordance with the terms of this Indenture or any separate agreement or understanding between the Trustees and the Holders shall not be affected by this Section 6.12. Section 6.13. RIGHTS AND REMEDIES CUMULATIVE. Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or wrongfully taken Notes in Section 2.07, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy. Section 6.14. DELAY OR OMISSION NOT WAIVER No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article 6 or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be. Section 6.15. NO AVOIDANCE OF PREMIUM. In the case of any Event of Default occurring by reason of any willful action or inaction taken or not taken by or on behalf of Parent or the Issuer with the intention of avoiding payment of the premium that the Issuer would have been required to pay upon an optional redemption of the Notes or otherwise, an equivalent premium shall also become and be immediately due and payable to the extent permitted by law upon acceleration of the Notes. ARTICLE 7. TRUSTEE Section 7.01. DUTIES OF TRUSTEE. (a) If an Event of Default of which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a 70 prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs. (b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default of which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge: (i) the duties of the Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture and the Trustee undertakes to perform, and need perform, only those duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no others, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and (ii) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may 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. (c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liabilities for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that: (i) this paragraph (c) does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section; (ii) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and (iii) 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 hereof. (d) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (e) and (f) of this Section and Section 7.02. (e) No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or incur any liability. The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights and powers under this Indenture at the request of any Holder, unless such Holder shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense. (f) 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. Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. 71 Section 7.02. RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE. (a) In connection with its rights and duties under this Indenture, the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, Note, or other 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 such Officers' Certificate or Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon. (c) The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed with due care. (d) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within the rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture or takes or omits to take in accordance with the written direction of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture. (e) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any demand, request, direction or notice from the Issuer shall be sufficient if signed by an Officer of the Issuer. (f) 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 unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction. Section 7.03. INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE. The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. However, in the event that the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest described in TIA ss. 310(b), it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue as Trustee or resign. The Trustee is also subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11 hereof. 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 Notes, it shall not be accountable for the Issuer's use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Issuer or upon the Issuer's direction under any provision of this Indenture, it shall not be responsible for the use or application of any 72 money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee, and it shall not be responsible for any statement or recital herein or any statement in the Notes or any other document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication. Section 7.05. NOTICE OF DEFAULTS. If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if it is known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to Holders of Notes a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is not opposed to the interests of the Holders of the Notes. Section 7.06. REPORTS BY TRUSTEE TO HOLDERS OF THE NOTES. Within 60 days after the end of May 15 each year, beginning with May 15, 2003, and for so long as Notes remain outstanding, the Trustee shall mail to the Holders of the Notes a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with TIA ss. 313(a) (but if no event described in TIA ss. 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted). The Trustee also shall comply with TIA ss. 313(b)(2). The Trustee shall also transmit by mail all reports as required by TIA ss. 313(c). A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to the Holders of Notes shall be mailed to the Issuer and filed with the SEC and each stock exchange on which the Notes are listed in accordance with TIA ss. 313(d). The Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee when the Notes are listed on any stock exchange. Section 7.07. COMPENSATION AND INDEMNITY. The Issuer shall pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation for its acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder as shall be agreed upon in writing by the Issuer and the Trustee. 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 promptly upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances and expenses incurred or made by it in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee's agents and counsel. The Issuer shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Trustee and its shareholders, incorporators, directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents (each an "Indemnitee") against any and all losses, liabilities or expenses (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) incurred by any of them arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the Trustee's duties under this Indenture, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Issuer (including this Section 7.07) and defending any of themselves against any claim (whether asserted by the Issuer or any Holder or any other person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of the Trustee's powers or duties hereunder, except to the extent any such loss, liability or expense or a portion thereof may be attributable to the Trustee's negligence or bad faith. An Indemnitee shall notify the Issuer promptly of any claim for which that Indemnitee may seek indemnity. Failure by the Indemnitee to so notify the Issuer shall not relieve the Issuer of its obligations hereunder. Subject to receipt of the consent of the party to be defended, which consent shall not be 73 unreasonable withheld or delayed, the Issuer shall defend the claim and the Trustee shall cooperate in the defense. The Indemnitees may have separate counsel and the Issuer shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. The Issuer need not pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Issuer need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense incurred by an Indemnitee through that Indemnitee's own willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith. The obligations of the Issuer under this Section 7.07 shall survive the resignation or removal of the Trustee and the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture. To secure the Issuer's payment obligations in this Section, the Trustee shall have a Lien and is hereby granted a security interest prior in right of payment to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal and interest on particular Notes. Such Lien shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture. When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(h) or (i) hereof occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services (including the fees, disbursements and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law. Section 7.08. REPLACEMENT OF TRUSTEE. A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee's acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section. The Trustee may resign in writing at any time and be discharged from the trust hereby created by so notifying the Issuer. The Holders of Notes of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Issuer in writing. The Issuer may remove the Trustee if: (a) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof; (b) the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent or an order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any Bankruptcy Law; (c) a custodian or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or (d) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting. If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, 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 Notes may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the Issuer. If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Issuer, or the Holders of Notes of at least 74 10% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee. If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder of a Note who has been a Holder of a Note for at least six months, fails to comply with Section 7.10, such Holder of a Note may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee. 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 the Notes. Subject to the Lien provided for in Section 7.07 hereof, the retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee; provided, however, that all sums owing to the retiring Trustee hereunder shall have been paid and the property so transferred shall remain subject to the Lien provided for in Section 7.07. Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.08, the Issuer's obligations under Section 7.07 hereof shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee. Section 7.09. SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE BY MERGER, ETC. If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another corporation or national banking corporation, the successor corporation or national banking corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee. Section 7.10. ELIGIBILITY; DISQUALIFICATION. There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof that is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate Trustee power, that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities and that has (or the bank holding company of which it is an Affiliate has) a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition. This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of TIA ss. 310(a)(1), (2) and (5). The Trustee is subject to TIA ss. 310(b) provided, however, that there shall be excluded from the operation of TIA 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 exclusions set forth in TIA Section 310(b)(1) are met. Section 7.11. PREFERENTIAL COLLECTION OF CLAIMS AGAINST ISSUER. The Trustee is subject to TIA ss. 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA ss. 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA ss. 311(a) to the extent indicated therein. ARTICLE 8. NOTE GUARANTEES 75 Section 8.01. NOTE GUARANTEES. (a) Subject to this Article 8, each of the Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally, unconditionally Guarantees to each Holder of a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the Issuer hereunder or thereunder: (i) the due and punctual payment of principal, premium and interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes shall be promptly paid in full when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, (ii) the due and punctual payment of interest on the overdue principal of and interest on the Notes, if any, if lawful, and all other obligations of the Issuer to the Holders or the Trustee hereunder or thereunder shall be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof, and (iii) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that same shall be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration pursuant to Section 6.02 hereof or otherwise. Failing payment when due of any amount so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed for whatever reason, the Guarantors shall be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately. Each Guarantor agrees that this is a Guarantee of payment and not a Guarantee of collection. (b) Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations with regard to its Note Guarantee shall be joint and several, unconditional, irrespective of the validity or enforceability of the Notes or the obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, the recovery of any judgment against the Issuer or any other obligor with respect to this Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture or the Notes, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstances (other than complete performance) which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a Guarantor. Each Guarantor further, to the extent permitted by law, waives and relinquishes all claims, rights and remedies accorded by applicable law to guarantors and agrees not to assert or take advantage of any such claims, rights or remedies, including but not limited to: (i) any right to require any of the Trustee, the Holders or the Issuer (each a "Benefited Party"), as a condition of payment or performance by such Guarantor, to (A) proceed against the Issuer, any other guarantor (including any other Guarantor) of the obligations under the Note Guarantees or any other person, (B) proceed against or exhaust any security held from the Issuer, any such other guarantor or any other person, (C) proceed against or have resort to any balance of any deposit account or credit on the books of any Benefited Party in favor of the Issuer or any other person, or (D) pursue any other remedy in the power of any Benefited Party whatsoever; (ii) any defense arising by reason of the incapacity, lack of authority or any disability or other defense of the Issuer including any defense based on or arising out of the lack of validity or the unenforceability of the obligations under the Note Guarantees or any agreement or instrument relating thereto or by reason of the cessation of the liability of the Issuer from any cause other than payment in full of the obligations under the Note Guarantees; (iii) any defense based upon any statute or rule of law which provides that the obligation of a surety must be neither larger in amount nor in other respects more burdensome than that of the principal; (iv) any defense based upon any Benefited Party's errors or omissions in the administration of the obligations under the Note Guarantees, except behavior which amounts to bad faith; (v)(A) any principles or provisions of law, statutory or otherwise, which are or might be in conflict with the terms of the Note Guarantees and any legal or equitable discharge of such Guarantor's obligations hereunder, (B) the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting such Guarantor's liability hereunder or the enforcement hereof, (C) 76 any rights to set-offs, recoupments and counterclaims and (D) promptness, diligence and any requirement that any Benefited Party protect, secure, perfect or insure any security interest or lien or any property subject thereto; (vi) notices, demands, presentations, protests, notices of protest, notices of dishonor and notices of any action or inaction, including acceptance of the Note Guarantees, notices of default under the Notes or any agreement or instrument related thereto, notices of any renewal, extension or modification of the obligations under the Note Guarantees or any agreement related thereto, and notices of any extension of credit to the Issuer and any right to consent to any thereof; (vii) to the extent permitted under applicable law, the benefits of any "One Action" rule and (viii) any defenses or benefits that may be derived from or afforded by law which limit the liability of or exonerate guarantors or sureties, or which may conflict with the terms of the Note Guarantees. Except as set forth in Section 8.05, each Guarantor hereby covenants that its Note Guarantee shall not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in its Note Guarantee and this Indenture. (c) If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to the Issuer, the Guarantors or any custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in relation to either the Issuer or the Guarantors, any amount paid to either the Trustee or such Holder, any Note Guarantee, to the extent theretofore discharged, shall be reinstated in full force and effect. (d) Each Guarantor agrees that it shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all obligations guaranteed hereby. Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (i) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Section 6.02 hereof for the purposes of any Note Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby and (ii) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Section 6.02 hereof, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purpose of any such Note Guarantee. The Guarantors shall have the right to seek contribution from any non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the Holders under the applicable Note Guarantee. Section 8.02. ADDITIONAL GUARANTEES. If any Restricted Subsidiary becomes obligated pursuant to Section 4.13 hereof, then the Issuer shall cause any such Restricted Subsidiary to, within five Business Days of the date on which any such Restricted Subsidiary became so obligated, execute and deliver to the Trustee a Supplemental Indenture in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary shall unconditionally guarantee, on a senior unsecured basis, all of the Issuer's obligations under the Notes and this Indenture on the terms set forth herein and therein. Any Restricted Subsidiary that becomes a Guarantor shall remain a Guarantor unless (i) designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Issuer in accordance with this Indenture; (ii) is otherwise released from its obligations as a Guarantor pursuant to Section 8.05 hereof; or (iii) the circumstances giving rise to the obligation to provide a guarantee under Section 4.13 no longer exist. 77 Section 8.03. LIMITATION ON GUARANTOR LIABILITY. Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance of Notes, each Holder, hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal or state law to the extent applicable to any Note Guarantee. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Holders and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of such Guarantor under this Article 8 shall be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to such maximum amount and all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor that are relevant under such laws, and after giving effect to any collections from, rights to receive contribution from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under this Article 8, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance. Section 8.04. MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION OF GUARANTORS. (a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 8.05 hereof, no Guarantor may sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to, or consolidate with or merge with or into (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving person) another person, other than the Issuer or another Guarantor except in accordance with Section 5.03 hereof. (b) In case of any such sale or other disposition, consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance and upon the assumption by the successor person, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee and satisfactory in form to the Trustee, of the Note Guarantee endorsed upon the Notes and the due and punctual performance of all of the covenants and conditions of this Indenture to be performed by the Guarantor, such successor person shall succeed to and be substituted for the Guarantor with the same effect as if it had been named herein as a Guarantor. Such successor person thereupon may cause to be signed any or all of the Note Guarantees to be endorsed upon all of the Notes issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have been signed by the Issuer and delivered to the Trustee. All the Note Guarantees so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Note Guarantees theretofore and thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all of such Note Guarantees had been issued at the date of the execution hereof. (c) Except as set forth in Articles 4 and 5 hereof, and notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) of this Section 8.04, nothing contained in this Indenture or in any of the Notes shall prevent any consolidation or merger of a Guarantor with or into the Issuer or another Guarantor, or shall prevent any sale or conveyance of the property of a Guarantor as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to the Issuer or another Guarantor. Section 8.05. RELEASE. (a) In the event of (i) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of any Guarantor, by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise, or a sale or other disposition of all to the Capital Stock of any Guarantor, in each case to a person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transactions) a Subsidiary of the Issuer, so long as the Net Proceeds of such sale or other disposition are applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture, including without limitation Section 4.15 hereof, or (ii) a designation by the Issuer of any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in 78 accordance with the definition thereof, such Guarantor or, in the case of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of such Guarantor, the corporation acquiring such property, shall be released and relieved of any obligations under its Note Guarantee without any further action being required by the Trustee or any Holder; provided, however, that any such release shall be in accordance with Section 4.13. (b) Upon delivery by the Issuer to the Trustee of an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such sale or other disposition was made by the Issuer in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, including without limitation Section 4.07 hereof, or such designation was made in accordance with Section 4.13 hereof, as the case may be, the Trustee shall execute any documents reasonably required in order to evidence the release of any Guarantor from its obligations under its Note Guarantee. (c) Any Guarantor not released from its obligations under its Note Guarantee shall remain liable for the full amount of principal of and interest on the Notes and for the other obligations of any Guarantor under this Indenture as provided in this Article 8. Section 8.06. SUBORDINATION OF NOTE GUARANTEE OF PARENT. The obligations of Parent under its Guarantee shall be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all senior Indebtedness of Parent, including the obligations of Parent under its 7-5/8% Senior Notes due 2009, whether existing on the Issue Date or thereafter incurred. ARTICLE 9. AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER Section 9.01. WITHOUT CONSENT OF HOLDERS OF NOTES. Notwithstanding Section 9.02 of this Indenture, the Issuer, Parent and the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Notes without the consent of any Holder of a Note: (a) to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency; (b) to provide for the assumption by a successor Person of the obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture or Parent under its Guarantee of the Notes; (c) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes (provided that the uncertificated Notes are issued in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Code, or in a manner such that the uncertificated Notes are described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Code); (d) to add Guarantees, including Subsidiary Guarantees, with respect to the Notes or to release Subsidiary Guarantors from Subsidiary Guarantees as provided by the terms of this Indenture or to secure the Notes; 79 (e) to add to the covenants of Parent or the Restricted Subsidiaries for the benefit of the holders of the Notes or to surrender any right or power conferred upon Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary; (f) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder of the Notes; or (g) to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. Section 9.02. WITH CONSENT OF HOLDERS OF NOTES. (a) Except as provided below in this Section 9.02, this Indenture and the Notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes including Additional Notes, if any, then outstanding voting as a single class (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes), and, subject to Sections 6.04 and 6.07 hereof, any existing Default or Event of Default (other than a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, except a payment default resulting solely from an acceleration that has been rescinded) or compliance with any provision of this Indenture or the Notes may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes, including Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes). However, without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment or waiver under this Section 9.02 may not (with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder): (i) reduce the amount of Notes whose holders must consent to an amendment; (ii) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on any Note; (iii) reduce the principal of or extend the Stated Maturity of any Note; (iv) reduce the amount payable upon the redemption of any Note or change the time at which any Note may be redeemed as set forth in Section 3.07; (v) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Note; (vi) impair the right of any holder of the Notes to receive payment of principal of and interest on such holder's Notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such holder's Notes or any Note Guarantee; (vii) make any change in the amendment provisions which require each holder's consent or in the waiver provisions; (viii) make any change in the ranking or priority of any Note that would adversely affect the holders; or 80 (ix) make any change in any Note Guarantee that would adversely affect the holders. (b) It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders of Notes under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or waiver. It shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. (c) After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Issuer shall mail to the Holders of Notes affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver; provided, however, that, if the amendment relates solely to the addition of one or more Subsidiary Guarantors, such notice shall not be required. Any failure of the Issuer to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amendment, supplement or waiver. Section 9.03. COMPLIANCE WITH TRUST INDENTURE ACT. Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes shall be set forth in an amended or supplemental Indenture that complies with the TIA as then in effect. Section 9.04. REVOCATION AND EFFECT OF CONSENTS. Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder of a Note is a continuing consent by the Holder of a Note and every subsequent Holder of a Note or portion of a Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder's Note, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Note. However, any such Holder of a Note or subsequent Holder of a Note may revoke the consent as to its Note if the Trustee receives written notice of revocation before the date the waiver, supplement or amendment becomes effective. An amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder. 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. Section 9.05. NOTATION ON OR EXCHANGE OF NOTES. The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an amendment, supplement or waiver on any Note thereafter authenticated. The Issuer in exchange for all Notes may issue and the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Authentication Order with respect to those Notes, and any documents required by Sections 7.02 and 11.04, authenticate new Notes that reflect the amendment, supplement or waiver. Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note shall not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver. 81 Section 9.06. TRUSTEE TO SIGN AMENDMENTS, ETC. Upon the request of the Issuer accompanied by a resolution of its Board of Directors authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental Indenture pursuant to this Article 9, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence satisfactory to the Trustee of the consent of the Holders of Notes as required by Section 9.02, if applicable, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 11.04 hereof, the Trustee shall join with the Issuer in the execution of such amended or supplemental Indenture so long as such amendment or supplement does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. In executing any amended or supplemental indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive and (subject to Section 7.01 hereof) shall be fully protected in relying upon, in addition to the documents required by Sections 7.02 and 11.04 hereof, an Officer's Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. ARTICLE 10. DEFEASANCE Section 10.01. DISCHARGE (a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 10.01, Parent and the Issuer may terminate their and the Subsidiary Guarantors' obligations under this Indenture and the Notes if: (i) either: (a) all the Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes that have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Issuer and thereafter repaid to the Issuer or discharged from such trust) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or (b) all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation 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 under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption, and the Issuer shall deposit or cause to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds an amount of money in U.S. dollars sufficient, or U.S. Government Obligations, the principal of and interest on which when due, will be sufficient or a combination thereof, sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay at maturity or upon redemption all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, including principal and any premium and interest due or to become due to such date of maturity or date fixed for redemption, as the case may be; (ii) the Issuer has paid all other sums payable under this Indenture by the Issuer; and 82 (iii) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions precedent under this Indenture relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with. (b) With respect to the foregoing clause (a)(i)(a), the Issuer's and the Guarantors' obligations under Section 7.07 shall survive such satisfaction and discharge. With respect to the foregoing clause (a)(i)(b), the Issuer's and the Guarantors' obligations in Sections 2.03, 2.04, 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 2.08, 7.07, 7.08, 10.04, 10.05 and 10.06 of this Indenture shall survive until the Notes are no longer outstanding. Thereafter, only the Issuer's and the Guarantors' obligations in Sections 7.07, 10.05 and 10.06 shall survive. After any such irrevocable deposit, the Trustee upon written request of the Issuer shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of the Issuer's and the Guarantors' obligations under the Notes and this Indenture, except for those surviving obligations specified above. Section 10.02. LEGAL DEFEASANCE (a) The Issuer shall be deemed to have paid and will, together with the Guarantors, be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees on the date of the deposit referred to in clause (a) of this Section 10.02, and the provisions of this Indenture shall no longer be in effect with respect to the Notes ("Legal Defeasance"), and the Trustee, 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: (i) the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes to receive solely from the trust fund described in clause (i) below payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such Notes when such payments are due, (ii) the Issuer's obligations with respect to such Notes under Article Two and Section 4.02 hereof, (iii) the rights, powers, trusts, duties, indemnities and immunities of the Trustee hereunder, including, without limitation, Section 7.07 hereof and the Issuer's obligations in connection therewith and (iv) this Article Eight. Subject to compliance with this Article 10, the Issuer may exercise its option under this Section 10.02 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 10.03 hereof. The following conditions shall apply to Legal Defeasance: (i) the Issuer shall have irrevocably deposited with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders cash in U.S. dollars, U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as shall be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes at the Stated Maturity thereof or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be; (ii) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel (based on a ruling published by the United States Internal Revenue Service or other change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law) in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee to the effect that the Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and Legal Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and Legal Defeasance had not occurred; 83 (iii) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or an Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the grant of any Lien securing such borrowing); (iv) the Legal Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under this Indenture (other than a default or an Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the grant of any Lien securing such borrowing) or any other material agreement or instrument to which Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary is a party or by which the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary is bound; (v) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that the conditions provided for in, in the case of the Officers' Certificate, clauses (i) through (iv) and, in the case of the Opinion of Counsel, clause (iv) of this Section 10.02, have been complied with; and (vi) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, assuming no intervening bankruptcy of Parent, the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor between the date of deposit and the 124th day following the date of deposit and that no Holder is an insider of the Parent, the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor, after the 124th day following the date of deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally. After any such irrevocable deposit, the Trustee upon request shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of the Issuer's obligations under the Notes and this Indenture except for those surviving obligations in the immediately preceding paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Opinion of Counsel required by Section 10.02(ii) with respect to a Legal Defeasance need not be delivered if all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (1) have become due and payable or (2) shall become due and payable upon maturity or redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer. Section 10.03. COVENANT DEFEASANCE. Parent may omit to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in Section 5.01(b)(ii) or (iii), and Parent and the Issuer may omit to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in Sections 4.03 and Sections 4.05 through 4.19 and any breach of clauses (d), (e), (f), (g) or (j) or, with respect to Significant Subsidiaries only, clauses (h) or (i) under Section 6.01 shall be deemed not to be an Event of Default ("Covenant Defeasance"), in each case with respect to the outstanding Notes and the related Note Guarantee if: (a) the Issuer irrevocably deposits with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders cash in U.S. dollars, U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent 84 public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes at the Stated Maturity thereof or on the applicable Redemption Date, as the case may be; (b) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to such Trustee confirming that the Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the Covenant Defeasance had not occurred; (c) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the grant of any Lien securing such borrowing); (d) the Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under this Indenture (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the grant of any Lien securing such borrowing) or any other material agreement or instrument to which Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is a party or by which Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is bound; (e) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that the conditions provided for in, in the case of the Officers' Certificate, clauses (a) through (d) and, in the case of the Opinion of Counsel, clause (d) of this Section 10.03 have been complied with; and (f) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, assuming no intervening bankruptcy of Parent, the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor between the date of deposit and the 124th day following the date of deposit and that no Holder is an insider of Parent, the Issuer or such Subsidiary Guarantor, after the 124th day following the date of deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally. If the funds deposited with the Trustee to effect Covenant Defeasance are insufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the Notes when due, then the obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors under this Indenture will be revived and no such defeasance will be deemed to have occurred. Section 10.04. APPLICATION OF TRUST MONEY. The Trustee or Paying Agent shall hold in trust money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to Section 10.01, 10.02 or 10.03, as the case may be, and shall apply the deposited money and the money from U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with the Notes and this Indenture to the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes. Section 10.05. REPAYMENT TO ISSUER. Subject to Sections 7.07, 10.01, 10.02 and 10.03, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall promptly pay to the Issuer upon request set forth in an Officers' Certificate any excess money held by them at any time and thereupon shall be relieved from all liability with 85 respect to such money. The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay to the Issuer upon written request any money held by them for the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest that remains unclaimed for two years; provided that the Trustee or such Paying Agent before being required to make any payment shall cause to be published at the expense of the Issuer once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of New York and the Trustee shall mail to each Holder entitled to such money at such Holder's address (as set forth in the Register) notice that such money remains unclaimed and that after a date specified therein (which shall be at least 30 days from the date of such publication or mailing) any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining shall be repaid to the Issuer. After payment to the Issuer, Holders entitled to such money must look to the Issuer for payment as general creditors unless an applicable law designates another Person, and all liability of the Trustee and such Paying Agent with respect to such money shall cease. Section 10.06. REINSTATEMENT. If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section 10.01, 10.02 or 10.03, as the case may be, by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Issuer's obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 10.01, 10.02 or 10.03, as the case may be, until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section 10.01, 10.02 or 10.03, as the case may be; provided that if the Issuer has made any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuer shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or Paying Agent. ARTICLE 11. MISCELLANEOUS Section 11.01. TRUST INDENTURE ACT CONTROLS. If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by TIA ss. 318(c), the imposed duties shall control. Section 11.02. NOTICES. Any notice or communication by the Issuer or the Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing and delivered in person or mailed by first class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), telex, telecopier or overnight air courier guaranteeing next-day delivery, to the others' address. If to the Issuer: Champion Home Builders Co. c/o Champion Enterprises, Inc. 2701 Cambridge Court Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326 86 Attention: Chief Financial Officer With a copy to: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP 4 Times Square New York, New York 10036 Attention: David J. Goldschmidt If to the Trustee: Bank One Trust Company, N.A. 1 Bank One Plaza Chicago, Illinois 60670 Attention: Corporate Trust Administration The Issuer or the Trustee, by notice to the others may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications. All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when answered back, if telexed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery. Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be mailed by first class mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to its address shown on the register kept by the Registrar. Any notice or communication shall also be so mailed to any person described in TIA ss. 313(c), to the extent required by the TIA. 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. Except for a notice to the Trustee, which is deemed given only when received, and except as otherwise provided in this Indenture, if a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it. If the Issuer mails a notice or communication to Holders, it shall mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time. Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver. In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder. 87 Section 11.03. COMMUNICATION BY HOLDERS OF NOTES WITH OTHER HOLDERS OF NOTES. Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA ss. 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes. The Issuer, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA ss. 312(c). Section 11.04. CERTIFICATE AND OPINION AS TO CONDITIONS PRECEDENT. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, upon any request or application by the Issuer to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee: (a) an Officers' Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 11.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been satisfied; and (b) an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 11.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been satisfied. Section 11.05. STATEMENTS REQUIRED IN CERTIFICATE OR OPINION. Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to TIA ss. 314(a)(4)) shall comply with the provisions of TIA ss. 314(e) and shall include: (a) a statement that the person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition; (b) 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; (c) a statement that, in the opinion of such person, he or she 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 satisfied; and (d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such person, such condition or covenant has been satisfied. Section 11.06. RULES BY TRUSTEE AND AGENTS. The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders. Each of the Registrar or Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions. 88 Section 11.07. NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND STOCKHOLDERS. No recourse for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest or Additional Interest, if any, on any of the Notes, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, and no recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of the Issuer or of any Guarantor contained in this Indenture or in any of the Notes, or because of the creation of any Indebtedness represented thereby, shall be had against any incorporator or past, present or future director, officer, employee, controlling person or stockholder of the Issuer or of any Guarantor. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy. Section 11.08. GOVERNING LAW. THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS INDENTURE AND THE NOTES 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 11.09. NO ADVERSE INTERPRETATION OF OTHER AGREEMENTS. This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Issuer or its Subsidiaries or of any other person. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture. Section 11.10. SUCCESSORS. All agreements of the Issuer in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors. Section 11.11. SEVERABILITY. In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. Section 11.12. COUNTERPART 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. Section 11.13. TABLE OF CONTENTS, HEADINGS, ETC. The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and Headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof. 89 [Signatures on following page] 90 SIGNATURES Dated as of April 22, 2002 CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS CO. By: --------------------------------------- Name: Title CHAMPION ENTERPRISES, INC. By: --------------------------------------- Name: Title [GUARANTORS] By: --------------------------------------- Name Authorized Signatory BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, N.A. By: --------------------------------------- Name Authorized Signatory 2 EXHIBIT A (Face of Note) 11 1/4% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007 CUSIP NO. 144A-1 $ CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS CO. promises to pay to Cede & Co. or its registered assigns, $___________ (_________________________________________Dollars) on , 2007. Interest Payment Dates: April 15 and October 15, commencing October 15, 2002. Record Dates: April 1 and October 1. CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS CO. By: ______________________________ Name: Title: This is one of the Global Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture Bank One Trust Company, N.A. as Trustee By: __________________________________ Authorized Signatory Dated: April 22, 2002 A-1 (Back of Note) 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007 THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) 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 2.06 OR IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 9.05 OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ISSUER.(1) UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN DEFINITIVE FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) ("DTC"), TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.(1) THIS NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), AND THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS NOTE IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER - ----------------------------- (1) On Global Note only A-2 OF THIS NOTE MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER. THE HOLDER OF THIS NOTE AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUER THAT (A) THIS NOTE MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (I) IN THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (II) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (III) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE) OR (IV) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH OF CASES (I) THROUGH (IV) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS NOTE FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN (A) ABOVE. THE RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE, AND THE CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING ITS EXCHANGE FOR CERTIFICATED NOTES, ARE AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE (AS DEFINED HEREIN). NEITHER THE HOLDER NOR THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE PAYMENT OF INTEREST HEREON.(2) Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in this Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated. 1. INTEREST. Champion Home Builders Co., a Michigan corporation (the "Issuer"), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 11.25% per annum until maturity and shall pay the Additional Interest, if any, payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The Issuer shall pay interest and Additional Interest, if any, semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each an "Interest Payment Date"). Interest on the Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from April 22, 2002; provided, however, that if there is no existing Default in the payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date; provided, further, that the first Interest Payment Date shall be October 15, 2002. The Issuer shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, from time to time on demand at a rate that is 1% per annum in excess of the rate then in effect; it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any, proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest, if any (without regard to any applicable - ------------------------ (2) On Regulation S Temporary Note only A-3 grace periods) from time to time on demand at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. 2. METHOD OF PAYMENT. The Issuer shall pay principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes to the persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the April 1 or October 1 next preceding the interest payment date, even if such Notes are cancelled after such record date and on or before such interest payment date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture (as defined below) with respect to defaulted interest. The Notes shall be payable by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the registered Holder of the relevant Global Note and, with respect to Definitive Notes, by wire transfer of immediately available funds in accordance with instructions provided by the registered holders of Definitive Notes or, if no such instructions are specified, by mailing a check to each such Holder's registered address. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. 3. PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR. Initially, Bank One Trust Company, N.A., the Trustee under the Indenture, shall act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuer may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity. 4. INDENTURE. The Issuer issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of April 22, 2002 ("Indenture") between the Issuer, Champion Enterprises, Inc. ("Parent"), the subsidiary guarantors named therein (the "Subsidiary Guarantors," and together with Parent, the "Guarantors") and the Trustee. The terms of the Notes include those stated in this Indenture and those made part of this Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S. Code ss.ss. 77aaa-77bbbb). The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to this Indenture and such Act for a statement of such terms. To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture shall govern and be controlling. 5. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION. The Issuer may redeem the Notes, at its option, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time prior to their maturity at a redemption price plus accrued interest to the date of redemption equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount thereof and (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the date of redemption on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the applicable Treasury Yield (as defined in the Indenture) plus 50 basis points. 6. MANDATORY REDEMPTION. Except as set forth in paragraph 7 below, the Issuer shall not be required to make mandatory redemption payments with respect to the Notes. A-4 7. REPURCHASE AT OPTION OF HOLDER. (a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder shall have the right to require the Issuer to make an offer (a "Change of Control Offer") to each Holder to repurchase all or any part, equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000, of the Holder's Notes at an offer price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest on Notes repurchased to the date fixed for repurchase (the "Change of Control Payment"). (b) If Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary consummates any Asset Sales, when the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $15.0 million, the Issuer shall make a pro rata offer to purchase (an "Asset Sale Offer") to all Holders of Notes and all holders of other Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Notes containing provisions similar to those set forth in this Indenture with respect to offers to purchase or redeem with the proceeds of sales of assets to purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds. The offer price in any Asset Sale Offer shall be equal to 100% of principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase, and shall be payable in cash. If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset Sale Offer, the Issuer may use those Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes and other pari passu Indebtedness tendered into such Asset Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the Notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis. Upon completion of each Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be deemed to have been reset at zero. 8. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION. Notice of redemption shall be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address. Notes and portions of Notes selected shall be in amounts of $1,000 or whole multiples of $1,000; except that if all of the Notes of a Holder are to be redeemed, the entire outstanding amount of Notes held by such Holder, even if not a multiple of $1,000, shall be redeemed. On and after the redemption date interest ceases to accrue on Notes, or portions thereof called for redemption. 9. DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE. The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in this Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Issuer may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by this Indenture. The Issuer need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part. Also, the Issuer need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed or during the period between a record date and the corresponding interest payment date. 10. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS. The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes. 11. AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER. Subject to certain exceptions, this Indenture or the Notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of A-5 at least a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes voting as a single class, and any existing default or compliance with any provision of this Indenture or the Notes may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes voting as a single class. Without the consent of any Holder of a Note, this Indenture or the Notes may be amended or supplemented to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes, to provide for the assumption of the Issuer's obligations to Holders of the Notes in case of a merger or consolidation, or sale of substantially all of the Issuer's assets, to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under this Indenture of any such Holder, or to comply with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. 12. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES. Events of Default include, in summary form: (a) a default in the payment of interest on the Notes when due, continued for 30 days; (b) a default in the payment of principal of and premium, if any, on any Note when due at maturity, upon optional redemption, upon declaration or otherwise; (c) the failure by either Parent or the Issuer to comply with its obligations under Article 5 of the Indenture or failure by Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with Section 4.10 of the Indenture; (d) the failure by either Parent or the Issuer to comply for 30 days after notice with any of its obligations under Sections 4.15 or 4.16 (other than a failure to purchase Notes) of the Indenture or under Sections 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.17 or 4.18 of the Indenture; (e) the failure by either Parent or the Issuer, as applicable, to comply for 60 days after notice with its obligations under Section 4.03 of the Indenture or other obligations under the Indenture, other than with respect to the provisions relating to clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) above; (f) Indebtedness of Parent, the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary is not paid within any applicable grace period after final maturity or is accelerated by the holders thereof because of a default and the total amount of such Indebtedness unpaid or accelerated exceeds $20.0 million and such default continues for ten days after notice (the "cross acceleration provision"); (g) any final judgment or decree for the payment of money in excess of $10.0 million (net of applicable insurance coverage) is entered against Parent, the Issuer or a Significant Subsidiary and remains undischarged, unwaived or unstayed for a period of 60 consecutive days following the date on which the right to appeal such judgment has expired or becomes subject to an enforcement proceeding (the "judgment default provision"); (h) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of Parent, the Issuer or a Significant Subsidiary (the "bankruptcy provisions"); or (i) any Note Guarantee ceases to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of the Indenture or such Note Guarantee) or Parent or any Subsidiary Guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations under its Note Guarantee (the "guarantee provisions"); provided, however, that a default under clauses (d), (e), (f) or (g) shall not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes notify the Issuer of the default and Parent or the Issuer does not cure such default within the time specified after receipt of such notice. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest on all the Notes to be due and payable, subject to certain conditions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, all outstanding Notes shall become due and payable without further action or notice. Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the Notes A-6 notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is not opposed to their interest. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes. The Issuer is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with this Indenture, and the Issuer is required upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default. 13. TRUSTEE DEALINGS WITH ISSUER. The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from, and perform services for the Issuer or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Issuer or its Affiliates, as if it were not the Trustee. 14. NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS. No recourse for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest or Additional Interest, if any, on any of the Notes, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, and no recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of the Issuer contained in this Indenture or in any of the Notes, or because of the creation of any Indebtedness represented thereby, shall be had against any incorporator or past, present or future director, officer, employee, controlling person or stockholder of the Issuer. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes. 15. AUTHENTICATION. This Note shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent. 16. ABBREVIATIONS. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act). 17. ADDITIONAL RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES AND RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES. In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under this Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes shall have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 22, 2002, between the Issuer and the parties named on the signature pages thereof (the "Registration Rights Agreement"). 18. CUSIP NUMBERS. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuer has caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon. The Issuer shall furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of this Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement. Requests may be made to: A-7 Champion Home Builders Co. 2701 Cambridge Court Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326 Attention: Chief Financial Officer A-8 ASSIGNMENT FORM To assign this Note, fill in the form below: (I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Insert assignee's social security or tax I.D. no.) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Print or type assignee's name, address and zip code) and irrevocably appoint --------------------------------------------------------- to transfer this Note on the books of the Issuer. The agent may substitute another to act for him. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: ----------------- Your Signature: -------------------------------------- (Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note) Signature Guarantee: ---------------------- A-9 OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.15 or 4.16 of this Indenture, check the box below: [ ] Section 4.15 [ ] Section 4.16 If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.15 or Section 4.16 of this Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased: $________ Date: ------------- Your Signature: ------------------------------ (Sign exactly as your name appears on the Note) Signature Guarantee: ------------------------- Tax Identification No: ----------------------- A-10 SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE The initial principal amount of this Global Note is _______________. The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, resulting in increases or decreases of the principal amount of this Global Note, have been made:
Date of Exchange Amount of decrease Amount of increase Principal Amount Signature of in Principal in Principal of this Global Note authorized officer Amount of this Amount of this following such of Trustee or Global Note Global Note decrease (or Custodian increase) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A-11 EXHIBIT B FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER Champion Home Builders Co. 2701 Cambridge Court Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326 Bank One Trust Company, N.A. 1 Bank One Plaza Chicago, Illinois 60670 Attention: Corporate Trust Administration Re: 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007 of Champion Home Builders Co. Reference is hereby made to this Indenture, dated as of April 22, 2002 (the "Indenture"), between Champion Home Builders Co., as issuer (the "Issuer"), the guarantors named therein and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in this Indenture. ______________, (the "Transferor") owns and proposes to transfer the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified in Annex A hereto, in the principal amount of $___________ in such Note[s] or interests (the "Transfer"), to __________ (the "Transferee"), as further specified in Annex A hereto. In connection with the Transfer, the Transferor hereby certifies that: A. [CHECK ALL THAT APPLY] 1. [ ] Check if Transferee shall take delivery of a beneficial interest in the 144A Global Note or a Definitive Note Pursuant to Rule 144A. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the beneficial interest or Definitive Note is being transferred to a person that the Transferor reasonably believed and believes is purchasing the beneficial interest or Definitive Note for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which such person exercises sole investment discretion, and such person and each such account is a "qualified institutional buyer" within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and such Transfer is in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note shall be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the 144A Global Note or the Definitive Note and in this Indenture and the Securities Act. 2. [ ] Check if Transferee shall take delivery of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note or a Definitive Note pursuant to Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 904 under the Securities Act and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that (i) the Transfer is not being made to a person in the United States and (x) at the time the buy order was originated, the Transferee was outside the United States or such Transferor and any person B-1 acting on its behalf reasonably believed and believes that the Transferee was outside the United States or (y) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither such Transferor nor any person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no directed selling efforts have been made in contravention of the requirements of Rule 904(b) of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (iii) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act and (iv) if the proposed transfer is being made prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the transfer is not being made to a U.S. person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (other than an Initial Purchaser). Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note shall be subject to the restrictions on Transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Regulation S Global Note and/or the Definitive Note and in this Indenture and the Securities Act. 3. [ ] Check and complete if Transferee shall take delivery of a beneficial interest in a Definitive Note pursuant to any provision of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A or Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States, and accordingly the Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one): (a) such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act; or (b) such Transfer is being effected to the Issuer or a subsidiary thereof. 4. [ ] Check if Transferee shall take delivery of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or of an Unrestricted Definitive Note. (a) [ ] CHECK IF TRANSFER IS PURSUANT TO RULE 144. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in this Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in this Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note shall no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in this Indenture. (b) [ ] CHECK IF TRANSFER IS PURSUANT TO REGULATION S. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in this Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in this Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note shall no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in this Indenture. B-2 (c) [ ] CHECK IF TRANSFER IS PURSUANT TO OTHER EXEMPTION. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in this Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in this Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note shall not be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Definitive Notes and in this Indenture. (d) [ ] CHECK IF TRANSFER IS PURSUANT TO PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROSPECTUS DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT. This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuer. -------------------------------------- [Insert Name of Transferor] By: ---------------------------------- Name: Title: Dated: , ------------ ------- ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER 1. The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following: [CHECK ONE] (a) [ ] a beneficial interest in the: (i) [ ] 144A Global Note (CUSIP ), or ---------- (ii) [ ] Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP ), or --------- (b) [ ] a Restricted Definitive Note. 2. After the Transfer the Transferee shall hold: [CHECK ONE] (a) [ ] a beneficial interest in the: (i) [ ] 144A Global Note (CUSIP ), or --------- B-3 (ii) [ ] Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP ), or --------- (iii) [ ] Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP ); or --------- (b) [ ] a Restricted Definitive Note; or (c) [ ] an Unrestricted Definitive Note, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture. B-4 EXHIBIT C FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE Champion Home Builders Co. 2701 Cambridge Court Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326 Bank One Trust Company, N.A. 1 Bank One Plaza Chicago, Illinois 60670 Attention: Corporate Trust Administration Re: 11 1/2% Senior Notes due 2007 of Champion Home Builders Co. (CUSIP______________) Reference is hereby made to this Indenture, dated as of April 22, 2002 (the "Indenture"), between Champion Home Builders Co., as issuer (the "Issuer"), the guarantors named therein and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in this Indenture. ____________, (the "Owner") owns and proposes to exchange the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified herein, in the principal amount of $____________ in such Note[s] or interests (the "Exchange"). In connection with the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that: 1. [ ] EXCHANGE OF RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES OR BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN A RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE FOR UNRESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES OR BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN AN UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE (a) [ ] CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN A RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE TO BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN AN UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner's beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note in an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner's own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in this Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. (b) [ ] CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN A RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE TO UNRESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner's beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner's own account without C-1 transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in this Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. (c) [ ] CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE TO BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN AN UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE. In connection with the Owner's Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner's own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in this Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. (d) [ ] CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE TO UNRESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE. In connection with the Owner's Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner's own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in this Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. 2. EXCHANGE OF RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES OR BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES FOR RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES OR BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES (a) [ ] CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN A RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE TO RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner's beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a Restricted Definitive Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies that the Restricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner's own account without transfer. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the Restricted Definitive Note issued shall continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Note and in this Indenture and the Securities Act. (b) [ ] CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE TO BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN A RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner's Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in the [CHECK ONE] [ ] 144A Global Note, [ ] Regulation S Global Note, C-2 with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner's own account without transfer and (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, and in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the beneficial interest issued shall be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the relevant Restricted Global Note and in this Indenture and the Securities Act. C-3 This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuer. ___________________________________ [Insert Name of Owner] By: _______________________________ Name: Title: Dated: ________________, ____ C-4 EXHIBIT D FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE Each Guarantor, as defined in the Indenture (the "Indenture"), referred to in the Note upon which this notation is endorsed, (i) has jointly and severally unconditionally guaranteed (a) the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium and interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes, whether at maturity or an interest payment date, by acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, (b) the due and punctual payment of interest on the overdue principal and premium of, and interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes, and (c) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, the same shall be promptly paid in full when due in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise and (ii) has agreed to pay any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by the Trustee or any Holder in enforcing any rights under this Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Guarantee would constitute or result in a violation of any applicable fraudulent conveyance or similar law of any relevant jurisdiction, the liability of such Guarantor under its Guarantee shall be reduced to the maximum amount permissible under such fraudulent conveyance or similar law. No past, present or future director, officer, employee, agent, incorporator, stockholder or agent of any Guarantor, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or any Guarantor under the Notes, any Guarantee, Indenture, any supplemental indenture delivered pursuant to the Indenture by such Guarantor or any Guarantees, or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. Except as otherwise provided in the Indenture, this Guarantee shall be binding upon each Guarantor and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Trustee and the Holders and, in the event of any transfer or assignment of rights by the Holder or the Trustee, the rights and privileges herein conferred upon that party shall automatically extend to and be vested in such transferee or assignee, all subject to the terms and conditions hereof. This Guarantee shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose until the certificate of authentication on the Note upon which this Guarantee is noted have been executed by the Trustee under the Indenture the manual signature of one of its authorized officers. Capitalized terms used herein have the meaning assigned to them in the Indenture. [GUARANTOR] By:______________________________ Name: Authorized Representative D-1
EX-4.2 7 k69724exv4w2.txt REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT DATED APRIL 22, 2002 EXHIBIT 4.2 $150,000,000 CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS CO. 11 1/4% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007 REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT April 22, 2002 Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, FIRST UNION SECURITIES, INC. c/o Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation Eleven Madison Avenue New York, New York 10010-3629 Ladies and Gentlemen: Champion Home Builders Co., a Michigan corporation (the "COMPANY"), proposes to issue and sell to Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and First Union Securities, Inc. (the "INITIAL PURCHASERS"), upon the terms set forth in a purchase agreement of even date herewith (the "PURCHASE AGREEMENT"), $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007 (the "NOTES") to be guaranteed (the "GUARANTEES") by Champion Enterprises, Inc., a Michigan corporation and the parent of the Company ("PARENT") and the subsidiaries of Parent listed on the signature pages hereto (the "SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS" and, together with Parent, the "GUARANTORS"). The Company, Parent and the Subsidiary Guarantors are collectively referred to herein as the "ISSUERS." The Notes and the Guarantees are together referred to as the "INITIAL SECURITIES". The Initial Securities will be issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of April 22, 2002 (the "INDENTURE"), among the Company, Parent and the Subsidiary Guarantors and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the "TRUSTEE"). As an inducement to the Initial Purchasers to enter into the Purchase Agreement, the Issuers agree, jointly and severally, with the Initial Purchasers, for the benefit of the Initial Purchasers and the holders of the Securities (as defined below) (collectively the "HOLDERS"), as follows: 1. Registered Exchange Offer. Unless not permitted by applicable law (after the Issuers have complied with the ultimate paragraph of this Section 1), the Issuers shall prepare and, not later than 90 days (or if the 90th day is not a business day, the first business day thereafter) (such 90th day, or if the 90th day is not a business day, the first business day thereafter, being a "FILING DEADLINE") after the date on which the Initial Purchasers purchases the Initial Securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (the "CLOSING DATE"), files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "COMMISSION") a registration statement (the "EXCHANGE OFFER REGISTRATION STATEMENT") on an appropriate form under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SECURITIES ACT"), with respect to a proposed offer (the "REGISTERED EXCHANGE OFFER") to the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities (as defined in Section 6 hereof), who are not prohibited by any law or policy of the Commission from participating in the Registered Exchange Offer, to issue and deliver to such Holders, in exchange for the Initial Securities, a like aggregate principal amount of debt securities (the "EXCHANGE SECURITIES") of the Company issued under the Indenture, identical in all material respects to the Initial Securities (except that the Exchange Securities will not contain certain restrictions on transfer) and registered under the Securities Act. The Issuers shall use their best efforts to (i) cause such Exchange Offer Registration Statement to become effective under the Securities Act within 180 days after the Closing Date (such 180th day (or, if the 180th day is not a business day, the first business day thereafter) being an "EFFECTIVENESS DEADLINE") and (ii) keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement effective for not less than 20 business days (or longer, if required by applicable law) after the date notice of the Registered Exchange Offer is mailed to the Holders (such period being called the "EXCHANGE OFFER REGISTRATION PERIOD"). If the Issuers commence the Registered Exchange Offer, the Issuers (i) will be entitled to consummate the Registered Exchange Offer 30 days after such commencement (provided that the Issuers have accepted all the Initial Securities theretofore validly tendered in accordance with the terms of the Registered Exchange Offer) and (ii) will be required to consummate the Registered Exchange Offer no later than 30 days after the date on which the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective (such 30th day being the "CONSUMMATION DEADLINE"). Following the declaration of the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, the Issuers shall promptly commence the Registered Exchange Offer, it being the objective of such Registered Exchange Offer to enable each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities (as defined in Section 6(d) hereof) electing to exchange the Initial Securities for Exchange Securities (assuming that such Holder is not an affiliate of the Issuers within the meaning of the Securities Act, acquires the Exchange Securities in the ordinary course of such Holder's business and has no arrangements with any person to participate in the distribution of the Exchange Securities and is not prohibited by any law or policy of the Commission from participating in the Registered Exchange Offer) to trade such Exchange Securities from and after their receipt without any limitations or restrictions under the Securities Act and without material restrictions under the securities laws of the several states of the United States. The Issuers acknowledge that, pursuant to current interpretations by the Commission's staff of Section 5 of the Securities Act, in the absence of an applicable exemption therefrom, (i) each Holder which is a broker-dealer electing to exchange Initial Securities, acquired for its own account as a result of market making activities or other trading activities, for Exchange Securities (an "EXCHANGING DEALER"), is required to deliver a prospectus containing the information set forth in (a) Annex A hereto on the cover, (b) Annex B hereto in the "Exchange Offer Procedures" section and the "Purpose of the Exchange Offer" section, and (c) Annex C hereto in the "Plan of Distribution" section of such prospectus in connection with a sale of any such Exchange Securities received by such Exchanging Dealer pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer and (ii) 2 an Initial Purchaser that elects to sell Securities (as defined below) acquired in exchange for Initial Securities constituting any portion of an unsold allotment, is required to deliver a prospectus containing the information required by Items 507 or 508 