S-3 1 a2157329zs-3.htm FORM S-3
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 4, 2005.

Registration Statement No. 333-            



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
  04-3164127
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

815 Chestnut Street
North Andover, Massachusetts 01845-6098
(978) 688-1811
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)


Kenneth R. Lepage
Assistant General Counsel
Watts Water Technologies, Inc.
815 Chestnut Street
North Andover, Massachusetts 01845-6098
(978) 688-1811
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)


With copies to:

David F. Dietz, P.C.
Robert P. Whalen, Jr., P.C.
Goodwin Procter LLP
Exchange Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02109-2881
(617) 570-1000

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

        If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. o

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

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

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

        If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. o


CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE


Title of Each Class of
Securities to be Registered

  Amount to
be Registered (1)

  Proposed Maximum
Offering Price
Per Unit (2)

  Proposed Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price (3)

  Amount of
Registration Fee (4)


Debt Securities (5)                

Preferred Stock (6)                

Class A Common Stock (7)                

Depositary Shares (8)                

Warrants (9)                

Stock Purchase Contracts                

Stock Purchase Units                

Total   $300,000,000   N.A.   $300,000,000   $33,369

(1)
The amount to be registered consists of up to $300,000,000 of an indeterminate amount of debt securities, preferred stock, Class A common stock, depositary shares, warrants to purchase preferred stock or Class A common stock, stock purchase contracts and/or stock purchase units. There is also being registered hereunder such currently indeterminate number of (i) shares of preferred stock and Class A common stock as may be issued upon conversion of, or in exchange for, convertible or exchangeable debt securities or preferred stock registered hereby, (ii) shares of preferred stock and Class A common stock as may be issued upon exercise of warrants registered hereby, or (iii) shares of Class A common stock as may be issued upon the sale of Class A common stock pursuant to the stock purchase contracts registered hereby, as the case may be. Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act, the $300,000,000 of debt securities, preferred stock, Class A common stock, depositary shares, warrants to purchase preferred stock or Class A common stock, stock purchase contracts and/or stock purchase units includes the amount of $24,000,000 of securities covered by the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-105989), which have not been sold.




(2)
The proposed maximum offering price per unit has been omitted pursuant to Securities Act Release No. 6964.

(3)
Estimated solely for purposes of computing the registration fee. No separate consideration will be received for preferred stock or Class A common stock issued upon conversion of debt securities or preferred stock or upon exercise of warrants.

(4)
The registration fee has been calculated in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act. The total registration fee for all $300,000,000 of these securities is $35,310. Pursuant to Rule 457(p) under the Securities Act, the amount of $24,000,000 of such securities covered by the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-105989) filed on June 10, 2003 is being carried forward and the corresponding unused registration fee of $1,941 that was previously paid in connection with such filing shall be applied to the fee payable pursuant to this Registration Statement. Accordingly, after application of this credit, the amount of $33,369 is being paid simultaneously with this filing with respect to debt securities, preferred stock, Class A common stock, depositary shares, warrants to purchase preferred stock or Class A common stock, stock purchase contracts and/or stock purchase units being registered hereunder, and no amount remains available to offset future filing fees associated with subsequent registration statements.

(5)
Including such indeterminate principal amount of debt securities as may be issued from time to time at indeterminate prices.

(6)
Including such indeterminate amount of preferred stock as may be issued from time to time at indeterminate prices or upon conversion of debt securities registered hereby or upon exercise of warrants registered hereby, as the case may be.

(7)
Including such indeterminate amount of Class A common stock as may be issued from time to time at indeterminate prices or upon conversion of debt securities or preferred stock registered hereby or upon exercise of warrants registered hereby, as the case may be.

(8)
To be represented by depositary receipts representing an interest in all or a specified portion of a share of preferred stock.

(9)
Including such indeterminate number of warrants or other rights, including without limitation share purchase or subscription rights, as may be issued from time to time at indeterminate prices.

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


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

Subject to Completion, dated May 4, 2005

Prospectus


WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

$300,000,000

Debt Securities
Preferred Stock
Class A Common Stock
Depositary Shares
Warrants
Stock Purchase Contracts
Stock Purchase Units


        This prospectus provides you with a general description of debt and equity securities that Watts Water Technologies, Inc. may offer and sell, from time to time. Each time we sell securities we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of any debt or equity securities we offer and the specific manner in which we will offer the debt or equity securities. The prospectus supplement will also contain information, where appropriate, about material United States federal income tax consequences relating to, and any listing on a securities exchange of, the debt or equity securities covered by the prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement may add to, update or change the information in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in our securities.

        Our Class A common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WTS."


        Investing in our securities involves various risks. Beginning on page 1, we discuss several "Risk Factors" that you should consider before investing in our securities.


        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is          , 2005



Table of Contents

 
  Page
RISK FACTORS   1

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

7

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

7

INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

7

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

8

ABOUT WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

9

RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 

10

HOW WE INTEND TO USE THE PROCEEDS

 

10

DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES

 

11

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

 

12

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

 

28

DESCRIPTION OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK

 

34

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

 

35

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

 

39

DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS

 

40

HOW WE PLAN TO SELL THE SECURITIES

 

41

EXPERTS

 

44

LEGAL MATTERS

 

44

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        Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to "Watts," "we," "our," "us" or "the company" in this prospectus refer to Watts Water Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation.


RISK FACTORS

        Before you invest in our securities, you should be aware that there are various risks, including those described below. You should consider carefully these risk factors together with all of the information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus before you decide whether to invest in our securities. This section includes or refers to forward-looking statements; you should read the explanation of the qualifications and limitations on such forward-looking statements discussed elsewhere in this prospectus.

We face intense competition and, if we are not able to respond to competition in our markets, our revenues may decrease.

        Competitive pressures in our markets could adversely affect our competitive position, leading to a possible loss of market share or a decrease in prices, either of which could result in decreased revenues and profits. We encounter intense competition in all areas of our business. Additionally, customers for our products are attempting to reduce the number of vendors from which they purchase in order to reduce the size and diversity of their inventories and their transaction costs. To remain competitive, we will need to invest continuously in manufacturing, marketing, customer service and support and our distribution networks. We may not have sufficient resources to continue to make such investments and we may be unable to maintain our competitive position. In addition, we anticipate that we may have to reduce the prices of some of our products to stay competitive, potentially resulting in a reduction in the profit margin for, and inventory valuation of, these products. Some of our competitors are based in foreign countries and have cost structures and prices in foreign currencies. Accordingly, currency fluctuations could cause our United States dollar-priced products to be less competitive than our competitors' products which are priced in other currencies.

Reductions or interruptions in the supply of raw materials and increases in the costs of raw materials could reduce our profit margins and adversely impact our ability to meet our customer delivery commitments.

        We require substantial amounts of raw materials, including bronze, brass, cast iron, steel and plastic and substantially all of the raw materials we require are purchased from outside sources. The availability and costs of raw materials may be subject to curtailment or change due to, among other things, new laws or regulations, suppliers' allocations to other purchasers, interruptions in production by suppliers and changes in exchange rates and worldwide price and demand levels. We are not currently party to any long-term supply agreements. Our inability to obtain adequate supplies of raw materials for our products at favorable costs, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations by decreasing our profit margins and by hindering our ability to deliver products to our customers on a timely basis. The costs of these raw materials are at the highest levels that they have been in many years. We may continue to experience further cost increases of these materials. If we are not able to continue to reduce or eliminate the effect of these cost increases through lowering other costs of production or successfully implementing price increases to our customers, such cost increases from our vendors could have a negative effect on our financial results.

Implementation of our acquisition strategy may not be successful, which could affect our ability to increase our revenues or our profitability.

        One of our strategies is to increase our revenues and profitability and expand our markets through acquisitions that will provide us with complementary water-related products and increase market share for our existing product lines. We cannot be certain that we will be able to identify, acquire or profitably manage additional companies or successfully integrate such additional companies without substantial costs, delays or other problems. Also, companies acquired recently and in the future may not achieve revenues, profitability or cash flows that justify our investment in them. We expect to spend significant time and effort in expanding our existing businesses and identifying, completing and



integrating acquisitions. We have faced increasing competition for acquisition candidates which have resulted in significant increases in the purchase prices of many acquisition candidates. This competition, and the resulting purchase price increases, may limit the number of acquisition opportunities available to us, possibly leading to a decrease in the rate of growth of our revenues and profitability. In addition, acquisitions may involve a number of special risks, including, but not limited to:

    adverse short-term effects on our reported operating results;

    diversion of management's attention;

    loss of key personnel at acquired companies; and

    unanticipated management or operational problems or legal liabilities.

Down economic cycles, particularly reduced levels of residential and non-residential starts and remodeling, could have an adverse effect on our revenues and operating results.

        We have experienced and expect to continue to experience fluctuations in revenues and operating results due to economic and business cycles. The businesses of most of our customers, particularly plumbing and heating wholesalers and home improvement retailers, are cyclical. Therefore, the level of our business activity has been cyclical, fluctuating with economic cycles. We also believe our level of business activity is influenced by residential and non-residential starts and renovation and remodeling, which are, in turn, heavily influenced by interest rates, consumer debt levels, changes in disposable income, employment growth and consumer confidence. If these and other factors cause a material reduction in residential and non-residential and remodeling starts, our revenues and profits would decrease and result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Economic and other risks associated with international sales and operations could adversely affect our business and future operating results.

        Since we sell and manufacture our products worldwide, our business is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally. Our business and future operating results could be harmed by a variety of factors, including:

    trade protection measures and import or export licensing requirements, which could increase our costs of doing business internationally;

    potentially negative consequences from changes in tax laws, which could have an adverse impact on our profits;

    difficulty in staffing and managing widespread operations, which could reduce our productivity;

    costs of compliance with differing labor regulations, especially in connection with restructuring our overseas operations;

    laws of some foreign countries, which may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States; and

    unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, which may be costly and require time to implement.

Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, particularly the euro, could materially affect our reported results.

        We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currencies, as a portion of our sales and certain portions of our costs, assets and liabilities are denominated in currencies other than United States dollars. Approximately 38.5% of our sales during the year ended December 31, 2004 were from sales outside of the United States compared to 37.4% for the year ended December 31, 2003. For the years ended

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December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the appreciation of the euro against the United States dollar had a positive impact on sales of approximately $20.9 million, $31.1 million and $7.9 million, respectively. Additionally, our Canadian operations require significant amounts of United States purchases for their operations. If our share of revenue in non-dollar denominated currencies continues to increase in future periods, exchange rate fluctuations will likely have a greater impact on our results of operations and financial condition. Further, the Chinese government may cease its utilization of a fixed rate of exchange of the Chinese RMB against the United States dollar which could adversely affect our current favorable cost structure for goods we source from our joint ventures, our wholly-owned subsidiary in China and our outside vendors.

There are risks in expanding our manufacturing operations in China.

        As part of our strategy, we are shifting a portion of our manufacturing operations to China to reduce our production costs and sell product into the Chinese market. This shift will subject a greater portion of our operations to the risks of doing business in China. The increased production levels in China require increased levels of working capital as we are rapidly increasing headcount and manufacturing equipment. If we are unable to quickly train these new employees we may experience product quality issues. The Chinese central and local government authorities have a higher degree of control over our business in China than is customary in developed economies and makes the process of obtaining necessary regulatory approval in China inherently unpredictable. In addition, the protection accorded our proprietary technology and know-how under the Chinese legal system is not as strong as in the United States and, as a result, we may lose valuable trade secrets and competitive advantage.

