-----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, J4p4z+Tb5jZ8XmNQyE23zPUO94bZo+bv8OfThfPyCZ5/tWVyZVLQHP3b/iiGdk53 JEeVdeSeGR0hdDzgqGjB5w== 0001193125-07-054661.txt : 20070314 0001193125-07-054661.hdr.sgml : 20070314 20070314171744 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-07-054661 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-4 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 14 FILED AS OF DATE: 20070314 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20070314 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CONAGRA FOODS INC /DE/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000023217 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: FOOD & KINDRED PRODUCTS [2000] IRS NUMBER: 470248710 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0507 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-141301 FILM NUMBER: 07694373 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE CONAGRA DR CITY: OMAHA STATE: NE ZIP: 68102 BUSINESS PHONE: 4025954000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE CONAGRA DRIVE CITY: OMAHA STATE: NE ZIP: 68102 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: CONAGRA INC /DE/ DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: NEBRASKA CONSOLIDATED MILLS CO DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19721201 S-4 1 ds4.htm FORM S-4 Form S-4
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2007

Registration No. 333-            

 


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


Form S-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 


ConAgra Foods, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware   2000   47-0248710

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

One ConAgra Drive

Omaha, Nebraska 68102-5001

Telephone: (402) 595-4000

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,

Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

Colleen Batcheler, Esq.

Vice President, Chief Securities Counsel and Corporate Secretary

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

One ConAgra Drive

Omaha, Nebraska 68102-5001

Telephone: (402) 595-4000

(Name, Address, including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,

Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)

 


Copy to:

Christopher M. Kelly, Esq.

Jones Day

901 Lakeside Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Telephone: (216) 586-3939

 


Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public:    As soon as practicable following the effective date of this registration statement.

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

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.  ¨

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 number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 


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

5.819% Senior Notes due 2017

   $ 499,999,000    100 %   $ 499,999,000    $ 15,350

(1) Estimated solely for the purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(f) under the Securities Act of 1933.

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 or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 



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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell or offer 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 we are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 14, 2007

PROSPECTUS

$499,999,000

LOGO

Offer to Exchange

All Outstanding 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017

for

5.819% Senior Notes due 2017

of

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

This Exchange Offer Will Expire at 5:00 p.m.,

New York City Time, on                     , 2007

 


The Exchange Notes

 

   

The terms of the 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017 to be issued, which we refer to as the exchange notes, are substantially identical to the outstanding 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017, which we refer to as the outstanding notes, that were issued on December 21, 2006, except for transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest provisions relating to the outstanding notes that will not apply to the exchange notes.

 

   

Interest on the exchange notes accrues at the rate of 5.819% per year, payable on June 15 and December 15 of each year, with the first payment on June 15, 2007.

 

   

The exchange notes will not be guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries.

 

   

The exchange notes will be our senior unsecured obligations and will rank senior in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior subordinated debt and existing and future subordinated obligations and equally with any of our existing and future senior unsecured debt.

 

   

We do not intend to list the exchange notes on any securities exchange or to arrange for quotation through any automated trading system.

Material Terms of the Exchange Offer

 

   

Expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                     , 2007, unless the offer is extended. We refer to such date and time, as it may be extended, as the expiration date.

 

   

All outstanding notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn will be exchanged for an equal principal amount at maturity of exchange notes that are registered under the Securities Act.

 

   

Tenders of outstanding notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.

 

   

The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum principal amount of outstanding notes being tendered.

 

   

The exchange offer is not subject to any condition other than that it must not violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

   

We will not receive any cash proceeds from the exchange offer.

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 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 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.

 


Please consider carefully the “ Risk Factors” beginning on page 10 of this prospectus.

 


Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the exchange notes to be distributed in the exchange offer, nor have any of these authorities determined that this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 


The date of this prospectus is             , 2007.


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REFERENCES TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This prospectus incorporates or refers to important business and financial information about us that is not included in or delivered with this prospectus. You may obtain documents that are filed by us without charge upon your written or oral request. You may also obtain the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus, other than certain exhibits to those documents, by accessing the SEC’s website maintained at www.sec.gov.

In addition, our SEC filings are available to the public on our website, www.conagrafoods.com. Information contained on or accessible through our website or the website of any other person is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider information contained on or accessible through those websites as part of this prospectus.

We will provide you with copies of this information, without charge, if you request them in writing or by telephone from:

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

One ConAgra Drive

Omaha, Nebraska 68102

Attention: Corporate Secretary

Telephone: (402) 595-4000

If you would like to request copies of these documents, please do so by                     , 2007 in order to receive them before the expiration of the exchange offer. For additional information, see “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Documents Incorporated by Reference.”

You should not assume that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of this prospectus or, in the case of information incorporated by reference, its date.

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SUMMARY

   1

RISK FACTORS

   10

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

   11

USE OF PROCEEDS

   12

CAPITALIZATION

   12

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

   12

THE EXCHANGE OFFER

   13

DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

   21

CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES

   30

ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

   35

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

   37

LEGAL MATTERS

   39

EXPERTS

   39

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

   39

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

   39

In making an investment decision, you must rely on your own examination of us and the terms of the exchange offer, including the merits and risks involved. You should not construe anything in this prospectus as legal, business or tax advice. You should consult your own advisors as needed to make your investment decision and to determine whether you are legally permitted to participate in the exchange offer under applicable laws and regulations.

None of ConAgra Foods, the exchange agent or any affiliate of any of them makes any recommendation as to whether or not holders of outstanding notes should exchange their outstanding notes for exchange notes in response to the exchange offer.

 

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SUMMARY

The following summary highlights selected information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. This prospectus includes the basic terms of the exchange offer and the exchange notes we are offering, as well as information regarding our business and detailed financial data. We encourage you to read this prospectus in its entirety, including the documents incorporated by reference. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to “ConAgra Foods,” “we,” “our,” “ours” and “us” refer to ConAgra Foods, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

We are a leading packaged food company serving a wide variety of food customers, including consumer grocery retailers, restaurants and other foodservice establishments. We report our operations in four reporting segments: Consumer Foods; Food and Ingredients; Trading and Merchandising; and International Foods.

Our Consumer Foods segment includes branded, private label and customized food products that are sold in various retail and foodservice channels. Our Consumer Foods segment’s products include a variety of categories (meals, entrees, condiments, sides, snacks and desserts) across frozen, refrigerated and shelf-stable temperature classes. Major brands include Chef Boyardee®, Marie Callender’s®, Healthy Choice®, Orville Redenbacher’s®, Slim Jim®, Hebrew National®, Kid Cuisine®, Reddi-Wip®, VanCamp®, Libby’s®, LaChoy®, The Max®, Manwich®, David’s®, Ro*Tel®, Angela Mia®, Hunt’s®, Wesson®, Act II®, Snack Pack®, Swiss Miss®, Pam®, Egg Beaters®, Blue Bonnet®, Parkay®, and Rosarita®.

Our Food and Ingredients segment includes commercially branded foods and ingredients that are sold principally to foodservice, food manufacturing and industrial customers. Our Food and Ingredients segment’s primary products include specialty potato products, milled grain ingredients, dehydrated vegetables and seasonings, blends and flavors which are sold under names such as ConAgra Mills®, Lamb Weston®, Gilroy Foods®, and Spicetec® to food processors.

Our Trading and Merchandising segment includes the sourcing, merchandising, trading, marketing and distribution of agricultural and energy commodities.

Our International Foods segment includes branded food products that are sold principally in retail channels in North America, Europe and Asia. Our International Foods segment’s products include a variety of categories (meals, entrees, condiments, sides, snacks and desserts) across frozen, refrigerated and shelf-stable temperature classes. Major brands include Orville Redenbacher’s®, Act II®, Snack Pack®, Chef Boyardee®, Hunt’s®, and Pam®.

We are in the process of implementing operational improvement initiatives that are intended to generate profitable sales growth, improve profit margins, and expand returns on capital over time. Various improvement initiatives focused on marketing, operating efficiency, and business processes have been underway for several years. Senior leadership changes during fiscal 2006 resulted in new priorities and increased focus on execution. Our strategies currently include: reducing costs throughout the supply chain and the general and administrative functions; increased and more focused marketing and innovation investments; and sales improvement initiatives focused on penetrating the fastest growing channels, better return on customer trade arrangements, and optimal shelf placement for our most profitable products. Also, over the last several quarters, we have refocused our portfolio by divesting several operations we deemed non-core, including packaged meats, ham, seafood, and cheese. Our ongoing cost-savings programs are partly intended to reduce overhead costs previously associated with divested businesses.

* * * *

We were incorporated as a Delaware corporation in 1919. Our principal executive offices are located at One ConAgra Drive, Omaha, NE 68102-5094, and our main telephone number is (402) 595-4000.

 

 

1


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Background

On December 21, 2006, we consummated our offer to exchange up to $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 9.75% Notes due 2021 and our 6.75% Notes due 2011, which we refer to collectively as the old notes, for new 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017, which we refer to as the outstanding notes. We sometimes refer to the offer to exchange the old notes for outstanding notes as the previous exchange offer. Pursuant to the previous exchange offer, we issued $499,999,000 aggregate principal amount of outstanding notes. In connection with the previous exchange offer, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the dealer managers of the previous exchange offer. Under the registration rights agreement, we agreed, for the benefit of the holders of the outstanding notes, at our cost to use our commercially reasonable efforts to, among other things:

 

   

file, no later than 90 days after the settlement date of the previous exchange offer, a registration statement with the SEC, with respect to a registered offer, which we refer to as the exchange offer, to exchange the outstanding notes for exchange notes, which will have terms identical in all material respects to the outstanding notes, except that the exchange notes will not contain transfer restrictions or be subject to registration rights or additional interest provisions;

 

   

cause the registration statement to be declared effective within 225 days after the settlement date of the previous exchange offer; and

 

   

complete the exchange offer within 270 days after the settlement date of the previous exchange offer.

A copy of the registration rights agreement is filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Summary of the Exchange Offer

 

Securities Offered

5.819% Senior Notes due June 15, 2017.

 

The Exchange Offer

We are offering to exchange up to $499,999,000 aggregate principal amount of our exchange notes, which have been registered under the Securities Act, in exchange for up to $499,999,000 aggregate principal amount of our outstanding notes. You have the right to exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes with substantially identical terms.

 

 

In order for your outstanding notes to be exchanged, you must properly tender them before the expiration of the exchange offer. All outstanding notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn will be exchanged. We will issue the exchange notes promptly after the expiration of the exchange offer. You may tender your outstanding notes for exchange by following the procedures described under the heading “The Exchange Offer — Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes.”

 

Purpose of the Exchange Offer

The purpose of the exchange offer is to satisfy our obligations under the registration rights agreement. After the exchange offer is complete, you will not have any further rights under the registration rights agreement, including any right to require us to register any outstanding notes that you do not exchange or to pay you the additional interest we agreed to pay to holders of outstanding notes if we failed to timely commence and complete the exchange offer.

 

 

2


Table of Contents

Conditions of the Exchange Offer

The exchange offer is subject to specified conditions described under the caption “The Exchange Offer — Conditions,” some of which we may waive in our sole discretion. The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum principal amount of outstanding notes being tendered.

 

Extensions; Amendments

We reserve the right, subject to applicable law, at any time and from time to time, but before the expiration of the exchange offer:

 

   

to extend the expiration date of the exchange offer and retain all outstanding notes tendered pursuant to the exchange offer subject to the right of tendering holders to withdraw their tender of outstanding notes;

 

   

to terminate the exchange offer and to refuse to accept outstanding notes not previously accepted, if one or more specified conditions occur; and/or

 

   

to waive any condition or amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner.

 

 

See “The Exchange Offer — Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments” for more information.

 

Denomination on New Notes

Exchange notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.

 

Tenders; Expiration Date

The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                         , 2007, unless we extend the exchange offer. We will extend the exchange offer as required by applicable law, and may choose to extend the exchange offer in our sole discretion. If we decide for any reason not to accept any outstanding notes you have tendered for exchange, those outstanding notes will be returned to you without cost promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer. See “The Exchange Offer — Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes” for a more complete description of the tender provisions.

 

Withdrawal Rights

You may withdraw tenders of outstanding notes at any time prior to the expiration date by delivering a written notice of withdrawal to the exchange agent in conformity with the procedures discussed under “The Exchange Offer — Withdrawal of Tenders.”

 

Settlement Date

The settlement date of the exchange offer will be promptly after the expiration date, which is expected to be the third business day following the expiration date.

 

Certain U.S. Federal Tax Consequences

The exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer will not constitute a taxable disposition of outstanding notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For additional information, see “Certain U.S. Federal Tax Consequences.”

 

 

3


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Use of Proceeds

We will not receive any cash proceeds from the exchange offer.

 

Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes

If you wish to participate in the exchange offer and your outstanding notes are held by a custodial entity, such as a bank, broker, dealer, trust company or other nominee through The Depository Trust Company, which we refer to as DTC, you may do so through DTC’s automated tender offer program, or ATOP. By participating through ATOP in the exchange offer, you will agree to be bound by the letter of transmittal that we are providing with this prospectus as though you had signed the letter of transmittal.

 

 

If your outstanding notes are registered in your name, you must deliver the certificates representing your outstanding notes, together with a completed letter of transmittal and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal, to the exchange agent, before the expiration of the exchange offer. See “The Exchange Offer — Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes.” In the alternative, you may comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described under “The Exchange Offer — Guaranteed Delivery Procedures.”

 

 

Please do not send your letter of transmittal or certificates representing your outstanding notes to us. Those documents should be sent only to the exchange agent. Questions regarding how to tender and requests for information with respect to exchange offer procedures should be directed to the exchange agent. For additional information, see “The Exchange Offer — Exchange Agent.”

 

Special Procedures for Beneficial Owners

If your outstanding notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, we urge you to contact that person promptly if you wish to tender your outstanding notes pursuant to the exchange offer. For additional information, see “The Exchange Offer — Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes.”

 

Consequences of Failure to Exchange

If you do not exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes, your outstanding notes will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer described in the outstanding notes. In general, outstanding notes may not be offered or sold unless registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Act, or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the federal securities laws and applicable state securities laws. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Failure to Exchange.” Following the completion of the exchange offer, we will have no obligation to exchange outstanding notes for exchange notes.

 

 

4


Table of Contents

Resales of Exchange Notes

We believe that you will be able to offer for resale, resell or otherwise transfer exchange notes issued in the exchange offer without further compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the federal securities laws, provided that:

 

   

you are not an affiliate of ours within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act;

 

   

you are not a broker-dealer who exchanged old notes acquired directly from us for your own account for outstanding notes in the previous exchange offer;

 

   

the exchange notes to be received by you will be acquired in the ordinary course of your business;

 

   

you have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution, within the meaning of the Securities Act, of the exchange notes;

 

   

you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, a distribution, within the meaning of the Securities Act, of the exchange notes; and

 

   

you are not prohibited by law or any policy of the SEC from participating in the exchange offer.

 

 

Our belief is based on interpretations by the Staff of the SEC, as set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties unrelated to us. The Staff has not considered this exchange offer in the context of a no-action letter, and we cannot assure you that the Staff would make a similar determination with respect to this exchange offer.

 

 

If our belief is not accurate and you transfer an exchange note without delivering a prospectus meeting the requirements of the federal securities laws without an exemption from these laws, you may incur liability under the federal securities laws. We do not and will not assume, or indemnify you against, this liability.

 

 

In addition, in connection with any resales of the exchange notes, any broker-dealer that acquired exchange notes for its own account as a result of market-making or other trading activities must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. See “The Exchange Offer — Resale of the Exchange Notes” and “Plan of Distribution.”

 

Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal

Holders of the outstanding notes do not have any appraisal or dissenters’ rights in connection with the exchange offer.

 

Exchange Agent

The exchange agent for the exchange offer is The Bank of New York. The address, telephone number and facsimile number of the exchange agent are set forth in the “The Exchange Offer — Exchange Agent” and in the letter of transmittal.

 

 

For additional information, see “The Exchange Offer,” which includes more detailed information concerning the exchange offer.

 

 

5


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The Exchange Notes

 

Exchange Notes

The terms of the outstanding notes and the exchange notes are identical in all material respects, except the exchange notes offered in the exchange offer:

 

   

will have been registered under the Securities Act;

 

   

will not have transfer restrictions and registration rights that relate to the outstanding notes; and

 

   

will not have rights relating to the payment of additional interest to holders of outstanding notes if we fail to timely commence and complete the exchange offer.

 

 

A brief description of the exchange notes is set forth below. For additional information regarding the exchange notes, see “Description of Notes.”

 

Maturity

June 15, 2017.

 

Interest Rate

The exchange notes will bear interest at a rate of 5.819% per annum. Interest on each exchange note will accrue from the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the outstanding notes surrendered in exchange therefor or, if no interest has been paid on the outstanding notes, from the date of their original issuance, which was December 21, 2006.

 

Interest Payment Dates

Interest will be payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, beginning on June 15, 2007.

 

Ranking

The exchange notes will be senior unsecured obligations of ConAgra Foods, Inc. and will rank pari passu with all existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of ConAgra Foods, Inc. The exchange notes will be effectively subordinated to any indebtedness of our subsidiaries and will be junior to our secured debt.

 

Optional Redemption

We may redeem the exchange notes prior to maturity, in whole or in part, as described in this prospectus. See “Description of Notes.”

 

Covenants

The indenture governing the exchange notes provides for certain limitations on our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to (a) incur indebtedness secured by a lien on any principal property or on the capital stock of any principal subsidiaries and (b) enter into sale and leaseback transactions. For more information, see “Description of Notes — Certain Covenants.”

 

Delivery and Form

The exchange notes will be issued only in the form of one or more global notes. See “Description of Notes — Book-Entry; Delivery and Form.” The global note will be deposited with DTC for credit to the account of a direct or indirect participant of DTC. Investors in the global note who are participants in DTC may hold their interests in

 

 

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the global note directly through DTC. Investors in the global note who are not participants in DTC may hold their interests indirectly through organizations that are participants in DTC. Interests in the global note will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC and its participants, including Euroclear and Clearstream.

 

 

Except as set forth under “Description of Notes — Book-Entry; Delivery and Form,” holders of the exchange notes will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of definitive exchange notes or to have exchange notes issued and registered in their names and will not be considered the record owners or holders of the exchange notes under the indenture governing the exchange notes. Interests in the global note will be issued in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.

 

Listing

We do not intend to list the exchange notes on any securities exchange or to arrange for quotation through any automated trading system.

Risk Factors

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 10 for a discussion of factors that should be considered by holders of outstanding notes before tendering their outstanding notes in the exchange offer.

 

 

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Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data

The following tables set forth our summary historical consolidated financial and other data as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The summary historical consolidated financial and other data as of and for the year ended May 28, 2006 are derived from our consolidated financial statements for such period, which have been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. The summary historical consolidated financial statements and other data as of May 29, 2005 and for each of the fiscal years ended May 29, 2005 and May 30, 2004 are derived from our consolidated financial statements for such periods, which have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. The historical unaudited consolidated financial data as of the twenty-six week periods ended November 26, 2006 and November 27, 2005 were derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements and include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows at such dates and for such periods. The historical consolidated financial data are presented for informational purposes only and do not purport to project our financial position as of any future date or our results of operations for any future period. You should read the following summary historical consolidated financial information in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and the information contained elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

(tabular $ in millions, except per share data)   Fiscal Years Ended   Twenty-Six Weeks Ended2
    2002   20031   2004   2005   2006   November 27,
2005
  November 26,
2006

Net sales3

  $ 18,457.4   $ 13,253.6   $ 10,794.3   $ 11,383.8   $ 11,482.0   $ 5,675.8   $ 5,777.3

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of changes in accounting3

  $ 481.5   $ 545.8   $ 520.8   $ 558.7   $ 589.3   $ 435.4   $ 309.8

Net income

  $ 771.7   $ 763.8   $ 811.3   $ 641.5   $ 533.8   $ 499.8   $ 380.0

Basic earnings per share:

             

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of changes in accounting3

  $ 0.92   $ 1.03   $ 0.99   $ 1.08   $ 1.14   $ 0.84   $ 0.61

Net income

  $ 1.45   $ 1.44   $ 1.54   $ 1.24   $ 1.03   $ 0.96   $ 0.75

Diluted earnings per share

             

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of changes in accounting3

  $ 0.91   $ 1.03   $ 0.98   $ 1.07   $ 1.13   $ 0.84   $ 0.61

Net income

  $ 1.45   $ 1.44   $ 1.53   $ 1.23   $ 1.03   $ 0.96   $ 0.74

Cash dividends declared per share of common stock

  $ 0.9300   $ 0.9775   $ 1.0275   $ 1.0775   $ 0.9975   $ 0.5450   $ 0.3600

At end of period

             

Total assets

  $ 15,705.1   $ 15,185.6   $ 14,310.5   $ 13,042.8   $ 11,970.4   $ 13,304.9   $ 12,356.5

Senior long-term debt (noncurrent)3,4

  $ 4,973.7   $ 4,632.2   $ 4,878.4   $ 3,949.1   $ 2,754.8   $ 3,036.8   $ 3,131.7

Subordinated long-term debt (noncurrent)3,4

  $ 752.1   $ 763.0   $ 402.3   $ 400.0   $ 400.0   $ 400.0   $ 400.0

Preferred securities of subsidiary company4

  $ 175.0   $ 175.0   $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —  

1

During fiscal 2003, we divested our fresh beef and pork business (see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2006, as updated by our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 20, 2006, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus).

2

Amounts for the twenty-six weeks ending November 26, 2006 and November 27, 2005 reflect our change in method of accounting for advertising expense for interim periods such that all advertising expense is recognized as incurred rather than based on sales for the interim period as a proportion of estimated annual sales. The impact of the change in accounting methods was to increase advertising and promotion expense by approximately $24 million ($15 million after tax), or $0.03 per diluted share for the first half of fiscal 2007. The impact on the first half of fiscal 2006 was to increase advertising expense by approximately $25.1 million ($15.4 million after tax), or $0.03 per diluted share. There will be no impact on annual reporting periods.

3

Amounts exclude the impact of discontinued operations of the former Agricultural Products segment, the chicken business, the feed business in Spain, the poultry business in Portugal and the specialty meats foodservice business, the packaged meats and cheese businesses, the seafood business and the Cook’s Ham business.

 

 

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4

2004 amounts reflect the adoption of FIN 46R, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which resulted in increasing long-term debt by $419 million, increasing other noncurrent liabilities by $25 million, increasing property, plant and equipment by $221 million, increasing other assets by $46 million and decreasing preferred securities of subsidiary company by $175 million.

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the last five fiscal years and for the twenty-six weeks ended November 26, 2006 are set forth below.

 

     Fiscal Years Ended    Twenty-Six
Weeks Ended
     2002    2003    2004    2005    2006    November 26,
2006

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

   2.4    2.9    3.0    3.5    3.6    4.0

Recent Developments

On February 14, 2007, we announced the recall of all varieties of peanut butter manufactured at our Sylvester, Georgia plant as a result of statistical information received from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that these products might be linked to the foodborne illness Salmonella. On February 22, 2007, we announced that testing by some states had detected the presence of Salmonella within samples of peanut butter manufactured at the Sylvester, Georgia plant. Although we are still quantifying the impact of the recall, our preliminary estimate is that the recall will create $50 to $60 million of additional pre-tax expense, approximately $48 million of which will be recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 and the remainder in subsequent quarters.

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

You should consider carefully the following risks and all of the information included in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including the risk factors identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 28, 2006 and other SEC filings, before tendering your outstanding notes for exchange in the exchange offer.

Risks Related to the Exchange Notes

An active trading market for the exchange notes may not develop.

There is no existing trading market for the exchange notes. We do not intend to apply for listing of the exchange notes on any securities exchange or for quotation through any automated dealer quotation system. Although the dealer managers for the previous exchange offer may make a market in the exchange notes after the completion of the exchange offer, they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue any such market-making activities at any time without notice. Even if a trading market for the exchange notes develops, the liquidity of any market for the exchange notes will depend upon the number of holders of the exchange notes, our performance, the market for similar securities, the interest of securities dealers in making a market in the exchange notes and other factors. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or adequate trading markets for, the exchange notes.

In addition, if you do participate in the exchange offer for the purpose of participating in the distribution of the exchange notes, you must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act for any resale transaction. Each broker-dealer who holds outstanding notes for its own account due to market-making or other trading activities and who receives exchange notes for its own account must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes.

We depend on cash flow of our subsidiaries to make payments on our securities.

ConAgra Foods, Inc. is in part a holding company. Our subsidiaries conduct a significant percentage of our consolidated operations and own a significant percentage of our consolidated assets. Consequently, our cash flow and our ability to meet our debt service obligations depend in large part upon the cash flow of our subsidiaries and the payment of funds by the subsidiaries to us in the form of loans, dividends or otherwise. Our subsidiaries are not obligated to make funds available to us for payment of our debt securities or otherwise. In addition, their ability to make any payments will depend on their earnings, the terms of their indebtedness, business and tax considerations and legal restrictions. The exchange notes and the outstanding notes effectively rank junior to all liabilities of our subsidiaries. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution of a subsidiary and following payment of its liabilities, the subsidiary may not have sufficient assets remaining to make payments to us as a shareholder or otherwise.

Risks Related to the Failure to Exchange

You may have difficulty selling the outstanding notes that you do not exchange.