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, as applicable, in connection with such sale. The Issuers shall use their respective best efforts to keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement effective and to amend and supplement the prospectus contained therein, in order to permit such prospectus to be lawfully delivered by all persons subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act for such period of time as such persons must comply with such requirements in order to resell the Exchange Securities; provided, however, that (i) in the case where such prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto must be delivered by an Exchanging Dealer or the Initial Purchasers, such period shall be the lesser of 180 days and the date on which all Exchanging Dealers and the Initial Purchasers have sold all Exchange Securities held by them (unless such period is extended pursuant to Section 3(j) below) and (ii) the Company shall make such prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any resale of any Exchange Securities for a period of not less than 180 days after the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer. If, upon consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer, the Initial Purchasers hold Initial Securities acquired by them as part of their initial distribution, the Issuers, simultaneously with the delivery of the Exchange Securities pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer, shall issue and deliver to the Initial Purchasers upon the written request of the Initial Purchasers, in exchange (the "PRIVATE EXCHANGE") for the Initial Securities held by the Initial Purchasers, a like principal amount of debt securities of the Company issued under the Indenture and identical in all material respects (including the existence of restrictions on transfer under the Securities Act and the securities laws of the several states of the United States) to the Initial Securities (the "PRIVATE EXCHANGE SECURITIES"). The Initial Securities, the Exchange Securities and the Private Exchange Securities are herein collectively called the "SECURITIES". In connection with the Registered Exchange Offer, the Issuers shall: (a) mail to each Holder a copy of the prospectus forming part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, together with an appropriate letter of transmittal and related documents; (b) keep the Registered Exchange Offer open for not less than 20 business days (or longer, if required by applicable law) after the date notice thereof is mailed to the Holders; (c) utilize the services of a depositary for the Registered Exchange Offer with an address in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, which may be the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee; (d) permit Holders to withdraw tendered Securities at any time prior to the close of business, New York time, on the last business day on which the Registered Exchange Offer shall remain open; and (e) otherwise comply with all applicable laws. 3 As soon as practicable after the close of the Registered Exchange Offer or the Private Exchange, as the case may be, the Issuers shall: (x) accept for exchange all the Securities validly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer and the Private Exchange; (y) deliver to the Trustee for cancellation all the Initial Securities so accepted for exchange; and (z) cause the Trustee to authenticate and deliver promptly to each Holder of the Initial Securities, Exchange Securities or Private Exchange Securities, as the case may be, equal in principal amount to the Initial Securities of such Holder so accepted for exchange. The Indenture will provide that the Exchange Securities will not be subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in the Indenture and that all the Securities will vote and consent together on all matters as one class and that none of the Securities will have the right to vote or consent as a class separate from one another on any matter. Interest on each Exchange Security and Private Exchange Security issued pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer and in the Private Exchange will accrue from the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the Initial Securities surrendered in exchange therefor or, if no interest has been paid on the Initial Securities, from the date of original issue of the Initial Securities. Each Holder participating in the Registered Exchange Offer shall be required to represent to the Issuers that at the time of the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer (i) any Exchange Securities received by such Holder will be acquired in the ordinary course of business, (ii) such Holder will have no arrangements or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the Securities or the Exchange Securities within the meaning of the Securities Act, (iii) such Holder is not an "affiliate," as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act, of the Issuers or if it is an affiliate, such Holder will comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent applicable, (iv) if such Holder is not a broker-dealer, that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, the distribution of the Exchange Securities and (v) if such Holder is a broker-dealer, that it will receive Exchange Securities for its own account in exchange for Initial Securities that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and that it will be required to acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Securities. Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, the Issuers will ensure that (i) any Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any amendment thereto and any prospectus forming part thereof and any supplement thereto complies in all material respects with the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, (ii) any Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any amendment thereto does not, when it becomes effective, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and (iii) any prospectus forming part of any Exchange Offer Registration Statement, and any supplement to such prospectus, does not include an untrue statement of a material fact or 4 omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. If following the date hereof there has been announced a change in Commission policy with respect to exchange offers that in the reasonable opinion of counsel to the Issuers raises a substantial question as to whether the Registered Exchange Offer is permitted by applicable federal law, the Company will seek a no-action letter or other favorable decision from the Commission allowing the Company to consummate the Registered Exchange Offer. The Issuers will pursue the issuance of such a decision to the Commission staff level. In connection with the foregoing, the Issuers will take all such other actions as may be requested by the Commission or otherwise required in connection with the issuance of such decision, including without limitation (i) participating in telephonic conferences with the Commission, (ii) delivering to the Commission staff an analysis prepared by counsel to the Issuers setting forth the legal bases, if any, upon which such counsel has concluded that the Registered Exchange Offer should be permitted and (iii) diligently pursuing a resolution (which need not be favorable) by the Commission staff. 2. Shelf Registration. If, (i) because of any change in law or in applicable interpretations thereof by the staff of the Commission, the Issuers are not permitted to effect a Registered Exchange Offer, as contemplated by Section 1 hereof, (ii) the Registered Exchange Offer is not consummated by the 210th day (or if the 210th day is not a business day, the first business day thereafter,) after the Closing Date, (iii) the Initial Purchasers, within 10 business days of receiving written notice from the Issuers of completion of the Registered Exchange Offer, notify the Company that the Initial Securities (or the Private Exchange Securities) held by it are not eligible to be exchanged for Exchange Securities in the Registered Exchange Offer or (iv) any Holder (other than an Exchanging Dealer), within 10 business days following completion of the Registered Exchange Offer notifies the Company that such Holder is not eligible to participate in the Registered Exchange Offer, that such Holder may not resell the Exchange Notes to the public without delivering a prospectus and the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not appropriate or available for such resales by such Holder or that such Holder is a broker/dealer and holds Initial Securities that are part of an unsold allotment from the original sale of the Notes, the Issuers shall take the following actions (the date on which any of the conditions described in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iv) occur, including in the case of clauses (iii) or (iv) the receipt of the required notice, being a "TRIGGER DATE"): (a) The Issuers shall, as promptly as practicable, (but in no event more than 90 days after the Trigger Date (such 90th day being a "FILING DEADLINE")) file with the Commission and thereafter use their best efforts to cause to be declared effective no later than 180 days after the Trigger Date (such 180th day being an "EFFECTIVENESS DEADLINE") a registration statement (the "SHELF REGISTRATION STATEMENT" and, together with the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, a "REGISTRATION STATEMENT") on an appropriate form under the Securities Act relating to the offer and sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities by the Holders thereof from time to time in accordance with the methods of distribution set forth in the Shelf Registration Statement and Rule 415 under the Securities Act (hereinafter, the "SHELF REGISTRATION"); provided, however, that no Holder (other than the Initial Purchasers) shall be entitled to have the Securities held by it 5 covered by such Shelf Registration Statement unless such Holder agrees in writing to be bound by all the provisions of this Agreement applicable to such Holder. (b) The Issuers shall use their best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective in order to permit the prospectus included therein to be lawfully delivered by the Holders of the relevant Securities, for a period of two years (or for such longer period if extended pursuant to Section 3(j) below) from the date of its effectiveness or such shorter period that will terminate when all the Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement (i) have been sold pursuant thereto or (ii) are no longer restricted securities (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, or any successor rule thereof). The Issuers shall be deemed not to have used their best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement effective during the requisite period if any Issuer voluntarily takes any action that would result in Holders of Securities covered thereby not being able to offer and sell such Securities during that period, unless such action (i) is required by applicable law or (ii) is taken by the Company on the basis of a good faith determination that its failure to take such action would adversely affect a material disposition of stock or assets, merger or other comparable transaction, so long as the Company promptly thereafter complies with the requirements of Section 3(j) hereof, if applicable; provided, however, that the period during which the Holders of such Securities are not able to offer or sell such Securities pursuant to this clause (ii) shall not exceed 60 days in the aggregate. (c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, the Issuers shall cause the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, as of the effective date of the Shelf Registration Statement, amendment or supplement, (i) to comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission and (ii) not to contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. 3. Registration Procedures. In connection with any Shelf Registration contemplated by Section 2 hereof and, to the extent applicable, any Registered Exchange Offer contemplated by Section 1 hereof, the following provisions shall apply: (a) The Issuers shall (i) furnish to the Initial Purchasers, prior to the filing thereof with the Commission, a copy of the Registration Statement and each amendment thereof and each supplement, if any, to the prospectus included therein and, in the event that the Initial Purchasers (with respect to any portion of an unsold allotment from the original offering) are participating in the Registered Exchange Offer or the Shelf Registration Statement, the Issuers shall use their best efforts to reflect in each such document, when so filed with the Commission, such comments as the Initial Purchasers reasonably may propose; (ii) include the information set forth in Annex A hereto on the cover, in Annex B hereto in the "Exchange Offer Procedures" section and the "Purpose of the Exchange Offer" section and in Annex C hereto in the "Plan of Distribution" section of the prospectus forming a part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and include the information set forth in Annex D hereto in the Letter of Transmittal delivered pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer; (iii) if requested by the Initial Purchasers, include the information required by Items 507 or 508 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, as applicable, in the prospectus forming a part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement; (iv) include within the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement a section entitled "Plan of Distribution," reasonably acceptable to the Initial Purchasers, which shall contain a summary statement of the positions taken or policies made by the staff of the Commission with respect to the potential "underwriter" status of any broker-dealer that is the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) of Exchange Securities received by such broker-dealer in the Registered Exchange Offer (a "PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER"), whether such positions or policies have been publicly disseminated by the staff of the Commission or such positions or policies, in the reasonable 6 judgment of the Initial Purchasers based upon advice of counsel (which may be in-house counsel), represent the prevailing views of the staff of the Commission; and (v) in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, include the names of the Holders who propose to sell Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement as selling securityholders. (b) The Issuers shall give written notice to the Initial Purchasers, and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Holders of the Securities and, in the case of an Exchange Offer Registration Statement, any Participating Broker-Dealer from whom the Issuers have received prior written notice that it will be a Participating Broker-Dealer in the Registered Exchange Offer (which notice pursuant to clauses (ii) - (v) hereof shall be accompanied by an instruction to suspend the use of the prospectus until the requisite changes have been made): (i) when the Registration Statement or any amendment thereto has been filed with the Commission and when the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has become effective; (ii) of any request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the prospectus included therein or for additional information; (iii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose; (iv) of the receipt by the Company or its legal counsel of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and (v) of the happening of any event that requires the Issuers to make changes in the Registration Statement or the prospectus in order that the Registration Statement or the prospectus do not contain an untrue statement of a material fact nor omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of the prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading. (c) The Issuers shall make every reasonable effort to obtain the withdrawal at the earliest possible time, of any order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement. (d) The Issuers shall furnish to each Holder of Securities included within the coverage of the Shelf Registration, without charge, at least one copy of the Shelf Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules, and, if the Holder so requests in writing, all exhibits thereto (including those, if any, incorporated by reference). (e) The Issuers shall deliver to each Exchanging Dealer and the Initial Purchasers, and to any other Holder who so requests, without charge, at least one copy of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules, and, if the Initial Purchasers or any such Holder requests, all exhibits thereto (including those incorporated by reference). (f) The Issuers shall, during the Shelf Registration Period, deliver to each Holder of Securities included within the coverage of the Shelf Registration, without charge, as many copies of the prospectus (including each preliminary prospectus) included in the Shelf Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto as such person may reasonably request. The 7 Issuers consent, subject to the provisions of this Agreement, to the use of the prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders of the Securities in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities covered by the prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, included in the Shelf Registration Statement. (g) The Issuers shall deliver to the Initial Purchasers, any Exchanging Dealer, any Participating Broker-Dealer and such other persons required to deliver a prospectus following the Registered Exchange Offer, without charge, as many copies of the final prospectus included in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto as such persons may reasonably request. The Issuers consent, subject to the provisions of this Agreement, to the use of the prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto by the Initial Purchasers, if necessary, any Participating Broker-Dealer and such other persons required to deliver a prospectus following the Registered Exchange Offer in connection with the offering and sale of the Exchange Securities covered by the prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, included in such Exchange Offer Registration Statement. (h) Prior to any public offering of the Securities pursuant to any Registration Statement the Issuers shall register or qualify or cooperate with the Holders of the Securities included therein and their respective counsel in connection with the registration or qualification of the Securities for offer and sale under the securities or "blue sky" laws of such states of the United States as any Holder of the Securities reasonably requests in writing and do any and all other acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the offer and sale in such jurisdictions of the Securities covered by such Registration Statement; provided, however, that the Issuers shall not be required to (i) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where they are not then so qualified or (ii) take any action which would subject it to general service of process or to taxation in any jurisdiction where it is not then so subject; provided further that the Issuers shall not be required to pay any expenses in connection therewith after the effective date of any applicable Registration Statement. (i) The Issuers shall cooperate with the Holders of the Securities to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing the Securities to be sold pursuant to any Registration Statement free of any restrictive legends and in such denominations and registered in such names as the Holders may request a reasonable period of time prior to sales of the Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement. (j) Upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by paragraphs (ii) through (v) of Section 3(b) above during the period for which the Issuers are required to maintain an effective Registration Statement, the Issuers shall promptly prepare and file a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or a supplement to the related prospectus and any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to Holders of the Securities or purchasers of Securities, the prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. If the Issuers notify the Initial Purchasers, the Holders of the Securities and any known Participating Broker-Dealer in accordance with paragraphs (ii) through (v) of Section 3(b) above to suspend the use of the prospectus until the requisite changes to the prospectus have been made, then the Initial Purchasers, the Holders of the Securities and any such Participating Broker-Dealers shall suspend use of such prospectus, and the period of effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement provided for in Section 2(b) above and the Exchange Offer Registration Statement provided for in Section 1 above shall each be extended by the number of days from and including the date of the giving of such notice to and including the date when the Initial Purchasers, the Holders of the Securities and any known Participating Broker-Dealer shall have received such amended or supplemented prospectus pursuant to this Section 3(j). (k) Not later than the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement, the Issuers will provide a CUSIP number for the Initial Securities, the Exchange Securities or the Private 8 Exchange Securities, as the case may be, and provide the applicable trustee with printed certificates for the Initial Securities, the Exchange Securities or the Private Exchange Securities, as the case may be, in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company. (l) The Issuers will comply with all rules and regulations of the Commission to the extent and so long as they are applicable to the Registered Exchange Offer or the Shelf Registration and will make generally available to their security holders (or otherwise provide in accordance with Section 11(a) of the Securities Act) an earnings statement satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act, no later than 45 days after the end of a 12-month period (or 90 days, if such period is a fiscal year) beginning with the first month of the Parent's first fiscal quarter commencing after the effective date of the Registration Statement, which statement shall cover such 12-month period. (m) The Issuers shall cause the Indenture to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, in a timely manner and containing such changes, if any, as shall be necessary for such qualification. In the event that such qualification would require the appointment of a new trustee under the Indenture, the Issuers shall appoint a new trustee thereunder pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Indenture. (n) The Issuers may require each Holder of Securities to be sold pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement to furnish to the Issuers such information regarding the Holder and the distribution of the Securities as the Issuers may from time to time reasonably require for inclusion in the Shelf Registration Statement, and the Issuers may exclude from such registration the Securities of any Holder that unreasonably fails to furnish such information within a reasonable time after receiving such request. (o) The Issuers shall enter into such customary agreements (including, if requested, an underwriting agreement in customary form) and take all such other action, if any, as any Holder of the Securities shall reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Securities pursuant to any Shelf Registration. (p) In the case of any Shelf Registration, the Issuers shall (i) make reasonably available for inspection by the Holders of the Securities, any underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by the Holders of the Securities or any such underwriter all relevant financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Issuers and (ii) cause the Issuers' officers, directors, employees, accountants and auditors to supply all relevant information reasonably requested by the Holders of the Securities or any such underwriter, attorney, accountant or agent in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement, in each case, as shall be reasonably necessary to enable such persons, to conduct a reasonable investigation within the meaning of Section 11 of the Securities Act; provided, however, that the foregoing inspection and information gathering shall be coordinated on behalf of the Initial Purchasers by you and on behalf of the other parties, by one counsel designated by and on behalf of such other parties as described in Section 4 hereof; provided, further, that any information that is designated in writing by the Company, in good faith, as confidential at the time of delivery of such information shall be kept confidential by the Holders or any such underwriter, attorney, accountant or agent, unless such disclosure is made in connection with a court proceeding or required by law, or such information becomes available to the public generally or through a third party without an accompanying obligation of confidentiality. (q) In the case of any Shelf Registration, the Issuers, if requested by any Holder of Securities covered thereby, shall cause (i) their counsel (which may be in-house counsel) to deliver an opinion and updates thereof relating to the Securities in customary form addressed to such Holders and the managing underwriters, if any, thereof and dated, in the case of the initial opinion, the effective date of such Shelf Registration Statement (it being agreed that the matters to be covered by such opinion shall include, without limitation, the due incorporation and good 9 standing of the Company, the Parent and its subsidiaries; the qualification of the Company, the Parent and its subsidiaries to transact business as foreign corporations; the due authorization, execution and delivery of the relevant agreement of the type referred to in Section 3(o) hereof; the due authorization, execution, authentication and issuance, and the validity and enforceability, of the applicable Securities; the absence of material legal or governmental proceedings involving the Company, the Parent and its subsidiaries; the absence of governmental approvals required to be obtained in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement, the offering and sale of the applicable Securities, or any agreement of the type referred to in Section 3(o) hereof; the compliance as to form of such Shelf Registration Statement and any documents incorporated by reference therein and of the Indenture with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act, respectively; and, as of the date of the opinion and as of the effective date of the Shelf Registration Statement or most recent post-effective amendment thereto, as the case may be, the absence from such Shelf Registration Statement and the prospectus included therein, as then amended or supplemented, and from any documents incorporated by reference therein of an untrue statement of a material fact or the omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (in the case of any such documents, in the light of the circumstances existing at the time that such documents were filed with the Commission under the Exchange Act); (ii) their officers to execute and deliver all customary documents and certificates and updates thereof requested by any underwriters of the applicable Securities and (iii) their independent public accountants to provide to the selling Holders of the applicable Securities and any underwriter therefor a comfort letter in customary form and covering matters of the type customarily covered in comfort letters in connection with primary underwritten offerings, subject to receipt of appropriate documentation as contemplated, and only if permitted, by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 72. (r) In the case of the Registered Exchange Offer, if requested by the Initial Purchasers or any known Participating Broker-Dealer, the Company shall cause (i) its counsel to deliver to such Initial Purchaser or such Participating Broker-Dealer a signed opinion in the form set forth in Section 6(c) of the Purchase Agreement with such changes as are customary in connection with the preparation of a Registration Statement and (ii) its independent public accountants to deliver to such Initial Purchaser or such Participating Broker-Dealer a comfort letter, in customary form, meeting the requirements as to the substance thereof as set forth in Section 6(a) of the Purchase Agreement, with appropriate date changes. (s) If a Registered Exchange Offer or a Private Exchange is to be consummated, upon delivery of the Initial Securities by Holders to the Company (or to such other Person as directed by the Company) in exchange for the Exchange Securities or the Private Exchange Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall mark, or cause to be marked, on the Initial Securities so exchanged that such Initial Securities are being canceled in exchange for the Exchange Securities or the Private Exchange Securities, as the case may be; in no event shall the Initial Securities be marked as paid or otherwise satisfied. (t) The Issuers will use their reasonable best efforts to (a) if the Initial Securities have been rated prior to the initial sale of such Initial Securities, confirm such ratings will apply to the Securities covered by a Registration Statement, or (b) if the Initial Securities were not previously rated, cause the Securities covered by a Registration Statement to be rated with the appropriate rating agencies, if so requested by Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Securities covered by such Registration Statement, or by the managing underwriters, if any. (u) In the event that any broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act shall underwrite any Securities or participate as a member of an underwriting syndicate or selling group or "assist in the distribution" (within the meaning of the Conduct Rules (the "RULES") of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD")) thereof, whether as a Holder of such Securities or as an underwriter, a placement or sales agent or a broker or dealer in respect thereof, or otherwise, the Issuers will assist such broker-dealer in complying with the requirements of such Rules, including, without limitation, by (i) if such Rules, including Rule 2720, shall so require, 10 engaging a "qualified independent underwriter" (as defined in Rule 2720) to participate in the preparation of the Registration Statement relating to such Securities, to exercise usual standards of due diligence in respect thereto and, if any portion of the offering contemplated by such Registration Statement is an underwritten offering or is made through a placement or sales agent, to recommend the yield of such Securities, (ii) indemnifying any such qualified independent underwriter to the extent of the indemnification of underwriters provided in Section 5 hereof and (iii) providing such information to such broker-dealer as may be required in order for such broker-dealer to comply with the requirements of the Rules. (v) The Issuers shall use their best efforts to take all other steps necessary to effect the registration of the Securities covered by a Registration Statement contemplated hereby. 