If we cannot continue operating our manufacturing facilities at current or higher utilization levels, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

        The equipment and management systems necessary for the operation of our manufacturing facilities may break-down, perform poorly or fail, resulting in fluctuations in our ability to manufacture our products and to achieve manufacturing efficiencies. We operate a number of manufacturing facilities, all of which are subject to this risk, and such fluctuations at any of these facilities could cause an increase in our production costs and a corresponding decrease in our profitability. We also have a vertically-integrated manufacturing process. Each segment is dependent upon the prior process and any breakdown in one segment will adversely affect all later components. Fluctuations in our production process may affect our ability to deliver products to our customers on a timely basis. Our inability to meet our delivery obligations could result in a loss of our customers and negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        In addition, our manufacturing restructuring plan, which we began in 2001, was initiated to reduce our manufacturing costs. As we transition more of our operations overseas, as a result of the manufacturing restructuring plan, we are transferring capacity utilization. If our planned manufacturing plant consolidations in the United States and Europe and our production capability expansion in China are not successful, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

If we experience delays in introducing new products or if our existing or new products do not achieve or maintain market acceptance and regulatory approvals, our revenues and our profitability may decrease.

        Our failure to develop new and innovative products or to custom design existing products could result in the loss of existing customers to competitors or the inability to attract new business, either of which may adversely affect our revenues. Our industry is characterized by:

    intense competition;

    changes in specifications required by our customers, plumbing codes and/or regulatory agencies;

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    technically complex products; and

    constant improvement to existing products and introductions of new products.

        We believe our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate or adapt to these factors and to offer, on a timely basis, products that meet customer demands and the requirements of plumbing codes and/or regulatory agencies. The development of new or enhanced products is a complex and uncertain process requiring the anticipation of technological and market trends. We may experience design, manufacturing, marketing or other difficulties, such as an inability to attract a sufficient number of experienced engineers, that could delay or prevent our development, introduction, approval or marketing of new products or enhancements and result in unexpected expenses. Such difficulties could cause us to lose business from our customers and could adversely affect our competitive position; in addition, added expenses could decrease the profitability associated with those products that do not gain market acceptance.

Environmental compliance costs and liabilities could increase our expenses or reduce our profitability.

        Our operations and properties are subject to extensive and increasingly stringent laws and regulations relating to environmental protection, including laws and regulations governing air emissions, water discharges, waste management and disposal and workplace safety. Such laws and regulations can impose substantial fines and sanctions for violations and require the installation of costly pollution control equipment or operational changes to limit pollution emissions and/or decrease the likelihood of accidental hazardous substance releases. We also could be required to halt one or more portions of our operations until a violation is cured. We could also be liable for the costs of property damage or personal injury to others. Although we attempt to operate in compliance with these environmental laws, we may not succeed in this effort at all times. The costs of curing violations or resolving enforcement actions that might be initiated by government authorities could be substantial.

        Under certain environmental laws, the current and past owners or operators of real property may be liable for the costs of cleaning up contamination, even if they did not know of or were not responsible for such contamination. These laws also impose liability on any person who arranges for the disposal or treatment of hazardous waste at any site. Therefore, our ownership and operation of real property and our disposal of waste could lead to liabilities under these laws.

        We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, costs relating to these environmental matters. In addition, new laws and regulations, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new clean up requirements could require us to incur additional costs or become the basis for new or increased liabilities that could be significant. Environmental litigation, enforcement and compliance are inherently uncertain and we may experience significant costs in connection with environmental matters.

Third parties may infringe our intellectual property and we may expend resources enforcing our rights or suffer competitive injury.

        We rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, confidentiality provisions and licensing arrangements to establish and protect our proprietary rights. We may be required to spend resources to monitor and police our intellectual property rights. If we fail to successfully enforce our intellectual property rights, our competitive position could suffer, which could harm our operating results. We have been limited from selling products from time-to-time because of existing patents.

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We face risks from product liability and other lawsuits, which may adversely affect our business.

        We have been and may continue to be subject to various product liability claims or other lawsuits, including, among others that our products include inadequate or improper instructions for use or installation, or inadequate warnings concerning the effects of the failure of our products. In the event that we do not have adequate insurance or contractual indemnification, damages from these claims would have to be paid from our assets and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. In particular, if we settle or conclude litigation in a quarterly or annual reporting period, there could be a material impact on our operating results for that quarter or year. We, like other manufacturers and distributors of products designed to control and regulate fluids, face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims and other lawsuits in the event that the use of our products results in personal injury, property damage or business interruption to our customers. Although we maintain strict quality controls and procedures, including the testing of raw materials and safety testing of selected finished products, we cannot be certain that our products will be completely free from defect. In addition, in certain cases, we rely on third-party manufacturers for our products or components of our products. Although we have product liability and general insurance coverage, we cannot be certain that this insurance coverage will continue to be available to us at a reasonable cost, or, if available, will be adequate to cover any such liabilities.

The requirements of FAS 142 may result in a write-off of all or a portion of our goodwill, which would negatively impact our operating results and financial condition.

        As of December 31, 2004, we had goodwill of $226.2 million, or 24.5% of our total assets and 45.9% of our total stockholders' equity. If we are required to take an impairment charge to our goodwill in connection with the requirements of FAS 142, our operating results may decrease and our financial condition may be harmed. Under FAS 142, goodwill and identifiable intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are no longer amortized. In lieu of amortization, we were required to perform an initial impairment review of goodwill and are required to perform annual impairment reviews thereafter. We have concluded that no impairment existed at October 24, 2004, the time of our annual review. We perform our annual test for indications of goodwill impairment in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year or sooner if indicators exist.

The loss of a major customer could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

        Our largest customer, The Home Depot, Inc., accounted for approximately $81.3 million, or 9.9%, of our total net sales for the year ended December 31, 2004, and $74.8 million, or 10.7%, of our total net sales for year ended December 31, 2003. Our customers generally are not obligated to purchase any minimum volume of products from us and are able to terminate their relationships with us at any time. A significant reduction in orders or change in terms from The Home Depot, Inc. could have a material adverse effect on our future results of operations.

Certain indebtedness may limit our ability to pay dividends, incur additional debt and make acquisitions and other investments.

        Our revolving credit facility and other senior indebtedness contain operational and financial covenants that restrict our ability to make distributions to stockholders, incur additional debt and make acquisitions and other investments unless we satisfy certain financial tests and comply with various financial ratios. If we do not maintain compliance with these covenants, our creditors could declare a default under our revolving credit facility and our indebtedness could be declared immediately due and payable. Our ability to comply with the provisions of our indebtedness may be affected by changes in economic or business conditions beyond our control.

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One of our stockholders can exercise substantial influence over our company.

        As of January 31, 2005, Timothy P. Horne, a member of our board of directors, beneficially owned approximately 22.7% of our outstanding shares of Class A common stock (assuming conversion of all shares of Class B common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Horne into Class A common stock) and approximately 99.0% of our outstanding shares of Class B common stock, which represents approximately 73.9% of the total outstanding voting power. As long as Mr. Horne controls shares representing at least a majority of the total voting power of our outstanding stock, Mr. Horne will be able to unilaterally determine the outcome of all stockholder votes and other stockholders will not be able to affect the outcome of any stockholder vote.

Conversion and sale of a significant number of shares of our Class B common stock could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock.

        As of January 31, 2005 there were outstanding 25,049,338 shares of our Class A common stock and 7,343,880 shares of our Class B common stock. Shares of our Class B common stock may be converted into Class A common stock at any time on a one for one basis. All of the shares of Class A common stock are freely transferable without restriction or further registration under the federal securities laws, except for any shares held by our affiliates, sales of which will be limited by Rule 144 under the Securities Act. In addition, under the terms of a registration rights agreement with respect to outstanding shares of our Class B common stock, the holders of our Class B common stock have rights with respect to the registration of the underlying Class A common stock. Under these registration rights, the holders of Class B common stock may require, on up to two occasions, that we register their shares for public resale. If we are eligible to use Form S-3 or a similar short-form registration statement, the holders of Class B common stock may require that we register their shares for public resale up to two times per year. If we elect to register any shares of Class A common stock for any public offering, the holders of Class B common stock are entitled to include shares of Class A common stock into which such shares of Class B common stock may be converted in such registration. However, we may reduce the number of shares proposed to be registered in view of market conditions. We will pay all expenses in connection with any registration, other than underwriting discounts and commissions. If all of the available registered shares are sold into the public market the trading price of our Class A common stock could decline.

Our Class A common stock has insignificant voting power.

        Our Class B common stock entitles its holders to ten votes for each share and our Class A common stock entitles its holders to one vote per share. As of January 31, 2005, our Class B common stock constituted 22.7% of our total outstanding common stock and 74.6% of the total outstanding voting power and thus is able to exercise a controlling influence over our business.

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is part of a registration statement filed with the SEC utilizing a shelf registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $300,000,000.

        This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that specific offering. The prospectus supplement may also add to, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We are subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act, and in accordance with the Exchange Act, file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Our Class A common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WTS."

        We have the authority to designate and issue more than one class or series of stock having various preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, and terms and conditions of redemption. See "Description of Preferred Stock" and "Description of Class A Common Stock." We will furnish a full statement of the relative rights and preferences of each class or series of our stock which has been so designated and any restrictions on the ownership or transfer of our stock to any stockholder upon request and without charge. Written requests for such copies should be directed to Watts Water Technologies, Inc., 815 Chestnut Street, North Andover, MA 01845, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Our telephone number is (978) 688-1811. Our website is located at http:/www.wattswater.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and, therefore, is not part of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement.


INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information and reports we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to these documents. Our SEC file number is 1-11499. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information already incorporated by reference. We are incorporating by reference the documents listed below, which we have already filed with the SEC, and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, until we sell all of the securities:

    Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004;

    Current Reports on Form 8-K filed February 9, 2005, February 23, 2005, March 22, 2005 and May 4, 2005;

    Portions of our Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on March 29, 2005 that have been incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K;

    The description of our common stock contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.

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        Upon request, we will provide, without charge, to each person to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered a copy of the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You may request a copy of these filings, and any exhibits we have specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus, at no cost by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

Watts Water Technologies, Inc.
815 Chestnut Street
North Andover, MA 01845
(978) 688-1811
Attention: Corporate Secretary

        This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC. We have incorporated exhibits into this registration statement. You should read the exhibits carefully for provisions that may be important to you.

        You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or in the documents incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus or those documents.


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus, including the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus, contains, and any prospectus supplement may contain, statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this prospectus, or in information incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and any prospectus supplement, regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. The words "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "predicts," "potential," "intends," "continue," "may," "plans," "projects," "will," "should," "could," "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We cannot guarantee that we actually will achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements that we make. We have included important factors in the cautionary statements included in this prospectus, particularly under the heading "Risk Factors," that we believe could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that we make. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments that we may be a party to or make. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

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ABOUT WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

        Watts Water Technologies, Inc. was founded by Joseph E. Watts in 1874 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, as Watts Regulator Co. The Company started as a small machine shop supplying parts to the New England textile mills of the 19th century and has grown into a global manufacturer of products and systems focused on the control, conservation and quality of water and the comfort and safety of the people using it. The Company was incorporated in Delaware in 1985.

        Our "Water by Watts" strategy is to be the leading provider of water quality, water conservation, water safety and water flow control products for the residential and commercial markets in North America and Europe. Our primary objective is to grow earnings by increasing sales within existing markets, expanding into new markets, making selected acquisitions and reducing manufacturing costs. We intend to continue to introduce products in existing markets by enhancing our preferred brands, developing new complementary products, promoting plumbing code development to drive sales of safety and water quality products and continuously improving merchandising in both the do-it-yourself (DIY) and wholesale distribution channels. We also target selected new markets based on growth potential and intend to continue to introduce new products appropriate for these new markets. We intend to continue to generate additional growth through selected acquisitions, both in our core markets as well as in new complementary markets. Lastly, we are committed to reducing our manufacturing costs through a combination of expanding manufacturing in lower-cost countries and consolidating our diverse manufacturing operations in North America and Europe.