If you do not exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer, your outstanding notes will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer described in your outstanding notes. In general, the outstanding notes may not be offered or sold unless registered or exempt from registration under the federal securities laws, or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the federal securities laws and applicable state securities laws. We do not plan to register the outstanding notes under the Securities Act. If a large number of outstanding notes are exchanged for exchange notes registered under the Securities Act, it may be more difficult for you to sell your outstanding notes because the trading market for such outstanding notes (if any) could be negatively affected due to the limited amount expected to remain outstanding following the completion of the exchange offer. In addition, if you do not exchange your outstanding notes in the exchange offer and the exchange offer is consummated, you will no longer be entitled to the registration rights provided under the registration rights agreement relating to the outstanding notes.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current views and assumptions of future events and financial performance. Words such as “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “may,” “will,” “could” and “should,” and variations of such words and other similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in or by such forward-looking statements. In addition to the factors described in this prospectus under “Risk Factors,” as well as in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus, important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, among others:

 

   

future economic circumstances;

 

   

industry conditions;

 

   

availability and prices of raw materials;

 

   

product pricing;

 

   

competitive environment and related market conditions;

 

   

operating efficiencies;

 

   

the ultimate impact of our recent product recall;

 

   

our ability to execute our operating and restructuring plans; and

 

   

actions of governments and regulatory factors affecting our business.

The forward-looking statements in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference speak only as of the date of the document in which the forward-looking statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the exchange notes in exchange for the outstanding notes. Any outstanding notes that are properly tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to this exchange offer will be retired and cancelled.

CAPITALIZATION

The following information sets forth our consolidated capitalization as of November 26, 2006. You should read this along with the historical financial statements and accompanying notes that we included in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 20, 2006, and in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended November 26, 2006, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

     November 26, 2006  
     (Dollars in millions)  

Long-term debt, including current maturities

   $ 3,552.5  

Total stockholders’ equity

   $ 4,737.6  

Total capitalization

   $ 8,290.1  

Total long-term debt to total capitalization

     42.9 %

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the last five fiscal years and for the twenty-six weeks ended November 26, 2006 are set forth below.

 

     Fiscal Years Ended    Twenty-Six
Weeks Ended
     2002    2003    2004    2005    2006    November 26,
2006

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

   2.4    2.9    3.0    3.5    3.6    4.0

 

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THE EXCHANGE OFFER

Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer

On December 21, 2006, we consummated the previous exchange offer and issued $499,999,000 aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes. In connection with the previous exchange offer, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the dealer managers of the previous exchange offer. Under that agreement, we must, among other things, file with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the exchange offer and use our commercially reasonable efforts to cause that registration statement to become effective under the Securities Act. Upon the effectiveness of that registration statement, we must offer each holder of the outstanding notes the opportunity to exchange its outstanding notes for an equal principal amount of exchange notes. You are a holder with respect to the exchange offer if you are a person in whose name any outstanding notes are registered on our books, any other person who has obtained a properly executed bond power from a registered holder, or any person whose outstanding notes are held of record by DTC who desires to deliver such notes by book-entry transfer at DTC.

We are making the exchange offer to comply with our obligations under the registration rights agreement. A copy of the registration rights agreement is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

In order to participate in the exchange offer, you must represent to us, among other things, that:

 

   

you are acquiring the exchange notes under the exchange offer in the ordinary course of your business;

 

   

you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, a distribution, within the meaning of the Securities Act, of the exchange notes;

 

   

you do not have any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution, within the meaning of the Securities Act, of the exchange notes;

 

   

you are not a broker-dealer tendering outstanding notes acquired directly from us for your own account;

 

   

you are not one of our “affiliates,” as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act; and

 

   

you are not limited by law or any policy of the SEC from participating in the exchange offer.

Resale of the Exchange Notes

Based on a previous interpretation by the Staff of the SEC set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, including Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (available June 5, 1991), Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc. (available June 5, 1991), Warnaco, Inc. (available October 11, 1991), and K-III Communications Corp. (available May 14, 1993), we believe that the exchange notes issued in the exchange offer may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by you, except if you are an affiliate of us, without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that the representations set forth in “— Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer” apply to you.

If you tender in the exchange offer with the intention of participating in a distribution of the exchange notes, you cannot rely on the interpretation by the Staff of the SEC as set forth in the Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated no-action letter and other similar letters and you must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction. If our belief regarding resale is inaccurate, those who transfer exchange notes in violation of the prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act and without an exemption from registration under the federal securities laws may incur liability under these laws. We do not assume or indemnify you against this liability.

 

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The exchange offer is not being made to, nor will we accept surrenders for exchange from, holders of outstanding notes in any jurisdiction in which the exchange offer or the acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of the particular jurisdiction. Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes, where the outstanding notes were acquired by that 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. For additional information, see “Plan of Distribution.” In order to facilitate the disposition of exchange notes by broker-dealers participating in the exchange offer, we have agreed, subject to specific conditions, to make this prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, available for delivery by those broker-dealers to satisfy their prospectus delivery obligations under the Securities Act. Any holder that is a broker-dealer participating in the exchange offer must notify the exchange agent at the telephone number set forth in the enclosed letter of transmittal and must comply with the procedures for broker-dealers participating in the exchange offer. We have not entered into any arrangement or understanding with any person to distribute the exchange notes to be received in the exchange offer.

Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments

The expiration date is 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                     , 2007, unless we, in our sole discretion or if required by applicable law, extend the exchange offer, in which case, the expiration date will be the latest date and time to which the exchange offer is extended. We may, in our sole discretion, extend the expiration date of the exchange offer or, upon the occurrence of particular events, terminate the exchange offer. The events that would cause us to terminate the exchange offer are set forth under “— Conditions.”

To extend the exchange offer, we must notify the exchange agent by oral (promptly confirmed in writing) or written notice before 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date and make a public announcement of the extension.

We reserve the right:

 

   

to extend the exchange offer or to terminate the exchange offer if any of the conditions set forth below under “— Conditions” are not satisfied by giving oral (promptly confirmed in writing) or written notice of the delay, extension or termination to the exchange agent; or

 

   

to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner consistent with the registration rights agreement.

Any delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be followed as promptly as practicable by notice of the delay to the registered holders of the outstanding notes. If we amend the exchange offer in a manner that constitutes a material change, we will promptly disclose the amendment by means of a prospectus supplement that will be distributed to the registered holders of the outstanding notes, and we will extend the exchange offer for a period of up to ten business days, depending on the significance of the amendment and the manner of disclosure to the registered holders of the outstanding notes, if the exchange offer would otherwise expire during that extension period.

Without limiting the manner in which we may choose to make a public announcement of any delay, extension, amendment or termination of the exchange offer, we will have no obligation to publish, advertise or otherwise communicate that public announcement, other than by making a timely release to an appropriate news agency.

When all the conditions to the exchange offer have been satisfied or waived, we will accept, promptly after the expiration of the exchange offer, all outstanding notes properly tendered and will issue the exchange notes promptly after the expiration date of the exchange offer. For additional information, see “— Conditions” below. For purposes of the exchange offer, we will be deemed to have accepted properly tendered outstanding notes for exchange when, as and if we will have given oral (promptly confirmed in writing) or written notice of our acceptance to the exchange agent.

 

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In all cases, issuance of the exchange notes for outstanding notes that are accepted for exchange under the exchange offer will be made only after timely receipt by the exchange agent of certificates for those outstanding notes or a timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of the outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC, a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal or an agent’s message in lieu thereof, and all other required documents; provided, however, that we reserve the absolute right to waive any defects or irregularities in the tender of outstanding notes or in the satisfaction of conditions of the exchange offer by holders of the outstanding notes. If any tendered outstanding notes are not accepted for any reason set forth in the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, if the holder withdraws any previously tendered outstanding notes, or if outstanding notes are submitted for a greater principal amount of outstanding notes than the holder desires to exchange, then the unaccepted, withdrawn or portion of non-exchanged outstanding notes, as appropriate, will be returned promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer, or, in the case of the outstanding notes tendered by book-entry transfer, those unaccepted, withdrawn or portion of non-exchanged outstanding notes, as appropriate, will be credited to an account maintained with DTC, without expense to the tendering holder.

Conditions

Without regard to other terms of the exchange offer, we will not be required to exchange any exchange notes for any outstanding notes and may terminate the exchange offer before the acceptance of any outstanding notes for exchange and before the expiration of the exchange offer, if:

 

   

any action or proceeding is instituted or threatened in any court or by or before any governmental agency with respect to the exchange offer that, in our reasonable judgment, might materially impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer;

 

   

the Staff of the SEC proposes, adopts or enacts any law, statute, rule or regulation or issues any interpretation of any existing law, statute, rule or regulation that, in our reasonable judgment, might materially impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer; or

 

   

any governmental approval or approval by holders of the outstanding notes has not been obtained if we, in our reasonable judgment, deem this approval necessary to proceed with the exchange offer.

If we determine that any of these conditions are not satisfied, we may:

 

   

refuse to accept any outstanding notes and return all tendered outstanding notes to the tendering holders, or, in the case of outstanding notes tendered by book-entry transfer, credit those outstanding notes to an account maintained with DTC, without expense to the tendering holder;

 

   

extend the exchange offer and retain all outstanding notes tendered before the expiration of the exchange offer, subject, however, to the rights of holders who tendered the outstanding notes to withdraw their outstanding notes; or

 

   

waive unsatisfied conditions with respect to the exchange offer and accept all properly tendered outstanding notes that have not been withdrawn. If the waiver constitutes a material change to the exchange offer, we will promptly disclose the waiver by means of a prospectus supplement that will be distributed to the registered holders of the outstanding notes, and we will extend the exchange offer for a period of up to ten business days, depending on the significance of the waiver and the manner of disclosure of the registered holders of the outstanding notes, if the exchange offer would otherwise expire during this period.

Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes

To tender in the exchange offer, you must complete, sign and date an original or facsimile letter of transmittal, have the signatures guaranteed if required by the letter of transmittal, and mail or otherwise deliver the letter of transmittal to the exchange agent before the expiration date of the exchange offer. You may also tender your outstanding notes by means of DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program, or ATOP, subject to the

 

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terms and procedures of that system. If delivery is made through ATOP, you must transmit any agent’s message to the exchange agent account at DTC. The term “agent’s message” means a message, transmitted to DTC and received by the exchange agent and forming a part of a book-entry transfer, that states that DTC has received an express acknowledgement that you agree to be bound by the letter of transmittal and that we may enforce the letter of transmittal against you. In addition:

 

   

the exchange agent must receive certificates, if any, for the outstanding notes, along with the letter of transmittal;

 

   

the exchange agent must receive a timely confirmation of the transfer by book-entry of those outstanding notes before the expiration of the exchange offer, if the book-entry procedure is available, into the exchange agent’s account at DTC, as set forth in the procedure for book-entry transfer described below; or

 

   

you must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

To be tendered effectively, the exchange agent must receive the letter of transmittal and other required documents at the address set forth below under “ — Exchange Agent” before the expiration of the exchange offer.

If you tender your outstanding notes and do not withdraw them before the expiration date of the exchange offer, you will be deemed to have made an agreement with us in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal.

The method of delivery of outstanding notes and the letter of transmittal and all other required documents to the exchange agent is at your risk. Instead of delivery by mail, we recommend that you use an overnight or hand delivery service, properly insured. In all cases, you should allow sufficient time to ensure delivery to the exchange agent before the expiration date of the exchange offer. You should not send your letter of transmittal or outstanding notes to us. You may request your respective broker, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies or nominees to effect the above transactions for you.

Any beneficial owner whose outstanding notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes to tender its outstanding notes should contact the registered holder promptly and instruct that registered holder to tender the outstanding notes on the beneficial owner’s behalf. If the beneficial owner wishes to tender its outstanding notes on the owner’s own behalf, that owner must, before completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering its outstanding notes, either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the outstanding notes in that owner’s name or obtain a properly completed assignment from the registered holder. The transfer of registered ownership of outstanding notes may take considerable time.

Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed by an eligible institution unless the related outstanding notes tendered are tendered:

 

   

by a registered holder who has not completed the box entitled “Special Issuance Instructions” or “Special Delivery 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, each of the following is deemed an eligible institution:

 

   

a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.;

 

   

a commercial bank having an office or correspondent in the United States;

 

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a trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States; or

 

   

an eligible guarantor institution as provided by Rule 17Ad-15 of the Exchange Act.

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, signed by the registered holder as his, her or its name appears on the outstanding notes.

If trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity sign the letter of transmittal or any outstanding notes or bond power, those persons should so indicate when signing, and evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to so act must be submitted with the letter of transmittal unless we waive such requirement.

We will determine all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, including time of receipt, acceptance of tendered outstanding notes, and withdrawal of tendered outstanding notes, in our sole discretion. All of these determinations by us will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all 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 with tenders of outstanding notes must be cured within the time we determine. Although we intend to notify holders of outstanding notes of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of outstanding notes, neither we, nor the exchange agent, nor any other person will incur any liability for failure to give this notification. Tenders of outstanding notes will not be deemed to have been made until 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 by the exchange agent to the tendering holders of outstanding notes, unless otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, promptly following the expiration date of the exchange offer.

In addition, we reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to purchase or make offers for any outstanding notes that remain outstanding subsequent to the expiration date of the exchange offer or, as set forth above under “ — Conditions,” to terminate the exchange offer and, to the extent permitted by applicable law and the terms of our agreements relating to our outstanding debt, purchase outstanding notes in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The terms of any purchases or offers could differ from the terms of the exchange offer.

If the holder of outstanding notes is a broker-dealer participating in the exchange offer that will receive exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, that broker-dealer will be required to acknowledge in the letter of transmittal that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes and otherwise agree to comply with the procedures described above under “ — Resale of the Exchange Notes”; however, by so acknowledging and delivering a prospectus, that broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

In all cases, issuance of exchange notes under the exchange offer will be made only after timely receipt by the exchange agent of certificates for the outstanding notes or a timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC, a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal or an agent’s message in lieu thereof, and all other required documents. If any tendered outstanding notes are not accepted for any reason set forth in the terms and conditions of the exchange offer or if outstanding notes are submitted for a greater principal amount of outstanding notes than the holder of the outstanding notes desires to exchange, the unaccepted or portion of non-exchanged outstanding notes will be returned as promptly as practicable after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer, or, in the case of outstanding notes

 

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tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agent’s account at DTC pursuant to the book-entry transfer procedures described below, the unaccepted or portion of non-exchanged outstanding notes will be credited to an account maintained with DTC, without expense to the tendering holder of outstanding notes.

Book-Entry Transfer

The exchange agent will make a request to establish an account with respect to the outstanding notes at DTC for the purposes of the exchange offer within two business days after the date of this prospectus, and any financial institution that is a participant in DTC’s system may make book-entry delivery of outstanding notes by causing DTC to transfer the outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC in accordance with DTC’s procedures for transfer. However, although delivery of outstanding notes may be effected through book-entry transfer at DTC, the letter of transmittal or facsimile thereof, with any required signature guarantees and any other required documents, must, in any case, be transmitted to and received by the exchange agent at the address set forth below under “ — Exchange Agent” before the expiration date of the exchange offer, unless the holder either (1) complies with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below or (2) sends an agent’s message through ATOP.

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

Holders who wish to tender their outstanding notes and (1) whose outstanding notes are not immediately available or (2) who cannot deliver their outstanding notes, the letter of transmittal or any other required documents to the exchange agent or complete the procedure for book-entry transfer prior to the expiration date, may effect a tender if:

 

   

the tender is made through an eligible institution;

 

   

before the expiration date of the exchange offer, the exchange agent receives from the eligible institution a properly completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed delivery, by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery, setting forth the name and address of the holder, the certificate number(s) of the outstanding notes and the principal amount of outstanding notes tendered and stating that the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing that, within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration of the exchange offer, the letter of transmittal, together with the certificate(s) representing the outstanding notes in proper form for transfer or a confirmation of book-entry transfer, as the case may be, and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal will be deposited by the eligible institution with the exchange agent; and

 

   

the exchange agent receives the properly completed and executed letter of transmittal, as well as the certificate(s) representing all tendered outstanding notes in proper form for transfer and other documents required by the letter of transmittal or confirmation of book-entry transfer within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date of the exchange offer.

Upon request to the exchange agent, a notice of guaranteed delivery will be sent to holders who wish to tender their outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth above.

Withdrawal of Tenders

Except as otherwise provided, tenders of outstanding notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. To withdraw a tender of outstanding notes in the exchange offer, a written or facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must be received by the exchange agent at its address set forth herein or a properly transmitted “Request Message” through DTC’s ATOP system must be received by the exchange agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date of the exchange offer. Any notice of withdrawal must:

 

   

specify the name of the person who deposited the outstanding notes to be withdrawn;

 

   

identify the outstanding notes to be withdrawn;

 

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other than a notice transmitted through DTC’s ATOP system, 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 or be accompanied by documents of transfer sufficient to have the exchange agent register the transfer of the outstanding notes in the name of the person withdrawing the tender; and

 

   

specify the name in which any outstanding notes are to be registered, if different from the name of the person who deposited the outstanding notes to be withdrawn.

We will determine all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility of the notices, which determinations will be final and binding on all parties. Any outstanding notes withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the exchange offer, and no exchange notes will be issued with respect to those outstanding notes unless the outstanding notes withdrawn are validly retendered.

Any outstanding notes that have been tendered but that are not accepted for exchange will be returned to the holder of those outstanding notes, or in the case of outstanding notes tendered by book-entry transfer, will be credited to an account maintained with DTC, without cost to the holder promptly after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the exchange offer. Properly withdrawn outstanding notes may be retendered by following one of the procedures described above under “ — Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes” at any time prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer.

Exchange Agent

The Bank of New York has been appointed as the exchange agent for the exchange offer. Letters of transmittal and all correspondence in connection with the exchange offer should be sent or delivered by each holder of outstanding notes, or a beneficial owner’s commercial bank, broker, dealer, trust company or other nominee, to the exchange agent at the following address and telephone number:

 

The Bank of New York

By Registered or Certified Mail:

The Bank of New York

101 Barclay Street, Floor 7E

New York, NY 10286

Attn: Reorg Department

  

By Hand and Overnight Courier:

The Bank of New York

101 Barclay Street, Floor 7E

New York, NY 10286

Attn: Reorg Department

By Facsimile (for eligible institutions only):

(212) 815-5704

  

Confirm by Telephone:

(212) 815-5444

We will pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse it for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with its services as exchange agent.

Delivery of the letter of transmittal to an address other than as set forth in the letter of transmittal or transmission of such letter of transmittal via facsimile other than as set forth in the letter of transmittal does not constitute a valid delivery of the letter of transmittal.

Fees and Expenses

We will pay the expenses of soliciting tenders in connection with the exchange offer. The principal solicitation is being made by mail; however, additional solicitation may be made by telecopier, telephone, e-mail or in person by our officers and regular employees and by officers and regular employees of our affiliates.

We have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the exchange offer and will not make any payments to broker-dealers or others soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer. We will, however, pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse the exchange agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the exchange offer.

 

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We estimate that our cash expenses in connection with the exchange offer will be approximately $            . These expenses include registration fees, fees and expenses of the exchange agent, accounting and legal fees, and printing costs, among others.

We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of the outstanding notes for exchange notes. The tendering holder of outstanding notes, however, will pay applicable taxes if:

 

   

certificates representing outstanding notes not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of outstanding notes tendered;

 

   

if tendered, the certificates representing outstanding notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing the letter of transmittal; or

 

   

if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of the outstanding notes in the exchange offer.

If satisfactory evidence of payment of the transfer taxes or exemption from payment of transfer taxes is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the amount of the transfer taxes will be billed directly to the tendering holder and the exchange notes need not be delivered until the transfer taxes are paid.

Consequences of Failure to Exchange

Participation in the exchange offer is voluntary. Holders of the outstanding notes are urged to consult their financial and tax advisors in making their own decisions on what action to take.

Outstanding notes that are not exchanged for the exchange notes in the exchange offer will have only limited remaining rights under the registration rights agreement and will remain restricted securities for purposes of the federal securities laws. Accordingly, such outstanding notes may not be offered, sold, pledged or otherwise transferred except:

 

   

to us or any of our subsidiaries;

 

   

to a “Qualified Institutional Buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act purchasing for its own account or for the account of a qualified institutional buyer in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A;

 

   

under an exemption from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 144, if available;

 

   

under an exemption from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 904, if available; or

 

   

under an effective registration statement under the Securities Act,

and in each case, in accordance with all other applicable securities laws and the terms of the outstanding notes and the indenture governing the outstanding notes.

Accounting Treatment

For accounting purposes, we will recognize no gain or loss as a result of the exchange offer. The exchange notes will be recorded at the same carrying value as the outstanding notes, as reflected in our accounting records on the date of the exchange. The costs of the exchange offer will be expensed as they are incurred.

No Appraisal or Dissenters’ Rights

In connection with the exchange offer, you do not have any appraisal or dissenters’ rights under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or the indenture governing the outstanding notes. We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the registration rights agreement, the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC related to exchange offers.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

You can find the definitions of certain terms used in this description under the subheadings “Redemption at Our Option” and “Certain Covenants — Certain Definitions Relating to Certain Covenants.”

We issued the outstanding notes, and the exchange notes will be issued, under an indenture, which we refer to as the Indenture, dated as of October 8, 1990, between us and The Bank of New York (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association)), which we refer to as the Trustee. All references in this section to “the notes” include the outstanding notes and the exchange notes, unless the context otherwise requires. The terms of the notes include those stated in the Indenture and the notes, as well as those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of the Indenture or the notes. This summary is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to all the provisions of the Indenture, including definitions of certain terms used in the Indenture, and the notes. You should read the Indenture and the notes because they contain additional information and they, and not this description, define your rights as a holder of the notes. A copy of the Indenture and a form of the notes has been filed with the SEC. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on how to obtain a copy.

Terms

The notes are our general unsecured and senior obligations. We will issue up to $499,999,000 aggregate principal amount of the exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer. The notes will mature on June 15, 2017. The notes rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The notes are effectively subordinated to any indebtedness of our subsidiaries and are junior to our secured debt.

The notes bear interest at a rate per annum equal to 5.819%. Interest on each note accrues from the last interest payment date on which interest was paid, or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of their original issuance, which was December 21, 2006.

Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, commencing on June 15, 2007, to the persons in whose names such notes are registered at the close of business on the preceding June 1 or December 1, as the case may be.

The amount of interest payable on the notes is computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any day on which interest is payable on the notes is not a business day, then payment of the interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a business day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of such delay), with the same force and effect as if made on such date.

The notes do not have the benefit of a sinking fund.

We may, without the consent of the holders of the notes, create and issue additional notes ranking equally with the notes and otherwise similar in all respects so that any outstanding notes and the additional notes form a single series under the Indenture.

When we use the term “business day,” we mean any day except a Saturday, a Sunday or a legal holiday in The City of New York on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or regulation to close.

Redemption at Our Option

The notes are redeemable as a whole or in part, at our option at any time, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of

 

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the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes to be redeemed (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 20 basis points, plus in each case accrued interest on the notes to be redeemed to the date of redemption.

“Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per year equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated on the third business day preceding the redemption date, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such redemption date.

“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security or securities selected by an Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the notes to be redeemed 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 a comparable maturity to the remaining term of the notes being redeemed.

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

 

   

the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or

 

   

if the Trustee obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations so received.

“Independent Investment Banker” means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers appointed by the Trustee after consultation with us.

“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations” means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Trustee, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Trustee by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day preceding such redemption date.

“Reference Treasury Dealer” means each of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Banc of America Securities LLC, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and their respective successors and any other primary U.S. Government securities dealer in New York City (a “Primary Treasury Dealer”) selected by us in addition to, or in substitution for, any of such firms; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a Primary Treasury Dealer, we will substitute another Primary Treasury Dealer.

Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of notes to be redeemed.

Unless we default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the notes or portions of the notes called for redemption.

Book-Entry Notes

DTC, New York, New York, which we refer to as the Depository or DTC, will be the depositary with respect to the notes. The outstanding notes have been, and the exchange notes will be, issued as global securities registered in the name of Cede & Co., the Depository’s partnership nominee, and deposited with the Depository. See “— Book-Entry; Delivery and Form” for further information.

 

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Same-Day Settlement and Payment

All payments of principal and interest on the notes will be made by ConAgra Foods in immediately available funds. The notes will trade in DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System until maturity, and secondary market trading activity in the notes will therefore be required by DTC to settle in immediately available funds.

Modification of the Indenture

The Indenture provides that we may enter into supplemental indentures with the Trustee without the consent of the holders of the notes to:

 

   

secure any notes;

 

   

evidence the assumption by a successor corporation of our obligations;

 

   

add covenants for the protection of the holders of the notes;

 

   

cure any ambiguity or correct any inconsistency in the Indenture; and

 

   

evidence the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee.

The Indenture also contains provisions permitting us and the Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of notes then outstanding and affected, to add any provisions to, or change in any manner or eliminate any of the provisions of, the Indenture or modify in any manner the rights of the holders of the notes, provided that we and the Trustee may not, without the consent of the holder affected thereby:

 

   

extend the final maturity of any notes;

 

   

reduce the principal amount of, or interest on, any notes;

 

   

reduce any amount payable upon redemption of the notes;

 

   

change the currency in which the principal amount or interest payable on any notes is payable;

 

   

impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on any notes when due; or

 

   

reduce the above-stated percentage of outstanding notes the consent of the holders of which is required by this paragraph.

Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance or Transfer

We may, without the consent of the Trustee or the holders of the notes, consolidate or merge with, or sell or convey, including by lease, all or substantially all of our assets to any other person, provided that any successor corporation or the person that acquires such assets by sale or conveyance is a corporation or entity organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof and that such successor corporation or entity expressly assumes all of our obligations under the Indenture and the notes and that certain other conditions are met. Following any such sale or conveyance, except in the case of a lease, we will be relieved of all obligations under the Indenture and the notes.

Certain Covenants

Limitations on Liens

We will not and we will not permit any Consolidated Subsidiary to issue, assume or guarantee any Indebtedness secured by a Lien upon or with respect to any Principal Property or on the capital stock of any Consolidated Subsidiary that owns any Principal Property unless:

 

   

we provide that the notes will be secured by such Lien equally and ratably with any and all other obligations and indebtedness secured thereby; or

 

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the aggregate amount of all our Indebtedness and the Indebtedness of our Consolidated Subsidiaries, together with all Attributable Debt in respect of Sale and Lease-Back Transactions existing at such time, with the exception of transactions which are not subject to the limitation described in “Limitations on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions” below, does not exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets, as shown on the audited consolidated balance sheet contained in the latest annual report to our stockholders.

This limitation on liens will not apply to:

 

   

any Lien existing on any Principal Property on October 8, 1990;

 

   

any Lien created by a Consolidated Subsidiary in our favor or in favor of any wholly-owned Consolidated Subsidiary;

 

   

any Lien existing on any asset of any corporation at the time such corporation becomes a Consolidated Subsidiary or at the time such corporation is merged or consolidated with or into us or a Consolidated Subsidiary and the Lien was not created in contemplation of the merger or consolidation;

 

   

any Lien on any asset which exists at the time of the acquisition of the asset and the Lien was not created in contemplation of the acquisition of the asset;

 

   

any Lien on any asset or improvement to an asset securing Indebtedness incurred or assumed for the purpose of financing all or any part of the cost of acquiring or improving such asset, if such Lien attaches to such asset concurrently with or within 180 days after its acquisition or improvement and the principal amount of the Indebtedness secured by any such Lien, together with all other Indebtedness secured by a Lien in such property, does not exceed the purchase price of such property or the cost of such improvement;

 

   

any Lien incurred in connection with pollution control, industrial revenue or any similar financing;

 

   

any refinancing, extension, renewal or replacement of any of the Liens described under the heading Limitations on Liens if the principal amount of the Indebtedness secured thereby is not increased and is not secured by any additional assets; or

 

   

any Liens arising in the ordinary course of our business or the business of any Consolidated Subsidiary that do not secure Indebtedness and do not in the aggregate materially detract from the value of our assets or the assets of such Consolidated Subsidiary, as the case may be, or materially impair the use thereof, in the operation of our business or the Consolidated Subsidiary’s business.

Limitations on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions

Neither we nor any Consolidated Subsidiary may enter into any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction. Such limitation will not apply to any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction if:

 

   

the net proceeds to us or such Consolidated Subsidiary from the sale or transfer equals or exceeds the fair value, as determined by our board of directors, of the property so leased;

 

   

we or such Consolidated Subsidiary would be entitled to incur Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the property to be leased as described under the heading “Limitations on Liens” above; or

 

   

within 90 days of the effective date of any such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction, we apply an amount equal to the fair value, as determined by our board of directors, of the property so leased to the retirement of our Funded Indebtedness, other than Funded Indebtedness we were otherwise obligated to repay within such 90-day period.

Certain Definitions Relating to Certain Covenants

“Attributable Debt” means the present value, determined as set forth in the Indenture, of the obligation of a lessee for rental payments for the remaining term of any lease.

 

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“Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means the Net Tangible Assets of us and our Consolidated Subsidiaries consolidated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and as provided in the definition of Net Tangible Assets. In determining Consolidated Net Tangible Assets, minority interests in unconsolidated subsidiaries shall be included.

“Consolidated Subsidiary” and “Consolidated Subsidiaries” mean a subsidiary or subsidiaries the accounts of which are consolidated with ours in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

“Funded Indebtedness” means all Indebtedness of a corporation which would, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, be classified as funded indebtedness. Funded Indebtedness will also, in any event, include all Indebtedness, whether secured or unsecured, of a corporation which has a final maturity, or a maturity renewable or extendable at the option of the corporation, more than one year after the date as of which Funded Indebtedness is to be determined.

“Indebtedness” means any and all of the obligations of a corporation for money borrowed which in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles would be reflected on the balance sheet of the corporation as a liability as of the date of which Indebtedness is to be determined.

“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, security interest or other lien or encumbrance.

“Net Tangible Assets” means the total amount of assets of a corporation, both real and personal, less the sum of:

 

   

all reserves for depletion, depreciation, obsolescence and/or amortization of such corporation’s property as shown by the books of such corporation, other than general contingency reserves, reserves representing mere appropriations of surplus and reserves to the extent related to intangible assets which are excluded in calculating Net Tangible Assets; and

 

   

all Indebtedness and other current liabilities of such corporation other than Funded Indebtedness, deferred income taxes, reserves which have been deducted pursuant to the above bullet point, general contingency reserves and reserves representing mere appropriations of surplus and liabilities to the extent related to intangible assets which are excluded in calculating Net Tangible Assets.

The definition of Net Tangible Assets excludes licenses, patents, patent applications, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, goodwill, experimental or organizational expense and other like intangibles, treasury stock and unamortized discount and expense.

“Principal Property” means, as of any date, any building, structure or other facility together with the underlying land and its fixtures, used primarily for manufacturing, processing or production, in each case located in the United States, and owned or leased or to be owned or leased by us or any Consolidated Subsidiary, and in each case the net book value of which as of such date exceeds 2% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets as shown on the audited consolidated balance sheet contained in the latest annual report to our stockholders, other than any such land, building, structure or other facility or portion thereof which, in the opinion of our board of directors, is not of material importance to the business conducted by us and our Consolidated Subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise.

“Sale and Lease-Back Transactions” means any arrangement with any person providing for the leasing by us or a Consolidated Subsidiary of any Principal Property that we or such Consolidated Subsidiary has sold or transferred or is about to sell or transfer to such person. However, the definition does not include temporary leases for a term of not more than three years or transactions between us and a Consolidated Subsidiary.

 

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Events of Default

An “Event of Default” is defined under the Indenture with respect to the notes as being:

 

   

our default in the payment of any installment of interest, when due, on any of the notes and which default continues for a period of 30 days;

 

   

our default in the payment, when due, of the principal of any of the notes, whether the default in payment is at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise;

 

   

our default in the observance or performance of any other covenant or agreement contained in the Indenture, other than a default in the performance of a covenant or warranty that is specifically dealt with elsewhere in the Indenture, for a period of 90 days after written notice, as provided in the Indenture;

 

   

the occurrence of certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; or

 

   

our failure to comply with any other covenant the noncompliance with which would specifically constitute an Event of Default with respect to the notes.

If an Event of Default due to the default in payment of principal of, or interest on, the notes or due to the default in the performance of any covenants or agreements applicable to the notes but not applicable to all then-outstanding debt securities, occurs and is continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the notes may declare the principal of all notes and interest accrued thereon to be due and payable immediately.

If an Event of Default due to the default in the performance of any covenant or agreement in the Indenture applicable to all then-outstanding debt securities or due to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization occurs and is continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of all debt securities then outstanding, treated as one class, may declare the principal of all debt securities and interest accrued thereon to be due and payable immediately.

Under certain circumstances, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the notes may rescind a declaration that the principal and accrued interest on the notes are due and payable immediately or waive a past default. However, such holders may not waive a continuing default in the payment of any principal of, or interest on, the notes other than any principal which becomes due solely as a result of such declaration.

The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, provided that such direction may not be in conflict with any rule of law or the Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the Indenture at the direction of such holders, the Trustee is entitled to receive from such holders reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by acting in compliance with any such direction.

We furnish to the Trustee annually a statement of certain of our officers to the effect that, to the best of their knowledge, we are not in default of the performance of the terms of the Indenture or, if they have knowledge that we are in default, specifying the default.

The Indenture provides that no holder of notes may institute any action against us under the Indenture, except actions for payment of overdue principal or interest, unless all of the following occurs:

 

   

the holder gives to the Trustee written notice of the continuing Event of Default;

 

   

the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the notes make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

 

   

such holder or holders offer the Trustee indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any costs, expenses or liabilities which may be incurred;

 

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the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receiving the request and the offer of indemnity; and

 

   

during such 60-day period, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of such notes do not give the Trustee a direction that is inconsistent with the request.

The Indenture requires the Trustee to give all of the holders of outstanding notes notice of any default by us with respect to the notes, unless the default has been cured or waived. Except in the case of a default in the payment of principal of, and any premium or interest on, any outstanding notes, the Trustee is entitled to withhold such notice in the event the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors or certain officers of the Trustee in good faith determines that withholding such notice is in the interest of the holders of the outstanding notes.

Discharge and Defeasance

The Indenture will cease to be of further effect for the notes, except for certain obligations listed below, if:

 

   

we pay or cause to be paid the principal of and interest on all of the notes as and when the same become due and payable;

 

   

all notes previously authenticated and delivered are delivered by us to the Trustee for cancellation; or

 

   

the notes have become due and payable, or by their terms, will 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

 

   

we irrevocably deposit in trust with the Trustee, cash or, in the case of debt securities payable only in U.S. dollars, U.S. government obligations (which through the payment of interest and principal thereof in accordance with their terms will provide sufficient cash) or a combination thereof, sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification delivered to the Trustee, to pay principal and interest on all debt securities of such series when due and payable and any mandatory sinking fund payments when due and payable and

 

   

we also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable by us under the Indenture with respect to the notes.

The Trustee will execute documents acknowledging the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture with respect to the notes upon our presentation to the Trustee of certain officers’ certificates and counsel opinions as provided under the Indenture.

In addition to the discharge of the Indenture as described above, we will be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness on all notes, except for certain obligations listed below, on the 121st day after the irrevocable deposit described below if:

 

   

we irrevocably deposit in trust with the Trustee solely for the benefit of the holders of the notes, cash or, in the case of debt securities payable only in U.S. dollars, U.S. government obligations (which through the payment of interest and the principal thereof in accordance with their terms will provide sufficient cash) or a combination thereof, sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification delivered to the Trustee, to pay the principal and interest on all debt securities of such series when due and payable and any mandatory sinking fund payments when due and payable;

 

   

such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any agreement or instrument to which we are a party or by which we are bound;

 

   

we have delivered to the Trustee an officers’ certificate or an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Trustee to the effect that the holders of the notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal

 

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income tax purposes as a result of such deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times, as would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred; and

 

   

we have delivered to the Trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent relating to the defeasance have been complied with and the opinion of counsel also states that such deposit does not violate applicable law.

Our obligations under the Indenture for notes discharged in the manner described in this section of the prospectus continue with respect to:

 

   

the rights of registration of transfer and exchange of the notes and our rights of optional redemption, if any;

 

   

the substitution of mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen notes;

 

   

the rights of holders of the notes to receive payments of principal and interest on the original stated due dates, but not upon acceleration;

 

   

the rights and immunities of the Trustee under the Indenture;

 

   

the rights of the holders of the notes with respect to the property deposited with the Trustee payable to all or any of them; and

 

   

our obligation to maintain certain offices and agencies with respect to the notes.

Applicable Law

The notes and the Indenture are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

Concerning the Trustee

The Bank of New York (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association)) is the Trustee under the Indenture. From time to time, we and our subsidiaries maintain ordinary banking relationships with the Trustee.

Book-Entry; Delivery and Form

Except as set forth below, the exchange notes will be issued in registered global form in minimum denominations of $1,000. Exchange notes will be issued at the settlement of the exchange offer only pursuant to valid tenders of outstanding notes.

One or more global notes, which we refer to collectively as the global notes, will be deposited upon issuance with the Trustee as custodian for DTC in New York, New York, and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, in each case for credit to an account of a direct or indirect participant in DTC as described below. Transfers of beneficial interests in the global notes will be subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC and its direct or indirect participants (including, if applicable, those of Euroclear and Clearstream), which may change from time to time.

The following are summaries of certain rules and operating procedures of DTC that affect the payment of principal and interest and the transfers of interests in the global notes. The notes will be issued only in the form of definitive global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC. Unless and until they are exchanged in whole or in part for notes in definitive form under the limited circumstances described below, a global note may not be transferred except as a whole (1) by DTC to a nominee, (2) by a nominee of DTC to DTC or another nominee of DTC or (3) by DTC or any such nominee to a successor of DTC or a nominee of such successor.

 

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Ownership of beneficial interests in the global notes will be limited to persons that have accounts with DTC for such global notes, who we refer to as participants, or persons that may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of the global notes, DTC will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants’ accounts with the respective principal amounts of the notes represented by such global note beneficially owned by such participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global notes will be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of participants). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may limit or impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in the global notes.

So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of the global notes, DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the notes represented by such global notes for all purposes under the Indenture. Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial interests in the global notes will not be entitled to have notes represented by such global notes registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of such notes in certificated form and will not be considered the registered owners or holders thereof under the Indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in the global notes must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the Indenture. We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in any of the global notes desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the Indenture, DTC would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such action, and such participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through such participants to give or to take such action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.

Principal and interest payments on interests represented by the global notes will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of such global notes. None of ConAgra Foods, the Trustee or any other agent of ConAgra Foods or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any facet of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership of interests. We expect that DTC, upon receipt of any payment of principal or interest in respect of the global notes, will immediately credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in such global notes as shown on the records of DTC. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global notes held through such participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practice, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of such participants.

If DTC is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depository for the global notes, and we fail to appoint a successor depository registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act within 90 days, we will issue notes in definitive form in exchange for the global notes. Any notes issued in definitive form in exchange for the global notes will be registered in such name or names, and will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 as DTC shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected that such instructions will be based upon directions received by DTC from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the global notes.

DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold the securities of its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions among its participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of which (and/or their representatives) directly or indirectly own DTC. Access to the DTC book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks, brokers and dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly.

 

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CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES

The following is a general summary of certain anticipated U.S. federal income tax consequences and, in the case of a non-U.S. holder (as defined below), certain anticipated U.S. federal estate tax consequences, to beneficial owners of outstanding notes whose outstanding notes are tendered and accepted in the exchange offer. This summary is based on the U.S. federal income and estate tax laws, regulations, rulings and judicial decisions now in effect, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretation, possibly with retroactive effect. The summary is limited to exchanging beneficial owners of outstanding notes that have held the outstanding notes, and will hold the exchange notes, as “capital assets” within the meaning of section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The summary does not discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to a particular beneficial owner of outstanding notes or to certain types of beneficial owners of outstanding notes that may be subject to special tax rules (such as banks, tax-exempt entities, insurance companies, S corporations, dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities electing to mark to market, pass-through entities, including partnerships and entities and arrangements classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and beneficial owners of pass-through entities, beneficial owners that incurred indebtedness to purchase or carry the outstanding notes, beneficial owners that hold the outstanding notes or will hold the exchange notes as a position in a “straddle” or conversion transaction, or as part of a “synthetic security” or other integrated financial transaction or beneficial owners that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar). No ruling has been or will be requested from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS” or “Service”) on any U.S. federal income or estate tax matter concerning the exchange offer and no assurance can be given that the Service or a court considering these issues will agree with the positions or conclusions discussed below.

ALL BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF OUTSTANDING NOTES ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE EXCHANGE, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN INCOME, ESTATE AND OTHER TAX LAWS.

U.S. Holders

The discussion below applies to you only if you are a U.S. holder. A “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of outstanding notes that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (a) a citizen or resident of the United States, (b) a corporation, or other entity classified as a corporation for such purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia, (c) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of the source of the income, or (d) a trust if (i) a court within the United States can exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more “United States persons,” as defined in the Code, have the authority to control all of the substantial decisions of the trust, or (ii) the trust has validly elected to be treated as a “United States person” under applicable regulations.

The Exchange. The exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes will not constitute a taxable disposition of outstanding notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes because the exchange notes will not differ materially in kind or extent from the outstanding notes. As a result, a holder will not be required to recognize any gain or loss as a result of an exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes. In addition, each holder will have the same adjusted issue price, adjusted basis and holding period in the exchange notes that it had in the outstanding notes immediately prior to the exchange, and the exchange notes will be subject to the original issue discount rules under the Code to the same extent, if any, that the outstanding notes were so subject.

Stated Interest. The stated interest on the exchange notes should be taxed as ordinary interest income that is included in the U.S. holder’s gross income in accordance with the U.S. holder’s regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Amortizable Bond Premium. If a U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in an exchange note immediately after the exchange exceeds the amount payable at maturity of the exchange note (or on an earlier call date if payment on that date would result in a smaller excess), the U.S. holder will be considered to have bond premium equal to

 

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such excess. It may be possible for the U.S. holder to elect to amortize this premium using a constant yield method over the term of the exchange note (or until an earlier call date, as applicable). The amortized amount of the premium for a taxable year generally will be treated first as a reduction of interest on the exchange note included in such taxable year to the extent thereof, then as a deduction allowed in that taxable year to the extent of the beneficial owner’s prior interest inclusions on the exchange note, and finally as a carryforward allowable against the beneficial owners’ future interest inclusions on the exchange note. A U.S. holder must reduce its tax basis in such exchange note by the amount of the premium so amortized. The election to amortize premium on a constant yield method, once made, applies to all debt obligations held or subsequently acquired by the electing U.S. holder on or after the first day of the taxable year to which the election applies and may not be revoked without the consent of the Service. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the computation and amortization of any bond premium on their exchange notes.

Market Discount. Accrued market discount on outstanding notes not previously treated as ordinary income by a U.S. holder will carry over to the exchange notes received in exchange therefor. A U.S. holder will be required to treat any gain on the sale, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of an exchange note as ordinary income to the extent of the accrued market discount on the exchange note unless such market discount has been previously included in income by the U.S. holder pursuant to an election to include the market discount in income as it accrues (under either a ratable or constant yield method).

Disposition of an Exchange Note.

In general, subject to the discussion above regarding market discount, a U.S. holder’s disposition of an exchange note should result in capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized (except to the extent such amount is attributable to accrued but unpaid interest on the exchange note, which amount should be taxable as ordinary interest income) and the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in such exchange note immediately before such disposition (which should reflect any market discount previously included in income). Capital gain or loss should be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of the disposition the U.S. holder has held the exchange note for more than one year. Subject to limited exceptions, capital losses cannot be used to offset ordinary income. If you are a non-corporate U.S. holder, your long-term capital gain generally will be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, which maximum tax rate presently is scheduled to increase to 20% for dispositions occurring during taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2011.

Backup Withholding. Payments of interest and payments of proceeds from any disposition of a exchange note may be subject to backup withholding tax at a current rate of 28% unless the exchanging U.S. holder (i) is a corporation or comes within certain other exempt categories and demonstrates that fact when required, or (ii) provides a correct taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding, and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Any amounts deducted and withheld as backup withholding tax should generally be allowed as a credit against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided appropriate proof is provided under rules established by the Service. Moreover, certain penalties may be imposed by the Service on a U.S. holder that is required to supply information but that does not do so in the proper manner. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their qualification for exemption from backup withholding and the procedures for obtaining such an exemption.

Non-U.S. Holders

The following discussion applies to you if you are a beneficial owner of an outstanding note and you are not a U.S. holder (as defined above) and also are not a partnership or an entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal tax purposes (a “non-U.S. holder”). An individual may, subject to exceptions, be deemed to be a resident alien, as opposed to a non-resident alien, by, among other ways, being present in the United States:

 

   

on at least 31 days in the calendar year, and

 

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for an aggregate of at least 183 days during a three-year period ending in the current calendar year, counting for such purposes all of the days present in the current year, one-third of the days present in the immediately preceding year, and one-sixth of the days present in the second preceding year.

Resident aliens are subject to U.S. federal income tax as if they were United States citizens.

The Exchange. The exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes will not constitute a taxable disposition of outstanding notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the same reason, and with the same consequences, as discussed above under “U.S. Holders — The Exchange.”

U.S. Federal Withholding Tax on the Exchange Notes. Under current U.S. federal income tax laws, and subject to the discussion below, U.S. federal withholding tax should not apply to payments by us or our exchange agent (in its capacity as such) of principal of and interest on the exchange notes under the “portfolio interest” exception of the Code, provided that in the case of interest:

 

   

you do not, directly or indirectly, actually or constructively, own ten percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote within the meaning of section 871(h)(3) of the Code and the Treasury regulations thereunder;

 

   

you are not a controlled foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is related, directly or indirectly, to us through sufficient stock ownership (as provided in the Code);

 

   

you are not a bank receiving interest described in section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code;

 

   

such interest is not effectively connected with your conduct of a U.S. trade or business; and

 

   

you provide a signed written statement, on an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN (or other applicable form) which can reliably be related to you, certifying under penalties of perjury that you are not a “United States person” within the meaning of the Code and providing your name and address to:

(A) us or our exchange agent; or

(B) a securities clearing organization, bank or other financial institution that holds customers’ securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business and holds your exchange notes on your behalf and that certifies to us or our exchange agent under penalties of perjury that it, or the bank or financial institution between it and you, has received from you your signed, written statement and provides us or our exchange agent with a copy of this statement.

The applicable Treasury regulations provide alternative methods for satisfying the certification requirement described in this section. In addition, under these Treasury regulations, special rules apply to pass-through entities and this certification requirement may also apply to beneficial owners of pass-through entities.

If you cannot satisfy the requirements of the “portfolio interest” exception described above, payments of interest made to you will be subject to 30% United States federal withholding tax unless you provide us or our exchange agent with a properly executed (1) Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI (or other applicable form) stating that interest paid on your exchange notes is not subject to withholding tax because it is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States, or (2) Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN (or other applicable form) claiming an exemption from or reduction in this withholding tax under an applicable income tax treaty.

U.S. Federal Income Tax on the Exchange Notes. Except for the possible application of U.S. federal withholding tax (see “— Non-U.S. Holders — U.S. Federal Withholding Tax on the Exchange Notes” above) and backup withholding tax (see “— Non-U.S. Holders — Backup Withholding and Information Reporting” below), you generally should not have to pay U.S. federal income tax on payments of principal of and interest on your exchange notes, or on any gain or accrued interest realized from the sale, redemption, retirement at maturity or other disposition of your exchange notes unless:

 

   

in the case of interest payments or disposition proceeds representing accrued interest, you cannot satisfy the requirements of the “portfolio interest” exception described above;

 

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in the case of gain, you are an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the sale or other disposition of your notes and specific other conditions are met (in which case, except as otherwise provided by an applicable income tax treaty, the gain, which may be offset by United States source capital losses, generally will be subject to a flat 30% United States federal income tax, even though you are not considered a resident alien under the Code); or

 

   

the interest or gain is effectively connected with your conduct of a U.S. trade or business and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. “permanent establishment” maintained by you.

If you are engaged in a trade or business in the U.S. and interest or gain in respect of your exchange notes is effectively connected with the conduct of your trade or business (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. “permanent establishment” maintained by you), the interest or gain generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis at the regular graduated rates and in the manner applicable to a U.S. holder (although the interest will be exempt from the withholding tax discussed in the preceding paragraphs if you provide a properly executed Internal Revenue Service W-8ECI (or other applicable form) on or before any payment date to claim the exemption). In addition, if you are a foreign corporation, you may be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% of your effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, as adjusted for certain items, unless a lower rate applies to you under a U.S. income tax treaty with your country of residence.

U.S. Federal Estate Tax with respect to the Exchange Notes. If you are an individual and are not a U.S. citizen or a resident of the United States (as specially defined for U.S. federal estate tax purposes) at the time of your death, your exchange notes generally will not be subject to the U.S. federal estate tax, if, at the time of your death:

 

   

you directly or indirectly, actually or constructively, own less than ten percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote within the meaning of section 871(h)(3) of the Code and the Treasury regulations thereunder;

 

   

your interest on the exchange notes is not effectively connected with your conduct of a U.S. trade or business; and

 

   

you are not subject to tax as an expatriate under section 877 of the Code during the year of your death.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting. Under current Treasury regulations, backup withholding and information reporting should not apply to payments made by us or our exchange agent (in its capacity as such) to you if you have provided the required certification that you are a non-U.S. holder as described in “— U.S. Federal Withholding Tax” above, and provided that neither we nor our exchange agent has actual knowledge that you are a U.S. holder (as described in “— U.S. Holders” above). However, we or our exchange agent may be required to report to the Service and you payments of interest on the exchange notes and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with respect to those payments. Copies of the information returns reporting such interest payments and any withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which you reside under the provisions of a treaty or agreement.