4. Registration Expenses. (a) All expenses incident to the Company's performance of its obligations under Sections 1 through 3 hereof will be borne by the Company, regardless of whether a Registration Statement is ever filed or becomes effective, including without limitation; (i) all registration and filing fees and expenses; (ii) all fees and expenses of compliance with federal securities and state "blue sky" or securities laws; (iii) all expenses of printing (including printing certificates for the Securities to be issued in the Registered Exchange Offer and the Private Exchange and printing of Prospectuses), messenger and delivery services and telephone; (iv) all fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company; (v) all application and filing fees in connection with listing the Exchange Securities on a national securities exchange or automated quotation system pursuant to the requirements hereof; and (vi) all fees and disbursements of independent certified public accountants of the Company (including the expenses of any special audit and comfort letters required by or incident to such performance). The Company will bear its internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expenses of any annual audit and the fees and expenses of any person, including special experts, retained by the Company. (b) In connection with any Registration Statement required by this Agreement, the Company will reimburse the Initial Purchasers and the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities who are tendering Initial Securities in the Registered Exchange Offer and/or selling or reselling Securities pursuant to the "Plan of Distribution" contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or the Shelf Registration Statement, as applicable, for the reasonable fees and disbursements of not more than one counsel, who shall be Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP unless another firm shall be chosen by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities for whose benefit such Registration Statement is being prepared. 11 5. Indemnification. (a) The Issuers agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Holder of the Securities, any Participating Broker-Dealer and each person, if any, who controls such Holder or such Participating Broker-Dealer within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (each Holder, any Participating Broker-Dealer and such controlling persons are referred to collectively as the "INDEMNIFIED PARTIES") from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, or any actions in respect thereof (including, but not limited to, any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions relating to purchases and sales of the Securities) to which each Indemnified Party may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in a Registration Statement or prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus relating to a Shelf Registration, or arise out of, or are based upon, the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and shall reimburse, as incurred, the Indemnified Parties for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action in respect thereof; provided, however, that (i) the Issuers shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in a Registration Statement or prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus relating to a Shelf Registration in reliance upon and in conformity with written information pertaining to such Holder and furnished to the Issuers by or on behalf of such Holder specifically for inclusion therein and (ii) with respect to any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in any preliminary prospectus relating to a Shelf Registration Statement, the indemnity agreement contained in this subsection (a) shall not inure to the benefit of any Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer (or any person controlling such Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer) from whom the person asserting any such losses, claims, damages or liabilities purchased the Securities concerned, to the extent that a prospectus relating to such Securities was required to be delivered by such Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer under the Securities Act in connection with such purchase and any such loss, claim, damage or liability of such Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer results from the fact that there was not sent or given to such person, at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of such Securities to such person, a copy of the final prospectus if the Issuers had previously furnished copies thereof to such Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer; provided further, however, that this indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which the Issuers may otherwise have to such Indemnified Party. The Issuers shall also indemnify underwriters, their officers and directors and each person who controls such underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of the Holders of the Securities if requested by such Holders. (b) Each Holder of the Securities, severally and not jointly, will indemnify and hold harmless the Issuers, their directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Issuers within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities or any actions in respect thereof, to 12 which the Issuers or any such controlling person may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in a Registration Statement or prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus relating to a Shelf Registration, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but in each case only to the extent that the untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information pertaining to such Holder and furnished to the Issuers by or on behalf of such Holder specifically for inclusion therein; and, subject to the limitation set forth immediately preceding this clause, shall reimburse, as incurred, the Issuers for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Issuers or any such controlling person in connection with investigating or defending any loss, claim, damage, liability or action in respect thereof. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which such Holder may otherwise have to the Issuers or any of their controlling persons. (c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 5 of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding (including a governmental investigation), such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under this Section 5, notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof; but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party will not, in any event, relieve the indemnifying party from any obligations to any indemnified party other than the indemnification obligation provided in paragraph (a) or (b) above. In case any such action is brought against any indemnified party, and it notifies the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it may wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party (who shall not, except with the consent of the indemnified party, be counsel to the indemnifying party), and after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof the indemnifying party will not be liable to such indemnified party under this Section 5 for any legal or other expenses, other than reasonable costs of investigation, subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened action in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on any claims that are the subject matter of such action, and does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party. (d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 5 is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsections (a) or (b) above, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to in subsection (a) or (b) above (i) in such proportion as is 13 appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the indemnifying party or parties on the one hand and the indemnified party on the other from the exchange of the Securities, pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer, or (ii) if the allocation provided by the foregoing clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the indemnifying party or parties on the one hand and the indemnified party on the other in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the parties shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Issuers on the one hand or such Holder or such other indemnified party, as the case may be, on the other, and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The amount paid by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in the first sentence of this subsection (d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any action or claim which is the subject of this subsection (d). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 5(d), the Holders of the Securities shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the net proceeds received by such Holders from the sale of the Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement exceeds the amount of damages which such Holders have otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this paragraph (d), each person, if any, who controls such indemnified party within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as such indemnified party and each person, if any, who controls the Issuers within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Issuers. (e) The agreements contained in this Section 5 shall survive the sale of the Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement and shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any termination or cancellation of this Agreement or any investigation made by or on behalf of any indemnified party. 6. Additional Interest Under Certain Circumstances. (a) Additional interest (the "ADDITIONAL INTEREST") with respect to the Securities shall be assessed as follows if any of the following events occur (each such event in clauses (i) through (iv) below being herein called a "REGISTRATION DEFAULT"): (i) any Registration Statement required by this Agreement is not filed with the Commission on or prior to the applicable Filing Deadline; (ii) any Registration Statement required by this Agreement is not declared effective by the Commission on or prior to the applicable Effectiveness Deadline; 14 (iii) the Registered Exchange Offer has not been consummated on or prior to the Consummation Deadline; or (iv) any Registration Statement required by this Agreement has been declared effective by the Commission but (A) such Registration Statement thereafter ceases to be effective or (B) such Registration Statement or the related prospectus ceases to be usable in connection with resales of Transfer Restricted Securities during the periods specified herein because either (1) any event occurs as a result of which the related prospectus forming part of such Registration Statement would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein in the light of the circumstances under which they were made not misleading, or (2) it shall be necessary to amend such Registration Statement or supplement the related prospectus, to comply with the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or the respective rules thereunder. Each of the foregoing will constitute a Registration Default whatever the reason for any such event and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or is beyond the control of the Company or pursuant to operation of law or as a result of any action or inaction by the Commission. Additional Interest shall accrue on the Securities over and above the interest set forth in the title of the Securities from and including the date on which any such Registration Default shall occur to but excluding the date on which all such Registration Defaults have been cured, at a rate of 0.25% per annum (the "ADDITIONAL INTEREST RATE") for the first 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of such Registration Default. The Additional Interest Rate shall increase by an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period until all Registration Defaults have been cured, up to a maximum Additional Interest Rate of 1.0% per annum. (b) A Registration Default referred to in Section 6(a)(iv) hereof shall be deemed not to have occurred and be continuing in relation to a Shelf Registration Statement or the related prospectus if (i) such Registration Default has occurred solely as a result of (x) the filing of a post-effective amendment to such Shelf Registration Statement to incorporate annual audited financial information with respect to the Company where such post-effective amendment is not yet effective and needs to be declared effective to permit Holders to use the related prospectus or (y) other material events, with respect to the Issuers that would need to be described in such Shelf Registration Statement or the related prospectus and (ii) in the case of clause (y), the Issuers are proceeding promptly and in good faith to amend or supplement such Shelf Registration Statement and related prospectus to describe such events; provided, however, that in any case if such Registration Default occurs for a continuous period in excess of 45 days, Additional Interest shall be payable in accordance with the above paragraph from the day such Registration Default occurs until such Registration Default is cured. (c) Any amounts of Additional Interest due pursuant to Section 6(a) will be payable in the same manner as specified in the Indenture for the payment of interest on the Securities on the regular interest payment dates with respect to the Securities. The amount of Additional Interest will be determined by multiplying the applicable Additional Interest Rate by the principal amount of the Securities and further multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days such Additional Interest Rate 15 was applicable during such period (determined on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months), and the denominator of which is 360. (d) "TRANSFER RESTRICTED SECURITIES" means each Security until (i) the date on which such Security has been exchanged by a person other than a broker-dealer for a freely transferable Exchange Security in the Registered Exchange Offer, (ii) following the exchange by a broker-dealer in the Registered Exchange Offer of an Initial Security for an Exchange Security, the date on which such Exchange Security is sold to a purchaser who receives from such broker-dealer on or prior to the date of such sale a copy of the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, (iii) the date on which such Security has been effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance with the Shelf Registration Statement or (iv) the date on which such Security is distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or is saleable pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act. 7. Rules 144 and 144A. The Issuers shall use their respective best efforts to file the reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act in a timely manner and, if at any time the Issuers are not required to file such reports, it will, upon the request of any Holder of Securities, make publicly available other information so long as necessary to permit sales of their securities pursuant to Rules 144 and 144A. So long as the Transfer Restricted Securities remain outstanding, the Issuers covenant that they will take such further action as any Holder of Securities may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Holder to sell Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rules 144 and 144A (including the requirements of Rule 144A(d)(4)). So long as the Transfer Restricted Securities remain outstanding, the Issuers will provide a copy of this Agreement to prospective purchasers of Initial Securities identified to the Issuers by the Initial Purchasers upon request. Upon the request of any Holder of Initial Securities, the Issuers shall deliver to such Holder a written statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 7 shall be deemed to require the Issuers to register any of their securities pursuant to the Exchange Act. 8. Underwritten Registrations. If any of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by any Shelf Registration are to be sold in an underwritten offering, the investment banker or investment bankers and manager or managers that will administer the offering ("MANAGING UNDERWRITERS") will be selected by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of such Transfer Restricted Securities to be included in such offering subject to the consent of the Company (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), and such Holders shall be responsible for all underwriting commissions and discounts in connection therewith. No person may participate in any underwritten registration hereunder unless such person (i) agrees to sell such person's Transfer Restricted Securities on the basis reasonably provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (ii) completes and executes all 16 questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements. 9. Miscellaneous. (a) Remedies. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6(a) hereof, the Issuers acknowledge and agree that any failure by the Issuers to comply with their obligations under Section 1 and 2 hereof may result in material irreparable injury to the Initial Purchasers or the Holders for which there is no adequate remedy at law, that, in the event that the Issuers are unable to comply with their obligations under Section 6, it will not be possible to measure damages for such injuries precisely and that, in the event of any such failure to comply with Section 1 or 2 and Section 6 hereof, the Initial Purchasers or any Holder may obtain such relief as may be required to specifically enforce the Issuers' obligations under Sections 1 and 2 hereof. The Issuers further agree to waive the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate. (b) No Inconsistent Agreements. The Issuers will not on or after the date of this Agreement enter into any agreement with respect to their securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof. The rights granted to the Holders hereunder do not in any way conflict with and are not inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of the Issuers' securities under any agreement in effect on the date hereof. (c) Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given, except by the Issuers and the written consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities affected by such amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consents. (d) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand delivery, first-class mail, facsimile transmission, or air courier which guarantees overnight delivery: (1) if to a Holder of the Securities, at the most current address given by such Holder to the Issuers. (2) if to the Initial Purchasers; Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation Eleven Madison Avenue New York, NY 10010-3629 Fax No.: (212) 325-8278 Attn.: Transactions Advisory Group 17 with a copy to: Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP 767 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10153 Attn.: Rod Miller Esq. (3) if to the Issuers, at their address as follows: Champion Enterprises, Inc. 2701 Cambridge Ct., Suite 300 Auburn Hills, MI 48236 Attn.: Treasurer with a copy to: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP 4 Times Square New York, NY 10036 Attn: David J. Goldschmidt, Esq. All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; three business days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt is acknowledged by recipient's facsimile machine operator, if sent by facsimile transmission; and on the day delivered, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery. (e) Third Party Beneficiaries. The Holders shall be third party beneficiaries to the agreements made hereunder between the Issuers, on the one hand, and the Initial Purchasers, on the other hand, and shall have the right to enforce such agreements directly to the extent they may deem such enforcement necessary or advisable to protect their rights or the rights of Holders hereunder. (f) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Issuers and their successors and assigns. (g) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. (h) Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof. (i) Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS. THE ISSUERS HEREBY SUBMIT TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE FEDERAL AND STATE COURTS IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK IN ANY SUIT OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS 18 CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, AS THEIR AUTHORIZED AGENT IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK UPON WHICH PROCESS MAY BE SERVED IN ANY SUCH SUIT OR PROCEEDING, AND AGREES THAT SERVICE OF PROCESS UPON SUCH AGENT, AND WRITTEN NOTICE OF SAID SERVICE TO THE ISSUERS, BY THE PERSON SERVING THE SAME TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED IN SECTION 10, SHALL BE DEEMED IN EVERY RESPECT EFFECTIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS UPON THE COMPANY IN ANY SUCH SUIT OR PROCEEDING. THE ISSUERS FURTHER AGREE TO TAKE ANY AND ALL ACTION AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN SUCH DESIGNATION AND APPOINTMENT OF SUCH AGENT IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT FOR A PERIOD OF SEVEN YEARS FROM THE DATE OF THIS AGREEMENT. (j) Severability. If any one or more of the provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not be affected or impaired thereby. (k) Securities Held by the Issuers. Whenever the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of principal amount of Securities is required hereunder, Securities held by the Issuers or their affiliates (other than subsequent Holders of Securities if such subsequent Holders are deemed to be affiliates solely by reason of their holdings of such Securities) shall not be counted in determining whether such consent or approval was given by the Holders of such required percentage. [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] 19 If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to the Issuers a counterpart hereof, whereupon this instrument, along with all counterparts, will become a binding agreement among the Initial Purchasers and the Issuers in accordance with its terms. Very truly yours, CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS CO. By: -------------------------------- Name: Title: CHAMPION ENTERPRISES, INC. By: -------------------------------- Name: Title: [GUARANTORS] By: -------------------------------- Name: Title: 20 The foregoing Registration Rights Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted as of the date first above written. CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON CORPORATION FIRST UNION SECURITIES, INC. By: CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON CORPORATION By: ____________________________________ Name: Title: 21 ANNEX A Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Securities for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Securities. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Securities received in exchange for Initial Securities where such Initial Securities were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. The Issuers have agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date (as defined herein), it will make this Prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See "Plan of Distribution." 22 ANNEX B Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Securities for its own account in exchange for Initial Securities, where such Initial Securities were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Securities. See "Plan of Distribution." 23 ANNEX C PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Securities for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Securities. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Securities received in exchange for Initial Securities where such Initial Securities were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. The Issuers have agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date, they will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. In addition, until , 2002, all dealers effecting transactions in the Exchange Securities may be required to deliver a prospectus.(1) The Issuers will not receive any proceeds from any sale of Exchange Securities by broker-dealers. Exchange Securities received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the Exchange Securities or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer or the purchasers of any such Exchange Securities. Any broker-dealer that resells Exchange Securities that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such Exchange Securities may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any such resale of Exchange Securities and any commission or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The Letter of Transmittal states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. For a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date the Issuers will promptly send additional copies of this Prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this Prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the Letter of Transmittal. The Issuers have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the Exchange Offer (including the - -------- (1) In addition, the legend required by Item 502(e) of Regulation S-K will appear on the back cover page of the Exchange Offer prospectus. 24 expenses of one counsel for the Holders of the Securities) other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or dealers and will indemnify the Holders of the Securities (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. 25 ANNEX D [ ] CHECK HERE IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10 ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO. Name: -------------------------------------------------- Address: -------------------------------------------------- If the undersigned is not a broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of Exchange Securities. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange Securities for its own account in exchange for Initial Securities that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, it acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Securities; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, the undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. 26 EX-5.1 8 k69724exv5w1.txt OPINION OF DYKEMA GOSSETT PLLC [DYKEMA GOSSETT PLLC LETTERHEAD] June ___, 2002 EXHIBIT 5.1 Champion Home Builders Co. 2701 University Drive, Suite 300 Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Re: Registration Statement Relating to $150,000,000 Aggregate Principal Amount of 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007 Ladies and Gentlemen: In connection with the registration of $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007 (the "Exchange Notes") in connection with an exchange offer for $150,000,000 principal amount of outstanding 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007 (the "Outstanding Notes") by Champion Home Builders Co., a Michigan corporation (the "Company"), and the guarantees of the Exchange Notes (the "Guarantees") by Champion Enterprises, Inc., a Michigan corporation ("Champion"), and each of the entities listed on Schedule A hereto (each, including Champion, a "Guarantor" and collectively, the "Guarantors"), under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on June ___, 2002 (the "Registration Statement"), you have requested our opinion with respect to the matters set forth below. The Exchange Notes and Guarantees will be issued pursuant to an indenture (the "Indenture"), dated as of April 22, 2002, among the Company, the Guarantors and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the "Trustee"). In our capacity as your counsel in connection with such registration, we are familiar with the proceedings taken by the Company and the Guarantors in connection with the authorization and issuance of the Exchange Notes and the Guarantees, respectively. In addition, we have made such legal and factual examinations and inquiries, including an examination of originals or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction of such documents, corporate records and instruments, as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion. We have examined, along with other documents, the following: (a) the Indenture; (b) form of Exchange Note; and (c) the Form of Guarantee. DYKEMA GOSSETT PLLC Champion Home Builders June ___, 2002 Page 2 The documents described in paragraphs (a) through (c) above are referred to herein collectively as the "Transaction Documents." In our examination, we have 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. To the extent it may be relevant to the opinions expressed herein, we have assumed that: (i) each party to the Transaction Documents other than the Company has the requisite organizational and legal power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby; (ii) the Transactional Documents have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each party thereto other than the Company and the Guarantors and constitute valid and binding obligations of such other party, enforceable against each such other party in accordance with their terms; (iii) each party to the Transaction Documents other than the Company and the Guarantors has complied with and will comply with all of its obligations under the Transaction Documents and all laws applicable thereto; and (iv) the Exchange Notes and the Outstanding Notes have been and will be duly authenticated and delivered by the Trustee. We are opining herein as to the effect on the subject transaction only of the federal laws of the United States, and the internal laws of the State of Michigan, and we express no opinion with respect to the applicability thereto, or the effect thereon, of the laws of any other jurisdiction, or as to any matters of municipal law or the laws of any local agencies within any state. Subject to the foregoing and the other matters set forth herein, it is our opinion that as of the date hereof: 1. The Exchange Notes have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company, and when executed, authenticated and executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Company against the due tender and delivery to the Trustee of the Outstanding Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Exchange Notes, will constitute legally valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms. DYKEMA GOSSETT PLLC Champion Home Builders June ___, 2002 Page 3 2. Each of the Guarantees has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or company action of the respective Guarantor, and when executed in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and upon due execution, authentication and delivery of the Exchange Notes against the due tender and delivery to the Trustee of the Outstanding Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Exchange Notes, will be the legally valid and binding obligation of the respective Guarantor, enforceable against such Guarantor in accordance with its terms. The opinions rendered in paragraphs 1 and 2 above relating to the enforceability of the Exchange Notes and the Guarantees are subject to the following exceptions, limitations and qualifications: (i) the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and (ii) rights of acceleration and the effect of general principles of equity, whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or law, and the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought. In rendering the opinions set forth above, we have assumed that the laws of the State of New York as to the enforceability of the Exchange Notes and the Guarantees are not different from the laws of the State of Michigan (excluding the choice of law rules). To the extent that the obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under the Indenture may be dependent upon such matters, we assume for purposes of this opinion that the Trustee is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization; that the Trustee is duly qualified to engage in the activities contemplated by the Indenture; that the Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Trustee and constitutes the legally valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Trustee enforceable against the Trustee in accordance with its terms; that the Trustee is in compliance, generally and with respect to acting as a trustee under the Indenture, with all applicable laws and regulations; and that the Trustee has the requisite organizational and legal power and authority to perform its obligations under the Indenture. We consent to your filing this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm contained under the heading "Legal Matters" in the prospectus contained therein. In giving such consent, we do not concede that we are experts within the meaning of the Act or the rules or regulations thereunder or that this consent is required by Section 7 of the Act. Very truly yours, DYKEMA GOSSETT PLLC /S/ Dykema Gossett PLLC SCHEDULE A SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS
- ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Name of Subsidiary Organization - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- A-1 Champion GP, Inc. Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- A-1 Homes Group, L.P. Texas - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Alpine Homes, Inc. Colorado - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- American Transport, Inc. Nevada - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Art Richter Insurance, Inc. Kentucky - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Auburn Champ, Inc. Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Builders Credit Corporation Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- CAC Funding Corporation Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Care Free Homes, Inc. Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Central Mississippi Manufactured Mississippi Housing, Inc. - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Champion Financial Corporation Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Champion GP, Inc. Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Champion Home Communities, Inc. Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Champion Motor Coach, Inc. Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Champion Retail, Inc. Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Chandeleur Homes, Inc. Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- CHI, Inc. Kansas - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Cliff Ave. Investments, Inc. South Dakota - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Crest Ridge Homes, Inc. Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Crestpointe Financial Services, Inc. Delaware - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Dutch Housing, Inc. Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Factory Homes Outlet, Inc. Idaho - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Fleming County Industries, Inc. Kentucky - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Gateway Acceptance Corp. South Dakota - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Gateway Mobile & Modular Homes, Inc. Nebraska - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Gateway Properties Corp. South Dakota - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Gem Homes, Inc. Delaware - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Genesis Home Centers, Limited Partnership Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Grand Manor, Inc. Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Heartland Homes, L.P. Texas - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- HomePride Finance Corp. Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- --------------------------
DYKEMA GOSSETT PLLC Champion Home Builders June ___, 2002 Page 5
- ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Name of Subsidiary Organization - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Homes America Finance, Inc. Nevada - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Homes America of Arizona, Inc. Arizona - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Homes America of California, Inc. California ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Homes America of Oklahoma, Inc. Oklahoma - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Homes America of Utah, Inc. Utah - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Homes America of Wyoming, Inc. Wyoming - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Homes of Kentuckiana, L.L.C. Kentucky - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Homes of Legend, Inc. Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Homes of Merit, Inc. Florida - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- I.D.A., Inc. Oklahoma - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Iseman Corp. South Dakota - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Lamplighter Homes, Inc. Washington - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Lamplighter Homes (Oregon), Inc. Oregon - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Manufactured Housing of Louisiana, Inc. Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Moduline International, Inc. Washington - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Northstar Corporation South Dakota - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Philadelphia Housing Center, Inc. Mississippi - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Prairie Ridge, Inc. Kansas - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Redman Business Trust Delaware - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Redman Homes Management Company, Inc. Delaware - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Redman Homes, Inc. Delaware - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Redman Industries, Inc. Delaware - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Redman Investment, Inc. Delaware - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Redman Management Services Business Trust Delaware - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Redman Retail, Inc. Delaware - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Regency Supply Company, Inc. Delaware - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- San Jose Advantage Homes, Inc. California - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Service Contract Corporation Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Southern Showcase Finance, Inc. Michigan - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Southern Showcase Housing, Inc. North Carolina - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Star Fleet, Inc. Indiana - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- The Okahumpka Corporation Florida - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Trading Post Mobile Homes, Inc. Kentucky - ---------------------------------------------- --------------------------
DYKEMA GOSSETT PLLC Champion Home Builders June ___, 2002 Page 6
- ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Name of Subsidiary Organization - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- U.S.A. Mobile Homes, Inc. Oregon - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Victory Investment Company Oklahoma - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Western Homes Corporation Delaware - ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- Whitworth Management, Inc. Nevada - ---------------------------------------------- --------------------------
EX-12.1 9 k69724exv12w1.txt COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Exhibit 12.1 Champion Enterprises, Inc. Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Dollars in Thousands)
Fiscal Year Three-Months Ended ------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2001 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Pretax income from continuing operations 117,371 156,798 82,042 (220,332) (41,288) (18,546) (41,183) Add back equity method losses 57 1,972 1,946 637 504 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Adjusted pretax income 117,371 156,798 82,099 (218,360) (39,342) (17,909) (40,679) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ADD: FIXED CHARGES Interest expense Per financial statement 1,198 15,833 28,370 29,824 25,345 5,435 7,005 Rental component 100 2,100 3,833 5,433 4,767 1,033 1,567 Financing costs 832 1,380 2,082 2,692 490 663 Pretax income required to pay dividends on preferred stock 813 407 -- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total fixed charges 1,298 18,765 33,583 37,339 33,617 7,365 9,235 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- SUBTRACT Pretax income required to pay dividends on preferred stock (813) (407) -- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Earnings 118,669 175,563 115,682 (181,021) (6,538) (11,588) (31,948) ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 91.4 9.4 3.4 (A) (A) (A) (A) ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Amount of earnings deficiency from ratio of 1 to 1 218,360 40,155 18,953 41,183
(A) Ratio is less than 1 to 1
EX-23.2 10 k69724exv23w2.txt CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP EXHIBIT 23.2 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of our report dated February 8, 2002, relating to the financial statements, which appears in Champion Enterprises, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 27, 2002. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" and "Selected Financial Data" in such Registration Statement. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Detroit, Michigan July 9, 2002 EX-25.1 11 k69724exv25w1.txt STATEMENTS OF ELIGIBILITY OF BANK ONE TRUST CO. EXHIBIT 25.1 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) BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (EXACT NAME OF TRUSTEE AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER) A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION 31-0838515 (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER) 100 EAST BROAD STREET, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43271-0181 (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE) BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 1 BANK ONE PLAZA, SUITE IL1-0126 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60670-0126 ATTN: SANDRA L. CARUBA, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT, (312) 336-9436 (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE) CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS CO. (EXACT NAME OF OBLIGOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER) MICHIGAN 38-2744984 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER) 2701 CAMBRIDGE COURT, SUITE 300 AUBURN HILLS, MICHIGAN 48326 (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE) DEBT SECURITIES (TITLE OF INDENTURE SECURITIES) ITEM 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. Comptroller of Currency, Washington, D.C.; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C.; The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington D.C. (b) WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE CORPORATE TRUST POWERS. The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers. ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR. IF THE OBLIGOR IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH SUCH AFFILIATION. No such affiliation exists with the trustee. ITEM 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS. LIST BELOW ALL EXHIBITS FILED AS A PART OF THIS STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY. 1. A copy of the articles of association of the trustee now in effect.* 2. A copy of the certificate of authority of the trustee to commence business.* 3. A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise corporate trust powers.* 4. A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee.* 5. Not Applicable. 6. The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act. 7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority. 8. Not Applicable. 9. Not Applicable. Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the trustee, Bank One Trust Company, National Association, a national 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 Chicago and State of Illinois, on the 5th day of June, 2002. BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, TRUSTEE BY /S/ SANDRA L. CARUBA ---------------------------------- SANDRA L. CARUBA FIRST VICE PRESIDENT *EXHIBITS 1, 2, 3, AND 4 ARE HEREIN INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO EXHIBITS BEARING IDENTICAL NUMBERS IN ITEM 16 OF THE FORM T-1 OF BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, FILED AS EXHIBIT 25 TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4 OF U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC., FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MARCH 24, 2000 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-32124). EXHIBIT 6 THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE REQUIRED BY SECTION 321(b) OF THE ACT June 5, 2002 Securities and Exchange Commission Washington, D.C. 20549 Ladies and Gentlemen: In connection with the qualification of an indenture between Champion Home Builders Co. and Bank One Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee, the undersigned, in accordance with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, hereby consents that the reports of examinations of the undersigned, made by Federal or State authorities authorized to make such examinations, may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor. Very truly yours, BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION BY: /S/SANDRA L. CARUBA ------------------------------------ SANDRA L. CARUBA FIRST VICE PRESIDENT EXHIBIT 7 BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, N.A. FFIEC 041 - ------------------------------------- RC-1 Legal Title of Bank COLUMBUS - ------------------------------------- 10 City OH 43271 - ------------------------------------- State Zip Code FDIC Certificate Number - 21377 CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR MARCH 31, 2002 All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise indicated, report the amount outstanding as of the last business day of the quarter. SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET
Dollar Amounts in Thousands RCON Bil Mil Thou ASSETS 1. Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A): a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin (1) 0081 112,173 1.a b. Interest-bearing balances (2) 0071 0 1.b 2. Securities: a. Held-to-maturity securities (from Schedule RC-B, column A) 1754 0 2.a b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D) 1773 333 2.b 3. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell: a. FEDERAL FUNDS SOLD B987 737,966 3.a b. SECURITIES PURCHASED UNDER AGREEMENTS TO RESELL (3) B989 1,325,933 3.b 4. Loans and lease financing receivables (from Schedule RC-C): a. Loans and leases held for sale 5369 0 4.a b. Loans and leases, net of unearned income B528 296,256 4.b c. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses 3123 298 4.c d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowance (item 4.b minus 4.c) B529 295,958 4.d 5. Trading assets (from Schedule RC-D) 3545 0 5 6. Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) 2145 11,689 6 7. Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M) 2150 0 7 8. Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies (from Schedule RC-M) 2130 0 8 9. Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding 2155 0 9 10. Intangible assets a. Goodwill 3163 0 10.a b. Other intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M) 0426 8,480 10.b 11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F) 2160 175,020 11 12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11) 2170 2,667,552 12
(1) Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits. (2) Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading. (3) Includes all securities resale agreements, regardless of maturity. BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, N.A. FFIEC 041 - ------------------------------------- RC-2 Legal Title of Bank FDIC Certificate Number - 21377 11 SCHEDULE RC - CONTINUED
Dollar Amounts in Thousands RCON Bil Mil Thou LIABILITIES 13. Deposits: a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C from Schedule RC-E) 2200 2,410,163 13.a (1) Noninterest-bearing (1) 6631 1,664,385 13.a.1 (2) Interest-bearing 6636 745,778 13.a.2 b. Not applicable 14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase a. Federal funds purchased (2) B993 0 14.a b. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (3) B995 0 14.b 15. Trading liabilities (from Schedule RC-D) 3548 0 15 16. Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases) (from Schedule RC-M): 3190 0 16 17. Not applicable 18. Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding 2920 0 18 19. Subordinated notes and debentures (4) 3200 0 19 20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G) 2930 54,822 20 21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20) 2948 2,464,985 21 22. Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries 3000 0 22 EQUITY CAPITAL 23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus 3838 0 23 24. Common stock 3230 800 24 25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) 3839 45,157 25 26. a. Retained earnings 3632 156,608 26.a b. Accumulated other comprehensive income (5) B530 2 26.b 27. Other equity capital components (6) A130 0 27 28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27) 3210 202,567 28 29. Total liabilities, minority interest, and equity capital (sum of items 21, 22 and 28) 3300 2,667,552 29 Memorandum To be reported with the March Report of Condition. 1. Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below that best describes the most comprehensive level of auditing work performed for the bank by independent external RCON Number auditors as of any date during 2001 6724 2 M. 1
1 = Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank 2 = Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified public accounting firm which submits a report on the consolidated holding company (but not on the bank separately) 3 = Attestation on bank management's assertion on the effectiveness of the bank's internal control over financial reporting by a certified public accounting firm 4 = Directors' examination of the bank conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by state chartering authority) 5 = Directors' examination of the bank performed by other external auditors (may be required by state chartering authority) 6 = Review of the bank's financial statements by external auditors 7 = Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external auditors 8 = Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work) 9 = No external audit work - ------------------- (1) Includes total demand deposits and noninterest-bearing time and savings deposits. (2) Report overnight Federal Home Loan Bank advances in Schedule RC, item 16, "other borrowed money." (3) Includes all securities repurchase agreements, regardless of maturity. (4) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus. (5) Includes net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, accumulated net gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, and minimum pension liability adjustments. (6) Includes treasury stock and unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan shares.
EX-99.1 12 k69724exv99w1.htm FORM OF LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL exv99w1