        Our products are sold to wholesale distributors, major DIY chains and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Most of our sales are for products that have been approved under regulatory standards incorporated into state and municipal plumbing, heating, building and fire protection codes in North America and Europe. We consistently advocate for the development and enforcement of plumbing codes and are committed to providing products to meet these standards, particularly for safety and control valve products. We maintain quality control and testing procedures at each of our manufacturing facilities in order to manufacture products in compliance with code requirements. Additionally, a majority of our manufacturing facilities are ISO 9000, 9001 or 9002 certified by the International Organization for Standardization.

        Our Class A common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WTS." Our executive offices are located at 815 Chestnut Street, North Andover, MA 01845. Our telephone number is (978) 688-1811.

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RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        The following table sets forth our consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods shown. The ratio of earnings to fixed charges has been computed by dividing income before income taxes plus fixed charges (net of capitalized interest) by fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense before reduction for capitalized interest and generally one-third of rental expense, which is considered to be representative of an interest factor.

 
  Three Months
Ended

  Years Ended December 31,
 
  April 3, 2005
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1)   7.8x   7.3x   5.4x   6.3x   5.0x   5.7x

(1)
Our ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for the periods indicated above are the same as our ratios of earnings to fixed charges set forth above because we had no shares of preferred stock outstanding during the periods indicated and currently have no shares of preferred stock outstanding.


HOW WE INTEND TO USE THE PROCEEDS

        We currently intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of any securities under this prospectus for general corporate purposes, which may include the following:

    the acquisition of other companies or businesses;

    the repayment and refinancing of debt;

    capital expenditures;

    working capital; and

    other purposes as mentioned in any prospectus supplement.

        Pending such uses, we may temporarily invest the net proceeds in government securities or short-term investment grade interest bearing securities. The precise amounts and timing of the application of proceeds will depend upon our funding requirements and the availability of other funds. Except as mentioned in any prospectus supplement, specific allocations of the proceeds to such purposes will not have been made at the date of that prospectus supplement.

        Based upon our historical and anticipated future growth and our financial needs, we may engage in additional financings of a character and amount that we determine as the need arises.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES

        We may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings, up to $300,000,000 million of the following securities:

    senior debt securities;

    subordinated debt securities;

    preferred stock;

    Class A common stock;

    depositary shares representing an interest in preferred stock;

    warrants exercisable for preferred stock or Class A common stock;

    stock purchase contracts; or

    stock purchase units.

        The aggregate initial offering price of the offered securities that we may issue will not exceed $300,000,000 million. If we issue debt securities at a discount from their principal amount, then, for purposes of calculating the aggregate initial offering price of the offered securities issued under this prospectus, we will include only the initial offering price of the debt securities and not the principal amount of the debt securities.

        This prospectus contains a summary of the general terms of the various securities that we may offer. The prospectus supplement relating to any particular securities offered will describe the specific terms of the securities, which may be in addition to or different from the general terms summarized in this prospectus. Because the summary in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement does not contain all of the information that you may find useful, you should read the documents relating to the securities that are described in this prospectus or in any applicable prospectus supplement. Please read "Where You Can Find More Information" to find out how you can obtain a copy of those documents.

        The applicable prospectus supplement will also contain the terms of a given offering, the initial offering price and our net proceeds. Where applicable, a prospectus supplement will also describe any material United States federal income tax consequences relating to the securities offered and indicate whether the securities offered are or will be quoted or listed on any quotation system or securities exchange.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

        This prospectus describes the general terms and provisions of the debt securities we may issue. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of the securities in a supplement to this prospectus, including any additional covenants or changes to existing covenants relating to such series. The prospectus supplement also will indicate whether the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to a particular series of debt securities. You should read the actual indenture if you do not fully understand a term or the way we use it in this prospectus.

        We may offer senior or subordinated debt securities. Each series of debt securities may have different terms. The senior debt securities will be issued under one or more senior indentures, dated as of a date prior to such issuance, between us and a trustee, as amended or supplemented from time to time. We will refer to any such indenture throughout this prospectus as the "senior indenture." Any subordinated debt securities will be issued under one or more separate indentures, dated as of a date prior to such issuance, between us and a trustee, as amended or supplemented from time to time. We will refer to any such indenture throughout this prospectus as the "subordinated indenture" and to the trustee under the senior or subordinated indenture as the "trustee." The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are sometimes collectively referred to in this prospectus as the "indentures." The indentures will be subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. We included copies of the forms of the indentures as exhibits to our registration statement and they are incorporated into this prospectus by reference.

        If we issue debt securities at a discount from their principal amount, then, for purposes of calculating the aggregate initial offering price of the offered securities issued under this prospectus, we will include only the initial offering price of the debt securities and not the principal amount of the debt securities.

        We have summarized below the material provisions of the indentures and the debt securities, or indicated which material provisions will be described in the related prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement relating to any particular securities offered will describe the specific terms of the securities, which may be in addition to or different from the general terms summarized in this prospectus. Because the summary in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement does not contain all of the information that you may find useful, you should read the documents relating to the securities that are described in this prospectus or in any applicable prospectus supplement. Please read "Where You Can Find More Information" to find out how you can obtain a copy of those documents. Except as otherwise indicated, the terms of the indentures are identical. As used under this caption, the term "debt securities" includes the debt securities being offered by this prospectus and all other debt securities issued by us under the indentures.

General

        The indentures:

    do not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue;

    allow us to issue debt securities in one or more series;

    do not require us to issue all of the debt securities of a series at the same time;

    allow us to reopen a series to issue additional debt securities without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of such series; and

    provide that the debt securities will be unsecured, except as may be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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        Unless we give you different information in the applicable prospectus supplement, the senior debt securities will be unsubordinated obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. Payments on the subordinated debt securities will be subordinated to the prior payment in full of all of our senior indebtedness, as described under "Description of the Debt Securities—Subordination" and in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        Each indenture provides that we may, but need not, designate more than one trustee under an indenture. Any trustee under an indenture may resign or be removed and a successor trustee may be appointed to act with respect to the series of debt securities administered by the resigning or removed trustee. If two or more persons are acting as trustee with respect to different series of debt securities, each trustee shall be a trustee of a trust under the applicable indenture separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee. Except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus, any action described in this prospectus to be taken by each trustee may be taken by each trustee with respect to, and only with respect to, the one or more series of debt securities for which it is trustee under the applicable indenture.

        The prospectus supplement for each offering will provide the following terms, where applicable:

    the title of the debt securities and whether they are senior or subordinated;

    the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities being offered, the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities outstanding as of the most recent practicable date and any limit on their aggregate principal amount, including the aggregate principal amount of debt securities authorized;

    the price at which the debt securities will be issued, expressed as a percentage of the principal and, if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount thereof payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof or, if applicable, the portion of the principal amount of such debt securities that is convertible into Class A common stock or the method by which any such portion shall be determined;

    if convertible, the terms on which such debt securities are convertible, including the initial conversion price or rate and the conversion period and any applicable limitations on the ownership or transferability of Class A common stock or preferred stock received on conversion;

    the date or dates, or the method for determining the date or dates, on which the principal of the debt securities will be payable;

    the fixed or variable interest rate or rates of the debt securities, or the method by which the interest rate or rates is determined;

    the date or dates, or the method for determining the date or dates, from which interest will accrue;

    the dates on which interest will be payable;

    the record dates for interest payment dates, or the method by which we will determine those dates;

    the persons to whom interest will be payable;

    the basis upon which interest will be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;

    any make-whole amount, which is the amount in addition to principal and interest that is required to be paid to the holder of a debt security as a result of any optional redemption or accelerated payment of such debt security, or the method for determining the make-whole amount;

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    the place or places where the principal of, and any premium, or make-whole amount, and interest on, the debt securities will be payable;

    where the debt securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or conversion or exchange;

    where notices or demands to or upon us in respect of the debt securities and the applicable indenture may be served;

    the times, prices and other terms and conditions upon which we may redeem the debt securities;

    any obligation we have to redeem, repay or purchase the debt securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of holders of the debt securities, and the times and prices at which we must redeem, repay or purchase the debt securities as a result of such an obligation;

    the currency or currencies in which the debt securities are denominated and payable if other than United States dollars, which may be a foreign currency or units of two or more foreign currencies or a composite currency or currencies and the terms and conditions relating thereto, and the manner of determining the equivalent of such foreign currency in United States dollars;

    whether the principal of, and any premium, or make-whole amount, or interest on, the debt securities of the series are to be payable, at our election or at the election of a holder, in a currency or currencies other than that in which the debt securities are denominated or stated to be payable, and other related terms and conditions;

    whether the amount of payments of principal of, and any premium, or make-whole amount, or interest on, the debt securities may be determined according to an index, formula or other method and how such amounts will be determined;

    whether the debt securities will be in registered form, bearer form or both and (1) if in registered form, the person to whom any interest shall be payable, if other than the person in whose name the security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest, or (2) if in bearer form, the manner in which, or the person to whom, any interest on the security shall be payable if otherwise than upon presentation and surrender upon maturity;

    any restrictions applicable to the offer, sale or delivery of securities in bearer form and the terms upon which securities in bearer form of the series may be exchanged for securities in registered form of the series and vice versa if permitted by applicable laws and regulations;

    whether any debt securities of the series are to be issuable initially in temporary global form and whether any debt securities of the series are to be issuable in permanent global form with or without coupons and, if so, whether beneficial owners of interests in any such permanent global security may or shall be required to exchange their interests for other debt securities of the series, and the manner in which interest shall be paid;

    the identity of the depositary for securities in registered form, if such series are to be issuable as a global security;

    the date as of which any debt securities in bearer form or in temporary global form shall be dated if other than the original issuance date of the first security of the series to be issued;

    the applicability, if any, of the defeasance and covenant defeasance provisions described in this prospectus or in the applicable indenture;

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    whether and under what circumstances we will pay any additional amounts on the debt securities in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether we will have the option to redeem the debt securities in lieu of making such a payment;

    whether and under what circumstances the debt securities being offered are convertible into Class A common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, including the conversion price or rate or manner or calculation thereof;

    the circumstances, if any, specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, under which beneficial owners of interests in the global security may obtain definitive debt securities and the manner in which payments on a permanent global debt security will be made if any debt securities are issuable in temporary or permanent global form;

    any provisions granting special rights to holders of securities upon the occurrence of such events as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement;

    if the debt securities of such series are to be issuable in definitive form only upon receipt of certain certificates or other documents or satisfaction of other conditions, then the form and/or terms of such certificates, documents or conditions;

    the name of the applicable trustee and the nature of any material relationship with us or any of our affiliates, and the percentage of debt securities of the class necessary to require the trustee to take action;

    any deletions from, modifications of, or additions to our events of default or covenants and any change in the right of any trustee or any of the holders to declare the principal amount of any of such debt securities due and payable;

    applicable CUSIP numbers; and

    any other terms of such debt securities not inconsistent with the provisions of the applicable indenture.

        We may issue debt securities at a discount below their principal amount and provide for less than the entire principal amount thereof to be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities. We refer to any such debt securities throughout this prospectus as "original issue discount securities." The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the United States federal income tax consequences and other relevant considerations applicable to original issue discount securities.

        We also may issue indexed debt securities. Payments of principal of and premium and interest on, indexed debt securities are determined with reference to the rate of exchange between the currency or currency unit in which the debt security is denominated and any other currency or currency unit specified by us, to the relationship between two or more currencies or currency units or by other similar methods or formulas specified in the prospectus supplement.