The gross proceeds from the disposition of your exchange notes may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding tax at a current rate of 28%. If you dispose of your notes outside the United States through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker and the sales proceeds are paid to you outside the United States, then the U.S. backup withholding and information reporting requirements generally should not apply to that payment. However, U.S. information reporting, but not backup withholding, will apply to a payment of sales proceeds, even if that payment is made outside the United States, if you dispose of your notes through a non-U.S. office of a broker that:

 

   

is a “United States person” (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code);

 

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derives 50% or more of its gross income in specific periods from the conduct of a trade or business in the United States;

 

   

is a “controlled foreign corporation” for U.S. federal income tax purposes; or

 

   

is a foreign partnership, if at any time during its tax year:

 

   

one or more of its partners are U.S. persons who in the aggregate hold more than 50% of the income or capital interests in the partnership; or

 

   

the foreign partnership is engaged in a U.S. trade or business,

unless the broker has documentary evidence in its files that you are a non-U.S. person and certain other conditions are met or you otherwise establish an exemption. If you receive payments of the proceeds of a disposition of your exchange notes to or through a U.S. office of a broker, the payment is subject to both U.S. backup withholding and information reporting unless you provide a Form W-8BEN (or other applicable form) certifying that you are a non-U.S. person or you otherwise establish an exemption.

You should consult your own tax advisor regarding application of backup withholding in your particular circumstance and the availability of and procedure for obtaining an exemption from backup withholding under current Treasury regulations. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to you will be allowed as a refund or credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the Service.

 

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ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

The following summary regarding certain aspects of the United States Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and the Code is based on ERISA and the Code, each as amended by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, judicial decisions, and United States Department of Labor (“DOL”) and IRS regulations and rulings that are in existence on the date of this prospectus. This summary is general in nature and does not address every issue pertaining to ERISA that may be applicable to us, the outstanding notes, the exchange notes or a particular investor. Accordingly, each prospective investor should consult with its own counsel in order to understand the issues that affect or may affect the investor with respect to this investment.

ERISA and the Code impose certain requirements on employee benefit plans subject to ERISA and plans subject to section 4975 of the Code (each such employee benefit plan or plan, a “Plan”), any entities whose underlying assets include plan assets by reason of a Plan’s investment in such entities, and on those persons who are “fiduciaries” with respect to Plans. In considering an investment of the assets of a Plan subject to Title I of ERISA in the exchange notes, a fiduciary must, among other things, discharge its duties solely in the interest of the participants of such Plan and their beneficiaries and for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to such participants and beneficiaries and defraying reasonable expenses of administering the Plan. A fiduciary must act prudently and must diversify the investments of a Plan subject to Title I of ERISA so as to minimize the risk of large losses, as well as discharge its duties in accordance with the documents and instruments governing such Plan. In addition, ERISA generally requires fiduciaries to hold all assets of a Plan subject to Title I of ERISA in trust and to maintain the indicia of ownership of such assets within the jurisdiction of the district courts of the United States. A fiduciary of a Plan subject to Title I of ERISA should consider whether an investment in the exchange notes satisfies these requirements.

An investor who is considering acquiring exchange notes with the assets of a Plan must consider whether the acquisition and holding of the exchange notes will constitute or result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction. Section 406(a) of ERISA and sections 4975(c)(1)(A), (B), (C) and (D) of the Code prohibit certain transactions that involve a Plan and a “party in interest” as defined in section 3(14) of ERISA or a “disqualified person” as defined in section 4975(e)(2) of the Code with respect to such Plan. Examples of such prohibited transactions include, but are not limited to, sales or exchanges of property (such as the outstanding notes) or extensions of credit between a Plan and a party in interest or disqualified person. Section 406(b) of ERISA and sections 4975(c)(1)(E) and (F) of the Code generally prohibit a fiduciary with respect to a Plan from dealing with the assets of the Plan for its own benefit (for example when a fiduciary of a Plan uses its position to cause the Plan to make investments in connection with which the fiduciary (or a party related to the fiduciary) receives a fee or other consideration). A prohibited transaction under section 406(b) of ERISA or section 4975(c)(1)(E) or (F) of the Code generally will not occur with respect to a Plan investor’s acquisition or holding of exchange notes if (a) none of ConAgra Foods, the Trustee, dealer managers, exchange agent or information agent or any of their respective affiliates (the “Affected Persons”) is a “fiduciary” within the meaning of section 3(21) of ERISA or section 4975(e)(3) of the Code with respect to such investor or (b) the investment decision to acquire the exchange notes was made by a “fiduciary” within the meaning of section 3(21) of ERISA or section 4975(e)(3) of the Code with respect to such investor other than the Affected Persons and neither such fiduciary nor the investor has relied on any advice or recommendation from the Affected Persons as a basis for the decision to acquire the exchange notes.

ERISA and the Code contain certain exemptions from the prohibited transactions described above and the DOL has issued several exemptions, although certain exemptions do not provide relief from the prohibitions on self-dealing contained in section 406(b) of ERISA and sections 4975(c)(1)(E) and (F) of the Code. Exemptions include section 408(b)(17) of ERISA and section 4975(d)(20) of the Code pertaining to certain transactions with non-fiduciary service providers; DOL Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption (“PTCE”) 95-60 applicable to transactions involving insurance company general accounts; PTCE 90-1, regarding investments by insurance company pooled separate accounts; PTCE 91-38, regarding investments by bank collective investment funds; PTCE 84-14, regarding investments effected by a qualified professional asset manager; and PTCE 96-23,

 

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regarding investments effected by an in-house asset manager. There can be no assurance that any of these exemptions will be available with respect to the acquisition of the exchange notes. Under section 4975 of the Code, excise taxes are imposed on disqualified persons who participate in non-exempt prohibited transactions (other than a fiduciary acting only as such).

As a general rule, governmental plans (as defined in section 3(32) of ERISA) (“Governmental Plans”), church plans (as defined in section 3(33) of ERISA) that have not made an election under section 410(d) of the Code (“Church Plans”) and non-U.S. plans are not subject to the requirements of ERISA or section 4975 of the Code. Accordingly, assets of such plans may be invested without regard to the fiduciary and prohibited transaction considerations described above. Although a Governmental Plan, a Church Plan or a non-U.S. plan is not subject to ERISA or section 4975 of the Code, it may be subject to other U.S. federal, state, or local laws or non-U.S. laws that regulate its investments (a “Similar Law”). A fiduciary of a Governmental Plan, a Church Plan or a non-U.S. plan should make its own determination as to the requirements, if any, under any Similar Law applicable to the acquisition of the exchange notes.

The exchange notes may be acquired by a Plan or an entity whose underlying assets include the assets of a Plan or by a Governmental Plan, a Church Plan, or a non-U.S. plan, but only if the acquisition will not result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA or section 4975 of the Code or a violation of Similar Law. Therefore, the outstanding notes may not be exchanged for exchange notes or transferred to any investor unless such investor represents to us that (A) (i) it is not (1) a Plan, (2) an entity whose underlying assets include the assets of a Plan, (3) a Governmental Plan, (4) a Church Plan or (5) a non-U.S. plan, (ii) it is a Plan or an entity whose underlying assets include the assets of a Plan that is either (1) acquiring the exchange notes in reliance on the availability of a prohibited transaction exemption contained in ERISA or the Code or granted by the DOL and the acquisition and holding of the exchange notes will not result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under section 406(b) of ERISA or section 4975(C)(1)(E) or (F) of the Code or (2) it will provide an opinion of counsel satisfactory to us that such acquisition and holding is not a prohibited transaction under section 406 of ERISA or section 4975 of the Code, or (iii) it is a Governmental Plan, a Church Plan or a non-U.S. plan that is not subject to (1) ERISA, (2) section 4975 of the Code or (3) any Similar Law that prohibits or taxes (in terms of an excise or penalty tax) the acquisition of the exchange notes; and (B) it will notify us immediately if, at any time, it is no longer able to make the representations contained in clause (A) above. Any purported transfer of the exchange notes to a transferee that does not comply with the foregoing requirements shall be null and void ab initio.

The exchange offer is not a representation by us or the dealer managers that an acquisition of the exchange notes meets all legal requirements applicable to investments by Plans, Governmental Plans, Church Plans or non-U.S. Plans or that such an investment is appropriate for any particular Plan, Governmental Plan, Church Plan or non-U.S. Plan.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Under existing interpretations of the Staff of the SEC, the exchange notes would generally be freely tradable after the completion of the exchange offer without further compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. However, any participant in the exchange offer who is an affiliate of ours or who intends to participate in the exchange offer for the purposes of distributing the exchange notes: (1) will not be able to rely on the interpretations of the Staff of the SEC; (2) will not be entitled to participate in the exchange offer; and (3) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any sale or transfer of the outstanding notes, unless the sale or transfer is made pursuant to an exemption from those requirements. Each holder of outstanding notes who wishes to exchange outstanding notes for exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer will be required to represent to us at the time of the consummation of the exchange offer that: (1) it is not an affiliate of ours; (2) it is not a broker-dealer tendering outstanding notes acquired directly from us for its own account; (3) the exchange notes to be received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business; (4) it is not engaged and does not intend to engage in and has no arrangements or understandings with any person to participate in the distribution, within the meaning of the Securities Act, of the exchange notes; and (5) it is not prohibited by any law or policy of the SEC from participating in the exchange offer. Our consummation of the exchange offer is subject to certain conditions described in the section “The Exchange Offer — Conditions” and in the registration rights agreement including, without limitation, our receipt of the representations from participating holders as described above and in the registration rights agreement.

In addition, in connection with any resales of the exchange notes, exchanging broker-dealers must deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act. The SEC has taken the position that exchanging broker-dealers may fulfill their prospectus delivery requirements with respect to the exchange notes with the prospectus contained in the exchange offer registration statement. As a result, 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. 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 notes where such notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that we will furnish as many copies of this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, as any broker-dealer who notifies us that it is using this registration statement reasonably requests, for use in connection with any such resale. In addition, until                     , 2007, all dealers effecting transactions in the exchange notes may be required to deliver a prospectus.

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 such broker-dealer and/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 of any such resale of exchange notes and any commissions 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.

We will furnish as many copies of this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, as any broker-dealer who notifies us that it is using this registration statement reasonably requests, for use in connection with any such resale. We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer (including the attorneys’ fees of certain

 

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parties to the registration rights agreement) other than underwriting discounts and commissions, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of the outstanding notes by a holder of the outstanding notes, and will indemnify the holders of the notes (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. We have also agreed to pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of the outstanding notes for exchange notes. The tendering holder of outstanding notes, however, will pay applicable taxes if: (1) certificates representing outstanding notes not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of outstanding notes tendered; (2) if tendered, the certificates representing outstanding notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing the letter of transmittal; or (3) if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of the outstanding notes in the exchange offer.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the exchange notes will be passed upon for us by Jones Day.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of ConAgra Foods, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of May 28, 2006 and for the year ended May 28, 2006, incorporated by reference herein, have been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm as stated in their report incorporated by reference herein.

The consolidated financial statements of ConAgra Foods, Inc. and subsidiaries as of May 29, 2005 and for each of the fiscal years ended May 29, 2005 and May 30, 2004, incorporated in this prospectus by reference from ConAgra Foods, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 20, 2006 and the related financial statement schedule for each of the fiscal years ended May 29, 2005 and May 30, 2004 incorporated in this prospectus by reference from ConAgra Foods, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2006 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to changes in methods of accounting for variable interest entities and asset retirement obligations in 2004), which is incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We currently file reports and other information with the SEC in accordance with the Exchange Act. Such reports and other information (including the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus) may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of such material can also be obtained at prescribed rates from the public reference facilities of the SEC at its Washington, D.C. address. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a site on the World Wide Web (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding companies like us that file electronically with the SEC.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following documents filed by us with the SEC are incorporated herein by reference and shall be deemed to be a part hereof:

 

   

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2006;

 

   

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended August 27, 2006 and Quarterly Report on Form 10–Q for the period ended November 26, 2006; and

 

   

Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on June 16, 2006, on Form 8-K filed on July 14, 2006, on Form 8-K filed on July 20, 2006, on Form 8-K/A filed on July 21, 2006, on Form 8-K filed on July 31, 2006, on Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2006, on Form 8-K filed on October 12, 2006, on Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2006, on Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2006, on Form 8-K filed on December 5, 2006, on Form 8-K filed on December 14, 2006, on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2006 and on Form 8-K filed on January 11, 2007.

The Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 20, 2006 updates Items 6, 7 and 8 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2006.

All documents filed by us pursuant to section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and before the expiration date shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in and made a part of this prospectus from the date of filing such documents. In no event, however, will any of the information that we furnish only under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K that we may from time to time file with or furnish to the SEC be incorporated by reference into, or otherwise be included in, this prospectus.

 

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Any statement contained in this prospectus or contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or in any other subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus modifies or supersedes such statement.

We will provide you, without charge, with copies of any documents incorporated into this prospectus by reference if you request them in writing or by telephone from:

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

One ConAgra Drive

Omaha, Nebraska 68102

Attention: Corporate Secretary

Telephone: (402) 595-4000

If you would like to request copies of these documents, please do so by                     , 2007 in order to receive them before the expiration of the exchange offer.

 

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LOGO

 

$499,999,000

Offer to Exchange

All Outstanding 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017

for

5.819% Senior Notes due 2017

of

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

 


 

 

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

 

PROSPECTUS

 


 

                    , 2007

 



Table of Contents

PART II

Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Pursuant to Article V of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, the Company shall, to the extent required, and may, to the extent permitted, by Section 102 and 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended from time to time, indemnify and reimburse all persons whom it may indemnify and reimburse pursuant thereto. No director shall be liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. A director shall continue to be liable for (1) any breach of a director’s duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders; (2) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (3) paying a dividend or approving a stock repurchase which would violate Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware; or (4) any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

The by-laws of the Company provide for indemnification of Company officers and directors against all expenses, liability or losses reasonably incurred or suffered by the officer or director, including liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, to the extent legally permissible under Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware where any such person was, is, or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit or proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact such person was serving the Company in such capacity. Generally, under Delaware law, indemnification will only be available where an officer or director can establish that such person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. The by-laws of the Company limit the indemnification provided to a Company officer or director in connection with actions, suits, or proceedings commenced by the Company officer or director to instances where the commencement of the proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company.

The Company also maintains a director and officer insurance policy which insures the officers and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries against damages, judgments, settlements and costs incurred by reason of certain wrongful acts committed by such persons in their capacities as officers and directors.

Item 21. Exhibits

The following is a list of all exhibits filed as part of this registration statement on Form S-4, including those incorporated by reference.

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description of Exhibits

4.1    Certificate of Incorporation of ConAgra Foods, as restated, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of ConAgra Foods’ current report on Form 8-K dated December 1, 2005 (Commission File No. 001-07275).
4.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws of ConAgra Foods, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to ConAgra Foods’ quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 27, 2006 (Commission File No. 001-07275).
4.3    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2006, by and among ConAgra Foods and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Banc of America Securities LLC, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc.
4.4    Indenture, dated as of October 8, 1990, between ConAgra, as issuer, and The Bank of New York, as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association), as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of ConAgra Foods’ Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Commission File No. 033-36967).

 

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Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
  

Description of Exhibits

4.5    Form of 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017.
5.1    Opinion of Jones Day.
12.1    Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
16.1    Letter re change in certifying accountant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16 of ConAgra Foods’ current report on Form 8-K dated July 15, 2005 (Commission File No. 001-07275).
21.1    Subsidiaries of ConAgra Foods, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 of ConAgra Foods’ annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2006 (Commission File No. 001-07275).
23.1    Consent of KPMG LLP.
23.2    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.3    Consent of Jones Day (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1    Power of Attorney.
25.1    Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 on Form T-1.
99.1    Form Letter of Transmittal with respect to the Exchange Offer.
99.2    Form Notice of Guaranteed Delivery with respect to the Exchange Offer.
99.3    Form Letter to the Clients.
99.4    Form Letter to Depository Trust Company Participants.

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 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 and 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% 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.

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

 

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(b) For the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(c) The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

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

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

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

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

(d) 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.

(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 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.

(f) 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.

(g) 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.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Omaha, state of Nebraska on March 14, 2007.

 

ConAgra Foods, Inc.
By:  

/S/    ROBERT F. SHARPE, JR.

 

Name:       Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.
Title:   Executive Vice President, Legal and External Affairs

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been duly signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

/S/    GARY M. RODKIN        

(Gary M. Rodkin)

  

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

  March 14, 2007

*

(André J. Hawaux)

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

  March 14, 2007

/S/    JOHN F. GEHRING        

(John F. Gehring)

  

Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

  March 14, 2007

*

(Mogens C. Bay)

  

Director

  March 14, 2007

*

(Stephen G. Butler)

  

Director

  March 14, 2007

*

(John T. Chain, Jr.)

  

Director

  March 14, 2007

*

(Steven F. Goldstone)

  

Director

  March 14, 2007

*

(Alice B. Hayes)

  

Director

  March 14, 2007

*

(William G. Jurgensen)

  

Director

  March 14, 2007

*

(Mark H. Rauenhorst)

  

Director

  March 14, 2007

*

(Carl E. Reichardt)

  

Director

  March 14, 2007

 

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*

(Ronald W. Roskens)

  

Director

  March 14, 2007

*

(Kenneth E. Stinson)

  

Director

  March 14, 2007

* The undersigned, pursuant to a power of attorney, executed by each of the officers and directors above and filed with the SEC herewith, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign and deliver this Registration Statement on behalf of each of the persons noted above in the capacities indicated.

 

By:  

/S/    ROBERT F. SHARPE, JR.

 

Name:       Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.
Title:   Attorney-in-Fact

 

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Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description of Exhibits

4.1    Certificate of Incorporation of ConAgra Foods, as restated, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of ConAgra Foods’ current report on Form 8-K dated December 1, 2005 (Commission File No. 001-07275).
4.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws of ConAgra Foods, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to ConAgra Foods’ quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 27, 2006 (Commission File No. 001-07275).
4.3    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2006, by and among ConAgra Foods and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Banc of America Securities LLC, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc.
4.4    Indenture, dated as of October 8, 1990, between ConAgra, as issuer, and The Bank of New York, as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association), as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of ConAgra Foods’ Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Commission File No. 033-36967).
4.5    Form of 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017.
5.1    Opinion of Jones Day.
12.1    Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
16.1    Letter re change in certifying accountant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16 of ConAgra Foods’ current report on Form 8-K dated July 15, 2005 (Commission File No. 001-07275).
21.1    Subsidiaries of ConAgra Foods, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 of ConAgra Foods’ annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2006 (Commission File No. 001-07275).
23.1    Consent of KPMG LLP.
23.2    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.3    Consent of Jones Day (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1    Power of Attorney.
25.1    Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 on Form T-1.
99.1    Form Letter of Transmittal with respect to the Exchange Offer.
99.2    Form Notice of Guaranteed Delivery with respect to the Exchange Offer.
99.3    Form Letter to the Clients.
99.4    Form Letter to Depository Trust Company Participants.

 

-i-

EX-4.3 2 dex43.htm REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT Registration Rights Agreement

Exhibit 4.3

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

by and among

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

and

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated

Banc of America Securities LLC

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

and

J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.

Dated as of December 21, 2006

 


REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This Registration Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into this 21st day of December, 2006, between ConAgra Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (the “Lead Dealer Manager”), and Banc of America Securities LLC, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., (individually, a “Co-Dealer Manager” and collectively with the Lead Dealer Manager, the “Dealer Managers”).

This Agreement is made pursuant to the Offering Memorandum dated November 20, 2006 (the “Offering Memorandum”), which provides for the offer by the Company to exchange its outstanding 9.75% notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”) and its outstanding 6.75% notes due 2011 (the “2011 Notes” and together with the 2021 Notes, the “Old Notes”) for new notes due June 15, 2017 (the “New Notes”) validly tendered and not validly withdrawn, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Offering Memorandum. The execution of this Agreement is a condition to the consummation of the Original Exchange Offer (as defined below).

In consideration of the foregoing, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized defined terms shall have the following meanings:

Affiliate” of any specified Person shall mean any other Person that, directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” of a Person shall mean the power, direct or indirect, to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by contract or otherwise.

Automatic Shelf Registration Statement” shall mean an “automatic shelf registration statement” as that term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

Co-Dealer Managers” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble and shall also include the Company’s successors.

Dealer Managers Agreement” means the Dealer Managers Agreement, dated November 20, 2006, by and among the Company and the Dealer Managers.

Dealer Managers” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Depositary” shall mean The Depository Trust Company, or any other depositary appointed by the Company; provided, however, that such depositary must have an address in the Borough of Manhattan, in the City of New York.

 

1


Exchange Offer” shall mean the exchange offer by the Company of Exchange Securities for Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof.

Exchange Offer Registration” shall mean a registration under the Securities Act effected pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof.

Exchange Offer Registration Statement” shall mean an exchange offer registration statement on Form S-4 (or, if applicable, on another appropriate form), and all amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including the Prospectus contained therein, all exhibits thereto and all documents incorporated by reference therein.

Exchange Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 hereof.

Exchange Securities” shall mean the notes due 2017 issued by the Company under the Indenture, containing terms identical to the New Notes in all material respects (except for references to certain additional interest rate provisions, restrictions on transfers and restrictive legends), to be offered to Holders of New Notes in exchange for Registrable Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer.

Holder” shall mean each Person who becomes the registered owner of Registrable Securities under the Indenture and each Participating Broker-Dealer that holds Exchange Securities for so long as such Participating Broker-Dealer is required to deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such Exchange Securities.

Indenture” shall mean the Indenture, dated as of October 8, 1990, between the Company and The Bank of New York (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as trustee, as the same may be amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

Lead Dealer Manager” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Majority Holders” shall mean the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding (as defined in the Indenture) Registrable Securities; provided, that whenever the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of Registrable Securities is required hereunder, Registrable Securities held by the Company or any Affiliate of the Company shall be disregarded in determining whether such consent or approval was given by the Holders of such required percentage amount.

New Notes” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Old Notes” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

2


Original Exchange Offer” means the offer by the Company to exchange its Old Notes for New Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Offering Memorandum.

Participating Broker-Dealer” shall mean any Dealer Manager and any other broker-dealer which makes a market in the New Notes and exchanges Registrable Securities in the Exchange Offer for Exchange Securities.

Person” shall mean an individual, partnership (general or limited), corporation, limited liability company, trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

Prospectus” shall mean the prospectus included in a Registration Statement, including any preliminary prospectus, and any such prospectus as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, including any such prospectus supplement with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by a Shelf Registration Statement, and by all other amendments and supplements to a prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and in each case including all material incorporated by reference therein.

Registrable Securities” shall mean the New Notes; provided, however, that the New Notes shall cease to be Registrable Securities when (i) a Registration Statement with respect to such New Notes shall have been declared or otherwise become effective under the Securities Act and such New Notes shall have been disposed of pursuant to such Registration Statement, (ii) such New Notes may be resold without restriction pursuant to Rule l44(k) (or any similar provision then in force, but not Rule 144A) under the Securities Act, (iii) such New Notes shall have ceased to be outstanding or (iv) the Exchange Offer is consummated (except in the case of New Notes which may not be exchanged in the Exchange Offer).

Registration Expenses” shall mean any and all expenses incident to performance of or compliance by the Company with this Agreement, including without limitation: (i) all SEC or National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the “NASD”) registration and filing fees, (ii) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with compliance with state securities or blue sky laws, (iii) all expenses of any Persons in preparing or assisting in preparing, word processing, printing and distributing any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, any amendments or supplements thereto, any underwriting agreements, securities sales agreements and other documents relating to the performance of and compliance with this Agreement, (iv) all rating agency fees, (vi) the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and of the independent public accountants of the Company, including the expenses of any special audits or “cold comfort” letters required by or incident to such performance and compliance, (vi) the fees and expenses of the Trustee, and any escrow agent or custodian, (vii) the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to the Dealer Managers in connection therewith, (viii) any fees and disbursements of the underwriters customarily required to be paid by issuers or sellers of securities and the fees and expenses of any special experts retained by the Company in

 

3


connection with any Registration Statement, but excluding underwriting discounts and commissions and transfer taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of Registrable Securities by a Holder.

Registration Statement” shall mean any registration statement of the Company which covers any of the Exchange Securities or Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, and all amendments and supplements to any such Registration Statement, including post-effective amendments, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein, all exhibits thereto and all material incorporated by reference therein.

SEC” shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor agency or government body performing the functions currently performed by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.

Securities Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of l934, as amended from time to time.

Settlement Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the Dealer Managers Agreement.

Shelf Registration” shall mean a registration effected pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof.

Shelf Registration Statement” shall mean a “shelf” registration statement of the Company pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2 of this Agreement, including an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement, if applicable, which covers all of the Registrable Securities on an appropriate form under Rule 415 under the Securities Act, or any similar rule that may be adopted by the SEC, and all amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement, including post-effective amendments, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein, all exhibits thereto and all material incorporated by reference therein.

Trustee” shall mean the trustee with respect to the Securities under the Indenture.

2. Registration Under the Securities Act.

2.1. Exchange Offer. Unless the Exchange Offer would violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC, the Company shall, for the benefit of the Holders, at the Company’s cost, use its commercially reasonable efforts to (A) prepare and not later than 90 calendar days following the Settlement Date, file with the SEC an Exchange Offer Registration Statement on an appropriate form under the Securities Act with respect to a proposed Exchange Offer and the issuance and delivery to the Holders, in exchange for the Registrable Securities, of a like principal amount of Exchange Securities, (B) cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act within 225 calendar days of the Settlement Date, (C) keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement effective until the closing of the Exchange Offer and (D) cause the Exchange Offer to be

 

4


consummated not later than 270 calendar days following the Settlement Date. After the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, the Company shall promptly commence the Exchange Offer, it being the objective of such Exchange Offer to enable each Holder eligible and electing to exchange Registrable Securities for Exchange Securities (assuming that such Holder (a) is not an “affiliate” of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, (b) is not a broker-dealer who tendered Old Notes acquired directly from the Company for its own account in exchange for New Notes, (c) acquired the Exchange Securities in the ordinary course of such Holder’s business and (d) is not engaged in and does not intend to engage in and has no arrangements or understandings with any Person to participate in the distribution of the Exchange Securities) to transfer such Exchange Securities from and after their receipt without any limitations or restrictions under the Securities Act and under state securities or blue sky laws.