 

EXHIBIT 99.1

Letter of Transmittal

CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS CO.
Offer for All Outstanding
11.25% Senior Notes due April 15, 2007
in exchange for
11.25% Senior Notes due April 15, 2007
which have been registered under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
pursuant to the prospectus, dated                         , 2002

THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M. NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON                     , 2002, UNLESS EXTENDED (THE “EXPIRATION DATE”). TENDERS MAY BE WITHDRAWN PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON THE EXPIRATION DATE.

The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:

Bank One Trust Company, N.A.

         
By Mail or Overnight Courier:
  By Hand Delivery:   By Facsimile Transmission:
Bank One Trust Company, N.A.
  Bank One Trust Company, N.A.   (614) 248-9987
1111 Polaris Parkway
  1111 Polaris Parkway    
Suite N1-0H1-0184
  Suite N1-0H1-0184   For Information or Confirmation
Columbus, Ohio 43240
  Columbus, Ohio 43240   by Telephone:
    or   (800) 346-5153
    Bank One, N.A.    
    c/o Transfer Agent    
    Drop Services    
    55 Water Street, 1st Floor    
    New York, NY 10041    


      Delivery of this instrument to an address other than as set forth above, or transmission of instructions via facsimile other than as set forth above, will not constitute a valid delivery.

      The undersigned acknowledges that he or she has received the Prospectus, dated                     , 2002 (the “Prospectus”), of Champion Home Builders Co., a Michigan corporation (the “Company”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Champion Enterprises, Inc., a Michigan corporation, and this Letter of Transmittal (the “Letter”), which together constitute the Company’s offer (the “Exchange Offer”) to exchange an aggregate principal amount of up to $150,000,000 of the Company’s 11.25% Senior Notes due April 15, 2007 (the “New Notes”) which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for a like principal amount of the Company’s issued and outstanding 11.25% Senior Notes due April 15, 2007 (the “Old Notes”) from the registered holders thereof (the “Holders”).

      For each Old Note accepted for exchange, the Holder of such Old Note will receive a New Note having a principal amount equal to that of the surrendered Old Note. The New Notes will bear interest from the most recent date to which interest has been paid on the Old Notes or, if no interest has been paid on the Old Notes, from April 22, 2002. Accordingly, registered Holders of New Notes on the relevant record date for the first interest payment date following the consummation of the Exchange Offer will receive interest accruing from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from April 22, 2002. Old


 

Notes accepted for exchange will cease to accrue interest from and after the date of consummation of the Exchange Offer. Holders of Old Notes whose Old Notes are accepted for exchange will not receive any payment in respect of accrued interest on such Old Notes otherwise payable on any interest payment date the record date for which occurs on or after consummation of the Exchange Offer.

      This Letter is to be completed by a holder of Old Notes either if certificates are to be forwarded herewith or if a tender of certificates for Old Notes, if available, is to be made by book-entry transfer to the account maintained by the Exchange Agent at The Depository Trust Company (the “Book-Entry Transfer Facility”) pursuant to the procedures set forth in “The Exchange Offer — Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes” section of the Prospectus and an Agent’s Message is not delivered. Tenders by book-entry transfer may also be made by delivering an Agent’s Message in lieu of this Letter. The term “Agent’s Message” means a message, transmitted by the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to, and received by, the Exchange Agent and forming a part of a Book-Entry Confirmation (as defined below), which states that the Book-Entry Transfer Facility has received an express acknowledgment from the tendering participant, which acknowledgment states that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by this Letter and that the Company may enforce this Letter against such participant. Holders of Old Notes whose certificates are not immediately available, or who are unable to deliver their certificates or confirmation of the book-entry tender of their Old Notes into the Exchange Agent’s account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility (a “Book-Entry Confirmation”) and all other documents required by this Letter to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date, must tender their Old Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in “The Exchange Offer — Guaranteed Delivery Procedures” section of the Prospectus. See Instruction 1.

      Delivery of documents to the Book Entry Transfer Facility does not constitute delivery to the Exchange Agent.

      The undersigned has completed the appropriate boxes below and signed this Letter to indicate the action the undersigned desires to take with respect to the Exchange Offer.

      List below the Old Notes to which this Letter relates. If the space provided below is inadequate, the certificate numbers and principal amount of Old Notes should be listed on a separate signed schedule affixed hereto.

             
DESCRIPTION OF OLD NOTES

Name(s) and Address(es) of Registered Holder(s)
(Please fill in, if blank)
  Old Notes Tendered
    Certificate
Numbers*
  Aggregate Principal
Amount
Represented
by Old Notes
  Principal Amount
Tendered**
        $   $
 
 
Total Amount Tendered 
      $   $
  * Need not be completed if Old Notes are being tendered by book-entry transfer.
 ** Unless otherwise indicated in this column, a holder will be deemed to have tendered ALL of the Old Notes represented by the Old Notes indicated in column 2. See Instruction 2. Old Notes tendered hereby must be in denominations of principal amount of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. See Instruction 1.
 


 

o  CHECK HERE IF TENDERED OLD NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER MADE TO THE ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT WITH THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:

Name of Tendering Institution 


DTC Account Number 


Transaction Code Number 


      By crediting the Old Notes to the Exchange Agent’s account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility’s Automated Tender Offer Program (“ATOP”) and by complying with applicable ATOP procedures with respect to the Exchange Offer, including transmitting to the Exchange Agent a computer-generated Agent’s Message in which the holder of the Old Notes acknowledges and agrees to be bound by the terms of, and makes the representations and warranties contained in, this Letter, the participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility confirms on behalf of itself and the beneficial owners of such Old Notes all provisions of this Letter (including all representations and warranties) applicable to it and such beneficial owner as fully as if it had completed the information required herein and executed and transmitted this Letter to the Exchange Agent.

o  CHECK HERE IF TENDERED OLD NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:

Name(s) of Registered Holder(s) 


Window Ticket Number 


Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery 


Name of Institution Which Guaranteed Delivery 


IF DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER, COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:

Account Number 


Transaction Code Number 


o  CHECK HERE IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10 ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO.

Name: 


Address: 


      If the undersigned is not a broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of New Notes. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive New Notes for its own account in exchange for Old Notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, it acknowledges that such Old Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making or other trading activities and, that it must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction, including the delivery of a prospectus that contains information with respect to any selling holder required by the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the New Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering such a prospectus, the undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive New Notes, it represents that the Old Notes to be exchanged for the New Notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities.


 

PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, the undersigned hereby tenders to the Company the aggregate principal amount of Old Notes indicated above. Subject to, and effective upon, the acceptance for exchange of the Old Notes tendered hereby, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers to, or upon the order of, the Company all right, title and interest in and to such Old Notes as are being tendered hereby.

      The undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Exchange Agent as the undersigned’s true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact with respect to such tendered Old Notes, with full power of substitution, among other things, to cause the Old Notes to be assigned, transferred and exchanged. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer the Old Notes, and to acquire New Notes issuable upon the exchange of such tendered Old Notes, and that, when the same are accepted for exchange, the Company will acquire good and unencumbered title thereto, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject to any adverse claim when the same are accepted by the Company. The undersigned hereby further represents that any New Notes acquired in exchange for Old Notes tendered hereby will have been acquired in the ordinary course of business of the person receiving such New Notes, whether or not such person is the undersigned, that neither the Holder of such Old Notes nor any such other person is participating in, intends to participate in or has an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of such New Notes and that neither the Holder of such Old Notes nor any such other person is an “affiliate,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, of the Company.

      The undersigned acknowledges that this Exchange Offer is being made in reliance on interpretations by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, that the New Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer in exchange for the Old Notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by Holders thereof (other than any such Holder that is an “affiliate” of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act), without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such New Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such Holders’ business and such Holders have no arrangement with any person to participate in the distribution of such New Notes. However, the SEC has not considered the Exchange Offer in the context of a no-action letter and there can be no assurance that the staff of the SEC would make a similar determination with respect to the Exchange Offer as in other circumstances. If the undersigned is not a broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of New Notes and has no arrangement or understanding to participate in a distribution of New Notes. If any Holder is an affiliate of the Company, is engaged in or intends to engage in or has any arrangement or understanding with respect to the distribution of the New Notes to be acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer, such Holder (i) could not rely on the applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC and (ii) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive New Notes for its own account in exchange for Old Notes, it represents that the Old Notes to be exchanged for the New Notes were acquired by it as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such New Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, the undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

      The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Company to be necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of the Old Notes tendered hereby. All authority conferred or agreed to be conferred in this Letter and every obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators, trustees in bankruptcy and legal representatives of the undersigned and shall not be affected by, and shall survive, the death or incapacity of the undersigned. This tender may be withdrawn only in accordance with the procedures set forth in “The Exchange Offer — Withdrawal Rights” section of the Prospectus.


 

      Unless otherwise indicated herein in the box entitled “Special Issuance Instructions” below, please deliver the New Notes (and, if applicable, substitute certificates representing Old Notes for any Old Notes not exchanged) in the name of the undersigned or, in the case of a book-entry delivery of Old Notes, please credit the account indicated above maintained at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under the box entitled “Special Delivery Instructions” below, please send the New Notes (and, if applicable, substitute certificates representing Old Notes for any Old Notes not exchanged) to the undersigned at the address shown above in the box entitled “Description of Old Notes.”

      The undersigned, by completing the box entitled “Description of Old Notes” above and signing this letter, will be deemed to have tendered the Old Notes as set forth in such box above.

SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS

(See Instructions 3 and 4)

To be completed ONLY if certificates for Old Notes not exchanged and/or New Notes are to be issued in the name of and sent to someone other than the person or persons whose signature(s) appear(s) on this Letter above, or if Old Notes delivered by book-entry transfer which are not accepted for exchange are to be returned by credit to an account maintained at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility other than the account indicated above.

Issue New Notes and/or Old Notes to:

Name(s) 


(Please Type or Print)
Address 



(Zip Code)

(Complete Substitute Form W-9)

Credit unexchanged Old Notes delivered by book-entry transfer to the Book-Entry Transfer Facility account set forth below.


(Book-Entry Transfer Facility Account
Number, if applicable)

SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS

(See Instructions 3 and 4)

To be completed ONLY if certificates for Old Notes not exchanged and/or New Notes are to be sent to someone other than the person or persons whose signature(s) appear(s) on this Letter above or to such person or persons at an address other than shown in the box entitled “Description of Old Notes” on this Letter above.

Mail New Notes and/or Old Notes to:

Name: 


(Please Type or Print)
Address: 



(Zip Code)

     Important: this letter or a facsimile hereof or an Agent’s Message in lieu thereof (together with the certificates for Old Notes or a book entry confirmation and all other required documents or the notice of guaranteed delivery) must be received by the Exchange Agent prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.


 

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING ANY BOX ABOVE.

PLEASE SIGN HERE

(To be Completed by All Tendering Holders)
(Complete Accompanying Substitute Form W-9 Below)

Signature(s) of Owner(s)



Dated: ____________________________________, 2002

Area Code and Telephone Number: 


     If a holder is tendering any Old Notes, this Letter must be signed by the registered holder(s) as the name(s) appear(s) on the certificate(s) for the Old Notes or by any person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by endorsements and documents transmitted herewith. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, officer or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please set forth full title. See Instruction 3.

Name(s): 


(Please Type or Print)

Capacity: 


Address: 


(Including Zip Code)

SIGNATURE GUARANTEE

(If Required by Instruction 3)

Signature Guaranteed by an Eligible Institution 


Authorized Signature: 


Title: 


Name and Firm: 


Dated: ____________________________________, 2002


 

INSTRUCTIONS

Forming Part of the Terms and Conditions of the Exchange Offer

1.     Delivery of this Letter and Notes; Guaranteed Delivery Procedures.

      This Letter is to be completed by holders of Old Notes either if certificates are to be forwarded herewith or if tenders are to be made pursuant to the procedures for delivery by book-entry transfer set forth in “The Exchange Offer — Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes” section of the Prospectus and an Agent’s Message is not delivered. Tenders by book-entry transfer may also be made by delivering an Agent’s Message in lieu of this Letter. The term “Agent’s Message” means a message, transmitted by the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to and received by the Exchange Agent and forming a part of a Book-Entry Confirmation, which states that the Book-Entry Transfer Facility has received an express acknowledgment from the tendering participant, which acknowledgment states that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the Letter of Transmittal and that the Company may enforce the Letter of Transmittal against such participant. Certificates for all physically tendered Old Notes, or Book-Entry Confirmation, as the case may be, as well as a properly completed and duly executed Letter (or manually signed facsimile hereof or Agent’s Message in lieu thereof) and any other documents required by this Letter, must be received by the Exchange Agent at the address set forth herein on or prior to the Expiration Date, or the tendering holder must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth below. Old Notes tendered hereby must be in denominations of principal amount of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.

      Holders whose certificates for Old Notes are not immediately available or who cannot deliver their certificates and all other required documents to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date, or who cannot complete the procedure for book-entry transfer on a timely basis, may tender their Old Notes pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in “The Exchange Offer — Guaranteed Delivery Procedures” section of the Prospectus. Pursuant to such procedures, (i) such tender must be made through an Eligible Institution (as defined below), (ii) prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Expiration Date, the Exchange Agent must receive from such Eligible Institution a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, substantially in the form provided by the Company (by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery), setting forth the name and address of the holder of Old Notes and the amount of Old Notes tendered, stating that the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing that within three New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) trading days after the date of execution of the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, the certificates for all physically tendered Old Notes, in proper form for transfer, or a Book-Entry Confirmation, as the case may be, together with a properly completed and duly executed Letter (or facsimile thereof or Agent’s Message in lieu thereof) with any required signature guarantees and any other documents required by this Letter will be deposited by the Eligible Institution with the Exchange Agent, and (iii) the certificates for all physically tendered Old Notes, in proper form for transfer, or a Book-Entry Confirmation, as the case may be, together with a properly completed and duly executed Letter (or facsimile thereof or Agent’s Message in lieu thereof) with any required signature guarantees and all other documents required by this Letter, are received by the Exchange Agent within three NYSE trading days after the date of execution of the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.

      The method of delivery of this Letter, the Old Notes and all other required documents is at the election and risk of the tendering holders, but the delivery will be deemed made only when actually received or confirmed by the Exchange Agent. If Old Notes are sent by mail, it is suggested that the mailing be registered mail, properly insured, with return receipt requested, made sufficiently in advance of the Expiration Date to permit delivery to the Exchange Agent prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.

      See “The Exchange Offer” section of the Prospectus.

2.     Partial Tenders (Not Applicable to Noteholders Who Tender by Book-Entry Transfer).

      If less than all of the Old Notes evidenced by a submitted certificate are to be tendered, the tendering holder(s) should fill in the aggregate principal amount of Old Notes to be tendered in the box above entitled “Description of Old Notes — Principal Amount Tendered.” A reissued certificate representing the balance of


 

nontendered Old Notes will be sent to such tendering holder, unless otherwise provided in the appropriate box on this Letter, promptly after the Expiration Date. All of the Old Notes delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated.

3.     Signatures on this Letter, Bond Powers and Endorsements, Guarantee of Signatures.

      If this Letter is signed by the registered holder of the Old Notes tendered hereby, the signature must correspond exactly with the name as written on the face of the certificates without any change whatsoever.

      If any tendered Old Notes are owned of record by two or more joint owners, all of such owners must sign this Letter.

      If any tendered Old Notes are registered in different names on several certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate copies of this Letter as there are different registrations of certificates.

      When this Letter is signed by the registered holder or holders of the Old Notes specified herein and tendered hereby, no endorsements of certificates or separate bond powers are required. If, however, the New Notes are to be issued, or any untendered Old Notes are to be reissued, to a person other than the registered holder, then endorsements of any certificates transmitted hereby or separate bond powers are required. Signatures on such certificate(s) must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

      If this Letter is signed by a person other than the registered holder or holders of any certificate(s) specified herein, such certificate(s) must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate bond powers, in either case signed exactly as the name or names of the registered holder or holders appear(s) on the certificate(s) and signatures on such certificate(s) must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

      If this Letter or any certificates or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and, unless waived by the Company, proper evidence satisfactory to the Company of their authority to so act must be submitted.