        Except as described under "—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets" or as may be set forth in any prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not contain any provisions that (1) would limit our ability to incur indebtedness or (2) would afford holders of debt securities protection in the event of (a) a highly leveraged or similar transaction involving us, or (b) a change of control or reorganization, restructuring, merger or similar transaction involving us that may adversely affect the holders of the debt securities. In the future, we may enter into transactions, such as the sale of all or substantially all of our assets or a merger or consolidation, that may have an adverse effect on our ability to service our indebtedness, including the debt securities, by, among other things, substantially reducing or eliminating our assets.

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        Neither the Delaware General Corporation Law nor our governing instruments define the term "substantially all" as it relates to the sale of assets. Additionally, Delaware cases interpreting the term "substantially all" rely upon the facts and circumstances of each particular case. Consequently, to determine whether a sale of "substantially all" of our assets has occurred, a holder of debt securities must review the financial and other information that we have disclosed to the public.

        We will provide you with more information in the applicable prospectus supplement regarding any deletions, modifications, or additions to the events of default or covenants that are described below, including any addition of a covenant or other provision providing event risk or similar protection.

Payment

        Unless we give you different information in the applicable prospectus supplement, the principal of, and any premium, or make-whole amount, and interest on, any series of the debt securities will be payable at the corporate trust office of the trustee. We will provide you with the address of the trustee in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may also pay interest by mailing a check to the address of the person entitled to it as it appears in the applicable register for the debt securities or by wire transfer of funds to that person at an account maintained within the United States.

        All monies that we pay to a paying agent or a trustee for the payment of the principal of, and any premium, or make-whole amount, or interest on, any debt security will be repaid to us if unclaimed at the end of two years after the obligation underlying payment becomes due and payable. After funds have been returned to us, the holder of the debt security may look only to us for payment, without payment of interest for the period which we hold the funds.

Denomination, Interest, Registration and Transfer

        Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities of any series will be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.

        Subject to the limitations imposed upon debt securities that are evidenced by a computerized entry in the records of a depository company rather than by physical delivery of a note, a holder of debt securities of any series may:

    exchange them for any authorized denomination of other debt securities of the same series and of a like aggregate principal amount and kind upon surrender of such debt securities at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee or at the office of any transfer agent that we designate for such purpose; and

    surrender them for registration of transfer or exchange at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee or at the office of any transfer agent that we designate for such purpose.

        Every debt security surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange must be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer satisfactory to the applicable trustee or transfer agent. Payment of a service charge will not be required for any registration of transfer or exchange of any debt securities, but we or the trustee may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith. If in addition to the applicable trustee, the applicable prospectus supplement refers to any transfer agent initially designated by us for any series of debt securities, we may at any time rescind the designation of any such transfer agent or approve a change in the location through which any such transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for such series. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents for any series of debt securities.

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        Neither we, nor any trustee, will be required to:

    issue, register the transfer of or exchange debt securities of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day that the notice of redemption of any debt securities selected for redemption is mailed and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing;

    register the transfer of or exchange any debt security, or portion thereof, so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any debt security being redeemed in part; and

    issue, register the transfer of or exchange any debt security that has been surrendered for repayment at the option of the holder, except the portion, if any, of such debt security not to be so repaid.

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets

        The indentures provide that we may, without the consent of the holders of any outstanding debt securities, (1) consolidate with, (2) sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of our assets to, or (3) merge with or into, any other entity provided that:

    either we are the continuing entity, or the successor entity, if other than us, assumes the obligations (A) to pay the principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) and interest on, all of the debt securities and (B) to duly perform and observe all of the covenants and conditions contained in each indenture;

    after giving effect to the transaction, there is no event of default under the indentures and no event which, after notice or the lapse of time, or both, would become such an event of default, occurs and continues; and

    an officers' certificate and legal opinion covering such conditions are delivered to each applicable trustee.

Covenants

        Existence.    Except as permitted under "—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets," the indentures require us to do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect our existence, rights and franchises. However, the indentures do not require us to preserve any right or franchise if we determine that any right or franchise is no longer desirable in the conduct of our business.

        Payment of taxes and other claims.    The indentures require us to pay, discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before they become delinquent (1) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed on us, our subsidiaries or our subsidiaries' income, profits or property, and (2) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a lien upon our property or the property of our subsidiaries. However, we will not be required to pay, discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.

        Provision of financial information.    The indentures require us to (1) within 15 days of each of the respective dates by which we are required to file our annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents with the SEC, file with the trustee copies of the annual report, quarterly report and other documents that we file with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, (2) to file with the trustee and the SEC any additional information, documents and reports regarding compliance by us with the conditions and covenants of the indentures, as required, (3) within 30 days after the filing with the trustee mail to all holders of debt securities, as their names and addresses appear in the applicable

17



register for such debt securities, without cost to such holders, summaries of any documents and reports required to be filed by us pursuant to (1) and (2) above, and (4) to supply, promptly upon written request and payment of the reasonable cost of duplication and delivery, copies of such documents to any prospective holder.

        Additional covenants.    The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth any additional covenants of Watts relating to any series of debt securities.

Events of Default, Notice and Waiver

        Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, when we refer to "events of default" as defined in the indentures with respect to any series of debt securities, we mean:

    default in the payment of any installment of interest on any debt security of such series continuing for 30 days;

    default in the payment of principal of, or any premium, or make-whole amount, on any debt security of such series for five business days at its stated maturity;

    default in making any sinking fund payment as required for any debt security of such series for five business days;

    default in the performance or breach of any covenant or warranty in the debt securities or in the indenture by Watts continuing for 60 days after written notice as provided in the applicable indenture, but not of a covenant added to the indenture solely for the benefit of a series of debt securities issued thereunder other than such series;

    a default under any bond, debenture, note, mortgage, indenture or instrument:

    (1)
    having an aggregate principal amount of at least $30,000,000; or

    (2)
    under which there may be issued, secured or evidenced any existing or later created indebtedness for money borrowed by us or our subsidiaries, if we are directly responsible or liable as obligor or guarantor,


    if the default results in the indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date it otherwise would have, without such indebtedness having been discharged, or such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled, within 30 days after notice to the issuing company specifying such default. Such notice shall be given to us by the trustee, or to us and the trustee by the holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series. The written notice specifying such default and requiring us to cause such indebtedness to be discharged or cause such acceleration to be rescinded or annulled and shall state that such notice is a "Notice of Default" under such indenture;

    bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, or court appointment of a receiver, liquidator or trustee of Watts or any significant subsidiary of Watts; and

    any other event of default provided with respect to a particular series of debt securities.

        When we use the term "significant subsidiary," we refer to the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Securities Act.

        If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to debt securities of any series outstanding, then the applicable trustee or the holders of 25% or more in principal amount of the debt securities of that series will have the right to declare the principal amount of all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable. If the debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities or indexed securities, then the applicable trustee or the holders of 25% or more in principal

18



amount of the debt securities of that series will have the right to declare the portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms thereof to be due and payable. However, at any time after such a declaration of acceleration has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the applicable trustee, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of such series or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable indenture may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:

    we have deposited with the applicable trustee all required payments of the principal, any premium, or make-whole amount, interest and, to the extent permitted by law, interest on overdue installment of interest, plus applicable fees, expenses, disbursements and advances of the applicable trustee; and

    all events of default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal, or a specified portion thereof, and any premium, or make-whole amount, have been cured or waived.

        The indentures also provide that the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable indenture may, on behalf of all holders, waive any past default with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default:

    in the payment of the principal, any premium, or make-whole amount, or interest;

    in respect of a covenant or provision contained in the applicable indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holders of the outstanding debt security that is affected by the default; or

    in respect of a covenant or provision for the benefit or protection of the trustee, without its express written consent.

        The indentures require each trustee to give notice to the holders of debt securities within 90 days of a default unless such default has been cured or waived. However, the trustee may withhold notice if specified persons of such trustee consider such withholding to be in the interest of the holders of debt securities. The trustee may not withhold notice of a default in the payment of principal, any premium or interest on any debt security of such series or in the payment of any sinking fund installment in respect of any debt security of such series.

        The indentures provide that holders of debt securities of any series may not institute any proceedings, judicial or otherwise, with respect to such indenture or for any remedy under the indenture, unless the trustee fails to act for a period of 60 days after the trustee has received a written request to institute proceedings in respect of an event of default from the holders of 25% or more in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series, as well as an offer of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the trustee. However, this provision will not prevent any holder of debt securities from instituting suit for the enforcement of payment of the principal of, and any premium, or make-whole amount, and interest on, such debt securities at the respective due dates thereof.

        The indentures provide that, subject to provisions in each indenture relating to its duties in the case of a default, a trustee has no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers at the request or direction of any holders of any series of debt securities then outstanding under the indenture, unless the holders have offered to the trustee reasonable security or indemnity. The holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series or of all debt securities then outstanding under an indenture shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the applicable trustee, or of exercising any trust or power conferred upon such trustee. However, a trustee may refuse to follow any direction which:

    is in conflict with any law or the applicable indenture;

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    may involve the trustee in personal liability; or

    may be unduly prejudicial to the holders of debt securities of the series not joining the proceeding.

        Within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, we will be required to deliver to each trustee a certificate, signed by one of our several specified officers, stating whether or not that officer has knowledge of any default under the applicable indenture. If the officer has knowledge of any default, the notice must specify the nature and status of the default.

Modification of the Indentures

        The indentures provide that modifications and amendments may be made only with the consent of the affected holders of at least a majority in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities issued under that indenture. However, no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities affected by the modification or amendment:

    change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any premium, or make-whole amount, on, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any such debt security;

    reduce the principal amount of, the rate or amount of interest on or any premium, or make-whole amount, payable on redemption of any such debt security;

    reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount security that would be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof or would be provable in bankruptcy, or adversely affect any right of repayment of the holder of any such debt security;

    change the place of payment or the coin or currency for payment of principal of, or any premium, or make-whole amount, or interest on, any such debt security;

    impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any such debt security;

    reduce the percentage in principal amount of any outstanding debt securities necessary to modify or amend the applicable indenture with respect to such debt securities, to waive compliance with particular provisions thereof or defaults and consequences thereunder or to reduce the quorum or voting requirements set forth in the applicable indenture; and

    modify any of the foregoing provisions or any of the provisions relating to the waiver of particular past defaults or covenants, except to increase the required percentage to effect such action or to provide that some of the other provisions may not be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of such debt security.

        The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series may, on behalf of all holders of debt securities of that series, waive, insofar as that series is concerned, our compliance with material restrictive covenants of the applicable indenture.

        We and our respective trustee may make modifications and amendments of an indenture without the consent of any holder of debt securities for any of the following purposes:

    to evidence the succession of another person to us as obligor under such indenture;

    to add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us in such indenture;

    to add events of default for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities;

    to add or change any provisions of an indenture (1) to change or eliminate restrictions on the payment of principal of, or premium, or make-whole amount, or interest on, debt securities in

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      bearer form, or (2) to permit or facilitate the issuance of debt securities in uncertificated form, provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the debt securities of any series in any material respect;

    to change or eliminate any provisions of an indenture, provided that any such change or elimination shall become effective only when there are no debt securities outstanding of any series created prior thereto which are entitled to the benefit of such provision;

    to secure the debt securities;

    to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series;

    to provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee or facilitate the administration of the trusts under an indenture by more than one trustee;

    to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in an indenture, provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of holders of debt securities of any series issued under such indenture; and

    to supplement any of the provisions of an indenture to the extent necessary to permit or facilitate defeasance and discharge of any series of such debt securities, provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the outstanding debt securities of any series.