In order to participate in the Exchange Offer, each Holder must represent to the Company at the time of the consummation of the Exchange Offer that it (i) is not an affiliate of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, (ii) is not a broker-dealer who tendered Old Notes acquired directly from the Company for its own account in exchange for New Notes, (iii) acquired the Exchange Securities in the ordinary course of such Holder’s business and (iv) is not engaged in and does not intend to engage in and has no arrangements or understandings with any Person to participate in the distribution of the Exchange Securities.

In connection with the Exchange Offer, the Company 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 Exchange Offer open for acceptance for a period of not less than 20 business days after the date notice thereof is mailed to the Holders (or longer at the option of the Company or if required by applicable law) (such period referred to herein as the “Exchange Period”);

(c) utilize the services of the Depositary for the Exchange Offer;

(d) permit Holders to withdraw tendered Registrable Securities at any time prior to the expiration of the Exchange Period, by sending to the institution specified in the letter of transmittal or other applicable notice, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of such Holder, the principal amount of Registrable Securities delivered for exchange, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing such Holder’s election to have such Registrable Securities exchanged; and

(e) otherwise comply in all material respects with all applicable laws relating to the Exchange Offer.

The Exchange Securities shall be issued under (i) the Indenture or (ii) an indenture identical in all material respects to the Indenture and which, in either case, has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”), or is exempt

 

5


from such qualification. The Indenture or such indenture shall provide that the Exchange Securities and the New Notes shall vote and consent together on all matters as one class and that none of the Exchange Securities or the New Notes will have the right to vote or consent as a separate class on any matter.

As soon as reasonably practicable after the expiration of the Exchange Offer, the Company shall:

(i) accept for exchange all Registrable Securities duly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and the letter of transmittal which shall be an exhibit thereto;

(ii) deliver to the Trustee for cancellation all Registrable Securities so accepted for exchange; and

(iii) cause the Trustee promptly to authenticate and deliver Exchange Securities to each Holder of Registrable Securities so accepted for exchange in a principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Registrable Securities of such Holder so accepted for exchange.

Interest on each Exchange Security will accrue from the last date on which interest was paid on the Registrable Security surrendered in exchange therefor or, if no interest has been paid on the Registrable Security, from the date of original issuance. The Exchange Offer shall not be subject to any conditions, other than (i) that the Exchange Offer, or the making of any exchange by a Holder, does not violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC, (ii) the due tendering of Registrable Securities in accordance with the Exchange Offer, (iii) that each Holder of Registrable Securities exchanged in the Exchange Offer shall have represented that it (A) is not an affiliate of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, (B) is not a broker-dealer who tendered Old Notes acquired directly from the Company for its own account in exchange for New Notes, (C) acquired the Exchange Securities in the ordinary course of such Holder’s business and (D) is not engaged in and does not intend to engage in and has no arrangements or understandings with any Person to participate in the distribution of the Exchange Securities and shall have made such other representations as may be reasonably necessary under applicable SEC rules, regulations or interpretations to render the use of Form S-4 or other appropriate form under the Securities Act available and (iv) that no action or proceeding shall have been instituted or threatened in any court or by or before any governmental agency with respect to the Exchange Offer which, in the Company’s judgment, would reasonably be expected to impair the ability of the Company to proceed with the Exchange Offer. The Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the registrar for the Registrable Securities to furnish the Dealer Managers with the names and addresses of the Holders to whom the Exchange Offer is made, and the Dealer Managers shall have the right to contact such Holders and otherwise facilitate the tender of Registrable Securities in the Exchange Offer.

 

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2.2. Shelf Registration. (i) If, because of any changes in law, SEC rules or regulations or applicable interpretations thereof by the staff of the SEC, the Company determines upon the advice of its counsel that it is not permitted to effect the Exchange Offer as contemplated by Section 2.1 hereof, (ii) if for any other reason the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not declared effective within 225 days following the Settlement Date or the Exchange Offer is not consummated within 270 days after the original Settlement Date, or (iii) if a Holder notifies the Company in writing prior to the 20th day following the consummation of the Exchange Offer that it is not permitted by applicable law to participate in the Exchange Offer or does not receive fully tradable Exchange Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer, then in case of each of clauses (i) through (iii) the Company shall, at its reasonable cost:

(a) As promptly as practicable, but no later than 60 days after being required to do so under Section 2.2 hereof, file with the SEC, and thereafter shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause to become effective as promptly as practicable but no later than 210 days after being required to do so under Section 2.2 hereof, a Shelf Registration Statement relating to the offer and sale of the Registrable Securities by the Holders from time to time in accordance with the methods of distribution elected by the Majority Holders participating in the Shelf Registration and set forth in such Shelf Registration Statement; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 2.2(a) shall require the filing of a Shelf Registration Statement prior to the deadline for filing the Exchange Offer Registration Statement set forth in Section 2.1; provided, further, that no Holder shall be entitled to be named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement or to use the prospectus forming a part thereof for resales of Registrable Securities unless such Holder has signed and returned to the Company a notice and questionnaire as distributed by the Company consenting to such Holder’s inclusion in the prospectus as a selling securityholder and providing such further information to the Company as the Company may reasonably request.

(b) Use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective in order to permit the Prospectus forming part thereof to be usable by Holders for a period of two years from the Settlement Date, or for such shorter period that will terminate when all Registrable Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement have been sold pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement or cease to be outstanding or otherwise to be Registrable Securities (the “Effectiveness Period”).

(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, use its commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that (i) any Shelf Registration Statement and any amendment thereto, at the time each such registration statement or amendment thereto becomes effective, and any Prospectus as of the date thereof forming part thereof and any supplement thereto complies in all material respects with the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, (ii) any Shelf 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 Shelf Registration Statement, and any supplement to such Prospectus (as amended or supplemented from time to time) (each, as of the date thereof), does not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, that clauses (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph shall not apply to any information provided by the Dealer Managers or any Holder.

 

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The Company further agrees, if necessary, to supplement or amend the Shelf Registration Statement, as required by Section 3(b) below, and to furnish to the Holders of Registrable Securities copies of any such supplement or amendment promptly after its being used or filed with the SEC (other than with respect to any such supplement or amendment resulting solely from the incorporation by reference of any report filed under the Securities Exchange Act). In the event that the Exchange Offer is consummated within 270 days after the Settlement Date, the Company shall have no obligation to file a Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2.2(ii).

2.3. Expenses. The Company shall pay all Registration Expenses in connection with the registration pursuant to Section 2.1 or 2.2. Each Holder shall pay all underwriting discounts and commissions and transfer taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of such Holder’s Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement.

2.4. Effectiveness. An Exchange Offer Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof will not be deemed to have become effective unless it has been declared effective by the SEC, and a Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof will not be deemed to have become effective unless it has been declared effective by the SEC or has otherwise become effective under Rule 462 under the Securities Act or any other applicable rule; provided, however, that if, after such Registration Statement has been declared effective or has otherwise become effective, the offering of Registrable Securities pursuant to an Exchange Offer Registration Statement or a Shelf Registration Statement is interfered with by any stop order, injunction or other order or requirement of the SEC or any other governmental agency or court, such Registration Statement will be deemed not to have become effective during the period of such interference, until the offering of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement may legally resume.

2.5. Interest. The Company agrees that in the event that (a) if required, the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not filed with the Commission on or prior to the 90th calendar day following the Settlement Date, (b) (i) if required, the Exchange Offer is not consummated on or prior to the 270th calendar day following the Settlement Date or (ii) if required, a Shelf Registration Statement has not become effective on or prior to the 210th calendar day following the date on which the Company became obligated to file such Shelf Registration Statement under Section 2.2 hereof, (c) if required, the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is filed and declared effective but shall thereafter cease to be effective (other than after such time as all New Notes have been disposed of hereunder) or is not usable prior to the consummation of the Exchange Offer or (d) if required, the Shelf Registration Statement has been filed and is declared or otherwise becomes effective but ceases to be effective or usable for a period of time that exceeds 120 days in the aggregate in any 12-month period in which it is required to be effective hereunder (each such event referred to in the preceding clauses (a) through (d), a “Registration Default”), the interest rate borne by the New Notes affected thereby shall be increased (“Additional Interest”) immediately upon occurrence of a Registration Default by one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) per annum with respect to the first 90-day period while one or more

 

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Registration Defaults is continuing and will increase to a maximum of one-half of one percent (0.50%) per annum Additional Interest thereafter while one or more Registration Defaults is continuing until all Registration Defaults have been cured; provided that Additional Interest shall accrue only for those days that a Registration Default occurs and is continuing, including the date on which any Registration Default shall occur but not including the date on which all Registration Defaults have been cured. Such Additional Interest shall be calculated based on a year consisting of 360 days comprised of twelve 30-day months. Following the cure of all Registration Defaults the accrual of Additional Interest will cease, the interest rate will revert to the original rate and, upon any subsequent Registration Default following any such cure of all Registration Defaults, Additional Interest will begin accruing again at one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) per annum and will increase to a maximum of one-half of one percent (0.50%) per annum as provided above until all Registration Defaults have been cured. Additional Interest shall not be payable with respect to Registration Defaults for any period during which a Shelf Registration Statement is effective and usable by the Holders.

The Company shall notify the Trustee within five business days after each and every date on which an event occurs in respect of which Additional Interest is required to be paid (an “Event Date”). Additional Interest shall be paid by depositing with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of Registrable Securities, on or before the applicable semiannual interest payment date, immediately available funds in sums sufficient to pay the Additional Interest then due. The Additional Interest due shall be payable on each interest payment date to the record Holder of New Notes affected thereby entitled to receive the interest payment to be paid on such date as set forth in the Indenture. Each obligation to pay Additional Interest shall be deemed to accrue from and including the day following the applicable Event Date.

Notwithstanding anything else contained herein, no Additional Interest shall be payable in relation to the applicable Shelf Registration Statement or the related prospectus if (i) such Additional Interest is payable solely as a result of (x) the filing of a post-effective amendment to such Shelf Registration Statement to incorporate annual audited or, if required by the rules and regulations under the Securities Act, quarterly unaudited financial information with respect to the Company where such post-effective amendment is not yet effective and needs to be declared or otherwise become effective to permit Holders to use the related prospectus or (y) the Company notifies the Holder to suspend use (on one or more occasions) of the Shelf Registration Statement and the related prospectus for a period not to exceed an aggregate of 120 days in any calendar year because of the occurrence of any material event or development with respect to the Company that, in the reasonable judgment of the Company, would be detrimental to the Company if so disclosed or would otherwise materially adversely affect a financing, acquisition, disposition, merger or other material transaction; provided, however, that in no event shall the Company be required to disclose the business purpose for such suspension. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be required to pay Additional Interest with respect to the New Notes to any Holder if the failure arises from the Company’s failure to file, or cause to become effective, a Shelf Registration Statement within the time periods specified in this Section 2 by reason of the failure of such Holder to provide such information as (i) the Company may reasonably request, with reasonable prior written notice, for use in the Shelf Registration Statement or any prospectus included therein to the extent the Company reasonably determines that such information is required to be included therein by applicable law, (ii) the NASD or the

 

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Commission may request in connection with such Shelf Registration Statement or (iii) is required to comply with the agreements of such Holder as contained herein to the extent compliance thereof is necessary for the Shelf Registration Statement to be declared or otherwise become effective, including, without limitation, a signed notice and questionnaire as distributed by the Company consenting to such Holder’s inclusion in the prospectus as a selling securityholder and providing such further information to the Company as the Company may reasonably request.

3. Registration Procedures. In connection with the obligations of the Company with respect to Registration Statements pursuant to Sections 2.1 and 2.2 hereof, the Company shall:

(a) prepare and file with the SEC a Registration Statement, within the relevant time period specified in Section 2, on the appropriate form under the Securities Act, which form (i) shall be selected by the Company, (ii) shall, in the case of a Shelf Registration, be available for the sale of the Registrable Securities by the eligible selling Holders thereof, and (iii) shall, at the time of effectiveness, comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the applicable form and include or incorporate by reference all financial statements required by the SEC to be filed therewith or incorporated by reference therein, and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective in accordance with Section 2 hereof;

(b) subject to the limitations contained in the third paragraph of Section 2.5, prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to each Registration Statement as may be necessary under applicable law to keep such Registration Statement effective for the applicable period; and cause each Prospectus to be supplemented by any required prospectus supplement, and as so supplemented to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (or any similar provision then in force) under the Securities Act and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to them with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by each Registration Statement during the applicable period in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution by the selling Holders thereof (including sales by any Participating Broker-Dealer); provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall imply that the Company is liable for any action or inaction of any Holder, including any Participating Broker-Dealer;

(c) in the case of a Shelf Registration, (i) notify each Holder of Registrable Securities, at least three business days prior to filing, that a Shelf Registration Statement (except in the case of an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement, in which case at least three business days prior to the inclusion of information regarding selling securityholders in the Prospectus forming a part of such Automatic Shelf Registration Statement) with respect to the Registrable Securities is being filed and advising such Holders that the distribution of Registrable Securities will be made in accordance with the method selected by the Majority Holders participating in the Shelf Registration; (ii) furnish to each Holder of Registrable Securities, if any, without charge, as many copies of each Prospectus, including each preliminary Prospectus, and any amendment or supplement thereto and such other documents as such Holder or underwriter may reasonably request, including financial statements and schedules and, if the Holder so requests, all exhibits in order to facilitate the public sale or other disposition of the Registrable Securities; and (iii)

 

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hereby consent to the use of the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders of Registrable Securities in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto;

(d) in the case of a Shelf Registration, use its commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify the Registrable Securities under all applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions as any Holder of Registrable Securities covered by a Shelf Registration Statement shall reasonably request by the time the Shelf Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC or otherwise becomes effective, and do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable each such Holder to consummate the disposition in each such jurisdiction of such Registrable Securities owned by such Holder; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to (i) qualify as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in securities in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 3(d), (ii) take any action which would subject it to general service of process or taxation in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject or (iii) make any changes to its certificate of incorporation or by-laws (or other organizational documents) or any agreement between it and holders of its ownership interests;

(e) notify promptly counsel for the Holders and counsel for the Dealer Managers and, with respect to clauses (i), (iii), (iv) and (v) of this paragraph only, each Holder of Registrable Securities under a Shelf Registration or any Participating Broker-Dealer who has notified the Company that it is utilizing the Exchange Offer Registration Statement as provided in paragraph (f) below and, if requested by such Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer, confirm such advice in writing promptly (i) when a Registration Statement (other than an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement) has become effective and when any post-effective amendments and supplements thereto become effective, (ii) of any request by the SEC or any state securities authority for post-effective amendments and supplements to a Registration Statement and Prospectus or for additional information after the Registration Statement has become effective, (iii) of the issuance by the SEC or any state securities authority of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, (iv) of the happening of any event or the discovery of any facts during the period a Shelf Registration Statement is effective that requires any change in the Registration Statement or Prospectus so that, as of such date, the statements therein are not misleading and do not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein to make the statements therein not misleading (in the case of the Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made); provided, however, that such notice need not identify the event that requires such change, and (v) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities or the Exchange Securities, as the case may be, for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose;

(f) in the case of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (i) include in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement a section entitled “Plan of Distribution” which section shall be reasonably acceptable to the Dealer Managers on behalf of the Participating Broker-Dealers, and which shall contain a summary statement of the positions taken or policies made by the staff of the SEC with respect to the potential “underwriter” status of any broker-dealer that holds Registrable Securities acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or

 

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other trading activities and that will be the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act) of Exchange Securities to be received by such broker-dealer in the Exchange Offer, whether such positions or policies have been publicly disseminated by the staff of the SEC or such positions or policies, in the reasonable judgment of the Dealer Managers on behalf of the Participating Broker-Dealers and its counsel, represent the prevailing views of the staff of the SEC, including a statement that any such broker-dealer who receives Exchange Securities for Registrable Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be deemed a statutory underwriter and must deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such Exchange Securities, (ii) furnish to each Participating Broker-Dealer who has delivered to the Company the notice referred to in Section 3(e), without charge, as many copies of each Prospectus included in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, including any preliminary prospectus, and any amendment or supplement thereto, as such Participating Broker-Dealer may reasonably request, (iii) hereby consent to the use of the Prospectus forming part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement thereto, by any Person subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the SEC, including all Participating Broker-Dealers, in connection with the sale or transfer of the Exchange Securities covered by the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, and (iv) include in the transmittal letter or similar documentation to be executed by an exchange offeree in order to participate in the Exchange Offer (x) the following provision:

“If the exchange offeree is a broker-dealer holding Registrable Securities acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of Exchange Securities received in respect of such Registrable Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer;” and

(y) a statement to the effect that by a broker-dealer making the acknowledgment described in clause (x) and by delivering a Prospectus in connection with the exchange of Registrable Securities, the broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act; and

(g) (i) in the case of an Exchange Offer, furnish counsel for the Dealer Managers and (ii) in the case of a Shelf Registration, furnish counsel for the Holders copies of any comment letters received from the SEC or any other request by the SEC or any state securities authority for amendments or supplements to a Registration Statement and Prospectus or for additional information;

(h) make every reasonable effort to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement as soon as practicable;

(i) in the case of a Shelf Registration, furnish to each Holder of Registrable Securities upon request, and each underwriter, if any, without charge, at least one conformed copy of each Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules (without documents incorporated therein by reference and all exhibits thereto, unless requested);

 

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(j) in the case of a Shelf Registration, cooperate with the selling Holders of Registrable Securities to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be sold and not bearing any restrictive legends; and enable such Registrable Securities to be in such denominations (consistent with the provisions of the Indenture) and registered in such names as the selling Holders or the underwriters, if any, may reasonably request at least three business days prior to the closing of any sale of Registrable Securities;

(k) in the case of a Shelf Registration, upon the occurrence of any event or the discovery of any facts, each as contemplated by Sections 3(e)(iv) hereof, as promptly as practicable after the occurrence of such an event, use its commercially reasonable efforts to prepare a supplement or post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or the related Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of the Registrable Securities or Participating Broker-Dealers, such Prospectus will not contain at the time of such delivery any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or will remain so qualified; at such time as such public disclosure is otherwise made or the Company determines that such disclosure is not necessary, in each case to correct any misstatement of a material fact or to include any omitted material fact, the Company agrees promptly to notify each Holder of such determination and to furnish each Holder such number of copies of the Prospectus as amended or supplemented, as such Holder may reasonably request;

(l) obtain a CUSIP number for all Exchange Securities, as the case may be, not later than the effective date of a Registration Statement, and provide the Trustee with printed certificates for the Exchange Securities or the Registrable Securities, as the case may be, in a form eligible for deposit with the Depositary;

(m) (i) cause the Indenture to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act in connection with the registration of the Exchange Securities or Registrable Securities, as the case may be, (ii) cooperate with the Trustee and the Holders to effect such changes to the Indenture as may be required for the Indenture to be so qualified in accordance with the terms of the Trust Indenture Act and (iii) execute, and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Trustee to execute, all documents as may be required to effect such changes, and all other forms and documents required to be filed with the SEC to enable the Indenture to be so qualified in a timely manner;

(n) in the case of a Shelf Registration, enter into agreements (including, if requested, an underwriting agreement in customary form containing customary representations, warranties, terms and conditions; provided, that the Company shall not be required to enter into such agreement more than once with respect to all the Registrable Securities and may delay entering into such agreement until the consummation of any underwritten public offering which the Company may have then undertaken) and take all other customary and appropriate actions in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities and in such connection whether or not an underwriting agreement is entered into and whether or not the registration is an underwritten registration;

 

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(o) in the case of a Shelf Registration or if a Prospectus is required to be delivered by any Participating Broker-Dealer in the case of an Exchange Offer, make available for inspection by a representative of the Holders of the Registrable Securities, any underwriters participating in any disposition pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement, any Participating Broker-Dealer and counsel for the Holders, all relevant financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company reasonably requested by any such persons, and use commercially reasonable efforts to have the respective officers, directors, employees, and any other agents of the Company supply all relevant information reasonably requested by any such representative, underwriter, Participating Broker-Dealer or counsel for the Holders in connection with a Registration Statement, in each case, as is customary for similar due diligence investigations; provided, however, 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, any underwriter, any Participating Broker-Dealer and any of their respective representatives, 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, provided, further, that prior notice shall be provided as practicable to the Company of the potential disclosure of any information in connection with a court proceeding or required by law to permit the Company to obtain a protective order or take such other action to prevent disclosure of such information;

(p) a reasonable time prior to the filing of any Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement (other than an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement), any Prospectus forming a part thereof, any amendment to an Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement or amendment or supplement to such Prospectus (other than with respect to any such amendment or supplement resulting solely from the incorporation by reference of any report filed under the Securities Exchange Act), provide copies of such document to the Dealer Managers, counsel for the Holders, if any, and make such changes in any Shelf Registration Statement, any Prospectus forming a part thereof or amendment or supplement thereto prior to the filing thereof as counsel for the Holders may reasonably request within three business days of being sent a draft thereof and make the representatives of the Company available for discussion of such documents as shall be reasonably requested by the Dealer Managers;

(q) in the case of a Shelf Registration, use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Registrable Securities to be rated by the appropriate rating agencies, if so requested by the Majority Holders, or if requested by the underwriter or underwriters of an underwritten offering of Registrable Securities, if any;

(r) otherwise comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement covering at least 12 months which shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder; and

(s) cooperate and assist in any filings required to be made with the NASD.

 

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In the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Company may (as a condition to the participation of such Holder and the beneficial owner of Registrable Securities in the Shelf Registration and in addition to any other conditions to such participation set forth in this Agreement) require each Holder of Registrable Securities to furnish to the Company prior to the 30th day following the Company’s filing of such request for information with the Trustee for delivery to the Holders such information regarding the Holder and the proposed distribution by such Holder or beneficial owner of such Registrable Securities as the Company may from time to time reasonably request in writing.

In the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, each Holder agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event or the discovery of any facts, each of the kind described in Section 3(e)(iv) hereof, such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement until such Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 3(k) hereof, and, if so directed by the Company, such Holder will deliver to the Company (at its expense) all copies in such Holder’s possession, other than permanent file copies then in such Holder’s possession, of the Prospectus covering such Registrable Securities current at the time of receipt of such notice.

If any of the Registrable Securities covered by any Shelf Registration Statement are to be sold in an underwritten offering, the underwriter or underwriters and manager or managers that will manage such offering will be selected by the Majority Holders of such Registrable Securities included in such offering and shall be acceptable to the Company. No Holder of Registrable Securities may participate in any underwritten registration hereunder unless such Holder (a) agrees to sell such Holder’s Registrable Securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

4. Indemnification; Contribution.

(a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, each Holder (including each Dealer Manager, if applicable, and each Participating Broker-Dealer) and each Person, if any, who controls any Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act as follows:

(i) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense, as incurred, arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement pursuant to which Registrable Securities were registered under the Securities Act or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Prospectus or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

 

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(ii) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense, as incurred, to the extent of the aggregate amount paid in settlement of any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission; provided, that any such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Company; and

(iii) against any and all expense, as incurred (including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel chosen by any indemnified party), reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission, to the extent that any such expense is not paid under subparagraph (i) or (ii) above;

provided, however, that this indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense to the extent arising out of any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Holder or Underwriter expressly for use in a Registration Statement or any Prospectus.

(b) Each Holder severally, but not jointly, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and the other selling Holders, and each of their respective directors and officers, and each Person, if any, who controls the Company or any other selling Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act, against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense described in the indemnity contained in Section 4(a) hereof, as incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or omissions, or alleged untrue statements or omissions, made in the Shelf Registration Statement or any Prospectus included therein in reliance upon and in conformity with written information with respect to such Holder furnished to the Company by such Holder expressly for use in the Shelf Registration Statement or such Prospectus.

(c) Each indemnified party shall give notice as promptly as reasonably practicable to each indemnifying party of any action or proceeding commenced against it in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, but failure so to notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve such indemnifying party from any liability hereunder to the extent it is not materially prejudiced as a result thereof and in any event shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have otherwise than on account of this indemnity agreement; the indemnifying party shall assume the defense of such action or proceeding with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party, and shall not be liable to such indemnified party under this Section 4 for any legal expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof. An indemnifying party may participate at its own expense in the defense of such action; provided, however, that counsel to the indemnifying party shall not (except with the consent of the indemnified party) also be counsel to the indemnified party. In no event shall the indemnifying party or parties be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to any local counsel) separate from their own counsel for all indemnified parties in

 

16


connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever in respect of which indemnification or contribution could be sought under this Section 4 (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability arising out of such litigation, investigation, proceeding or claim and (ii) 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 4 is for any reason unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the aggregate amount of such losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses incurred by such indemnified party, as incurred, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefit received by the indemnified party, on the one hand, and the indemnifying party, on the other hand, in connection with the Exchange Offer and the Shelf Registration and the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Holders on the other hand in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.

The relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Holders on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any such untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or the Holders and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

The Company and the Holders agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 4 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this Section 4. The aggregate amount of losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses incurred by an indemnified party and referred to above in this Section 4 shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any 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 Section 4, each Person, if any, who controls a Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act shall

 

17


have the same rights to contribution as such Holder, and each director of the Company, and each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company.

5. Miscellaneous.

5.1. No Inconsistent Agreements. The Company has not entered into and the Company will not after the date of this Agreement enter into any agreement which is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders of Registrable Securities in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof. The rights granted to the Holders hereunder do not and will not for the term of this Agreement in any way conflict with the rights granted to the holders of the Company’s other issued and outstanding securities under any such agreements.

5.2. Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given unless the Company has obtained the written consent of Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Registrable Securities affected by such amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or departure.

5.3. Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand delivery, registered first-class mail, telex, telecopier, or any courier guaranteeing overnight delivery (a) if to a Holder, at the most current address given by such Holder to the Company by means of a notice given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 5.3, which address initially is the address set forth in the Dealer Managers Agreement with respect to the Dealer Managers; and (b) if to the Company, initially at the Company’s address set forth in the Dealer Managers Agreement, and thereafter at such other address of which notice is given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 5.3.

All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; two business days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when answered back, if telexed; when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; and on the next business day if timely delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery.

Copies of all such notices, demands, or other communications shall be concurrently delivered by the person giving the same to the Trustee under the Indenture, at the address specified in such Indenture.

5.4. Successor and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors, assigns and transferees of each of the parties, including, without limitation and without the need for an express assignment, subsequent Holders; provided, that nothing herein shall be deemed to permit any assignment, transfer or other disposition of Registrable Securities in violation of the terms of the Dealer Managers Agreement, any note or global note representing such Registrable Securities or the Indenture. If any transferee of any Holder shall

 

18


acquire Registrable Securities, in any manner, whether by operation of law or otherwise, such Registrable Securities shall be held subject to all of the terms of this Agreement, and by taking and holding such Registrable Securities such person shall be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by and to perform all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement, including the restrictions on resale set forth in this Agreement and, if applicable, the Dealer Managers Agreement, and such person shall be entitled to receive the benefits hereof.

5.5. Third Party Beneficiaries. The Dealer Managers (even if the Dealer Managers are not Holders of Registrable Securities) shall be third party beneficiaries to the agreements made hereunder between the Company, on the one hand, and the Holders, on the other hand, and shall have the right to enforce such agreements directly to the extent they deem such enforcement necessary or advisable to protect their rights or the rights of Holders hereunder. Each Holder of Registrable Securities shall be a third party beneficiary to the agreements made hereunder between the Company, on the one hand, and the Dealer Managers, on the other hand, and shall have the right to enforce such agreements directly to the extent it deems such enforcement necessary or advisable to protect its rights hereunder.

5.6. Restriction on Resales. Until the expiration of two years after the original issuance of the New Notes, the Company will not, and will cause its “affiliates” (as such term is defined in Rule 144(a)(1) under the Securities Act) not to, resell any New Notes which are “restricted securities” (as such term is defined under Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act) that have been reacquired by any of them and shall immediately upon any purchase of any such New Notes submit such to the Trustee for cancellation.

5.7. 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.

5.8. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

5.9. GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT OF LAWS THEREOF.

5.10. Severability. In the event that 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.

 

19


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

            CONAGRA FOODS, INC.    
      By:  

/s/ Scott E. Messel

 
      Name:   Scott E. Messel  
      Title:   Treasurer  
Confirmed and accepted as of the date first above written:        
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED        
By:  

/s/ Joseph McIntosh

       
Name:   Joseph McIntosh        
Title:   Managing Director        

Signature page 1 to RRA


BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC     BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES CORP.  
By:  

/s/ Lily Chang

    By:  

/s/ Jim Turner

 
Name:   Lily Chang     Name:   Jim Turner  
Title:   Principal     Title:  

Managing Director,

Head of Debt

Capital Markets

 
CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.     J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.  
By:  

/s/ Brian Bednarski

    By:  

/s/ John Servidea

 
Name:   Brian Bednarski     Name:   John Servidea  
Title:   Director     Title:   Vice President  

Signature page 2 to RRA

EX-4.5 3 dex45.htm FORM OF 5.819% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007 Form of 5.819% Senior Notes due 2007

Exhibit 4.5

[RESTRICTED SECURITIES LEGEND:] [THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “SECURITIES ACT”) OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAW. THE HOLDER HEREOF, BY PURCHASING THIS SECURITY, AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF CONAGRA FOODS, INC. (THE “COMPANY”) THAT NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION THEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED (X) PRIOR TO THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE ISSUANCE HEREOF OR (Y) AT ANY TIME BY ANY TRANSFEROR THAT WAS AN AFFILIATE OF THE COMPANY DURING THE THREE MONTHS PRECEDING THE DATE OF SUCH OFFER, RESALE, PLEDGE OR OTHER TRANSFER, IN EITHER CASE, OTHER THAN (1) TO THE COMPANY, (2) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (3) SO LONG AS THIS SECURITY IS ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), TO A PERSON WHOM THE TRANSFEROR REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER, IN EACH CASE, TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE OFFER, RESALE, PLEDGE OR OTHER TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (4) TO AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR (WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 501(A)(1), (2), (3) or (7) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) THAT, PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER, FURNISHES THE TRUSTEE WITH A SIGNED LETTER CONTAINING CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE (THE FORM OF WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TRUSTEE), (5) TO NON-U.S. PERSONS IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (6) PURSUANT TO ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, INCLUDING THAT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 (IF AVAILABLE) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH CASE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION.]

[GLOBAL NOTE LEGEND:] [This Note is a Registered Global Security within the meaning of the Indenture hereinafter referred to and is registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company (the “Depositary” or “DTC”) or a nominee of the Depositary. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Notes in definitive registered form, this Note may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary to the nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee or 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 Note is presented by an authorized representative of the Depositary 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 requested by an authorized representative of the Depositary and any payment is made to Cede & Co., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL since the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.]

 


CONAGRA FOODS, INC.

 

No.                5.819% Senior Note due 2017   $[•]

CUSIP NUMBER: [            ]

ConAgra Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter called the “Company”, which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred to) for value received hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co.

or registered assigns, the principal sum of [•] Dollars ($[•]) [Insert in Global Notes – or such other principal sum as shall be set forth in the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in this Global Note attached hereto]

on June 15, 2017, and to pay interest (computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months) thereon, semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 in each year, commencing June 15, 2007, on said principal amount at the rate per annum specified in the title of this Note, from the June 15 or the December 15, as the case may be, next preceding the date of this Note to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, unless the date hereof is a date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, in which case from the date of this Note, or unless no interest has been paid on this Note or duly provided for, in which case from December 21, 2006 until payment of said principal sum has been made or duly provided for. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the date hereof is after June 1 or December 1, as the case may be, and before the following June 15 or December 15, this Note shall bear interest from such June 15 or December 15; provided, that if the Company shall default in the payment of interest due on such June 15 or December 15, then this Note shall bear interest from the next preceding June 15 or December 15, to which interest has been paid or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid on this Note or duly provided for, from December 21, 2006. The interest, so payable on any June 15 or December 15 will, subject to certain exceptions provided in the Indenture referred to herein, be paid to the Person in whose name this Note is registered at the close of business on the June 1 or December 1, as the case may be (whether or not a Business Day), next preceding such June 15 or December 15. Payment of the principal of and interest on this Note will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in New York City, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment shall be legal tender for the payment of public and private debts. At the option of the Company, interest may be paid by check to the Person entitled thereto at his last address as it appears on the registry books, and principal may be paid by check to the registered holder hereof or other Person entitled thereto against surrender of this Note.

This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (hereinafter called the “Securities”) of the Company of the series hereinafter specified, which series is as of the date of original issuance of this Note limited in the aggregate principal amount to up to $499,999,000, all such Securities issued or to be issued under and pursuant to an Indenture dated as of October 8, 1990, as supplemented, (hereinafter referred to as the “Indenture”), between the Company and The Bank of New York (as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association)), as the trustee (hereinafter referred to as the “Trustee” which term shall also include any successor or co-trustee under the Indenture), to which


Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the rights, obligations, duties and immunities thereunder of the Trustee, the Company and the Holders of the Securities. As provided in the Indenture, the Securities may be issued in one or more series, which different series may be issued in various aggregate principal amounts, may be denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars (including composite currencies), may mature at different times, may bear interest, if any, at different rates, may be subject to different redemption provisions, if any, may be subject to different sinking, purchase or analogous funds, if any, may be subject to different covenants and Events of Default and may otherwise vary as in the Indenture provided or permitted. This Note is one of a series of Global Notes (each a “Global Note”) which represent all of the Company’s 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017 (the “Notes”). Provided the Company complies with the requirements of Section 2.4 of the Indenture, the Company may, without the consent of the Holders of the Notes, create and issue additional Notes ranking equally with the Notes and otherwise similar in all respects so that such further Notes would be consolidated and form a single series of Securities.

The Notes will be redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part at any time (each, a “Redemption Date”), at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of their principal amount and (ii) the sum, as determined by the Independent Investment Banker, of the present values of the principal amount and the remaining scheduled payments of interest on the Notes to be redeemed (exclusive of interest accrued to such Redemption Date), discounted from the scheduled payment dates to the Redemption Date on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 20 basis points plus, in each case, accrued but unpaid interest thereon to the Redemption Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, installments of interest on Notes that are due and payable on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the relevant Redemption Date will be payable to the holders of such Notes registered as such at the close of business on the relevant record date according to their terms and the provisions of the Indenture. Notwithstanding Section 12.2 of the Indenture, the notice of such redemption need not set forth the redemption price but only the manner of calculation thereof. The Company shall give the Trustee notice of the redemption price promptly after the calculation thereof and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for such calculation.

Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security or securities selected by the Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Notes to be redeemed 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 to be redeemed.

Comparable Treasury Price” means, with respect to any Redemption Date, the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such Redemption Date, after excluding the highest and lowest such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or if the Trustee obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations so received.

Independent Investment Banker” means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers appointed by the Trustee after consultation with the Company.

Reference Treasury Dealer” means each of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Banc of America Securities LLC, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Citigroup Global

 

2


Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and their respective successors and any other primary U.S. Government securities dealer in New York City (a “Primary Treasury Dealer”) selected by the Company in addition to, or in substitution for, any of such firms; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a Primary Treasury Dealer, the Company will substitute 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 (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Trustee by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 3:30 p.m. New York City time, on the third Business Day preceding such Redemption Date.

Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any Redemption Date, the rate per year equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated on the third Business Day preceding such Redemption Date assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such Redemption Date.

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance and discharge at the Company’s option of the entire principal of all the Securities of any series upon compliance by the Company with certain conditions set forth therein.

If an Event of Default with respect to the Notes, as defined in the Indenture, shall occur and be continuing; the principal of all the Notes may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification or elimination of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities under the Indenture at any time by the Company with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding, of all series to be affected thereby, voting as one class. It is also provided in the Indenture that, with respect to certain defaults or Events of Default regarding the Securities of any series, prior to any declaration accelerating the maturity of such Securities, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series at the time Outstanding with respect to which an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing voting as a single class may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series waive any such past default or Event of Default and its consequences. The preceding sentence shall not, however, apply to a default in the payment of the principal of or interest on any of the Securities. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Note.

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Global Note or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and interest on this Global Note at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

 

3


This Note is a Global Note registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of the Depositary. Beneficial interests in this Note will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary and the participants of the Depositary. Except as described below, Notes in certificated form will not be issued in exchange for this Global Note.

If the Depositary for the Notes represented by this Global Note is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary and a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Company within ninety days or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Notes, the Company will issue such Notes in definitive form in exchange for this Global Note. In addition, the Company may at any time and in its sole discretion, but subject to the procedures of the Depositary, determine not to have the Notes represented by one or more Global Notes and, in such event, will issue Notes in definitive form in exchange for the Global Note or Notes representing the Notes.

The Notes are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any multiple of $1,000.

Certain terms used in this Note which are defined in the Indenture have the meanings set forth therein.

This Note shall for all purposes be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

The Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or such Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Note is registered as the owner hereof for the purpose of receiving payment as herein provided, subject to the record date provisions of this Note, and for all other purposes, whether or not this Note be overdue and notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing thereon and neither the Company, such Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of the Company in the Indenture or any indenture supplemental thereto or in any Note, or because of the creation of any indebtedness represented thereby, shall be had against any incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, as such, of the Company or of any successor corporation, either directly or through the Company or any successor corporation, under any rule of law, statute or constitutional provision or by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise, all such liability being expressly waived and released by the acceptance hereof and as part of the consideration for the issue hereof.

[Do not include in Exchange Notes – In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders of the Notes will have all the rights (including rights to receive additional interest) set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2006, between the Company and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Banc of America Securities LLC, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc.]

 

4


Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by or on behalf of the Trustee for the Notes by manual signature, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture, nor be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed under its corporate seal.

Dated:                     

 

TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF

     

AUTHENTICATION

     

This is one of the Securities of the

series designated herein and referred

to in the within mentioned Indenture.

     
The Bank of New York, as Trustee     CONAGRA FOODS, INC.

By:

 

 

    By:  

 

 

Authorized Signatory

    Name:   Scott E. Messel
      Title:   Senior Vice President,
        Treasurer and Assistant
        Corporate Secretary

(SEAL)

Attest

 


ASSIGNMENT FORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:                                                                                                                                                                                   

(Insert assignee’s legal name)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. 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 Company. The agent may substitute another to act for him.

In connection with the assignment of the Notes evidenced by this certificate occurring prior to the date that is two years after the later of the date of original issuance of such Notes and the last date, if any, on which such Notes were owned by the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, the undersigned confirms that such Notes are being:

CHECK ONE BOX BELOW:

 

1    ¨      acquired for the undersigned’s own account, without transfer; or
2    ¨      transferred to the Company; or
3    ¨      transferred pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”); or
4    ¨      transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act; or
5    ¨      transferred pursuance to and in compliance with Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act; or
6    ¨      transferred to an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3), or (7) under the Securities Act) that, prior to such transfer, furnished the Trustee with a signed letter containing certain representations and agreements relating to the transfer; or
7    ¨      transferred pursuant to another available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.


Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Trustee will refuse to register any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate in the name of any Person other than the registered holder thereof; provided, however, that if box (5), (6) or (7) is checked, the Trustee or the Company may require, prior to registering any such transfer of the Notes, in its sole discretion, such legal opinions, certifications and other information as the Trustee or the Company may reasonably request to confirm that such transfer is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act, such as the exemption provided by Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

Dated:  

 

  Signature:  

 

Signature Guarantee:

 

 

 

 

(Signature must be guaranteed)   Signature

The signature(s) should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program), pursuant to S.E.C. Rule 17Ad-15.

TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (1) OR (3) ABOVE IS CHECKED.

The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Company as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the undersigned’s foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A.

 

Dated:  

 

  Signature:  

 

 

- 2 -


[SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THIS GLOBAL NOTE

The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Note in definitive form, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:

 

Date of Exchange

 

Amount of decrease in
Principal Amount

of
this Global Note

 

Amount of increase in
Principal Amount
of
this Global Note

 

Principal Amount
of this Global Note

following such

decrease
(or increase)

 

Signature of authorized
officer of Trustee or
Custodian]*

       

* Insert in Global Notes only
EX-5.1 4 dex51.htm OPINION OF JONES DAY Opinion of Jones Day

EXHIBIT 5.1

JONES DAY

NORTH POINT • 901 LAKESIDE AVENUE • CLEVELAND, OHIO 44114-1190

TELEPHONE: (216) 586-3939 • FACSIMILE: (216) 579-0212

March 14, 2007

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

One ConAgra Drive

Omaha, Nebraska 68102-5001

 

  Re: Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by the Company
(as defined below) Relating to the Exchange Offer (as defined below)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel for ConAgra Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”), which relates to the proposed issuance and exchange (the “Exchange Offer”) of up to $499,999,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017 of the Company (the “Exchange Notes”) for an equal principal amount of 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017 of the Company outstanding on the date hereof (the “Outstanding Notes”). The Outstanding Notes have been, and the Exchange Notes will be, issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of October 8, 1990, as amended or supplemented from time to time (the “Indenture”), by and among the Company and The Bank of New York (as successor to JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as trustee (the “Trustee”).

In connection with the opinion expressed herein, we have examined such documents, records and matters of law as we have deemed relevant or necessary for purposes of such opinion. Based on the foregoing, and subject to the further limitations, qualifications and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

The Exchange Notes, when they are executed by the Company, authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the Indenture and delivered in exchange for the Outstanding Notes in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer, will be validly issued by the Company and will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company.

The opinion set forth above is subject to the following limitations, qualifications and assumptions:

For purposes of the opinion expressed herein, we have assumed that the Trustee has authorized, executed and delivered the Indenture and that the Indenture is the valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Trustee.

The opinion expressed herein is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer and fraudulent conveyance, voidable preference, moratorium or other similar

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JONES DAY

 

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

Page 2

 

laws and related regulations and judicial doctrines from time to time in effect relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, and by general equitable principles, whether such principles are considered in a proceeding at law or at equity.

The opinion expressed herein is limited to the federal securities laws of the United States of America, the laws of the State of New York and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, including the applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and the reported judicial decisions interpreting such law, in each case as currently in effect, and we express no opinion with respect to any other law of the State of Delaware or as to the effect of the laws of any other jurisdiction.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement and to the reference to us under the caption “Legal Matters” in the prospectus constituting a part of such Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not hereby admit that we are included in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933 or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder.

 

Very truly yours,

/s/ Jones Day

EX-12.1 5 dex121.htm STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNIGS TO FIXED CHARGES Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnigs to fixed charges

Exhibit 12.1

CONAGRA FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges

(Dollars in millions)

 

     Twenty-six
weeks ended
November 26,
2006
    2006     2005     2004     2003     2002  

Earnings:

            

Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity method investment earnings and cumulative effect of changes in accounting

   $ 475.6     $ 944.9     $ 987.3     $ 785.6     $ 791.7     $ 764.0  

Add/(deduct):

            

Fixed charges

     159.4       373.2       407.9       394.7       412.6       535.6  

Distributed income of equity investees

     2.9       21.8       24.5       24.4       16.7       16.4  

Capitalized interest

     (3.0 )     (5.0 )     (8.6 )     (4.4 )     (3.9 )     (6.0 )

Preferred distributions of subsidiary

     —         —         —         (3.5 )     (8.8 )     (25.1 )
                                                

Earnings available for fixed charges (a)

   $ 634.9     $ 1,334.9     $ 1,411.1     $ 1,196.8     $ 1,208.3     $ 1,284.9  
                                                

Fixed Charges:

            

Interest expense

   $ 127.7     $ 307.3     $ 341.4     $ 337.9     $ 343.7     $ 438.0  

Capitalized interest

     3.0       5.0       8.6       4.4       3.9       6.0  

Preferred distributions of subsidiary

     —         —         —         3.5       8.8       25.1  

One third of rental expense (1)

     28.7       60.9       57.9       48.9       56.2       66.5  
                                                

Total fixed charges (b)

   $ 159.4     $ 373.2     $ 407.9     $ 394.7     $ 412.6     $ 535.6  
                                                

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (a/b)

     4.0       3.6       3.5       3.0       2.9       2.4  

(1) Considered to be representative of interest factor in rental expense.
EX-23.1 6 dex231.htm CONSENT OF KPMG LLP Consent of KPMG LLP

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

ConAgra Foods, Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement on Form S-4 of ConAgra Foods, Inc. of our report dated July 28, 2006, except for the effects of reclassifying the branded deli meats business to discontinued operations and the classification of the assets and liabilities of the oat milling business as held for sale, as described in note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, as to which the date is November 16, 2006, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of ConAgra Foods, Inc. and subsidiaries as of May 28, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, common stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended May 28, 2006, which report appears in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by ConAgra Foods, Inc. on November 20, 2006. We also consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement on Form S-4 of ConAgra Foods, Inc. of our reports on financial statement Schedule II as of and for the year ended May 28, 2006, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of May 28, 2006 and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of May 28, 2006, which reports appear in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ConAgra Foods, Inc. for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2006 and to the references to our firm under the headings “Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data” and “Experts” in the registration statement.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Omaha, Nebraska

March 13, 2007

EX-23.2 7 dex232.htm CONSENT OF DELOITTE AND TOUCHE LLP Consent of Deloitte and Touche LLP

Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of our report dated August 11, 2005 (July 28, 2006 as to Note 19 and November 16, 2006 as to Note 2) (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to changes in methods of accounting for variable interest entities and asset retirement obligations in 2004), relating to the consolidated financial statements of ConAgra Foods, Inc. and subsidiaries as of May 29, 2005 and for each of the fiscal years ended May 29, 2005 and May 30, 2004 appearing in the Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 20, 2006 of ConAgra Foods, Inc. and the related financial statement schedule for each of the fiscal years ended May 29, 2005 and May 30, 2004 appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2006 of ConAgra Foods, Inc. and to the reference to us under the headings “Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data” and “Experts” in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Omaha, Nebraska

March 13, 2007

EX-24.1 8 dex241.htm POWER OF ATTORNEY Power of Attorney

Exhibit 24.1

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned directors and officers of ConAgra Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), hereby constitutes and appoints Gary M. Rodkin, Robert F. Sharpe and Colleen Batcheler, and each of them, as the true and lawful attorney-in-fact or attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for each of the undersigned and in the name, place and stead of each of the undersigned, to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) one or more registration statement(s) on Form S-4, or such other appropriate form as may be permitted under the Securities Act, relating to the registration of the Company’s debt securities in connection with one or more exchange offers relating to such debt securities, with any and all amendments, supplements and exhibits thereto, including pre-effective and post-effective amendments or supplements or any additional registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462 promulgated under the Securities Act, with full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts and things whatsoever required, necessary or desirable to be done in the premises, hereby ratifying and approving the act of said attorneys and any of them and any such substitute.

This Power of Attorney may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original with respect to the person executing it.

SIGNATURES

 

 

   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)    December 7, 2006
Gary M. Rodkin      

/s/ Andre J. Hawaux

   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)    December 7, 2006
Andre J. Hawaux      

 

   Senior Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)    December 7, 2006
John F. Gehring      

/s/ David H. Batchelder

   Director    December 7, 2006
David H. Batchelder      

/s/ Mogens C. Bay

   Director    December 7, 2006
Mogens C. Bay      

/s/ Stephen G. Butler

   Director    December 7, 2006
Stephen G. Butler      

/s/ John T. Chain, Jr.

   Director    December 7, 2006
John T. Chain, Jr.      

/s/ Steven F. Goldstone

   Director    December 7, 2006
Steven F. Goldstone      

/s/ Alice B. Hayes

   Director    December 7, 2006
Alice B. Hayes      

/s/ W.G. Jurgensen

   Director    December 7, 2006
W.G. Jurgensen      

/s/ Mark H. Rauenhorst

   Director    December 7, 2006
Mark H. Rauenhorst      

/s/ Carl E. Reichardt

   Director    December 7, 2006
Carl E. Reichardt      

/s/ Ronald W. Roskens

   Director    December 7, 2006
Ronald W. Roskens      

/s/ Kenneth E. Stinson

   Director    December 7, 2006
Kenneth E. Stinson      
EX-25.1 9 dex251.htm FORM T-1 Form T-1

FORM T-1

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY

UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A

CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE

ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO

SECTION 305(b)(2)  ¨

 


THE BANK OF NEW YORK

(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

 


 

New York   13-5160382

(State of incorporation

if not a U.S. national bank)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

 

One Wall Street, New York, N.Y.   10286
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 


ConAgra Foods, Inc.

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   47-0248710

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

 

One ConAgra Drive Omaha, Nebraska   68102-5001
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 


5.819% Senior Notes due 2017

(Title of the indenture securities)

 



1. General information. Furnish the following information as to the Trustee:

 

  (a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

 

Name

  

Address

Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York

  

One State Street, New York, N.Y.

10004-1417, and Albany, N.Y. 12223

Federal Reserve Bank of New York

   33 Liberty Street, New York, N.Y. 10045

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

   Washington, D.C. 20429

New York Clearing House Association

   New York, New York 10005

 

  (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Yes.

 

2. Affiliations with Obligor.

If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.

None.

 

16. List of Exhibits.

Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Commission, are incorporated herein by reference as an exhibit hereto, pursuant to Rule 7a-29 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the “Act”) and 17 C.F.R. 229.10(d).

 

  1. A copy of the Organization Certificate of The Bank of New York (formerly Irving Trust Company) as now in effect, which contains the authority to commence business and a grant of powers to exercise corporate trust powers. (Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-6215, Exhibits 1a and 1b to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-21672, Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-29637 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121195.)

 

  4. A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee. (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121195.)

 

- 2 -


  6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act. (Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-106702.)

 

  7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.

 

- 3 -


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the Trustee, The Bank of New York, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and State of New York, on the 1st day of March, 2007.