      Endorsements on certificates for Old Notes or signatures on bond powers required by this Instruction 3 must be guaranteed by a firm that is a financial institution (including most banks, savings and loan associations and brokerage houses) that is a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program (each an “Eligible Institution”).

      Signatures on this Letter need not be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution, provided the Old Notes are tendered: (i) by a registered holder of Old Notes (which term, for purposes of the Exchange Offer, includes any participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility system whose name appears on a security position listing as the holder of such Old Notes) who has not completed the box entitled “Special Issuance Instructions” or “Special Delivery Instructions” on this Letter, or (ii) for the account of an Eligible Institution.

4.     Special Issuance and Delivery Instructions.

      Tendering holders of Old Notes should indicate in the applicable box the name and address to which New Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer and or substitute certificates evidencing Old Notes not exchanged are to be issued or sent, if different from the name or address of the person signing this Letter. In the case of issuance in a different name, the employer identification or social security number of the person named must also be indicated. Noteholders tendering Old Notes by book-entry transfer may request that Old Notes not exchanged be credited to such account maintained at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility as such noteholder may designate hereon. If no such instructions are given, such Old Notes not exchanged will be returned to the name and address of the person signing this Letter.


 

5.     Taxpayer Identification Number.

      United States federal income tax law generally requires that a tendering holder whose Old Notes are accepted for exchange must provide the Company (as payor) with such holder’s correct taxpayer identification number (“TIN”) on Substitute Form W-9 below, which in the case of a tendering holder who is an individual, is his or her social security number. If the Company is not provided with the current TIN or an adequate basis for an exemption from backup withholding, such tendering holder may be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, the Exchange Agent may be required to withhold a portion (although not more than 30%) of any reportable payments made after the exchange to such tendering holder of New Notes. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained.

      Exempt holders of Old Notes (including, among others, all corporations and certain foreign individuals) are not subject to these backup withholding and reporting requirements. See the enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 (the “W-9 Guidelines”) for additional instructions.

      To prevent backup withholding, each tendering holder of Old Notes must provide its correct TIN by completing the Substitute Form W-9 set forth below, certifying, under penalties of perjury, that the TIN provided is correct (or that such holder is awaiting a TIN) and that (i) the holder is exempt from backup withholding, or (ii) the holder has not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that such holder is subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends or (iii) the Internal Revenue Service has notified the holder that such holder is no longer subject to backup withholding. If the tendering holder of Old Notes is a nonresident alien or foreign entity not subject to backup withholding, such holder must give the Exchange Agent a completed Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding. This form may be obtained from the Exchange Agent. If the Old Notes are in more than one name or are not in the name of the actual owner, such holder should consult the W-9 Guidelines for information on which TIN to report. If such holder does not have a TIN, such holder should consult the W-9 Guidelines for instructions on applying for a TIN, check the box in Part 3 of the Substitute Form W-9 and write “applied for” in lieu of its TIN. Note: checking this box and writing “applied for” on the form means that such holder has already applied for a TIN or that such holder intends to apply for one in the near future. If the box in Part 3 of the Substitute Form W-9 is checked, the Exchange Agent will retain a portion (although not more than 30%) of reportable payments made to a holder during the sixty (60) day period following the date of the Substitute Form W-9. If the holder furnishes the Exchange Agent with his or her TIN within sixty (60) days of the Substitute Form W-9, the Exchange Agent will remit such amounts retained during such sixty (60) day period to such holder and no further amounts will be retained or withheld from payments made to the holder thereafter. If, however, such holder does not provide its TIN to the Exchange Agent within such sixty (60) day period, the Exchange Agent will remit such previously withheld amounts to the Internal Revenue Service as backup withholding and will withhold a portion (although not more than 30%) of all reportable payments to the holder thereafter until such holder furnishes its TIN to the Exchange Agent.

6.     Transfer Taxes.

      The Company will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the transfer of Old Notes to it or its order pursuant to the Exchange Offer. If, however, New Notes and/or substitute Old Notes not exchanged are to be delivered to, or are to be registered or issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the Old Notes tendered hereby, or if tendered Old Notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing this Letter, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the transfer of Old Notes to the Company or its order pursuant to the Exchange Offer, the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other persons) will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted herewith, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder.

      Except as provided in this Instruction 6, it will not be necessary for transfer tax stamps to be affixed to the Old Notes specified in this letter.


 

7.     Waiver of Conditions.

      The Company reserves the absolute right to waive satisfaction of any or all conditions enumerated in the Prospectus.

8.     No Conditional Tenders.

      No alternative, conditional, irregular or contingent tenders will be accepted. All tendering holders of Old Notes, by execution of this Letter, shall waive any right to receive notice of the acceptance of their Old Notes for exchange.

      Neither the Company, the Exchange Agent nor any other person is obligated to give notice of any defect or irregularity with respect to any tender of Old Notes nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give any such notice.

9.     Mutilated, Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Old Notes.

      Any holder whose Old Notes have been mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed should contact the Exchange Agent at the address indicated above for further instructions.

10.     Withdrawal Rights.

      Tenders of Old Notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.

      For a withdrawal of a tender of Old Notes to be effective, a written notice of withdrawal must be received by the Exchange Agent at the address set forth above prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Any such notice of withdrawal must (i) specify the name of the person having tendered the Old Notes to be withdrawn (the “Depositor”), (ii) identify the Old Notes to be withdrawn (including certificate number or numbers and the principal amount of such Old Notes), (iii) contain a statement that such holder is withdrawing his election to have such Old Notes exchanged, (iv) be signed by the holder in the same manner as the original signature on the Letter by which such Old Notes were tendered (including any required signature guarantees) or be accompanied by documents of transfer to have the Trustee with respect to the Old Notes register the transfer of such Old Notes in the name of the person withdrawing the tender and (v) specify the name in which such Old Notes are registered, if different from that of the Depositor. If Old Notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer set forth in “The Exchange Offer — Book-Entry Transfer” section of the Prospectus, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to be credited with the withdrawn Old Notes and otherwise comply with the procedures of such facility. All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) of such notices will be determined by the Company, whose determination shall be final and binding on all parties. Any Old Notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the Exchange Offer and no New Notes will be issued with respect thereto unless the Old Notes so withdrawn are validly retendered. Any Old Notes that have been tendered for exchange but which are not exchanged for any reason will be returned to the Holder thereof without cost to such Holder (or, in the case of Old Notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent’s account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility pursuant to the book-entry transfer procedures set forth in “The Exchange Offer—Book-Entry Transfer” section of the Prospectus, such Old Notes will be credited to an account maintained with the Book-Entry Transfer Facility for the Old Notes) as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the Exchange Offer. Properly withdrawn Old Notes may be retendered by following the procedures described above at any time on or prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.


 

11.     Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies.

      Questions relating to the procedure for tendering, as well as requests for additional copies of the Prospectus and this Letter, and requests for Notices of Guaranteed Delivery and other related documents may be directed to the Exchange Agent, at the address and telephone number indicated above.


 

TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL TENDERING HOLDERS

(See Instruction 5)

PAYOR’S NAME: BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, N.A.

           

SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Payer’s Request for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

Part 1 — Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)   Part 3 — Awaiting TIN o

   
 
  Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. For individuals, this is your social security number (SSN). However, if you are a resident alien, sole proprietor or disregarded entity, see the Instructions to Form W-9. For other entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number, see Obtaining a Number in the Guidelines
Note: If the account is in more than one name, see the chart on whose number to enter.
 

Social security number
OR


Employer identification number
 
For U.S. Payees Exempt From Backup Withholding (See the Guidelines).

o

Part 2 — Certification    

Under penalties of perjury, I certify that
1. The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me),
2. I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding, and
3. I am a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien)
Certification Instructions. — You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the Certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. (See the Guidelines.)

Sign Here    Signature of U.S. person o   Date o

       

NOTE:  FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING A PORTION (ALTHOUGH NOT MORE THAN 30%) OF ANY PAYMENTS OF CASH MADE TO YOU. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU CHECKED THE AWAITING FOR TIN BOX ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9.
     

CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
I certify under penalties of perjury that a taxpayer identification number has not been issued to me, and either (1) I have mailed or delivered an, application to receive a taxpayer identification number to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service Center or Social Security Administration Office or (2) I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I understand that if I do not provide a taxpayer identification number by the time of payment, a portion (although not more than 30%) of all reportable payments made to me will be withheld, but that such amounts will be refunded to me if I then provide a Taxpayer Identification Number within sixty (60) days.
 
Signature 
  Date 


EX-99.2 13 k69724exv99w2.htm FORM OF NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY exv99w2
 

EXHIBIT 99.2

NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY

FOR TENDER FOR EXCHANGE OF
11.25% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007
FOR 11.25 % SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007
OF
Champion Home Builders Co.

        This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, or one substantially equivalent to this form, must be used to accept the Exchange Offer (as defined below) if (i) the procedures for delivery by book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis, (ii) certificates for the Company’s (as defined below) 11.25% Senior Notes due 2007 (the “Notes”) are not immediately available or (iii) the Notes, the Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents cannot be delivered to Bank One Trust Company, N.A. (the “Exchange Agent”) on or prior to           , 2002 (the “Expiration Date”). This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered by hand, overnight courier or mail, or transmitted by facsimile transmission, to the Exchange Agent. See “The Exchange Offer — Guaranteed Delivery Procedures” in the Prospectus.

THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON                , 2002, UNLESS EXTENDED.

The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:

Bank One Trust Company, N.A.

By Overnight Courier or Registered or

Certified Mail:
Bank One Trust Company, N.A.
1111 Polaris Parkway
Suite N1-0H1-0184
Columbus, Ohio 43240

By Hand Delivery:

         
Bank One, N.A
      Bank One Trust Company, N.A.
c/o Transfer Agent Drop Services
  or   1111 Polaris Parkway
55 Water Street, 1st Floor
      Suite N1-0H1-0184
New York, New York 10041
      Columbus, Ohio 43240

Facsimile: (614) 248-9987

      DELIVERY OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY VIA FACSIMILE TO A NUMBER OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY.

      IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY OR REQUESTS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE EXCHANGE AGENT AT (800) 346-5153.

      THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY IS NOT TO BE USED TO GUARANTEE SIGNATURES. IF A SIGNATURE ON A LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS REQUIRED TO BE GUARANTEED BY AN “ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION” UNDER THE INSTRUCTIONS THERETO, SUCH SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MUST APPEAR IN THE APPLICABLE SPACE PROVIDED IN THE SIGNATURE BOX ON THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

THE GUARANTEE ON THE NEXT PAGE MUST BE COMPLETED.


 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      The undersigned hereby tenders to Champion Home Builders Co., a Michigan corporation (the “Company”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus dated                           , 2002 (as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Prospectus”) and the related Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the “Exchange Offer”), receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the aggregate liquidation amount of Notes set forth below pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer — Guaranteed Delivery Procedures.”

      All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred in this Notice of Guarantee of Delivery and every obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators, and legal representatives of the undersigned and shall not be affected by and shall survive the death or incapacity of the undersigned.

Aggregate Principal Amount Tendered:




Check box if Notes will be delivered by book-entry transfer and provide account number.

o The Depository Trust Company

DTC Account Number: 


Date: 



(Name(s) of Registered Holder(s) — Please Print

(Address of Registered Holder(s))

(Zip Code)

(Area Code and Telephone No.)

(Name(s) of Authorized Signatory)

(Capacity)

(Address(es) of Authorized Signatory)

(Area Code and Telephone No.)



Signature(s) of Record Holder or Authorized Signatory)

Dated: 


      This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery must be signed by the registered holder(s) of the Notes tendered hereby exactly as their name(s) appear on the certificates for such Notes or on a security position listing such holder(s) as the owner(s) of such Notes, or by person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) of such Notes by endorsements and documents submitted with this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in the fiduciary or representative capacity, such person must provide the preceding information and, unless waived by the Company, submit with the Letter of Transmittal evidence satisfactory to the Company of such person’s authority to so act.


 

GUARANTEE OF DELIVERY

(Not to be used for signature guarantee)

      The undersigned, a firm or other entity identified in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as an “eligible guarantor institution,” including (as such terms are defined therein): (1) a bank; (2) a broker, dealer, municipal securities broker, municipal securities dealer, government securities broker, government securities dealer; (3) a credit union; (4) a national securities exchange, registered securities association or clearing agency; or (5) a savings association that is a participant in a Securities Transfer Association recognized program (each of the foregoing being referred to as an “Eligible Institution”), hereby guarantees to deliver to the Exchange Agent at its address set forth above, either the Notes tendered hereby in proper form for transfer, or confirmation of the book-entry transfer of such Notes to the Exchange Agent’s account at The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth in the Prospectus, in either case together with one or more properly completed and duly executed Letter(s) of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof or Agent’s Message in lieu thereof) and any other required documents within three business days after the date of execution of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. The undersigned acknowledges that it must deliver the Letter(s) of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof or Agent’s Message in lieu thereof) and the Notes tendered hereby to the Exchange Agent within the time period set forth above and that failure to do so could result in a financial loss to the undersigned.

Name of Firm: 

Address: 




Zip Code

Area Code and Telephone Number: 


Authorized Signature

Name: 


Please Type or Print

Title: 


Dated: 


 , 2001

NOTE: DO NOT SEND NOTES WITH THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY. ACTUAL SURRENDER OF NOTES MUST BE MADE PURSUANT TO, AND BE ACCOMPANIED BY, A PROPERLY COMPLETED AND DULY EXECUTED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.
GRAPHIC 14 k69724champion.gif GRAPHIC begin 644 k69724champion.gif M1TE&.#EASP`C`*+_`/___U6PS:K7Y@&)M(#$V4"FQK_A[/___R'Y!`$```<` M+`````#/`",```/_>+K<_C#*2:N]..O->P^!X(U92)X0&*`<.+RPN1$%;`^@ M2*A\L_,RQJYFRS6`QL!M4!`==LOF`LDCJAA(IU"Y?!566!EH,8QI*;3N#7PA MWM(P`J'KB`K=:MP"[\TS^3=.?EV"2PU\3CQ.KL4ML$I\,-9W& M9+2I!J`W"UV=!P9JS@>4J$L$N-69O"_+-MRX`-XVT7;4C1*21`*^3#:N$N!, M#Z38M.+HV@770F@I8Z?@7#][Y&[1L2?*1CE<2PK-"Y@)0BM5`@*UVU9L_Y\V M:*BF.6"H@",_&``]A4)8CH[!<"5M/01@TF2Z<1#LY2$E"X*TCB`I]IM`4B7. MDS`;'MS6,M3*)3-I5@0G,N;1.H-Z=:'WH$O*D5&`*$,%"=#-4T@'^'CZIILZ MM@YGFJ3:P*;0`3JS5O+I$:S>H`>XZ#W[HFK1CTO;YEIR#2Z,J)_H,K!+^*^: MJI/[KGV32(XQ/@6:#K5[>!;(O-8J(WXLUS'>S6CO%EYEXV72NIIEJWV6>-1# M@157WS;=>]"_S,5?0.Y5ZVKSV.)X6AZWJ"MEV##\)D]X"UQEPQY)(JS@>L#R MHY2OIZ)M&;/PUP[RE2:>G3[>A]ZM0B\M_KKU?O^V<:=01>DQA]MT@[AGWSUK ME=)7?^/\%A1I$>GVGH)8V2!1'*V-%IQ^]2&'8!X8]O21@QKIIH-B$$UHX(46 M+HCA@6A1U:$7W]$88F5Q=%;8'$;Y1TT78`B&HG,R#BF3.6:!>-MX::V8FX[P MZ>-;.?DYN1N/D)`8158SVC;76#H]I]R:2$J"!-D#HGFEU0FAM(>T)T*&=Z39-H`1\]0"E7WG6BQR7 M4AC>92-NR<*HI)9J:JEBXA7JJ:RVZNJK$8!:1)\SPFKKK;ABH!-J>>1ZP@\] MY#!-"%0(`.P5QXH!A`+_63"K`Q%2!`;$LUY`LL,3)H@PQA/0NAED'%ZHP%ZM MOEK`$(XE[S)--5CZ;P8&GY5N-"*5K,TR M$:?C\#+.P*O'$S%+/'.E%,EZ"S\+G7/&B2DLK) MU,"1C-QR:`Q'SVH!.0<1+Y-!S`.;?*E.V!ZHG/4Y:=][=4$-UR52#>G.H07& M@9A9[O*]`;O![&7Y,KKM8_]\M=0FWU#2GYOB;O'L`M?+J2<^EPW J0#@75"B@0I1B:?C?T]QH^)2N_Q7YY).1 -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----