Voting

        The indentures provide that in determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding debt securities of a series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver under the indentures or whether a quorum is present at a meeting of holders of debt securities:

    the principal amount of an original issue discount security that shall be deemed to be outstanding shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof;

    the principal amount of any debt security denominated in a foreign currency that shall be deemed outstanding shall be the United States dollar equivalent, determined on the issue date for such debt security, of the principal amount or, in the case of an original issue discount security, the United States dollar equivalent on the issue date of such debt security of the amount determined as provided in the preceding bullet point;

    the principal amount of an indexed security that shall be deemed outstanding shall be the principal face amount of such indexed security at original issuance, unless otherwise provided for such indexed security under such indenture; and

    debt securities owned by us or any other obligor upon the debt securities or by any affiliate of ours or of such other obligor shall be disregarded.

        The indentures contain provisions for convening meetings of the holders of debt securities of a series. A meeting will be permitted to be called at any time by the applicable trustee, and also, upon request, by us or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series, in any such case upon notice given as provided in such indenture. Except for any consent that must be given by the holder of each debt security affected by the modifications and amendments of an indenture described above, any resolution presented at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series represented at such meeting.

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        Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, except as referred to above, any resolution relating to a request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series, may be adopted at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present by the affirmative vote of such specified percentage.

        Any resolution passed or decision taken at any properly held meeting of holders of debt securities of any series will be binding on all holders of such series. The quorum at any meeting called to adopt a resolution, and at any reconvened meeting, will be persons holding or representing a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series. However, if any action is to be taken relating to a consent or waiver which may be given by the holders of at least a specified percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series, the persons holding such percentage will constitute a quorum.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the indentures provide that if any action is to be taken at a meeting with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that such indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities affected by such action, or of the holders of such series and one or more additional series:

    there shall be no minimum quorum requirement for such meeting; and

    the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series that vote in favor of such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action shall be taken account in determining whether such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action has been made, given or taken under such indenture.

Subordination

        Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, subordinated securities will be subject to the following subordination provisions.

        Upon any distribution to our creditors in a liquidation, dissolution or reorganization, the payment of the principal of and interest on any subordinated securities will be subordinated to the extent provided in the applicable indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all senior debt. However, our obligation to make payments of the principal of and interest on such subordinated securities otherwise will not be affected. No payment of principal or interest will be permitted to be made on subordinated securities at any time if a default on senior debt exists that permits the holders of such senior debt to accelerate its maturity and the default is the subject of judicial proceedings or we receive notice of the default. After all senior debt is paid in full and until the subordinated securities are paid in full, holders of subordinated securities will be subrogated to the rights of holders of senior debt to the extent that distributions otherwise payable to holders of subordinated securities have been applied to the payment of senior debt. The subordinated indenture will not restrict the amount of senior debt or other indebtedness of Watts and its subsidiaries. As a result of these subordination provisions, in the event of a distribution of assets upon insolvency, holders of subordinated securities may recover less, ratably, than our general creditors.

        The term "senior debt" will be defined in the applicable indenture as the principal of and interest on, or substantially similar payments to be made by us in respect of, other outstanding indebtedness, whether outstanding at the date of execution of the applicable indenture or subsequently incurred, created or assumed. The prospectus supplement may include a description of additional terms implementing the subordination feature.

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        No restrictions will be included in any indenture relating to subordinated securities upon the creation of additional senior debt.

        If this prospectus is being delivered in connection with the offering of a series of subordinated securities, the accompanying prospectus supplement or the information incorporated in this prospectus by reference will set forth the approximate amount of senior debt outstanding as of the end of our most recent fiscal quarter.

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

        Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indentures allow us to discharge their obligations to holders of any series of debt securities issued under any indenture when:

    either (1) all securities of such series have already been delivered to the applicable trustee for cancellation; or (2) all securities of such series have not already been delivered to the applicable trustee for cancellation but (A) have become due and payable, (B) will become due and payable within one year, or (C) if redeemable at our option, are to be redeemed within one year, and we have irrevocably deposited with the applicable trustee, in trust, funds in such currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which such debt securities are payable, an amount sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness on such debt securities in respect of principal and any premium, or make-whole amount, and interest to the date of such deposit if such debt securities have become due and payable or, if they have not, to the stated maturity or redemption date;

    we have paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable; and

    an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel stating the conditions to discharging the debt securities have been satisfied has been delivered to the trustee.

        Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indentures provide that, upon the issuing company's irrevocable deposit with the applicable trustee, in trust, of an amount, in such currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which such debt securities are payable at stated maturity, or government obligations, or both, applicable to such debt securities, which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of, and any premium, or make-whole amount, and interest on, such debt securities, and any mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments thereon, on the scheduled due dates therefor, the issuing company may elect either:

    to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to such debt securities; or

    to be released from its obligations with respect to such debt securities under the applicable indenture or, if provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, its obligations with respect to any other covenant, and any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute an event of default with respect to such debt securities.

        Notwithstanding the above, we may not elect to defease and be discharged from the obligation to pay any additional amounts upon the occurrence of particular events of tax, assessment or governmental charge with respect to payments on such debt securities and the obligations to register the transfer or exchange of such debt securities, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities, to maintain an office or agency in respect of such debt securities, or to hold monies for payment in trust.

        The indentures only permit us to establish the trust described in the paragraph above if, among other things, it has delivered to the applicable trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of such debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income

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tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. Such opinion of counsel, in the case of defeasance, will be required to refer to and be based upon a ruling received from or published by the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable United States federal income tax law occurring after the date of the indenture. In the event of such defeasance, the holders of such debt securities would be able to look only to such trust fund for payment of principal, any premium, or make-whole amount, and interest.

        When we use the term "government obligations," we mean securities that are:

    direct obligations of the United States or the government that issued the foreign currency in which the debt securities of a particular series are payable, for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged; or

    obligations of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States or other government that issued the foreign currency in which the debt securities of such series are payable, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States or such other government, which are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such government obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of any such government obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt. However, except as required by law, such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the government obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the government obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.

        Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, if after we have deposited funds and/or government obligations to effect defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to debt securities of any series, (1) the holder of a debt security of such series is entitled to, and does, elect under the terms of the applicable indenture or the terms of such debt security to receive payment in a currency, currency unit or composite currency other than that in which such deposit has been made in respect of such debt security, or (2) a conversion event occurs in respect of the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which such deposit has been made, the indebtedness represented by such debt security will be deemed to have been, and will be, fully discharged and satisfied through the payment of the principal of, and premium, or make-whole amount, and interest on, such debt security as they become due out of the proceeds yielded by converting the amount so deposited in respect of such debt security into the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which such debt security becomes payable as a result of such election or such cessation of usage based on the applicable market exchange rate.

        When we use the term "conversion event," we mean the cessation of use of:

    a currency, currency unit or composite currency both by the government of the country that issued such currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other public institutions of or within the international banking community;

    the Euro both within the European Economic and Monetary Union and for the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the European Economic and Monetary Union; or

    any currency unit or composite currency other than the Euro for the purposes for which it was established.

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        Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, all payments of principal of, and any premium, or make-whole amount, and interest on, any debt security that is payable in a foreign currency that ceases to be used by its government of issuance shall be made in United States dollars.

        In the event that (1) we effect covenant defeasance with respect to any debt securities and (2) those debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any event of default, the amount in the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which such debt securities are payable, and government obligations on deposit with the applicable trustee, will be sufficient to pay amounts due on such debt securities at the time of their stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on such debt securities at the time of the acceleration resulting from such event of default. However, the issuing company would remain liable to make payments of any amounts due at the time of acceleration.

        The applicable prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions, if any, permitting such defeasance or covenant defeasance, including any modifications to the provisions described above, with respect to the debt securities of or within a particular series.

Conversion Rights

        The terms and conditions, if any, upon which the debt securities are convertible into Class A common stock or preferred stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms will include whether the debt securities are convertible into shares of Class A common stock or preferred stock, the conversion price, or manner of calculation thereof, the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at the issuing company's option or the option of the holders, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of the debt securities and any restrictions on conversion.

Global Securities

        The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depository identified in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to such series. Global securities, if any, issued in the United States are expected to be deposited with The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, as depository. We may issue global securities in either registered or bearer form and in either temporary or permanent form. We will describe the specific terms of the depository arrangement with respect to a series of debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to such series. We expect that unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise, the following provisions will apply to depository arrangements.

        Once a global security is issued, the depository for such global security or its nominee will credit on its book-entry registration and transfer system the respective principal amounts of the individual debt securities represented by such global security to the accounts of participants that have accounts with such depository. Such accounts shall be designated by the underwriters, dealers or agents with respect to such debt securities or by us if we offer such debt securities directly. Ownership of beneficial interests in such global security will be limited to participants with the depository or persons that may hold interests through those participants.

        We expect that, under procedures established by DTC, ownership of beneficial interests in any global security for which DTC is the depository will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee, with respect to beneficial interests of participants with the depository, and records of participants, with respect to beneficial interests of persons who hold through participants with the depository. Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records of DTC or for maintaining, supervising

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or reviewing any records of DTC or any of its participants relating to beneficial ownership interests in the debt securities. The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such limits and laws may impair the ability to own, pledge or transfer beneficial interest in a global security.

        So long as the depository for a global security or its nominee is the registered owner of such global security, such depository or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by the global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture. Except as described below or in the applicable prospectus supplement, owners of beneficial interest in a global security will not be entitled to have any of the individual debt securities represented by such global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of any such debt securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the applicable indenture. Beneficial owners of debt securities evidenced by a global security will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the applicable indenture for any purpose, including with respect to the giving of any direction, instructions or approvals to the trustee under the indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a global security with respect to which DTC is the depository must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such person is not a participant with the depository, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interests, to exercise any rights of a holder under the applicable indenture. We understand that, under existing industry practice, if DTC requests any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a global security desires to give or take any action which a holder is entitled to give or take under the applicable indenture, DTC would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interest to give or take such action, and such participants would authorize beneficial owners through such participants to give or take such actions or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.

        Payments of principal of, and any premium, or make-whole amount, and interest on, individual debt securities represented by a global security registered in the name of a depository or its nominee will be made to or at the direction of the depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the global security under the applicable indenture. Under the terms of the applicable indenture, we and the trustee may treat the persons in whose name debt securities, including a global security, are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments. Consequently, neither we nor the trustee have or will have any responsibility or liability for the payment of such amounts to beneficial owners of debt securities including principal, any premium, or make-whole amount, or interest. We believe, however, that it is currently the policy of DTC to immediately credit the accounts of relevant participants with such payments, in amounts proportionate to their respective holdings of beneficial interests in the relevant global security as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such global security held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the account of customers in bearer form or registered in street name, and will be the responsibility of such participants. Redemption notices with respect to any debt securities represented by a global security will be sent to the depository or its nominee. If less than all of the debt securities of any series are to be redeemed, we expect the depository to determine the amount of the interest of each participant in such debt securities to be redeemed to be determined by lot. Neither we, the trustee, any paying agent nor the security registrar for such debt securities will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the global security for such debt securities or for maintaining any records with respect thereto.

        Neither we nor the trustee will be liable for any delay by the holders of a global security or the depository in identifying the beneficial owners of debt securities, and we and the trustee may conclusively rely on, and will be protected in relying on, instructions from the holder of a global

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security or the depository for all purposes. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.

        If a depository for any debt securities is at any time unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as depository and we do not appoint a successor depository within 90 days, we will issue individual debt securities in exchange for the global security representing such debt securities. In addition, we may at any time and in their sole discretion, subject to any limitations described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to such debt securities, determine not to have any of such debt securities represented by one or more global securities and in such event will issue individual debt securities in exchange for the global security or securities representing such debt securities. Individual debt securities so issued will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.