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK
By:  

/S/ CHERYL CLARKE

Name:   CHERYL CLARKE
Title:   VICE PRESIDENT

 

- 4 -


EXHIBIT 7

Consolidated Report of Condition of

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

of One Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10286

And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,

a member of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business December 31, 2006, published in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.

 

     Dollar Amounts
In Thousands

ASSETS

  

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:

  

Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin

   3,375,000

Interest-bearing balances

   11,937,000

Securities:

  

Held-to-maturity securities

   1,729,000

Available-for-sale securities

   17,675,000

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell

  

Federal funds sold in domestic offices

   3,953,000

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

   162,000

Loans and lease financing receivables:

  

Loans and leases held for sale

   0

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

   30,730,000

LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses

   286,000

Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowance

   30,444,000

Trading assets

   5,047,000

Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)

   830,000

Other real estate owned

   1,000

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies

   292,000

Not applicable

  

Intangible assets:

  

Goodwill

   2,747,000

Other intangible assets

   981,000

Other assets

   6,814,000
    

Total assets

   85,987,000
    

LIABILITIES

  

Deposits:

  

In domestic offices

   30,000,000

Noninterest-bearing

   19,293,000

Interest-bearing

   10,707,000

In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs

   33,219,000

Noninterest-bearing

   472,000

Interest-bearing

   32,747,000

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

  

Federal funds purchased in domestic offices

   671,000

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

   185,000

Trading liabilities

   2,479,000

Other borrowed money:

  

(includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases)

   2,076,000

Not applicable

  

Not applicable

  

Subordinated notes and debentures

   1,955,000

Other liabilities

   6,527,000
    

Total liabilities

   77,112,000
    

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

   144,000

EQUITY CAPITAL

  

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus

   0

Common stock

   1,135,000

Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock)

   2,134,000

Retained earnings

   5,769,000

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   -307,000

Other equity capital components

   0

Total equity capital

   8,731,000
    

Total liabilities, minority interest, and equity capital

   85,987,000
    

 

- 5 -


I, Thomas P. Gibbons, Chief Financial Officer of the above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Thomas P. Gibbons,

Chief Financial Officer

We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this statement of resources and liabilities. We declare that it has been examined by us, and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions and is true and correct.

 

Thomas A. Renyi

     

Gerald L. Hassell

   Directors   

Catherine A. Rein

     

 

- 6 -

EX-99.1 10 dex991.htm FORM OF LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL WITH RESPECT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER Form of Letter of Transmittal with respect to the Exchange Offer

Exhibit 99.1

THIS DOCUMENT IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. If you are in any doubt as to the action to be taken you should immediately consult your broker, bank manager, lawyer, accountant, investment advisor or other professional.

Letter of Transmittal

LOGO

Offer to Exchange

All Outstanding 5.819% Senior Notes Due 2017

For

5.819% Senior Notes Due 2017

of

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

Pursuant to the Prospectus dated                     , 2007

 

THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON                     , 2007, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED (SUCH DATE AND TIME, AS IT MAY BE EXTENDED, THE “EXPIRATION DATE”). OUTSTANDING NOTES TENDERED IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER MAY BE WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.

 

Delivery to:

The Bank of New York

As Exchange Agent

By Registered or Certified Mail:

The Bank of New York

101 Barclay Street, Floor 7E

New York, NY 10286

Attn: Reorg Department

  

By Overnight Courier or Hand Delivery:

The Bank of New York

101 Barclay Street, Floor 7E

New York, NY 10286

Attn: Reorg Department

By Facsimile Transmission

(for eligible institutions only):

(212) 815-5704

  

Confirm by Telephone:

(212) 815-5444

Your delivery of this letter of transmittal will not be valid unless you deliver it to one of the addresses, or transmit it to the facsimile number, set forth above. Please carefully read this entire document, including the instructions, before completing this letter of transmittal. Do not deliver this letter of transmittal to ConAgra Foods, Inc. (“ConAgra Foods”).

By completing this letter of transmittal, you acknowledge that you have received ConAgra Foods’ prospectus, dated                     , 2007, and this letter of transmittal, which together constitute the “exchange offer.” This letter of transmittal and the prospectus have been delivered to you in connection with ConAgra Foods’ offer to exchange $1,000, or integral multiples thereof, in principal amount of its 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017, which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “exchange notes”), for $1,000, or integral multiples thereof, in principal amount of its outstanding 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017 (the “outstanding notes”). Currently, $499,999,000 in principal amount of the outstanding notes are issued and outstanding.


ConAgra Foods reserves the right, at any time or from time to time, to extend this exchange offer at its discretion, in which event the expiration date will mean the latest date and time to which the offer to exchange is extended.

This letter of transmittal is to be completed by the holder (as defined below) of outstanding notes if:

(1) the holder is delivering certificates for outstanding notes with this letter of transmittal, or

(2) the tender of certificates for outstanding notes will be made by book-entry transfer to the account maintained by The Bank of New York, the exchange agent, for the outstanding notes and the exchange notes, at The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) according to the procedures described in the prospectus under the headings “The Exchange Offer – Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes” and “– Book-Entry Transfer.” Please note that delivery of documents required by this letter of transmittal to DTC does not constitute delivery to the exchange agent.

A holder may also tender its outstanding notes by means of DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program (“ATOP”), subject to the terms and procedures of that system. If delivery is made through ATOP, the holder must transmit an agent’s message to the exchange account at DTC. The term “agent’s message” means a message, transmitted to DTC and received by the exchange agent and forming a part of a book-entry transfer, that states that DTC has received an express acknowledgement that the holder agrees to be bound by the letter of transmittal and that ConAgra Foods may enforce the letter of transmittal against the holder.

You may tender your outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures described in this letter of transmittal if:

(1) your outstanding notes are not immediately available; or

(2) you cannot deliver your outstanding notes, this letter of transmittal and all required documents to the exchange agent or complete the procedures for book-entry transfer before the expiration date.

More complete information about guaranteed delivery procedures is contained in the prospectus under the heading “The Exchange Offer – Guaranteed Delivery Procedures.” You should also read Instruction 1 to determine whether or not this section applies to you.

As used in this letter of transmittal, the term “holder” means (1) any person in whose name outstanding notes are registered on the books of ConAgra Foods, (2) any other person who has obtained a properly executed bond power from a registered holder or (3) any person whose outstanding notes are held of record by DTC who desires to deliver such notes by book-entry transfer at DTC. If you decide to tender your outstanding notes, you must complete this entire letter of transmittal unless you tender your outstanding notes by means of ATOP.

You must follow the instructions in this letter of transmittal. Please read this entire document carefully.

If you have questions or need help, or if you would like additional copies of the prospectus and this letter of transmittal, you should contact the exchange agent at (212) 815-5444 or at its address set forth above.

The method of delivery of outstanding notes, letters of transmittal and all other required documents are at the election and risk of the holders. ConAgra Foods recommends that you use an overnight or hand delivery service, properly insured, rather than regular mail. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to assure timely delivery. No letters of transmittal or outstanding notes should be sent to ConAgra Foods.

The undersigned has completed the appropriate boxes below and signed this letter of transmittal to indicate the action the undersigned desires to take with respect to the exchange offer.

 

2


List below the outstanding notes to which this letter of transmittal relates. If the space provided below is inadequate, the certificate numbers, principal amount of outstanding notes and principal amount of outstanding notes tendered should be listed on a separate signed schedule affixed hereto.

 

DESCRIPTION OF OUTSTANDING NOTES
Name(s) and Address(es) of Certificate
Holder(s)
(Please Complete if Blank)
   Certificate
Number(s)*
   Aggregate
Principal
Amount of
Outstanding
Notes
   Principal Amount
of Outstanding
Notes Tendered**
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
      Total:            

*       Need not be completed if outstanding notes are being tendered by book-entry transfer.

**     You will be deemed to have tendered the entire principal amount of outstanding notes represented in the column labeled “Aggregate Principal Amount of Outstanding Notes” unless you indicate otherwise in the applicable column labeled “Principal Amount of Outstanding Notes Tendered.”

By crediting the outstanding notes to the exchange agent’s account at DTC using the ATOP and by complying with applicable ATOP procedures with respect to the exchange offer, including, if applicable, transmitting to the exchange agent an agent’s message in which the holder of the outstanding notes acknowledges and agrees to be bound by the terms of, and makes the representations and warranties contained in, this letter of transmittal, the participant in DTC confirms on behalf of itself and the beneficial owners of such outstanding notes all provisions of this letter of transmittal (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 of transmittal to the exchange agent.

PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.

(REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)

 

3


 

¨  CHECK HERE IF YOU HAVE ENCLOSED OUTSTANDING NOTES WITH THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

 

COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING ONLY IF YOU ARE AN ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION (THIS TERM IS DEFINED BELOW):

 

Name of Tendering Institution:                                                                                                                                   

 

Account Number:                                                                                                                                                        

 

Transaction Code Number:                                                                                                                                         

 

¨  CHECK HERE AND ENCLOSE A PHOTOCOPY OF THE NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY IF YOU ARE DELIVERING TENDERED OUTSTANDING NOTES THROUGH A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY, AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:

 

Name(s) of Registered Holder(s) of Outstanding Notes:                                                                                           

 

Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery:                                                                                              

 

Window Ticket Number (if available):                                                                                                                      

 

Name of Institution that Guaranteed Delivery:                                                                                                          

 

Account Number (if delivered by book-entry transfer):                                                                                            

 

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

 

Name of Broker-Dealer:                                                                                                                                            

 

Address to which copies of the prospectus are to be delivered:                                                                              

 

 

 

4


SPECIAL ISSUANCE AND SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

 

SPECIAL ISSUANCE

INSTRUCTIONS

(See Instructions 4, 5 and 6)

 

Complete this section ONLY if: (1) certificates for untendered outstanding notes are to be issued in the name of someone other than you; (2) certificates for exchange notes issued in exchange for tendered and accepted outstanding notes are to be issued in the name of someone other than you; or (3) outstanding notes tendered by book-entry transfer that are not exchanged are to be returned by credit to an account maintained at DTC other than the account of the person signing this letter of transmittal.

 

Issue Certificate(s) to:

 

Name(s)                                                                       

(Please Type or Print)

 

(Please Type or Print)

 

Address                                                                        

 

(Include Zip Code)

 

 

(Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number)

 

Credit unexchanged outstanding 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 DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

(See Instructions 4, 5 and 6)

 

 

 

Complete this section ONLY if certificates for untendered outstanding notes, or exchange notes issued in exchange for tendered and accepted outstanding notes, are to be sent to someone other than you, or to you at an address other than the address shown above.

 

Mail and Deliver Certificate(s) to:

 

Name(s)                                                                       

(Please Type or Print)

 

 

(Please Type or Print)

 

Address                                                                        

 

(Include Zip Code)

IMPORTANT: This letter of transmittal or a facsimile thereof or an agent’s message in lieu thereof (together with the certificates for outstanding notes or a book-entry confirmation and all other required documents) must be received by the exchange agent prior to the expiration date.

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING ANY BOX ABOVE.

PLEASE ALSO COMPLETE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 OR APPROPRIATE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (“IRS”) FORM W-8.

 

5


Ladies and Gentlemen:

According to the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, I hereby tender to ConAgra Foods the principal amount of outstanding notes indicated above. At the time these notes are accepted by ConAgra Foods, and exchanged for the same principal amount of exchange notes, I will sell, assign, and transfer to ConAgra Foods all right, title and interest in and to the outstanding notes that I have tendered. I am aware that the exchange agent also acts as the agent of ConAgra Foods. By executing this document, I irrevocably appoint the exchange agent as my agent and attorney-in-fact for the tendered outstanding notes with full power of substitution to:

(1) deliver certificates for the outstanding notes, or transfer ownership if the outstanding notes on the account books maintained by DTC, to ConAgra Foods and deliver all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity to ConAgra Foods; and

(2) present the outstanding notes for transfer on the books of ConAgra Foods, receive all benefits and exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of these outstanding notes, according to the terms of the exchange offer. The power of attorney granted in this paragraph is irrevocable and coupled with an interest.

I represent and warrant that I have full power and authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer the outstanding notes that I am tendering. I represent and warrant that ConAgra Foods will acquire good and unencumbered title to the outstanding notes, free and clear of all liens, claims, interests, restrictions, charges and encumbrances of any kind and that the outstanding notes will not be subject to any adverse claim at the time ConAgra Foods acquires them. I further represent that:

(1) any exchange notes I will acquire under the exchange offer will be acquired in the ordinary course of business;

(2) I have not engaged in, do not intend to engage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to engage in, a distribution, within the meaning of the Securities Act, of any exchange notes issued to me;

(3) I am not a broker-dealer tendering outstanding notes acquired directly from ConAgra Foods for my own account;

(4) I am not an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of ConAgra Foods; and

(5) I am not prohibited by any law or policy of the SEC from participating in the exchange offer.

I further represent and warrant that I am either (A) not (1) an employee benefit plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), (2) a plan subject to section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (together with an employee benefit plan subject to ERISA, a “Plan”), (3) an entity whose underlying assets include the assets of a Plan, (4) a governmental plan, as defined in section 3(32) of ERISA (a “Governmental Plan”), (5) a church plan, as defined in section 3(33) of ERISA, that has not made an election under section 410(d) of the Code (a “Church Plan”) or (6) a non-U.S. plan; (B) a Plan or an entity whose underlying assets include the assets of a Plan and either (1) am acquiring the exchange notes in reliance on the availability of a prohibited transaction exemption contained in ERISA or the Code or granted by the Department of Labor and the acquisition and holding of the exchange notes will not result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under section 406(b) of ERISA or section 4975(C)(1)(E) or (F) of the Code or (2) will provide an opinion of counsel satisfactory to ConAgra Foods that such acquisition and holding is not a prohibited transaction under section 406 of ERISA or section 4975 of the Code, or (C) a Governmental Plan, a Church Plan or a non-U.S. plan that is not subject to (1) ERISA, (2) section 4975 of the Code or (3) any U.S. federal, state, or local laws or non-U.S. laws that regulate its investments and that prohibits or taxes (in terms of an excise or penalty tax) the acquisition of the exchange notes. I will notify ConAgra Foods immediately if, at any time, I am no longer able to make the representations contained above.

I understand that the exchange offer is being made in reliance on interpretations contained in letters issued to third parties by the staff of the SEC. These letters provide that the exchange notes issued in exchange for the outstanding notes in the exchange offer may be offered for resale, resold, and otherwise transferred by a holder of

 

6


exchange notes, unless that person is an “affiliate” of ConAgra Foods within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act. The exchange notes must be acquired in the ordinary course of the holder’s business and the holder must not be engaging in, must not intend to engage in, and must not have any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes.

I understand that the terms and conditions of the exchange offer shall be deemed to be incorporated in, and form a part of, this letter of transmittal, which shall be read and construed accordingly.

If I am a broker-dealer that will receive exchange notes for my own account in exchange for outstanding notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, I acknowledge that I will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. However, by this acknowledgement and by delivering a prospectus, I will not be deemed to admit that I am an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

Upon request, I will execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the exchange agent or ConAgra Foods to be necessary or desirable to complete the assignment, transfer and purchase of the outstanding notes I have tendered.

I understand that ConAgra Foods will be deemed to have accepted validly tendered outstanding notes when ConAgra Foods gives oral (promptly confirmed in writing) or written notice of acceptance to the exchange agent.

If, for any reason, any tendered outstanding notes are not accepted for exchange in the exchange offer, certificates for those unaccepted outstanding notes will be returned to me without charge at the address shown below or at a different address if one is listed under “Special Delivery Instructions.” Any unaccepted outstanding notes which had been tendered by book-entry transfer will be credited to an account at DTC, as soon as reasonably possible after the expiration date.

All authority granted or agreed to be granted by this letter of transmittal will survive my death, incapacity or, if I am a corporation or institution, my dissolution and every obligation under this letter of transmittal is binding upon my heirs, personal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, assigns, trustees in bankruptcy and other legal representatives.

I understand that tenders of outstanding notes according to the procedures described in the prospectus under the heading “The Exchange Offer – Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes” and in the instructions included in this letter of transmittal constitute a binding agreement between myself and ConAgra Foods subject to the terms and conditions of the exchange offer.

Unless I have given other instructions in this letter of transmittal under the section “Special Issuance Instructions,” please issue the certificates representing exchange notes issued and accepted in exchange for my tendered and accepted outstanding notes in my name, and issue any replacement certificates for outstanding notes not tendered or not exchanged in my name. Similarly, unless I have instructed otherwise under the section “Special Delivery Instructions,” please send the certificates representing the exchange notes issued in exchange for tendered and accepted outstanding notes and any certificates for outstanding notes that were not tendered or exchanged, as well as any accompanying documents, to me at the address shown below my signature. If the “Special Issuance Instructions” and the “Special Delivery Instructions” are completed, please issue the certificates representing the exchange notes issued in exchange for my tendered and accepted outstanding notes in the name(s) of, and/or return any outstanding notes that were not tendered or exchanged and send such certificates to, the person(s) so indicated. I understand that if ConAgra Foods does not accept any of the tendered outstanding notes for exchange, ConAgra Foods has no obligation to transfer any outstanding notes from the name of the registered holder(s) according to my instructions in the “Special Issuance Instructions” and “Special Delivery Instructions” sections of this document.

THE UNDERSIGNED, BY COMPLETING THE BOX ENTITLED “DESCRIPTION OF OUTSTANDING NOTES” ABOVE AND SIGNING THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE TENDERED THE OUTSTANDING NOTES AS SET FORTH IN SUCH BOX ABOVE.

 

7


IN ORDER TO VALIDLY TENDER OUTSTANDING NOTES FOR EXCHANGE, HOLDERS OF OUTSTANDING NOTES MUST COMPLETE, EXECUTE AND DELIVER THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

Except as stated in the prospectus, all authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall survive the death, incapacity, or dissolution of the undersigned, and any obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives, executives, administrators, successors, assigns, trustees in bankruptcy and other legal representatives of the undersigned.

 

PLEASE SIGN HERE WHETHER OR NOT OUTSTANDING NOTES ARE

BEING PHYSICALLY TENDERED HEREBY

 

 

Signature of Owner

 

Date:                                                                                                                                                                           

 

Area Code and Telephone Number:                                                                                                                         

 

Tax Identification or Social Security Number(s):                                                                                                   

 

The above lines must be signed by the registered holder(s) of outstanding notes as their name(s) appear(s) on the certificate(s) for the outstanding notes or a DTC security position listing or by person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by a properly completed bond power from the registered holder(s). A copy of the completed bond power must be delivered with this letter of transmittal. If any outstanding notes tendered through this letter of transmittal are held of record by two or more joint holders, then all such holders must sign this letter of transmittal. If the signature is by trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, then such person must (1) state his or her full title below and (2) unless waived by ConAgra Foods, submit evidence satisfactory to ConAgra Foods of such person’s authority to act on behalf of the holder. See Instruction 4 for more information about completing this letter of transmittal.

 

Name(s):                                                                                                                                                                     

(Please Type or Print)

 

Capacity:                                                                                                                                                                     

 

Address:                                                                                                                                                                      

(Include Zip Code)

 

Signature Guarantee

(If required by Instruction 4)

 

Signature(s) Guaranteed By

An Eligible Institution:                                                                                                                                            

(Authorized Signature)

 

(Title)

 

(Name and Firm)

 

Date:                                                                                                                                                                           

 

8


Please complete the Substitute Form W-9 below.

 

PAYOR’S NAME: The Bank of New York

     

SUBSTITUTE

Form W-9

 

Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service

 

Payer’s Request for Taxpayer Identification Number (“TIN”) and Certification

   Part 1 — PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR TIN (OR IF AWAITING A TIN, WRITE “APPLIED FOR”) IN THE BOX AT RIGHT AND CERTIFY BY SIGNING AND DATING BELOW    TIN                                          
(Social Security Number or
Employer Identification
Number)
  

Part 2For Payees Exempt From Backup Withholding

(See Instruction 7)

 

Part 3Certification-Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:

 

(1) The number shown on this form is my correct TIN (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me), and

 

(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 (the “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).

 

The IRS does not require your consent to any provision of this document other than the certifications required to avoid backup withholding.

 

   
    

SIGNATURE                                                                                           

 

    

DATE                                                                                                       

 

You must cross out item (2) in Part 3 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because of underreporting interest or dividends on your tax return.

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU WROTE “APPLIED FOR” IN PART 1 OF THE 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 that I mailed or delivered an application to receive a Taxpayer Identification Number to the appropriate IRS Center or Social Security Administration Office (or I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future). I understand that if I do not provide a Taxpayer Identification Number to the Payor within 60 days, the Payor is required to withhold 28% of all reportable payments made to me thereafter until I provide a number.

SIGNATURE                                                                          DATE                        

 

NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN A $50 PENALTY IMPOSED BY THE IRS AND IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 28% OF ANY REPORTABLE PAYMENTS. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

 

9


INSTRUCTIONS

Forming Part of the Terms and Conditions of the Exchange Offer

1. Delivery of This Letter of Transmittal and Outstanding Notes.

The tendered outstanding notes or a confirmation of book-entry delivery, as well as a properly completed and executed copy or facsimile of this letter of transmittal or an agent’s message through ATOP and any other required documents must be received by the exchange agent at its address listed on the cover of this document before the expiration date. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DELIVERY OF THE OUTSTANDING NOTES, THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT. EXCEPT UNDER THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED BELOW, THE DELIVERY OF THESE DOCUMENTS WILL BE CONSIDERED TO HAVE BEEN MADE ONLY WHEN ACTUALLY RECEIVED OR CONFIRMED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT. WHILE THE METHOD OF DELIVERY IS AT YOUR RISK AND CHOICE, CONAGRA FOODS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU USE AN OVERNIGHT OR HAND DELIVERY SERVICE, PROPERLY INSURED, RATHER THAN REGULAR MAIL. YOU SHOULD SEND YOUR DOCUMENTS WELL BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE TO ENSURE RECEIPT BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT. YOU MAY REQUEST THAT YOUR BROKER, DEALER, COMMERCIAL BANK, TRUST COMPANY OR NOMINEE DELIVER YOUR OUTSTANDING NOTES, THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT. DO NOT SEND YOUR OUTSTANDING NOTES TO CONAGRA FOODS.

If you wish to tender your outstanding notes, but:

(a) your outstanding notes are not immediately available; or

(b) you cannot deliver your outstanding notes, this letter of transmittal and all required documents to the exchange agent or complete the procedures for book-entry transfer before the expiration date;

you may tender your outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedure. A summary of this procedure follows, but you should read the section in the prospectus titled “The Exchange Offer – Guaranteed Delivery Procedures” for more complete information. As used in this letter of transmittal, an “Eligible Institution” is (a) a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.; (b) a commercial bank having an office or correspondent in the United States; (c) a trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States; or (d) an eligible guarantor institution as provided by Rule 17Ad-15 of the Exchange Act.

For a tender made through the guaranteed delivery procedure to be valid, the exchange agent must receive a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery or a facsimile of that notice before the expiration date. The Notice of Guaranteed Delivery must be delivered by an Eligible Institution and must:

(a) state your name and address;

(b) list the certificate numbers and principal amounts of the outstanding notes being tendered;

(c) state that tender of your outstanding notes is being made through the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery; and

(d) guarantee that this letter of transmittal, the certificates representing the outstanding notes, or a confirmation of DTC book-entry transfer, and all other required documents will be deposited with the exchange agent by the Eligible Institution within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date.

The exchange agent must receive your outstanding notes certificates, or a confirmation of DTC book-entry, in proper form for transfer, this letter of transmittal and all required documents within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date or your tender will be invalid and may not be accepted for exchange.

 

10


ConAgra Foods has the sole right to decide any questions about the validity, form, eligibility, time of receipt, acceptance or withdrawal of tendered outstanding notes, and its decision will be final and binding. ConAgra Foods’ interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, including the instructions contained in this letter of transmittal and in the prospectus under the heading “The Exchange Offer – Conditions,” will be final and binding on all parties.

ConAgra Foods has the absolute right to reject any or all of the tendered outstanding notes if:

(1) the outstanding notes are not properly tendered; or

(2) in the opinion of ConAgra Foods’ counsel, the acceptance of those outstanding notes would be unlawful.

ConAgra Foods may also decide to waive any conditions, defects or invalidity of tender of outstanding notes and accept such outstanding notes for exchange. Any defect or invalidity in the tender of outstanding notes that is not waived by ConAgra Foods must be cured within the period of time set by ConAgra Foods.

It is your responsibility to identify and cure any defect or invalidity in the tender of your outstanding notes. Your tender of outstanding notes will not be considered to have been made until any defect is cured or waived. Neither ConAgra Foods, the exchange agent nor any other person is required to notify you that your tender was invalid or defective, and no one will be liable for any failure to notify you of such a defect or invalidity in your tender of outstanding notes. As soon as reasonably possible after the expiration date, the exchange agent will return to the tendering holder any outstanding notes that were invalidly tendered if the defect of invalidity has not been cured or waived.

2. Tender by Holder.

You must be a holder of outstanding notes in order to participate in the exchange offer. If you are a beneficial holder of outstanding notes who wishes to tender, but you are not the registered holder, you must arrange with the registered holder to execute and deliver this letter of transmittal on his, her or its behalf. Before completing and executing this letter of transmittal and delivering the registered holder’s outstanding notes, you must either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the outstanding notes in your name, or obtain a properly executed bond power from the registered holder. The transfer of registered ownership of outstanding notes may take a long period of time.