        The debt securities of a series may also be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more bearer global securities that will be deposited with a depository, or with a nominee for such depository, identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Any such bearer global securities may be issued in temporary or permanent form. The specific terms and procedures, including the specific terms of the depositary arrangement, with respect to any portion of a series of debt securities to be represented by one or more bearer global securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

No Recourse

        There is no recourse under any obligation, covenant or agreement in the applicable indenture or with respect to any security against any of our or our successor's past, present or future stockholders, employees, officers or directors.

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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

        The following is a description of the material terms and provisions of our preferred stock. It may not contain all the information that is important to you. You can access complete information by referring to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and to any applicable amendment to the certificate of incorporation designating terms of a series of preferred stock.

General

        Under our certificate of incorporation, we have authority to issue 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.10 per share. As of March 31, 2005, no shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding.

        Pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, we are authorized to issue "blank check" preferred stock, which may be issued from time to time in one or more series upon authorization by our board of directors. The board of directors, without further approval of the stockholders, is authorized to fix the dividend rights and terms, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights and terms, liquidation preferences, and any other rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions applicable to each series of the preferred stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes could, among other things, adversely affect the voting power of the holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock and, under certain circumstances, make it more difficult for a third party to gain control of us, discourage bids for our Class A common stock and Class B common stock at a premium or otherwise adversely affect the market price of the Class A common stock and Class B common stock.

Terms

        You should refer to the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the preferred stock offered thereby for specific terms, including, where applicable, the following terms:

    the distinctive serial designation and the number of shares constituting such series;

    the dividend rates or the amount of dividends to be paid on the shares of such series, whether dividends shall be cumulative and, if so, from which date or dates, the payment date or dates for dividends, and the participating and other rights, if any, with respect to dividends;

    the voting powers, full or limited, if any, of the shares of such series;

    whether the shares of such series shall be redeemable and, if so, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions on which, such shares may be redeemed;

    the amount or amounts payable upon the shares of such series and any preferences applicable thereto in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the company;

    whether the shares of such series shall be entitled to the benefit of a sinking or retirement fund to be applied to the purchase or redemption of such shares, and if so entitled, the amount of such fund and the manner of its application, including the price or prices at which such shares may be redeemed or purchased through the application of such fund;

    whether the shares of such series shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes or of any other series of the same or any other class or classes of stock of the company and, if so convertible or exchangeable, the conversion price or prices, or the rate or rates of exchange, and the adjustments thereof, if any, at which such conversion or exchange may be made, and any other terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange;

    the price or other consideration for which the shares of such series shall be issued;

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    whether the shares of such series which are redeemed or converted shall have the status of authorized but unissued shares of undesignated preferred stock (or series thereof) and whether such shares may be reissued as shares of the same or any other class or series of stock; and

    such other powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof as the board of directors may deem advisable.

Rank

        Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up our affairs, rank:

    senior to all classes or series of our common stock and to all equity securities ranking junior to such preferred stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up our affairs;

    on a parity with all equity securities issued by us, the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities rank on a parity with the preferred stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs; and

    junior to all equity securities issued by us, the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities rank senior to the preferred stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

        The term "equity securities" does not include convertible debt securities.

Dividends

        Holders of the preferred stock of each series will be entitled to receive cash dividends, when, as and if declared by our board of directors. We will pay dividends out of assets which are legally available for payment of dividends. We will specify the rate(s) of dividends and the dates that we will pay dividends in the applicable prospectus supplement. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as they appear on our stock transfer books on such record dates as shall be fixed by our board of directors.

        Dividends on any series of the preferred stock may be cumulative or non-cumulative, as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. Dividends, if cumulative, will be cumulative from and after the date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. If our board of directors fails to declare a dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any series of the preferred stock for which dividends are non-cumulative, then the holders of such series of the preferred stock will have no right to receive a dividend in respect of the dividend period ending on that dividend payment date. Accordingly, we will have no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for that period, whether or not dividends on that series are declared payable on any future dividend payment date.

        If preferred stock of any series is outstanding, we will not declare, pay or set aside funds to pay dividends on any other series of our capital stock ranking, as to dividends, on parity with or junior to the preferred stock of such series for any period unless:

    if that series of preferred stock has a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full cumulative dividends on the preferred stock of such series for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period; or

    if that series of preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full dividends on the preferred stock of such series for the then current dividend period.

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        We must declare all dividends pro rata on all series of preferred stock that rank on parity with the series of preferred stock upon which we paid dividends if we did not pay or set aside funds to pay dividends on the series of preferred stock in full. We must declare dividends pro rata to ensure that the amount of dividends declared per share of preferred stock bear in all cases the same ratio that accrued dividends per share of preferred stock bears to each other. We will not accumulate unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods with respect to accrued dividends on preferred stock that do not have cumulative dividends. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on preferred stock of such series which may be in arrears.

        Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, unless:

    if such series of preferred stock has a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full cumulative dividends for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period; or

    if such series of preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full dividends for the then current dividend period;

we will not: (1) declare or pay or set aside funds to pay dividends; (2) declare or make any other distribution upon the Class A common stock or any other shares of our stock ranking junior to or on parity with the preferred stock of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation; (3) redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for any consideration any Class A common stock, or any other shares of our stock ranking junior to or on parity with the preferred stock of such series as to dividends; nor (4) pay any monies to or make any monies available for a sinking fund to redeem of any such shares, except by conversion into or exchange for other of our shares of our capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends or liquidation. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, we may declare or set aside dividends in Class A common stock or other shares of capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation.

        Any dividend payment we make on a series of preferred stock shall first be credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid dividend due with respect to shares of such series which remain payable.

Redemption

        If so provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will be subject to mandatory redemption or redemption at our option, as a whole or in part, in each case upon the terms, at the times and at the redemption prices set forth in such prospectus supplement.

        The prospectus supplement relating to a series of preferred stock that is subject to mandatory redemption will specify the number of shares of preferred stock that shall be redeemed by us in each year commencing after a date to be specified, at a redemption price per share to be specified, together with an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date of redemption. Unless the shares have a cumulative dividend, such accrued dividends will not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods. We may pay the redemption price in cash or other property, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. If the redemption price for preferred stock of any series is payable only from the net proceeds of the issuance of shares of our capital stock, the terms of such preferred stock may provide that, if no such shares of our capital stock shall have been issued or to the extent the net proceeds from any issuance are insufficient to pay in full the aggregate redemption price then due, such preferred stock shall automatically and mandatorily be converted into the applicable shares of our capital stock pursuant to conversion provisions specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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        Notwithstanding the foregoing, we will not redeem any preferred stock of a series unless:

    if that series of preferred stock has a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full cumulative dividends on the preferred stock for the past and current dividend period; or

    if such series of preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full dividends for the current dividend period.

        In addition, we will not acquire any preferred stock of a series unless:

    if that series of preferred stock has a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of such series of preferred stock for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period; or

    if that series of preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full dividends on the preferred stock of such series for the then current dividend period;

        However, at any time we may purchase or acquire preferred stock of that series (1) pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding preferred stock of such series or (2) by conversion into or exchange for shares of our capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation.

        If fewer than all of the outstanding shares of preferred stock of any series are to be redeemed, we will determine the number of shares that may be redeemed pro rata from the holders of record of such shares in proportion to the number of such shares held or for which redemption is requested by such holder or by any other equitable manner that we determine. Such determination will reflect adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional shares.

        We will mail notice of redemption at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of record of preferred stock to be redeemed at the address shown on our stock transfer books. Each notice shall state:

    the redemption date;

    the number of shares and series of the preferred stock to be redeemed;

    the redemption price;

    the place or places where certificates for such preferred stock are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price;

    that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such redemption date;

    the date upon which the holder's conversion rights, if any, as to such shares shall terminate; and

    the specific number of shares to be redeemed from each such holder if fewer than all the shares of any series are to be redeemed.

        If notice of redemption has been given and we have set aside the funds necessary for such redemption in trust for the benefit of the holders of any shares so called for redemption, then from and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue on such shares, and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price.

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Liquidation Preference

        Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, then, before we make any distribution or payment to the holders of any Class A common stock or any other class or series of our capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, the holders of each series of preferred stock shall be entitled to receive out of assets legally available for distribution to stockholders, liquidating distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per share set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. Such dividends will not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid noncumulative dividends for prior dividend periods. After payment of the full amount of their liquidating distributions, the holders of preferred stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. Upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, if our available assets are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding preferred stock and the corresponding amounts payable on all other classes or series of our capital stock ranking on parity with the preferred stock and all other such classes or series of shares of capital stock ranking on parity with the preferred stock in the distribution of assets, then the holders of the preferred stock and all other such classes or series of capital stock will share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be entitled.

        Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up and if we have made liquidating distributions in full to all holders of preferred stock, we will distribute our remaining assets among the holders of any other classes or series of capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock according to their respective rights and preferences and, in each case, according to their respective number of shares. For such purposes, our consolidation or merger with or into any other corporation, trust or entity, or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or business will not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

Voting Rights

        Holders of preferred stock will not have any voting rights, except as described in the next paragraph, as otherwise from time to time required by law or as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        Unless otherwise provided for any series of preferred stock, so long as any preferred stock of a series remains outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the preferred stock of such series outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or at a meeting with each of such series voting separately as a class:

    authorize, or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount of, any class or series of shares of capital stock ranking senior to such series of preferred stock with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or reclassify any of our authorized shares of capital stock into such shares, or create, authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase any such shares; or

    amend, alter or repeal the provisions of our certificate of incorporation or the amendment to our certificate of incorporation designating the terms for such series of preferred stock, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting power of such series of preferred stock or the holders thereof.

        Notwithstanding the preceding bullet point, if the preferred stock remains outstanding with the terms thereof materially unchanged, the occurrence of any of the events described above shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect the rights, preferences, privileges or voting power of holders of preferred stock, even if upon the occurrence of such an event we may not be the surviving entity. In

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addition, any increase in the amount of (1) authorized preferred stock or the creation or issuance of any other series of preferred stock, or (2) authorized shares of such series or any other series of preferred stock, in each case ranking on parity with or junior to the preferred stock of such series with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers.

        The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required will be effected, we have redeemed or called for redemption all outstanding shares of such series of preferred stock and, if called for redemption, have deposited sufficient funds in trust to effect such redemption.

Conversion Rights

        The terms and conditions, if any, upon which any series of preferred stock is convertible into Class A common stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include the number of shares of Class A common stock into which the shares of preferred stock are convertible, the conversion price, rate or manner of calculation thereof, the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at our option or at the option of the holders of the preferred stock, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption.

Transfer Agent

        The transfer agent and registrar for the preferred stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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DESCRIPTION OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK

        The following is a description of the material terms and provisions of our common stock. It may not contain all the information that is important to you. You can access complete information by referring to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws.

General

        Under our certificate of incorporation, we have authority to issue 80,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $.10 per share, and 25,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $.10 per share. As of March 31, 2005, 25,091,676 shares of Class A common stock and 7,343,880 shares of Class B common stock were issued and outstanding. All shares of common stock will, when issued, be duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable. Thus, the full price for the outstanding shares of common stock will have been paid at issuance and any holder of our common stock will not be later required to pay us any additional money for such common stock.

Dividends

        Subject to preferential rights of any other class or series of stock, the holders of shares of our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock are entitled to receive dividends, including dividends of our stock, as and when declared by our board of directors, subject to any limitations applicable by law and to the rights of the holders, if any, of our preferred stock. Whenever we pay any dividends, other than dividends of our stock, on our Class A common stock, each share of Class B common stock is entitled to receive a dividend at least equal to the dividend paid per share on our Class A common stock and vice versa. In the event we are liquidated, dissolved or our affairs are wound up, after we pay or make adequate provision for all of our known debts and liabilities, each holder of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will receive dividends pro rata out of assets that we can legally use to pay distributions, subject to any rights that are granted to the holders of any class or series of preferred stock.

Voting Rights

        The holders of Class A common stock have one vote per share and the holders of Class B common stock have ten votes per share. Except as may be required by law and in connection with some significant actions, such as mergers, consolidations, or amendments to our certificate of incorporation that affect the rights of stockholders, holders of our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock vote together as a single class. Each share of our Class B common stock is convertible into one share of our Class A common stock at any time at the holder's option. There is no cumulative voting in the election of our directors, which means that, subject to any rights to elect directors that are granted to the holders of any class or series of preferred stock, a plurality of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present is sufficient to elect a director.

Other Rights

        Subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of stock, all shares of common stock have equal dividend, distribution, liquidation and other rights, and have no preference, appraisal or exchange rights, except for any appraisal rights provided by Delaware law. Furthermore, holders of common stock have no conversion, sinking fund or redemption rights, or preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities.

Transfer Agent

        The transfer agent for our Class A common stock is EquiServe Trust Company, N.A. The transfer agent for our Class B common stock is Flowers and Manning LLP.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

General

        We may issue receipts for depositary shares, each of which will represent a fractional interest of a particular series of preferred stock, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. The preferred stock of each series represented by depositary shares will be deposited under a separate deposit agreement among us, the depositary named in the deposit agreement and the holders of the depositary receipts. Immediately following our issuance and delivery of the preferred stock to the depositary, we will cause the depositary to issue, on our behalf, the depositary receipts. Subject to the terms of the applicable depositary agreement, each owner of a depositary receipt will be entitled, in proportion to the fractional interest of a share of a particular series of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipts, to all the rights and preferences of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares, including dividend, voting, conversion, redemption and liquidation rights, in each case as designated by our board of directors and described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        The summary of our depositary shares set forth below is not complete. You should refer to the applicable prospectus supplement, provisions of the deposit agreement and the depositary receipts that will be filed with the SEC as part of the offering of any depositary shares. To obtain copies of these documents, see "Where You Can Find More Information."

Dividends and Other Distributions

        The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received with respect to the applicable series of the preferred stock proportionately to the record holders of the depositary receipts entitled to receive the distribution. Such distributions are subject to certain obligations of holders to file proofs, certificates and other information and to pay certain charges and expenses to the depositary.

        In the event of a non-cash distribution, the depositary will distribute property it receives to the record holders of depositary receipts entitled to the property unless the depositary determines that it cannot be made proportionately or it is not feasible to make such distribution, in which case the depositary may, with our approval, sell such property and distribute the net proceeds of such sale to holders of the depository receipts entitled to receive the distribution. Such distributions by the depositary are subject to certain obligations of holders to file proofs, certificates and other information and to pay certain changes and expenses to the depositary.

Withdrawal of Shares

        Unless the related depositary shares have previously been called for redemption, upon surrender of the depositary receipts at the corporate trust office of the depositary, the holders thereof will be entitled to delivery at such office, to or upon such holder's order, of the number of whole or fractional shares of preferred stock and any money or other property represented by the depositary shares evidenced by such depositary receipts. Holders of depositary receipts will be entitled to receive whole or fractional shares of the related preferred stock on the basis of the proportion of shares of preferred stock represented by each depositary share as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, but holders of such shares of preferred stock will not thereafter be entitled to receive depositary shares therefor. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of the number of depositary shares representing the shares of preferred stock to be withdrawn, the depositary will deliver to such holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing such excess number of depositary shares.

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Redemption

        Whenever we redeem preferred stock held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the number of depositary shares representing the preferred stock so redeemed, provided we have paid in full to the depositary the redemption price of the preferred stock to be redeemed plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date fixed for redemption. With respect to noncumulative preferred stock, dividends will be paid for the current dividend period only. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the redemption price and any other amounts per share payable with respect to the preferred stock. If less than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected pro rata or by any other equitable method determined by us.

        After the date fixed for redemption, the depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the holders of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares called for redemption will cease. However, the holders will have the right to receive any moneys payable upon redemption and any money or other property that the holders of such depositary receipts were entitled to at the time of redemption when they surrender their depositary receipts to the depositary.

Voting Rights

        Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the preferred stock are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in such notice to the record holders of the depositary receipts related to such preferred stock. Each record holder of depositary receipts on the record date will be entitled to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights of the preferred stock related to such holder's depositary receipts. The record date for depositary receipts will be the same date as the record date for preferred stock. The depositary will vote the preferred stock related to such depositary receipts in accordance with such instructions, and we will agree to take all reasonable action that the depositary deems necessary to enable it to vote the preferred stock. The depositary will abstain from voting preferred stock represented by such depositary shares to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary receipts.

Liquidation Preference

        In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, whether voluntary or involuntary, each holder of a depositary receipt will be entitled to the fraction of the liquidation preference accorded each share of preferred stock represented by the depositary share evidenced by such depositary receipt, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Conversion of Preferred Stock

        The depositary shares, as such, are not convertible into Class A common stock or any of our other securities or property. Nevertheless, if so specified in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to an offering of depositary shares, the depositary receipts may be surrendered by holders thereof to the depositary with written instructions to the depositary to instruct us to cause conversion of the preferred stock represented by the depositary shares into shares of whole Class A common stock, other preferred stock or other shares of capital stock. Upon receipt of such instructions and any amounts payable in respect thereof, we will cause the conversion thereof utilizing the same procedures as those provided for delivery of preferred stock to effect such conversion. If the depositary shares evidenced by a depositary receipt are to be converted in part only, one or more new depositary receipts will be issued for any depositary shares not to be converted. No fractional shares will be issued upon conversion. If conversion will result in a fractional share being issued, we will pay in cash an amount equal to the

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value of the fractional interest based upon the closing price of the shares on the last business day prior to the conversion.

Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

        The form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares which represent the preferred stock and any provision of the deposit agreement may at any time be amended by agreement between the depositary and us. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary receipts will not be effective unless it has been approved by the existing holders of at least a majority of the depositary shares evidenced by outstanding depositary receipts.

        We may terminate the deposit agreement upon not less than 30 days' prior written notice to the depositary if a majority of each class of preferred stock affected by such termination consents to such termination. Upon termination of the deposit agreement, the depositary shall deliver or make available to each holder of depositary receipts, upon surrender of the depositary receipts held by such holder, such number of whole or fractional shares of preferred stock as are represented by the depositary shares evidenced by such depositary receipts. In addition, the deposit agreement will automatically terminate if:

    all outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed;

    there has been a final distribution in respect of the related preferred stock in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up and such distribution has been distributed to the holders of depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares representing such preferred stock; or

    each related share of preferred stock shall have been converted into shares of capital stock that is not represented by depositary shares.

Fees of Depositary

        We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the deposit agreement. In addition, we will pay the fees and expenses of the depositary in connection with the performance of its duties under the deposit agreement. However, holders of depositary receipts will pay the depositary's fees and expenses for any duties that holders request to be performed which are outside those expressly provided for in the deposit agreement.

Resignation and Removal of Depositary

        The depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its resignation, and we may remove the depositary at any time. Any such resignation or removal will take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary. A successor depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal. A successor depositary must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.

Miscellaneous

        The depositary will forward to holders of depositary receipts any reports and communications from us which it receives with respect to the related preferred stock. Neither we nor the depositary will be liable if it is prevented from or delayed in, by law or any circumstances beyond its control, performing its obligations under the deposit agreement. The obligations of the depositary and us under the deposit agreement will be limited to performing their duties thereunder in good faith and without gross negligence or willful misconduct. We and the depositary will not be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary receipts, depositary shares or preferred stock

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represented thereby unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the depositary may rely on written advice of counsel or accountants, or information provided by persons presenting preferred stock represented thereby for deposit, holders of depositary receipts or other persons believed to be competent to give such information, and on documents believed to be genuine and signed by a proper party.

        If the depositary shall receive conflicting claims, requests or instructions from any holders of depositary receipts, on the one hand, and us, on the other hand, the depositary shall be entitled to act on such claims, requests or instructions received from us.

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

        We have no warrants or other share purchase rights outstanding other than options issued under our stock option plans. We may issue warrants for the purchase of preferred stock or Class A common stock. Warrants may be issued independently, together with any other securities offered by any prospectus supplement or through a dividend or other distribution to our stockholders and may be attached to or separate from such securities. We may issue warrants under a warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. We will name any warrant agent in the applicable prospectus supplement. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants of a particular series and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants.

        The following is a description of the general terms and provisions of any warrants we may issue and may not contain all the information that is important to you. You can access complete information by referring to the applicable prospectus supplement. In the applicable prospectus supplement, we will describe the terms of the warrants and applicable warrant agreement, including, where applicable, the following:

    the title of such warrants;

    the aggregate number of warrants offered and the aggregate number of warrants outstanding as of the most practicable date;

    the price or prices at which we will issue the warrants;

    the designation, number and terms of the preferred stock or Class A common stock that can be purchased upon exercise of the warrants and the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of the warrants;

    the designation and terms of the other securities, if any, with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each of those securities;

    the date, if any, on and after which the warrants and the related preferred stock or Class A common stock, if any, will be separately transferable;

    the price at which each share of preferred stock or Class A common stock that can be purchased upon exercise of such warrants may be purchased;

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

    the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants which may be exercised at any one time;

    whether the warrants represented by warrant certificates will be issued in registered or bearer form, and, if registered, where they may be transferred and registered;

    information with respect to any book-entry procedures;

    a discussion of applicable United States federal income tax consequences;

    redemption or call provisions of the debt warrants, if any; and

    any other terms of such warrants, including terms and additional rights, preferences, privileges, procedures and limitations relating to the transferability, exchange and exercise of such warrants.

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DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS
AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS

        We may issue stock purchase contracts representing contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and us to sell to the holders, a specified number of shares of our Class A common stock (or a range of numbers of shares pursuant to a predetermined formula) at a future date or dates. The price per share of Class A common stock and the number of shares of Class A common stock may be fixed at the time the stock purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the stock purchase contracts.

        The stock purchase contracts may be issued separately or as a part of units, often known as stock purchase units, consisting of a stock purchase contract and either:

    our debt securities; or

    debt obligations of third parties, including United States Treasury securities;

securing the holders' obligations to purchase the Class A common stock under the stock purchase contracts.

        The stock purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the stock purchase units or vice versa, and such payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis. The stock purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations in a specified manner and in certain circumstances we may deliver newly issued prepaid stock purchase contracts, often known as prepaid securities, upon release to a holder of any collateral securing such holder's obligations under the original stock purchase contract.

        The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units, and, if applicable, prepaid securities. The description in the applicable prospectus supplement will not contain all of the information that you may find useful. For more information, you should review the stock purchase contracts, the collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements, if applicable, the prepaid securities and the document contracts or stock purchase units and, if applicable, the prepaid securities and the document pursuant to which the prepaid securities will be issued. These documents will be filed with the SEC promptly after the offering of the stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units. Material United States federal income tax consideration applicable to the stock purchase contracts and the stock purchase units will also be discussed in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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HOW WE PLAN TO SELL THE SECURITIES

        We may sell the securities in any one or more of the following ways:

    directly to investors;

    to investors through agents;

    directly to agents;

    to dealers;

    if indicated in the prospectus supplement, by delayed delivery contracts or by remarketing firms;

    through underwriting syndicates led by one or more managing underwriters;

    through one or more underwriters acting alone; and

    through a combination of any such methods of sale.