3. Partial Tenders.

If you are tendering less than the entire principal amount of outstanding notes represented by a certificate, you should fill in the principal amount you are tendering in the fourth column of the box entitled “Description of Outstanding Notes.” The entire principal amount of outstanding notes listed on the certificate delivered to the exchange agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless you fill in the appropriate box. If the entire principal amount of all outstanding notes is not tendered, a certificate will be issued for the principal amount of those outstanding notes not tendered.

Unless a different address is provided in the appropriate box on this letter of transmittal, certificate(s) representing exchange notes issued in exchange for any tendered and accepted outstanding notes will be sent to the registered holder at his, her or its registered address, promptly after the outstanding notes are accepted for exchange. In the case of outstanding notes tendered by book-entry transfer, any untendered outstanding notes and any exchange notes issued in exchange for tendered and accepted outstanding notes will be credited to accounts at DTC.

 

11


4. Signatures on this Letter of Transmittal; Bond Powers and Endorsements; Guarantee of Signatures.

 

   

If you are the registered holder of the outstanding notes tendered with this document, and are signing this letter of transmittal, your signature must match exactly with the name(s) written on the face of the outstanding notes or the DTC security position listing. There can be no alteration, enlargement or change in your signature in any manner. If certificates representing the exchange notes, or certificates issued to replace any outstanding notes you have not tendered are to be issued to you as the registered holder, do not endorse any tendered outstanding notes, and do not provide a separate bond power.

 

   

If you are not the registered holder, or if exchange note or any replacement outstanding note certificates will be issued to someone other than you, you must either properly endorse the outstanding notes you have tendered or deliver with this letter of transmittal a properly completed separate bond power. Please note that the signatures on any endorsement or bond power must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

 

   

If you are signing this letter of transmittal but are not the registered holder(s) of any outstanding notes listed on this document under the “Description of Outstanding Notes,” the outstanding notes tendered must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate bond powers, in each case signed in the name of the registered holder(s) exactly as it appears on the outstanding notes. Please note that the signatures on any endorsement or bond power must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

 

   

If this letter of transmittal, any outstanding notes tendered or any bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, that person must indicate their title or capacity when signing. Unless waived by ConAgra Foods, evidence satisfactory to ConAgra Foods of that person’s authority to act must be submitted with this letter of transmittal. Please note that the signatures on any endorsement or bond power must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

 

   

All signatures on this letter of transmittal must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution unless one of the following situations apply:

 

   

If this letter of transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the outstanding notes tendered with this letter of transmittal and such holder(s) has not completed the box titled “Special Issuance Instructions” or the box titled “Special Delivery Instructions;” or

 

   

If the outstanding notes are tendered for the account of an Eligible Institution.

5. Special Issuance and Special Delivery Instructions.

If different from the name and address of the person signing this letter of transmittal, you should indicate, in the applicable box or boxes, the name and address where exchange notes issued in exchange for tendered and accepted outstanding notes or outstanding notes issued in replacement for any untendered or tendered but unaccepted outstanding notes should be issued or sent. If exchange notes or replacement outstanding notes are to be issued in a different name, you must indicate the taxpayer identification or social security number of the person named.

6. Transfer Taxes.

ConAgra Foods will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of outstanding notes in the exchange offer. However, transfer taxes will be payable by you (or by the tendering holder if you are signing this letter on behalf of a tendering holder) if:

 

   

certificates representing exchange notes or notes issued to replace any outstanding notes not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be registered or issued in the name of, a person other than the registered holder;

 

12


   

tendered outstanding notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing this letter of transmittal; or

 

   

a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of outstanding notes according to the exchange offer.

If satisfactory evidence of the payment of those taxes or an exemption from payment is not submitted with this letter of transmittal, the amount of those transfer taxes will be billed directly to the tendering holder. Until those transfer taxes are paid, ConAgra Foods will not be required to deliver any exchange notes required to be delivered to, or at the direction of, such tendering holder.

Except as provided in this Instruction 6, it is not necessary for transfer tax stamps to be attached to the outstanding notes listed in this letter of transmittal.

7. Substitute Form W-9.

You must provide the exchange agent with a correct Taxpayer Identification Number (“TIN”) for the holder on the enclosed Substitute Form W-9. If the holder is an individual, the TIN is his or her social security number. If you do not provide the required information on the Substitute Form W-9, you may be subject to a 28% federal income tax withholding on certain payments made to the holders of exchange notes. Certain holders, such as corporations and certain foreign individuals, are not subject to these backup withholding and reporting requirements. For additional information, please read the enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9. To prove to the exchange agent that a foreign individual qualifies as an exempt holder, the foreign individual must submit the appropriate IRS Form W-8, signed under penalties of perjury, certifying as to that individual’s exempt status. You can obtain the appropriate IRS Form W-8 from the exchange agent.

8. Waiver of Conditions.

ConAgra Foods may choose, at any time and for any reason, to amend, waive or modify certain of the conditions to the exchange offer. The conditions applicable to tenders of outstanding notes in the exchange offer are described in the prospectus under the heading “The Exchange Offer – Conditions.”

ConAgra Foods reserves the right (subject to the limitations described in the prospectus) to waive satisfaction of any or all conditions enumerated in the prospectus prior to the expiration date.

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

If your outstanding notes have been mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed, you should contact the exchange agent at the address listed on the cover page of this document for further instructions.

10. Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies.

If you have questions or need assistance with respect to exchange offer procedures or would like to receive additional copies of the prospectus or this letter of transmittal, you should contact the exchange agent at the address listed in the prospectus. You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the exchange offer.

 

13


GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

Guidelines for Determining the Proper Identification Number to Give the Payer—Social Security numbers have nine digits separated by two hyphens: i.e., 000-00-0000. Employer identification numbers have nine digits separated by one hyphen: i.e., 00-0000000. The table below will help determine the number to give the payer.

 

For this type of account:

 

Give the NAME AND SOCIAL
SECURITY NUMBER OF —

  For this type of account:   Give the NAME AND
EMPLOYER
IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER OF —

1.      An individual

  The individual   6.      A valid Trust,
estate or pension trust
  Legal entity(4)

2.      Two or more individuals (joint account)

  The actual owner of the account, or, if combined funds, the first individual on the account(1)   7.      Corporate or LLC
electing corporate
status on IRS Form
8832
  The corporation

3.      Custodian account of a minor (Uniform Gift to Minors Act)

  The minor(2)   8.      Association, club,
religious, charitable,
education, or other
tax-exempt
organization
  The organization

4.a    The usual revocable savings trust (grantor is also trustee)

  The grantor-trustee(1)   9.      Partnership or multi-
member LLC
  The partnership

   b.  So-called trust account that is not a legal or valid trust under state law

  The actual owner(1)    

5.      Sole proprietorship or single-owner LLC

  The owner(3)   10.    A broker or
registered nominee
  The broker or
nominee or single-
owner
    11.    Account with
the Department of
Agriculture in the
name of a public
entity (such as a state
or local government,
school district, or
prison) that receives
agriculture program
payments
  The public entity

(1) List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. If only one person on a joint account has a social security number, that person’s number must be furnished.
(2) Circle the minor’s name and furnish the minor’s social security number.
(3) You must show your individual name, but you may also enter your business or “doing business as” name. You may use either your social security number or employer identification number (if you have one).
(4) List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate, or pension trust. (Do not furnish the identifying number of the person, representative or trustee unless the legal entity itself is not designated in the account title.)

 

NOTE: IF NO NAME IS CIRCLED WHEN MORE THAN ONE NAME IS LISTED, THE NUMBER WILL BE CONSIDERED TO BE THAT OF THE FIRST NAME LISTED.

 

14


INSTRUCTIONS TO GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

Purpose of Form

A person who is required to file an information return with the IRS must get your correct taxpayer identification number to report, for example, income paid to you, real estate transactions, mortgage interest you paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt or contributions you made to an individual retirement account. Use Substitute Form W-9 to give your correct taxpayer identification number to the person requesting your taxpayer identification number and, when applicable, (1) to certify the taxpayer identification number you are giving is correct (or you are waiting for a number to be issued), (2) to certify you are not subject to backup withholding, or (3) to claim exemption from backup withholding if you are an exempt payee. The taxpayer identification number must match the name given on the Substitute Form W-9.

Obtaining a Number

If you do not have a taxpayer identification number or you do not know your number, obtain IRS Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Number Card, at the local office of the Social Security Administration or on-line at www.ssa.gov/online/ss5.html. You may also get this form by calling 1-800-772-1213. Use IRS Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (“ITIN”) to apply for an ITIN or IRS Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, to apply for an EIN. You can get IRS Forms W-7 and SS-4 from the IRS by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) or from the IRS website at www.irs.gov.

If you do not have a number, write “Applied For” in the space for the taxpayer identification number in Part 1, sign and date the Substitute Form W-9 and return it to the payor. You must provide a payor with a taxpayer identification number within 60 days. During this 60-day period, a payor has two options for withholding on reportable interest or dividend payments:

(1) a payor must backup withhold on any withdrawals you make from the account after 7 business days after a payor receives the Substitute Form W-9: or

(2) a payor must backup withhold on any reportable interest or dividend payments made to your account, regardless of whether you make any withdrawals. Under this option, backup withholding must begin no later than 7 business days after a payor receives the Substitute Form W-9. Under this option, a payor must refund the amounts withheld if a payor receives your certified taxpayer identification number within the 60-day period and you are not otherwise subject to backup withholding during the period.

With respect to other reportable payments, if a payor does not receive your taxpayer identification number within the 60 days, a payor must backup withhold until you furnish your taxpayer identification number.

Certification

For interest, dividends and broker transactions, you must sign the certification or backup withholding will apply. If you are subject to backup withholding and you are merely providing your correct taxpayer identification number to a payor, you must cross out item 2 in Part 3 before signing the form.

Payees and Payments Exempt from Backup Withholding

Payees specifically exempted from backup withholding on ALL payments include the following:

 

   

An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or an individual retirement account or a custodial account under section 403(b)(7) of the Code if the account satisfies the requirements of section 401(f)(2) of the Code.

 

   

The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.

 

15


   

A State, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities.

 

   

A foreign government or any of its political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities.

 

   

An international organization or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.

Other payees that may be exempt from backup withholding include the following:

 

   

A corporation.

 

   

A financial institution.

 

   

A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in the United States, the District of Columbia, or a possession of the United States.

 

   

A real estate investment trust.

 

   

A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a) of the Code.

 

   

An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

   

A foreign central bank of issue.

 

   

A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

 

   

A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or custodian.

 

   

An exempt charitable reminder trust, or a non-exempt trust described in section 4947 of the Code.

Payments of interest not generally subject to backup withholding include the following:

 

   

Payments of interest on obligations issued by individuals. NOTE: You may be subject to backup withholding if this interest is $600 or more and is paid in the course of the payor’s trade or business and you have not provided your current taxpayer identification number to the payor.

 

   

Payments of tax-exempt interest (including exempt interest dividends under section 852 of the Code).

 

   

Payments described in section 6049(b)(5) of the Code to non-resident aliens.

 

   

Payments on tax-free covenant funds under section 1451 of the Code.

 

   

Payments made by certain foreign organizations.

EXEMPT PAYEES DESCRIBED ABOVE SHOULD FILE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 TO AVOID POSSIBLE ERRONEOUS BACKUP WITHHOLDING. FILE THIS FORM WITH THE PAYOR. FURNISH YOUR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. ALSO SIGN AND DATE THE FORM.

Certain payments other than interest, dividends, and patronage dividends that are not subject to information reporting are also not subject to backup withholding. For details, see sections 6041, 6041A, 6042, 6044, 6045, 6049, 6050A and 6050N of the Code and their regulations.

Privacy Act Notice

Section 6109 of the Code requires recipients of dividend, interest, or other payments to give taxpayer identification numbers to payors who must report the payments to the IRS. The IRS uses the numbers for identification purposes. The Payor must be given the numbers whether or not recipients are required to file the tax returns. Payors must generally withhold 28% of taxable interest, dividend and certain other payments to a payee who does not furnish a taxpayer identification number to a payor. The penalties described below may also apply.

 

16


Penalties

(1) Penalty for Failure to Furnish Taxpayer Identification Number. If you fail to furnish your taxpayer identification number to a payor, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.

(2) Civil Penalty for False Information with Respect to Withholding. If you make a false statement with no reasonable basis that results in no backup withholding, you are subject to a penalty of $500.

(3) Criminal Penalty for Falsifying Information. Willfully falsifying certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR TAX ADVISOR OR THE IRS

 

17

EX-99.2 11 dex992.htm FORM OF NOTICE OF GUARNTEED DELIVERY WITH RESPECT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER Form of Notice of Guarnteed Delivery with respect to the Exchange Offer

Exhibit 99.2

NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY

FOR

LOGO

5.819% Senior Notes Due 2017

 

THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON                     , 2007, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED (SUCH DATE AND TIME, AS IT MAY BE EXTENDED, THE “EXPIRATION DATE”). OUTSTANDING NOTES TENDERED IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER MAY BE WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.

 

As set forth in the prospectus, dated                     , 2007 (the “prospectus”), of ConAgra Foods, Inc. (“ConAgra Foods”) and in the related letter of transmittal, this form or one substantially similar must be used to accept ConAgra Foods’ offer to exchange all of its outstanding 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017 (the “outstanding notes”) for its 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017, which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, if certificates for the outstanding notes are not immediately available or if the outstanding notes, the letter of transmittal or any other required documents cannot be delivered to the exchange agent, or the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed, prior to the expiration date (as defined above). This form may be delivered by an Eligible Institution by hand or overnight courier or transmitted by facsimile transmission or mailed to the exchange agent as indicated below.

Delivery to:

The Bank of New York

As Exchange Agent

By Registered or Certified Mail:

The Bank of New York

101 Barclay Street, Floor 7E

New York, NY 10286

Attn: Reorg Department

 

  

By Overnight Courier or Hand Delivery:

The Bank of New York 101

Barclay Street, Floor 7E

New York, NY 10286

Attn: Reorg Department

 

By Facsimile Transmission:

(212) 815-5704

  

Confirm by Telephone:

(212) 815-5444

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

This form is not to be used to guarantee signatures. If a signature on the letter of transmittal to be used to tender outstanding notes 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 letter of transmittal.


Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned hereby tenders to ConAgra Foods, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the prospectus and in the related letter of transmittal, which together constitute the “exchange offer,” receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, outstanding notes pursuant to guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in Instruction 1 to the letter of transmittal.

The undersigned understands that tenders of outstanding notes will be accepted only in principal amounts equal to $1,000 or integral multiples thereof. The undersigned understands that tenders of outstanding notes pursuant to the exchange offer may be withdrawn only in accordance with the procedures set forth in “The Exchange Offer – Withdrawal of Tenders” section of the prospectus.

All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred by this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery shall survive the death, incapacity or dissolution of the undersigned and every obligation of the undersigned under this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, assigns, trustees in bankruptcy and other legal representatives of the undersigned.

NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED WHERE INDICATED BELOW.

 

Principal Amount of Outstanding Notes Tendered for Exchange:

(must be in denominations of principal amount of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof):

 

$                                                                             

 

  

(Check box if outstanding notes will be tendered by book-entry transfer)

 

¨ The Depository Trust Company

 

Account Number:                                             

  

Outstanding Note Certificate No(s). (if available):

  
     
     

 

PLEASE SIGN HERE

X _____________________________________________                     X_____________________________
Signature(s) of Owner(s) or Authorized Signatory                                                     Date                        

 

This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery must be signed by the registered holder(s) of outstanding notes
exactly as its (their) name(s) appear on certificates for outstanding notes or on a security position listing as the
owner of outstanding notes, or by person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by endorsements and
documents transmitted with this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. If signature is by a trustee, executor,
administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative
capacity, such person must set forth his or her full title below:

 

Please print name(s) and address(es)

 

Name(s)                                                                                                                                                                      

 

Capacity                                                                                                                                                                      

 

Address(es)                                                                                                                                                                

(include Zip Code)

 

Area Code and Telephone Number                                                                                                                            

 

Tax Identification or Social Security Number(s):                                                                                                     

 

 

2


 

GUARANTEE

(Not to be used for signature guarantee)

 

The undersigned, a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States or an “eligible guarantor institution” within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), hereby:

 

(a) represents that the above named person(s) own(s) the outstanding notes to be tendered within the meaning of Rule 14e-4 under the Exchange Act;

 

(b) represents that such tender of outstanding notes complies with Rule 14e-4 under the Exchange Act; and

 

(c) guarantees that delivery to the exchange agent of certificates for outstanding notes to be tendered, in proper form for transfer (or confirmation of the book-entry transfer of such outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at The Depository Trust Company, pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth in the prospectus), with delivery of a properly completed and duly executed (or manually signed facsimile) letter of transmittal with any required signatures or an agent’s message in lieu thereof and any other required documents, will be received by the exchange agent at its address set forth above within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date.

 

I HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I MUST DELIVER THE ITEMS GUARANTEED ABOVE TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH AND THAT FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN FINANCIAL LOSS TO ME.

 

Name of Firm

  

                                                                                   Authorized Signature

Address

  

Name

Zip Code

  

Title

Area Code and Tel. No.                                              

   Date                                                                              

 

NOTE: DO NOT SEND OUTSTANDING NOTES WITH THIS FORM; OUTSTANDING NOTES SHOULD BE SENT WITH YOUR LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL SO THAT THEY ARE RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT WITHIN THREE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE TRADING DAYS AFTER THE EXPIRATION DATE.

 

3

EX-99.3 12 dex993.htm FORM LETTER TO THE CLIENTS Form Letter to the Clients

Exhibit 99.3

LOGO

Offer to Exchange

All Outstanding 5.819% Senior Notes Due 2017

For

5.819% Senior Notes Due 2017

of

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

Pursuant to the Prospectus dated                     , 2007

 

THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON                     , 2007, UNLESS EXTENDED (SUCH DATE AND TIME, AS IT MAY BE EXTENDED, THE “EXPIRATION DATE”). OUTSTANDING NOTES TENDERED IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER MAY BE WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.

To Our Clients:

We are enclosing herewith a prospectus, dated                     , 2007, of ConAgra Foods, Inc. (“ConAgra Foods”) and the related letter of transmittal that together constitute the offer by ConAgra Foods (the “exchange offer”) to exchange its 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017 (the “exchange notes”), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), for a like principal amount of its issued and outstanding 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017 (the “outstanding notes”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the exchange offer.

The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum number of outstanding notes being tendered.

We or our nominee are the holder of record of outstanding notes held by us or our nominee for your own account. A tender of such outstanding notes can be made only by us as the record holder and pursuant to your instructions. The letter of transmittal is furnished to you for your information only and cannot be used by you to tender outstanding notes held by us for your account.

We request instructions as to whether you wish to tender any or all of the outstanding notes held by us for your account pursuant to the terms and conditions of the exchange offer. We also request that you confirm that we may, on your behalf, make the representations contained in the letter of transmittal.

Pursuant to the letter of transmittal, each holder of outstanding notes will represent to ConAgra Foods that:

 

  (1) any exchange notes that the holder will acquire under the exchange offer will be acquired in the ordinary course of business;

 

  (2) the holder has not engaged in, does not intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to engage in, a distribution, within the meaning of the Securities Act, of any exchange notes issued to the holder;

 

  (3) the holder is not a broker-dealer tendering outstanding notes acquired directly from ConAgra Foods for the holder’s own account;

 

  (4) the holder is not an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of ConAgra Foods; and

 

  (5) the holder is not prohibited by any law or policy of the SEC from participating in the exchange offer.


If the holder is a broker-dealer that will receive exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes, it will represent that the outstanding notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, and it will acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of those exchange notes. By acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of those exchange notes, the broker-dealer is not deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

Please return your instructions to us in the enclosed envelope within ample time to permit us to submit a tender on your behalf prior to the expiration date.

 

-2-


INSTRUCTION TO

BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY PARTICIPANT

To Participant of the DTC:

The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the prospectus, dated                     , 2007 (the “prospectus”), of ConAgra Foods, Inc. (“ConAgra Foods”), and the related letter of transmittal (the “letter of transmittal”), that together constitute ConAgra Foods’ offer (the “exchange offer”) to exchange its 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017 (the “exchange notes”), which have been registered under the Securities Act, for a like principal amount of its issued and outstanding 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017 (the “outstanding notes”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the exchange offer.

This will instruct you, The Depository Trust Company participant, as to the action to be taken by you relating to the exchange offer with respect to the outstanding notes held by you for the account of the undersigned.

The aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes held by you for the account of the undersigned is (Fill In Amount):

$             of the 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017.

With respect to the exchange offer, we hereby instruct you (check appropriate box):

 

  ¨ To Tender the following amount of outstanding notes you hold for our account (Insert principal amount of outstanding notes to be tendered, if any) (tenders will be accepted only in principal amounts of $1,000 or integral multiples thereof):

$             of the 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017.

We will be deemed to have instructed you to tender the entire aggregate principal amount of outstanding notes held by you for our account unless we indicate otherwise above.

 

  ¨ NOT To Tender any outstanding notes you hold for our account.

If we instruct you to tender the outstanding notes held by you for our account, it is understood that you are authorized to make, on behalf of us (and, by signing below, we hereby make to you), the representations contained in the letter of transmittal that are to be made with respect to us as a beneficial owner, including, but not limited to, the representations, that:

 

  (1) any exchange notes that we will acquire under the exchange offer will be acquired in the ordinary course of our business;

 

  (2) we have not engaged in, do not intend to engage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to engage in, a distribution, within the meaning of the Securities Act, of any exchange notes issued to us;

 

  (3) we are not a broker-dealer tendering outstanding notes acquired directly from ConAgra Foods for our own account;

 

  (4) we are not an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of ConAgra Foods; and

 

  (5) we are not prohibited by any law or policy of the SEC from participating in the exchange offer.

 

-3-


If we are a broker-dealer that will receive exchange notes for our own account in exchange for outstanding notes, we represent that the outstanding notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, and we acknowledge that we will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of those exchange notes. By acknowledging that we will deliver and by delivering a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such exchange notes, we are not deemed to admit that we are an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

Name of beneficial owner(s):                                                                                                                           

Signature(s):                                                                                                                                                      

Name(s) (please print):                                                                                                                                      

Address:                                                                                                                                                             

Telephone Number:                                                                                                                                           

Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number:                                                                                       

Date:                                                                                                                                                                  

 

-4-

EX-99.4 13 dex994.htm FORM LETTER TO DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY PARTICIPANTS Form Letter to Depository Trust Company Participants

Exhibit 99.4

Letter to Depository Trust Company Participants

LOGO

Offer to Exchange

All Outstanding 5.819% Senior Notes Due 2017

For

5.819% Senior Notes Due 2017

of

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

Pursuant to the Prospectus dated                     , 2007

 

THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON                     , 2007, UNLESS EXTENDED (SUCH DATE AND TIME, AS IT MAY BE EXTENDED, THE “EXPIRATION DATE”). OUTSTANDING NOTES TENDERED IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER MAY BE WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.

To Depository Trust Company Participants:

We are enclosing herewith the material listed below relating to the offer by ConAgra Foods, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “we,” “our,” “ours and us”) to exchange our 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017 (the “exchange notes”), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), for a like principal amount of our issued and outstanding 5.819% Senior Notes due 2017 (the “outstanding notes”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in our prospectus, dated                     , 2007, and the related letter of transmittal, which together constitute the “exchange offer.”

Enclosed are copies of the following documents:

 

  1. Prospectus, dated                     , 2007;

 

  2. Letter of Transmittal (together with accompanying Substitute Form W-9 Guidelines);

 

  3. Notice of Guaranteed Delivery; and

 

  4. Letter that may be sent to your clients for whose account you hold outstanding notes in your name or in the name of your nominee, with space provided for obtaining such client’s instruction with regard to the exchange offer.

We urge you to contact your clients promptly. Please note that the exchange offer will expire on the expiration date.

The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum number of outstanding notes being tendered.


Pursuant to the letter of transmittal, each holder of outstanding notes will represent to us that:

 

  (1) any exchange notes that the holder will acquire under the exchange offer will be acquired in the ordinary course of business;

 

  (2) the holder has not engaged in, does not intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to engage in, a distribution, within the meaning of the Securities Act, of any exchange notes issued to the holder;

 

  (3) the holder is not a broker-dealer tendering outstanding notes acquired directly from us for the holder’s own account;

 

  (4) the holder is not an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of ours; and

 

  (5) the holder is not prohibited by any law or policy of the SEC from participating in the exchange offer.

If the holder is a broker-dealer (whether or not it is also an “affiliate”) that will receive exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes, it will represent that the outstanding notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, and it will acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of those exchange notes. By acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of those exchange notes, the broker-dealer is not deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

The enclosed Letter to Clients contains an authorization by the beneficial owners of the outstanding notes for you to make the foregoing representations.

We will not pay any fee or commission to any broker or dealer or to any other persons (other than the exchange agent) in connection with the solicitation of tenders of outstanding notes pursuant to the exchange offer. We will pay or cause to be paid any transfer taxes payable on the transfer of outstanding notes to it, except as otherwise provided in Instruction 6 of the enclosed letter of transmittal.

Additional copies of the enclosed material may be obtained from the undersigned.

Very truly yours,

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.

 

-2-

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