        Any underwritten offering may be on a best efforts or a firm commitment basis. If underwriters are used in the sale, the securities acquired by the underwriters will be for their own account. The underwriters may resell the securities in one or more transactions, including without limitation negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at a varying price determined at the time of sale. The obligations, if any, of the underwriter to purchase any securities will be subject to certain conditions. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities if any are purchased. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed, reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

        We may also make direct sales through subscription rights distributed to our stockholders on a pro rata basis, which may or may not be transferable. In any distribution of subscription rights to stockholders, if all of the underlying securities are not subscribed for, we may then sell the unsubscribed securities directly to third parties or may engage the services of one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, including standby underwriters, to sell the unsubscribed securities to third parties.

        If a dealer is used in an offering of securities, we may sell the securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of sale.

        The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions:

    at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;

    at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

    at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or

    at negotiated prices.

        Any of the prices may represent a discount from the prevailing market prices.

        In the sale of the securities, underwriters, dealers or agents may receive compensation from us or from purchasers of the securities, for whom they may act as agents, in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act and any discounts or commissions they receive from us and any

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profit on the resale of securities they realize may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. The applicable prospectus supplement will, where applicable:

    identify any such underwriter or agent;

    describe any compensation in the form of discounts, concessions, commissions or otherwise received from us by each of such underwriter, dealer or agent and in the aggregate to all underwriters, dealers and agents;

    identify the purchase price and proceeds from such sale;

    identify the amounts underwritten;

    identify the nature of the underwriter's obligation to take the securities; and

    identify any quotation systems or securities exchanges on which the securities may be quoted or listed.

        Unless otherwise specified in the related prospectus supplement, each series of securities will be a new issue with no established trading market, other than the Class A common stock, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Any Class A common stock sold pursuant to a prospectus supplement will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to applicable notices. We may elect to apply for quotation or listing of any series of debt securities or preferred stock, respectively, on a quotation system or an exchange but we are not obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market in a series of securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. Therefore, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or the trading market for, any series of debt securities or preferred stock.

        Until the distribution of the securities is completed, rules of the SEC may limit the ability of any underwriters and selling group members to bid for and purchase the securities. As an exception to these rules, underwriters are permitted to engage in some transactions that stabilize the price of the securities. Such transactions consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the securities.

        If any underwriters create a short position in the securities in an offering in which they sell more securities than are set forth on the cover page of the applicable prospectus supplement, the underwriters may reduce that short position by purchasing the securities in the open market.

        The lead underwriters may also impose a penalty bid on other underwriters and selling group members participating in an offering. This means that if the lead underwriters purchase securities in the open market to reduce the underwriters' short position or to stabilize the price of the securities, they may reclaim the amount of any selling concession from the underwriters and selling group members who sold those securities as part of the offering.

        In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher than it might be in the absence of such purchases. The imposition of a penalty bid might also have an effect on the price of a security to the extent that it were to discourage resales of the security before the distribution is completed.

        We do not make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above might have on the price of the securities. In addition, we do not make any representation that underwriters will engage in such transactions or that such transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice at any time.

        Under agreements into which we may enter, underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of the securities may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities,

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including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribution from us to payments which the underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make.

        Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with us or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.

        If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, securities may also be offered or sold by a "remarketing firm" in connection with a remarketing arrangement contemplated by the terms of the securities. Remarketing firms may act as principals for their own accounts or as agents. The applicable prospectus supplement will identify any remarketing firm and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us. It will also describe the remarketing firms compensation. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the remarketing of the securities.

        If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters, dealers or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by particular institutions to purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in such prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on such future date or dates stated in such prospectus supplement. Each delayed delivery contract will be for an amount no less than, and the aggregate principal amounts of securities sold under delayed delivery contracts shall be not less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Institutions with which such delayed delivery contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others, but will in all cases be subject to our approval. The obligations of any purchaser under any such contract will be subject to the conditions that (1) the purchase of the securities shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States to which the purchaser is subject, and (2) if the securities are being sold to underwriters, we shall have sold to the underwriters the total principal amount of the securities less the principal amount thereof covered by the delayed delivery contracts. The underwriters and such other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of such delayed delivery contracts.

        We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third parties in such sale transactions will be underwriters and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment).

        We or one of our affiliates may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities using this prospectus. Such financial institution or third party may transfer its short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a simultaneous offering of other securities offered by this prospectus or otherwise.

        To comply with applicable state securities laws, the securities offered by this prospectus will be sold, if necessary, in such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, securities may not be sold in some states unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.

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EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements of Watts Water Technologies, Inc., and subsidiaries (the Company) and related financial statement schedule as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004, and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

        The audit report with respect to management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 contains an explanatory paragraph which states that Watts Water Technologies, Inc. acquired Orion Enterprises, Inc., TEAM Precision Pipework, Ltd., and Flowmatic Systems, Inc. during 2004 (collectively the 2004 acquisitions). Management excluded from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting, the 2004 acquisitions representing consolidated total assets of $80 million and consolidated revenues of $33 million included in the consolidated financial statements of Watts Water Technologies, Inc. as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004. The audit report with respect to internal control over financial reporting of Watts Water Technologies, Inc. also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of the 2004 acquisitions.

        The audit report with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Watts Water Technologies, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004, and the related financial statement schedule refers to the Company's change, effective January 1, 2002, of its method of accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets based on the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets."


LEGAL MATTERS

        Certain legal matters, including the legality of the securities offered, will be passed upon for us by Goodwin Procter LLP, Boston, Massachusetts.

44




        You should only rely on the information contained in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different or additional information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page
Risk Factors   1

About This Prospectus

 

7

Where You Can Find More Information

 

7

Information Incorporated By Reference

 

7

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

8

About Watts Water Technologies, Inc

 

9

Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 

10

How We Intend to Use the Proceeds

 

10

Description of the Securities

 

11

Description of Debt Securities

 

12

Description of Preferred Stock

 

28

Description of Class A Common Stock

 

34

Description of Depositary Shares

 

35

Description of Warrants

 

39

Description of Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase Units

 

40

How We Plan to Sell the Securities

 

41

Experts

 

44

Legal Matters

 

44

WATTS WATER
TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

$300,000,000

Debt Securities
Preferred Stock
Class A Common Stock
Depositary Shares
Warrants
Stock Purchase Contracts
Stock Purchase Units


PROSPECTUS


            , 2005





PART II. INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

        The expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered will be borne by Watts Water Technologies, Inc. and are set forth in the following table. All amounts except the registration fee are estimated.

Registration fee   $ 35,310
Legal fees and expenses     150,000
Accounting fees and expenses     75,000
Rating agency fees and expenses     100,000
Printing fees and expenses     25,000
Transfer agent and trustee fees     10,000
Miscellaneous     54,690
   
Total   $ 450,000
   

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

        Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, other than an action by or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the corporation's request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person's conduct was unlawful. The power to indemnify applies to actions brought by or in the right of the corporation as well, but only to the extent of expenses, including attorneys' fees but excluding judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement, actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of the action or suit. And with the further limitation that in these actions, no indemnification shall be made in the event of any adjudication of negligence or misconduct in the performance of the person's duties to the corporation, unless a court believes that in light of all the circumstances indemnification should apply.

        In accordance with Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, Article X of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of Watts Water Technologies, Inc. provides that no director of Watts shall be personally liable to Watts or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to Watts or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

        Article V of the Amended and Restated By-laws of Watts provides for indemnification by Watts of its directors, officers and certain non-officer employees under certain circumstances against expenses (including attorneys fees) judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of any threatened, pending or completed legal proceeding in which any such person is involved by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, an officer

II-1



or an employee of Watts, or is acting in any capacity with other entities at the request of Watts, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of Watts, and with respect to criminal actions or proceedings, that such person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

        Section 145(g) of the Delaware General Corporation Law and Article V of the Amended and Restated By-laws of Watts provide that Watts shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of its officers, directors, employees and agents, against any liability asserted against and incurred by such persons in any such capacity. Watts has obtained insurance covering its directors and officers against losses and insuring Watts against certain of its obligations to indemnify its directors and officers. In addition, Watts has entered into an indemnification agreement with certain of its directors and officers. The indemnification agreement provides that Watts will indemnify these directors and officers for expenses incurred because of their status as a director or officer of Watts.

Item 16. Exhibits.

Exhibit No.

  Description
4.1   Form of Indenture for Senior Debt Securities.

4.2

 

Form of Senior Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.1 hereto).

4.3

 

Form of Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities.

4.4

 

Form of Subordinated Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.3 hereto).

5.1

 

Opinion of Goodwin Procter LLP as to the legality of the Securities being registered.

12.1

 

Calculation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

23.1

 

Consent of KPMG LLP.

23.2

 

Consent of Goodwin Procter LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1 hereto).

24.1

 

Powers of Attorney (included in Part II of this registration statement).

25.1

*

Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee.

*
To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a document to be incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference to this registration statement.

Item 17. Undertakings.

    (a)
    The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

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

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

                 (ii)  To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price

II-2



        represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and

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


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

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

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

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

    (c)
    The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supplement the prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set for the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by the underwriters during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities to be purchased by the underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof. If any public offering by the underwriters is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the prospectus, a post-effective amendment will be filed to set forth the terms of such offering.

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

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

II-3



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement (the "Registration Statement") to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of North Andover, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on this 4th day of May, 2005.

    WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
PATRICK S. O'KEEFE      
Patrick S. O'Keefe
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director


POWER OF ATTORNEY

        KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below hereby severally constitutes and appoints Patrick S. O'Keefe and William C. McCartney and each of them singly, as such person's true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for such person in such person's name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement (or any registration statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act of 1933), and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that any said attorney-in-fact and agent, or any substitute or substitutes of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Each person has signed this Registration Statement in their capacity as an officer or director of Watts Water Technologies, Inc.

Signature
  Title
  Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/  PATRICK S. O'KEEFE      
Patrick S. O'Keefe
  Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (Principal Executive Officer)   May 4, 2005

/s/  
WILLIAM C. MCCARTNEY      
William C. McCartney

 

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

May 4, 2005

/s/  
TIMOTHY P. HORNE      
Timothy P. Horne

 

Director

 

May 4, 2005

/s/  
RALPH E. JACKSON, JR.      
Ralph E. Jackson, Jr.

 

Director

 

May 4, 2005

/s/  
KENNETH J. MCAVOY      
Kenneth J. McAvoy

 

Director

 

May 4, 2005
         

II-4



/s/  
JOHN K. MCGILLICUDDY      
John K. McGillicuddy

 

Director

 

May 4, 2005

/s/  
GORDON W. MORAN      
Gordon W. Moran

 

Chairman of the Board

 

May 4, 2005

/s/  
DANIEL J. MURPHY, III      
Daniel J. Murphy, III

 

Director

 

May 4, 2005

II-5



EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.

  Description
4.1   Form of Indenture for Senior Debt Securities.

4.2

 

Form of Senior Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.1 hereto).

4.3

 

Form of Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities.

4.4

 

Form of Subordinated Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.3 hereto).

5.1

 

Opinion of Goodwin Procter LLP as to the legality of the Securities being registered.

12.1

 

Calculation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

23.1

 

Consent of KPMG LLP.

23.2

 

Consent of Goodwin Procter LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1 hereto).

24.1

 

Powers of Attorney (included in Part II of this registration statement).

25.1

*

Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee.

*
To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a document to be incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference to this registration statement.



QuickLinks

Table of Contents
RISK FACTORS
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
ABOUT WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
HOW WE INTEND TO USE THE PROCEEDS
DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
DESCRIPTION OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS
HOW WE PLAN TO SELL THE SECURITIES
EXPERTS
LEGAL MATTERS
PART II. INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
SIGNATURES
POWER OF ATTORNEY
EXHIBIT INDEX